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2014 SESSION

14102534D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 171
Offered January 17, 2014
Commending Dr. Charles W. Steger.
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Patrons-- Yost, Anderson, Bulova, Edmunds, Habeeb, Howell, W.J., Joannou, Landes, Orrock, Rush, Rust and Scott
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WHEREAS, Dr. Charles W. Steger, the president of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University for 14 years, has led the school to become one of the nation’s premier research institutions and ensured that countless students have the tools to become responsible and productive citizens of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Charles Steger earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech); he then pursued a career as a professional architect before returning to Virginia Tech to impart his knowledge and experience as a professor in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies (CAUS); and

WHEREAS, after Charles Steger became Dean of CAUS in 1981, the college’s research program grew rapidly; he also established locations in Alexandria, Virginia, and Switzerland, giving Virginia Tech a presence nationally and internationally; and

WHEREAS, Charles Steger helped shape Virginia Tech’s first core curriculum in 1981 and was later appointed to develop the university’s statement of mission and purpose; he also chaired several highly regarded committees and contributed to the university’s progress in many other ways; and

WHEREAS, as the Vice President for Development and University Relations from 1993 to 2000, Charles Steger led the largest fundraising campaign in the university’s history; he was subsequently appointed President of the university in January 2000; and

WHEREAS, since becoming President, Charles Steger has designed and implemented several successive plans to guide Virginia Tech into the future, each demonstrating a deep commitment to the school’s core mission of providing a high quality undergraduate education; and

WHEREAS, under Charles Steger’s tenure, Virginia Tech has seen an unprecedented amount of growth, providing myriad new opportunities for students and enhancing the university’s ability to compete for major research grants and projects; and

WHEREAS, Charles Steger greatly strengthened Virginia Tech’s commitment to research that makes new discoveries to improve the lives and well-being of people everywhere; Virginia Tech is the only school in the Commonwealth ranked in the top 50 of the National Science Foundation’s ranking of universities with the highest sponsored research expenditures; and

WHEREAS, with his calm and uniting leadership, Charles Steger guided the Virginia Tech community through the tragedy in 2007; his influence was essential in helping the community heal and recover after this event; and

WHEREAS, known as a leader and an expert outside of the Virginia Tech community, Charles Steger has served on many committees and commissions for the benefit of the Commonwealth, addressing issues such as homeland security, the environment, and others; and

WHEREAS, Charles Steger now sits on numerous boards and committees focusing on higher education, entrepreneurship, technology, and other global issues; he has been recognized and honored countless times for his leadership and dedication in all of his pursuits; and

WHEREAS, with his bold vision, wise leadership, and unyielding devotion to students, Charles Steger has built a tradition of excellence worthy of one of the Commonwealth’s finest institutions of higher education; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Dr. Charles W. Steger, a visionary leader in the field of higher education; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Dr. Charles W. Steger as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration and respect for his contributions to the future of the Commonwealth and unwavering commitment to the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.