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2014 SESSION

14100148D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9
Offered January 8, 2014
Prefiled December 6, 2013
Celebrating the life of Dr. Thomas Anderson Wilkins.
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Patrons-- Howell; Delegates: Plum and Rust
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WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas Anderson Wilkins, a longtime resident of Reston who served the community, Fairfax County, the Commonwealth, and the nation with great distinction, died on July 20, 2013; and

WHEREAS, a native of Lawrenceville, Thomas “Tom” Wilkins earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Paul’s College and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War; he sustained an injury there that, though serious and whose effects were lifelong, did not deter him from continuing his education and living a life of service; and

WHEREAS, Tom Wilkins went on to earn a graduate degree from Nova Southeastern University in Florida and a doctorate from New York University before settling in Reston and spending his professional career in local, state, and federal government; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wilkins became the first African-American in the United States Department of Labor to attend the Federal Executive Institute and was later nominated to attend the IBM Executive Management Program for public executives; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wilkins made numerous contributions to the efficient and effective operation of government throughout his career, including working on the establishment of the federal regional structure of the United States Department of Labor; and

WHEREAS, in retirement, Dr. Wilkins shared his experience and expertise with small and emerging companies as a consultant and owner of his own small business; and

WHEREAS, a respected leader, Dr. Wilkins provided strong leadership and thoughtful insight as a member and chair of numerous local and state boards; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wilkins co-founded the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Cultural Foundation and Reston’s observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., birthday celebration as well as founded a local church; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wilkins also served as president of the local Optimist International Club and the Fairfax County branch of the NAACP and as a board member of Kidsave; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wilkins served as the first African-American president of the Reston Association Board and worked diligently to enhance the quality of life for all residents and better the community he called home; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wilkins was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades from organizations and governmental entities, had days designated in his honor, and was selected as “Lord Fairfax” in Fairfax County and as a Best of Reston Award winner; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated public servant, Dr. Wilkins leaves behind a sterling legacy of service that others may strive to emulate; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his beloved wife, Delores, Tom Wilkins will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his children, Lisa, Thomas, and Mark, and their families; numerous other family members and friends; and those whose lives he touched through his devoted community service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of an admired citizen of Reston and the Commonwealth, Dr. Thomas Anderson Wilkins; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Dr. Thomas Anderson Wilkins as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.