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2015 SESSION

15103458D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 765
Offered February 5, 2015
Commending the Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin College.
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Patrons-- Bell, Richard P. and Landes; Senator: Hanger
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WHEREAS, the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin College, the nation’s only all-female corps of cadets, has supported and empowered women leaders for 20 years; and

WHEREAS, opened in 1995 with an inaugural class of 42 cadets under founding director Brenda Bryant, the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership integrates academics, physical fitness, leadership development, ethics, and military training to graduate well-rounded citizens and military leaders; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Corps of Cadets comprises cadets from Mary Baldwin College, Virginia Military Institute, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, with the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership representing 30 percent of female cadets; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership works with Virginia Military Institute to provide a coeducational ROTC program, and upon graduation, cadets have the opportunity to earn a commission in any branch of the United States Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership cadets have marched in inaugural parades for five Virginia governors, and the color guard has presented the colors at numerous important, national events; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership band performed at the grand opening of the National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly and regularly marches in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade and other regional events; and

WHEREAS, in its rich history, the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership has benefited from the wisdom and guidance of two commandants, Brigadier General N. Michael Bissell and Brigadier General Terry Djuric; and

WHEREAS, the cadets and graduates of the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership have earned countless awards and accolades, including a Bronze Star; graduates have served on the Presidential Honor Guard, the security detail of the U.S. Secretary of State, and in other prominent postings; and

WHEREAS, in 2014, Kristin Ohleger Todd became the first Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership graduate to reach grade O-5, attaining the rank of commander in the United States Navy; and

WHEREAS, one graduate of the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership has made the ultimate sacrifice while serving her country; Lieutenant Sarah Small, a public affairs officer, was killed in the line of duty in 2005; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership will commence its anniversary celebration with the Class of 2019’s induction parade on August 30, 2015; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin College on the occasion of its 20th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the institute’s legacy of excellence and service to the Commonwealth and the United States.