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2016 SESSION

16106136D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 515
Offered March 7, 2016
Commending the Virginia Community College System.
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Patrons-- Landes and Wilt; Senators: Dunnavant and Hanger
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WHEREAS, the Virginia Community College System was created in April 1966 by the Virginia General Assembly as a comprehensive community college system to address the Commonwealth’s unmet needs in higher education and workforce training; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Community College System has a 50-year track record of educational excellence and innovation in serving the needs of Virginians and strengthening the Commonwealth’s economy; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Community College System now comprises 23 community colleges, located on 40 campuses throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, since the first two community colleges opened their doors as part of the Virginia Community College System in 1966, more than 2.6 million individuals have matriculated, including more than 182,000 first-generation students since 2008, and more than 575,000 degrees and credentials have been awarded; and

WHEREAS, in 2015, more than 11,000 employers were provided with workforce training, assessments, and services by the Virginia Community College System; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Community College System maintains more than 45 statewide guaranteed admission agreements held with public and private institutions of higher education; and

WHEREAS, starting a bachelor’s degree with two years at a Virginia community college typically saves a student and his or her family more than $16,000; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Community College System gives all Virginians the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills, enhancing their lives and strengthening their communities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Virginia Community College System on the occasion of its 50th anniversary as it celebrates both the progress of the past and the promise of the future and renews its commitment to help Virginians prepare for life, work, and community in the 21st century; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare copies of this resolution for presentation to Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of Community Colleges, and the State Board for Community Colleges as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the value of the Virginia Community College System and the contributions of its students, past, present, and future.