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2022 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 178
Commending Donna Lawson.

 

Agreed to by the Senate, March 3, 2022
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 7, 2022

 

WHEREAS, Donna Lawson of Poquoson retired as the legislative affairs officer of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Langley Research Center after a long and distinguished career; and

WHEREAS, Donna Lawson grew up in Newport News and cultivated a love of lifelong learning and a fascination with space exploration from a young age; and

WHEREAS, Donna Lawson graduated from Old Dominion University as a first-generation college student and began working at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) after earning her master’s degree; and

WHEREAS, early in her career with NASA, Donna Lawson managed the outreach and exhibits program and used the opportunity to impart her passion for space and aeronautics to her children by bringing them to state fairs, air shows, and shuttle launches; and

WHEREAS, Donna Lawson joined NASA Langley Research Center as a technical publications editor in 1991 and became the legislative affairs officer in 2003; in that capacity, she communicated the value of both NASA and the NASA Langley Research Center to local, state, and federal officials; and

WHEREAS, Donna Lawson coordinated with industry experts, academia, and community leaders to raise awareness of how NASA and the aerospace industry contribute to scientific advancement and the economic vitality of the nation; and

WHEREAS, Donna Lawson developed many regional economic partnerships, served as a primary liaison for NASA-related issues to numerous stakeholders, and led annual Aerospace Days at the Virginia General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, among many awards and accolades in her career, Donna Lawson earned the Silver Achievement Medal and several group and team achievement awards for her contributions to various projects at NASA Langley Research Center, including anniversary commemorations and efforts to raise awareness of the contributions of scientists and mathematicians in the 1960s; and

WHEREAS, an explorer at heart, Donna Lawson is a trailblazing leader who has helped Virginians from many different backgrounds not only gain an appreciation for the wonders of space, but develop the courage to push beyond personal frontiers and achieve their fullest potential; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Donna Lawson on the occasion of her retirement as legislative affairs officer of NASA Langley Research Center; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Donna Lawson as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for her achievements in service to the American space program and the Commonwealth.