SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 45

(By Senators Plymale, Jenkins, Foster, Tucker, Yost, Kessler (Mr. President), Prezioso, Chafin, Stollings, Klempa, Laird and Unger)

Designating February 28, 2012, as “Marshall University Day”.

    Whereas, The year 2012 marks the 175th anniversary of Marshall University, the oldest institution of higher education in West Virginia, founded in 1837 as Marshall Academy in honor of Chief Justice John Marshall; and

    Whereas, Marshall University is one of the state’s premier institutions of higher education, and educates more than 14,000 students at campuses in Huntington, Point Pleasant, South Charleston, Beckley, Logan and Gilbert; and

    Whereas, Marshall University offers degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels; and

    Whereas, A university-record 2,003 new freshmen enrolled at Marshall University in fall 2011; and

    Whereas, At this time of unprecedented growth, Marshall University has begun construction on more than $100 million in new capital projects; and

    Whereas, Marshall University has built a national reputation for research in biotechnology, forensics and medicine; and

    Whereas, Ten new high-demand degree majors or programs have recently been launched or are under development; and

    Whereas, With every dollar the state invests in Marshall University, the University generates nearly $20 spent in the West Virginia economy, resulting in an estimated economic output of $1.5 billion per year; and

    Whereas, Marshall University is creating new, high-value job opportunities through the Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research as part of West Virginia’s “Bucks for Brains” initiative; and

    Whereas, The Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing serves all 55 state counties providing expertise to manufacturers across West Virginia; and

    Whereas, The Nick J. Rahall, II Appalachian Transportation Institute of Marshall University is setting national standards in transportation; and

    Whereas, Marshall University’s Health Sciences train hundreds of West Virginians to serve as doctors, nurses, therapists and health technicians each year; and

    Whereas, Marshall University graduates number nearly 82,000 across the globe; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Senate:

    That the Senate hereby designates February 28, 2012, as “Marshall University Day”; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby recognizes Marshall University for its tremendous contributions to the State of West Virginia; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Stephen J. Kopp, President of Marshall University.