[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 182 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         March 6, 2007.
Whereas Virginia State University, overlooking the Appomattox River in the Town 
        of Ettrick in Chesterfield County, will celebrate its 125th anniversary 
        in 2007;
Whereas Virginia State University (VSU) was founded on March 6, 1882, as the 
        Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, making it the first fully 
        State-supported 4-year institution of higher learning for black 
        Americans and one of Virginia's two land-grant institutions;
Whereas since its humble beginnings, Virginia State University has responded to 
        the needs of Virginians as a dynamic institution offering an accessible, 
        affordable, quality education;
Whereas with an enrollment of nearly 5,000, VSU students live and attend classes 
        on a beautiful 236-acre main campus with more than 50 buildings, 
        including 15 dormitories, 16 classroom buildings, and a 416-acre 
        agricultural research facility;
Whereas the first president of Virginia State University was John Mercer 
        Langston, who became the first African American elected to Congress from 
        Virginia;
Whereas Virginia State University has an exemplary and dedicated faculty and 
        staff, who are committed to offering their students the personal 
        attention that smaller institutions can offer;
Whereas Virginia State University's academic programs include the Bridges to 
        Baccalaureate program for students transferring from 2-year colleges who 
        want to major in the sciences, the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program for 
        students planning to pursue doctoral degrees, and the Honda Campus All-
        Star Challenge;
Whereas Virginia State University offers 45 baccalaureate and master's degree 
        programs within its 5 schools (the School of Agriculture, School of 
        Business, School of Engineering, Science, and Technology, School of 
        Liberal Arts and Education, and the School of Graduate Studies, 
        Research, and Outreach), and a Certificate of Advanced Study may also be 
        earned from each school;
Whereas honors scholarships are available to entering VSU freshmen, including 
        the Presidential and Provost Scholarships;
Whereas in 2003 Virginia State University introduced its first doctoral program 
        and 12 enthusiastic students enrolled in the new Doctor of Education in 
        Administration and Supervision program;
Whereas in 2005 Virginia State University began a vital new nursing degree 
        program, an important initiative that will train nurses to meet the 
        urgent demand for qualified medical professionals in the hospitals and 
        clinics of Southside Virginia;
Whereas the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Outreach allows students, 
        often working adults with diverse professional and educational 
        backgrounds, to more conveniently continue their education on a full-
        time or part-time basis; the school also provides workshops, seminars, 
        and credit courses on campus and at sites in Richmond, Emporia, 
        Petersburg, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Henrico, and other Southside 
        Virginia locations; and
Whereas Virginia State University has a long and rich history and has grown and 
        changed considerably since 1882, and it continues that growth today, 
        enriching individual lives, the surrounding community, and the 
        Commonwealth through excellent teaching and innovative and engaging 
        programs of study: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved,  That the House of Representatives commends and congratulates 
Virginia State University on the occasion of its 125th anniversary.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.