Bill Text: VA SJR394 | 2017 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)
Status: (Passed) 2017-02-20 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ394ER) [SJR394 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2017-SJR394-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work, which offers one of the most comprehensive social work programs in the country, has promoted social and economic justice in a multicultural society and helped to prepare students for a life of service to others for 100 years; and
WHEREAS, founded as the Richmond School of Social Economy by Henry H. Hibbs, Jr., in 1917, the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Social Work was the first school of its kind in the Southern United States; and
WHEREAS, in 1919, the Richmond School of Social Economy was placed under the Extension Division of The College of William and Mary, with students completing two years of course work in Richmond and two years in Williamsburg; it became one of the charter members of the American Association of Schools of Social Work; and
WHEREAS, in 1939, the Richmond School of Social Economy became part of the Richmond Professional Institute of The College of William and Mary, which merged with the Medical College of Virginia to become VCU in 1968; and
WHEREAS, the VCU School of Social Work diversified its curriculum to include courses on research, human growth and development, social welfare policies, and practice methods, and in 1970, it offered its first of many interdisciplinary and dual-degree programs; and
WHEREAS, in 1978, the VCU School of Social Work became the first school in the nation to offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in the discipline of social work, and it remains one of only two such schools in the Commonwealth and one of only 39 nationwide; and
WHEREAS, the VCU School of Social Work is a world leader in social work scholarship, offering the Samuel S. Wurtzel Endowed Chair in Social Work to a distinguished faculty member, in honor of Samuel S. Wurtzel, a respected community leader and humanitarian; and
WHEREAS, the world-class faculty and staff at the VCU School of Social Work have generated critical research to advance the knowledge and practice of social work, and they have prepared countless young men and women to serve their communities as social workers, practitioners, scholars, and leaders; and
WHEREAS, throughout its history, the VCU School of Social Work has maintained close partnerships with civic and social service organizations throughout Richmond and the Commonwealth, ensuring that students can make a difference while engaging in valuable field work; and
WHEREAS, by granting students the tools and vision to empower vulnerable individuals in society, the VCU School of Social Work has been a force for positive change at the local, state, national, and international levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its legacy of service and contributions to academia.
