News Release
Contact
Suki Deen,
Public Relations Associate
320 DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE
19720
suki.r.deen@wilmu.edu
Delaware State Senate Honors Wilmington University
Passes Resolution Honoring 40 Years of Academic Excellence
Thursday, April 30, 2009 - New Castle, DE
Senator Nancy Cook presents Wilmington University with a resolution in honor of the University's 40th year.
Senator McDowell thanks Dr. Varsalona for his generosity.
The Delaware State Senate, lead by Senator Nancy Cook (D), honored Wilmington University for its many years of educational service, April 30, 2009 at Legislative Hall in Dover. Additionally Senator Harris McDowell (D) paid tribute to the University president Dr. Jack P. Varsalona for his service to students during these tough financial times.
State resolution number eleven was sponsored by Senator Cook and passed by unanimous consent. The resolution recognized Wilmington University for “more than forty years of educational excellence and service to the citizens of Delaware.” Senator Cook was one of many Senators that stepped forward to congratulate the University in Legislative Hall. “Many of us have seen the great rewards Wilmington University have offered Delaware students and the community. These accomplishments are something they should be very proud of,” said Cook.
Senator Dorinda Connor (R) also came forward saying she remembered when Wilmington College (as it was then called) first opened on the foundations of an old motel. “It’s so great to see your progress,” said Connor, “Ladies and gentlemen this is an outstanding school. Congratulations.”
“I’m very proud to stand in support of this resolution,” added Senator David McBride (D), who worked with Dr. Varsalona for many years, “And I am so proud of Wilmington University and the educational opportunities they have provided.” And Senators Liane Sorenson (R) and David Sokola (D) both expressed their gratitude to the University. “Wilmington University has been a terrific partner with education reform efforts, especially in the past two decades,” said Senator Sokola.
In addition to the resolution, the Delaware State Senate sponsored by Senator Harris McDowell (D) paid tribute to Wilmington University for its “dedication to serving the needs of its students in difficult financial times.” The Senate specifically commended Dr. Varsalona and the University for “its generous and magnanimous action in reaching out to some 20 students” who had qualified for additional state financial aid under the state’s STAR scholarship program, but were unable to receive the award because of state budget constraints. President Varsalona decided to extend a helping hand to these students offering them the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s degrees at no cost to them.
“I would like to recognize Dr. Varsalona for his all of his work,” said Senator McDowell, “The governing principal in which Wilmington University was established is that of opportunity for all and this is something they continue to do. This latest example is only one of many examples of Dr. Varsalona’s great generosity.”
Dr. Varsalona said he was honored to be receiving the resolution and tribute. “On behalf of 13,000 students and 40,000 alumni I would like to accept this award,” said Dr. Varsalona, “When you received an award from people who spend their lives helping thousands, it is something that is very special,” he said, “I can’t thank you enough.”