Reps. Hoogendyk, Lipsey, Wenke, Bieda, Brandenburg, Meyer, Middaugh, Palsrok, Pappageorge, Pastor, Richardville, Sak, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Spade, Van Regenmorter, Vander Veen, Zelenko, Acciavatti, Adamini, Anderson, Caswell, Clack, Condino, Dennis, DeRossett, Ehardt, Farrah, Gieleghem, Gillard, Gleason, Hager, Kolb, Kooiman, LaJoy, Nofs, O'Neil, Phillips, Stakoe, Stallworth, Taub, Voorhees, Amos, Emmons, Jamnick, LaSata, Rocca, Shulman, Steil, Caul, Howell, Koetje, Minore, Bisbee, Huizenga, Shackleton and Woronchak offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 69.

            A resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of Western Michigan University.

            Whereas, It is with great respect for the role that this outstanding institution has played in educating our young people that we join with the people of Kalamazoo and the entire state in marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of Western Michigan University.  On behalf of the 158,000 alumni and nearly 30,000 students and families who have been touched by the work that has taken place here, we offer our thanks in celebrating this milestone; and

            Whereas, Few activities draw more attention and pressure than those that take place in a university.  In seeking to prepare students for the adult world of work, challenge, and responsibility, our bastions of higher learning are, in reality, an extension of a community's hope and concern for the future.  This is no small task.  To achieve its lofty goals, an organization like Western Michigan University must be focused and unified.  Western Michigan University has attained its reputation for effectiveness through the hard work and sacrifice of professors, staff, and students who have worked together over these 100 years; and

            Whereas, Much has changed since Western Michigan University first opened its doors in 1903, with only 117 students and a campus confined to a mere 20 acres.  The students who traverse the college grounds now face a world in which change will likely take place even faster.  While they utilize tools to help them learn what their grandparents could never have imagined, they will need many of the same skills of generations past.  These skills include the ability to think clearly, to make decisions based on reason, and to accept the responsibilities we all share as unselfish citizens.  In this way, the impact that Western Michigan University has had over the years will only grow stronger; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the 100th anniversary of Western Michigan University.  We commend all of the devoted professors, students, parents, and staff who have contributed to its growth in excellence; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Western Michigan University as a token of the high esteem in which it is held.