Senator George offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 214.

            A resolution of tribute offered to honor Kerry K. Chartkoff, Director of the Capitol Tour and Information Service.

            Whereas, With the retirement of Kerry Chartkoff from the Michigan Legislature after 20 years of extraordinary service, the people of Michigan will lose a tremendous talent and a woman of uncommon dedication, who has served the Legislature and state so admirably during a very important time in our history.  From the beginning of her tenure in 1988, when she became a member of the team restoring the Michigan State Capitol, to her present position as director of the Capitol Tour and Information Service, Kerry has left behind a long list of amazing accomplishments, and we celebrate together today her passionate leadership and selfless service to the citizens of Michigan; and

            Whereas, Born in San Diego, California, Kerry grew up in a military family, moving frequently and attending several schools before graduating from Santa Ana Valley High School in Santa Ana, California.  She attended Santa Ana Community College, transferring her junior year to the University of California, Los Angeles, where she met the love of her life, Joseph Chartkoff, with whom she just celebrated 43 years of marriage.  After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA, Kerry also completed three years of graduate work there, continuing her studies in anthropology and archaeology; and

            Whereas, For several years, Kerry worked with the UCLA Museum of Cultural History, and, as a consultant in archaeology, conducted international archaeological survey and excavation projects with her husband.  She also directed cultural resource management programs for various state and federal agencies.  In 1971, Kerry moved to Michigan with her husband, who had accepted a position at Michigan State University, and became actively involved in raising her two boys, Zachary and Eli.  She was also an early member of the Bailey Neighborhood Association and the East Lansing Historical Association; and

            Whereas, In 1988, Kerry began her tenure with the Michigan Legislature and became an invaluable member of the team, along with Jerry Lawler, restoring the Michigan State Capitol.  She also served as research historian and chair of special projects, including overseeing portrait and historic battle flag collections.  In 1990, Kerry became chair of Save the Flags, a state program dedicated to the preservation, research, and display of Michigan's collection of 265 Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I battle flags.  With her unique historic expertise, Kerry has led this program through the years, producing one of the most successful grassroots historic conservation programs in the state, for which she also received the annual Governor John B. Swainson Award for contributions to Michigan history; and

            Whereas, Kerry was named Michigan State Capitol Historian in 1992.  As the first person to hold this office, she has been responsible for researching, interpreting, and maintaining our National Historic Landmark structure.  She has also maintained an archive of information and images relating to the building.  Her commitment to caring for the Capitol Building and ensuring that it stands as a true public forum has endeared her to all who share her love for history and have been touched by her enthusiasm for our unique State Capitol.  Since 1995, Kerry has also directed the Capitol Tour and Information Service, managing a staff of fifteen and providing tours to approximately 125,000 visitors annually, which is one of the highest numbers of tour visitors for state capitols in the country; and

            Whereas, Through the years, Kerry has authored many scholarly publications, including several for Michigan History magazine and the Michigan Manual.  Kerry was also responsible for the successful application of the Michigan State Capitol for a 1992 National Trust for Historic Preservation Honor Award.  She curated a year-long exhibit for the Michigan Historical Museum on Michigan's Civil War battle flags called "Rally Round the Flags," and she co-curated the Michigan Historical Museum's first international exhibit, a collaborative event between Italy and Michigan called "Tommaso Juglaris: A Capitol Artist." Always willing to share her expertise and love of history with others, Kerry has taught classes at MSU on the history and restoration of the Capitol and on the symbolism and preservation of the state's collection of Civil War battle flags; and

            Whereas, Everyone who has worked with Kerry in the Capitol and throughout the community has been very impressed by her intelligence, professionalism, and enthusiasm in every endeavor.  The people of Michigan owe Kerry a great debt of gratitude for her hard work and commitment to preserving Michigan's history.  She has given much in time and talent, and her contributions will benefit Michigan citizens for generations to come; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor Kerry K. Chartkoff; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Kerry Chartkoff as evidence of our high esteem.