2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25103821D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 632

Offered February 11, 2025

Commending Marymount University.

—————

Patrons—Hope, Lopez and McClure; Senators: Ebbin and Favola

—————

WHEREAS, Marymount University, an esteemed, nationally ranked institution of higher education in Arlington and the first Catholic college established in the Commonwealth, celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025; and

WHEREAS, founded as Marymount Junior College in 1950 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Marymount University has grown from a two-year women's college to a coeducational, doctoral degree-granting university with a mission to empower students to reach their full potential through a values-driven education; and

WHEREAS, Marymount University continues to prepare the leaders of tomorrow by fostering its core values of intellectual curiosity, service to others, and a global perspective; and

WHEREAS, Marymount University offers an array of academic programs, including 34 bachelor's degrees, 17 master's degrees, seven doctoral degrees, and numerous certificate and licensure options, serving more than 4,000 students while maintaining a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to one; and

WHEREAS, as Virginia's first and only Hispanic-Serving Institution, Marymount University is a leader in diversity, with a student population that is 31 percent Hispanic, 16 percent Black, and five percent Asian; students hail from 51 states and territories and 66 countries, reflecting the institution's commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community; and

WHEREAS, Marymount University pairs its liberal arts foundation with hands-on learning opportunities, including internships, clinical placements, student-teaching experiences, and research initiatives, enabling students to gain professional skills and connections that prepare them for career success; and

WHEREAS, Marymount University makes significant contributions to the regional workforce, as 50 percent of Marymount alumni ultimately choose to live and work in the national capital region; and

WHEREAS, Marymount University has expanded its physical footprint to include numerous state-of-the-art facilities, including the Ballston Center and Placemakr Marymount Ballston in Arlington, which support cutting-edge teaching, research, innovation, and student housing; and

WHEREAS, Marymount University's continued emphasis on academic excellence, spiritual development, and dedication to service has helped generations of students discover purpose, achieve success, and become leaders in communities throughout the Commonwealth and beyond; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Marymount University, a distinguished institution of higher education in Arlington, on the occasion of its 75th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Irma Becerra, president of Marymount University, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the university's legacy of excellence and contributions to the Commonwealth.