2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26100160D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 5, 2026

Commending Hampden-Sydney College.

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Patrons—Wright and Williams; Senators: Mulchi and Stanley

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WHEREAS, November 10, 2025, marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of Hampden-Sydney College, among the nation's oldest colleges and oldest privately chartered college in the southern United States; and

WHEREAS, Hampden-Sydney College traces its roots to the early 1770s, when members of the Hanover Presbytery in Virginia envisioned an academy to serve the growing Presbyterian community between the James River and the Blue Ridge Mountains; and

WHEREAS, Hampden-Sydney College was named for John Hampden and Algernon Sydney, members of the Parliament of England in the 17th century and prominent advocates for representative government and civil and religious freedom; the activism of Hampden and the writings of Sydney were influential among many of the nation's and the College's founders, including Patrick Henry and James Madison; and

WHEREAS, Hampden-Sydney College was established in 1775 on the eve of the American Revolution with a mission “to form good men and good citizens” who would be equipped to lead a new republic guided by the principles of the institution's namesakes; and

WHEREAS, since that time, countless students have earned degrees in a wide range of subjects, and many other esteemed institutions, including Union Theological Seminary and the Medical College of Virginia, which became part of Virginia Commonwealth University, originated at Hampden-Sydney College; and

WHEREAS, every aspect of Hampden-Sydney College offers “an atmosphere of sound learning” where the development of both intellect and character are valued; the institution promotes a commitment to the study of the liberal arts, including a rigorous rhetoric program, freedom of expression, civil discourse, diversity of thought, and dedication to lifelong learning; and

WHEREAS, Hampden-Sydney College has remained true to its mission and values, maintaining a unique place in American higher education and continuing to educate young men who have gone on to make important and worthwhile contributions to the Commonwealth and the nation; and

WHEREAS, the Union-Philanthropic Literary Society, the second-oldest college debating society in America, whose earliest members included Edward Henry, the eldest son of Patrick Henry, and future president William Henry Harrison, continues to flourish and provide a model of civil discourse at Hampden-Sydney College; and

WHEREAS, the hardworking faculty members of Hampden-Sydney College have earned state and national recognition for their exemplary teaching and pursuit of scholarly excellence, and generations of dedicated administrators have provided the visionary leadership that has guided this storied institution through its first 250 years and will ensure that it continues to thrive; and

WHEREAS, Hampden-Sydney College has consistently produced outstanding and consequential leaders and practitioners in such fields as politics, law, medicine, science, business, education, religion, arts and culture, and the military; and

WHEREAS, Hampden-Sydney College has made innumerable contributions to the Commonwealth and the United States through its commitment to liberal arts education, the achievements of its numerous distinguished alumni, and its enduring mission to form good men and good citizens who will lead and support a free and just society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Hampden-Sydney College on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of its founding for its enduring commitment to higher education and to civic virtue, character development, respect for the rights and responsibilities of engaged citizenship, freedom of expression, and civility; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Hampden-Sydney College as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its legacy of achievements in higher education and exceptional contributions to the Commonwealth and the United States.