Title
Resolution in Recognition of Dr. William R. Harvey
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
Resolution in Recognition of Dr. William R. Harvey honoring him with the Distinguished Citizens' Award.
Recommendation:
Rec
Council Pass the Resolution in Recognition of Dr. William R. Harvey
Body
WHEREAS, Dr. William R. Harvey is being recognized for his outstanding service and dedication to the City of Hampton, Virginia;
WHEREAS, Dr. Harvey has served as the 12th President of Hampton University for 40 years, creating a monumental legacy as one of the longest sitting active presidents of a college or university in the country;
WHEREAS, Dr. Harvey is well respected in the Hampton community for his commitment to the students of Hampton University and his outstanding leadership in the field of education;
WHEREAS, Dr. Harvey’s commitment to expansion and innovation in academic programs has resulted in the implementation of many new academic programs including: undergraduate programs in Computer Science, Marine Science, Entrepreneurship, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Airway Science, and Emergency Medical Assistance Management; graduate programs in Business Administration (MBA), and Applied Mathematics; and doctoral degrees in Physics, Pharmacy, Atmospheric and Planetary Science, Nursing, and Physical Therapy;
WHEREAS, under Dr. Harvey’s leadership, Hampton University continues to excel in areas of research, medical treatment and education. He has transformed Hampton University from a small black college to a world-class leader in the field of higher education;
WHEREAS, Dr. Harvey established the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute, the world’s largest free-standing proton therapy cancer treatment center, which is known for easing the pain of those battling cancer and saving lives;
WHEREAS, over the years, Dr. Harvey implemented programs to help stop juvenile delinquency, truancy and illiteracy, including: the Job Education Training (JET) Corps, in which students from Hampton, Newport News, James City County and Williamsburg, Virginia, participated in the program to build academic and workforce skills; and Hampton's Opportunity Program for Enhancement (Project H.O.P.E.), in which African-American males were admitted into Hampton University who had the potential for college, but did not meet the full academic requirements needed to matriculate at the University;
WHEREAS, Dr. Harvey initiated the Hampton Harbor Project, a University-owned commercial development project which creates jobs, provides services, increases the number of African-American entrepreneurs, and expands the tax base in the City of Hampton. After-tax profits are utilized for student scholarships;
WHEREAS, Dr. Harvey has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Thurgood Marshall Educational Leadership Award; Attorney Charles Hamilton Houston Perseverance in Higher Education Leadership and Economic Development Award; the Daily Press Citizen of the Year Award; the PepsiCo Harvey C. Russell Award; the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen Award; the Harvard Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa Distinguished Service Award; and the American Biographical Institute Man of the Year Award;
WHEREAS, not only has Dr. Harvey contributed to the Hampton community, but he has also contributed to communities all over the country. He is 100% owner of the Pepsi Bottling Company in Houghton, Michigan, has been appointed by seven United States Presidents to serve on national boards, and has served on 19 corporate and non-profit boards;
WHEREAS, Dr. Harvey also served as Chairman of the Board for the revitalization of Downtown Hampton;
WHEREAS, Dr. Harvey and his wife, Norma, currently reside in the City of Hampton, Virginia; and
WHEREAS, his legacy of giving back to the community continues today.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia, that Dr. William R. Harvey be, and hereby is, recognized for his commitment to the City of Hampton, Virginia.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the February 28, 2018, City Council meeting of the City of Hampton, Virginia, and that an appropriate copy be signed by the Mayor, attested by the Clerk, and presented to Dr. William R. Harvey.