PRINTER'S NO. 1070
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
170
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY COMITTA AND TOMLINSON, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
A RESOLUTION
Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of West
Chester University.
WHEREAS, On September 25, 1871, 100 boarding school students
and 30 day students arrived for the first day of classes at West
Chester Normal School; and
WHEREAS, West Chester Normal School became West Chester State
Teachers College when the Commonwealth initiated a four-year
program of teacher education in 1927; and
WHEREAS, Upon the establishment of graduate studies in 1960,
West Chester State Teachers College became West Chester State
College; and
WHEREAS, In 1983, West Chester State College finally changed
its name to West Chester University and became one of the 14
universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher
Education; and
WHEREAS, In 2021, West Chester University has more than
17,700 students enrolled in 118 undergraduate programs, 91
master's degree programs and four doctoral programs, which
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represents a substantial increase from the original 130 teacher
candidates; and
WHEREAS, The West Chester University Golden Rams athletic
program is a member of the Eastern College Athletic Conference
and competes in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference in
NCAA Division II; and
WHEREAS, Currently, there are more than 20 teams involved
with the West Chester University Golden Rams athletic program
and the teams have been recognized with several national, State
and regional championships; and
WHEREAS, The Golden Rams Marching Band features more than 300
students and performs regularly at West Chester University
football games, numerous exhibition events throughout the region
and special events for the university and community; and
WHEREAS, West Chester University offers many unique programs
for students, faculty, staff and other groups; and
WHEREAS, The Frederick Douglass Institute at West Chester
University is an academic program for advancing multicultural
studies across the curriculum and for deepening the intellectual
heritage of Frederick Douglass, the former slave and
distinguished orator, journalist, author and statesman; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Douglass, who was a frequent visitor to the West
Chester area, gave his last public lecture on West Chester's
campus on February 1, 1895; and an official historical marker
has been placed to denote that location; and
WHEREAS, The Institute of Race and Ethnic Studies at West
Chester University works with students, faculty, staff and other
groups on racial, ethnic and cultural understanding and
fostering the development of a diverse environment on campus;
and
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WHEREAS, The Institute for Women at West Chester University
engages in campus activities for the benefit of female students,
faculty and staff; and
WHEREAS, West Chester University's Dub-C Autism Program is
part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Autism
Initiative and supports matriculated students on the autism
spectrum; and
WHEREAS, West Chester University's Real Achievement Matters
Initiative is an inclusive postsecondary educational experience
for individuals with intellectual disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The Real Achievement Matters Initiative allows
individuals with intellectual disabilities to learn, live and
interact with students, faculty and staff; and
WHEREAS, West Chester University's Poetry Center hosts the
annual West Chester University Poetry and Creative Arts Festival
and presents poetry readings throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, In 1979, the Honors College at West Chester
University was built upon the foundations of academic
excellence, campus engagement and community building with the
motto: "To Be Honorable is to Serve"; and
WHEREAS, The West Chester State College Quadrangle Historic
District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 1981 and includes the Philips Memorial Building, Ruby Jones
Hall, Recitation Hall and the Old Library; and
WHEREAS, The official launch of West Chester University's
sesquicentennial is on Friday, September 17, 2021; therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the Senate commemorate the 150th anniversary
of the founding of West Chester University.
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