SR591: SR591 Spelman Day; recognize

26 LC 129 0692 Senate Resolution 591 By: Senator Davenport of the 17th A RESOLUTION Recognizing Spelman Day at the Georgia State Capitol; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, Spelman College, founded in 1881, in Atlanta, Georgia, is a nationally2 acclaimed private liberal arts college for women and the oldest historically Black college for3 women in the United States; and4 WHEREAS, for more than 143 years, Spelman College has been dedi cated to academic5 excellence, leadership development, and social responsibility, educating women to engage6 the world and effect positive social change; and7 WHEREAS, Spelman College is the number one producer of Black women who complete8 doctoral degrees in STEM disciplines, according to the National Science Foundation, and9 continues to lead the nation in preparing women for advanced st udy and leadership in10 science, technology, education, public service, and the arts; and11 WHEREAS, Spelman College enrolls approximately 2,500 students, offers 34 academic12 majors and 39 minors, maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, and reports that 86 percent of13 full-time faculty hold doctoral degrees or the terminal degree in their field, underscoring the14 College's commitment to rigorous academic instruction and mentorship; and15 S. R. 591 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0692 WHEREAS, Spelman College reports a 76 percent six-year graduati on rate, significantly16 exceeding the national average, and approximately one-third of Spelman students pursue17 graduate or professional degrees, reflecting strong academic preparation and student success18 outcomes; and19 WHEREAS, Spelman College has produced a global network of more than 20,000 alumnae20 worldwide, including leaders in government, education, business , healthcare, science, the21 arts, and nonprofit and civic life, many of whom live and work throughout the state of22 Georgia and contribute meaningfully to its workforce, civic institutions, and communities;23 and24 WHEREAS, Spelman College serves as a vital anchor institution w ithin the Atlanta25 University Center and the West End community, generating economic impact, and advancing26 workforce development and community engagement initiatives across the state; and27 WHEREAS, Spelman Day at the Georgia State Capitol provides an important opportunity28 for students, alumnae, faculty, staff, and policymakers to engage in civic dialogue, highlight29 the College's statewide and global impact, and reaffirm the importance of higher education30 partnerships in advancing Georgia's economic vitality, educational access, and public good.31 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body32 recognize Spelman Day at the Georgia State Capitol and commend Spelman College for its33 enduring legacy of academic excellence, leadership development, and service to the State of34 Georgia, the nation, and the world.35 S. R. 591 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0692 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed36 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the representatives37 of Spelman College.38 S. R. 591 - 3 -