MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Flaggs, Chaney, Simmons (37th)

House Concurrent Resolution 80

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING BILL FERRIS ON BEING CONFIRMED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES. 

WHEREAS, William R. "Bill" Ferris is a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and a resident of Oxford, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ferris has been unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the federal agency that promotes understanding of human history and cultural achievements; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ferris has served as head of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi since 1979; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of Mr. Ferris, the Center for the Study of Southern Culture has gained international recognition for its conferences on famous Mississippians like William Faulkner and Elvis Presley; and

WHEREAS, many of the humanities projects directed by Mr. Ferris were National Endowment for the Humanities and Mississippi Humanities Council funded programs that introduced thousands of visitors to the State of Mississippi and reminded the citizens of Mississippi, of their unique history and civic responsibility, thus improving the quality of life for all citizens; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ferris has written more than ten books on topics related to Southern folklore, including having served as co-editor of the Encyclopedia of Southern Culture:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Mr. William R. "Bill" Ferris for his work promoting humanities programming and on his appointment and confirmation as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we commend the Congressional Delegation of the State of Mississippi, The Honorable Senator Thad Cochran, The Honorable Senator Trent Lott, The Honorable Congressman Mike Parker, the Honorable Congressman Charles Pickering, Jr., the Honorable Congressman Gene Taylor, the Honorable Congressman Bennie Thompson and the Honorable Congressman Roger Wicker for their continued support of programs like the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Mississippi Humanities Council, that benefit all Mississippians.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. William R. Ferris and the Capitol Press Corps.