MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Bourdeaux, Young, Robinson (84th)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. RICHARD RILEY FOR RECEIVING THE 1999 MERIDIAN STAR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD.

WHEREAS, Dr. Richard Riley, a resident of Meridian, Mississippi, has been named the 1999 Meridian Star Citizen of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Riley, a 1948 graduate of Vanderbilt University's School of Medicine, served an internship in surgery at the University of Virginia Hospital before serving as a medical officer in the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, after his release from active military duty, Dr. Riley resumed his residency at the University of Virginia before returning to Meridian in the private practice of surgery; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Riley, along with his brother, Dr. William Riley, sold Riley Memorial Hospital, a hospital founded by their father, Franklin Gail Riley, who was the first pediatrician in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, after the sale of the hospital in 1997, the brothers established the Riley Foundation, which has helped improve the quality of life for individuals and the Meridian community as a whole; and

WHEREAS, in January 1999, Dr. Riley, Chairman of the Riley Foundation, announced grant awards totaling $329,888.00 to allow six Meridian and Lauderdale County organizations to implement programs that promise long-term benefits for the area; and

WHEREAS, grant recipients include organizations such as the Community of Hope Tutoring Program, Aldersgate Retirement Community Youth Excitement Team, Inc., Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter, Multi-County Community Service Agency's Families First Resource Center and the Meridian Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Riley's vision is to support programs that present the opportunity to provide a positive impact and provide training and resources that contribute to the Meridian community; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend such outstanding Mississippians as Dr. Richard Riley, whose generosity has touched the lives of the citizens in Meridian:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. Richard Riley for receiving the 1999 Meridian Star Citizen of the Year and express our deepest appreciation for the hard work and generosity of the Riley Foundation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Richard Riley and members of the Capitol Press Corps.