MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Carlton

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF ROGER D. MALKIN, CHAIRMAN EMERITUS OF DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY IN SCOTT, MISSISSIPPI, AND RECIPIENT OF THE GOVERNOR'S PATRON OF THE ARTS AWARD, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, Mr. Roger D. Malkin, Chairman Emeritus of Delta and Pine Land Company, died shortly after he had been selected and notified that he was to receive the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts, Patron of the Arts Award for 2000-2001; and

WHEREAS, Roger D. Malkin came to Scott, Mississippi, from New York and, because the state showed such hospitality and promise, he made it his home a few years later; and

WHEREAS, he quickly became a part of the Delta community and an enthusiastic champion of Mississippi, committing his time, energy, talents and resources to enhancing the Delta region in every possible way; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Malkin once said: "Sometimes people are afraid of new ideas and don't want change. But I've never shied away from new ideas--especially if they're going to make life better for people"; and

WHEREAS, among his vast contributions to improving life was his passionate devotion to making the arts a part of the fabric of Delta life; his contributions were personal and varied, and his interests touched many of the arts--visual, performing, architectural and language; as an active member of the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, he sponsored exhibits celebrating his heritage, including the nationally touted Alsace to America exhibit in Jackson; he acted as a patron of individual Delta artists and photographers and his collections are displayed publicly where they will continue to have an impact on people's daily lives; but, his most profound commitment may be found in his inspiration, which motivated involvement; and

WHEREAS, under his guidance, the employees of Delta and Pine Land Company were encouraged and inspired to become involved; he created and empowered a corporate giving committee, made up of employees from all areas of the company, to administer the philanthropic activity of Delta and Pine Land Company; this group, reflecting Mr. Malkin's abiding influence, continues to enhance the quality of life in the Delta by supporting the arts, education, community development, science and agriculture; company contributions have included employee participation in theater groups, local arts councils and a major donation that enabled Delta State University to build a world class Center for the Performing Arts; and

WHEREAS, Roger D. Malkin appreciated the rich culture of his adopted home of the Mississippi Delta, and made it his job to enhance and promote that culture through his love of the arts; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we commend this Patron of the Arts whose life is an example for all Mississippians:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life of Roger D. Malkin, Chairman Emeritus of Delta and Pine Land Company in Scott, Mississippi, and recipient of the Governor's Patron of the Arts Award, and express the sympathy of the Legislature to his family who will accept his well-deserved award on his behalf.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the family of Roger D. Malkin at the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts presentation, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.