House Concurrent Resolution 131

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MRS. VELMA TILLMAN CHAMPION UPON HER RETIREMENT FROM THE FIELD OF LIBRARIANSHIP AND FOR HER OUTSTANDING CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Velma Champion will retire from the field of librarianship after 26 years of dedicated service to the people of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, a native of Raymond, Mississippi, Mrs. Champion is a graduate of Tougaloo College where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, and she earned a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin in library science; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Champion has served as head reference librarian and as an instructor of library science at Delta State University, and she has served in various positions over a 26-year period at the Mississippi Library Commission, where she rose from a reference intern to information services branch director; and

WHEREAS, although very busy in her career in librarianship, Mrs. Champion initiated the Mississippi Patent and Trademark Depository Library Service, served as secretary of the Mississippi Library Association (MLA) and as chair of the MLA's Special Library Section, served as chair of the Central Mississippi Library Council and served as a member of the Steering Committee for the Mississippi Alliance for Gaining New Opportunities through Library Information Access (MAGNOLIA); and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Champion was also key in helping to develop and expand research services to state government agencies within Mississippi, in particular the Legislature; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature to recognize and commend a talented individual, such as Mrs. Champion, whose monumental contributions to the field of librarianship have enhanced the lives of the citizens of Mississippi:

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 Mrs. Velma Tillman Champion upon her retirement and for her legendary career accomplishments in the field of librarianship and extend our heartiest wishes for success in all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Velma Champion, the Mississippi Library Commission and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.