Senate Concurrent Resolution 537

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PAYING TRIBUTE TO 60 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND DEDICATION OF DR. VIRGIL F. BELUE OF CLINTON, MISSISSIPPI, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF MISSISSIPPI (PERS) AND EXTENDING THE BEST WISHES OF THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, on October 23, 2012, the Board of Trustees of the Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS) approved a schedule for the election of a retiree to serve a 6-year term on the PERS Board of Trustees that begins July 1, 2013, and ends June 30, 2019. This is a trustee position which was held with distinction for over 17 years by Dr. Virgil F. Belue of Clinton, Mississippi, who stated, "the employees, members, and retirees of PERS are the greatest public servants in Mississippi, and serving as a trustee representing them ranks among the highest honors that I have enjoyed during my 60 years of public service"; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Belue is a wonderful example for public servants and his record of achievement and legacy of leadership to all Mississippians is a matter of record; and

WHEREAS, Virgil F. Belue, Ed.D., is a retired Superintendent of Clinton Schools (1970-1992). Prior to his work in Clinton, he served in the United States Air Force, taught elementary school in the Tishomingo County Schools, taught English and social studies in the Pontotoc County Schools, and taught social studies in the Tupelo Public Schools, where he also worked as Counselor and Director of Instruction; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his work in public schools, Dr. Belue taught undergraduate and graduate courses for Mississippi State University and Mississippi College. Dr. Belue earned an Associate of Arts degree from Northeast Mississippi Junior College and a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Education, and a Doctor of Education from Mississippi State College/University. He also did graduate work in guidance and counseling at the University of Mississippi and Mississippi College; and

WHEREAS, before retiring, Dr. Belue had "A" and "AA" teacher certification in Social Studies and "AAAA" certification in School Administration and School Guidance and Counseling; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Belue is active in the Mississippi Retired Public Employees' Associations, Retired Education Personnel of Mississippi, Clinton Association of Retired Educators, and Clinton Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Belue had 17 years of perfect attendance at PERS Board meetings; and it is with much pride that we pay tribute to this most public spirited citizen of the State of Mississippi, whose enormous civic energy is a legacy of leadership and dedication:

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 60 years of public service and dedication of Dr. Virgil F. Belue of Clinton, Mississippi, upon the occasion of his retirement from his 17-year term on the Board of Trustees of the Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS), and extend our best wishes to Dr. Belue and his family on this auspicious occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Belue, forwarded to the Executive Director of PERS, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.