House Resolution 2

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. CALVIN C. CUNNING UPON THE SPECIAL OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 34 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE.

WHEREAS, Mr. Calvin C. Cunning, a vibrant senior federal enforcement investigator, is retiring from the Jackson Area Office of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) after 34 years of exceptional service to the public; and

WHEREAS, as a native of Columbus, Mississippi, who knows the importance of receiving an education, Mr. Cunning is a 1975 cum laude graduate of Jackson State University (JSU) where he earned a bachelor of arts in political science, and due to his stellar performance at JSU, he received the Ford Fellowship in 1975 which enabled him to earn a master of public administration from Atlanta University in 1977 where he placed in the top ten percent of his class; and

WHEREAS, returning to his home state of Mississippi after obtaining his master's, Mr. Cunning began his public service career as a personnel officer with the Mississippi State Personnel Board, and after serving the state for five years, he then began his career with EEOC in 1984 where he investigated allegations of employment discrimination on a statewide basis; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cunning's professionalism and innate investigative skills enabled him to also successfully serve the EEOC as a staff trainer, and due to his success and competence, he helped his office obtain the prestigious EEOC Chairman's Organizational Performance Award in 1997; and

WHEREAS, as a community servant, Mr. Cunning has served in various leadership capacities, some of which include the following: president of a Jackson area parent and teacher association; member of Leadership Jackson and Chairman of the Jackson Boys & Girls Club Violence Prevention Initiative; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cunning, who is a 1981 Outstanding Young Men of America Award recipient, is also a member of the JSU National Alumni Association and has served as former president of the university's Jackson-Hinds Alumni Chapter and is a graduate of Jackson's Citizens Police Academy; and

WHEREAS, as a member of Greater Pearlie Grove M.B. Church and as the patriarch of his family, Mr. Cunning has been lovingly supported by his beautiful wife of 37 years, Yvonne, their two successful sons, Jermaine and Cara'mu and their two delightful grandsons, Isaiah and Christien; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend a distinguished Mississippian such as Mr. Calvin C. Cunning whose public service ensured that the principles of justice and equality resounded in the workplace:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Mr. Calvin C. Cunning upon his retirement after 34 years of public service and wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Calvin C. Cunning and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.