Photographed above (left to right): Del. William D. (Bill) Wiley, Rep. Ben Cline, Shenandoah University President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Shenandoah University student Valeria Perero Santa Cruz, Del. Delores Oates, and Del. Howard Otto Wachsmann, Jr ’01.
The Virginia General Assembly commemorated a significant milestone for Shenandoah University on Monday, Feb. 17, presenting a resolution that commends the university for its “exceptional contributions” to higher education as SU celebrates its 150th year in 2025.
Shenandoah University President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., was in attendance to receive the resolution, which was presented as the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia convened at the State Capitol in Richmond, Virginia. The resolution was presented to Dr. Fitzsimmons as an expression of the General Assembly’s “admiration and appreciation for the university’s longstanding commitment to excellence in education and service to the community,” it states. Shenandoah student Valeria Perero Santa Cruz ’28 joined Fitzsimmons for the presentation.
I’m deeply honored to receive this resolution on behalf of Shenandoah University, and incredibly grateful to the Virginia General Assembly for this tremendous gesture during what is a historic year for this university,” Fitzsimmons said. “Anyone who is a part of the Shenandoah University family knows how special this place is, and I’m proud that others recognize the hard work and commitment to excellence that we see from our university community every day.”
Shenandoah University President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D.
The resolution notes Shenandoah’s rise from its “humble beginnings” in Dayton, Virginia, to a nationally recognized institution, and lauds SU’s commitment to “cultivating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment, fostering personal and professional growth for its students by upholding its values of leadership, service, innovation, and academic excellence.”
Further, the resolution calls Shenandoah University “an essential pillar” of the city of Winchester and the Northern Shenandoah Valley while contributing to the “cultural, social and economic fabric of the region through community service, research, and development,” adding that Shenandoah will continue to play a “vital role” in shaping future leaders through its emphasis on global perspectives, critical thinking and ethical responsibility.
Shenandoah University leadership, faculty, staff, students and alumni “deserve recognition for their dedication, hard work and vision,” the resolution continues, “which have ensured the institution’s continued growth, success, and impact over the past 150 years.”
As a student, witnessing Shenandoah being recognized for its 150 years was extraordinary – something truly hard to put into words. Seeing firsthand just how amazing our faculty and staff are, and the impact they have on students today, makes this recognition even more meaningful. Standing there and watching it unfold only made me feel even more certain about my time here. It truly makes me grateful to know that not only do Shenandoah students and alumni recognize our greatness, but people across the state do as well.”
Valeria Perero Santa Cruz, Shenandoah University student
Shenandoah University, which celebrates its Founders’ Day annually on Feb. 12, will mark this special year with a Founders’ Day celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 19, after it was postponed due to inclement weather. For more information about how SU is celebrating its 150th year, visit su.edu/150.
About Shenandoah University
Shenandoah University was established in 1875, and is headquartered at the top of Virginia, in Winchester, Virginia, with additional educational sites in Clarke and Loudoun counties, and online offerings. Shenandoah is a private, nationally recognized university that blends professional career experiences with wide-ranging education. With approximately 4,400 students in more than 200 areas of study in six different schools, Shenandoah promotes a close-knit community rich in creative energy and intellectual challenge. Shenandoah students collaborate with accomplished professors who provide focused, individual attention, all the while leading several programs to be highly nationally ranked. Through innovative partnerships and programs at both the local and global level, there are exceptional opportunities for students to learn in and out of the classroom. Shenandoah empowers its students to improve the human condition and to be principled professionals and leaders wherever they go. For more information, visit su.edu.
