WHEREAS, Daniel K. Church, PhD is retiring from Bastyr University on June 30, 2015, after ten years serving as the university's president; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure, Dr. Church led Bastyr University to preeminence in the field of natural medicine, such that it is now distinguished as one of the most respected, globally recognized academic centers in the natural arts and sciences; and

WHEREAS, During Dr. Church's tenure, Bastyr University has grown to become one of the most trusted resources for understandable, useful, and evidence-based information on healthy living, and is widely regarded for excellence in providing innovative academic programs that incorporate the most current knowledge to address the health of the human community; and

WHEREAS, The major accomplishments of Dr. Church include the purchase of the 51 acre Kenmore campus from the Archdiocese of Seattle in 2005 and the establishment of a second campus and teaching clinic in San Diego in 2012; and

WHEREAS, In 2012 and 2013, under Dr. Church's watch, Bastyr Center for Natural Health in Seattle received the highest marks for patient satisfaction of the 150 health care providers measured in the Puget Sound area, as reported by the Puget Sound Health Alliance; and

WHEREAS, During Dr. Church's tenure, the number of external community clinic sites in the Puget Sound area and the number of patients treated annually expanded such that the clinics saw more than 33,000 patient visits, approximately 66 percent of which were provided as free or discounted care to underserved populations; and

WHEREAS, Under Dr. Church's leadership, Bastyr University established the Center for Mind, Body, Spirit and Nature, the Center for Social Justice and Diversity, the Center for Health Policy and Leadership, the School of Traditional World Medicines, and nine new accredited degree and certificate programs; and

WHEREAS, Under Dr. Church's leadership, Bastyr University experienced a growth of 24 percent in the student body, from 973 in the 2005 academic year to 1,210 in the current academic year; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Church actively built strong relationships with city and county leaders and the business community, resulting in a significant positive impact on the City of Kenmore and the region; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Church has embodied the very best attributes of an enlightened leader, and has led the University to a position where it has never before been stronger and more capable of fulfilling its mission;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and congratulate Dr. Daniel Church for his years of service to higher education in Washington.