WHEREAS, Engineering Professor Michael Seal is preparing to retire after 35 years of dedicated full-time teaching at Western Washington University; and
     WHEREAS, Inventor Michael Seal competed with his first hand-crafted automobile in a Canadian soap box derby while still in elementary school; and
     WHEREAS, Professor Seal has since built or overseen production of more than three dozen innovative, fuel-efficient hybrid cars funded by millions of dollars in grants and donations from private individuals, corporations, and government agencies; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. Seal founded and has directed Western Washington University's nationally renowned Vehicle Research Institute for more than three decades; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. Seal has pioneered research and development of fuel-efficient engines powered by propane, electricity, reformulated gasoline, and/or solar power; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. Seal has devoted his entire career to teaching what he calls his hobby to thousands of engineering technology students who are now designing hybrid and other state-of-the-art vehicles for automotive and truck manufacturers throughout the nation; and
     WHEREAS, Professor Seal has earned national acclaim for excellence in engineering education and for serving as one of the country's ten best engineering faculty advisors; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. Seal has been recognized by The Seattle Times as one of five Washington citizens cited for outstanding contributions to science; and
     WHEREAS, Professor Michael Seal has secured the enduring support and dedication of his top grant writer, partner, organizer, bookkeeper, secretary, and wife of more than 40 years, Eileen Seal; and
     WHEREAS, Following his retirement this June and his 14-member family cruise to Alaska this summer, Professor Michael Seal has promised to return to Western Washington University's Vehicle Research Institute as a senior adviser and volunteer;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives acknowledge the career and accomplishments of Professor Michael Seal; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives express gratitude and appreciation to Professor Michael Seal for his positive influence on generations of students and his dedication to and outstanding success in creating inventive, practical solutions for the nation's automotive future; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Professor Michael Seal and to Karen W. Morse, President of Western Washington University.