WHEREAS, Dr. Harold G. Heiner has served his community, his state, and his country with dignity and diligence throughout his lifetime and has been a champion of Whatcom Community College for the last 27 years; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. Heiner served valiantly in the United States Marine Corps from 1956-1959; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. Heiner returned to Western Washington where he received his A.A. Degree from Skagit Valley Community College, his B.A. Degree in Education from Western Washington University, his Masters of Science Degree in Psychology from Washington State University, and his PhD Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, From 1966-1973 Dr. Heiner worked as a faculty member and Director of Student Development at Skagit Valley Community College and from 1973-1978 Dr. Heiner served on the State Board for Community College Education as the Director of Student Services; and
     WHEREAS, In 1978 Dr. Heiner came to Whatcom Community College where he worked as the Dean of Instruction until 1984; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. Heiner was appointed June 1, 1984, to serve as the president of Whatcom Community College, which he has done diligently for 23 years; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. Heiner has focused on a student-centered climate and helped to make Whatcom Community College a leader among community colleges; and
     WHEREAS, Whatcom Community College is a comprehensive, state sponsored school that serves over 7,000 students each quarter and offers transfer programs and personal training programs, as well as basic education and enrichment programs; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. Heiner has shown great leadership in the acquisition of land and has secured capital funding for many necessary and beautiful facilities as well as implementing many innovative programs and continually expanded and improved the academic and extracurricular activities offered by the college; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. Heiner was inducted into the Whatcom Community College Hall of Distinction on March 8, 2006; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. Heiner has received the title of President Emeritus of the College to be effective once he retires on July 1, 2007; and
     WHEREAS, This honor has only been bestowed upon two other community college presidents; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. Heiner wants to work with the college to make the transition as smooth as possible by developing a transition guide for the new president as well as a historic archive for the college;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize Dr. Harold G. Heiner as a hero in his community, applaud his outstanding achievements in his career in Higher Education at Whatcom Community College, and praise his lasting contributions to the quality of life in Whatcom County and Washington State; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Dr. Harold G. Heiner, and to the Trustees of Whatcom Community College.