WHEREAS, Washington state is a leader in the development of both public and private higher education; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state has a history of pursuing international relationships with the specific purpose of increasing cross-cultural understanding and goodwill for the benefit of citizens here and abroad; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state's higher education institutions offer opportunities abroad and welcome international faculty, students, and administrators to participate in colleges and universities in this state; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state institutions and individuals have helped increase access to higher education in Malawi, Africa, the fifth poorest nation in the world, to aid the country in its effort to lift itself from economic poverty to self-sustaining independence; and
     WHEREAS, Centralia College and City University of Seattle, service clubs such as Rotary, P.E.O., Sertoma, Lions, A.A.U.W., and churches of the Olympia Presbytery and throughout the state have joined Malawians in their efforts to improve their in-country education opportunities; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state public and private entities have supported the Malawian dream to bring to reality the vision of Dr. Robert Laws to establish the University of Livingstonia in honor of Dr. David Livingstone; and
     WHEREAS, The opening of the University of Livingstonia on August 27, 2003, was celebrated by the nation of Malawi, and the University of Livingstonia has received government accreditation of its educational programs; and
     WHEREAS, The first Bachelor of Education degrees were awarded to thirty-five graduates of the University of Livingstonia College of Education during the graduation ceremony at Livingstonia on September 15, 2007, and presented by the guest of honor, His Excellency, Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika, president of the Republic of Malawi; and
     WHEREAS, Citizens from Washington state, working both in the United States and in Malawi, have contributed their time and knowledge to help Malawians build capacity and capability for the long-term sustainability of the University of Livingstonia; and
     WHEREAS, The following residents of the state of Washington are to be congratulated and thanked for their willingness to travel to Malawi to encourage Malawians and to assist with the development of the University of Livingstonia: David Carr, Joyce Carr, Ralph Carr, Drew Conrad, Doris Crawford, Doug Crawford, Anthony Dolezal, Joe Dolezal, Laura Dolezal, Patricia Dolezal, Sarah Dolezal, Vernon Elgin, Ken Gentili, Sylvia Gentili, Barbara Hayden Wahl, Cindy Hill, James Hill, Rob Jacobson, Carol Johnstone, Sherry Jorgensen, Henry Kirk, Jenny Sheldon Kirk, Lynn Longfield, Vicki Nupen, Glen Nutter, Linda Rakoz, Ken Rakoz, Judith Richerzhagen, Barbara Schacht, Bill Schacht, Janice Smith, Jeff Smith, Michiko Tanaka, Linda Ticknor, Alicia Wicks, Bob Wubbena, Joan Wubbena, Melody Young, and others;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington state legislature thank and commend all those who have reached beyond our borders to lend a hand to the nation of Malawi located halfway around the world; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington state legislature offer congratulations to the citizens of Malawi for bringing their 100-plus-year dream to reality; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington state legislature encourage those with time, talent, and resources to continue to support this humanitarian effort which will help Malawians build better futures for themselves and their nation.