BySenators O'Ban, Zeiger, Becker, Conway, Darneille, Randall, Fortunato, and Wellman

WHEREAS, William W. Philip, an esteemed resident of Lakewood, civic leader, and philanthropist, has earned the title of "Mr. Tacoma" for his work in the transformation of the City of Tacoma; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Philip began his mission by spearheading an effort to raise one million dollars to locate the new University of Washington branch campus in downtown Tacoma, with his own contribution being the first one ever given to the new university branch; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Philip successfully raised the money and offered it to University of Washington's president on the condition that the school be located in downtown Tacoma; and

WHEREAS, After securing the funds, Mr. Philip orchestrated the purchase of the land required to build the campus; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Philip served on the University of Washington Tacoma Advisory Board in support of both graduate and transfer students, while continuing to generate more philanthropic collaboration; and

WHEREAS, In 1993, Mr. Philip helped found Columbia Bank and located its headquarters in Tacoma, where its success continues to drive economic progress in the community in the form of the services the bank provides as well as employment; and

WHEREAS, In his quest to revitalize the City of Tacoma, Mr. Philip and a colleague purchased the property on the west side of Pacific Avenue between 13th and 15th Streets to demolish the broken down old taverns and hotel that catered to drug and other illicit activity, cleaning up the area and reducing crime; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Philip approached the Corner Stone Corporation in Seattle to look at Tacoma for investments, which brought the Murano Hotel and the Financial Building to the City of Tacoma; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Philip was instrumental in keeping the Washington State Historical Society in Tacoma to preserve our history; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Philip has been awarded two honorary degrees for his contributions to our community, one from the University of Washington and one from the University of Puget Sound; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Philip continues to be an active supporter and advocate for the school he help found and its students by serving as the honorary chair of the University of Washington Tacoma fundraising campaign, which raises money for scholarships; and

WHEREAS, The university he so diligently fought for has transformed the neighborhood in which it resides and the lives of thousands since its inception, contributing significantly to the economic and academic well-being of the community;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor and recognize Mr. William W. Philip, known as "Mr. Tacoma," for his tireless and selfless contributions to our community and the state of Washington.