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S. 845
STATUS INFORMATION
Senate Resolution
Sponsors: Senators Courson, Jackson, Lourie and Sheheen
Document Path: l:\council\bills\rm\1179zw11.docx
Introduced in the Senate on April 26, 2011
Adopted by the Senate on April 26, 2011
Summary: Dr. Andrew Sorensen
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
Date Body Action Description with journal page number ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4/26/2011 Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 5)
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VERSIONS OF THIS BILL
TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE DEATH OF DR. ANDREW A. SORENSEN, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Andrew A. Sorensen, former president of the University of South Carolina, on April 17, 2011, at the age of seventy-two; and
Whereas, in preparation for a distinguished career, Dr. Sorensen earned a bachelor's degree in ethics, as well as master's and doctoral degrees in medical sociology, from Yale University; a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and a master's degree in public health from the University of Michigan. In addition, he received honorary doctoral degrees from the Medical University of South Carolina, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Queensland (Australia), and the University of South Carolina; and
Whereas, before taking up his duties at USC, Andrew Sorensen served as president of the University of Alabama from 1996 to 2002. Prior to that assignment, he was provost and vice president of academic affairs at the University of Florida, executive director of the AIDS Institute at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, and dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He came to USC in April 2002, where he served as president until 2008. He later joined Ohio State University as senior vice president for development, president of the Ohio State University Foundation, and special assistant to the president for advancement; and
Whereas, he was inaugurated as USC's twenty-seventh president and quickly became known for a colorful, energetic personal style that included trumpet and trombone playing with the USC marching band, bow ties, and bicycle rides. But he also oversaw dramatic changes, spearheading plans for the Innovista research campus and a new emphasis on partnerships with other schools and the private sector. Dr. Sorensen was also instrumental in trying to position USC on the cutting edge in the fields of hydrogen fuel cell research and nanotechnology; and
Whereas, his outreaches to the City of Columbia, efforts to position USC and the State of South Carolina as leaders in energy technology, "green" building initiatives, and his strengthening of ties to the local and state African-American community won him many supporters; and
Whereas, USC's students knew and appreciated Dr. Sorensen's accessibility and felt free to knock on the door of the presidential home. An ordained minister, he was just as caring and accessible to the people of South Carolina at large. He delved into local affairs, taking bus tours to meet folks in every corner of the State, and read with students in local public schools; and
Whereas, Dr. Sorensen was a gifted professor, an accomplished administrator, and ebullient public servant who brought intellect, judgment, passion, and wit to his every calling. He never stopped growing, inspiring others, and winning friends; and
Whereas, during his lengthy career, Dr. Sorensen did not go unappreciated. His awards include Administrator Who Contributed Most to Student Government from the University of Florida Student Government Association, Award for Distinction in Service to the Community from the Yale University Divinity School Alumni Association, Ambassador of the Year from the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Order of the Palmetto from the Governor of South Carolina, and a Presidential Citation for Leadership and Human Rights Advocacy from the South Carolina Chapter of the NAACP; and
Whereas, outside of his university responsibilities, Dr. Sorensen served on the National Institutes of Health National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, Yale University Divinity School Board of Advisors, and the boards of Collexis Holdings and Zirus, Inc. He was the author or editor of eight books and more than one hundred journal articles, with his primary research interests being in health policy, the education of health professionals, and the epidemiology of infectious diseases; and
Whereas, Andrew Sorensen brought visionary ideas and enthusiasm to the presidency of the University of South Carolina during his tenure. With his passing, USC and the State of South Carolina have lost a true friend, and all of higher education has lost a devoted leader; and
Whereas, Dr. Sorensen leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of forty-two years, Donna; sons Ben and Aaron; a grandson, Arturo; and a host of other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the death of Dr. Andrew A. Sorensen, former president of the University of South Carolina, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mrs. Donna Sorensen for the family.
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