S*1363 Concurrent Resolution, By J.V. Smith
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND GOOD WORKS OF MISS BETTY J.
 ALVERSON OF GREENVILLE AND EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION AND RESPECT OF THE
 MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA FOR THE
 CONTRIBUTIONS AND LEADERSHIP SHE HAS PROVIDED TO FURMAN UNIVERSITY'S
 COLLEGIATE EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CORPS ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT.

   04/26/00  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-4
   04/27/00  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-2

RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND GOOD WORKS OF MISS BETTY J. ALVERSON OF GREENVILLE AND EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION AND RESPECT OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA FOR THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND LEADERSHIP SHE HAS PROVIDED TO FURMAN UNIVERSITY'S COLLEGIATE EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CORPS ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT.

Whereas, Betty J. Alverson is the founder of Furman University's Collegiate Educational Service Corps (CESC). For many years, CESC has provided a bridge between Furman and the Greenville community that might never have been built otherwise; and

Whereas, a Furman graduate, Miss Alverson holds a divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a masters degree in student personnel from Ohio University. She began her illustrious career at Furman University in August 1966, as Director of Watkins Student Center and shortly thereafter, established the CESC program at Furman; and

Whereas, although thousand of students have passed through the CESC program, one person has remained a constant. Betty J. Alverson has been the guiding hand of CESC throughout its lifetime, providing direction, encouragement, and inspiration to each member of the group; and

Whereas, affectionately known as "Miss A" to generations of Furman students and faculty, Greenville educators and community leaders, and beneficiaries of the dozens of CESC programs operating in Greenville schools, mini-parks, churches, and community centers, Betty is retiring next month after thirty-four years of outstanding service to Furman University; and

Whereas, CESC began thirty-four years ago under the leadership of six students. During the first year, seventy-five students worked in eighteen agencies. Last year, well over one thousand five hundred students (more than fifty percent of the entire Furman student body) participated in some phase of CESC's program in eighty agencies around the City of Greenville. Twice, in recent years, CESC has been named as one of four finalists in the National Center for Voluntary Action's annual award in "recognition of outstanding volunteer service and achievement"; and

Whereas, CESC's tremendous volunteer effort is now channeled through nine divisions: adult programs, child enrichment, church ministries, community concerns, elementary schools, book buddies, exceptional children and adults, middle and high schools, and mini-parks; and

Whereas, Betty Alverson has never sought individual recognition. As she approaches retirement, "Miss A" has refused to be accorded any of the honors usually bestowed upon retiring faculty and administrators. But, a group of 70s era Furman and CESC alumni have persuaded her to allow a tribute befitting her legacy. Through Habitat for Humanity, a house will be built in Greenville and named "The Betty Alverson House"; and

Whereas, over the weekend of May 5-7, 2000, dozens of Betty Alverson's CESC progeny will converge on Greenville to build the house and to celebrate her extraordinary commitment to generations of Furman students and thousands of members of the Greenville community. Many other CESC alumni and friends, who cannot travel to Greenville that weekend, have participated in the event by giving money to the house-building fund -- forty-five thousand dollars has been raised to finance the building of "The Betty Alverson House"; and

Whereas, "Miss A" has always been committed to making a positive difference in the lives of her students by helping them develop their potential for leadership, personal growth, and career success; and

Whereas, the life of "Miss A" demonstrates that an individual does not necessarily have to be rich, or powerful, or famous to make a difference. She has, quite simply, devoted her career to teaching young people the importance of loving not just with words, but with a way of life; and

Whereas, she is a truly distinguished South Carolinian, who has given most generously of her time and talents to the people of the Palmetto State for many years, and it would be most fitting and appropriate that the members of the General Assembly pause in their deliberations to honor Miss Betty J. Alverson and wish her happiness and good health in all the years to come. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, recognize the life and good works of Miss Betty J. Alverson of Greenville and express their sincere appreciation for the contributions and leadership she has provided to Furman University's Collegiate Educational Service Corps on the occasion of her retirement.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Miss Betty J. Alverson.