Council ActionCITY COUNCIL
ADOPTED
Other recorded action without a published tally.
Official action detail
Source: LegislationDetail.aspx · gridLegislation
Full Bill
WHEREAS, Autumn Adkins Graves will retire in June after serving for the past three years as the 16th president of Girard College, one of the world's first residential schools for children from single-parent families with limited financial resources; and
WHEREAS, Girard College opened on January 1, 1848 for the education of poor white orphan boys per the will of Stephen Girard; and
WHEREAS, The first African-American student was admitted to Girard College in 1968 after the United States Supreme Court ordered the school to desegregate, and the first female was accepted in 1984; and
WHEREAS, The City Council of Philadelphia joins the many who for years and decades followed Girard College's turbulent 164-year history that included both desegregation and discrimination against girls; and
WHEREAS, The appointment of Autumn Adkins Graves marked not only the first African-American, and the first Woman to serve as President of Girard College, but also marked a new leader and vision over the school's 164 year history; and
WHEREAS, The appointment of Autumn Adkins Graves marked a barrier breaking historic achievement that celebrates the diversity and spirit of the City of Philadelphia and Girard College; and
WHEREAS, Autumn Adkins Graves has exemplified the highest ideals of civic duty, service to the less fortunate, and dedication to the common good, -- proving herself a true daughter of Stephen Girard, who said, My deeds must be my life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby congratulate Autumn Adkins Graves for her contributions and service to Girard College and to the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Autumn Adkins Graves as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body.
End