S. Res. 80-17
Agreed to May 9, 2012
Senate of the
Associated Students
of the University of Nevada
AT T HE EI G H TIE T H S E SS I ON
Begun and held at the City of Reno on Wednesday,
the eighteenth day of April, two thousand and twelve
A Resolution
In honor of the life of Senator William Raggio and his dedication to the University of
Nevada, the Nevada System of Higher Education, and the State of Nevada
Whereas, Senator William Raggio was one of Nevada’s strongest
advocates for the system of higher education, always putting the need
for education first;
Whereas, Senator William Raggio has fought for disadvantaged
students in the state of Nevada, voting to pass the Undocumented
Students and Financial Aid Act;
Whereas, Senator William Raggio served 38 years in the Legislature,
making him Nevada’s longest-serving Senator;
Whereas, Senator William Raggio worked across party aisles with the
Governor and Teachers’ Union to form the Nevada Education Reform
Act, making education standards meaningful and more accountable
for Nevada;
Whereas, he served our country as a member of the United States
Navy Reserve, and achieved the rank of Second Lieutenant of the
United States Marine Corps Reserve;
Whereas, he started his legal career in 1952 as Assistant District
Attorney for Washoe County, and held that position until 1958;
Whereas, he continued to serve Washoe County as the District
Attorney from 1958 to 1970;
Whereas, he served for 12 special and 19 regular sessions, the longest
Senate service in Nevada history;
Whereas, he was Chairman of the Legislative Committee on
Education from 1997 to 1999, and 2001 to 2003;
Whereas, Jason Geddes, Nevada Board of Regents chair said,
[Senator William Raggio], “served as an example for lifelong service
to the great state of Nevada;”
Be it resolved by the Senate of the Associated Students, that
this body recognizes the life and achievements of Senator Raggio by
changing “The ASUN Senator of the Year Award” to “The William
Raggio ASUN Senator of the Year Award.”
Be it further resolved that the Senate of the Associated Students
continue in its efforts to encourage the administration of the
University to pursue Senator Raggio’s vision for higher education.
Be it further resolved that the Secretary of the Senate prepare
and transmit a copy of this resolution to the family of Senator Raggio,
President Marc Johnson, Chancellor Klaich, Board of Regent Geddes,
and , Dr. Shannon Ellis
Be it further resolved that a framed copy of this resolution be
sent to the College of Education, Dean’s Office.
Attest:
Secretary of the Senate
Speaker of the Senate