SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 338 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Victoria College on the grand occasion of its 100th anniversary; and WHEREAS, On February 4, 1925, the Victoria Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to establish Victoria Junior College, now known as Victoria College; under the leadership of superintendent Virgil L. Griffin, who also served as the college's first president, classes commenced on September 14, 1925, for 51 students on the third floor of Patti Welder High School; and WHEREAS, The rapid growth of the institution soon necessitated expansion, and a two-story building was constructed in 1927 for the junior college adjacent to the high school; Victoria College remained under the governance of Victoria Independent School District until 1949 when an independent board of trustees was established, although the partnership between the college and the school district has continued; and WHEREAS, Over the past century, Victoria College has transformed into a comprehensive community college, and it now serves more than 7,000 students annually through academic programs and workforce training that prepares students for careers in business and technology, health care, industrial trades, and public service; the expansion of its facilities includes a 16-building main campus on 60 acres in Victoria and facilities in Hallettsville, Gonzalez, and downtown Victoria; and WHEREAS, Victoria College further serves people in the Golden Crescent Region through its Zelda L. Allen School of Nursing, Museum of the Coastal Bend, Gonzales Center, Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, Liberty Street Industrial Training Center, and Emerging Technology Complex; in addition, the college is constructing a new Student Success Center, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025; and WHEREAS, Victoria College plays an essential role in providing quality education and valuable training opportunities that support area residents looking to pursue higher education or career advancement close to home while managing their other responsibilities, as well as increasing the economic prosperity of the region; the school is truly deserving of recognition for reaching this milestone in its impressive history; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby recognize Victoria College on the occasion of its 100th anniversary and commend its leadership, faculty, and staff on their invaluable contributions to higher education in Texas; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the college in honor of this special occasion. Kolkhorst ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 1, 2025. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate