A
MEMORIAL
RECOGNIZING BENJAMIN T. WAKASHIGE FOR
HIS YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO NEW MEXICO.
WHEREAS, Benjamin T. Wakashige,
who has served as the state librarian for New Mexico since July 1998, will
leave his position in May 2003 to take a position as the director of the
library at Pacific university in Forest Grove, Oregon; and
WHEREAS, New Mexicans will miss
Benjamin T. Wakashige, his unique perspective, unwavering support for library
issues, no-nonsense approach to library issues, sense of humor, candor and
honesty; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin T. Wakashige
demonstrated his commitment to New Mexico state library staff and the community
alike by being a true and good public servant willing to address challenging
and unpopular issues; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin T. Wakashige
served as the supervisor of the state library's library for the blind and
physically handicapped, worked in the development of community libraries in
nine pueblos in New Mexico and served on library boards in Zuni, Rio Rancho and
Silver City; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin T. Wakashige
challenged the library community and himself to make careful and responsible
decisions on diverse issues; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin T. Wakashige
served as the president of the New Mexico library association, as director of
the library at Albuquerque academy and as president of the New Mexico
consortium of academic libraries; and
WHEREAS, without public-minded
citizens like Benjamin T. Wakashige, local governments would be hard pressed to
deliver the services that residents demand and deserve; and
WHEREAS, it is people like
Benjamin T. Wakashige who give unselfishly of their time and energy, frequently
at great personal sacrifice, for the benefit of the state of New Mexico and
their communities that help make the state's libraries unique and valuable
resources; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin T.
Wakashige's service was performed without adequate recognition being sought or
received; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin T.
Wakashige's unceasing efforts have greatly assisted all communities in New
Mexico and have helped bring about the fine library facilities, resources and
quality of life that all residents of New Mexico enjoy;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that its sincere
gratitude and appreciation be expressed to Benjamin T. Wakashige for his many
dedicated years of service to New Mexico; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a
copy of this memorial be transmitted to Benjamin T. Wakashige.