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.