Vermont HCR 71: House concurrent resolution honoring civic activist Shirley Searles Squires of Guilford

Bill Text

R-91 Page 1 of 1
2025

VT LEG #382504 v.1
No. R-91. House concurrent resolution celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first
class at Landmark College and extending best wishes for continued academic success.
(H.C.R.71)
Offered by Representative Mrowicki of Putney
Offered by Senators Harrison and Hashim
Whereas, individuals who learn differently—whether due to autism, dyslexia,
attention deficit disorders, executive function challenges, or otherwise—have historically
faced major impediments to fair, accessible, and quality education, and
Whereas, until four decades ago, there were not any accredited higher education
institutions designed and built exclusively for individuals who learn differently, and in
response to the need for this type of school, in 1983, a committed team of educators,
philanthropists, and community leaders, including then Putney Select Board member and
future Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin, himself dyslexic and unable to read until he was
14 years of age, established Landmark College in Putney, Vermont, and
Whereas, Landmark College accepted its first students in the fall of 1985 and quickly
became the world’s first accredited college for individuals with learning disabilities and
learning differences, and
Whereas, over its 40-year history, Landmark College has broadened the curriculum to
include other academic degrees and certificate programs, academic development and
college-preparatory programs for high school students, and professional development and
certificate programs for educators, and
Whereas, in addition to the academic courses, Landmark College is a global leader in
advancing accessibility, inclusion, and opportunity for those who learn differently, and
Whereas, nearly 11,000 students and professionals from 55 countries have studied at
Landmark College, opening new doors of opportunity for those who learn differently and
preparing them for academic and career success, and
Whereas, the school is the largest employer in Putney and one of the largest year-
round employers in southern Vermont, and
Whereas, the outstanding achievements of Landmark College serve as a glowing
testament to the dedication and perseverance of all those associated with this unusual and
respected higher education institution, now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
That the General Assembly celebrates the 40th anniversary of the first class at
Landmark College and extends best wishes for continued academic success, and be it
further
Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to
Landmark College.