; Whereas the University of Mississippi has produced 55 Fulbright Scholars, 27 Rhodes Scholars, 44 Boren Scholars, 18 Truman Scholars, 24 Goldwater Scholars, 8 Portz Scholars, and 11 National Science Foundation Graduate Fellows; Whereas the University of Mississippi has played a significant role in producing future public service leaders; Whereas, in 2008, the University of Mississippi hosted the first presidential debate between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama, which was the first presidential debate held in Mississippi; Whereas, for 14 years, the University of Mississippi has been recognized as a Great College to Work For , according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, in addition to earning honors in all 10 categories of recognition; Whereas the University of Mississippi is dedicated to supporting the academic success of student-athletes while striving for on-field success; Whereas the Ole Miss Rebels are composed of 18 men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletic varsity teams that represent the University of Mississippi; Whereas the University of Mississippi, a charter member of the Southeastern Conference, claims 5 collegiate team national championships, and Ole Miss Rebel student-athletes have captured 25 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 individual titles; and Whereas the University of Mississippi has produced notable alumni in the fields of government, public policy, research, medicine, business, education, literature, the arts, journalism, athletics, and more: Now, therefore, be it