LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Sean A. Fanelli upon the occasion of
his retirement after many years of distinguished service as President of
Nassau Community College

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this great
State; and
WHEREAS, The result of many individuals' efforts, the excellence and
the success of Nassau Community College is due in large part to the
efforts of its retiring President, Dr. Sean A. Fanelli; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr.
Sean A. Fanelli upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of
distinguished service as President of Nassau Community College; this
auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, at
the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, New York; and
WHEREAS, A highly experienced educator and administrator, Dr. Sean A.
Fanelli has been the President of Nassau Community College for 27 years;
and
WHEREAS, Nassau Community College is New York State's largest under-
graduate educational institution and has a diversified student popu-
lation of more than 22,000 credit students and over 15,000 non-credit
students per year; it has been recognized for its excellence by local,
state and federal governments; and
WHEREAS, Under the excellent leadership of Dr. Sean A. Fanelli, Nassau
Community College has earned a well-deserved reputation and enviable
stature as a leading educational resource for the community; it annually
educates thousands of entry level and experienced employees via its high
quality programs which range from enhancing computer skills and the
latest in office technology to preparing workers to earn their GED
diploma; and
WHEREAS, Nassau Community College has been the recipient of frequent
Workplace Literacy Grant awards by both the New York State Department of
Labor and New York State Department of Education; Dr. Sean A. Fanelli is
also particularly and justifiably proud of the recognition given to
Nassau Community College by the President of the United States for its
partnership with North Shore/LIJ Health Services; and
WHEREAS, Highly regarded for his expertise and leadership in the
education profession, Dr. Sean A. Fanelli is the recipient of numerous
awards, including the prestigious Alexander Meiklejohn Award for Academ-
ic Freedom by the American Association of University Professors and The
Thomas Jefferson Center's William J. Brennan, Jr. Award for great cour-
age and a clear and consistent commitment to principles of free
expression and academic freedom; and
WHEREAS, A member and Chair of evaluation teams for the Middle States
Association of Schools and Colleges, and the American Council on Educa-
tion, Dr. Sean A. Fanelli also serves on important and prestigious
academic committees, including the Chancellor's Task Force on Community
Colleges and the Executive Committee of the New York State Commission on
Higher Education Advisory Council; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Sean A. Fanelli holds a Ph.D. from Fordham University in
Aquatic Ecology with a specialization in physical and chemical limnolo-
gy; prior to becoming the fourth President of Nassau Community College,
he served in many academic posts, beginning with Professor of Biology,
Associate Dean, and Dean of Academic Affairs/Deputy to the President of
Westchester Community College; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sean A. Fanelli has continually demonstrated an impres-
sive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm
for the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at
Nassau Community College for the benefit of its faculty and students, as
well as for the entire community; and
WHEREAS, In completing many years of service as an educator, Dr. Sean
A. Fanelli leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; he leaves
behind a legacy to the residents of Nassau County and Nassau Community
College and to future generations of its students; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend and honor Dr. Sean A. Fanelli upon the occasion of his retire-
ment after many years of distinguished service as President of Nassau
Community College; and for his significant contributions to education in
New York State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Sean A. Fanelli, President, Nassau Community College.