LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael E. Russell upon the completion
of his many years of dedicated service as a member of the State Univer-
sity of New York Board of Trustees and the Stony Brook University Coun-
cil

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative character of its
leaders and educational professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those illustrious individuals of the State of New York, such as
Michael E. Russell of Setauket, who have contributed significantly to
the pursuit of excellence in education in the Empire State; and
WHEREAS, The State University of New York is a treasured institution;
established in 1948, its 64 geographically dispersed campuses bring
educational opportunity within commuting distance of virtually all New
Yorkers and comprise our nation's largest and most comprehensive system
of public higher education; and
WHEREAS, Michael E. Russell, well-known and highly regarded for his
passionate commitment to higher education in the State of New York was,
in 2005, recognized and honored with a gubernatorial appointment to the
State University of New York Board of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, For more than four years, Michael E. Russell served admirably
and with distinction as a State University of New York Trustee, gener-
ously sharing his time, talent, and vast expertise and, in addition,
serving as Chair of the Committee on Community Colleges and as Co-chair
of the Committee on Academic Medical Centers and Hospitals and of the
Student Life Committee; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his appointment as a member of the State University
of New York Board of Trustees, for six years Michael E. Russell served
ably as a valued member of the Stony Brook University Council and, keep-
ing a watchful and responsible eye, was instrumental in helping to
further the mission and reputation of the University, one of the State
University of New York's four prestigious University Centers and
doctoral degree-granting institutions; and
WHEREAS, The University's invitation to become a member of the presti-
gious Association of American Universities (AAU), an association of 60
United States and two Canadian preeminent public and private research
institutions, received during his outstanding service on the Stony Brook
University Council, is another University accomplishment of which Micha-
el E. Russell may be justly proud; and
WHEREAS, Also during Michael E. Russell's tenure on the Stony Brook
University Council, the Athletics program, for which he was a firm and
fervent advocate as well, grew in substance and stature, achieving the
coveted status of being a Division I-AA institution; and
WHEREAS, As he completes more than ten years of exemplary service and
leadership as a member of the State University of New York Board of
Trustees and the Stony Brook University Council, Michael E. Russell
leaves a legacy of service, commitment, and professionalism for the
edification and emulation of others; and
WHEREAS, In the truest sense and spirit of commitment and dedication
to quality public higher education, Michael E. Russell, over the course
of many years, has given his leadership, time and energy to important
educational concerns and merits the admiration and appreciation of this
Legislative Body and the people of the State of New York; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael E. Russell upon the completion of his many years of dedi-

cated service as a member of the State University of New York Board of
Trustees and the Stony Brook University Council, noting with respect and
gratitude the significance and magnitude of his passionate commitment to
higher education in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael E. Russell.