LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sister Charlene Fontana upon the occa-
sion of her designation as recipient of the Faith Based and Education
Award on March 21, 2010

WHEREAS, Spiritual guidance and nurturing are of great import to the
vitality and well-being of all people and every community of this great
State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Sister Charlene Fontana upon the occasion of her designation as recipi-
ent of the Faith Based and Education Award to be celebrated in recogni-
tion of Women's History Month on March 21, 2010, at a ceremony held at
the Erie County Historical Society, Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born to Charles L. and Marie A. Fontana, Charlene Fontana
graduated from Mt. St. Joseph Academy in 1964; she also entered the
Sisters of St. Joseph in 1964 and received the habit in 1965; in addi-
tion, she graduated from Medaille College (Mt. St. Joseph Teachers
College) with a BS degree in Education in 1972; and
WHEREAS, Sister Charlene Fontana taught elementary education for the
Diocese of Buffalo for seven years and later graduated from Villa Maria
College with an AAS Degree in Executive Secretarial in 1977; she served
as the Personal Secretary to the President of the Sisters of St. Joseph
for 11 years, and also served as the Vocation Director for the Sisters
of St. Joseph for eight years; and
WHEREAS, Sister Charlene Fontana volunteered as the Spiritual Advisor
to the Diocesan SEARCH Retreats and as Leadership Program Coordinator
for 10 years; she also worked as a Catholic Campus Minister and Reli-
gious Education Coordinator at the Buffalo State College Newman Center
for 15 years; in 2004, she graduated from Buffalo State College with a
Master of Science degree in Student Personnel Administration; and
WHEREAS, Currently the Assistant to the Director of Student Life at
Buffalo State College, Sister Charlene Fontana is the recipient of the
Diocesan Service to Youth Award, and the John Cardinal Newman Service
Award from the Newman Center at Buffalo State College; and
WHEREAS, Developing a passion through her parents in working with
children, Sister Charlene Fontana's distinguished record merits the
recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sister Charlene Fontana upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Faith Based and Education Award on March 21, 2010; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sister Charlene Fontana.