LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION, honoring Bill Harper upon the occasion of his
retirement after many years of distinguished service to the Syracuse
Educational Opportunity Center

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those illustrious individuals of distinguished purpose whose
lives have been committed to the pursuit of excellence and who bring
great pride to the citizens of our great State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Bill
Harper upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distin-
guished service to the Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center; and
WHEREAS, As Director of the Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center
for 27 years, Bill Harper has provided thousands of adult learners
throughout Syracuse and Central New York a second educational chance,
thereby helping them pursue their educational and career goals; and
WHEREAS, Since the outset of his tenure at the Syracuse Educational
Opportunity Center in November of 1982, Bill Harper has continually
spearheaded the Center's implementation of new programs, such as ESL,
Construction Trades, Certified Nurse Aide, Medical Billing and Coding,
Emergency Medical Technician, and Medical Secretary; and
WHEREAS, In order to deliver the highest quality academic and voca-
tional programs and career counseling/case management services to adult
learners throughout Syracuse and Central New York, Bill Harper consist-
ently earmarked funds to equip EOC classrooms, faculty, and staff with
state-of-the-art equipment; and
WHEREAS, Through his leadership and determination, Bill Harper has
greatly improved the image and the public awareness of the Syracuse
Educational Opportunity Center throughout Central New York; and
WHEREAS, Bill Harper, with his keen wit, engaging smile, and wonderful
laugh, has not only endeared himself to the local Educational Opportu-
nity Center community, but also to people at Educational Opportunity
Center locations throughout the State, to the staff at the University
Center for Academic and Workforce Development, and to staff at Morris-
ville State College, which is the Center's sponsoring institution; and
WHEREAS, Bill Harper, whose core mission was dedication and service to
the Educational Opportunity Center student, deserves our greatest thanks
and appreciation, and our warmest wishes for a happy and fulfilling
retirement; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Bill Harper for his 27 years of distinguished service to the Syra-
cuse Educational Opportunity Center, and to wish him well in all his
future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bill Harper.