LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Brian Maher upon the occasion of receiv-
ing the Jack Lessing Meritorious Service Award from St. John the Baptist
Diocesan High School on June 15, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citi-
zenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Brian Maher upon the occasion of receiving the Jack Lessing Meritorious
Service Award from St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School at its 2010
Gentlemen's Dinner to be held at The Riverview in Oakdale, New York, on
Tuesday, June 15, 2010; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Brian Maher has continually
demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent
leadership in his unwavering service to both his profession and communi-
ty; and
WHEREAS, Brian Maher began his career teaching Business Education at
St. John the Baptist when the first class was beginning its senior
year; he immediately immersed himself with different aspects of student
life and was a class moderator and a devoted fan of its fledging athlet-
ic teams; and
WHEREAS, In 1975, Brian Maher relinquished his teaching position at
St. John the Baptist to take a job as an accountant in Abilities, Inc.;
and
WHEREAS, After leaving St. John the Baptist, Brian Maher honed his
financial analysis skills and taught evenings at Farmingdale State
College (FSC); he eventually accepted an administrative position at FSC
and during his 31 year career there has served in a number of capacities
and is presently the Director of the Long Island Educational Opportunity
Center, a program that provides academic and vocational courses to
economically and educationally underserved New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Over the years his accomplishments have been recognized when
he earned the SUNY Chancellors Award for Excellence in Professional
Service as well as the Farmingdale Foundation Award; he has also served
his professional colleagues on a variety of local and statewide commit-
tees; and
WHEREAS, Despite his busy professional life, Brian Maher has been
called upon to contribute his time and talents to countless civic and
charitable endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, While choosing to embark on a new career, Brian Maher never
truly left St. John the Baptist; he is a charter member of the Develop-
ment Board, and has been available to do whatever has been needed to
promote the different fund raising activities the school has undertaken;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to his loyalty to St. John the Baptist, Brian
Maher has been active with Good Samaritan Hospital, the Eastern Amputee
Golf Association, and Good Shepherd Hospice; most recently, he completed
his term as President of the National Alumni Association of Providence
College, the alma mater he has served since the day he graduated; he has
also written a weekly column for the past 14 years in the bulletin of
St. Joseph's Church, and can be seen on Telecare in two-minute segments
based on these columns entitled, "Neighbor2Neighbor"; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Brian Maher has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, His most significant accomplishment, however, has been his 37
year marriage to his wife, Barbara, their three children, Dan (currently
a teacher at SJB), Tim '97, and Kara Grace; his daughter-in-law, Carly,
as well as their grandchildren, Molly and Grace, and a grandson who will
arrive in July; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Brian Maher has displayed throughout
his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Brian Maher upon the occasion of receiving the Jack Lessing Meri-
torious Service Award from St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School on
June 15, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Brian Maher.