LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mary Herlihy Gearan upon the occasion of
receiving the Citizen of the Year Award from the Geneva Area Chamber of
Commerce on April 29, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the practice 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
individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and
its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mary
Herlihy Gearan upon the occasion of receiving the Citizen of the Year
Award from the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce at its annual dinner to
be held on Thursday, April 29, 2010; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Mary Herlihy Gearan has
continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence
and diligent leadership in her unwavering service to her community and
subsequently has been designated for this most prestigious accolade; and
WHEREAS, Since moving to Geneva, New York, more than 10 years ago,
Mary Herlihy Gearan has given her time and talents to numerous organiza-
tions including the public library, the Boys and Girls Clubs and Happi-
ness House; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Mary Herlihy Gearan has given generously of
herself to the local school district, Our Lady of Peace, the Third Annu-
al Festival of Nations and Day of Service and the Women's Conference;
and
WHEREAS, The wife of Hobart and William Smith Colleges President, Mark
Gearan, Mary Herlihy Gearan serves as a true ambassador for these illus-
trious institutions and their students; she has personally assisted in
securing many students' internships, volunteer opportunities and employ-
ment within the Finger Lakes region; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Mary Herlihy Gearan has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Before coming to Geneva, Mary Herlihy Gearan earned a Bach-
elor's degree from Emmanuel College in Boston and a Law degree from
George Washington University in Washington, D.C.; among other jobs, she
previously served as a Vice President at the Wexler Group, a government
relations firm; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Mark, and their
daughters, Madeleine and Kathleen, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Mary Herlihy Gearan has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mary Herlihy Gearan upon the occasion of receiving the Citizen of
the Year Award from the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce on April 29,
2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mary Herlihy Gearan.