LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the appointment of George M. Philip as
the 18th President of the University at Albany, State University of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge those individuals of remarkable integrity and char-
acter whose endeavors have substantially enhanced the quality of higher
education in the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the appointment of George M. Philip as the 18th President of the Univer-
sity at Albany, State University of New York; and
WHEREAS, On June 16, 2009, the State University of New York Board of
Trustees voted to designate George M. Philip as the 18th President of
the University at Albany; and
WHEREAS, Under George Philip's direction as Interim President since
November 2007, the University at Albany has achieved greater heights,
realizing a record of $392 million in research funding; undergraduate
and graduate student enrollment exceeding 18,000 students; 14 academic
programs in the top 25 nationwide; and the most successful SUNY capital
advocacy effort ever, resulting in support for a new School of Business
building, Campus Center expansion and vital critical maintenance needs;
and
WHEREAS, President George M. Philip is the right leader for these
times, guiding the University through its accreditation process with the
Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and steering the campus
through an extraordinarily challenging budget environment; and
WHEREAS, President George M. Philip has the expertise and intelligence
needed to lead the University at Albany, having served for 37 years at
the New York State Teachers' Retirement System, 13 years as the Execu-
tive Director and 15 years as Chief Investment Officer, where he was
responsible for overseeing $105 billion in assets for one of the
nation's largest public retirement funds; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the New York State Teachers' Retirement
System, President George M. Philip has also served as a teacher, member
of the State University Research Foundation Board of Directors, and
chairman of the University at Albany Council, making him ideally quali-
fied to lead the University; and
WHEREAS, As a UAlbany alumnus, receiving both bachelor's and master's
degrees from the institution, President George M. Philip will be a tire-
less advocate for the University at Albany, building upon his already
strong and dedicated relationships with students, faculty and staff; and
WHEREAS, George M. Philip will advance a leadership style grounded in
honesty, integrity and respect, thereby serving the best interests of
the University at Albany, the Capital Region, and the greater State
University of New York; and
WHEREAS, The illustrious career and accomplishments of President
George M. Philip present a model of educational leadership and achieve-
ment which merits the admiration and appreciation of the people of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the appointment of George M. Philip as the 18th President of the
University at Albany, State University of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to President George M. Philip.