LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. William Richards upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition by Safe Harbors of the Hudson

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize
those extraordinary individuals who have made contributions to the
success and progress of society in the course of their life's work; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr.
William Richards upon the occasion of his designation for special recog-
nition by Safe Harbors of the Hudson, to be celebrated at its 5th Annual
Gala on Saturday, June 11, 2011, in Newburgh, New York; and
WHEREAS, Incorporated in 2000, Safe Harbors of the Hudson is a nonpro-
fit organization that is committed to transforming lives and building
communities through housing and the arts in the City of Newburgh; and
WHEREAS, Dr. William Richards is now in his eighth year as President
of SUNY Orange; he arrived at the institution in August of 2003, and
immediately brought all factions of the College together in a successful
collaborative effort to redevelop a more tightly focused mission, vision
and value statement; he shepherded the College through an exhaustive and
thorough self-assessment which resulted in the development of SUNY
Orange's first ever five-year-Strategic Plan; and
WHEREAS, Dr. William Richards has brought a style of leadership that
focuses on three major goals, including: enriching lives through learn-
ing, enhancing economic opportunities in the area the College serves,
and participating in and leading community development; and
WHEREAS, In order to achieve these particular goals, Dr. Richards
believes that the most important resources available are the people he
leads; he considers himself the main supporter of innovation, creativity
and risk-taking among all employees; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Orange's expanded campus in Newburgh, including a spar-
kling new 85,000-square-foot Kaplan Hall, has elevated educational
access for students from throughout the eastern portion of Orange Coun-
ty, and beyond; Dr. Richards has maintained that the burgeoning campus
will be a key component to the revitalization of the City of Newburgh in
the coming years; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his presidency at SUNY Orange, Dr. William Richards
spent three years as chief executive officer of the Westminster Campus
of Front Range Community College in Denver, Colorado; that followed a
one-year stint as president of the Higher Education and Advanced Tech-
nologies Center in Denver; and
WHEREAS, From 1996 through 1999, Dr. William Richards was president of
Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colorado, which followed a four-year
tour as vice president of Educational Programs and Resources at North
Harris College in Houston, Texas; he was also Dean of Arts and Humani-
ties and Dean of Developmental Studies during a 10-year stay at the
Community College of Denver; and
WHEREAS, Dr. William Richards earned a bachelor's degree, graduating
magna cum laude from Regis College and a master's degree with honors,
from St. Louis University; he acquired his Ph.D. in medieval literature
from the University of Denver; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Dr. William Richards and his wife,
Helen, are actively involved with many organizations in Orange County;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the life in their community and have shown a long and sustained
commitment to excellence certainly have earned recognition and applause;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. William Richards upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Safe Harbors of the Hudson; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. William Richards.