LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Patricia D. Claiborne upon the occasion
of her retirement after many years of distinguished service to Cornell
University Cooperative Extension, Orange County, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed resi-
dents of this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Patricia D. Claiborne upon the occasion of her retirement after 38 years
of distinguished service to Cornell University Cooperative Extension,
Orange County, New York, to be celebrated at a retirement dinner and
tribute on February 11, 2011, at Kuhl's Highland House in Middletown,
New York; and
WHEREAS, For the past 38 years, Patricia Claiborne rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to Cornell University Cooperative
Extension, earning the admiration, esteem and affection of her
colleagues; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her career, Patricia Claiborne has embodied
Cornell University Cooperative Extension's mission of enabling people to
improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put expe-
rience and research knowledge to work; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Virginia State College, Patricia Claiborne
earned her Master's degree from Cornell University joining the Cornell
Cooperative Extension in July of 1972; since the beginning of her career
Patricia Claiborne managed all aspects of operations providing leader-
ship and opportunities for the youth and families of Orange County; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Claiborne started as a Cooperative Extension Agent
responsible for providing leadership for the Expanded Food and Nutrition
Education Program; in 1978 she became an Extension Associate with
Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration in Ithaca, New York, where
she learned about the Extension System and was a Program Liaison between
county associations and extension administration providing program
support to field staff; and
WHEREAS, In 1982 Patricia Claiborne returned to Cooperative Extension
in Orange County as Home Economics Program Leader, and in 2004 ultimate-
ly became the Executive Director; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her prestigious career, Patricia Claiborne has
been the recipient of many awards and accolades including the Human
Rights Commission Award, the National Association of Extension Home
Economists Newsletter Award, the National Association of Extension Home
Economists Diversity Award, and the Leadership Orange Pinnacle Award;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, Patricia Claiborne is also the proud recipient
of the National Association of Family and Consumer Science's Financial
Management Award; she was selected as a Woman of Achievement of Orange
County in 2004 by the Sarah Wells Girl Scout Council and the YWCA of
Orange County where she served as their Honorary Chairwoman for the 2008
Tribute to Women of Achievement of Orange County; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Claiborne also contributes of her time and energy
through her many community affiliations and board memberships including
the Orange Regional Medical Center Board of Directors, Emergency Housing
Board of Directors, Orange County Citizens Foundation Board of Directors
and Board of Directors Middletown Kiwanis Club; she has also served, in
the past, on numerous other boards and committees; and
WHEREAS, In her capacity as Executive Director, Patricia Claiborne
served with loyalty, honor and distinction, and was governed by a keen

sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems in her
official acts; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Claiborne resides in Middletown, New York, with her
son Justin; in her spare time she enjoys reading and collecting
antiques; 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 Patricia D. Claiborne upon the occasion of her retirement after 38
years of distinguished service to Cornell University Cooperative Exten-
sion, Orange County, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Patricia D. Claiborne.