LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. David Conklin upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition after 20 years of distinguished
service to Dutchess Community College

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Dr. David Conklin has given not only of his time and energies
but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. David
Conklin upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 20 years of distinguished service to Dutchess Community College,
to be celebrated at its Annual Gala on Saturday, March 24, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Dr. Conklin earned his
doctorate in higher education from New York University and his master's
and bachelor's degrees from The Pennsylvania State University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. David Conklin became the President of Dutchess Community
College in September of 1992; and
WHEREAS, Under Dr. David Conklin's leadership, Dutchess Community
College has become one of the most highly regarded community colleges in
the State University of New York system; and
WHEREAS, During Dr. David Conklin's tenure, enrollment has grown from
fewer than 7,000 students to more than 10,000; in addition, more than 20
academic programs have been added to the curriculum, bringing the number
of A.A., A.S., A.A.S. and certificate programs to 64; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Dutchess Community College has become the college
of choice for the residents of Dutchess County; approximately 39% of the
county's college-bound high school students attend this budding institu-
tion; and
WHEREAS, Under Dr. David Conklin's leadership, numerous facilities
have been added, renovated and enhanced to better serve students,
including: the Allyn J. Washington Center for Science and Art; Hudson
Hall, the Student Services Center, Bowne Hall, more than 110 "smart"
classrooms and labs that offer the latest instructional technology; and
the college's first on-campus residence hall scheduled to open in August
of 2012; and
WHEREAS, Dr. David Conklin has published several articles on community
colleges, and has been a presenter at numerous regional and national
conferences including the College Board National Forum, the Middle
States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools Annual Conference,
and the American Association of Community Colleges Annual Conference;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. David Conklin has a long history of volunteer service in
his region; he currently serves on the board of directors of Vassar
Brothers Medical Center and Dutchess County Economic Development Corpo-
ration; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man has served as chair of the Empire Zone
Administrative Board and the Dutchess County United Way, and in numerous
other board leadership capacities; and
WHEREAS, Dr. David Conklin serves on the College Board National Advi-
sory Panel and is a member of several professional organizations,
including the American Association of Community Colleges' Commission on
Economic and Workforce Development, and the New York Community College
Association of Presidents; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Dr. David Conklin has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Dr. David Conklin 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 Dr. David Conklin upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 20 years of distinguished service to Dutchess Communi-
ty College; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. David Conklin.