LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 40th Anniversary of SUNY Empire
State College in Rochester, New York

WHEREAS, The State of New York is renowned for its centuries-old tradi-
tion of excellence and diversity in education and for the place of para-
mount importance which education holds for the people of the State; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions of commitment and high achievement, such as SUNY
Empire State College, whose purpose and endeavor are dedicated to the
pursuit of excellence in education and service to community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor SUNY
Empire State College in Rochester, New York, upon the occasion of the
celebration of its 40th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, To celebrate this most auspicious occasion, the College will
host a special anniversary reception on May 2, 2012 in Cutler Ballroom
at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, New York; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of the then Chancellor of the State
University of New York Ernest L. Boyer, Empire State College was founded
in 1971 with a mission to recognize the importance of providing an
alternative pathway for individuals to achieve their higher education
goals; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Empire State College was modeled on an "open" system of
higher education and continues to ensure that motivated adult learners
have access to college programs regardless of their geographic location
or time-limiting work, family and community responsibilities at 34
locations around New York State, online, and around the world; and
WHEREAS, Today, SUNY Empire State College is a comprehensive public
college within the State University of New York system; it awards asso-
ciate, bachelor's and master's degrees and annually serves 20,000
students, 75 percent of whom work full-time, and justly prides itself on
its 60,000 alumni; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Empire State College in Rochester has had a positive
impact on the citizens of its community as well as the economy; in 40
years, it has proudly graduated over 3,500 alumni in the community who
are now serving public and private industry; and
WHEREAS, During the last four decades, dedicated faculty and staff
have upheld the central hallmark of the college: its ability and will-
ingness to support the individual learner; to value their acquired know-
ledge; and to respect their personal, academic and career goals; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Empire State College in Rochester continues to provide
variable ways to learn; students can pursue their degree program face-
to-face with a faculty mentor, using the newest computer and telecommu-
nications technology, or using a blended method which combines face-to-
face and online work to support its educational model; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Empire State College in Rochester also continues to
deliver rigorous degree programs which are relevant to today's global
economy and which enable students to attain their educational and career
goals while providing the flexibility for them to fulfill their personal
and professional commitments; and
WHEREAS, The colleges and universities of this State and nation
reflect the character and values of the society in which they exist; the
administration, faculty, students and alumni of SUNY Empire State
College in Rochester may take just pride in its history of quality lead-
ership, teaching, achievement and community support, spanning 40 years
of accomplishment, and bequeathing a legacy of excellence and service
for present and future generations; and

WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by SUNY Empire State College in Rochester
is in direct correlation to the efforts of a skilled staff and adminis-
tration whose involvement is and has been characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all its endeavors on behalf of the College and the popu-
lation it serves; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Empire State College in Rochester stands prepared to
reach out in earnest and enthusiastic quest of its mission, proudly
aware of its history and planning with vision and purpose to meet the
challenges of the future; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of its gratitude and as an expression of great
respect and high regard, this Legislative Body is proud to commemorate
this auspicious milestone in the history of the College; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That it is with immense pride that this Legislative Body
pauses in its deliberations to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of SUNY
Empire State College in Rochester, New York, fully confident that its
future will be as distinguished as is its past; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to SUNY Empire State College.