LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Dennis L. Hefner, Ph.D. upon the occa-
sion of his retirement after 16 years of dedicated service as President
of the State University of New York at Fredonia

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant contributions to higher education by certain esteemed resi-
dents of this great 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 Dr.
Dennis L. Hefner upon the occasion of his retirement after 16 years of
dedicated service as President of the State University of New York at
Fredonia; and
WHEREAS, President Dennis L. Hefner is the longest-serving president
at SUNY Fredonia, and the second-longest serving president among four-
year institutions in the SUNY system; and
WHEREAS, A true scholar, Dennis L. Hefner received a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Economics from California State University, Chico, California,
and a Master of Arts degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Econom-
ics from Washington State University; and
WHEREAS, President Hefner has led SUNY Fredonia to exceptional
success; during his tenure, the campus has consistently been ranked
among the top northeastern public regional universities; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Fredonia has been ranked seventh nationally for its
four-year graduation rates among public universities as a result of its
"Fredonia in 4" program; SAT scores have improved by 80 points; and
enrollment has been increased by 25 percent; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Fredonia has experienced significant growth in enroll-
ment during President Hefner's tenure with a 25 percent increase in
undergraduate enrollment; in addition, graduate enrollment has doubled
and international student enrollment has tripled; furthermore, diversity
at the institution has increased by a staggering 600 percent since his
arrival on campus; and
WHEREAS, President Hefner also has guided SUNY Fredonia through two
major capital campaigns; external grant funding has reached record
levels; and a significant amount in construction funding has been
secured for the campus; and
WHEREAS, Construction and renovation projects at SUNY Fredonia under
his leadership include the Natatorium, University Commons, Rosch Recital
Hall, University Stadium, Campus and Community Children's Center, Busi-
ness Technology Incubator, Robert and Marilyn Maytum Music Rehearsal
Halls, Science Center, Maytum Hall, Williams Center and the Rockefeller
Arts Center; and
WHEREAS, The SUNY Fredonia College of Education, School of Business
and Center for Multicultural Affairs were all created under the leader-
ship of Dr. Dennis Hefner; and
WHEREAS, President Dennis L. Hefner has been honored with the
Outstanding Alumnus Award from California State University, Chico; Busi-
nessman of the Year from the Fredonia Chamber of Commerce; Outstanding
Executive Award for Western New York from the Public Relations Society
of America; Administrator of the Year Award from the Chautauqua County
Association of Educational Office Professionals; and Leader of the Year
Award from the Chautauqua Leadership Network; and
WHEREAS, Observing that special recognition should be given to those
who work so assiduously for the advancement of higher education and
should be acknowledged publicly for the good works performed by educa-
tors and administrators of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize and honor those educators and administrators who dedicate them-
selves to advancing institutions of higher education in this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Dennis L. Hefner upon the occasion of his retirement after 16
years of dedicated service as President of the State University of New
York at Fredonia; and be it further
RESOLVED That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be trans-
mitted to Dr. Dennis L. Hefner.