LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the life and accomplishments of George
F. Shepard, Dean Emeritus at Orange County Community College

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor the life and
accomplishments of individuals whose enduring commitment and dedication
significantly enhanced the quality of life and education in their commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, With deep regret this Legislative Body records the passing of
George F. Shepard, Dean Emeritus at Orange County Community College,
formerly of Kirbytown Road, Town of Wawayanda and an area resident since
1946, who died on January 22, 2011 at the age of 92 at Valley View
Center for Nursing Care and Rehabilitation in Goshen, New York; and
WHEREAS, The son of the late George F. Shepard and Margaret Cavanaugh
Shepard, he was born on March 11, 1918 in Cohoes, New York; and
WHEREAS, George F. Shepard earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jour-
nalism from Michigan State University in 1941 and a master's degree in
education from Columbia University in 1959; and
WHEREAS, Having served in the Pacific during World War II, he proudly
held the rank of Major (retired) in the United States Marine Corps; and
WHEREAS, The American education system is a treasured institution;
those, such as George F. Shepard, who work to improve it and to ensure
that all students have access to quality educational programs at all
levels merit the highest commendation of this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, George F. Shepard was Director of Student Activities of the
original faculty of Orange County Community College; he was promoted to
Dean of Students in 1963 and retired with the honorary title of Dean
Emeritus at Orange County Community College in 1983; and
WHEREAS, George F. Shepard, in addition, served as the Executive
Director of the Orange County Community College Association and was the
founder of the Orange County Community College Alumni Association; and
WHEREAS, During his long life in Orange County George F. Shepard was
active in his community as well as his profession; a much admired and
valued citizen, he served on the Board of Directors of the Orange County
Citizens Foundation and the Hudson Delaware Boy Scout Council; he was
also a member of the Orange County Historical Society, Friends of Hill
Hold and Brick Museums and the Orange County Arboretum and was most
honored to have been named Orange County Citizen of the Year by the
TIMES HERALD-RECORD in 1980; and
WHEREAS, To honor his memory, George F. Shepard's beloved Orange Coun-
ty Community College family has established the Dean George F. Shepard
Memorial Scholarship Fund and will hold a memorial service in the spring
at the College in Middletown; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his long and distinguished career, George
F. Shepard touched the lives of thousands of young people, their
parents, and the Orange County community he served and leaves a legacy
of learning and commitment which will long endure; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the memory of George F. Shepard, to celebrate his life, and
to acknowledge the significance of his contributions to his community
and to education in Orange County and New York State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Orange County Community College, 115 South Street, Middle-
town, New York 10940.