LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the retirement of Professor Richard F.
Young from Jefferson Community College

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this great
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
retirement of Professor Richard F. Young from Jefferson Community
College; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson Community College speech professor Richard Young
taught his last class on Monday, May 7, 2012, ending a 41-year career in
which he became the longest-serving campus member in Jefferson Community
College's (JCC) history; he graduated from JCC in 1968 with an associ-
ate's degree in liberal arts before moving on to SUNY Geneseo to obtain
a bachelor's degree in speech and communications; and
WHEREAS, When a JCC professor quit abruptly before spring semester of
1971, Richard Young was called to interview for the position; James E.
McVean, JCC's first president, told Mr. Young that he could keep the
position if he could obtain his master's degree in the next few years
while still teaching classes on campus; for the next two summers, Mr.
Young flew to the University of Oregon for its master of arts program;
and
WHEREAS, Richard Young said he stayed at JCC for so long because he
had more flexibility to experiment; he served as the first humanities
chairman and liberal arts dean, and also established the first alumni
association; other achievements include the inaugural Distinguished
Alumni Award in 1989, the SUNY Alumni Honor Roll in 1994 and the SUNY
Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service in 2006; and
WHEREAS, One who taught public speaking every year, Richard Young said
he hopes he is remembered not just for his work ethic, but also for his
effectiveness in teaching; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demon-
strated by Professor Richard Young over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the retirement of Professor Richard F. Young from Jefferson Commu-
nity College; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Professor Richard F. Young.