LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Academy
for Lifelong Learning at Saratoga Springs

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 20th Anniversary of the Academy for Lifelong Learning at Sara-
toga Springs; a year of events have been planned, beginning July 1,
2012, and continuing through June 30, 2013, to celebrate this auspicious
occasion with the theme of Nourish Your Body, Nourish Your Mind; and
WHEREAS, The numerous activities and special events, many of which
will be free and open to the public, exemplifying the Academy for Life-
long Learning's dedication to providing educational opportunities to the
community; and
WHEREAS, This vital organization was founded in 1992 by local resident
Marianne Finnegan under the name of Academy for Learning in Retirement
at Saratoga Springs as a non-profit, member-driven and managed organiza-
tion offering non-credit academic study groups, while providing leader-
ship, personal development and social opportunities for adults who have
a continued passion for learning; and
WHEREAS, The Academy for Lifelong Learning was modeled after the
Universities of the Third Age in Europe; sponsored by SUNY Empire State
College since its founding, it shares the SUNY Empire State College's
mission for lifelong learning; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, the new name, Academy for Lifelong Learning at Sara-
toga Springs, was adopted to better reflect its membership; for the past
two decades, it has offered quality non-credit academic study groups on
a wide variety of subjects, leadership and social opportunities to resi-
dents of the greater Capital/Saratoga Region, as well as Washington,
Warren, Essex and Fulton Counties; and
WHEREAS, The Academy for Lifelong Learning, with over 500 members
annually and thousands in its 20-year history, successfully addresses
the educational needs of the largest growing segment of the national
population; it has offered more than 700 study groups since 1992; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, the Academy for Lifelong Learning has a strong
scholarship program believing that no interested individual should be
deprived access to quality educational experiences due to educational
background or financial circumstances; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, dedicated member volunteers and staff
members have upheld the mission of the Academy for Lifelong Learning;
and
WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Jo-Ellen Unger, Exec-
utive Director, the Academy for Lifelong Learning continues to enrich
the lives of the community's adults by providing informative, provoca-
tive and stimulating opportunities for learning and self-development
through a wide range of academic and social activities; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Academy for Lifelong Learning at
Saratoga Springs; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jo-Ellen Unger, Executive Director, the Academy for Lifelong
Learning at Saratoga Springs.