LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sister Lauren Fitzgerald upon the occa-
sion of her retirement after many years of distinguished service as
President of Maria College

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding
educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instru-
mental in developing character and academic excellence in those attend-
ing higher education in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Sister Lauren Fitzgerald upon the occasion of her retirement after many
years of distinguished service as President of Maria College; she will
officially retire from her position in August of 2012; and
WHEREAS, A Maria College graduate herself, Sister Lauren Fitzgerald
went on to obtain a bachelor's degree at The College of St. Rose,
followed by a master's degree at the University at Albany and a second
master's degree from the Catholic University of America; and
WHEREAS, Prior to her career at Maria College, Sister Lauren Fitzger-
ald served as Vice Principal for Administration Catholic Central High
School; and
WHEREAS, Sister Lauren Fitzgerald has been in higher education for 38
years, all of which have been spent at Maria College: first as Vice
President, then Academic Dean and then in her current role as President;
and
WHEREAS, Under Sister Lauren Fitzgerald's leadership, the College has
grown from 250 to more than 1,000 students; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Sister Lauren Fitzgerald has been credited with
meeting the needs of the community workforce by expanding the College's
two-year degree and certificate programs, as well as by adding its first
four-year degree program; and
WHEREAS, Educational Administrators provide a tremendous service to
the future of our State and Nation, particularly Sister Lauren Fitzger-
ald, who has inspired the lives of countless students from Maria College
in their educational journeys and ensuring their success for years to
come; and
WHEREAS, Sister Lauren Fitzgerald has clearly had an enduring impact
on the students, both past and present, of the Maria College, as well as
on the community-at-large, and accordingly merits recognition and
applause for many years of impressive dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sister Lauren Fitzgerald upon the occasion of her retirement as
President of Maria College, and to wish her continued success in all of
her future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sister Lauren Fitzgerald.