LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 40th Anniversary of SUNY Empire
State College

WHEREAS, The State of New York is renowned for its centuries-old tradi-
tion of excellence and diversity in education and for the place of para-
mount importance which education holds for the people of the State; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions of commitment and high achievement, such as SUNY
Empire State College, whose purpose and endeavors are dedicated to the
pursuit of excellence in education and service to community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor SUNY
Empire State College upon the occasion of the celebration of its 40th
Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of the then Chancellor of the State
University of New York Ernest L. Boyer, Empire State College was founded
in 1971 with a mission to recognize the importance of providing an
alternative pathway for individuals to achieve their higher education
goals; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Empire State College was modeled on an "open" system of
higher education and continues to ensure that motivated adult learners
have access to college programs regardless of their geographic location
or time-limiting work, family and community responsibilities at 35
locations around New York State, online, and around the world; and
WHEREAS, Today, SUNY Empire State College is a comprehensive public
college within the State University of New York system; it awards asso-
ciate, bachelor's and master's degrees and annually serves 20,000
students, 75 percent of whom work full-time, and justly prides itself on
its 60,000 alumni; and
WHEREAS, During the last four decades, dedicated faculty and staff
have upheld the central hallmark of the college: its ability and will-
ingness to support the individual learner; to value their acquired know-
ledge; and to respect their personal, academic and career goals; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Empire State College continues to provide variable ways
to learn; students can pursue their degree program face-to-face with a
faculty mentor, using the newest computer and telecommunications tech-
nology, or using a blended method which combines face-to-face and online
work to support its educational model; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Empire State College also continues to deliver rigorous
degree programs which are relevant to today's global economy and which
enable students to attain their educational and career goals while
providing the flexibility for them to fulfill their personal and profes-
sional commitments; and
WHEREAS, Empire State College has been charged by current Chancellor
Nancy L. Zimpher to take the lead in advancing OPEN SUNY, one of the 18
key initiatives of the university's strategic plan, The Power of SUNY;
and
WHEREAS, Empire State College's own strategic plan, Vision 2015, also
calls for the expansion of educational opportunities for all learners
through inclusive, progressive programs and services; and
WHEREAS, With great pride, SUNY Empire State College will celebrate
the auspicious occasion of its 40th Anniversary hosting events across
the State throughout 2011; and
WHEREAS, The many events it will host include the International Coun-
cil for Open and Distance Education's Annual Standing Conference of
Presidents to be held at the SUNY Global Center in New York City, bring-
ing together college presidents from 60 countries around the world to

address the theme of the conference, "Open Learning in a New Economy";
and
WHEREAS, In Saratoga, New York, the College's headquarters, SUNY
Empire State College will host the prestigious Boyer Lecture to be
presented by Sir John Daniel, a world-renowned authority on open and
distance learning, and the first annual SUNYwide Sustainability Confer-
ence; and
WHEREAS, The colleges and universities of this State and nation
reflect the character and values of the society in which they exist; the
administration, faculty, students and alumni of SUNY Empire State
College may take just pride in its history of quality leadership, teach-
ing, achievement and community support, spanning 40 years of accomplish-
ment, and bequeathing a legacy of excellence and service for present and
future generations; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by SUNY Empire State College is in direct
correlation to the efforts of a skilled staff and administration whose
involvement is and has been characterized by an impressive commitment,
an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all its endeavors on behalf of the College and the population it serves;
and
WHEREAS, SUNY Empire State College stands prepared to reach out in
earnest and enthusiastic quest of its mission, proudly aware of its
history and planning with vision and purpose to meet the challenges of
the future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That it is with immense pride that this Legislative Body
pauses in its deliberations to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of SUNY
Empire State College fully confident that its future will be as distin-
guished as is its past; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to SUNY Empire State College.