LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sheldon R. Gelman upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition as the Dean of the Wurzweiler
School of Social Work of Yeshiva University

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and charac-
ter whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this great
State and whose professional lives, personal endeavors and community
service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues, friends, and
family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Sheldon R. Gelman upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition as the Dean of the Wurzweiler School of Social Work of Yesh-
iva University; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Wednes-
day, May 11, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Sheldon R. Gelman is the Professor and Dorothy and David I.
Schachne Dean at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work of Yeshiva Univer-
sity in New York; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers, a Fellow
of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabili-
ties, and the New York Academy of Medicine, Sheldon R. Gelman earned his
B.S. in psychology and his M.S.W. in social group work at the Universi-
ty of Pittsburgh; he is also a Ph.D. in Welfare Planning from the Heller
School of Brandeis University, and a M.S.L. (Master of Studies in Law)
from Yale University Law School; and
WHEREAS, Sheldon R. Gelman has held office and served on national
commissions of the Council on Social Work Education, including the Board
of Directors and Commission on Accreditation, the National Association
of Social Work Deans, the American Association on Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilities, and the National Association of Social Work-
ers; and
WHEREAS, The author of more than 100 professional articles and book
chapters, Sheldon R. Gelman has served as a consultant to many social
welfare organizations, presented testimony before legislative bodies,
and served as an expert witness in more than a dozen cases; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, Sheldon R. Gelman was named a "Social Work Pioneer"
by the National Association of Social Workers; and
WHEREAS, Celebrating his 21st anniversary as Dean of the Wurzweiler
School of Social Work of Yeshiva University, Sheldon R. Gelman is the
longest serving dean in the New York City area; during his tenure, he
has elevated the school to a high level of excellence by establishing a
Foundation year curriculum, adding new elective course offerings, and
expanding concentrations to include social casework, social group work
and community practice; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Sheldon R. Gelman has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Sheldon R. Gelman has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-

tion, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sheldon R. Gelman upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition as the Dean of the Wurzweiler School of Social Work of Yesh-
iva University; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dean Sheldon R. Gelman.