2013-J4568
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson upon the occa-
sion of her induction into the Tech Valley Business Hall of Fame by
Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York, Inc.
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of citizens who have made significant contributions to the
public prosperity of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Dr, Shirley Ann Jackson's remarkable career of professional
and personal service to the Capital Region, New York State and the
nation warrants the recognition and commendation of this Legislative
Body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Dr. Shirley
Ann Jackson upon the occasion of her induction into the Tech Valley
Business Hall of Fame by Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York,
Inc. on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at the Albany Marriott, Albany, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York (JA) is dedicated
to educating students about issues relating to work readiness, entre-
preneurship and financial literacy through the use of experiential,
hands-on programs; working in partnership with the business and educa-
tion communities, and through the support of community volunteers, JA
brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their poten-
tial; and
WHEREAS, The Tech Valley Business Hall of Fame event is a special
evening that celebrates the accomplishments of remarkable members of the
local community who, in their outstanding careers are role models for
youth, notable not only for their leadership in enhancing free enter-
prise, but also for their contributions to the community; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson is the President of Rensselaer Poly-
technic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, where she is also Professor
of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy, and Professor of Engineering
Services; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson has helmed RPI since 1999, and, under
her bold and astute leadership, this esteemed educational institution
has transformed into a top-tier technological research university with
dramatic increases in research awards, freshman enrollments, and new
faculty; she has also overseen significant improvements in and the
expansion of RPI's campus; and
WHEREAS, In addition to academe, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson has held
senior leadership positions in government, industry, and research;
before assuming her current post, she served as chairman of the United
States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, appointed by President William
Jefferson Clinton; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson is also a prominent figure in the
world of business; a life member of the M.I.T. Corporation, she is a
director of several major corporations, including FedEx, Marathon Oil,
Medtronic, and PSEG; and
WHEREAS, President Barack Obama appointed this exceptional woman to
serve on the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
(PCAST) in 2009; within PCAST, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson serves as
co-chair of the President's Innovation and Technology Committee, and
serves on the White House Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Committee
2.0; in addition, she is a member of the United States Department of
Energy's Secretary of Energy Advisory Board; and
WHEREAS, Committed to education and research, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson
is a Regent of the Smithsonian Institution, a trustee of the Brookings
Institution, and a member of the board of the Council on Foreign
Relations; and
WHEREAS, This extraordinary scientist and educator holds an S.B. in
physics and a Ph.D. in theoretical elementary particle physics from
Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she was the first African
American woman ever to earn a doctorate in the field; and
WHEREAS, Those individuals who have given so selflessly of their
skills and dedication, are worthy and due full recognition for their
valued contributions on behalf of their country and its ideals, uphold-
ing the patriotic character and principled ideals of organizations in
service to their fellowman; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson upon the occasion of her induction into
the Tech Valley Business Hall of Fame by Junior Achievement of North-
eastern New York, Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson.