LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Lisa Marsh Ryerson upon the occasion of
her retirement as President of Wells College after many years of dedi-
cated service on behalf of higher education

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this great
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Lisa
Marsh Ryerson upon the occasion of her retirement as President of Wells
College after many years of dedicated service of behalf of higher educa-
tion; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at a Board of Trustees
hosted gala, at the College, to be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1868 as a women's college by Henry Wells, Presi-
dent of Wells Fargo and American Express Companies, Wells College is a
nationally recognized private coeducational liberal arts college located
in beautiful Aurora, New York, on the shore of Cayuga Lake; it is known
for small class sizes, strong academic majors, and extensive and inte-
grated hands-on learning opportunities; and
WHEREAS, The mission of Wells College is to teach its students to
think critically, reason wisely, and act humanely as they cultivate
meaningful lives; the College is exceptional in its commitment to
providing access to higher education; its academic programs allow
students substantial freedom to create individually unique educational
entrepreneurships; and
WHEREAS, Lisa Marsh Ryerson has served as Wells College President
since February 1995; she is the College's 17th President and the first
alumna to hold the position; and
WHEREAS, The retirement of Lisa Marsh Ryerson as President of Wells
College marks the culmination of a distinguished 28 year professional
career at Wells; after graduating in 1981, she served as the College's
assistant director of admissions and associate dean of students before
completing her master's degree at the State University of New York at
Cortland; and
WHEREAS, After four years of teaching in the public schools, Lisa
Marsh Ryerson returned to Wells College in 1991 to serve as dean of
students, executive vice president and acting President prior to being
appointed President in 1995; and
WHEREAS, During her tenure as the President of Wells College, Lisa
Marsh Ryerson led the College's effort that resulted in substantial
improvements to the campus, the revitalization of commercial properties
in the village of Aurora, a successful transition to coeducation, the
launch of an endowed Center for Business and Entrepreneurship, and
expanded programs and opportunities for students; and
WHEREAS, In addition, during the presidency of Lisa Marsh Ryerson,
Wells College had a 32% increase in overall enrollment, received nine of
the largest gifts in the College's history and enjoyed consistently high
national rankings; and
WHEREAS, President Lisa Marsh Ryerson has strengthened the national
profile of Wells College through her active participation in numerous
state and national organizations; including serving as board chair for
the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities of New York
State, the Women's College Coalition, and the Public Leadership Educa-
tion Network; her executive committee affiliations have included: the
Council of Independent Colleges; the Middle States Commission on Higher
Education; and the National Association of Independent Colleges and

Universities, for whom she chaired their accountability committee; in
addition, she is currently serving on the NCAA Division III President's
Council and as vice-chair of the North Eastern Athletic Conference Pres-
ident's Council; and
WHEREAS, Active in the community, Lisa Marsh Ryerson has built impor-
tant local and regional partnerships through her service, including as
advisory board chair for the Finger Lakes Cultural and Natural History
Museum; trustee of Auburn Community Hospital; on the leadership council
of the Cayuga Fund of the Community Foundation of CNY; on the Central
New York Advisory Board of HSBC Bank; director of the Metropolitan
Development Association; on the executive committee of the Cayuga County
Chamber of Commerce; vice-president of the board of Seven Lakes Girl
Scout Council; and a founding board member of Peachtown Elementary
School in Aurora; and
WHEREAS, Among her numerous awards, Lisa Marsh Ryerson has received
recognition by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education,
Girls Inc. of Central New York, and the Public Relations Society of
America; in 2010, the State University of New York awarded her an honor-
ary doctorate degree at Cortland College's commencement ceremony; and
WHEREAS, Lisa Marsh Ryerson is the cherished daughter of Murray and
Carol Marsh; with her throughout have been her loving husband, George E.
Farenthold, and four wonderful daughters, Annie Ryerson, Carol Ryerson,
Julie Ryerson, and Rachel Farenthold, all of whom feel privileged to be
a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, As President of Wells College, Lisa Marsh Ryerson has contin-
ually demonstrated an impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion
and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educational
programs and opportunities offered at the College for the benefit of its
faculty and students, as well as for the entire community; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend and honor Lisa Marsh Ryerson upon the occasion of her retirement
after many years of distinguished service as President of Wells College;
and for her significant contributions to education in New York State;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lisa Marsh Ryerson.