Senate Resolution No. 1479

BY: Senator JACOBS

HONORING David Rust upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2017 Community
Leader Education Award by the National Federation
for Just Communities of Western New York

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled;
its history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its
educational professionals and the students they inspire; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
David Rust upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2017
Community Leader Education by the National Federation for Just
Communities of Western New York, celebrated at its Awards Luncheon on
Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at the Buffalo Convention Center in
Buffalo, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Community Leaders Awards recognize
individuals/organizations in WNY who have made significant contributions
to this region through their involvement in volunteer activities and/or
their special achievements in specific areas of community and
professional life; David Rust truly exemplifies the National Federation
for Just Communities (NFJC) of Western New York's mission of promoting
goodwill, understanding, respect, and trust; and

WHEREAS, A graduate of St. Bonaventure, David Rust is the Executive
Director of Say Yes to Education Buffalo; in this capacity, he works to
improve the education and lives of all Buffalo students; he also manages
the resources, and harnesses the energies of thousands of teachers,
parents, students and partners; and

WHEREAS, Each and every day, David Rust strives to empower an entire
generation of students to succeed in school and ultimately in life; and

WHEREAS, David Rust is a champion of education, volunteering with
numerous youth-based agencies in the City of Buffalo; prior to his role
at Say Yes to Education Buffalo, he held the position of Director of the
Erie County Youth Bureau and Deputy Commissioner for Youth
Services/Social Services; and

WHEREAS, In addition, David Rust served as the Program Director for
the Youth Development Foundation of Dale Carnegie of Western New York,
and was both the Associate Director and Administrator at the Sommerville
College in England; and

WHEREAS, Educators like David Rust provide a tremendous service to
the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of young
people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their
future years; and

WHEREAS, David Rust has clearly had an enduring impact on the youth
of the City of Buffalo, as well as on the community-at-large, and

accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impressive
dedication to others; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor David Rust upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2017 Community Leader Education Award by the National Federation for
Just Communities of Western New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to David Rust.