Senate Resolution No. 5362

BY: Senator YOUNG

HONORING Dr. Thomas Matthews for 51 years of
dedicated service to SUNY Geneseo

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated in the distinguished careers
of the men and women of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Dr. Thomas Matthews for 51 years of dedicated service to SUNY Geneseo;
he will officially retire in June of 2018; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas Matthews was born on January 9, 1943, in
Massena, New York, to parents, Ira and Irene Matthews; he graduated with
a Bachelor of Science degree in education from SUNY Plattsburgh; his
Master of Science degree in student personnel at SUNY Albany; and a PhD
in student personnel in higher education at the University of South
Carolina; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas Matthews joined SUNY Geneseo in 1967 as a
Director of Student Activities; he served as Chair of the National
Association for Campus Activities (NACA); Statewide Vice President and
Treasurer of United University Professions (UUP) and UUP Chief
Negotiator; Director and Founder of Geneseo Opportunities for Leadership
Development (GOLD) since 2000, which allows students to earn various
levels of certificates based on their involvement in leadership training
and personal development; Associate Dean of Leadership and Service; and
Founder of Livingston CARES in 2005; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Betsy, and their
two sons, Jeff and David, as well as their three grandchildren, Josh,
Rachael, and Sydney, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas Matthews' favorite pastimes include gardening,
traveling, and attending his grandchildren's soccer and hockey games;
and

WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas Matthews has received numerous life achievements
and awards during his remarkable career which has traversed more than
five decades; these include: First Administrator at Geneseo to receive
the SUNY Chancellor's Award (1978); NYSUT Higher Education Person of the
Year Award (2009); United University Professions Nina Mitchell Award for
Distinguished Service; SUNY Outstanding Student Affairs Program for
Leadership Development Award; National Association for Campus Activities
(NACA) - MAT Thomas Matthews Scholarship for Student Leaders and the
Katrina Compassion Award for Hurricane Relief Efforts (2015); and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize and honor the lives of beloved men and women who have made
significant contributions to the citizens and communities in this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Thomas Matthews for 51 years of dedicated service to SUNY
Geneseo; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Thomas Matthews.