Senate Resolution No. 98

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Derek James Healey upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Ed Bloch
Interfaith Youth Award by the Capital Area Council
of Churches on September 15, 2016

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, Derek James Healey has given not only of his time and
energies but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and
consequently has been designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Derek James
Healey upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Ed Bloch
Interfaith Youth Award by the Capital Area Council of Churches on
Thursday, September 15, 2016, at the Albany Country Club; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious award honors a student who is committed to
interreligious dialogue; Derek James Healey is one such individual,
working tirelessly to bring together students of various faith
traditions to build religious pluralism; and

WHEREAS, A current student of Anthropology and Religious Studies
concentrating on Critical Issues in Religion, Derek James Healey is
minoring in Medical Anthropology and Public Health at the University at
Albany; he is also a graduate of the Holistic Arts Institute in Lincoln,
California; and

WHEREAS, Actively involved both on campus and in the community as a
spiritual activist, Derek James Healey was the recipient of the
University at Albany Spring 2016 President's Award for Leadership, as
well as the Interfaith Center Award in recognition of his extraordinary
leadership, service, and commitment; and

WHEREAS, Derek James Healey serves as President Emeritus of the
University at Albany Interfaith Coalition, and currently sits on the
Executive Board of Directors of the Interfaith Alliance of New York
State; and

WHEREAS, In addition, this esteemed young man works closely with the
Interfaith Center, Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless, the Capital
District Coalition against Islamophobia, St. Rose Hubbard Interfaith
Sanctuary, and the Grafton Peace Pagoda; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Derek James Healey has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Derek James Healey has
displayed throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and 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 Derek James Healey upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Ed Bloch Interfaith Youth Award by the Capital Area
Council of Churches on September 15, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Derek James Healey.