Senate Resolution No. 1203

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Laura Chodos upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by Two Together,
Inc. on April 30, 2019

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Laura Chodos
upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Two
Together, Inc. at its 18th Annual Cooks for Kids event on Tuesday, April
30, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Two Together is a free after-school and summer reading and
writing program which has been operating a high need community in the
South End of Albany, New York, since 1997; this vital organization
strengthens children's social, cultural and intellectual growth through
improved language and literacy skills in a safe environment which
fosters a life-long love and enthusiasm for learning; and

WHEREAS, Laura Chodos was instrumental in the establishment of Two
Together, where she served as President from 2000 to 2005; in this
capacity, she connected international students at the University at
Albany as tutors, and introduced two week summer enrichment programs to
acquaint students with the rich history and culture of the South End
community; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Laura Chodos, three students
at Two Together submitted a power point research project to the New York
State Archives Annual Awards Program on the history of the Albany
Housing Authority homes on Green Street, and recorded interviews with
some of its earliest residents; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, these students researched the life of a famous
Black South End resident Sam Schuyler who, along with several sons,
operated a tugboat business on the Hudson River Basin in the 19th
century; a painting on the topic was commissioned by a men's history
club which met at the John A. Howe Branch Library until the late 1990s;
and

WHEREAS, Two Together's partnership with the John A. Howe Branch
Library and the community remains an essential aspect of its mission;
and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Laura Chodos was a member of the New York State Board of
Regents for 17 years and was the first woman in the Board's 234 year

history to chair its Committee on Higher Education and the Professions;
and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Girls Latin School in Boston,
Massachusetts, Laura Chodos went on to earn degrees in economics and
urban sociology from Tufts University, and did graduate work in Literacy
Studies at Syracuse University and the University at Albany, SUNY; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her husband, the late Robert, with her
throughout have been her four children, eight grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren, who have all shown her love and support and rejoice
in her many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Laura Chodos has displayed
throughout her 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 Laura Chodos upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by Two Together, Inc. on April 30, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Laura Chodos.