Senate Resolution No. 1307

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Dr. Sharon R. Kantor, Esq. upon the
occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Excellence in Alumni Service Award by the University
at Albany Alumni Association

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens 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. Sharon R. Kantor, Esq. upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Excellence in Alumni Service Award by the University at
Albany Alumni Association to be celebrated with a Gala on May 4, 2019,
at Wolfert's Roost, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious award recognizes individuals who sustain
leadership and service to the Alumni Association and the University at
Albany; Dr. Sharon R. Kantor is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, Despite living 2,500 miles away from the University at
Albany (UAlbany), Dr. Sharon Kantor has made a direct and tremendous
impact on its community for more than three decades; and

WHEREAS, This Bethpage, Long Island native and proud chemistry
graduate is a tireless advocate for her alma mater, always going the
extra mile to support faculty and staff, working directly with students
on projects, and strengthening the alumni community; and

WHEREAS, Sharon R. Kantor's love for UAlbany was fostered through
her student experiences as Dutch Quadrangle Council President and
Resident Advisor; she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science
degree in 1973, and went on to earn a Ph.D. in synthetic organometallic
chemistry from UCLA in 1980; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sharon R. Kantor was a research associate at Dow
Chemical before serving as a technical marketing manager at Molecular
Design Limited in San Francisco; she then worked at a patent firm full
time while simultaneously attending Golden Gate University School of
Law, which further stoked her ambition to become a patent attorney; and

WHEREAS, After graduating with a law degree in 1990, Dr. Sharon R.
Kantor founded The Firenza Group, Ltd, a California-based practice which
has enabled her to write, argue and prosecute patents and trademarks for
clients around the world; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to UAlbany, Dr.
Sharon R. Kantor first became involved with the Alumni Association as a
Class Councilor; she served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors
for 17 years, co-founded the Association's Homecoming 5K Run/Walk and

Little Dane Dash, and helped to coordinate the Great Dane Food Drive;
and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sharon R. Kantor has served on the University
Foundation Board of Directors since 2010, and participates in ancillary
projects on an as-needed basis; in addition to class reunions, she has
helped to coordinate several alumni events in the San Francisco Bay
Area; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, since 2008, she has served as Chief Justice or
Justice for the annual Alumni Association-sponsored Moot Court
Competition; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman generously supports the UAlbany's
Science Library campaign, Cancer Research Center and Initiatives for
Women, and her greatest affection is for its Department of Chemistry
where she helps to cover the expense for hosting regular department
research seminars; she was the first non-chemist to deliver the
department's commencement address in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Dr. Sharon R. Kantor has
displayed throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 Dr. Sharon R. Kantor, Esq. upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Excellence in Alumni Service Award by the University at
Albany Alumni Association; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Sharon R. Kantor, Esq.