Senate Resolution No. 1309

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING the University at Albany Employees upon
the occasion of their designation as recipients of
the Citizen of the University 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
the University at Albany Employees upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients of the Citizen of the University 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 outstanding contributions
to the University by a non-alumnus or non-alumna through leadership,
service or a special gift; the award recipient is chosen by the
University leadership; and

WHEREAS, Whether listening to a Pulitzer prize-winning author's
reading in Page Hall, cheering on the Great Danes at a basketball game
in SEFCU Arena or live-tweeting during a bioscience lecture at the
Health Sciences Campus, the experience would not be possible without the
dedication of University at Albany (UAlbany) employees; and

WHEREAS, From reliable WiFi connections and online graduate
programs, to timely mail delivery and picturesque campus scenery, it's
the dedicated people working behind the scenes who truly make it
feasible for the UAlbany community to unleash greatness; and

WHEREAS, Named one of "America's Top Colleges" by Forbes magazine,
the premier public research University in the Capital Region is home to
more than 17,000 students; in addition, Thrillist.com recently named the
University one of the "Most Beautiful Public Colleges in the United
States"; and

WHEREAS, These accolades would not have been possible without the
devoted and talented staff who ensure all the needs of students,
including the technology they use, the food they eat, the libraries they
study in and the buildings in which they live, are met across UAlbanys
three campuses; and

WHEREAS, Commencement and Homecoming are two of UAlbanys most
impactful and heavily attended on-campus events; the success of these
University-wide events is dependent on a number of departments and
employees, not just on event day alone, but from the very first moment a
new student sets foot on campus; and

WHEREAS, Under the direction of President Havidan Rodriguez, UAlbany
employees are dedicated to making the college experience exciting and
rewarding for students from day one; more than 1,100 world-class faculty
members and the award-winning Student Affairs staff provide challenging
and enriching curriculum, life-enhancing student-research opportunities
and hundreds of programs to ensure each student has the chance to
succeed in an inclusive and culturally-diverse learning environment; and

WHEREAS, Without their direct efforts, as well as the efforts of the
hundreds of employees who maintain important components of the campus
experience such as buildings, grounds, safety and technology, UAlbany
students would not cultivate a strong sense of pride in the University;
and

WHEREAS, This Great Dane pride is what leads to the robust
graduation ceremonies and homecoming weekends seen year after year; and

WHEREAS, The dedication of UAlbany employees does not stop with job
duties; to further build an engine of opportunity, hundreds of faculty
and staff generously donate to the University, and many have established
endowed scholarships which support students year after year; and

WHEREAS, These philanthropic efforts, combined with extraordinary
work performance that regularly extends beyond a typical 40-hour work
week for many, is what sets UAlbany employees apart; with their
leadership, service and generosity, the future of this great University
is strong, bright and exciting; 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 the University at Albany Employees upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients of the Citizen of the University Award by the
University at Albany Alumni Association; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Havidan Rodriguez, President, UAlbany.