Senate Resolution No. 1402

BY: Senator MAYER

COMMENDING President Thomas J. Schwarz upon the
occasion of his retirement after 17 years of
dedicated service to Purchase College, State
University of New York

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and
character whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this
great State; and

WHEREAS, The result of many individual efforts, the excellence and
success of Purchase College is due in large part to the efforts of
President Thomas J. Schwarz; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend President Thomas J. Schwarz upon the occasion of his retirement
after 17 years of dedicated service to Purchase College, State
University of New York; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at
an event on Wednesday, May 8, 2019; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, Thomas J. Schwarz began his distinguished career
at Purchase College, working to restore its financial strength and
stability; one year later, he became the fifth President of the College,
the position from which he will officially retire in 2019; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, President Thomas J. Schwarz
accomplished numerous goals which promoted his mission of providing an
environment where students are given the necessary tools and support to
succeed; he oversaw the creation of the Learning and Advising Centers,
and coordinated with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to form the
Student Success Unit; and

WHEREAS, In addition, President Thomas J. Schwarz supervised the
restructuring of the academic administration and encouraged the growth
of interdisciplinary programs including the College's highly regarded
School of Film and Media Studies; his tireless efforts to integrate the
Neuberger Museum of Art and the Performing Arts Center with Academic
Affairs have provided exceptional opportunities for students and the
community to take greater advantage of these cultural assets; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of President Thomas J.
Schwarz, retention rates for all classes have steadily improved, the
four-year graduation rate increased from 35% to 53%, and the College's
six year graduation rate of 63% far exceeds the national average; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to sustainability and environmental conservation,
President Thomas J. Schwarz was one of the original signatories on the
American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment,
promising Purchase College would follow a timeline and take certain
steps to achieve climate neutrality; and

WHEREAS, President Thomas J. Schwarz was also instrumental in the
environmentally sensitive and award-winning renovation of the central
campus plaza, the addition of recycling programs and the integration of
these programs into courses of study, and the achievement of LEED
standards for all new and refurbished buildings; his focus on water
quality and energy conservation reflects his ongoing commitment to
sustainability and has earned the college a designation as one of the
greenest colleges in the SUNY system; and

WHEREAS, President Thomas J. Schwarz's desire to restore the beauty
and increase accessibility of the campus led to over $400 million in
capital construction and rehabilitation of academic and residential
buildings including Student Services, the Center for Media, Film and
Theatre, the Durst Humanities Building, the Neuberger Museum of Art,
Alumni Village, Fort Awesome and Wayback; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, through President Thomas J. Schwarz's
strategic thinking and quest for ways to secure the future, Purchase
College Foundation-Charitable Entities' investment portfolio grew from
$35 million to $95 million over the past decade; the Foundation also
enabled the creation of unique revenue streams for the college,
including the Park2Fly airport parking service and upon completion, the
Broadview Senior Living Community; and

WHEREAS, An ardent supporter of Purchase College's students, faculty
and staff, President Thomas J. Schwarz has proudly attended countless
exhibitions, performances, athletic events, concerts, plays, readings,
scientific presentations and alumni events on campus, in New York City
and beyond; and

WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State,
President Thomas J. Schwarz has continually demonstrated an impressive
dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for
the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at
Purchase College for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as
for the entire community; and

WHEREAS, Through President Thomas J. Schwarz's legacy of sound
leadership and guidance, Purchase College, State University of New York
stands strong and proud, academically, financially, and environmentally;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend President Thomas J. Schwarz upon the occasion of his retirement
after 17 years of dedicated service to Purchase College, State
University of New York, and to wish him continued success in all of his
future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to President Thomas J. Schwarz.