Senate Resolution No. 2774

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMEMORATING the 225th Anniversary of Union
College on February 20, 2020

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in higher education for the youth of this noble
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
225th Anniversary of Union College, to be feted with a myriad of
occasions and celebrations planned throughout the year, beginning with
the school's Founder's Day on Thursday, February 20, 2020; and

WHEREAS, The Union College campus occupies 130 acres in downtown
Schenectady, New York, a city of 60,000 founded by the Dutch in 1661;
and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1795, Union College was one the first
non-denominational institutions of higher education in the United
States, and the first institution of higher learning chartered by the
New York State Board of Regents; and

WHEREAS, Union College offers a liberal arts curriculum across some
21 academic departments, as well as opportunities for interdepartmental
majors and self-designed organizing theme majors; and

WHEREAS, In common with most liberal arts colleges, Union offers a
wide array of courses in arts, sciences, literature, and foreign
languages, but, in common with only a few other liberal arts colleges;
Union also offers ABET-accredited undergraduate degrees in computer
engineering, bio-engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical
engineering; and

WHEREAS, The Union College Department of Athletics, Recreation,
Intramurals and Wellness is committed to supporting the College's
mission of higher education; in 2014, the school's hockey program
captured its first NCAA National Championship at the Wells Fargo Center
in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Union College has produced many graduates who had, and
continue to have, distinguished careers in government and public
service, including: John C. Spencer (1806), Secretary of War and
Secretary of the Treasury; William H. Seward (1820), Secretary of State
under Abraham Lincoln, Governor of New York, and architect of the Alaska
Purchase; Chester A. Arthur (1848), 21st President of the United States;
and Neil Abercrombie (1959), former Governor of Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, Currently, over 2,100 students attend undergraduate classes
at Union College, which develops every student to lead with wisdom,
empathy, and courage, in ways large and small, now and across multiple
tomorrows; and

WHEREAS, Union College provides a rigorous, holistic and immersive
residential liberal education that emphasizes integration, innovation,
inclusion and reflection for every student; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the visionary guidance of President David
Harris, Ph.D., Union College stands proud and prominent, always looking
to the future and the needs of those it serves; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 225th Anniversary of Union College, noting the propriety
of its goals, the constancy of its commitment and the significance of
its accomplishments in preparing the youth of today and leaders of
tomorrow; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to David Harris, Ph.D., President, Union College.