Senate Resolution No. 699

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING UNCF upon the occasion of hosting its
"A MIND IS..." Gala on March 21, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend UNCF upon the occasion of hosting its "A MIND IS..." Gala on
Thursday, March 21, 2019, at The Lighthouse, Pier 61, New York City; and

WHEREAS, UNCF, the United Negro College Fund, also known as the
United Fund, is an American philanthropic organization which funds
scholarships for black students and general scholarship funds for 37
private historically black colleges and universities; and

WHEREAS, Incorporated on April 25, 1944, by Frederick D. Patterson,
Mary McLeod Bethune and others, UNCF is currently the nation's largest
and most effective minority education organization; and

WHEREAS, UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal
access to a college education, preparing them for rich intellectual
lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and
service to the Nation; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, UNCF is building a robust
and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who,
because of its steadfast support, become highly-qualified college
graduates; and

WHEREAS, In addition, this vital organization ensures its network of
member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving
students to and through college; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its President and Chief
Executive Officer Michael Lomax, UNCF has been instrumental in more than
450,000 students earning college degrees; furthermore, the graduation
rate for its scholarship recipients is 70 percent, nine percentage
points higher than the national average for all students at four-year
colleges; and

WHEREAS, The success of UNCF is in direct correlation to the efforts
of its dedicated members and staff, whose involvement is, and always has
been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
organizations 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
commend UNCF upon the occasion of hosting its "A MIND IS..." Gala on
March 21, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Michael Lomax, President and Chief Executive Officer,
UNCF.