Senate Resolution No. 1529

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 80th Anniversary of Utica
University

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those exemplary institutions of higher education within the
State of New York for their enduring commitment to the pursuit of
academic excellence; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Utica University; and

WHEREAS, Located in the heart of Central New York, Utica University
is a comprehensive, independent, private institution that offers
undergraduate and graduate degree options, excellent academic programs,
and outstanding faculty; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing the need for an institution of higher learning
in the Mohawk Valley, business and community leaders worked with
Syracuse University to launch Utica University in 1946; and

WHEREAS, Originally, Utica University was located in a section of
downtown Utica known as Oneida Square, then, in 1961, the school moved
to its current site off of Burrstone Road in Utica, New York; and

WHEREAS, Operating as part of Syracuse University, Utica University
was originally known as Utica College of Syracuse University; and

WHEREAS, Utica University became a financially and legally
independent institution in 1995, then it announced its final transition
to full independence in the fall of 2008; and

WHEREAS, In 2022, Utica University became one of the first private
colleges in New York to be granted university status by the New York
State Board of Regents, elevating Utica College to Utica University; and

WHEREAS, Boasting over 32,000 alumni, Utica University offers 40
undergraduate majors, 29 undergraduate minors, and 21 graduate programs;
the university consists of the School of Arts and Sciences, the School
of Business and Justice Studies, and the School of Health Professions
and Education; and

WHEREAS, Utica University strives to empower learners to achieve
their career and life goals through personally enriching experiences and
outstanding educational pathways; and

WHEREAS, Utica University's mission is to guide its students through
individual attention, intellectual growth, creativity, scholarship in
the pursuit of knowledge, innovative and relevant approaches to teaching
and learning, diversity of perspective, background, and experience in an
equitable, respectful, and inclusive environment, freedom of expression,
civil discourse, community engagement and service, ethical behavior,
integrity, and the continuous pursuit of excellence; and


WHEREAS, The current president, Dr. Stephanie Nesbitt, has full
confidence in Utica University's future and plans on continuing the
restructuring plan her predecessor began in order to ensure long-term
sustainability and address changing needs in higher education; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Stephanie Nesbitt's first day as Utica University's
president was January 1, 2026, and she has initially agreed to serve as
president through July 31, 2028, to provide leadership stability while
the university begins its search for its next president; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished 80-year history, Utica
University has remained steadfast in its mission, values, and commitment
to offering an enriching educational experience to its students; and

WHEREAS, The steadfast and unyielding commitment of faculty, staff
and administrators to provide the highest quality education for students
has become the hallmark and tradition of Utica University; and

WHEREAS, Utica University stands prepared to reach out, in earnest
and enthusiastic quest of its mission, to promote the maximum growth of
every student, establishing standards and building skills which will
carry its students and the citizens of its community into the future;
and

WHEREAS, Utica University, along with its President Dr. Stephanie
Nesbitt, is deserving of the highest commendation for its evident
commitment to the well-being of its students; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Utica University; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Stephanie Nesbitt, President of Utica University.