Senate Resolution No. 939

BY: Senator COONEY

COMMENDING Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., upon his
retirement, after eight years as President of
Rochester Institute of Technology, on June 30, 2025

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge outstanding individuals within our midst who
have made significant contributions to the communities of this State and
Nation; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Dr. David
C. Munson, Jr., upon his retirement, after eight years as President of
Rochester Institute of Technology, on Monday, June 30, 2025; and

WHEREAS, In 2017, Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., was appointed as the
10th President of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT); he has more
than 40 years of experience in higher education; and

WHEREAS, Earning his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
(with distinction), Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., graduated from the
University of Delaware in 1975; in 1977, he earned a Master of Science
and Master of Arts in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University;
also at Princeton, he earned his Ph.D. in the same field in 1979; and

WHEREAS, Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., has been an integral part of
numerous projects and programs within RIT, and he has been praised for
propelling the Institute into its existence as a leading research
university with national and international impact and influence; and

WHEREAS, Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., has been affiliated with the
Infinity Project; he is co-author of a textbook on the digital world,
which has been utilized in hundreds of high schools nationwide,
introducing students to the field of engineering; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., RIT's
enrollment increased; funding for scholarships, endowed professors,
facilities, and other projects reached more than $1 billion; a
performing arts program, which includes more than 1,800 performing arts
scholars, was launched; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Rochester Institute of Technology is home to
20,570 students from every state in the United States and more than 100
foreign countries; more than 148,000 alumni are shaping and improving
the world; the Institute is the third largest producer of graduates in
the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among
all private universities in the country; and

WHEREAS, Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., remained steadfast in his
commitment to welcoming a diverse campus environment that fostered the
success of all students, professors, and staff, quoted as saying, "At
the end of the day, we want for each of our students, faculty members,
and staff members to have the opportunity to excel at the highest level
in the paths they have chosen; the success of RIT, and more broadly the
success of our Nation, demands that we not sideline talent"; and


WHEREAS, Through the years, with Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., has been
his wife, Nancy Munson, former nurse, avid runner, and dedicated
volunteer; the couple were blessed with four sons and four
grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, The many contributions of Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., are a
testament to his legacy which will inspire future students of Rochester
Institute of Technology; his leadership and unwavering dedication to the
faculty and students, as well as his strategic vision, create a legacy
that will define the Institute for years to come; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
dedicated individuals who have shown a long and sustained commitment to
excellence unquestionably have earned the recognition and applause of
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., upon the occasion of his retirement,
and to wish him well in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. David C. Munson, Jr.