Assembly Resolution No. 1322

BY: M. of A. Conrad

HONORING Dr. Bonita Durand upon the occasion of
her retirement after 25 years of distinguished
service to Buffalo State University

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Dr. Bonita Durand upon the occasion of her retirement after 25 years of
distinguished service to Buffalo State University; and

WHEREAS, For the past 25 years, Dr. Bonita Durand rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to Buffalo State University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bonita Durand earned a Bachelor of Arts in business
administration and curriculum development from the Union Institute in
Cincinnati, Ohio, a Master of Science in applied public affairs from the
University at Buffalo, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University at
Buffalo with a concentration in higher education administration and a
focus on institutional advancement; and

WHEREAS, In 2010, Dr. Bonita Durand received a certification in
educational management and leadership from the Graduate School of
Education at Harvard University; and

WHEREAS, In her capacity as president and her many roles in the
university, Dr. Bonita Durand served with loyalty, honor and
distinction; and

WHEREAS, In her time at Buffalo State University, Dr. Bonita Durand
served as chief of staff and secretary to the Buffalo State College
Council under five presidents; she was a graduate faculty member in the
university's Higher Education Administration Department, where she
taught courses on the history of American higher education, and
strategic planning and finance in higher education; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bonita Durand originally retired in 2018, after 22
years of service to Buffalo State University, but she was appointed
officer in charge of Buffalo State University by State University of New
York Chancellor John B. King Jr. on May 31, 2023, before her official
confirmation as president by the SUNY Board of Trustees on June 6, 2023;
and

WHEREAS, On April 23, 2026, Dr. Bonita Durand was officially named
the 10th President of Buffalo State University until her retirement on
June 30, 2026; and

WHEREAS, In her official acts, Dr. Bonita Durand was governed by a
keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems;
and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bonita Durand provided leadership to countless
committees and working groups at Buffalo State, including the Middle
States accreditation steering committee, the presidential inauguration
support committees, the facilities master planning committee, and the
presidential search advisory committees; she has served as the faculty
advisor for the collegiate chapter of the National Council of Negro
Women Inc. and the campus advisor for the Gamma Kappa Chapter of Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.; and

WHEREAS, An active member of the Western New York Community, Dr.
Bonita Durand has dedicated her time to numerous organizations across
the city and region; she was secretary for the City of Buffalo Citizens
Advisory Commission on Reapportionment in 2011, a member of the mayor of
the City of Buffalo's 2010 Complete Count Census Committee, a charter
member of the Buffalo Niagara Economic Development Corporation board of
directors, a member of the Western New York Women's Fund board of
directors and a Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Commissioner,
a member of the Community Foundation board of directors from 2014 to
2024, and she currently serves as the president of the Erie County N.Y.
Chapter of the Links Inc. and is an active member of the Buffalo Alumnae
chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bonita Durand was placed on several Buffalo First-a
Buffalo-based business journal's 2024 lists, including its 2024: Power
200 Women the regions' top female leaders, where she ranked 20th; and
the Power 100 Leaders of Color list she landed at number 1; and

WHEREAS, During her tenure with Buffalo State University, Dr. Bonita
Durand earned the admiration, esteem and affection of her colleagues;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Bonita Durand upon the occasion of her retirement after 25
years of distinguished service to Buffalo State University; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Bonita Durand.