Assembly Resolution No. 1352

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

HONORING Dr. George J. Searles upon the occasion
of his retirement after 45 years of distinguished
service as a professor, author and distinguished
public servant

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
lasting achievements and legacies of those individuals who substantially
contribute to the education and quality of life of our communities, its
citizenry and the entire 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. George J. Searles, Professor in the School of Humanities, upon the
occasion of his retirement after 45 years of distinguished service to
Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, New York; and

WHEREAS, Dr. George J. Searles began his illustrious career at
Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) in 1976 as faculty in the
Humanities Department, he advanced to become a professor, teaching
English and related courses; and

WHEREAS, Dr. George J. Searles is known as a renowned scholar on
Philip Roth and John Updike, having published books, interviews and
essays on both authors; the Philip Roth Society established the George
J. Searles Award in 2025 as recognition of his expertise; he is an
advisory editor of the Roth Society's academic journal, based at Purdue
University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. George J. Searles' dedication to MVCC and his students
was recognized with the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching
(1985) and the Chancellor's Award for Scholarship & Creative Activities
(2003); in addition to achieving the highest academic rank in the SUNY
system with the SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professorship (2021), Dr.
George J. Searles was proclaimed New York State Professor of the Year
(2002) by the Carnegie Foundation and was recognized as Advancement of
Teaching New York State Professor of the Year (2002); and

WHEREAS, Dr. George J. Seales is a masterful instructor who
demonstrates patience and respect for his students and their writing
while providing a unique learning experience based on individual student
needs; his textbook, "Workplace Communications: The Basics" was born out
of the needs of his students, now in its eighth edition, it is used in
over 200 colleges in the United States and internationally, including
Canada, Saudi Arabia, and China; and

WHEREAS, Dr. George J. Searles has been a fountain of knowledge and
resource to students and colleagues alike, having authored 15 books,
many reports, essays and articles, garnering widespread respect,
accolades and notoriety; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their

profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. George J. Searles upon the occasion of his retirement after 45
years of distinguished service to Mohawk Valley Community College in
Utica, New York, and to wish him well in his future endeavors; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. George J. Searles.