Assembly Resolution No. 480

BY: M. of A. Burdick

HONORING Dr. Milagros Pena upon the occasion of
her retirement after five years of distinguished
service to SUNY Purchase

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Dr. Milagros Pena upon the occasion of her retirement after five years
of distinguished service to SUNY Purchase; she will be celebrated with a
farewell ceremony on May 13, 2025; and

WHEREAS, For the past five years, Dr. Milagros "Milly" Pena rendered
faithful, conscientious, and valuable service to SUNY Purchase, earning
the admiration, esteem, and affection of her colleagues; and

WHEREAS, As the sixth president of the State University of New York
at Purchase and the first Latina president in the SUNY system, Dr.
Milagros Pena was able to share the importance of liberal arts education
and the power of fostering a culture of inclusivity; and

WHEREAS, An embodiment of Purchase College's motto, "Think Wide
Open," Dr. Milagros Pena has found success in her professional life by
embracing the limitless possibilities that education can provide; she is
the first individual in her family to receive a high school diploma, and
ultimately, multiple higher education degrees; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Milagros Pena holds a master's and a doctorate degree
in sociology from SUNY Stony Brook; her continued research, which
explores topics ranging from grassroots activism to the intersection of
religion and Latinx identity, demonstrates her commitment to
understanding and addressing pressing social issues, while
simultaneously acting as a guide for her steadfast, fair, and inclusive
leadership; and

WHEREAS, An interdisciplinary scholar by training, Dr. Milagros
Pena's academic work bridges sociology, anthropology, race and ethnic
studies, gender and women's studies, and other important disciplines,
providing a vast and informed educational foundation with which she
proudly led SUNY Purchase; and

WHEREAS, Through publications, projects, and leadership within
professional organizations, Dr. Milagros Pena has always championed
benefits of education, diversity, and social justice, positioning
Purchase College as an institution of excellence and opportunity for all
students; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Milagros Pena is also the author or co-author of three
books and over forty journal articles, book chapters, and reports; this
able leader is also the past chair of the American Sociological
Association's Latino/a Section and previously served on the Executive

Councils of the Association for the Sociology of Religion, Society for
the Scientific Study of Religion, and the American Sociological
Association's Religion Section; and

WHEREAS, For her courageous leadership, captivating writing, and
dedicated research, Dr. Milagros Pena is the recipient of numerous
awards and accolades, including: her selection by the Riverside Chamber
of Commerce for City of Riverside Leadership in 2018, the 2008
Distinguished Book Award from the Latino/a Section of the American
Sociological Association, and the Fulbright-Hays/Garcia-Robles Mexico
Research Scholar Award from 1994-1995; and

WHEREAS, In her capacity as President, Dr. Milagros Pena served with
loyalty, honor and distinction, and was governed by a keen sense of duty
and always showed a unique grasp of human problems in her official acts;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Milagros Pena upon the occasion of her retirement after five
years of distinguished service to SUNY Purchase; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Milagros Pena.