LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Dennis J. Murray upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition by The Exchange Club of
Southern Dutchess on May 11, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citi-
zenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr.
Dennis J. Murray upon the occasion of his designation for special recog-
nition by The Exchange Club of Southern Dutchess at its 42nd Annual
Meritorious Service Awards Breakfast to be held on Tuesday, May 11,
2010, at the Holiday Inn, Fishkill, New York; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Dr. Dennis J. Murray has
continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence,
and diligent leadership in his unwavering service to both his community
and profession; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dennis J. Murray was appointed President and Professor of
Public Policy at Marist College in 1979; during his esteemed tenure as
President, he has guided the College through an exceptional period of
growth; enrollments have doubled, many new academic programs have been
established and the academic profile of the entering freshmen has risen
significantly; in addition, a significant amount has been invested in
the campus, resulting in new academic buildings, student residences, a
Student Center, as well as an expanded recreation center and a state-of-
the-art digital library; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dennis J. Murray has also forged numerous community and
corporate relationships that have greatly benefited the College; early
in his tenure at Marist, he recognized the important role that informa-
tion technology would play in enhancing the teaching and learning proc-
ess; thanks to a long-time partnership with the IBM Corporation, Marist
has become one of the nation's most technologically advanced liberal
arts colleges; today, this sophisticated computing environment is help-
ing Marist students gain the knowledge and skills they will need to be
competitive in the 21st century; and
WHEREAS, Marist is increasingly recognized as a national leader in
higher education; in 2006, THE PRINCETON REVIEW and FORBES named Marist
one of the 25 "Most Connected Campuses" in America, alongside Cornell,
MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania; the College was also selected
by the John Templeton Foundation as one of the nation's leading colleges
to encourage character development; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Marist is listed in THE PRINCETON REVIEW's THE
BEST 361 COLLEGES in the country and US NEWS & WORLD REPORT ranked
Marist in the top tier of colleges and universities in the Northeast;
the College's AACSB-accredited School of Management is also ranked among
THE BEST 237 BUSINESS SCHOOLS by THE PRINCETON REVIEW; and
WHEREAS, A nationally recognized educator and administrator, Dr.
Dennis J. Murray served as an advisor to the NBC television network and
hosted a nationally broadcast series on higher education; he has served
on the American Council on Education's Commission on International
Education and Commission on Leadership Development; he also was a member
of the Board of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities;
he served four years as an alumni representative to the Board of Trus-
tees of the California State University and Colleges; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Dennis J. Murray is the editor of three books in the
field of government and public affairs and is the author of two books on
non-profit management, HOW TO EVALUATE YOUR FUND-RAISING PROGRAM and THE
GUARANTEED FUND-RAISING SYSTEM, which have been used in more than 3,500
organizations throughout the United States and Canada; and
WHEREAS, Despite his busy professional life, Dr. Dennis J. Murray has
been called upon to contribute his time and talents to countless civic
and charitable endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dennis J. Murray currently serves on the boards of the
Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute and the Greenway Conservancy
for the Hudson River Valley, which oversees the Hudson River Valley
National Heritage Area; he also was on the Vassar Brothers Hospital
Board for more than 18 years, and served as Chairman of its Foundation
Board; he previously was a member of the Boards of the Bank of New
York's Regional Board, United Way and American Heart Association; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dennis J. Murray's significant contributions to the
fields of education and community service have been recognized with
numerous awards, including the Franciscan Award from the Sisters of St.
Francis and the Americanism Award from the Anti-Defamation League; in
1996, he received the Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal at a ceremony
which also honored Queen Noor of Jordan, Lea Rabin of Israel and former
Marist Trustee Frances Reese, the founder of the environmental movement
in America; and
WHEREAS, A native Californian, Dr. Dennis J. Murray received a Bach-
elor's degree in Political Science from California State University,
Long Beach and his Master's degree and Ph.D. in public administration
from the University of Southern California; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his appointment at Marist, Dr. Dennis J. Murray
taught at the USC School of International and Public Affairs, and served
as Director of University Relations and Executive Assistant to the Pres-
ident at California State University, Long Beach and as Vice President
for Development at Whittier College; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Marilyn, and their
children, Marian and Michael, all of whom feel privileged to be a part
of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Dr. Dennis J. Murray has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Dennis J. Murray upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by The Exchange Club of Southern Dutchess on May 11,
2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Dennis J. Murray.