LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Gordon Baker upon the occasion of his
retirement after 37 years of distinguished service to the New York State
School for the Deaf

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals
whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stat-
ure 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
Gordon Baker upon the occasion of his retirement after 37 years of
distinguished service to the New York State School for the Deaf, to be
celebrated on Monday, June 20, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished history, the New York State
School for the Deaf (NYSSD) has faithfully endured to ensure that each
of its students has the maximum opportunity for growth and development
as tailored and designed to complement his or her individual abilities,
and to create a strong foundation for a productive, happy life; and
WHEREAS, The programs at NYSSD in their entirety, are both innovative
and progressive, and with its staff of highly capable and talented
instructors, the school will continue to provide quality educational
services for all those enrolled; and
WHEREAS, Throughout 37 notable years, Gordon Baker has served as
department head for pupil personnel services and athletics, and was the
former dean of students at NYSSD; and
WHEREAS, An ambassador for NYSSD, Gordon Baker has taken great pride
in educating the community about its impressive history and contrib-
utions; his understanding of and respect for the needs of deaf children
and their families have been instrumental in helping thousands of New
York's students with deafness come to call Rome their second home; and
WHEREAS, Gordon Baker has taken a personal interest in every student,
working to find individual avenues of success and remained a steadfast
source of encouragement throughout their school career; he is known for
his gentleness, understanding, and untiring positive attitude; and
WHEREAS, For the past 37 years, Gordon Baker rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to NYSSD; he is a man of integrity
and faith who served with loyalty, honor and distinction; and
WHEREAS, In his official acts, Gordon Baker was governed by a keen
sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure with NYSSD, Gordon Baker earned the admira-
tion, esteem and affection of his colleagues; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Gordon Baker upon the occasion of his retirement after 37 years of
distinguished service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Gordon Baker.