LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Donald P. Christian upon the occasion of
his inauguration as the eighth President of the State University of New
York at New Paltz

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, It is also the practice of this Legislative Body to take note
of and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and
character whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this
great State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Donald P. Christian upon the occasion of his inauguration as the eighth
President of the State University of New York at New Paltz; this auspi-
cious occasion will be celebrated on Friday, April 13, 2012, at the
Julien J. Studley Theatre in the Old Main Building at the State Univer-
sity of New York at New Paltz; and
WHEREAS, Effective June 16, 2011, Donald P. Christian was appointed
the eighth President of the State University of New York at New Paltz;
he served as interim President from July 2010; and
WHEREAS, As President of the State University of New York at New
Paltz, Donald P. Christian is responsible for all aspects of campus
academic and administrative operations, including education, research,
faculty recruitment and development, and working in collaboration with
internal and external constituencies; he also provides overall leader-
ship and guidance for the College including the leading of discussions
and process to identify attainable institutional goals; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Donald P. Christian represents the SUNY New
Paltz campus' interests within the SUNY System, with local and state-e-
lected officials and with the surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his appointment as President, Donald P. Christian
served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for the 2009-
2010 academic year at the State University of New York at New Paltz; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his arrival at New Paltz, Donald P. Christian was
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and a Professor of Biology at
the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for five years, and led efforts
at campus, state, and national levels to advance understanding of the
value of a liberal education in a knowledge-driven 21st century society;
he also strengthened student-faculty research programs and supported
projects to enhance equity and diversity on the campus; and
WHEREAS, Previously (1997-2004), Donald P. Christian served as Associ-
ate Dean for the Biological Sciences at the University of Montana where
he was also Professor; he also held many positions at the University of
Minnesota-Duluth (1978-1997), including Chair and Professor in the Biol-
ogy Department and Director of Graduate Studies in the Biology Graduate
Program; in addition, in 1977, he was an Instructor at Michigan State
University in the Department of Zoology and Curator of Mammals at the
College's museum; and
WHEREAS, In 2008, Donald P. Christian participated in the Wingspread
Conference on Liberal Education; he was awarded the Outstanding Academic
Administrator Award from the University of Montana in 2000 and the

Service to Chapter Award from the Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife
Society in 1995; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous research grants and contracts,
Donald P. Christian has published widely in journals such as THOUGHT &
ACTION; JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT; WILDLIFE BIOLOGY; WETLANDS;
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY; CONSERVATION BIOLOGY; and the JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY;
he has presented his work at numerous conferences and other insti-
tutions; and
WHEREAS, Donald P. Christian earned a B. S. in Wildlife Biology, and a
M. S. and Ph.D. in Zoology from Michigan State University; and
WHEREAS, Donald P. Christian and his wife Sandy, a psychotherapist,
reside in New Paltz, New York, and are the proud parents of two chil-
dren; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Donald P. Christian
has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Donald P. Christian upon the occasion of his inauguration as the
eighth President of the State University of New York at New Paltz, and
for his significant contributions to education in New York State; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Donald P. Christian.