LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Martin J. Anisman upon the occasion
of his retirement after 15 years of dedicated service as President of
Daemen College

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding
educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instru-
mental in developing character and academic excellence in the young
people of New York 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.
Martin J. Anisman upon the occasion of his retirement after 15 years of
dedicated service as President of Daemen College in June of 2011; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin J. Anisman is the fourth President of Daemen
College in Amherst, New York; he holds an A.B. in English Literature
from Syracuse University and a Master of Arts and Ph.D. from New York
University, also in English Literature, specializing in the Victorian
novel; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin J. Anisman began his tenure at Daemen in 1996, as
the College approached its 50th anniversary; under his leadership, the
College enrollment has surpassed 2,000 students, an impressive all-time
high; and
WHEREAS, While maintaining allied health programs for which Daemen
College has become known, Dr. Martin J. Anisman has promoted an
increased focus on a more balanced undergraduate curriculum, emphasizing
the liberal arts; and
WHEREAS, Daemen's signature graduate-level programs in nursing, phys-
ical therapy, and physician assistant are expanding, but the largest
enrollment growth for the college is in undergraduate degree programs,
education, graphic arts, psychology, English, and history; and
WHEREAS, The Daemen Service Learning program received additional
national recognition in 2007 and 2008, when it was named by the Corpo-
ration for National and Community Service to the President's Higher
Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts and
service to disadvantaged youth; and
WHEREAS, In addition, under Dr. Martin J. Anisman's luminous leader-
ship, the Daemen College Mission Statement was re-written, to emphasize
critical thinking, cultural understanding, social responsibility and
diversity; the college has become one of Western New York higher
education's leading centers of service learning, recognized nationally
as a "Point of Light" by former President Bill Clinton; and
WHEREAS, Before coming to Daemen College, Dr. Martin J. Anisman has
held many prestigious positions, including President of Sam Houston
State University in 1989, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean
of the Faculty at Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts,
and Dean of the School of Arts and Science at Southern Connecticut State
University in New Haven, Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin J. Anisman's Board memberships include the Buffalo
Niagara Partnership, the YMCA of Western New York and former chair of
the Western New York Higher Education Consortium; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Dr. Cheri Anisman,
and their three children, all of whom feel privileged to be part of his
life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, Educational leaders like Dr. Martin J. Anisman provide a
tremendous service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring
generations of students of higher education in their educational jour-
neys and ensuring their success in their future years; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those exemplary individuals in higher education within the State
of New York for their enduring commitment to the pursuit of academic
excellence; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Martin J. Anisman upon the occasion of his retirement as Pres-
ident of Daemen College, after 15 years of dedicated service in educa-
tion, and for his significant contributions to higher education in New
York State; and to wish him continued success in all of his future
endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Martin J. Anisman.