LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring outgoing President Raymond Cross, Ph.D.
after many years of distinguished service to Morrisville State College

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed resi-
dents 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
outgoing President Raymond Cross, Ph.D. after many years of distin-
guished service to Morrisville State College in Morrisville, New York;
he will leave this position to become Chancellor of University of
Wisconsin Colleges and University of Wisconsin Extension; and
WHEREAS, Upon earning a Ph.D. from Michigan State University, a
Masters of Science degree from Central Michigan University, and a Bach-
elors of Science degree from Ferris State University, Dr. Raymond Cross
served as Head of the Engineering Technologies Department at Ferris
State University in Michigan, and extensively worked in and consulted
for the auto industry; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Raymond Cross then went on to serve as President and CEO
of Northwest Technical College in Minnesota before joining Morrisville
State College in April, 1998; and
WHEREAS, For the past 13 years, Dr. Raymond Cross rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to Morrisville State College, earning
the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and
WHEREAS, Since his inauguration as President of Morrisville State
College, Dr. Raymond Cross has guided the institution through a period
of growth, adding facilities and programs, integrating technology and
entrepreneurship in academics and reemphasizing the college's historical
strengths in agriculture and technology; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a plan to incorporate technology into the college
culture, Dr. Raymond Cross implemented an initiative for Morrisville
State College to take a pioneering role in higher education by integrat-
ing mobile learning via laptops, wireless technology and cellular phones
to allow students to work and learn at the location best suited for
them; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Dr. Raymond Cross, Morris-
ville State College has increased its bachelor degree programs in
specialized areas; when he became President, the College offered only
one bachelors degree in equine studies; today, Morrisville State College
offers approximately 25 bachelor degree programs with four more pending;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. Raymond Cross played an integral role in the construction
of several new facilities which function as real world learning labora-
tories as well as a move from junior college to NCAA Division III
athletic competition, both of which contributed to Morrisville's devel-
opment into a baccalaureate institution; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Dr. Raymond Cross has leveraged Morrisville
State College's roots in agricultural and technical programs, becoming a
leading proponent of using New York agricultural feedstocks to develop
biofuels; and
WHEREAS, He has also made rural entrepreneurship a priority at the
college with the development of an agri-business center, small-scale
food processing plant and entrepreneurship institute; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his contributions to Morrisville State
College, Dr. Raymond Cross was the chairman of the Agriculture Committee
for New York State and currently, serves on several local boards of
directors and SUNY-wide committees; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Raymond Cross will leave behind a renowned legacy, having
served with loyalty, honor and distinction, governed by a keen sense of
duty; this remarkable educator always showed a unique grasp of human
problems in his official acts; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Miriam, their four
children, and four grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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 outgoing President Raymond Cross, Ph.D. upon the occasion of his
retirement after many years of distinguished service to Morrisville
State College, and to offer best wishes in all his future endeavors; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Raymond Cross, Ph.D.