LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Neil Murphy upon the occasion of his
retirement as President of SUNY-ESF

WHEREAS, It is the sense of the State of New York to acknowledge those
outstanding individuals within our midst whose professional lives and
civic endeavors serve to enhance the stature of this state; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, it is the sense of the State of New York to
recognize that the quality and character in our communities are reflec-
tive of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who are
devoted to the welfare of their communities; one such individual is Dr.
Cornelius "Neil" Murphy Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor and
recognize Dr. Neil Murphy upon the occasion of his retirement as Presi-
dent of the State University of New York College of Environmental
Science and Forestry, known as SUNY-ESF; and
WHEREAS, SUNY-ESF, which was founded in 1911, is one of the most
respected colleges in the nation, dedicated to the study of the environ-
ment, the development of renewable technologies and the building of a
sustainable future; SUNY-ESF currently enrolls 1,700 undergraduate and
550 graduate students and offers more than 50 degree programs; and
WHEREAS, Since becoming the third President of SUNY-ESF in 2000, Dr.
Neil Murphy has increased student enrollment, enhanced alternative ener-
gy research projects at the college and across the globe, accelerated
biomedical research capabilities in Central New York, fostered institu-
tional support from state, federal and local representatives, opened the
college's first residential dorm, overhauled the Baker Laboratory build-
ing, extended college partnerships with local business leaders, expanded
the college's outreach program to various public high schools, and he
was instrumental in opening SUNY-ESF's new Gateway Building, a high-per-
formance facility that provides a centerpiece for campus activities and
produces its own power; and
WHEREAS, Under Dr. Neil Murphy's leadership, SUNY-ESF has significant-
ly increased its national and international visibility, earning a spot
on the list of top public colleges in the U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT;
SUNY-ESF was also ranked the 3rd best college in the nation for women in
science and engineering by FORBES Magazine; and
WHEREAS, Before his appointment to SUNY-ESF in 2000, Dr. Neil Murphy
served as the president and director of O'Brien & Gere Limited, a large
design and engineering firm in Syracuse; he joined O'Brien & Gere in
1970 after earning his doctorate from Syracuse University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Neil Murphy has authored 45 technical publications and
presentations and has devoted his time to various professional and civic
organizations; and
WHEREAS, In 2013, Dr. Neil Murphy was honored as a F.O.C.U.S. 2013
Wisdom Keeper for the positive difference he has made on the Central New
York community through his overall commitment to civic trusteeship; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Neil Murphy has
consistently rendered conscientious and valuable service to the
students, faculty and staff at SUNY-ESF and to the entire Central New
York community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause to hereby honor and recog-
nize Dr. Neil Murphy upon the occasion of his retirement as President of
SUNY-ESF; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Neil Murphy.