LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Donna Donovan upon the occasion of her
retirement after 40 years of distinguished service in the newspaper
industry

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, For the past 40 years, Donna Donovan rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to the newspaper industry; this
momentous occasion will be celebrated with a Retirement Party in her
honor on Thursday, March 27, 2014, at The Stanley Theatre in Utica, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Donna Donovan attended Syracuse University where she earned a
Bachelor's degree Magna Cum Laude in both Newspaper Administration and
Spanish; she began her illustrious career in 1974 working in various
news positions for THE COURIER NEWS in Bridgewater, New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, Donna Donovan became the President and Publisher of
THE OBSERVER-DISPATCH in Utica, New York, the esteemed position from
which she will retire; she was the first woman appointed to the top
editor role in Utica; and
WHEREAS, In her capacity as President and Publisher, Donna Donovan
served with loyalty, honor and distinction; she oversaw major improve-
ments in editorial quality, championed First Amendment issues through
news coverage and legal action, and introduced new sections of appeal to
both readers and advertisers, including a weekly entertainment guide and
monthly premium magazine; and
WHEREAS, In addition, she introduced multiple websites as well as
digital news and advertising platforms, led acquisition and integration
of the weekly newspaper and seven weekly shoppers, and initiated signa-
ture community programs celebrating local successes; and
WHEREAS, Prior to her current position, Donna Donovan was the first
woman to serve as Publisher of THE BURLINGTON FREE PRESS, and the first
woman to serve as a Publisher of South Dakota's largest newspaper, THE
ARGUS LEADER; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, she served as Executive Editor of THE DAILY
PRESS and THE OBSERVER-DISPATCH, where she oversaw the complete redesign
of both newspapers; and
WHEREAS, Sincerely loved and greatly respected by all those with whom
she worked, Donna Donovan will be remembered for her honesty, integrity,
keen sense of duty and ability to show a unique grasp of human problems
in her official acts; and
WHEREAS, Serving the community through meaningful local journalism,
Donna Donovan is also on the Literacy. Coalition Leadership Committee,
Board of Directors of the Stanley Center for the Arts, Board of Trustees
of the New York Newspaper Foundation, and Eucharistic Minister and
Lector of St. John the Evangelist Church; and
WHEREAS, Donna Donovan has received numerous awards and accolades,
some of which include: Finalist, Gannett First Amendment Award; Induc-
tee, Professional Gallery, Syracuse University Newhouse School of Public
Communications; Dewitt Clinton Masonic Award for Community Service;
Gannett President's Ring for Excellence as a Newspaper Publisher; and
Frank Tripp Award for Innovation in News/Community Service; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demon-
strated by Donna Donovan over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to
others; 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 Donna Donovan upon the occasion of her retirement after 40 years
of distinguished service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Donna Donovan.