LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Nancy Dubner for her dedicated efforts
as Founder and President Emerita of the Mohawk Valley Institute for
Learning in Retirement

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 recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Nancy Dubner for her dedicated efforts as Founder and President Emerita
of the Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement; she was
honored at a brunch at the Radisson Hotel in Utica, New York, on Sunday,
August 25, 2013; and
WHEREAS, The Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement
(MVILR) is a continuing education program for retired and semi-retired
adults; it provides older students with a wide spectrum of non-credit
courses taught by committed volunteers on the beautiful campus of the
SUNY Institute of Technology (SUNY IT); and
WHEREAS, Nancy Dubner is the founder and driving force behind MVILR;
she has given not only of her time and energies but also of her compe-
tence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has been designated
for special honor; and
WHEREAS, In 1996, Nancy Dubner retired from her position as Regional
Director after experiencing the tragic deaths of both her daughter and
husband; she decided to devote herself to giving back to the community;
and
WHEREAS, A trustee at SUNY IT, this esteemed woman put together a
proposal for an Institute for Learning which would offer classes for
older adults; she presented her case in front of college officials and
administrators and her proposal was approved; and
WHEREAS, Nancy Dubner set about creating a framework for a volunteer
effort by reaching out to enlist others and conducted fund raising
efforts to support her cause; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to Nancy Dubner's dedicated efforts, MVILR opened its
doors in 1997 with 30 courses and 330 members; over the years, the
program has offered hundreds of courses, all facilitated by volunteers,
which have expanded learning opportunities for thousands of retired
students; and
WHEREAS, Nancy Dubner was directly responsible for much of MVILR's
success during her tenure; she has conducted numerous courses, including
the program's longest running course, Quarterbacking the News; further-
more she has organized and led more than eight Elderhostel programs in
the United States and four in Europe; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Nancy Dubner has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which this remarkable woman has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the

recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Nancy Dubner for her dedicated efforts as Founder and President
Emerita of the Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Nancy Dubner.