LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Junior FIRST LEGO League Expo upon
the occasion of being selected to receive the 2014 University at Albany
President's Award for Exemplary Community Engagement on April 25, 2014

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 organiza-
tions 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 honor the
Junior FIRST LEGO League Expo led by Dr. Jennifer Goodall, College of
Computing and Information, University at Albany, in partnership with
KeyBank and the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, upon the occasion
of being selected to receive the 2014 University at Albany President's
Award for Exemplary Community Engagement, which was celebrated at an
Award Ceremony at the University at Albany, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed award honors University at Albany-community
partnerships which are enhancing public well-being in the Capital Region
and beyond; their community engagement is a collaboration between higher
education institutions and external partners in the mutually beneficial
exchange of knowledge and resources to address areas of public need; and
WHEREAS, For more than six years, the College of Computing and Infor-
mation and its partners have provided a unique opportunity for six- to
nine-year-olds to learn about science and technology and solve real-
world problems; and
WHEREAS, In this community-engaged teaching and service program spear-
headed by Dr. Jennifer Goodall, Assistant Dean, the Junior FIRST LEGO
League Expo has been a piece of a larger effort to promote girls'
participation and interest in science, technology, engineering, and math
(STEM) fields; and
WHEREAS, The initiative has drawn over 750 children, coaches, and
mentors from local schools and community organizations who work in teams
over several months to build models out of LEGO pieces, and present
their applications of science and technology to solve a specific real-
world problem; and
WHEREAS, University at Albany faculty and student volunteers act as
liaisons with parents and schools for months ahead of the Expo to ensure
a positive, productive, and fun learning experience for participants;
and
WHEREAS, To celebrate the accomplishments of participants, Dr. Jenni-
fer Goodall and her partners organize the annual Expo on campus,
complete with trophies, awards, and demonstrations; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when indi-
viduals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Junior FIRST LEGO League Expo upon the occasion of being
selected to receive the 2014 University at Albany President's Award for
Exemplary Community Engagement on April 25, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Junior FIRST LEGO League Expo.