LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Sullivan
County Community College

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of commitment and high achievement whose
purpose and endeavors fully demonstrate a dedication to the pursuit of
excellence in education and service to the community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concerns, and fully in accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Sullivan County Community College;
and
WHEREAS, Sullivan County Community College (SUNY Sullivan) welcomed
its first freshman class on September 23, 1963; it was established
largely due to the joint efforts of local citizens, who conducted
surveys and advocated the creation of a college, and the Sullivan County
Board of Supervisors, who saw the desirability and need for a community
college in Sullivan County; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of the last 50 years, SUNY Sullivan has grown
from a faculty of nine and a student body of 72 enrolled in three
programs in its first year of operation, to a full and part-time enroll-
ment of more than 1,700 students in 32 degree and eight certificate
programs in 2012; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Sullivan is committed to maintaining a strong liberal
arts core curriculum and equipping students with the tools for 21st
Century careers; available areas of study include computer
graphics/graphic design, which is taught in the new graphics art lab,
culinary arts, nursing, criminal justice, and Green Building Maintenance
and Management; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Sullivan faculty and staff have earned numerous awards
and citations for excellence in education, including more than 20 SUNY
Chancellor's Awards; and
WHEREAS, Some of SUNY Sullivan's notable alumni include: Gene Simmons,
co-founder, bassist, singer and songwriter of the rock band KISS; Rafael
"Dose" Vargas, rapper in the Dominican hip hop group 2 In A Room, now
known as Fulanito; and Joey Altman, American chef, restaurateur and TV
host on the Food Network and winner of the James Beard Award in 2000,
2001, and 2006; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Sullivan is situated on 405 acres of land and its campus
features nine interconnected buildings, the Paul Gerry Field house, the
Lazarus Levine Residence Hall and the EcoGreen Townhouses; a geo-thermal
system provides heat and air conditioning for the campus, underscoring
the College's commitment to environmental and social responsibility; and
WHEREAS, In February 2012, Dr. Karin M. Hilgersom began her term as
SUNY Sullivan's sixth president, helming the College as it focuses on
the future by continuing to adopt more sustainable practices, creating
new and exciting curriculums and continuing to foster strong, lasting
bonds within and outside of the community; and
WHEREAS, Facing the rapid change and ever-increasing challenges of the
21st Century, Sullivan County Community College stands prepared to reach
out, in earnest and enthusiastic quest of its mission, to promote the
maximum growth of every student, establishing standards and building
skills which will carry its students and the citizens of its community
into the future; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when an
educational institution of such noble aims and accomplishments is
brought to our attention, it should be recognized and applauded by all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Sullivan County Community College;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Karin M. Hilgersom, President, Sullivan County Community
College.