LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Jesse Dowdell upon the occasion of his
retirement after many years of distinguished service to the Southwest
Community Center

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals
whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stat-
ure of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Jesse Dowdell upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of
distinguished service to the Southwest Community Center; he will offi-
cially retire at the end of April 2013; and
WHEREAS, Jesse Dowdell grew up in Syracuse, New York, and worked as a
teacher with the Syracuse school district before he decided to take the
position at Southwest Community Center; he made the move because he
wanted to make a difference in the community; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Jesse Dowdell rendered faithful, conscien-
tious and valuable service to the Southwest Community Center; and
WHEREAS, In his capacity as Chief Executive Officer, Jesse Dowdell
served with loyalty, honor and distinction; and
WHEREAS, Only the second leader the nonprofit agency has had since it
opened in 1975, Jesse Dowdell was able to see the Southwest Community
Center through the country's recent economic downturn, working closely
with banking partners and leading the Center to good economic standing
once more; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Jesse Dowdell has helped the Southwest Commu-
nity Center establish itself as a place where neighborhood people can
turn to for help; he has been instrumental in the stabilization of the
immediate neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, In his official acts, Jesse Dowdell was governed by a keen
sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Southwest Community Center, Jesse
Dowdell earned the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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
honor Jesse Dowdell upon the occasion of his retirement after many years
of distinguished service to the Southwest Community Center; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jesse Dowdell.