LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Cornell University upon the occasion
of celebrating the 150th Anniversary of its designation as the Land-
Grant University of the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those educational institutions of true purpose and high achieve-
ment whose exemplary programs and accomplishments are clearly reflective
of the pursuit of excellence in education and unparalleled service to
the community; and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
events of historic significance which exemplify the character and devel-
opment of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concerns, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Cornell University upon the occasion of celebrating the 150th Anniver-
sary of its designation as the Land-Grant University of the State of New
York; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable sesquicentennial will be observed with a
Symposium and Reception, to be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at the
New York State Education Building in Albany; speakers will include
Cornell University President David Skorton, State University of New York
Chancellor Nancy Zimpher and other higher education leaders; and
WHEREAS, The Morrill Land Grant Act was signed by President Abraham
Lincoln in 1862, in recognition of the need for an educated and trained
workforce to fuel our expanding young Nation and rapidly changing econo-
my; and
WHEREAS, This watershed legislation provided each state a parcel of
land to be used towards financing higher education institutions which
would "promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial
classes" by teaching subjects related to agriculture and engineering in
addition to classical areas of study; and
WHEREAS, The Morrill Act set the stage for Cornell University to be
founded as New York's land-grant college in 1865; Ezra Cornell, then a
state senator, offered an endowment and the gift of his Ithaca farm to
create the eponymous university, where "any person can find instruction
in any study"; his visionary generosity positioned Cornell University to
become one of the world's leading educational institutions; and
WHEREAS, One of Cornell University's most enduring qualities as a
land-grant institution is its deep commitment to developing knowledge
that benefits communities around the world; and
WHEREAS, It has fulfilled its land-grant mission by applying universi-
ty-based research to practical problems via extension and outreach
throughout New York and the world over, from vegetable growing classes
for New York farmers in the 1880s to Neurobiology and Behavioral Science
extension in today's global metropolises; and
WHEREAS, Cornell University's public impact remains robust; in 2010,
12 companies were formed, 114 licenses negotiated, 140 patents issued,
and 338 new technologies disclosed; that same year, $764 million in
research expenditures were made; and
WHEREAS, Cornell Cooperative Extension is an integral part of New York
State's communities, maintaining offices in 55 counties plus New York
City, annually logging one million volunteer hours to New York compa-
nies, educating 167,000 youth through 4-H and representing $158 million
in annual economic impact for the state; and
WHEREAS, The community of Cornell University can look back on its
triumphant 150 year history with glowing pride, secure in the knowledge
that its accomplishments have immeasurably enhanced the quality of life

for people around the globe, and can look forward, with full confidence
in its strength, as it prepares for the ebb and swell of change it will
encounter in the years to come; and
WHEREAS, It is only fitting that this Legislative Body extend its
highest commendation to Cornell University for its unwavering commitment
to fulfilling its land-grant mission of education and service to the
communities of this great Empire State, and its outstanding contrib-
utions in the service of creating a better world; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Cornell University upon the occasion of celebrating the 150th
Anniversary of its designation as the Land-Grant University of the State
of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to David J. Skorton, President, Cornell University.