LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D. upon
the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Capital District
YMCA President's Award on April 23, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of citizens who have made significant contributions to the
public wealth of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard's remarkable career of profes-
sional and personal service to her town, State and country warrants the
recognition and commendation of this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D. upon the occasion of her designation
as recipient of the Capital District YMCA President's Award, to be cele-
brated at its Annual President's Award Dinner, at the Albany Marriott,
Albany, New York, on Thursday, April 23, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Prior to earning a Master of Arts in Secondary Choral from
Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1990, Marguerite Vanden
Wyngaard received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Grand Valley
State University, Allendale, Michigan in 1981; and
WHEREAS, A third generation musician, Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard
followed in her family's footsteps and became a Choral Music Director;
she held many different positions at several schools within the Midwest;
and
WHEREAS, From 1995-1998, Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard studied and
completed her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at Kent State University,
Kent, Ohio, with a focus on curriculum and instruction within urban
schools; she provided instructional and program leadership in
university/school partnerships in urban communities in Ohio, including
Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown; and
WHEREAS, Yearning to provide exceptional leadership to underserved
youths, Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D. strove to make students a
focus and transform urban education; and
WHEREAS, For the next several years, Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D.
held several different positions which emphasized metropolitan instruc-
tion, including Assistant Professor of Education, leader of both Profes-
sional Development and Regional School Improvement Services at the Ohio
Department of Education, Director of Achievement Initiatives, Assistant
Superintendent, and Executive Director for Educational Services; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D. was promoted to
the esteemed position of Deputy Superintendent at Paterson Public
Schools, Paterson, New Jersey, a title she held until 2012; and
WHEREAS, Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D. then moved to Albany, New
York, where she was appointed Superintendent of the Albany City School
District; and
WHEREAS, Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D. understands the strengths
and challenges of an urban school district such as Albany School
District; she is committed to advancing academic excellence and high
expectations for all students; and
WHEREAS, To achieve these goals, Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D. is
confident knowing that each and every educator and administrator must
understand the critical role played in helping all students succeed; she
also considers open and respectful dialogue to be founded on trust, and
conflict negotiations are based on mutual respect; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D.
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 Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D.
has displayed throughout her life; she has exhibited the true spirit of
this esteemed award through her tireless dedication to the YMCA and her
community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D. upon the occasion of her desig-
nation as recipient of the Capital District YMCA President's Award on
April 23, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D.