LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Gerald D. Jennings upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the 2015 Third Age Achievement Award in
Government by Senior Services of Albany

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the great
State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good works
of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate their
lives and careers to the service of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Gerald D.
Jennings upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2015
Third Age Achievement Award in Government by Senior Services of Albany,
to be celebrated at its 19th Annual Third Age Achievement Awards Lunch-
eon on Friday, May 8, 2015, at Wolfert's Roost Country Club, Albany, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Each year, this auspicious event recognizes the contributions
that area residents and professionals have made in their communities
during the Third Age of their lives; Gerald D. Jennings will receive
this award for his valuable achievements and devoted public service to
his community after the age of 60; and
WHEREAS, Born in North Albany, New York, Gerald D. Jennings, affec-
tionately known as Jerry, graduated from SUNY Brockport, and earned a
Master of Science degree from the University at Albany in 1976; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating from college, Jerry D. Jennings began his
illustrious 21 year career as a prevalent teacher and high school admin-
istrator for the Albany City School District; and
WHEREAS, For 13 years, Jerry D. Jennings served on the Albany Common
Council representing the 11th Ward, where he distinguished himself as a
tireless voice for the citizens of Albany, and an advocate for Albany's
Pine Bush; and
WHEREAS, In 1993, Jerry D. Jennings was elected the 74th Mayor of
Albany, a position he held for five terms; and
WHEREAS, Jerry D. Jennings first took office as Mayor in January of
1994, assuming the responsibilities of leadership which turned the City
of Albany into a true renaissance; and
WHEREAS, During his distinguished public service in this esteemed
position, Jerry D. Jennings presided over an unprecedented reduction in
crime and meaningful increases in quality of life for all residents of
Albany; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Jerry D. Jennings implemented a comprehensive
redevelopment of Albany's beautiful waterfront and the Corning Preserve;
the construction of the Hudson River Way Pedestrian Bridge links down-
town Albany with the Hudson River and new Amphitheater at Albany River-
front Park; and
WHEREAS, One of the many accomplishments Jerry D. Jennings was instru-
mental in aiding included a collaboration with the State of New York and
the Pine Bush Commission to add hundreds of acres to the Pine Bush
Preserve; he also dedicated a significant amount of funds toward the
improvement of parks, playgrounds, and nature preserves within the City
of Albany; and
WHEREAS, Jerry D. Jennings has received numerous awards and accolades
for his visionary and progressive leadership including the prestigious
City Livability Award by the United States Conference of Mayors, and the
Public/Private Partnership Outstanding Achievement Award for his colla-
borative partnerships with the business community; and
WHEREAS, Our local governments, our State and our Nation have been
strengthened by generations of Americans who felt a sense of responsi-
bility to their community, to one another and to their families; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, Mary Ann; together,
they enjoy spending quality time with their three grandchildren, all of
whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, A singular asset to all of the citizens he has served in the
community of the State of New York, Jerry D. Jennings's life and career
are a portrait of preeminence in public service, and present a role
model for all who aspire to a career in public service; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Gerald D. Jennings upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the 2015 Third Age Achievement Award in Government by Senior
Services of Albany; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Gerald D. Jennings.