LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John D. Kemp upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2014 Dole Leadership Prize by the Robert
J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, John D. Kemp has given not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John D. Kemp
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2014 Dole Lead-
ership Prize by the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the Univer-
sity of Kansas; he received this outstanding award at an event held at
the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics on Sunday, December 14, 2014;
and
WHEREAS, Named after Senator Robert J. Dole, a wounded veteran and
tireless advocate for disability rights, the Dole Leadership Prize is
awarded annually to an individual or group whose public service leader-
ship inspires others; and
WHEREAS, John D. Kemp is the first disability leader to receive the
Dole Leadership Prize, which was personally selected by former Senator
Robert J. Dole; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed man is President/CEO of the Viscardi Center, a
network of non-profit organizations which provides a lifespan of
services that educate, employ and empower children and adults with disa-
bilities; and
WHEREAS, Widely recognized as a disability rights statesman in America
and throughout the world, John D. Kemp is renowned for his many achieve-
ments, both in the corporate and non-profit worlds; and
WHEREAS, As a person with a disability who uses four prostheses, John
D. Kemp has inspired others to achieve the impossible through his
unique combination of knowledge, experience, vision, personality, and
persistence; and
WHEREAS, John D. Kemp has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, John D. Kemp has more than 50 years of direct experience in
the disability movement; he has partnered with, worked for, and served
as Board Member/Chair or CEO of several leading disability and non-pro-
fit organizations; in addition, he co-founded the American Association
of People with Disabilities in 1995; and
WHEREAS, With a sense of civic responsibility, John D. Kemp has served
on the Medicaid Commission, the U.S. State Department's Advisory Commit-
tee on Persons with Disabilities, and the New York State READY Commis-
sion; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous accolades during his illustrious
career, John D. Kemp received an honorary doctorate from Washburn
University School of Law in 2003, and the Henry B. Betts Award for his
outstanding leadership and service in 2006; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, John D. Kemp 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 John D. Kemp has displayed through-
out his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence 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 John D. Kemp upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2014 Dole Leadership Prize from the Robert J. Dole Institute of
Politics at the University of Kansas; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John D. Kemp.