LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Robert L. Poczik upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achiever of the Year Award
by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce on February 25, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Robert L. Poczik upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Lifetime Achiever of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of
Commerce, to be celebrated at its 44th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday,
February 25, 2016, at Samuel's Grande Manor, Williamsville, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Robert L. Poczik, affectionately known as Bob, graduated from
Clarence Central High School, attended the State University of New York
at Binghamton, and then spent a year and a half in India on a Fulbright
Fellowship during which time he taught English at an Indian university,
did a research project on Mahatma Gandhi, and did volunteer work with
Tibetan refugees; and
WHEREAS, After earning his Master's degree in Education from Syracuse
University, Robert L. Poczik returned to Asia on a Ford Foundation
Fellowship, this time on assignment to the Ministry of Education in Sri
Lanka; he again did volunteer work with Tibetan refugees in India, and
created an English-Tibetan Children's Dictionary; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the dictionary, which has been reprinted 11
times and has never been out of print since it was first published 40
years ago, has helped several generations of young Tibetans to learn
English; as part of this work, Robert L. Poczik also had several private
audiences with the Dalai Lama; and
WHEREAS, Upon his return to the United States, Robert L. Poczik began
his illustrious 26-year career with the New York State Education Depart-
ment in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure, Robert L. Poczik served as the lead state
administrator of programs for refugees and immigrants, adult literacy,
job training, and career and technical education; he also worked an
additional 10 years for a research and evaluation firm in Manhattan,
with a primary focus on the improvement of child welfare programs,
including foster care; and
WHEREAS, With an unwavering dedication to his community, Robert L.
Poczik has given much of his time and energies to help those individuals
and families on the margins of the economy learn the skills needed to
become productive members of society; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after his retirement, Robert L. Poczik and his wife
Ellen moved back to Clarence where they reside in Ellen's childhood
home; and
WHEREAS, A valued and esteemed member of his community, Robert L.
Poczik has been active in the Clarence Senior Center and sits on its
Board of Directors; an avid reader, he has been a long-standing member
of the Clarence Book Review Club, and serves as its Vice President; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he is a member of the Nativity of the Blessed
Virgin Mary Church, where he serves both as a Lector and a Eucharistic
Minister, and is the Chairman of its Parish Council; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Robert L. Poczik has

stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Robert L. Poczik has displayed
throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Robert L. Poczik upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Lifetime Achiever of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of
Commerce on February 25, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert L. Poczik.