LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ronald W. Toseland upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Third Age Achievement Award in
Health and Human Services by Senior Services of Albany

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ronald W.
Toseland upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Third
Age Achievement Award in Health and Human Services by Senior Services of
Albany, to be celebrated at its 20th Annual Awards Ceremony on Friday,
May 6, 2016, at Wolferts Roost Country Club, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Senior Services of Albany was founded in 1952, to serve the
needs of the elderly and their caregivers in the greater Albany area;
since its inception, the agency has focused its mission on enhancing
quality of life and fostering independence for seniors in the Capital
Region; and
WHEREAS, The Third Age Achievement Awards are designed to pay tribute
to members of the Capital Region who have made significant contributions
to our communities in their "third age"; the award seeks to dispel the
myth that getting older always means slowing down and highlights the
activities, achievements and creativity of individuals over the age of
60; and
WHEREAS, The 60-plus stage of life can be a time full of opportunities
to enrich our communities, pursue dreams, and provide leadership; the
Third Age Achievement Awards honor individuals who have excelled in all
of these endeavors; and
WHEREAS, A long-time professor at the SUNY Albany Institute of Geron-
tology in the School of Social Welfare, Ronald W. Toseland has devoted
his life to the field of health and human services as well as the field
of gerontology; and
WHEREAS, Ronald W. Toseland grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and earned
a Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Manhattan College before going on
to earn his PhD from the University of Wisconsin in Social Work Prac-
tice, Group Work, Gerontology, and Research; and
WHEREAS, Ronald W. Toseland joined SUNY Albany in 1979, and has been a
pillar of the University's gerontology work ever since; he has published
six books and more than 110 articles, many of which focus on clinical
practice with frail and chronically ill older adults and their family
caregivers, as well as social group work; and
WHEREAS, Internationally recognized for his research on social work
practice with groups and effective interventions for problems faced by
aging individuals, Ronald W. Toseland's findings have helped to guide
the delivery of evidence-based social and health care services to older
persons, and have also been featured in Congress and internationally;
and
WHEREAS, Ronald W. Toseland has been the recipient of numerous awards
and accolades throughout his distinguished career, including a 2007
award for outstanding lifelong contributions in gerontological social
work, as well as the Social Work and Research Distinguished Achievement
Award in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this esteemed man has served on the Governing
Board of Senior Services of Albany; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Sheryl, and their two
daughters, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Ronald W. Toseland has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ronald W. Toseland upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the Third Age Achievement Award in Health and Human Services by
Senior Services of Albany; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ronald W. Toseland.