LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 25, 2016, as United Negro College Fund Day in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to call attention to
individuals and organizations that devote their time and energies to the
cultural enrichment of the Empire State; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate
those events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and
inspiration to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the commu-
nities of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 25, 2016, as United Negro
College Fund Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The United Negro College Fund's motto, "A mind is a terrible
thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in" is universally
recognized; for 72 years, this vital organization has enabled more than
60,000 students each year to attend college and obtain the education
they need and that the Nation needs them to have; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of President, Michael L. Lomax,
Ph.D., the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the largest private
provider of scholarships to minority students, annually awarding more
than 10,000 scholarships, and administering more than 400 scholarships,
internships, and fellowship programs; in 2016, the Fund's 72nd Annual
Campaign hopes to raise more than $100 million to assist even more
worthy students; and
WHEREAS, In 1943, Dr. Frederick D. Patterson of the Tuskegee Institute
convened the first meeting to consider the feasibility of a united
appeal on behalf of historically black private colleges and universi-
ties; on May 13, 1944, the organizational meeting of the United Negro
College Fund was held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City; the
initial combined campaign of UNCF raised $760,000; and
WHEREAS, There were 27 original member institutions of the United
Negro College Fund including Atlanta University, Bethune-Cookman
College, Clark College, Dillard University, Fisk University, Gammon
Theological Seminary, Morehouse College, and Spelman College, as well as
the Tuskegee Institute; and
WHEREAS, The formation of UNCF was led by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and
by Walter Hoving, President of Lord & Taylor, who was UNCF's first
national Campaign Director; and
WHEREAS, After John D. Rockefeller, Jr. donated 1,100 shares of Stand-
ard Oil stock, UNCF purchased its first headquarters located at 22 E.
54th Street, New York, New York, on December 28, 1948; and
WHEREAS, From 1944-1994, UNCF was headquartered in the State of New
York; since 2000, UNCF has awarded more than $56 million in scholarships
to more than 1,000 students from New York, and has presented more than
$83 million in scholarships to students attending colleges in New York;
and
WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $4.5
billion to help more than 430,000 students across the Nation go to and
through college; currently, UNCF continues to provide students quality
academic instruction in positive learning environments at 37-member
historically black colleges and universities, which have long served as
pillars of their communities, offering immense value to both students
and communities; and

WHEREAS, Today, UNCF continues to advocate on behalf of the Nation's
historically black colleges and universities, which represent three
percent of the country's two- and four-year colleges, enrolls 10 percent
of African American undergraduates, produces 19 percent of all African
American college graduates, and generates 27 percent of all degrees held
by African Americans in science, technology, engineering and mathemat-
ics; and
WHEREAS, In addition, UNCF encourages high-quality K-12 education,
promotes college readiness for African American students, and assists
the mission of the Federal Government to endorse equal opportunity in
higher education; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions 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
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 25, 2016, as
United Negro College Fund Day in the State of New York; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor, State of New York;
Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., President, United Negro College Fund; and to
the Presidents of the 37 member institutions of the United Negro College
Fund.