LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Lesley Massiah-Arthur upon the occasion
of her designation as Distinguished Alumna in Political Science by Rock-
efeller College of Public Affairs & Policy

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 Lesley Massi-
ah-Arthur upon the occasion of her designation as Distinguished Alumna
in Political Science by Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy,
to be celebrated at its Annual Alumni Dinner & Awards Ceremony on
Friday, May 13, 2016, at the New York State Museum, Albany, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in the Bronx, New York,
Lesley Massiah-Arthur is the Associate Vice President for Government
Relations and Urban Affairs at Fordham University; she is the first
African-American to hold the Associate Vice President title in Fordham's
history; and
WHEREAS, Prior to her tenure at Fordham, Lesley Massiah-Arthur worked
for the New York State Assembly Ways and Means Committee as a legisla-
tive budget analyst specializing in housing, judiciary and higher educa-
tion issues; and
WHEREAS, Lesley Massiah-Arthur has distinguished herself as one of the
leading lobbyists for higher education in New York State; from economic
development, to education law, to scientific research, she impresses
many with her in-depth understanding of complex issues that face the
higher education industry; and
WHEREAS, Whether it is Pell grants, the New York State Tuition Assist-
ance Program, the Higher Education Opportunity Program, START-UP NY, the
DREAM Act, or securing funding sources for Fordham's own institutional
goals, the energy and passion Lesley Massiah-Arthur brings to any cause
is infinite; and
WHEREAS, Beyond her work for Fordham, Lesley Massiah-Arthur has lent
her time and influence towards a number of initiatives including voter
registration, after-school and summer programming for local youth, and
improving services for one of New York City's largest Naturally Occur-
ring Retirement Communities (NORC); and
WHEREAS, Lesley Massiah-Arthur received her bachelor's degree from the
State University of New York at Albany and studied at the Rockefeller
College of Public Affairs & Policy before receiving her Master of Arts
degree from Fordham University; and
WHEREAS, A 2009 Coro Fellow, Lesley Massiah-Arthur also holds profes-
sional certificates from Yale University and the University at Michigan;
and
WHEREAS, Lesley Massiah-Arthur has been the recipient of numerous
awards and accolades, including the Women of Distinction Award, the
Outstanding Service Award, and the Ernst & Young Inclusive Excellence
Award for Accounting and Business School Faculty, Honors; and
WHEREAS, Active within her community, Lesley Massiah-Arthur is a
member of the American Political Science Association, National Confer-
ence of Black Political Scientists, American Association of Political

Consultants, Government Affairs Professionals, and the New York Women's
Foundation; and
WHEREAS, In addition, she has served as a board member for the Coro
National Alumni Association and as a board member for the Union Communi-
ty Health Center; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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 Lesley Massiah-Arthur upon the occasion of her designation as
Distinguished Alumna in Political Science by Rockefeller College of
Public Affairs & Policy; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lesley Massiah-Arthur.