LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Dr. William W. Destler upon the occa-
sion of his retirement after nine years of distinguished service as
President of the Rochester Institute of Technology

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding
educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instru-
mental in developing character and academic excellence in the young
people of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Dr. William W. Destler upon the occasion of his retirement after nine
years of distinguished service as President of the Rochester Institute
of Technology; and
WHEREAS, Educators like Dr. William W. Destler have provided a tremen-
dous service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring gener-
ations of young people in their educational journeys and ensuring their
success in their future years; and
WHEREAS, William W. Destler earned his bachelor's degree from Stevens
Institute of Technology and his Ph.D. from Cornell University in the
field of Applied Physics; and
WHEREAS, An international authority on high-power microwave sources
and advanced accelerator concepts, Dr. William W. Destler is best known
for his pioneering work in the collective acceleration of heavy ions
where he achieved the highest energies to date by this method, and for
his development of large orbit microwave devices; and
WHEREAS, Dr. William W. Destler has also consulted for government
agencies and private firms, published more than 200 journal articles and
book chapters, and presented many papers; he has also directed 18
master's and doctoral student theses and earned multiple awards for his
teaching; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his arrival at the Rochester Institute of Technology
(RIT), Dr. William W. Destler worked for more than 30 years at the
University of Maryland, rising from the ranks of Research Associate to
Senior Vice President and Provost; he also served as Electrical Engi-
neering Department Chair, Dean of the A. James Clark School of Engineer-
ing, Interim Vice President for University Advancement, Vice President
for Research, and Dean of the graduate school; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, Dr. William W. Destler became the ninth President of
RIT in the university's 186-year history; and
WHEREAS, During his illustrious tenure, Dr. William W. Destler was
responsible for one of the nation's leading career-oriented universi-
ties, including a family of 18,000 students from all 50 states and more
than 100 foreign countries, 115,000 alumni, and 3,400 faculty members
and staff; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed educational leader has also helped RIT become
recognized as a leader in green initiatives by the Sierra Club, and a
"Great College to Work For" by THE CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION, as
well as a hub of innovation and creativity; and
WHEREAS, A member of numerous academic and professional organizations,
Dr. William W. Destler serves on the Board of Directors for the National
Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Association of
Independent Technological Universities and the American Council on
Education's Commission on Effective Leadership; and

WHEREAS, Dr. William W. Destler also serves on the boards of the
National Institute of Aerospace Foundation and New York's Commission on
Independent Colleges and Universities, as well as the steering committee
for the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. William W. Destler has been called upon to contribute his
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of himself unstintingly; he serves on numerous community
boards including the Rochester General Health System, Greater Rochester
Enterprise, Rochester Business Alliance, Golisano Family Foundation,
High Tech of Rochester and Torvec Inc.; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Rebecca, and their
two children, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Dr. William W. Destler has clearly had an enduring impact on
the students of the Rochester Institute of Technology, as well as on the
community-at-large, and accordingly merits recognition and applause for
his impressive dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
institutions of higher education by providing their skills and talents
to our colleges; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. William W. Destler upon the occasion of his retirement after
nine years of distinguished service as President of the Rochester Insti-
tute of Technology, and to wish him continued success in all of his
future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. William W. Destler.