LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. and Mrs. Gavin Setzen upon the occa-
sion of their designation as recipients of the Circle of Humanity Award
by Temple Israel on May 19, 2016

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 Dr. and Mrs.
Gavin Setzen upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the
Circle of Humanity Award by Temple Israel on Thursday, May 19, 2016, in
Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The establishment of this unique award was inspired by the
passion and enthusiasm of a movement in the Capital District to embrace
the best of the human spirit in us all; the Circle of Humanity Award
represents our recognition of those who demonstrate what can be accom-
plished within each person's heart and soul; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious award is given to those who have shown cour-
age and initiative to reach out, together, to create an atmosphere that
is at once positive, exciting and contagious, truly devoting themselves
to making a positive difference in the local community and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Natives of Johannesburg, South Africa, Karen and Gavin Setzen
immigrated to the United States in 1989, and settled in the Albany area
in 1992, rapidly integrating themselves into the community and becoming
active volunteers while raising their two sons, Lee and Sean; and
WHEREAS, Karen Setzen is highly active in the local Jewish community;
she has been involved in multiple fundraising efforts, committees and
leadership roles for community organizations, including Temple Israel,
Jewish Family Services and the Hebrew Academy of the Capital District;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, Karen Setzen was involved in the Young Families
Committee at Temple Israel for several years, served two terms on the
Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy Board and during her tenure, she, together
with Gavin, co-chaired Bet Shraga's Shomray Torah Society for three
years; Karen is currently serving her third term on the Board of Jewish
Family Services; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Gavin Setzen obtained his medical degree in South Africa,
and completed his surgical training in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck
Surgery at Albany Medical Center; he is a Diplomat of the American Board
of Otolaryngology and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and
American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy; and
WHEREAS, As President of Albany ENT and Allergy Services, Dr. Gavin
Setzen provides ENT and allergy care to patients in the greater Capital
Region; he is also past Chair of the Board of Governors of the American
Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), and served on
the Board of AAO-HNS for eight years, most recently as Secretary-Trea-
surer; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Dr. Gavin Setzen is President of the New York
State Society of Otolaryngology; he has held leadership positions in
various other organizations, including the Intersocietal Accreditation
Commission (IAC), and is immediate past-president of the IAC CT Divi-
sion; and

WHEREAS, With a long history of community service, Dr. Gavin Setzen
sits on the Boards of Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center, Jewish Feder-
ation of Northeastern New York and Israel Bonds Executive Committee; he
is president of Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center and is a past-presi-
dent of Temple Israel; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Gavin and Karen Setzen have displayed
throughout their lives; 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 Dr. and Mrs. Gavin Setzen upon the occasion of their designation
as recipients of the Circle of Humanity Award by Temple Israel on May
19, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. and Mrs. Gavin Setzen.