LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring President Stephen Jerome upon the occa-
sion of celebrating his 50 years of successful leadership and service to
Monroe College, and as a Founder and Chair of the Board of the Associ-
ation of Proprietary Colleges for over 25 Years on June 21, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
distinguished careers of those outstanding educational leaders, whose
dedication and achievements have been instrumental in developing charac-
ter 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 honor
President Stephen Jerome upon the occasion of celebrating his 50 years
of successful leadership and service to Monroe College, and as a Founder
and Chair of the Board of the Association of Proprietary Colleges for
over 25 Years, to be feted at an event on Tuesday, June 21, 2016; and
WHEREAS, A native of the Bronx, Stephen Jerome earned his bachelor's
degree from Pace University and his Master of Science degree from Baruch
College, where he remains an active supporter; and
WHEREAS, Since 1978, Stephen Jerome has held the esteemed title of
President of one of the Bronx's best-regarded colleges, Monroe College,
where students receive positive life-changing experiences leading to
fulfilling careers; and
WHEREAS, Under President Stephen Jerome's able guidance, Monroe
College provides unmatched professional, career-orientated higher educa-
tion to students from over 75 countries, many of whom are the first in
their families to attend college; and
WHEREAS, Monroe College offers its students associate, baccalaureate
and graduate programs with campuses in the Bronx, New Rochelle and Saint
Lucia; the College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on
Higher Education, and its programs of study are authorized by the New
York State Board of Regents; and
WHEREAS, According to US NEWS & WORLD REPORT, Monroe College is the
most affordable ranked private college in New York State, with tuition
approximately 50% less than the average private college in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, Futhermore, Monroe College is ranked third in New York State
for its online bachelor's degree program, and WASHINGTON MONTHLY maga-
zine listed the College 62nd of all institutions of higher education
conferring master's degrees; and
WHEREAS, Students at Monroe College are challenged to enrich their
lives in a personalized and supportive environment, and are prepared for
successful careers by faculty who are passionate, knowledgeable and
dedicated to their student's success; and
WHEREAS, In the past five years, over 14,000 students have graduated
from Monroe College, and students enrolled in the three semester academ-
ic year may graduate in three years with a bachelor's degree, with these
students achieving a graduation rate of 65%; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, through President Stephen Jerome's visionary lead-
ership, Monroe College is among the leading colleges nationally for
graduating minority students; and
WHEREAS, For over 25 years, Stephen Jerome has served as the President
of the Association of Proprietary Colleges (APC); throughout his tenure,
he has represented APC member colleges and their students by providing
testimony at the state and national levels advocating for programs which
support the best interests of students, promote equality among all
sectors of higher education and stronger recognition of the positive
outcomes of these colleges and their graduates; and

WHEREAS, Along with his role as President of the APC, Stephen Jerome
holds the title of Vice President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, and
was the former Commissioner of the Accrediting Commission of the Associ-
ation of Independent Colleges and Schools; and
WHEREAS, Stephen Jerome is also a vital participant of the New York
State Education Commissioner's Advisory Council, and served as a former
member of the College Presidents' Council for the Governor's Office on
New York State Financial Aid and the Board of Trustees of the Dwight-En-
glewood School; and
WHEREAS, Committed to his community, President Stephen Jerome was
instrumental in the creation of the Fordham Road BID, and has held the
title of President of the Fordham Road Area Development Corporation; in
this capacity, he coordinated the rehabilitation of Fordham Road while
enhancing area businesses, arranged annual Christmas parties for the
children of Monroe College students, and assisted local community organ-
izations with special projects focused on improving safety by enhanced
lighting, graffiti removal, and neighborhood improvement initiatives;
and
WHEREAS, Educators like President Stephen Jerome have provided a
tremendous service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring
generations of young people in their educational journeys and ensuring
their success in their future years; and
WHEREAS, President Stephen Jerome has clearly had an enduring impact
on the youth of Monroe College, as well as on the community-at-large,
and accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedi-
cation 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
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor President Stephen Jerome upon the occasion of celebrating his 50
years of successful leadership and service to Monroe College, and as a
Founder and Chair of the Board of the Association of Proprietary
Colleges for over 25 Years; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to President Stephen Jerome.