Senate Resolution No. 3102

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Robert D. James upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the SUNY
College and Career Counseling Center at Schenectady
on September 14, 2017

WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon these individuals and
institutions to be recognized for the significance of their
contributions and efforts to assist others in developing the skills
necessary to be successful citizens; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Robert D.
James upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by
the SUNY College and Career Counseling Center to be feted at its
Anniversary Heart Work Celebration on Thursday, September 14, 2017, at
the Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia, New York; and

WHEREAS, For 40 years, The SUNY College and Career Counseling Center
(SUNY CCCC) at Schenectady has facilitated a neutral and supportive link
between low income, educationally bypassed residents of Schenectady
County and across the Capital District by providing services, mentoring,
and support for individuals to gain economic self-sufficiency; and

WHEREAS, Robert D. James earned both his Bachelor Degree in Science
and Master of Science Degree from SUNY Brockport in 1972 and 1975
respectively; he has completed all coursework for his doctorate in
Education Administration at SUNY Albany and will soon complete his
dissertation; and

WHEREAS, For over three decades, Robert D. James has served the New
York State opportunity programs community; and

WHEREAS, In 1976, Robert D. James began his long and distinguished
career as the Director of the Educational Opportunity Program at SUNY
Brockport; three years later, he became the Director of the Rochester
Educational Opportunity Center; and

WHEREAS, Robert D. James then held the title of Associate Vice
Chancellor for Special Programs where, in addition to being in charge of
the undergraduate and graduate programs on SUNY campuses, he managed and
provided funding and oversight to SUNY's Educational Opportunity
Centers, Counseling and Outreach Centers and the Bridge program; and

WHEREAS, Robert D. James next served as Associate Provost for
Opportunity Programs for the SUNY System Administration team; in this
capacity, he was responsible for the administrative oversight of the
University's undergraduate and graduate access programs for New York
State's underprivileged population; and

WHEREAS, After retiring from SUNY after 22 years of service, Robert
D. James held the position of Vice-President for Student Affairs at
Victory University, a small Christian College in Memphis, Tennessee;
throughout his tenure, he managed retention activities, residence life,
career services, advisement, counseling, student life and athletics; and


WHEREAS, Currently, Robert D. James is the owner of a management
consultant firm and speaker service; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his esteemed career, Robert D. James has served
on many boards and has received numerous awards and accolades for
outstanding service to his profession and community including the New
York State Governor's Award; and

WHEREAS, In 1989, Robert D. James served as Interim Executive
Director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Institute of Non-Violence; and

WHEREAS, Today, Robert D. James holds the position of Tri-State
Administrator for the Tri-State Consortium of Opportunity Programs in
Higher Education, which joins opportunity programs across the states of
New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Cheryl
Holley-James, their three children, and their five grandchildren, all of
whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, 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
commend Robert D. James upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the SUNY College and Career Counseling Center at
Schenectady on September 14, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Robert D. James.