Senate Resolution No. 3686

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira Zackon upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients of the
2018 Circle of Humanity Award by Temple Israel in
Albany, New York

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. Nini Wu
and Dr. Ira Zackon upon the occasion of their designation as recipients
of the Circle of Humanity Award by Temple Israel to be celebrated at a
dinner on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at its Social Hall in Albany, New
York; and

WHEREAS, The Circle of Humanity Award is presented to local
individuals and institutions who devote themselves to making a positive
difference in their community and beyond; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious award is given to those who have shown
courage and initiative to reach out, together, to create an atmosphere
that is at once positive, exciting and contagious, spreading its arms in
an extension of human circles which includes those in every walk of
life; Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira Zackon epitomize this definition; and

WHEREAS, Born in Taiwan, Dr. Nini Wu grew up in Montreal, Canada;
after graduating with her medical degree from McGill University, she
specialized in both hematology and oncology at Northwestern University
in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ira Zackon was born and raised in Montreal; he also
received his medical degree from McGill University, and trained in
hematology and oncology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New
Hampshire; and

WHEREAS, After meeting at McGill University, Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira
Zackon married, and together, the couple moved to Albany in 1998; they
joined New York Oncology Hematology (NYOH) where Dr. Wu practiced
general oncology with a focus on care of breast cancer patients, while
Dr. Zackon became a specialist in blood cancers and disorders; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Nini Wu not only worked at the busy practice, but also
held the title of Practice President; she was also a participant of the
former Gilda's Club Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ira Zackon served as the Director of the NYOH Stem Cell
Transplant Program, and has spearheaded clinical and research
collaboration with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston; and

WHEREAS, Two years ago, Dr. Nini Wu began a new career as Regional
Senior Vice President and Physician Advisor for the national United

States Oncology Network of McKesson Specialty Health; in this capacity,
she oversees multiple oncology practices throughout the State of
Florida; after her move, Dr. Ira Zackon assumed the position of Practice
President at NYOH; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira Zackon have been called upon to
contribute their time and talents to countless civic and charitable
endeavors including Temple Israel, the Capital Region and the medical
community at large, and have always given of themselves unstintingly;
and

WHEREAS, Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira Zackon and their children have been
vital members of Temple Israel and the Capital District Jewish community
for many years; they were actively involved with their children's
education at the Hebrew Academy of the Capital District where they both
served as Board members; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Dr. Ira Zackon held the title of President of
the Board of Trustees, and is a member of the Federation Board, the
Endowment Board of Governors, the Board at Temple Israel, and Chair of
the Federation Committee on Aging; and

WHEREAS, With them throughout have been their two children, Jeremy
and Alix, both of whom have shown them love and support and rejoice in
their many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira
Zackon have displayed throughout their lives; 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 Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira Zackon upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients of the Circle of Humanity Award by Temple
Israel in Albany, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira Zackon.