Senate Resolution No. 4741

BY: Senator KENNEDY

HONORING Arthur O. Eve upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant 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 Arthur O.
Eve upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty
Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York
State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Arthur O. Eve proudly served his country as a member of the
United States Army with honor and distinction from 1953 to 1955,
achieving the rank of corporal; while in service, he ran a program for
orphans in Germany; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Arthur O. Eve demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the
world; and

WHEREAS, Arthur O. Eve was the first Dominican American elected to
public office in the United States; he was a founding member of the New
York State Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus and led the charge
to create Harriet Tubman Day as a New York State holiday; and

WHEREAS, Arthur O. Eve has initiated numerous opportunities for
minorities and the economically disadvantaged in the field of
educational opportunity, undergraduate and graduate education, medical
degrees, pre-natal, day care and infant care; and

WHEREAS, In addition, he led the effort to create SUNY's Educations
Opportunity Program in 1967, which has since been renamed the Arthur O.
Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program; and

WHEREAS, The Higher Education Opportunity Program is provided at 56
higher institutions across New York State, and has helped over 36,000
students graduate; this vital program, marking its 50th Anniversary this
year, gives economically and educationally disadvantaged students the
opportunity to succeed at higher education institutions; it also
provides academic assistance as well as financial aid, available
primarily to full-time, matriculated students; and

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Arthur O. Eve
is one such individual; 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
honor Arthur O. Eve upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Arthur O. Eve.