Senate Resolution No. 5772

BY: Senator AVELLA

COMMENDING Pauline Chu upon the occasion of her
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 Pauline Chu
upon the occasion of her 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, Pauline Chu was born in China, brought up in Taiwan and
graduated from National Taiwan Normal University; in 1967, she came to
the United States as a graduate student at the University of Minnesota,
and majored in Guidance and Counseling; she moved to New York in 1980
and raised two sons, both of whom attended local public schools and
graduated from SUNY Albany; and

WHEREAS, Pauline Chu founded the Chinese-American Parents'
Association (CAPA) in 1986; the organization assists thousands of
immigrant families in assimilating into the American culture and School
System; under her leadership, CAPA has helped parents promote their
English skills and encourage families to participate in local civic
activities and voter registration drives; and

WHEREAS, Pauline Chu was elected to Community School Board 25 in
Queens in 1986, and became the President of the board in 1996; during
her tenure, she worked with the Queens Borough President and legislators
to ease overcrowding in the district by adding more classrooms and
leasing space for kindergarten children; and

WHEREAS, In July of 2001, Pauline Chu was appointed as a member of
Community Education Council, District 25; she has overseen the
administration and budget of the District and has served over 25,000
students and their parents by bridging the gap between the district
office, schools and the parents; and

WHEREAS, Again, in April 2010, Pauline Chu was appointed to serve on
Community Board 7 to oversee the housing, land planning, transportation
of the local community; and

WHEREAS, Pauline Chu has received many awards for her public and
community service including awards from the American Red Cross and The
Queens Botanical Garden; and

WHEREAS, In October of 2016, CAPA celebrated its 30th Anniversary;
Pauline Chu stepped down from the Presidency, but was elected as
Chairperson of the Board, the position she continues to hold today; 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; Pauline Chu is
one such individual; 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 such high standards,
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
commend Pauline Chu 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 Pauline Chu.