Assembly Resolution No. 1406

BY: M. of A. Bronson

COMMENDING Rochester Institute of Technology's
National Technical Institute for the Deaf upon the
occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in the education of deaf youth in the Empire
State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Rochester
Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf
(NTID) upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary which
coincides with Rochester Institute of Technology's (RIT) move to the
Henrietta, New York, campus; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated with a myriad
of events throughout the year culminating with a special reunion weekend
from June 28-July 1, 2018; and

WHEREAS, The world's first and largest technological college for
deaf and hard-of-hearing students will celebrate its 50-year history,
beginning with an alumni golf tournament at Mill Creek Golf Club on
Thursday, June 28, with an opening ceremony that evening, hosted by
alumnus and actor CJ Jones; and

WHEREAS, Other events and activities during the reunion weekend
include a barbeque dinner, mini-reunions for current and former members
of numerous clubs and organizations, including fraternities and
sororities, and entertainment by popular alumni such as hip-hop artist
Sean Forbes and actors Amber Zion, Kris Pumphrey and Daniel Durant; and

WHEREAS, In addition to alumni from the college's pioneer class and
founding faculty, four of RIT/NTID's past leaders will be in attendance:
founding director D. Robert Frisina; Robert Davila, the college's first
deaf leader; James J. DeCaro; and T. Alan Hurwitz; and the college's
current leader, Gerard Buckley, who is the first alumnus to lead the
institution, which boasts more than 8,000 graduates; and

WHEREAS, The college's Dyer Arts Center will host an exhibition "50
Artists, 50 Years" featuring works by 50 RIT/NTID alumni artists; the
center will also host the unveiling of a three-paneled mural, known as a
triptych, entitled Together created by deaf artist Susan Dupor and
commissioned for the 50th anniversary; Together portrays the flourishing
life and history of the National Technical Institute of the Deaf over 50
years; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, RIT/NTID Performing Arts and MSM Productions,
Ltd. will reprise the popular The Wonderful World of Oz in the
college's Panara Theatre for four special performances with proceeds to
benefit the theater program; and

WHEREAS, RIT, founded in 1829, competed against eight other colleges
for NTID to become part of the university; NTID began operations in
1968, to provide deaf and hard-of-hearing students with outstanding
technical and professional education programs, complemented by a strong
liberal arts and sciences curriculum, which prepares them to live and
work in the mainstream of a rapidly changing global community and
enhances their lifelong learning; and

WHEREAS, At the end of NTID's first year, 54 students graduated from
this inaugural program; today, the RIT campus proudly educates 17,000
students, 1,250 of which are deaf and hard of hearing students; these
students are enrolled in programs that are unmatched by any university
in the world; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its 50-year history, NTID has played a
significant role in educating numerous people, both nationally and
internationally, so that they may live full and honest lives with
dignity, equality, and respect; since its founding, alumni have gone on
to work and hold leadership positions in all areas of business,
industry, government and non-profit sectors; and

WHEREAS, The NTID has continually demonstrated an impressive
dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for
the quality of educational programs and opportunities offered for the
benefit of its faculty and students as well as for the entire community;
and

WHEREAS, This esteemed educational institution has been an integral
part of the history of its community, representing a dynamic, responsive
and positive force within the educational system of New York State; and

WHEREAS, The NTID is proudly aware of its distinguished past, eager
to fulfill its present commitment to parents, students and the
community, and planning with vision and purpose for the ebb and swell of
growth and change it will encounter in the years to come; and

WHEREAS, Under the visionary guidance of President Dr. Gerard
Buckley, NTID stands proud and prominent, always looking to the future
and the needs of those it serves; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute
for the Deaf upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary,
noting the propriety of its goals, the constancy of its commitment and
the significance of its accomplishments in preparing the youth of today
and leaders of tomorrow; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Gerard Buckley, President, Rochester Institute of
Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf.