Senate Resolution No. 2813

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and
President Dr. Shirley Jackson for special
recognition by Unity House on February 14, 2020

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 and institutions 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 Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute and President Dr. Shirley Jackson for special
recognition by Unity House to be celebrated at its I Love Unity House
Luncheon on Friday, February 14, 2020, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Troy,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Unity House is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life
for people living in poverty, adults with mental illness, victims of
domestic violence, children with developmental delays and their
families, people living with HIV/AIDS, and others whose needs can
effectively be met by this vital organization and its philosophy; and

WHEREAS, With 7,900 students and more than 100,000 living alumni,
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is addressing the global
challenges facing the 21st century to change lives, to advance society,
and to change the world; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its President, Dr. Shirley
Jackson, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has steadfastly supported
countless local organizations, including Unity House, with its
extraordinary volunteers, community service groups, food drives, work on
domestic violence prevention, and the many donations supporting its
mission and the greater community; and

WHEREAS, A theoretical physicist, Dr. Shirley Jackson has had a
distinguished career which includes senior leadership positions in
academia, government, industry, and research; she holds a bachelor's
degree in Physics and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Elementary Particle
Physics, both from MIT; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Shirley Jackson is the first African-American woman to
receive a doctorate from MIT, in any field, and has been a trailblazer
throughout her career, including as the first African-American woman to
lead a top-ranked research university; and

WHEREAS, Since 1999, Dr. Shirley Jackson has led an extraordinary
transformation of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York and
Hartford, Connecticut, into a world-class technological research
university; rankings for RPI among national universities have risen

substantially under her illustrious tenure, and the number of students
applying to join the freshman class has tripled; and

WHEREAS, The success of Unity House is in direct correlation to the
efforts of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and President Dr. Shirley
Jackson, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an
impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization
and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and institutions 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and President Dr. Shirley Jackson
for special recognition by Unity House on February 14, 2020; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Shirley Jackson, President, Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute.