Senate Resolution No. 37

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING John P. Ward upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime
Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior
Issues Forum on October 10, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
John P. Ward upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues
Forum to be celebrated at its 19th Annual Senior Lifetime Achievement
Award Ceremony on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at Congregation Beth
Emeth in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Capital District Senior Issues Forum is a voluntary
initiative among faith communities, organizations and individuals which
provides support for seniors in the capital district through education
and dialogue; and

WHEREAS, Since 1998, this vital organization has focused on senior
housing issues by bringing together caregivers, faith organizations,
government officials, housing facilities, administrators and seniors
themselves; and

WHEREAS, For the past 19 years, the Capital District Senior Issues
Forum has honored hundreds of senior citizens over the age of 85 for
their lifetime achievements; and

WHEREAS, John P. Ward is being recognized as an extraordinary senior
for his tireless efforts in making a difference in the lives of others
and for giving selflessly in community service; and

WHEREAS, John Paul Ward was born to Frank A. and Martha (Schmidt)
Ward on October 13, 1928, in Albany, New York; however, he was raised in
Glens Falls, New York, where he was a faithful member of the 1st
Presbyterian Church; for 10 years, he enjoyed singing in its youth
choir; and

WHEREAS, When John P. Ward was only 12, his father passed away, and
his mother supported the family by working at a retail clothing store;
and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Glens Falls High School in 1946, John
P. Ward enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly
served his country for three years as a member of the Marine Detachment
on the aircraft carrier "USS Midway CV-41," assigned to the 6th Fleet in
the Mediterranean; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, John P. Ward
took advantage of the World War II GI Bill, and earned both his
bachelor's and master's degrees in history from the New York State
College for Teachers at Albany; for many years, he taught at middle
schools in Glens Falls and Castleton, New York; and

WHEREAS, In 1958, John P. Ward was named Community Ambassador to
Nigeria, West Africa, and subsequently, he spent the summer living with
a Nigerian family; using his experiences, he implemented an Accent on
Africa program for the entire school system; two years later, he and his
wife, Doris, accepted positions at the Lagos, Nigeria Anglican Grammar
School, a boys' high school where they taught for two years; and

WHEREAS, Upon his return to the United States, John P. Ward was
hired as an Assistant Professor for the University at Albany; in 1971,
he obtained his PhD in African History from Boston University and was
appointed Director of International Students and Assistant Professor of
African History; and

WHEREAS, In 1979, John P. Ward was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship
to study in Germany; years later, he returned to the University at
Albany where he received the 1984 University Award of Excellence in
Professional Service for his untiring work on behalf of the
international students; and

WHEREAS, John P. Ward retired in 1985, and became an active member
of his community; he served on the Friends' boards of the Guilderland
and UA Libraries, and volunteered for 17 years at the New York State
Museum as a History Assistant; in this capacity, he cataloged thousands
of documents and completed various research projects; in addition, he
and his wife attended over 600 Elderhostel programs in the United States
and overseas; and

WHEREAS, In 2004, John P. Ward and his wife moved to the Avila
Senior Living Center, and together, the couple quickly became involved
in many activities such as the dining, library and hospitality
committees; he also helped organize the Avila Book Club and the
Protestant Avila group; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which John P. Ward has displayed
throughout his life; 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 John P. Ward upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior
Issues Forum on October 10, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John P. Ward.