Senate Resolution No. 99

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of President Emeritus Andrew J.
Matonak, devoted educator and dedicated member of
his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly
the death of certain prominent individuals whose valued contributions to
their community and their profession served to enhance the quality of
life in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Andrew J. Matonak, affectionately known to many as Drew or
Andy, died on Saturday, November 7, 2020, at the age of 66 following a
courageous battle with cancer; and

WHEREAS, Born to the late Dolores (Schnur) and Andy Matonak, Andrew
J. Matonak earned his associate degree from Butler County Community
College and his bachelor's degree in sociology from The College of
Wooster in Ohio; he furthered his education by obtaining his master's
degree in student personnel administration from Michigan State
University and his doctorate in high education administration from The
University of Houston; and

WHEREAS, In April of 2005, Andrew J. Matonak assumed the role of
president of Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) in Troy, New York,
and officially retired in June of 2018 after 13 years of exemplary
service; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, President Andrew J. Matonak led the
college through a period of impressive growth and innovation in both
academic programming and student services, as well as a modernization of
the college's 120-acre campus and its technological infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, Under Andrew J. Matonak's able leadership, HVCC introduced
more than 25 new degree and certificate programs while significantly
expanding online offerings and high school pipeline programs; he also
managed the expansion of progressive student support services including
the creation of the Center for Academic Engagement, the Marvin Library
Learning Commons and the Wellness Center; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Andrew J. Matonak led a $200 million
facilities master plan and the construction of a pedestrian-friendly,
high technology campus with several new, state-of-the-art buildings
including the Science Center, Training and Education Center for
Semiconductor Manufacturing and Alternative and Renewable Technologies
(TEC-SMART) in Malta; Administration Building; as well as the parking
garage and Outdoor Athletic Complex; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, Andrew J. Matonak hosted then-President Barack
Obama and Dr. Jill Biden at the college and proudly gave them a tour,
highlighting its many accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing the role the college played in economic and
community development, Andrew J. Matonak took on leadership positions
with numerous organizations and boards including the Capital Region

Economic Development Council, the Capital Region Chamber, Center for
Economic Growth, Saratoga Economic Development Council and Troy 2020;
and

WHEREAS, Andrew J. Matonak is survived by his wife, Karen; one
daughter, Taylor; and many nieces and nephews as well as a legion of
students, fellow educators and friends who will long cherish his memory;
and

WHEREAS, Andrew J. Matonak continually demonstrated an impressive
dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for
the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at
HVCC for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as for the
entire community; he truly left a legacy to the residents of Troy and to
future generations of its students; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of President Emeritus Andrew J. Matonak, devoted
educator and dedicated member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of President Emeritus Andrew J. Matonak.