The New York State Senate

J687

Senate Resolution No. 687

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Dr. Julius Gregg Adams,
former Executive Director of the University of
Buffalo's Educational Opportunity Center,
distinguished citizen, and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Dr. Julius Gregg Adams was one
such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Dr. Julius Gregg Adams, noting
the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Julius Gregg Adams of Buffalo, New York, died on
Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the age of 65; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, Dr. Julius Gregg Adams was named director of the
University at Buffalo's Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), which
provides programs to prepare low-income and non-traditional students for
higher education and jobs; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Julius Gregg Adams' educational background, experience
and knowledge of the Buffalo-Niagara region made him an outstanding
choice to lead the Educational Opportunity Center where he was truly
instrumental in supporting countless students in achieving their full
potential; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Dr. Julius Gregg Adams, UB's
EOC offered programs in literacy training, English as a second language
education, General Educational Development (GED) training and college
preparation, as well as career training in health care, information
technology, green technologies, and the service industry; it also
provides programs, such as tax preparation and assessment testing, to
roughly 3,000 community members each year; and

WHEREAS, Julius Gregg Adams joined UB from Daemen College, where he
chaired the Education Department and was associate dean for special
initiatives in education; he previously held teaching and administrative
positions at St. John Fisher College in Rochester and Fredonia State
College, where he was director of the School of Education and an
associate professor of education; he also worked as a school
psychologist in the Buffalo Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Julius Gregg Adams served as associate dean
for teacher education in UB's Graduate School of Education from 2002-06;
during that time, he was also interim executive director of the Office
for University Preparatory Programs, an organization that works to
enrich the education provided to local children and teenagers; and

WHEREAS, Julius Gregg Adams received a Bachelor's degree in
Psychology, as well as Master's and Doctoral degrees in Educational
Psychology, all from the University at Buffalo; he was the proud
recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including a SUNY
Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1993; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
profession, Julius Gregg Adams served on the New York State Education
Department's Board of Regents Professional Standards and Practices
Board, as well as a working group that developed new teacher exams; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Julius Gregg Adams is survived by his loving wife of 31
years, Carmon Grigsby-Adams; daughter, Lisa Adams; grandson, Emanuel
Pace Jr. (EJ); cherished father, Peter Adams; siblings: John (Mildred),
Benjamin (Patricia), Denise, Edna, Cynthia (Darnell), and Timothy
(Tiffany); sister-in-law, Sheritta Grigsby; nieces and nephews: Michael,
Evelyn, Lisa, Adam, Nicholas, Torey, Gavin, Luke, Kennedy, Paige;
several godchildren; and many other relatives and friends; he is
preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Adams and brother, Paul Adams;
and

WHEREAS, Dr. Julius Gregg Adams' infinite selflessness and
benevolence will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories;
his insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light
and hope to the countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Dr. Julius Gregg Adams leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man;
he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Dr. Julius Gregg Adams, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Dr. Julius Gregg Adams.