Honor Shirley Ann Jackson

Senate Resolution No. 138 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D. upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Academic Laureate Award by The University at Albany Foundation on October 27, 2016 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor individuals of remarkable integrity and character who devote their life-work to education, contributing to the welfare of the institutions and the citizens of their communities, as well as to the quality of education and the vitality of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D. upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Academic Laureate Award by The University at Albany Foundation, to be celebrated at its 37th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, October 27, 2016, at SEFCU Arena, Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1977, this auspicious occasion has helped to strengthen the ties between the academic and business community; for 36 years, the University at Albany Foundation's Academic Laureate Awards have honored outstanding leaders in business and industry, government and academics for their singular accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Each of the remarkable Laureates have enriched their community in distinctive ways - economically, scientifically, culturally, intellectually, and socially - their efforts are helping to transform the Capital Region; and WHEREAS, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson is receiving this prestigious award for her notable achievements in academia and research; and WHEREAS, A theoretical physicist, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson earned both her Bachelor's degree in Physics and Ph.D. in Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics from MIT; and WHEREAS, Described by Time Magazine as "perhaps the ultimate role model for women in science," Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson has held senior leadership positions in academia, government, industry, and research; and WHEREAS, Since 1999, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson has served as the 18th President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where she has been instrumental in its extraordinary transformation; and WHEREAS, In 2014, this well-respected and admired woman was appointed by President Barack Obama as co-Chair of his Intelligence Advisory Board; she is also a member of both the United States Secretary of State's International Security Advisory Board and the Energy Advisory Board; and WHEREAS, In addition, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson serves on numerous boards of directors and has published many works; and WHEREAS, For her incredible contributions to society, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Vannevar Bush Award by the National Science Board; in

2014, she was inducted into the Tech Valley Business Hall of Fame, and recently, President Obama bestowed upon her the National Medal of Science, the nation's highest honor in science and engineering; and WHEREAS, The University at Albany Foundation recognizes and appreciates Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson's brilliant leadership, vision and commitment to quality, as well as her significant role for women in science; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D. upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Academic Laureate Award by The University at Albany Foundation on October 27, 2016; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D.