Honor Robert Vince Achievement

Senate Resolution No. 1441 BY: Senator SEWARD COMMENDING Robert Vince upon the occasion of his designation as a 2017 Inductee into the Auburn Alumni Hall of Distinction WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of and publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives of service to their community; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Robert Vince upon the occasion of his designation as a 2017 Inductee into the Auburn Alumni Hall of Distinction, to be celebrated at an Induction Ceremony on Friday, May 19, 2017, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Auburn, New York; and WHEREAS, The Auburn Alumni Hall of Distinction was established in

1958, has continually demonstrated tremendous competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent leadership in his unwavering service to both his community and his profession and consequently has been selected for this most prestigious honor; and WHEREAS, Born on November 20, 1940, Robert Vince is an American scientist known for his contributions to the research in the area of drug design; his invention, the HIV drug Abacavir, was commercialized by GSK and has been instrumental in helping individuals with HIV live longer healthier lives; and WHEREAS, Robert Vince earned his doctoral degree in medical chemistry from the College of Pharmacy at SUNY Buffalo in 1966; one year later he joined the medical chemistry facility at the University of Minnesota where he continues to serve as Director and Professor of his research program at the Center for Drug Design which he established in

2007; and WHEREAS, In addition, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science degree by his alma mater, SUNY Buffalo, and the prestigious Imbach Townsend Award by the International Society for Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids in 2010; the same year, he was inducted into the Minnesota Inventors Hall of Fame as well as the Minnesota Science and Technology Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a period of constructive involvement, Robert Vince has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Robert Vince 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 the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Robert Vince upon the occasion of his designation as a 2017 Inductee into the Auburn Alumni Hall of Distinction; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Robert Vince.