Celebrate UNCF Day Statewide

Senate Resolution No. 1741 BY: Senator PARKER LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 25, 2017, as United Negro College Fund Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to call attention to individuals and organizations that devote their time and energies to the cultural enrichment of the Empire State; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate those events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and inspiration to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the communities of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 25, 2017, as United Negro College Fund Day in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, The United Negro College Fund's motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in" is universally recognized; for 72 years, this vital organization has enabled more than 60,000 students each year to attend college and obtain the education they need and that the Nation needs them to have; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of President, Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the largest private provider of scholarships to minority students, annually awarding more than 10,000 scholarships, and administering more than 400 scholarships, internships, and fellowship programs; in 2017, the Fund's 72nd Annual Campaign hopes to raise more than $100 million to assist even more worthy students; and WHEREAS, In 1943, Dr. Frederick D. Patterson of the Tuskegee Institute convened the first meeting to consider the feasibility of a united appeal on behalf of historically black private colleges and universities; on May 13, 1944, the organizational meeting of the United Negro College Fund was held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City; the initial combined campaign of UNCF raised $760,000; and WHEREAS, There were 27 original member institutions of the United Negro College Fund including Atlanta University, Bethune-Cookman College, Clark College, Dillard University, Fisk University, Gammon Theological Seminary, Morehouse College, and Spelman College, as well as the Tuskegee Institute; and WHEREAS, The formation of UNCF was led by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and by Walter Hoving, President of Lord & Taylor, who was UNCF's first national Campaign Director; and WHEREAS, After John D. Rockefeller, Jr. donated 1,100 shares of Standard Oil stock, UNCF purchased its first headquarters located at 22 E. 54th Street, New York, New York, on December 28, 1948; and WHEREAS, From 1944-1994, UNCF was headquartered in the State of New York; since 2000, UNCF has awarded more than $56 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 students from New York, and has presented more than $83 million in scholarships to students attending colleges in New York; and WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $4.5 billion to help more than 430,000 students across the Nation go to and through college; currently, UNCF continues to provide students quality academic instruction in positive learning environments at 37-member historically black colleges and universities, which have long served as pillars of their communities, offering immense value to both students and communities; and WHEREAS, Today, UNCF continues to advocate on behalf of the Nation's historically black colleges and universities, which represent three percent of the country's two- and four-year colleges, enrolls 10 percent of African American undergraduates, produces 19 percent of all African American college graduates, and generates 27 percent of all degrees held by African Americans in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and WHEREAS, In addition, UNCF encourages high-quality K-12 education, promotes college readiness for African American students, and assists the mission of the Federal Government to endorse equal opportunity in higher education; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organizations 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 memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 25, 2017, as United Negro College Fund Day in the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor, State of New York; Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., President, United Negro College Fund; and to the Presidents of the 37 member institutions of the United Negro College Fund.