Honor Michael Watts' Achievements

Senate Resolution No. 2315 BY: Senator COMRIE HONORING Michael Watts upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the President's Award for Leadership, the Great Dane Award and the Amazing Ally/2017 Lavender Award by the University at Albany WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Michael Watts upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the President's Award for Leadership, the Great Dane Award and the Amazing Ally/2017 Lavender Award by the University at Albany; and WHEREAS, Michael Watts is receiving the prestigious President's Award for Leadership for his significant contributions which have greatly enhanced the quality of life at the University at Albany; he has demonstrated a variety of accomplishments including extraordinary leadership, service, academic achievement, and involvement within the University community; and WHEREAS, The Amazing Ally/2017 Lavender Award will be presented to Michael Watts for his depth of courage, forthrightness, steadfast principles and tireless work on behalf of important issues with respect to LGBTQ+ Equity; and WHEREAS, The Great Dane Award will be bestowed upon Michael Watts for his established leadership in several co-curricular activities or significant leadership in one such activity during the current year; and WHEREAS, Michael Watts has completely immersed himself into the University at Albany community since transferring from Morgan State University; and WHEREAS, Michael Watts has participated in the honors program in political science, was selected to be a football walk-on, and completed hundreds of hours of community service with different organizations on and off campus such as the Ronald McDonald House, Club Zoe and the Trinity Alliance; and WHEREAS, Michael Watts also founded and held various leadership positions at several student organizations on campus including President of GoldenKey, the chess club, Vice President of Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society, a writer for Her Campus, Program Director for the San Kofa Africa organization, and a Student Association Elections Commissioner; and WHEREAS, Michael Watts interned for the 90th Assembly District, and the 42nd Assembly District; most recently, he participated in the Selective Undergraduate State-Senate Program with the 14th District; in this capacity, he played a pivotal role in the legislative process during the budget period; and WHEREAS, Michael Watts has also completed research with the Director of Simulations and Behaviors-based Training with the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity; and WHEREAS, Currently, Michael Watts is in the process of completing an Honor's Thesis under Dr. Morton Schoolman, and is set to graduate in the summer of 2017 with aspirations of military service; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence 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 Michael Watts upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the President's Award for Leadership, the Great Dane Award and the Amazing Ally/2017 Lavender Award by the University at Albany, and to wish him continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Michael Watts.