Honor Leon Lawrence Posthumously

2017 WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past contributions were a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Leon Lawrence posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Older New Yorkers Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at the Hart Theatre Lounge in the Egg, Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Each May, the New York State Office for the Aging pauses to acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by older citizens during National Older Americans Month; and WHEREAS, Members of older generations have helped build and shape our Nation to be the greatest in the world; they have defended our freedoms and values to ensure that those who come after them may have better lives; nowhere in the Nation is the legacy of their efforts more visible and more a part of the lives of all citizens than here in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, For 15 years, Leon Lawrence was employed by IBM Corporation; he then worked at the University of Vermont for 11 years; and WHEREAS, In 1999, Leon Lawrence and his family moved to Ithaca, New York, where he began his distinguished career with Cornell University in

2001; throughout his 10-year tenure, he held several directorships related to diversity and the inclusion policy; and WHEREAS, Leon Lawrence truly believed in giving back to his community; he was a tireless volunteer for Cornell University, participating in various programs and committees including the Urban Scholars Program, the Community Support Team, the Recreation Committee, the First-Year Family Weekend Planning Committee, the Men's Alliance, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Lecture Committee, and the Men of Color Council, as well as the Minority Organization of Architecture, Art, and Planning, where he also served as the Division Deputy for the United Way Campaign 2004; and WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a period of constructive involvement, Leon Lawrence stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and WHEREAS, Leon Lawrence is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Diana; his four loving children, Noel, Eric, Gabriella, and Daniel; and two cherished grandchildren, Leon-Scott and Katherine; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Leon Lawrence displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, Leon Lawrence inspired and enriched the lives of those he served through his volunteerism, generously sharing the wisdom gained over years of experiencing life to its fullest; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Leon Lawrence posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on