Honor Farley Herzek Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 2608 BY: Senator PERSAUD COMMENDING Farley Herzek upon the occasion of his retirement after three years of distinguished service as President of Kingsborough Community College on August 31, 2017 WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educational professionals and the students they inspire; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instrumental in developing character and academic excellence in the young people of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Farley Herzek upon the occasion of his retirement after three years of distinguished service as President of Kingsborough Community College; he will officially retire from this position on Thursday,

August 31, 2017; and WHEREAS, Educators like Farley Herzek have provided a tremendous service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of young people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their future years; and WHEREAS, Farley Herzek is a first generation American; his father immigrated to the United States after being liberated from a concentration camp at the end of World War II; he is the first member of his family to graduate from college; and WHEREAS, After graduating from high school, Farley Herzek earned his Bachelor of Science degree from City College of New York; he furthered his education by obtaining his Master of Arts degree and Teaching Credential in Technology Education at California State University in Long Beach, and his Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential from the University of La Verne; and WHEREAS, Farley Herzek began his distinguished career in higher education as an Interim President for Los Angeles Harbor College; he then served as Interim President of East Los Angeles College, and Vice President of Academic Affairs for the Desert Community College District; under his luminous leadership, he was instrumental in designing facilities and instructional planning for two brand new campuses in the Coachella Valley; and WHEREAS, Farley Herzek also held the titles of Dean of the School of Trades and Industrial Technologies, and Interim Provost for the Long Beach Community College District; in addition, he was the Assistant Director of Career and Technical Education, and served as a full-time faculty member for Long Beach Unified School District; and WHEREAS, After serving the citizens of Southern California for more than three decades, Farley Herzek returned to his native Brooklyn, and assumed the title of President of Kingsborough Community College; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Farley Herzek accomplished numerous goals and implemented many programs, all of which greatly benefited the Kingsborough Community College student body; under his luminous leadership, the College rated number one in most categories and very high in others, among all the CUNY community colleges; and the Nursing Program, EMS-Paramedic program, and Physical Therapy Program were granted accreditation; and WHEREAS, In addition, Kingsborough Community College launched the Assist Me App for incoming freshman; the SPARK initiative was established to make a far reaching impact on underprepared students, particularly students of color, from underserved communities; the building of the student union and intercultural center; established workforce development and strategic community partnerships; achieved the Dream Leader college status; supported the Equity in the Borough Campaign (EBC); and launched the Math High Fail Bootcamp; as well as formed a partnership with the Brooklyn Public Library; and WHEREAS, Farley Herzek's quest for excellence is well-known; he attributes much of his success to the dedicated ethical team of educators, supportive friends, caring and involved parents, and wonderful, enthusiastic young adults; and WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to higher education, Farley Herzek was the recipient of several awards and accolades such as the Outstanding California Community College Administrator of the Year Award by the California Industrial and Technology Education Association, and the 2016 Hebrew Educational Society Award for Academic Excellence; and WHEREAS, Farley Herzek has been a vital member of numerous educational organizations including the National Legislative Committee for the Association of Career and Technical Education, the Hispanic Association for Colleges and Universities (HACU), Long Beach Area COMPACT, and the Long Beach Industry Education Council; and WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, Cheryl, who has shown him love and support and rejoices in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, Farley Herzek has clearly had an enduring impact on the students of Kingsborough Community College, as well as on the community-at-large, and accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedication to others; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of institutions of higher education by providing their skills and talents to our colleges; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Farley Herzek upon the occasion of his retirement after three years of distinguished service as President of Kingsborough Community College on August 31, 2017, and to wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Farley Herzek.