Honor Robert D. James

Senate Resolution No. 3102 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Robert D. James upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the SUNY College and Career Counseling Center at Schenectady on September 14, 2017 WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon these individuals and institutions to be recognized for the significance of their contributions and efforts to assist others in developing the skills necessary to be successful citizens; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Robert D. James upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the SUNY College and Career Counseling Center to be feted at its Anniversary Heart Work Celebration on Thursday, September 14, 2017, at the Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia, New York; and WHEREAS, For 40 years, The SUNY College and Career Counseling Center (SUNY CCCC) at Schenectady has facilitated a neutral and supportive link between low income, educationally bypassed residents of Schenectady County and across the Capital District by providing services, mentoring, and support for individuals to gain economic self-sufficiency; and WHEREAS, Robert D. James earned both his Bachelor Degree in Science and Master of Science Degree from SUNY Brockport in 1972 and 1975 respectively; he has completed all coursework for his doctorate in Education Administration at SUNY Albany and will soon complete his dissertation; and WHEREAS, For over three decades, Robert D. James has served the New York State opportunity programs community; and WHEREAS, In 1976, Robert D. James began his long and distinguished career as the Director of the Educational Opportunity Program at SUNY Brockport; three years later, he became the Director of the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center; and WHEREAS, Robert D. James then held the title of Associate Vice Chancellor for Special Programs where, in addition to being in charge of the undergraduate and graduate programs on SUNY campuses, he managed and provided funding and oversight to SUNY's Educational Opportunity Centers, Counseling and Outreach Centers and the Bridge program; and WHEREAS, Robert D. James next served as Associate Provost for Opportunity Programs for the SUNY System Administration team; in this capacity, he was responsible for the administrative oversight of the University's undergraduate and graduate access programs for New York State's underprivileged population; and WHEREAS, After retiring from SUNY after 22 years of service, Robert D. James held the position of Vice-President for Student Affairs at Victory University, a small Christian College in Memphis, Tennessee; throughout his tenure, he managed retention activities, residence life, career services, advisement, counseling, student life and athletics; and WHEREAS, Currently, Robert D. James is the owner of a management consultant firm and speaker service; and WHEREAS, Throughout his esteemed career, Robert D. James has served on many boards and has received numerous awards and accolades for outstanding service to his profession and community including the New York State Governor's Award; and WHEREAS, In 1989, Robert D. James served as Interim Executive Director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Institute of Non-Violence; and WHEREAS, Today, Robert D. James holds the position of Tri-State Administrator for the Tri-State Consortium of Opportunity Programs in Higher Education, which joins opportunity programs across the states of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Cheryl Holley-James, their three children, and their five grandchildren, all of whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; 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 this great Empire State; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Robert D. James upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the SUNY College and Career Counseling Center at Schenectady on September 14, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Robert D. James.