Honor Wu and Zackon

2018 Circle of Humanity Award by Temple Israel in Albany, New York WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira Zackon upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Circle of Humanity Award by Temple Israel to be celebrated at a dinner on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at its Social Hall in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, The Circle of Humanity Award is presented to local individuals and institutions who devote themselves to making a positive difference in their community and beyond; and WHEREAS, This auspicious award is given to those who have shown courage and initiative to reach out, together, to create an atmosphere that is at once positive, exciting and contagious, spreading its arms in an extension of human circles which includes those in every walk of life; Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira Zackon epitomize this definition; and WHEREAS, Born in Taiwan, Dr. Nini Wu grew up in Montreal, Canada; after graduating with her medical degree from McGill University, she specialized in both hematology and oncology at Northwestern University in Chicago; and WHEREAS, Dr. Ira Zackon was born and raised in Montreal; he also received his medical degree from McGill University, and trained in hematology and oncology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire; and WHEREAS, After meeting at McGill University, Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira Zackon married, and together, the couple moved to Albany in 1998; they joined New York Oncology Hematology (NYOH) where Dr. Wu practiced general oncology with a focus on care of breast cancer patients, while Dr. Zackon became a specialist in blood cancers and disorders; and WHEREAS, Dr. Nini Wu not only worked at the busy practice, but also held the title of Practice President; she was also a participant of the former Gilda's Club Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, Dr. Ira Zackon served as the Director of the NYOH Stem Cell Transplant Program, and has spearheaded clinical and research collaboration with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston; and WHEREAS, Two years ago, Dr. Nini Wu began a new career as Regional Senior Vice President and Physician Advisor for the national United States Oncology Network of McKesson Specialty Health; in this capacity, she oversees multiple oncology practices throughout the State of Florida; after her move, Dr. Ira Zackon assumed the position of Practice President at NYOH; and WHEREAS, Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira Zackon have been called upon to contribute their time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors including Temple Israel, the Capital Region and the medical community at large, and have always given of themselves unstintingly; and WHEREAS, Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira Zackon and their children have been vital members of Temple Israel and the Capital District Jewish community for many years; they were actively involved with their children's education at the Hebrew Academy of the Capital District where they both served as Board members; and WHEREAS, In addition, Dr. Ira Zackon held the title of President of the Board of Trustees, and is a member of the Federation Board, the Endowment Board of Governors, the Board at Temple Israel, and Chair of the Federation Committee on Aging; and WHEREAS, With them throughout have been their two children, Jeremy and Alix, both of whom have shown them love and support and rejoice in their many achievements; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals for the benefit of others which Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira Zackon have displayed throughout their lives; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, 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 Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira Zackon upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Circle of Humanity Award by Temple Israel in Albany, New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dr. Nini Wu and Dr. Ira Zackon.