Honor Walter L. Robb

2016, at SEFCU Arena, Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1977, this auspicious occasion has helped to strengthen the ties between the academic and business community; for 36 years, the University at Albany Foundation's Citizen Laureate Awards have honored outstanding leaders in business and industry, government and academics for their singular accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Each of the remarkable Laureates have enriched their community in distinctive ways - economically, scientifically, culturally, intellectually, and socially - their efforts are helping to transform the Capital Region; and WHEREAS, Walter L. Robb is receiving this prestigious award for his notable contributions to the Capital Region and beyond; and WHEREAS, Walter L. Robb earned his Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and both his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois; he also holds honorary doctorates from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the Milwaukee School of Engineering; and WHEREAS, In 1951, Walter L. Robb joined General Electric (GE) as a Chemical Engineer at the Knolls Atomic Power Lab and, after decades of innovation and discovery, in 1983, was named Senior Vice President and Group Executive of GE's Medical Systems Division in Milwaukee; in this capacity, he directed the organization into the world's leading producer of medical diagnostic imaging equipment, with a total of approximately

10,000 employees worldwide; and WHEREAS, Today, the noted Capital Region businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist holds the title of President of Vantage Management Inc. and CEO of MeOH Power; and WHEREAS, Currently, Walter L. Robb holds 12 patents dealing with permeable membranes and separation processes, and his research has won him six I-R 100 Awards, sponsored by Industrial Research magazine, for the most significant new technical innovations of the year; and WHEREAS, In 1993, Walter L. Robb received the National Medal of Technology from President Bill Clinton for his leadership in the CT and MR imaging industry and is the first recipient of the Medical Technology Leadership Award from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association; and WHEREAS, A truly multi-faceted gentleman, Walter L. Robb supports business in his community and was a previous owner of the American Hockey League's Albany River Rats; a noted author, he recently published a book entitled Taking Risks - Getting Ahead in Business and Life, and has authored numerous articles in various professional journals; and WHEREAS, The University at Albany Foundation recognizes and appreciates Walter L. Robb's brilliant leadership, vision and commitment to quality, as well as his significant role in shaping the medical diagnostic imaging equipment industry; 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 Walter L. Robb upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Community Laureate Award by The University at Albany Foundation on October 27, 2016; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Walter L. Robb.