Celebrate Canada Center Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 580 BY: Senator LITTLE COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the Center for the Study of Canada and Canadian Studies Program at SUNY Plattsburgh on October 21, 2016 WHEREAS, In today's increasingly global society, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those individuals, institutions, and organizations which foster global understanding and encourage international partnerships; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Center for the Study of Canada and Canadian Studies Program at SUNY Plattsburgh to be celebrated with a Gala Reception and Dinner on Friday, October 21, 2016, in Plattsburgh, New York; and WHEREAS, The origins of the Center for the Study of Canada and Canadian Studies academic program at the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Plattsburgh can be traced to a dedicated core of select faculty members interested in launching a Canada-focused program in 1966; and WHEREAS, Today, the Center for the Study of Canada is the leading Canadian Studies and Quebec Studies academic university initiative, public or private, in the United States; the program focuses on building and maintaining public sector-private sector partnerships, promotes innovative educational and scientific research, and is committed to the advancement of student learning on Canada; and WHEREAS, The Center for the Study of Canada actively collaborates with a variety of actors including the United States Department of Education, the United States Department of State, the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec, Fulbright Canada, The Development Corporation, the Association for Canadian Studies in the United States, the American Council for Quebec Studies, and a wide range of colleges and universities in Canada and the United States; and WHEREAS, This vital program has been designated as one of only two university consortia recognized nationwide by the United States Department of Education as a National Resource Center on Canada; the Center also partners with the United States Department of State to annually plan and deliver the Youth Ambassadors Program with Canada; and WHEREAS, The Center for the Study of Canada also partners with Global Affairs Canada on the internationally acclaimed CONNECT program, which works to identify and mentor new American scholars - doctoral candidates and junior professors - committed to teaching and research on Canada in the United States; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the advancement of undergraduate student learning on Canada, the Center for the Study of Canada encompasses 30 faculty, librarian and staff associates who regularly offer courses, internships, independent studies and mentoring for students; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, its Canadian Studies scholarship program is the largest and most well-funded such initiative at any college or university in the United States; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when institutions 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 commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Center for the Study of Canada and Canadian Studies Program at SUNY Plattsburgh on October 21, 2016; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Center for the Study of Canada and Canadian Studies Program at SUNY Plattsburgh.