Honor Laura Chodos Achievement

Senate Resolution No. 1203 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Laura Chodos upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Two Together, Inc. on April 30, 2019 WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and 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 Laura Chodos upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Two Together, Inc. at its 18th Annual Cooks for Kids event on Tuesday, April

30, 2019; and WHEREAS, Two Together is a free after-school and summer reading and writing program which has been operating a high need community in the South End of Albany, New York, since 1997; this vital organization strengthens children's social, cultural and intellectual growth through improved language and literacy skills in a safe environment which fosters a life-long love and enthusiasm for learning; and WHEREAS, Laura Chodos was instrumental in the establishment of Two Together, where she served as President from 2000 to 2005; in this capacity, she connected international students at the University at Albany as tutors, and introduced two week summer enrichment programs to acquaint students with the rich history and culture of the South End community; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Laura Chodos, three students at Two Together submitted a power point research project to the New York State Archives Annual Awards Program on the history of the Albany Housing Authority homes on Green Street, and recorded interviews with some of its earliest residents; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, these students researched the life of a famous Black South End resident Sam Schuyler who, along with several sons, operated a tugboat business on the Hudson River Basin in the 19th century; a painting on the topic was commissioned by a men's history club which met at the John A. Howe Branch Library until the late 1990s; and WHEREAS, Two Together's partnership with the John A. Howe Branch Library and the community remains an essential aspect of its mission; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her community, Laura Chodos was a member of the New York State Board of Regents for 17 years and was the first woman in the Board's 234 year history to chair its Committee on Higher Education and the Professions; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Girls Latin School in Boston, Massachusetts, Laura Chodos went on to earn degrees in economics and urban sociology from Tufts University, and did graduate work in Literacy Studies at Syracuse University and the University at Albany, SUNY; and WHEREAS, In addition to her husband, the late Robert, with her throughout have been her four children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who have all shown her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Laura Chodos has displayed throughout her life; 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 honor Laura Chodos upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Two Together, Inc. on April 30, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Laura Chodos.