Honor Dr. Kantor Award

Senate Resolution No. 1307 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Dr. Sharon R. Kantor, Esq. upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Excellence in Alumni Service Award by the University at Albany Alumni Association 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; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Sharon R. Kantor, Esq. upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Excellence in Alumni Service Award by the University at Albany Alumni Association to be celebrated with a Gala on May 4, 2019, at Wolfert's Roost, Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, This auspicious award recognizes individuals who sustain leadership and service to the Alumni Association and the University at Albany; Dr. Sharon R. Kantor is one such individual; and WHEREAS, Despite living 2,500 miles away from the University at Albany (UAlbany), Dr. Sharon Kantor has made a direct and tremendous impact on its community for more than three decades; and WHEREAS, This Bethpage, Long Island native and proud chemistry graduate is a tireless advocate for her alma mater, always going the extra mile to support faculty and staff, working directly with students on projects, and strengthening the alumni community; and WHEREAS, Sharon R. Kantor's love for UAlbany was fostered through her student experiences as Dutch Quadrangle Council President and Resident Advisor; she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973, and went on to earn a Ph.D. in synthetic organometallic chemistry from UCLA in 1980; and WHEREAS, Dr. Sharon R. Kantor was a research associate at Dow Chemical before serving as a technical marketing manager at Molecular Design Limited in San Francisco; she then worked at a patent firm full time while simultaneously attending Golden Gate University School of Law, which further stoked her ambition to become a patent attorney; and WHEREAS, After graduating with a law degree in 1990, Dr. Sharon R. Kantor founded The Firenza Group, Ltd, a California-based practice which has enabled her to write, argue and prosecute patents and trademarks for clients around the world; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to UAlbany, Dr. Sharon R. Kantor first became involved with the Alumni Association as a Class Councilor; she served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors for 17 years, co-founded the Association's Homecoming 5K Run/Walk and Little Dane Dash, and helped to coordinate the Great Dane Food Drive; and WHEREAS, Dr. Sharon R. Kantor has served on the University Foundation Board of Directors since 2010, and participates in ancillary projects on an as-needed basis; in addition to class reunions, she has helped to coordinate several alumni events in the San Francisco Bay Area; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, since 2008, she has served as Chief Justice or Justice for the annual Alumni Association-sponsored Moot Court Competition; and WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman generously supports the UAlbany's Science Library campaign, Cancer Research Center and Initiatives for Women, and her greatest affection is for its Department of Chemistry where she helps to cover the expense for hosting regular department research seminars; she was the first non-chemist to deliver the department's commencement address in 2008; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Dr. Sharon R. Kantor has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 Dr. Sharon R. Kantor, Esq. upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Excellence in Alumni Service Award by the University at Albany Alumni Association; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dr. Sharon R. Kantor, Esq.