Honor UAlbany Staff Contributions

Senate Resolution No. 1309 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING the University at Albany Employees upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Citizen of the University 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 the University at Albany Employees upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Citizen of the University 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 outstanding contributions to the University by a non-alumnus or non-alumna through leadership, service or a special gift; the award recipient is chosen by the University leadership; and WHEREAS, Whether listening to a Pulitzer prize-winning author's reading in Page Hall, cheering on the Great Danes at a basketball game in SEFCU Arena or live-tweeting during a bioscience lecture at the Health Sciences Campus, the experience would not be possible without the dedication of University at Albany (UAlbany) employees; and WHEREAS, From reliable WiFi connections and online graduate programs, to timely mail delivery and picturesque campus scenery, it's the dedicated people working behind the scenes who truly make it feasible for the UAlbany community to unleash greatness; and WHEREAS, Named one of "America's Top Colleges" by Forbes magazine, the premier public research University in the Capital Region is home to more than 17,000 students; in addition, Thrillist.com recently named the University one of the "Most Beautiful Public Colleges in the United States"; and WHEREAS, These accolades would not have been possible without the devoted and talented staff who ensure all the needs of students, including the technology they use, the food they eat, the libraries they study in and the buildings in which they live, are met across UAlbanys three campuses; and WHEREAS, Commencement and Homecoming are two of UAlbanys most impactful and heavily attended on-campus events; the success of these University-wide events is dependent on a number of departments and employees, not just on event day alone, but from the very first moment a new student sets foot on campus; and WHEREAS, Under the direction of President Havidan Rodriguez, UAlbany employees are dedicated to making the college experience exciting and rewarding for students from day one; more than 1,100 world-class faculty members and the award-winning Student Affairs staff provide challenging and enriching curriculum, life-enhancing student-research opportunities and hundreds of programs to ensure each student has the chance to succeed in an inclusive and culturally-diverse learning environment; and WHEREAS, Without their direct efforts, as well as the efforts of the hundreds of employees who maintain important components of the campus experience such as buildings, grounds, safety and technology, UAlbany students would not cultivate a strong sense of pride in the University; and WHEREAS, This Great Dane pride is what leads to the robust graduation ceremonies and homecoming weekends seen year after year; and WHEREAS, The dedication of UAlbany employees does not stop with job duties; to further build an engine of opportunity, hundreds of faculty and staff generously donate to the University, and many have established endowed scholarships which support students year after year; and WHEREAS, These philanthropic efforts, combined with extraordinary work performance that regularly extends beyond a typical 40-hour work week for many, is what sets UAlbany employees apart; with their leadership, service and generosity, the future of this great University is strong, bright and exciting; 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 the University at Albany Employees upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Citizen of the University Award by the University at Albany Alumni Association; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Havidan Rodriguez, President, UAlbany.