Honor Canisius College Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2789 BY: Senator KENNEDY COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of Canisius College WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educational professionals and the students they inspire; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose exemplary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate an enduring pursuit of excellence in higher education for the young adults of this noble Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Canisius College to be celebrated with various events throughout the year, recognizing its commitment to helping generations of students in their pursuit of academic excellence and empowering them through their education to make a difference in their communities; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1870, five years after the Civil War, German Jesuits were asked to open a college in Buffalo, New York, to serve the city's immigrant citizens; and WHEREAS, Jesuits who taught at Canisius in its early years were typically German-born men who'd been educated or taught at one of the half-dozen European universities founded by Peter Canisius, the 16th century Jesuit; and WHEREAS, In December of 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor shocked the United States and reverberated through the halls of Canisius College; from the utterly tragic loss of life to the diminished enrollment, it was a time of tumult; and WHEREAS, To counter the demands of a reduced student body, Canisius levied a curricular innovation agreeing to share responsibility of the academic training of women enrolled in the city hospital's School of Nursing, with neighboring school, the University of Buffalo, leading to eventual full admission of women to this traditionally all male institution; and WHEREAS, As the troubled times of the 1960s and 1970s gave way to a new decade, Canisius began to grow its academic programs and build a distinct brand of teaching excellence; and WHEREAS, Today, under the able leadership of its President John J. Hurley, Canisius stands at the threshold of its Sesquicentennial Anniversary; much has changed since the initial opening, but what remains is the college's commitment to students and educational excellence, as well as aligning with the present and future social outreach needs of the community; and WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, Canisius College will grow and evolve and carry on its mission to educate and transform lives for another 150 years and beyond, and continue to equip students to become individuals of influence and agents of change in their communities; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Canisius College, noting the propriety of its goals, the constancy of its commitment and the significance of its accomplishments; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to John J. Hurley, President of Canisius College.