Honor RPI, Dr. Shirley Jackson

Senate Resolution No. 2813 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and President Dr. Shirley Jackson for special recognition by Unity House on February 14, 2020 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 and institutions 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and President Dr. Shirley Jackson for special recognition by Unity House to be celebrated at its I Love Unity House Luncheon on Friday, February 14, 2020, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, New York; and WHEREAS, Unity House is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people living in poverty, adults with mental illness, victims of domestic violence, children with developmental delays and their families, people living with HIV/AIDS, and others whose needs can effectively be met by this vital organization and its philosophy; and WHEREAS, With 7,900 students and more than 100,000 living alumni, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is addressing the global challenges facing the 21st century to change lives, to advance society, and to change the world; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its President, Dr. Shirley Jackson, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has steadfastly supported countless local organizations, including Unity House, with its extraordinary volunteers, community service groups, food drives, work on domestic violence prevention, and the many donations supporting its mission and the greater community; and WHEREAS, A theoretical physicist, Dr. Shirley Jackson has had a distinguished career which includes senior leadership positions in academia, government, industry, and research; she holds a bachelor's degree in Physics and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics, both from MIT; and WHEREAS, Dr. Shirley Jackson is the first African-American woman to receive a doctorate from MIT, in any field, and has been a trailblazer throughout her career, including as the first African-American woman to lead a top-ranked research university; and WHEREAS, Since 1999, Dr. Shirley Jackson has led an extraordinary transformation of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York and Hartford, Connecticut, into a world-class technological research university; rankings for RPI among national universities have risen substantially under her illustrious tenure, and the number of students applying to join the freshman class has tripled; and WHEREAS, The success of Unity House is in direct correlation to the efforts of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and President Dr. Shirley Jackson, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and 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 honor Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and President Dr. Shirley Jackson for special recognition by Unity House on February 14, 2020; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dr. Shirley Jackson, President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.