Honor Purchase College President

Assembly Resolution No. 362 BY: M. of A. Buchwald COMMENDING President Thomas J. Schwarz upon the occasion of his retirement after 17 years of dedicated service to Purchase College, State University of New York WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this great State; and WHEREAS, The result of many individual efforts, the excellence and success of Purchase College is due in large part to the efforts of President Thomas J. Schwarz; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend President Thomas J. Schwarz upon the occasion of his retirement after 17 years of dedicated service to Purchase College, State University of New York; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at an event on Wednesday, May 8, 2019; and WHEREAS, In 2002, Thomas J. Schwarz began his distinguished career at Purchase College, working to restore its financial strength and stability; one year later, he became the fifth President of the College, the position from which he will officially retire in 2019; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, President Thomas J. Schwarz accomplished numerous goals which promoted his mission of providing an environment where students are given the necessary tools and support to succeed; he oversaw the creation of the Learning and Advising Centers, and coordinated with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to form the Student Success Unit; and WHEREAS, In addition, President Thomas J. Schwarz supervised the restructuring of the academic administration and encouraged the growth of interdisciplinary programs including the College's highly regarded School of Film and Media Studies; his tireless efforts to integrate the Neuberger Museum of Art and the Performing Arts Center with Academic Affairs have provided exceptional opportunities for students and the community to take greater advantage of these cultural assets; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of President Thomas J. Schwarz, retention rates for all classes have steadily improved, the four-year graduation rate increased from 35% to 53%, and the College's six year graduation rate of 63% far exceeds the national average; and WHEREAS, Devoted to sustainability and environmental conservation, President Thomas J. Schwarz was one of the original signatories on the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, promising Purchase College would follow a timeline and take certain steps to achieve climate neutrality; and WHEREAS, President Thomas J. Schwarz was also instrumental in the environmentally sensitive and award-winning renovation of the central campus plaza, the addition of recycling programs and the integration of these programs into courses of study, and the achievement of LEED standards for all new and refurbished buildings; his focus on water quality and energy conservation reflects his ongoing commitment to sustainability and has earned the college a designation as one of the greenest colleges in the SUNY system; and WHEREAS, President Thomas J. Schwarz's desire to restore the beauty and increase accessibility of the campus led to over $400 million in capital construction and rehabilitation of academic and residential buildings including Student Services, the Center for Media, Film and Theatre, the Durst Humanities Building, the Neuberger Museum of Art, Alumni Village, Fort Awesome and Wayback; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, through President Thomas J. Schwarz's strategic thinking and quest for ways to secure the future, Purchase College Foundation-Charitable Entities' investment portfolio grew from $35 million to $95 million over the past decade; the Foundation also enabled the creation of unique revenue streams for the college, including the Park2Fly airport parking service and upon completion, the Broadview Senior Living Community; and WHEREAS, An ardent supporter of Purchase College's students, faculty and staff, President Thomas J. Schwarz has proudly attended countless exhibitions, performances, athletic events, concerts, plays, readings, scientific presentations and alumni events on campus, in New York City and beyond; and WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State, President Thomas J. Schwarz has continually demonstrated an impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at Purchase College for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as for the entire community; and WHEREAS, Through President Thomas J. Schwarz's legacy of sound leadership and guidance, Purchase College, State University of New York stands strong and proud, academically, financially, and environmentally; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend President Thomas J. Schwarz upon the occasion of his retirement after 17 years of dedicated service to Purchase College, State University of New York, and to wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to President Thomas J. Schwarz.