Senate Resolution No. 266

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the Nursing
Program at SUNY Polytechnic Institute

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor
educational institutions that have demonstrated excellence in preparing
students to meet the critical demands of their professions and
contribute to the betterment of society; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Nursing Program at SUNY
Polytechnic Institute, recognizing its exceptional contributions to
nursing education, healthcare leadership, and the well-being of
communities throughout New York State and beyond; and

WHEREAS, The State University of New York Polytechnic Institute
(SUNY Poly), established on June 14, 1966, has been a cornerstone of
higher education and innovation, embodying its mission to foster
academic and professional success; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, SUNY Poly launched one of its first bachelor's
degree programs, the RN-BS Nursing Program, pioneering an innovative
pathway for Associate Degree and Diploma-prepared Registered Nurses to
advance their education and obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; and

WHEREAS, This transformative program, officially commencing in 1975,
has grown to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry,
establishing Master of Science programs in Nursing Administration in
1988, Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) in 1993, Family Nurse Practitioner
(FNP) in 2000, and additional advanced programs in Gerontological Nurse
Practitioner and Nursing Education in 2007; and

WHEREAS, SUNY Poly's commitment to excellence in nursing education
is evidenced by its national accreditations from the National League for
Nursing (NLN) in 1982 and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
(CCNE) in 1992, with subsequent reaccreditations marking its enduring
academic rigor and quality; and

WHEREAS, The program has continued to evolve and innovate,
introducing the region's first Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program
specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health in 2022, placing SUNY Poly
among a select few institutions nationally to offer such a
specialization; and

WHEREAS, With the dedication of visionary leaders such as Dr. Ellen
Coher, Dr. Elizabeth Kellogg Walker, Dr. Janine Muldoon, and others, the
Nursing Program has grown into a beacon of professional excellence and
has seen its graduates make significant contributions to healthcare
across New York State and beyond; and

WHEREAS, In 2024, the Department of Nursing transitioned to the
School of Nursing within the College of Health Sciences, reaffirming its

prominence and commitment to meeting the healthcare challenges of the
future; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 50 years, the Nursing Program at SUNY Poly
has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to preparing compassionate,
skilled, and innovative nursing professionals who uphold the highest
standards of patient care; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to honor and commend SUNY
Polytechnic Institute's Nursing Program for its outstanding
contributions to education, healthcare, and community well-being,
serving as an inspiration for future generations of nursing
professionals; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pauses in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Nursing Program at SUNY
Polytechnic Institute, celebrating its remarkable history, achievements,
and contributions to the healthcare field; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to SUNY Polytechnic Institute's School of Nursing.