Senate Resolution No. 300

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Dave Fontaine upon the occasion of his
retirement after 13 years as Director of Athletics
for Utica University

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge outstanding individuals within our midst who
have made significant contributions to the communities of this State and
Nation; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Dave
Fontaine upon the occasion of his retirement after 13 years as Director
of Athletics for Utica University; and

WHEREAS, After 13 years, 20 conference championships, 15 NCAA
Tournament appearances, 65 All-Americans, and countless enhancements to
facilities and traditions, Utica University Director of Athletics and
Physical Education, David Fontaine, has announced his official day of
retirement from Utica University's Athletics Department as Friday,
January 31, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Dave Fontaine graduated from Notre Dame Junior-Senior High
School in Utica; he earned an Associate's in Liberal Arts and Sciences
degree from Mohawk Valley Community College, a Bachelor's in Psychology
degree from Utica College (now Utica University), and a Master's in
Physical Education, Administration, and Management degree from Syracuse
University; and

WHEREAS, Dave Fontaine was a four-year collegiate student-athlete
and filled the role of Captain of the Pioneers Baseball Team in his
senior season, leading the team to an Eastern College Athletic
Conference (ECAC) Upstate County Championship; and

WHEREAS, A Utica University alumnus, Dave Fontaine has spent the
last 13 years leading the Athletic Department for the Pioneers as
Director of Athletics and Physical Education; and

WHEREAS, The Utica native also spent 11 years at Utica University,
from 1989 through 2000, serving in a variety of roles, including
Director of Intramurals, Head Softball Coach, Home Event Manager,
Compliance Director, Scheduling Coordinator, and Assistant Director of
Athletics; and

WHEREAS, Since his return to the Athletics Department in January of
2012, Dave Fontaine has been at the forefront of several improvements
and developments; he was also instrumental in creating, developing, and
enhancing athletic department operations; and

WHEREAS, Dave Fontaine feels fortunate to have been an integral part
of countless program-defining moments for the Pioneers, including
conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances and victories, and
high individual placements which featured some of the top finishes in
the country; today, Utica University boasts one of the largest athletic
programs in the Empire 8 Conference; and


WHEREAS, The many contributions of which Dave Fontaine has played a
vital role are a testament to his legacy which will inspire future
students and athletes of Utica University for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
dedicated individuals who have shown a long and sustained commitment to
excellence unquestionably have earned the recognition and applause of
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dave Fontaine upon the occasion of his retirement and to wish
him well in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dave Fontaine.