Assembly Resolution No. 163

BY: M. of A. Hunter

CELEBRATING the life of Ruth J. Colvin,
recognizing her significant accomplishments and
impact on New York State communities and the field
of education

WHEREAS, A Great State is only as great as those individuals who
perform exemplary service on behalf of their communities, whether
through unique achievement in professional or other endeavors, or simply
through a lifetime of good citizenship; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
celebrate the life and record the passing of Ruth Johnson Colvin, noting
the significance of her accomplishments and impact; and

WHEREAS, In 1962, Ruth J. Colvin, from the basement of her home in
Syracuse, New York, launched a literacy program, recruiting and training
volunteers to help adults in her community develop their literacy
skills; and

WHEREAS, In 1967, Literacy Volunteers, Inc. was incorporated; and

WHEREAS, In 1972, Literacy Volunteers of America was incorporated to
serve adults and chapters throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, Literacy organizations serving adults throughout New York
trace their origins to Literacy Volunteers and Ruth J. Colvin, including
LiteracyCNY, Literacy Volunteers of Cayuga County, Literacy Rochester,
Literacy Buffalo Niagara, Literacy Volunteers Ontario-Yates, Literacy
Volunteers of Broome-Tioga Counties, Tri-County Literacy Center,
Literacy Nassau, Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County, Literacy
Volunteers of Chautauqua County, Literacy Partners, Literacy New York,
Literacy Volunteers of the Tarrytowns, Literacy Volunteers of Otsego &
Delaware Counties, Literacy Connections of the Hudson Valley, Literacy
Suffolk, Literacy Volunteers of Wayne County, Ulster Literacy
Association, Literacy Solutions NY, Literacy West NY, Literacy
Volunteers of Sullivan County, Literacy of Northern New York, Literacy
Volunteers of Seneca County, and Literacy Volunteers of Clinton, Essex,
& Franklin Counties; and

WHEREAS, These organizations have helped tens of thousands of adults
to develop literacy, math, and digital literacy skills; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, Literacy Volunteers of America and Laubach
International merged to form ProLiteracy; and

WHEREAS, Recognition for Ruth J. Colvin's work and influence
includes the Volunteer Action Award by President Ronald Reagan in 1987,
induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, New
York in 1993, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George
W. Bush in 2006; and

WHEREAS, In 1950, Ruth J. Colvin founded the Dubbers Golf Group for
women at Drumlins Country Club; and

WHEREAS, Ruth J. Colvin authored twelve books; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the life and accomplishments of Ruth Colvin, and to express our
deepest condolences to her family, friends, and literacy organizations
she helped to found or inspire; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Ruth J. Colvin, ProLiteracy, and
LiteracyCNY.