LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Ruth Schwartzwalder upon the occa-
sion of celebrating her 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Ruth
"Reggie" Schwartzwalder upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th
Birthday; in recognition of this auspicious occasion, Reggie will be
honored at a party hosted by her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Reggie Schwartzwalder was born Ruth Simpson to James and Mary
Louise Simpson on January 18, 1912, in Pine Grove, West Virginia; and
WHEREAS, The Simpson family moved to Morgantown, West Virginia, where
Reggie grew up with her five siblings, James, Bill, Louise, Marie and
Marge, until she graduated from high school; and
WHEREAS, She continued her education and enrolled in West Virginia
University where she majored in Physical Education; it was here Reggie
met her husband, the late Floyd B. "Ben" Schwartzwalder, who was also a
Physical Education major and a center on the West Virginia football
team; and
WHEREAS, Soon after graduating in 1932, Reggie and Ben Schwartzwalder
were married; and
WHEREAS, Reggie Schwartzwalder taught and lived in different towns
throughout West Virginia, while her husband Ben coached high school
football; and
WHEREAS, After enlisting in the United States Army in 1941, honorably
serving during World War II, Ben Schwartzwalder returned home and began
coaching college football; and
WHEREAS, In 1949, the couple moved to Syracuse, New York, and Ben
Schwartzwalder began his long and distinguished coaching career with the
football team at Syracuse University; and
WHEREAS, Throughout Ben's nearly 25-year tenure as a legendary Syra-
cuse University football coach, Reggie was truly his major supporter,
helping to run the daily operations of life and to raise the couple's
two wonderful daughters, Susan Walker and Mary Scofield; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Besides raising an outstanding family, Reggie Schwartzwalder
was also very active in both community activities and charitable organ-
izations, positively impacting the many lives she touched; and
WHEREAS, Reggie Schwartzwalder is described by her family and friends
as a very optimistic individual, one who has taught her five grandchil-
dren and her eight great-grandchildren the importance of kindness,
generosity and perseverance; and
WHEREAS, Reggie and Ben Schwartzwalder were featured in the movie,
"The Express," which was based on Syracuse University football great
Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy; and
WHEREAS, Reggie Schwartzwalder dressed as an extra for "The Express"
and attended the movie's world premiere, which was held at Syracuse's
Landmark Theater in 2008; and
WHEREAS, Reggie Schwartzwalder has experienced the incredible joys and
sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina and
courage to savor a full life; she credits her longevity to her strong
love of life and family, healthy habits and exercise, and actively
cheering on Syracuse University sports teams; and

WHEREAS, This beloved woman has enriched the lives of those around her
through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves
contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Ruth Schwartzwalder upon the occasion of celebrating her
100th Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ruth "Reggie" Schwartzwalder.