LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson upon the occa-
sion of being honored in conjunction with Women's History Month 2014 in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those women of achievement within the Empire State who have
made strong contributions to their communities and who inspire others
through their model citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, upon the occasion of being honored in conjunc-
tion with Women's History Month 2014 in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made
invaluable contributions to the growth and strength of New York State in
countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the State of New York officially sets aside time
to recognize the achievements and lives of such exemplary women, repre-
sentatives of the wide-ranging and vital roles women have played in the
historic development of this great Empire State and its communities; the
theme of this year's commemoration is "Celebrating Women of Character,
Courage, and Commitment"; and
WHEREAS, Theoretical physicist Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson has been
described by Time Magazine as "perhaps the ultimate role model for women
in science"; the president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy,
New York, she has consistently epitomized the values of character, cour-
age, and commitment in her unwavering service to her peers, colleagues,
and fellow citizens; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson has helmed Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute since 1999; under her luminous leadership, this esteemed
educational institution has transformed into a top-tier technological
research university with dramatic increases in research awards and
freshman enrollments, as well as hundreds of new faculty, and major
capital projects completed; and
WHEREAS, In addition to academe, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson has held
senior leadership positions in government, industry, and research;
before assuming her current post, she was chairman of the United States
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, appointed by President William Jefferson
Clinton; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson was appointed in 2009 by President
Barack Obama to serve on the President's Council of Advisors on Science
and Technology; in addition, she serves on the United States Department
of Energy's Secretary of Energy Advisory Board; and
WHEREAS, A multifaceted woman, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson also serves on
the boards of the Smithsonian Institution, the Brookings Institution,
the Council on Foreign Relations, M.I.T. and major corporations; and
WHEREAS, This extraordinary scientist and educator holds an S.B. in
physics and a Ph.D. in theoretical elementary particle physics from
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) where she was the first
African American woman ever to earn a doctorate in the field; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her service to her community,
the State of New York, and the nation, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, and to wish
her continued success in all of her future endeavors; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-

tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson upon the occasion of being honored in
conjunction with Women's History Month in the State of New York; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson.