LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Reverend Vivian Nixon 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
Reverend Vivian Nixon upon the occasion of being honored in conjunction
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, Reverend Vivian Nixon is an impassioned advocate for access
to higher education and opportunity in New York City; throughout her
illustrious and varied career, she has consistently epitomized the
values of character, courage, and commitment in her unwavering service
to her peers, colleagues, and fellow citizens; and
WHEREAS, With a background in both the corporate and non-profit
sectors, Reverend Vivian Nixon is currently the Executive Director of
College and Community Fellowship, an organization committed to removing
individual and structural barriers to higher education for women with
criminal record histories; she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from
State University of New York Empire State College; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Vivian Nixon is, in addition, a woman of faith; an
ordained local deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, she
serves as an associate minister at Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal
Church in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Vivian Nixon gives of herself unstintingly to many
community organizations; her leadership and volunteer activities include
serving on the board of directors of the Fortune Society, and co-found-
ing the Education Inside Out Coalition, a collaborative effort to
increase access to higher education for justice-involved students; and
WHEREAS, Her successful efforts towards the uplift of her fellow human
beings have earned numerous accolades, including the John Jay Medal for
Justice, the Ascend Fellowship at the Aspen Institute, the Soros Justice
Fellowship, the Petra Foundation Fellowship, the Hudson Link for Higher
Education Brian Fischer Award, the Citizens Against Recidivism Mary
McLeod Bethune Award, and the Correctional Association of New York Lift-
ing As We Climb Award; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her service to her community
and the State of New York, Reverend Vivian Nixon 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 Reverend Vivian Nixon, 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 Reverend Vivian Nixon 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 Reverend Vivian Nixon.