LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Donald J. Snyder upon the occasion of
his retirement after more than 20 years of distinguished service to the
Herkimer County Community College Board of Trustees

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals
whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stat-
ure of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Donald J. Snyder upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 20
years of distinguished service to the Herkimer County Community College
Board of Trustees; the Donald J. Snyder Corridor, also known as "Don's
Way," was dedicated in recognition of his contributions on Wednesday,
July 10, 2013, at the HCCC Library Building Foyer, Herkimer, New York;
and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Siena College and Albany Law School, Donald J.
Snyder has throughout his life, rendered faithful, conscientious and
valuable service to the people of Herkimer County, earning the admira-
tion, esteem and affection of all he came in contact with; and
WHEREAS, In 1966, Donald J. Snyder began his long career as an attor-
ney with the law firm Cosentino, Snyder, and Snyder (later Quinn); one
of this young lawyer's first assignments involved reviewing land records
for the founding of a new school for higher learning that would become
Herkimer County Community College (HCCC); his relationship with the
school would strengthen and endure over the coming years; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, Donald J. Snyder was appointed to the HCCC Board of
Trustees on which he served honorably and with passion for over 22
years, 12 as chairman of the board; and
WHEREAS, Under his dedicated leadership, this fine educational insti-
tution flourished as it entered the 21st Century; his work helped guide
the board and HCCC administration in the establishment of policies,
authorization of new academic programs, the creation of a new strategic
plan as well as through a successful Middle States accreditation; and
WHEREAS, Donald J. Snyder inaugurated numerous building projects
during his tenure including: Wehrum Stadium, the Hummel Corporate and
Professional Education Center, Reservoir Run, and the Center for Global
Learning; his efforts were also pivotal in the renovation of the Robert
McLaughlin College Center, the Ronald F. Williams Library and the Gaynor
Science Center; and
WHEREAS, An outstanding representative of HCCC at community functions
and school events, Donald J. Snyder was a regular speaker at convoca-
tions, commencements, campus meetings, dedications and numerous other
occasions; in his commitment to lifelong learning he became a student
himself, earning an associate's degree in Fine Arts in 2004; and
WHEREAS, Donald J. Snyder has received many accolades in recognition
of his efforts on behalf of the board; he was twice honored by the New
York Community College Trustees, and received the Marvin A. Rapp Award
for Distinguished Trustee Service; in 2012, he was presented with the
Anne M. Bushnell Memorial Award for Special Achievement, honoring his
extraordinary leadership and achievement throughout his term of service;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to his work on the HCCC Board of Trustees and in
his law practice, this esteemed man served the people of Herkimer County
in a variety of other capacities; he was assistant district attorney
from 1966-1978 and senior attorney for Family Court Judge Henry LaRaia
from 1991-2002; furthermore, he also served as lawyer for the Town of
Winfield, the Village of West Winfield, and the Mount Markham Central

School, where he was also president of the school board from 1970-71;
and
WHEREAS, Donald J. Snyder has been called upon to contribute his time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of himself unstintingly; he is a member of numerous non-profit
organizations including the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York and the
Mohawk Valley Estate Planning Council; furthermore, he is the Lead Coun-
sel for Our Lady of Lourdes Charitable Trust and has served as parish
council president, finance chairman and building committee chairman; and
WHEREAS, In his capacity as chairman of the HCCC Board of Trustees and
countless other roles, Donald J. Snyder served with loyalty, honor and
distinction, always governed by a keen sense of duty in his official
acts; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals who have displayed such exceptional leadership, inspired vision and
outstanding professional standards are brought to our attention, 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
honor Donald J. Snyder upon the occasion of his retirement after more
than 20 years of distinguished service to the Herkimer County Community
College Board of Trustees; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Donald J. Snyder.