LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Commencement Ceremony at
Jefferson Community College

WHEREAS, The State of New York is renowned for its centuries-old tradi-
tion of excellence and diversity in education and for the place of para-
mount importance which education holds for the people of the State; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions of commitment and high achievement, such as Jeffer-
son Community College, whose purpose and endeavor are dedicated to the
pursuit of excellence in education and service to its community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Jefferson Community College, Watertown, New York, upon the occasion of
its 50th Commencement ceremony on May 16, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson Community College marked this milestone by formally
dedicating its 50th Commencement ceremony to its first graduating class
of 36 students who graduated on June 12, 1965; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of its gratitude and as an expression of great
respect and high regard, this Legislative Body is proud to commemorate
this auspicious milestone in the history of the college; and
WHEREAS, On November 7, 1961, the citizens of Jefferson County voted
by referendum to establish Jefferson Community College (JCC); on Septem-
ber 13, 1963, the college opened its doors at Watertown's former Lansing
School with an enrollment of 119 full-time students; on June 12, 1964,
construction began on Coffeen Street Hill for a permanent campus for the
college and, the next year the college was home to 580 full-time
students; and
WHEREAS, By 1982, full-time enrollment exceeded 1,000 students; in
1996, JCC awarded its 10,000th degree at Commencement; and, today in
2014, as it celebrates its 50th commencement ceremony, it boasts the
largest class in its history with students who can say Jefferson Commu-
nity College broadened their education, helped them with their career,
and enriched their lives; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson Community College continues to be a strong educa-
tional partner with Fort Drum, with nearly 41% of the Class of 2014
comprised of active duty soldiers and their family members, veterans,
retirees or members of the Army Reserves, who were distinguished during
the 50th Commencement ceremony with red, white and blue cords worn in
recognition of their service to our country; and
WHEREAS, The colleges and universities of this State and Nation
reflect the character and values of the society in which they exist; the
administration, faculty and students of Jefferson Community College may
take just pride in its history of quality leadership, teaching, achieve-
ment and community support, spanning more than 50 years of accomplish-
ment, and bequeathing a legacy of excellence and service for present and
future generations; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by Jefferson Community College is in
direct correlation to the efforts of a skilled staff and administration
whose involvement is and has been characterized by an impressive commit-
ment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excel-
lence in all its endeavors on behalf of the college and the population
it serves; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pauses in its deliberations to
celebrate the 50th Commencement Ceremony at Jefferson Community College,
fully confident that its future will be as distinguished as its past;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jefferson Community College.