LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Thomas LaPuma upon the occasion of his
induction into the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame on June 8, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
outstanding athletes who have distinguished themselves through their
exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest
level of personal achievement; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Thomas LaPuma upon the occasion of his induction into the Greater Utica
Sports Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on Sunday, June 8, 2014, at the
Radisson Hotel-Utica Centre, Utica, New York; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Frankfort, New York, Thomas LaPuma was instru-
mental in developing the intercollegiate athletic program at Herkimer
County Community College (HCCC) as well as the physical education
curriculum, fitness center and intramural sports program; and
WHEREAS, Thomas LaPuma was hired as an instructor of Physical Educa-
tion in 1970, and retired as Professor Emeritus in 2003; he served as
Director of Athletics from 1974 to 1990; and
WHEREAS, During his 33 year tenure, Thomas LaPuma coached men's
lacrosse, women's soccer, women's tennis, women's softball, men's
volleyball, men's golf, men's baseball, men's wrestling and men's bowl-
ing; and
WHEREAS, Involved in numerous professional organizations throughout
his illustrious career, Thomas LaPuma was a member of the International
University Sports Federation (FISU) from 1999 to 2009, and served as the
sole United States representative for FISU sponsored World Championships
and World University Games from 2001 until 2009; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, from 2005 to 2010, he served as Vice-President
for the Men's Division of the National Junior College Athletic Associ-
ation; and
WHEREAS, Amongst countless awards and accolades, Thomas LaPuma was
awarded the esteemed SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching
in 2001, and inducted into the Herkimer County Community College Athlet-
ic Hall of Fame on September 30, 2011; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he will also be awarded the HCCC Torchbearer
Award in 2014, which is presented by the College Board of Trustees every
five years to recognize individuals whose contributions have had a
significant and lasting impact on the development and operations of
Herkimer College; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Thomas LaPuma for his
extraordinary accomplishments which are a tribute to his skill, dedi-
cation and commitment; 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
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Thomas LaPuma upon the occasion of his induction into the Greater
Utica Sports Hall of Fame on June 8, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Thomas LaPuma.