LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Natalie Morales upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the Urban Assembly School for Law
and Justice on May 11, 2015

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the great
State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good works
of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate their
lives and careers to the service of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Natalie
Morales upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by
the Urban Assembly School for Law and Justice, to be celebrated at its
Annual Spring Benefit on Monday, May 11, 2015, at the New York Public
Library in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Born in Taiwan, Natalie Morales, who speaks Spanish and
Portuguese, spent much of her childhood life overseas in Panama, Brazil
and Spain; she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Latin
American Studies from Rutgers University where she was a member of Phi
Beta Kappa and graduated summa cum laude; and
WHEREAS, Natalie Morales is the news anchor of NBC News "Today" and
the co-host of the "Third Hour," a position she has held since March of
2006; prior to her role as news anchor, she served as "Today" national
correspondent from February 2006 to June 2011; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this esteemed woman has reported for all NBC
News platforms including "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams," "Date-
line NBC," and MSNBC; during her tenure with NBC News, she has reported
on and contributed to several major breaking news stories; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious career, Natalie Morales has been
the proud recipient of countless awards and accolades; for three consec-
utive years she was awarded with a Daytime Emmy Award as part of Today's
recognition as Best Morning News Program; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, in October of 2010, Natalie Morales live-trans-
lated and reported on the Chilean miner rescue-coverage which was seen
worldwide, subsequently earning her a National Headliner Award; she was
a member of the "Rock Center with Brian Williams" team who won a Robert
F. Kennedy Award for their lobster divers story in June of 2013; and
WHEREAS, Natalie Morales was also honored with the 2013 Gracie Award
for Outstanding Series for her Dateline series, "My Kid Would Never";
additionally, HISPANIC MAGAZINE named her one of the "Top Hispanics to
Watch" in 2005 and one of the "Top Trendsetters" of 2003; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Natalie Morales has given tirelessly
of her time and energy to those in need; as a part of the "Today" Shine
a Light Campaign in 2014, she ran in and raised substantial funds for
victims of the Boston Marathon; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Joseph, and their
two sons, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and
rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Natalie Morales upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Urban Assembly School for Law and Justice on May 11,
2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Natalie Morales.