LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Dr. Donald C. Katt upon the occasion
of his retirement after more than 47 years of distinguished service to
SUNY Ulster and the Ulster County community

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding
educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instru-
mental in developing character and academic excellence in the young
people of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Dr. Donald C. Katt upon the occasion of his retirement after more than
47 years of distinguished service to SUNY Ulster and the Ulster County
community, to be celebrated with a reception held in his honor on Thurs-
day, June 18, 2015, at The Chateau, Kingston, New York; and
WHEREAS, Educators like Dr. Donald C. Katt have provided a tremendous
service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of
young people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in
their future years; and
WHEREAS, Donald C. Katt graduated from the State University of New
York (SUNY) at Cortland, Indiana University, and the State University of
New York at Albany; in 1968, he joined the staff at SUNY Ulster, serving
the student personnel; and
WHEREAS, In 1975, Dr. Donald C. Katt became responsible for the devel-
opment and advancement programs at SUNY Ulster; in this capacity, the
Ulster Community College Foundation was ranked among the Top 20 communi-
ty college foundations in the United States; and
WHEREAS, In 1989, Dr. Donald C. Katt was appointed Chief Academic
Officer, and from 1994-2000, he held the titles of both Vice President
and Dean of Faculty; in 2001, he held the esteemed position of Presi-
dent, the position from which he will officially retire in August of
2015; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure as President, Dr. Donald C. Katt
presided over SUNY Ulster's growth of online education, initiation of
the Police Basic Training and Veterinary Technology programs, and expan-
sion of its Visual and Performing Arts programs; he has overseen the
creation and growth of the Darlene L. Pfeiffer Center for Entrepreneuri-
al Studies and international education programs, which are unique among
community colleges in New York State; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Donald C. Katt's accomplishments include the implementa-
tion and growth of services for active military and veteran students,
and the launch of the College's Constitutional Institute; he was also a
founding President of the Hudson Valley Educational Consortium, which
includes the Presidents of Orange, Rockland and Sullivan County Communi-
ty Colleges; and
WHEREAS, Through Dr. Donald C. Katt's efforts, SUNY Ulster was one of
the first SUNY campuses to receive approval under Governor Cuomo's
Start-Up New York program for economic development; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Donald C. Katt's dedication to his students, faculty and
staff at SUNY Ulster has been his hallmark for almost five decades;
under his luminous leadership, the college has increased programs and
services, significantly expanding access to high education opportunities
for Ulster County residents; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Donald C. Katt's quest for excellence is well known; he
attributes much of his success to the dedicated ethical team of educa-
tors, supportive friends, caring and involved parents, and wonderful,
enthusiastic students; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Donald C. Katt has clearly had an enduring impact on the
students of SUNY Ulster, as well as on the community-at-large, and
accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedi-
cation to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
institutions of higher education by providing their skills and talents
to our colleges; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. Donald C. Katt upon the occasion of his retirement after
more than 47 years of distinguished service to SUNY Ulster and the
Ulster County community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Donald C. Katt.