LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the 2016 New York State Senate
Women of Distinction

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge and
celebrate Women of Distinction who significantly add inspiration and
encouragement to the people of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Women of Distinction program was
created in 1998 as part of our state celebration of Women's History
Month to honor exemplary women from across New York State whose singular
professional or personal achievements, commitment to excellence and
accomplishments merit special recognition; honorees are selected from
nominations submitted from across the State; and
WHEREAS, Women of every economic, ethnic and religious background have
made significant contributions that are reflected across all aspects of
society; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
individuals of remarkable character who have shown initiative and
commitment in constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, as well
as acting as role models to all women in their community; and
WHEREAS, On behalf of the New York State Senate, I take this opportu-
nity to congratulate Jill Alford-Hammitt, Sherlita Amler, MD, MS, FAAP,
Yvonne P. Armstrong, Cora D. Austin, Vikki Barbero, Cheryl Lynn Brannan,
Sister Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., Elizabeth Shell Carr, Claudia
Coger, Ruth Johnson Colvin, Sister Mary Doris, Eva M. Doyle, Rosemary
Durso, Audrey Sparks Fussa, Gail Goodson, Debora M. Hayes, Karen A.
Heggen, Cindy Doring Hollowood, Ellen Holmes, Mary Iapalucci, Ellen R.
Imbimbo, Doryne Isley, Mary Frances Jeffrey, Candace S. Johnson, Ph.D.,
Nicole Johnson, Jahmila K. Joseph, Reverend Ann Kansfield, Virginia M.
Krebs, Thomasina Laidley-Brown, Annmarie Lanesey, Linda M. LeMura,
Ph.D., April Leong, Blanca P. Lopez, Heidi Macpherson, Ph.D., Janet
McEneaney, Jill Estabrook Morris, Lesli C. Myers, Ed.D, Donna Christina
Oliverio, Meghan Ortega, MaryAnn Pfeiffer, Trudy Pogue, Pia J. Raymond,
Inez Rodriguez, Bonnie Ross, Florence Santini, Vita Scaturro, Anita
Seefried-Brown, Mardie Sheiken, Ph.D., Tatiana Shlomovich, Chitra Singh,
Honorable Deborah A. Slezak, Dawn R. Smith, Marjorie J. Smith, Carmen
Tapia, Yudelka Tapia, Wendy Tepfer, Barbara Toborg, Ann Torcivia,
Constance A. Wille as 2016 New York State Senate Women of Distinction,
to be celebrated on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at the Annual Women of
Distinction Awards Ceremony in The Well of the Legislative Office Build-
ing; and
WHEREAS, Women have become part of New York's lasting heritage by
fighting against stereotypes, prejudice, and seemingly insurmountable
obstacles; and
WHEREAS, From the women's suffrage movement just over 150 years ago to
the present day, women have played and continue to play a crucial role
in adding strength, understanding, and inspiration to the diversity and
quality of life of the people of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, New York State has been, and continues to be, the home to
many distinguished women who have made their mark in history as pioneers
in their field, therefore laying the foundation for women after them to
succeed; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes that New York State is the
home to countless women who are strong and colorful threads, vital to
the fabric of our rich heritage, who have contributed, and continue to
add to the advancement of our culture through their traditional and
non-traditional roles in society; 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
congratulate the 2016 New York State Senate Women of Distinction; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned Women of Distinction.