LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Cornell University upon the occasion
of celebrating the 150th Anniversary of its Charter as the Land-Grant
University of the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
events of historic and far-reaching importance to the State of New York;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those educational institutions that make exemplary contributions
through teaching, research, and service to the community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Cornell University upon the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of its
Charter as the Land-Grant University of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, This extraordinary sesquicentennial will be observed with a
Charter Day Weekend Celebration to be held April 24-27, 2015, in Ithaca,
and will include a formal procession and ceremony on April 27th, the
date of the 1865 Charter of Cornell University; and
WHEREAS, In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Land
Grant Act, milestone legislation that would promote the liberal and
practical education of the industrial classes in each state of the
nation; and
WHEREAS, In 1865, State Senators Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dixon White
secured passage of the bill that chartered Cornell University as the
land-grant educational institution for New York State, where Ezra
Cornell's vision that any person can find instruction in any study would
become a reality; and
WHEREAS, On April 27, 1865, New York State Governor Reuben E. Fenton,
in his chambers in the old State Capitol in Albany, signed the bill that
constitutes the Charter of Cornell University; and
WHEREAS, The Charter defined the land-grant mission of Cornell Univer-
sity, with its special responsibility for research and outreach, and set
the stage for generations of Cornellians to help transform lives; and
WHEREAS, On October 7, 1868, Cornell University opened, and, during
its inaugural celebration at the Cornell Library in the Village of Itha-
ca, New York State Lieutenant Governor Stewart L. Woodford administered
the oath of office to President Andrew Dixon White and presented him
with the Charter; and
WHEREAS, Cornell University has become one of the world's finest
educational institutions, whose teaching and research are joined by a
remarkable extension of the benefits of knowledge throughout New York
State and around the globe; and
WHEREAS, The alumni of Cornell University, today numbering over
235,000 worldwide and 63,000 in New York State, have tremendous impact
on society and individual lives, in accordance with the University's
mission; and
WHEREAS, Cornell Cooperative Extension enhances the social well-being,
ecological sustainability, and economic vitality of New York State's
communities by offering a broad range of programs, including youth
development through 4-H, and, in 2013, providing 1.1 million volunteer
hours and serving 1.4 million residents participating in their programs;
and
WHEREAS, In the City of New York, Weill Cornell Medical College is
devoted to providing patient care, and both Weill Cornell Medical
College and Cornell Tech are committed to educating students and engag-
ing in research and collaborations for the betterment of the City, the
State, and the world; and

WHEREAS, Under the direction of President David J. Skorton, the
Cornell University community can reflect on its first 15 decades with
great pride, and can look forward to an exciting and rewarding future
inspired by its founding vision of innovative thinking, leadership in
education, and the responsibility to make a difference in people's
lives; and
WHEREAS, It is fitting that this Legislative Body extend its highest
commendation to Cornell University for its dedication since 1865 to
fulfilling its land-grant mission of service to the people of this great
Empire State, and its exceptional contributions of real and enduring
value toward creating a better world; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the heritage and the continued excellence of Cornell University
upon the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of its Charter as the Land-
Grant University of the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to David J. Skorton, President, Cornell University.