LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Dr. William Richards upon the occasion
of his retirement after more than 12 years of distinguished service as
President of SUNY Orange

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. William Richards upon the occasion of his retirement after more than
12 years of distinguished service as President of SUNY Orange, to be
celebrated at a party held in his honor, on Thursday, June 4, 2015, in
Kaplan Hall at the Newburgh Campus of SUNY Orange, Middletown, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Educators like Dr. William Richards have provided a tremen-
dous service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring gener-
ations of young people in their educational journeys and ensuring their
success in their future years; and
WHEREAS, In 1966, William Richards graduated Magna Cum Laude from
Regis College, Weston, Massachusetts, earning a bachelor's degree in
both Physics and Mathematics; and
WHEREAS, William Richards furthered his education by obtaining a
master's degree in English from St. Louis University, Missouri, as well
as a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature, with a cognate in Higher Education
Policy from the University of Denver, Colorado, in 1987; and
WHEREAS, On August 1, 2003, Dr. William Richards was selected as Pres-
ident of SUNY Orange; throughout his tenure he brought a style of lead-
ership which focused on three major objectives, including enriching
lives through learning, enhancing economic opportunities in the area the
college serves, and participating in and leading community development;
and
WHEREAS, Prior to holding the esteemed title of President at SUNY
Orange, Dr. William Richards held several positions at various educa-
tional institutions, including Coordinator at the Learning Development
Center, Denver, Colorado, Dean of Developmental Studies at Community
College of Denver, Colorado, Vice President of Educational Programs and
Resources at North Harris College, Houston, Texas, President of Otero
Junior College, La Junta, Colorado, and President of Higher Education
and Advanced Technologies (HEAT) Center, Denver, Colorado, as well as
CEO of the Westminster Campus at Front Range Community College, Denver,
Colorado; and
WHEREAS, Dr. William Richards achieved these stellar aspirations by
believing in the ability of his staff and supporting their innovative
teaching efforts, creativity and risk-taking to accomplish their goals;
and
WHEREAS, In his first year of service at SUNY Orange, Dr. William
Richards brought the campus together in a successful collaborative
effort to redevelop more focused mission, vision and values statements;
and
WHEREAS, After completing an in-depth Middle States self-assessment
for expectations for quality, Dr. William Richards spearheaded a strate-

gic planning effort to help chart the best future course for an academ-
ic, facilities, technology and enrollment management master plan; and
WHEREAS, Dr. William Richards also utilized his keen sense of technol-
ogy to improve the college's learning process, programs, and services;
he began an aggressive campaign to explore the private sector for fund-
ing sources for technology and other necessary resources for the school;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. William Richards'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 young adults; and
WHEREAS, Dr. William Richards has clearly had an enduring impact on
the students of SUNY Orange, 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. William Richards upon the occasion of his retirement as
President after more than 12 years of dedicated service to SUNY Orange,
and to wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. William Richards.