Senate Resolution No. 138

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D. upon the
occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Academic Laureate Award by The University at Albany
Foundation on October 27, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor individuals of remarkable integrity and character who devote their
life-work to education, contributing to the welfare of the institutions
and the citizens of their communities, as well as to the quality of
education and the vitality of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D. upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Academic Laureate Award by The University at Albany
Foundation, to be celebrated at its 37th Annual Awards Dinner on
Thursday, October 27, 2016, at SEFCU Arena, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1977, this auspicious occasion has
helped to strengthen the ties between the academic and business
community; for 36 years, the University at Albany Foundation's Academic
Laureate Awards have honored outstanding leaders in business and
industry, government and academics for their singular accomplishments;
and

WHEREAS, Each of the remarkable Laureates have enriched their
community in distinctive ways - economically, scientifically,
culturally, intellectually, and socially - their efforts are helping to
transform the Capital Region; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson is receiving this prestigious award
for her notable achievements in academia and research; and

WHEREAS, A theoretical physicist, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson earned
both her Bachelor's degree in Physics and Ph.D. in Theoretical
Elementary Particle Physics from MIT; and

WHEREAS, Described by Time Magazine as "perhaps the ultimate role
model for women in science," Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson has held senior
leadership positions in academia, government, industry, and research;
and

WHEREAS, Since 1999, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson has served as the 18th
President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where she has been
instrumental in its extraordinary transformation; and

WHEREAS, In 2014, this well-respected and admired woman was
appointed by President Barack Obama as co-Chair of his Intelligence
Advisory Board; she is also a member of both the United States Secretary
of State's International Security Advisory Board and the Energy Advisory
Board; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson serves on numerous
boards of directors and has published many works; and

WHEREAS, For her incredible contributions to society, Dr. Shirley
Ann Jackson has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades
including the Vannevar Bush Award by the National Science Board; in
2014, she was inducted into the Tech Valley Business Hall of Fame, and
recently, President Obama bestowed upon her the National Medal of
Science, the nation's highest honor in science and engineering; and

WHEREAS, The University at Albany Foundation recognizes and
appreciates Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson's brilliant leadership, vision and
commitment to quality, as well as her significant role for women in
science; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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 Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D. upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Academic Laureate Award by The University at Albany
Foundation on October 27, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D.