Senate Resolution No. 1441

BY: Senator SEWARD

COMMENDING Robert Vince upon the occasion of his
designation as a 2017 Inductee into the Auburn
Alumni Hall of Distinction

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Robert Vince upon the occasion of his designation as a 2017
Inductee into the Auburn Alumni Hall of Distinction, to be celebrated at
an Induction Ceremony on Friday, May 19, 2017, at the Hilton Garden Inn,
Auburn, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Auburn Alumni Hall of Distinction was established in
2012, by the Auburn Education Foundation to recognize, honor and
celebrate graduates who have distinguished themselves through
outstanding academic, professional, or civic achievements and to inspire
current students to pursue a path towards personal success; and

WHEREAS, A man of singular merit, Robert Vince, Auburn High Class of
1958, has continually demonstrated tremendous competence, extraordinary
intelligence and diligent leadership in his unwavering service to both
his community and his profession and consequently has been selected for
this most prestigious honor; and

WHEREAS, Born on November 20, 1940, Robert Vince is an American
scientist known for his contributions to the research in the area of
drug design; his invention, the HIV drug Abacavir, was commercialized by
GSK and has been instrumental in helping individuals with HIV live
longer healthier lives; and

WHEREAS, Robert Vince earned his doctoral degree in medical
chemistry from the College of Pharmacy at SUNY Buffalo in 1966; one year
later he joined the medical chemistry facility at the University of
Minnesota where he continues to serve as Director and Professor of his
research program at the Center for Drug Design which he established in
2002; and

WHEREAS, Robert Vince has been the proud recipient of numerous
awards and accolades for his profound contributions to research and drug
design; he was elected as the Fellow of AAAS by the American Association
for the Advancement of Science in 2000, and was inducted into the
Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame of the American Chemical Society in
2007; and

WHEREAS, In addition, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of
Science degree by his alma mater, SUNY Buffalo, and the prestigious
Imbach Townsend Award by the International Society for Nucleotides and
Nucleic Acids in 2010; the same year, he was inducted into the Minnesota

Inventors Hall of Fame as well as the Minnesota Science and Technology
Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Robert Vince has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Robert Vince has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Robert Vince upon the occasion of his designation as a 2017
Inductee into the Auburn Alumni Hall of Distinction; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Robert Vince.