Senate Resolution No. 2184

BY: Senator SEWARD

COMMENDING Douglas DeRancy upon the occasion of
his retirement after more than 30 years of
distinguished service to the State University of New
York at Cortland on March 31, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and
character whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this
great State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Douglas DeRancy upon the occasion of his retirement after more
than 30 years of distinguished service to the State University of New
York at Cortland; and

WHEREAS, Douglas DeRancy served the State University of New York
(SUNY) at Cortland faithfully for more than 30 years in alumni affairs
and fundraising executive positions before leaving the post of interim
associate vice president for Institutional Advancement on Friday, March
31, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Douglas DeRancy began his distinguished career with SUNY
Cortland as a director of Alumni Affairs in 1986, after serving as a
volunteer member of the alumni association's board of directors; three
years later, his role expanded to include fundraising; and

WHEREAS, While managing day-to-day operations of alumni affairs,
Douglas DeRancy supervised an annual fund office as it grew into a fully
staffed annual giving program; during this period, he established the
college's first major gift and planned giving programs, and a successful
structure for supporting the college's first-ever capital campaign; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with SUNY Cortland, Douglas DeRancy
worked tirelessly to establish beneficial relationships with the
college's 71,000 living alumni; his consistent, concerned, friendly and
honest approach with alumni defined "friend-raising" at its best; and

WHEREAS, Douglas DeRancy was instrumental in the 2003 acquisition of
a stately mansion on Tompkins Street in Cortland, and its transformation
into an elegant bed and breakfast which also serves as a site for campus
events and alumni gatherings; he also spearheaded a major fund drive
among alumni, faculty and friends which established a substantial
endowment to support the mansion's upkeep; and

WHEREAS, From 1999-2009, Douglas DeRancy also held the title of
executive director of Alumni Affairs; in this capacity, he provided
leadership and direction for the College's Alumni Affairs Office (now
Alumni Engagement), and the Cortland College Alumni Association, Inc. as
the principal liaison for the college in matters affecting alumni; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, Douglas DeRancy was named assistant to the vice
president for Institutional Advancement, a position which was created as

the college undertook "Educating Champions: The Campaign for Cortland"
to raise funds among alumni, friends, faculty, staff and corporate
partners; and

WHEREAS, After retiring in 2012, Douglas DeRancy became the director
emeritus of Alumni Affairs and assistant emeritus to the vice president
for Institutional Advancement; however, he never really stopped working
for the college, serving as a part-time consultant until January of
2016, when he agreed to return as interim associate vice president for
Institutional Advancement, a position he held until he once again
officially retired; 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
commend Douglas DeRancy upon the occasion of his retirement after more
than 30 years of distinguished service to the State University of New
York at Cortland, and to wish him continued success in all his future
endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Douglas DeRancy.