Senate Resolution No. 2315

BY: Senator COMRIE

HONORING Michael Watts upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the President's Award
for Leadership, the Great Dane Award and the Amazing
Ally/2017 Lavender Award by the University at Albany

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Michael Watts upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
President's Award for Leadership, the Great Dane Award and the Amazing
Ally/2017 Lavender Award by the University at Albany; and

WHEREAS, Michael Watts is receiving the prestigious President's
Award for Leadership for his significant contributions which have
greatly enhanced the quality of life at the University at Albany; he has
demonstrated a variety of accomplishments including extraordinary
leadership, service, academic achievement, and involvement within the
University community; and

WHEREAS, The Amazing Ally/2017 Lavender Award will be presented to
Michael Watts for his depth of courage, forthrightness, steadfast
principles and tireless work on behalf of important issues with respect
to LGBTQ+ Equity; and

WHEREAS, The Great Dane Award will be bestowed upon Michael Watts
for his established leadership in several co-curricular activities or
significant leadership in one such activity during the current year; and

WHEREAS, Michael Watts has completely immersed himself into the
University at Albany community since transferring from Morgan State
University; and

WHEREAS, Michael Watts has participated in the honors program in
political science, was selected to be a football walk-on, and completed
hundreds of hours of community service with different organizations on
and off campus such as the Ronald McDonald House, Club Zoe and the
Trinity Alliance; and

WHEREAS, Michael Watts also founded and held various leadership
positions at several student organizations on campus including President
of GoldenKey, the chess club, Vice President of Pi Sigma Alpha Political
Science Honor Society, a writer for Her Campus, Program Director for the
San Kofa Africa organization, and a Student Association Elections
Commissioner; and

WHEREAS, Michael Watts interned for the 90th Assembly District, and
the 42nd Assembly District; most recently, he participated in the
Selective Undergraduate State-Senate Program with the 14th District; in

this capacity, he played a pivotal role in the legislative process
during the budget period; and

WHEREAS, Michael Watts has also completed research with the Director
of Simulations and Behaviors-based Training with the College of
Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Michael Watts is in the process of completing an
Honor's Thesis under Dr. Morton Schoolman, and is set to graduate in the
summer of 2017 with aspirations of military service; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence 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 Michael Watts upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the President's Award for Leadership, the Great Dane Award and the
Amazing Ally/2017 Lavender Award by the University at Albany, 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 Michael Watts.