Senate Resolution No. 2476

BY: Senator O'MARA

HONORING Leon Lawrence posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 9,
2017

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions were a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the
fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Leon
Lawrence posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual
Older New Yorkers Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at the Hart
Theatre Lounge in the Egg, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Each May, the New York State Office for the Aging pauses to
acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by older citizens during
National Older Americans Month; and

WHEREAS, Members of older generations have helped build and shape
our Nation to be the greatest in the world; they have defended our
freedoms and values to ensure that those who come after them may have
better lives; nowhere in the Nation is the legacy of their efforts more
visible and more a part of the lives of all citizens than here in the
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, For 15 years, Leon Lawrence was employed by IBM
Corporation; he then worked at the University of Vermont for 11 years;
and

WHEREAS, In 1999, Leon Lawrence and his family moved to Ithaca, New
York, where he began his distinguished career with Cornell University in
2001; throughout his 10-year tenure, he held several directorships
related to diversity and the inclusion policy; and

WHEREAS, Leon Lawrence truly believed in giving back to his
community; he was a tireless volunteer for Cornell University,
participating in various programs and committees including the Urban
Scholars Program, the Community Support Team, the Recreation Committee,
the First-Year Family Weekend Planning Committee, the Men's Alliance,
the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Lecture Committee, and the Men
of Color Council, as well as the Minority Organization of Architecture,
Art, and Planning, where he also served as the Division Deputy for the
United Way Campaign 2004; and

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

WHEREAS, Leon Lawrence is survived by his loving wife of 50 years,
Diana; his four loving children, Noel, Eric, Gabriella, and Daniel; and
two cherished grandchildren, Leon-Scott and Katherine; and


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

WHEREAS, Leon Lawrence inspired and enriched the lives of those he
served through his volunteerism, generously sharing the wisdom gained
over years of experiencing life to its fullest; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Leon Lawrence posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on
May 9, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Leon Lawrence.