Senate Resolution No. 3645

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING James Petercsak upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition after 50 years
of distinguished service to the Crane School of
Music

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled;
its history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its
educational professionals and the students they inspire; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those
outstanding educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have
been instrumental in developing character, academic and musical
excellence in the people of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
James Petercsak upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 50 years of distinguished service to the Crane School
of Music, to be celebrated with a Concert and Gala on Saturday, March
17, 2018; and

WHEREAS, James Petercsak, affectionately known as Jim, is head of
the percussion area at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music where he
teaches applied percussion and directs the award-winning Crane
Percussion Ensemble; and

WHEREAS, For the past five decades, Jim Petercsak has rendered
faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the Crane School of
Music, making him its longest serving employee; and

WHEREAS, As a knowledgeable and highly skilled musician, Jim
Petercsak remains in high demand as a performer, conductor, clinician
and consultant, as well as a music industry personality and visionary;
and

WHEREAS, Jim Petercsak is a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor,
University Scholar, and UUP SUNY Best Award winner; he is also the
recipient of the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award from the Manhattan
School of Music, where he received his Master of Music degree; and

WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State,
Jim Petercsak clearly has an enduring impact on the students of the
Crane School of Music as well as on the community-at-large; many of his
students have gone on to hold professional positions in colleges, public
schools and in leading orchestras and ensembles throughout the world;
and

WHEREAS, In addition to his esteemed 50-year career with the Crane
School of Music, Jim Petercsak is a Yamaha/Sabian Performing Artist; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his career thus far, Jim Petercsak has brought
an uncompromising standard of excellence to his work and a warm sense of
caring and concern to every student he educates; and

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our
universities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor James Petercsak upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 50 years of distinguished service to the Crane School
of Music; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to James Petercsak.