Senate Resolution No. 400

BY: Senator HELMING

HONORING John J. Van Niel upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2016 Citizen of the
Year Award by the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce
on January 27, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens who would devote their life's work
and purpose to community service, contributing to the welfare of the
citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
John J. Van Niel upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2016 Citizen of the Year Award by the Seneca County Chamber of
Commerce, to be celebrated at its Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony on
Friday, January 27, 2017, at Ventosa Vineyards, Geneva, New York; and

WHEREAS, John J. Van Niel has been called upon to contribute his
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of himself unstintingly; and

WHEREAS, Born on October 6, 1964, to Jack and Pat Van Niel in
Rochester, New York, John J. Van Niel received an Associate's degree in
Natural Resources Conservation from Finger Lakes Community College in
1983; and

WHEREAS, John J. Van Niel went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in
Education from SUNY Cortland in 1986, as well as a Master's degree in
Wildlife Management from Utah State University in 1990; he also holds a
Doctorate of Education from the University of Rochester; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Seneca Falls, John J. Van Niel has served as
a Professor of Environmental Conservation at Finger Lakes Community
College since 1995; he is also Co-Principal Investigator on National
Science Foundation grants, which establishes undergraduate research
programs at community colleges throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, John J. Van Niel has been Director of the East
Hill Campus since 2010; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, John J. Van Niel gives
tirelessly of his time and energies to countless organizations; he has
been a volunteer the with Montezuma Wetlands Complex since 1997 and has
served as President of the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex; he
is a guest speaker within the Seneca Falls School District Second Grade
and Kindergarten-readiness Programs; and

WHEREAS, In addition, this esteemed man has a monthly column in The
Finger Lakes Times entitled, "Speaking of Nature"; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to educating his
students on the importance of volunteerism, John J. Van Niel has been

the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the 2015 SUNY
Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, John J. Van Niel has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 25 years, Laura,
and their daughter, Danika, both of whom feel privileged to be a part of
his life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
John J. Van Niel, that future generations may know and appreciate their
admirable character, their many benevolent deeds, and their respect and
esteem in which they are held by their peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John J. Van Niel upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the 2016 Citizen of the Year Award by the Seneca County Chamber of
Commerce on January 27, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John J. Van Niel.