Senate Resolution No. 4334

BY: Senator BONACIC

COMMENDING Janus Adams upon the occasion of
receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters
from the State University of New York at New Paltz
on May 19, 2018

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the
great State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good
works of those civic-minded community members who dedicate their lives
and careers to the service of others; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Janus Adams upon the occasion of receiving an Honorary Doctorate
of Humane Letters from the State University of New York at New Paltz
during its commencement exercises on Saturday, May 19, 2018; and

WHEREAS, This prestigious degree recognizes individuals who
demonstrate exceptional scholarship, service to his or her community,
and achievements in their chosen profession; Janus Adams is truly
deserving of this award; and

WHEREAS, A 1967 alumna of the State University of New York (SUNY) at
New Paltz's theater arts program, Janus Adams is an Emmy Award-winning
journalist, producer, historian, speaker, musician, and bestselling
author of 11 books; and

WHEREAS, An accomplished pianist, Janus Adams was a student at the
High School of Performing Arts, now known as Fiorello H. LaGuardia High
School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, in New York City; after
graduating, she continued her studies at SUNY New Paltz; and

WHEREAS, Upon earning her undergraduate degree, Janus Adams earned
the nation's first graduate degree in black studies from Mills College;
she then pursued doctoral studies at the University of Massachusetts at
Amherst, where she was mentored by author and composer Shirley Graham
DuBois; and

WHEREAS, Janus Adams has dedicated her life to service by recording
and advocating social justice, as well as civil and human rights; she
was the first National Arts Correspondent for NPR, and currently,
presents lectures on subjects such as business, women's rights, and her
favorite topic, "history and healing"; and

WHEREAS, Throughout Janus Adams' long and distinguished career, she
has been a visionary and served as a news commentator of various
African-American and women's programming, hosting her own radio and
television talk shows, appearing as a guest on all the major news
outlets, and publishing numerous articles, essays and columns in
newspapers such as Newsday, USA Today, and the Huffington Post; and

WHEREAS, Janus Adams, throughout her purposeful life, has served her
community with integrity and devotion, continuously striving to meet the
needs of her community through entertainment and enlightenment; 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
commend Janus Adams upon the occasion of receiving an Honorary Doctorate
of Humane Letters from SUNY New Paltz on May 19, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Janus Adams.