Senate Resolution No. 56

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Walter L. Robb upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Community Laureate
Award by The University at Albany Foundation on
October 27, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses which substantially
contribute to the economic vitality of their communities and the entire
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
Walter L. Robb upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Community Laureate Award by The University at Albany Foundation, to be
celebrated at its 37th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, October 27,
2016, at SEFCU Arena, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1977, this auspicious occasion has
helped to strengthen the ties between the academic and business
community; for 36 years, the University at Albany Foundation's Citizen
Laureate Awards have honored outstanding leaders in business and
industry, government and academics for their singular accomplishments;
and

WHEREAS, Each of the remarkable Laureates have enriched their
community in distinctive ways - economically, scientifically,
culturally, intellectually, and socially - their efforts are helping to
transform the Capital Region; and

WHEREAS, Walter L. Robb is receiving this prestigious award for his
notable contributions to the Capital Region and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Walter L. Robb earned his Bachelor's degree in Chemical
Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and both his master's and
doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois; he also holds honorary
doctorates from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the Milwaukee School
of Engineering; and

WHEREAS, In 1951, Walter L. Robb joined General Electric (GE) as a
Chemical Engineer at the Knolls Atomic Power Lab and, after decades of
innovation and discovery, in 1983, was named Senior Vice President and
Group Executive of GE's Medical Systems Division in Milwaukee; in this
capacity, he directed the organization into the world's leading producer
of medical diagnostic imaging equipment, with a total of approximately
10,000 employees worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Today, the noted Capital Region businessman, entrepreneur,
and philanthropist holds the title of President of Vantage Management
Inc. and CEO of MeOH Power; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Walter L. Robb holds 12 patents dealing with
permeable membranes and separation processes, and his research has won

him six I-R 100 Awards, sponsored by Industrial Research magazine, for
the most significant new technical innovations of the year; and

WHEREAS, In 1993, Walter L. Robb received the National Medal of
Technology from President Bill Clinton for his leadership in the CT and
MR imaging industry and is the first recipient of the Medical Technology
Leadership Award from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association;
and

WHEREAS, A truly multi-faceted gentleman, Walter L. Robb supports
business in his community and was a previous owner of the American
Hockey League's Albany River Rats; a noted author, he recently published
a book entitled Taking Risks - Getting Ahead in Business and Life, and
has authored numerous articles in various professional journals; and

WHEREAS, The University at Albany Foundation recognizes and
appreciates Walter L. Robb's brilliant leadership, vision and commitment
to quality, as well as his significant role in shaping the medical
diagnostic imaging equipment industry; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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 Walter L. Robb upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Community Laureate Award by The University at Albany Foundation
on October 27, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Walter L. Robb.