Assembly Resolution No. 137

BY: M. of A. Cusick

COMMENDING Michael J. Dowling upon the occasion of
his designation as Grand Marshal of the New York
City 2017 St. Patrick's Day Parade

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who work
diligently to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Michael J. Dowling upon the occasion of his designation as Grand
Marshal of the New York City 2017 St. Patrick's Day Parade; and

WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment
Michael J. Dowling will have the honor of leading the 255th consecutive
New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade up Fifth Avenue on Friday, March
17, 2017; and

WHEREAS, New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade marched for the
first time in 1762, 14 years before the Declaration of Independence was
signed in Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; the Parade is
regarded as the most popular of all the Parades in New York City, and
honors Saint Patrick - the patron Saint of the Archdiocese of New York
and Ireland; and

WHEREAS, The New York Parade consists only of marchers and each year
hosts some 250,000 marchers and two million spectators; the Parade has
many outstanding marching bands, bagpipers in marching formations, high
school and college bands from throughout the United States and from all
over the world; and

WHEREAS, Michael J. Dowling is the true embodiment of the values we
celebrate on St. Patrick's Day, a leader in a noble healing profession,
an educator, a public servant, and an Irish-American who has made
enormous contributions to his adopted country; and

WHEREAS, President and Chief Executive Officer of Northwell Health,
Michael J. Dowling is believed to be the first head of a hospital to
lead this renowned 255-year-old Parade; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Michael J. Dowling since 2002,
Northwell Health is the largest integrated healthcare system in New York
State with a total workforce of more than 61,000 employees, the state's
largest private employer; and

WHEREAS, Michael J. Dowling has been instrumental in the growth of
Northwell Health into a regional clinical, academic and research
enterprise with a strong presence throughout the metropolitan area; and

WHEREAS, With 21 hospitals, 6,675 hospital and long-term care beds,
more than 500 outpatient physician practices and a full complement of
long-term care services, Northwell Health is one of the nation's largest
health systems; and


WHEREAS, Michael J. Dowling had a long and distinguished career in
education and public service before joining Northwell Health in 1995; he
was a professor of social policy and assistant dean at the Fordham
University Graduate School of Social Services, and director of the
Fordham campus in Westchester County; and

WHEREAS, With 12 years of service in New York State government,
Michael J. Dowling served for seven years as State Director of Health,
Education and Human Services and as Deputy Secretary to the Governor; he
was also Commissioner of the New York State Department of Social
Services; and

WHEREAS, Michael J. Dowling is chair of the Healthcare Institute, a
member of the North American Board of the Smurfit School of Business at
University College, Dublin, Ireland, and a former member of the
Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Sciences; and

WHEREAS, Growing up in Limerick, Ireland, Michael J. Dowling earned
his undergraduate degree from University College Cork (UCC), Ireland,
and his master's degree from Fordham University; he also holds honorary
doctorates from University College Dublin and Hofstra University; and

WHEREAS, Michael J. Dowling has been the proud recipient of numerous
awards and accolades including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Kathleen, and their
two children, Brian and Elizabeth, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day Parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and provides an opportunity
for people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry;
and

WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Grand Marshal for the New York City
St. Patrick's Day Parade, Michael J. Dowling embodies the spirit and
the cherished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this great State
and Nation; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Michael J. Dowling upon the occasion of his designation as Grand
Marshal of the New York City 2017 St. Patrick's Day Parade; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Michael J. Dowling.