Assembly Resolution No. 454

BY: M. of A. Bronson

COMMENDING Dr. William W. Destler upon the
occasion of his retirement after 10 years of
distinguished service as President of the Rochester
Institute of Technology

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 and academic excellence in the
young 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
commend Dr. William W. Destler upon the occasion of his retirement after
10 years of distinguished service as the Ninth President of Rochester
Institute of Technology in the university's 188-year history to be
celebrated at a Tribute Dinner held in his honor on the RIT campus on
Saturday, June 10, 2017; and

WHEREAS, During his illustrious tenure, RIT's reputation and
recognition as one of the nation's leading technological research
universities has grown significantly; and

WHEREAS, Under President Destler's leadership, the university's
enrollment has grown to over 18,000 students from all 50 states and more
than 100 foreign countries, while at the same time increasing the
diversity of its student body particularly in STEM disciplines and the
arts; and

WHEREAS, A signature theme of Dr. Destler's presidency has been to
celebrate the university as a hub of innovation and creativity, as
exemplified by events such as Imagine RIT, an annual one-day festival
that showcases the multifaceted talents of RIT's students, faculty and
staff and draws over 30,000 visitors annually to the RIT campus, and by
new programs and initiatives such as the MAGIC Center and MAGIC Spell
Studios that capitalize on the university's unique assets and expertise
in digital media, interactive gaming and film and animation; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Destler's vision led to the creation of RIT's ninth
college, the College of Health Sciences and Technology, as well as a
strategic alliance with the Rochester Regional Health System to
capitalize on the unique strengths of both organizations and lead to
innovations in medical care, education and research; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Destler's dedication and commitment to the well-being
and success of the university's students has led him to be known as the
"Student's President"; and

WHEREAS, Out of their concern for the opportunities and future
success of students in the Rochester City School District, Dr. Destler
and his wife, Dr. Rebecca Johnson, established the Rochester City
Scholars Program which enables qualified City school students to attend
RIT tuition free; and

WHEREAS, Both President Destler and Dr. Johnson have established RIT
as a recognized leader in sustainability through its academic programs
such as the Golisano Institute for Sustainability, its operations such
as the university's Committee for Sustainable Practices and the
greenRITnetwork, and its facilities including several LEED certified
buildings constructed over the past decade; and

WHEREAS, President Destler and Dr. Johnson have made a tremendous
impact on RIT and the greater Rochester community through their
involvement on the boards of many community organizations; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of individuals such as Dr. Destler and Dr. Johnson who work in
support of New York State's proud tradition of preparing students with
the education and skills for successful careers and lifelong prosperity;
and

WHEREAS, Dr. Destler and Dr. Johnson will continue to reside in the
City of Rochester and contribute to the community through their
volunteer efforts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. William W. Destler upon the occasion of his retirement after
10 years of distinguished service to RIT, and to wish both he and Dr.
Rebecca Johnson continued success and good fortune in the years ahead;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Destler and Dr. Johnson.