Senate Resolution No. 176

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING The Reverend Dr. Paul M. Barner upon the
occasion of being named a 2018 Distinguished Alumnus
by the Hudson Valley Community College Foundation
and Alumni Association on September 22, 2018

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life
in this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their
energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish
themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and
preeminence of service; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
The Reverend Dr. Paul M. Barner upon the occasion of being named a 2018
Distinguished Alumnus by the Hudson Valley Community College Foundation
and Alumni Association to be celebrated at its Alumni Awards Brunch on
Homecoming Weekend, Saturday, September 22, 2018, at the Bulmer
Telecommunications Center, Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in Albany, New York, Reverend Dr. Paul
Barner earned his Associate of Arts degree from Hudson Valley Community
College in 1982; he went on to study at Nyack College where he received
his Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts/Missiology; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Paul Barner furthered his education by
obtaining his Master of Arts degree from Ateneo De Davao University in
Applied Social Research: Mindanao Studies; and

WHEREAS, Passionate about serving those who are less fortunate,
Reverend Dr. Paul Barner founded, and currently runs an orphanage,
school and many churches in the Philippines; he has dedicated his life's
work to teaching children both in grade school and college; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Paul Barner and his wife, Elvie, and two
children, Timothy "PJ" and Abigail "SW" travel globally two months of
every year to search for sponsors for more than 4,000 poor children who
have attended his school, the Barner Christian Academy; in the future,
Paul plans to open a tribal school for destitute, illiterate mountain
children; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his work with children, Reverend Dr. Paul
Barner is past President and Spiritual Aims Chairman of Kiwanis Club, a
competent toastmaster, alumnus of Rotary Group Study Exchange, honorary
member of the Philippine Eagles Club, past Treasurer of the Rolla
Ministerial Alliance and participant in March of Dimes Walkathons; and

WHEREAS, When he is not helping someone, Reverend Dr. Paul Barner
enjoys running; he is a 10th-time Ironman 70.3 triathlete and a
seventh-time 26.2 marathon runner; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor The Reverend Dr. Paul M. Barner upon the occasion of being named a
2018 Distinguished Alumnus by the Hudson Valley Community College
Foundation and Alumni Association on September 22, 2018; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Dr. Paul M. Barner.