Senate Resolution No. 1103 BY: Senator JORDAN CONGRATULATING James R. Campion upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 19 years of distinguished service as President of Columbia-Greene Community College WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this great State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate James R. Campion upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 19 years of distinguished service as President of Columbia-Greene Community College; and WHEREAS, James R. Campion has been in the SUNY system for five decades, holding an Associate of Arts degree from Dutchess Community College, Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY New Paltz, and a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration and Certificate of Graduate Studies in Autism from the University at Albany, SUNY; and WHEREAS, James R. Campion began his illustrious career with Columbia-Greene Community College as an administrator in 1974, when he started as Director of Financial Aid on the same day the current campus in Columbia County opened; and WHEREAS, He later advanced to Assistant Dean of Community and Educational Services before serving as Dean of Community Services and Executive Director of the Columbia-Greene Community Foundation, a position he held for 20 years prior to his appointment as President in 2000; and WHEREAS, As the fifth and longest serving President of Columbia-Greene Community College, James R. Campion has created and fostered opportunities for his students, faculty, and staff, ensuring pathways for their educational success as well as their personal and professional growth; and WHEREAS, A prolific volunteer in both Columbia and Greene counties, James R. Campion is a former member and secretary of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and a past director and chaplain of the Columbia County Association in the City of New York; and WHEREAS, In addition, he currently serves as a trustee of the Columbia Economic Development Corporation as well as a member of the Advisory Board of Directors of the Bank of Greene County, the Olana Partnership Emeritus Council, and the Columbia County Community Health Care Consortium Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, James R. Campion has been named to the State University of New York's Alumni Honor Roll, and was recognized with the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service; and WHEREAS, James R. Campion has clearly had an enduring impact on the students of Columbia-Greene Community College, as well as on the community-at-large, and accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedication to others; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Donna, and their three children, Florentina, Robert Joshua, and Elena, who have all shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of the New York State Senate to commend the efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud traditions of institutions of higher education by providing their skills and talents to our colleges; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate James R. Campion upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 19 years of distinguished service as President of Columbia-Greene Community College; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to James R. Campion.