Bill Text: NY K00362 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced

New York Assembly Resolution 362 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Commending President Thomas J. Schwarz for his retirement after 17 years of dedicated service to Purchase College, State University of New York

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-1)

Status: (Passed) 2019-05-07 - adopted [K00362 Detail]

Download: New_York-2019-K00362-Introduced.html


Assembly Resolution No. 362

BY: M. of A. Buchwald

        COMMENDING  President  Thomas  J. Schwarz upon the
        occasion  of  his  retirement  after  17  years   of
        dedicated   service   to   Purchase  College,  State
        University of New York

  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,  The  result of many individual efforts, the excellence and
success of Purchase College is due in  large  part  to  the  efforts  of
President Thomas J. Schwarz; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
commend  President Thomas J. Schwarz upon the occasion of his retirement
after  17  years  of  dedicated  service  to  Purchase  College,   State
University  of  New York; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at
an event on Wednesday, May 8, 2019; and

  WHEREAS, In 2002, Thomas J. Schwarz began his  distinguished  career
at  Purchase  College,  working  to  restore  its financial strength and
stability; one year later, he became the fifth President of the College,
the position from which he will officially retire in 2019; and

  WHEREAS,  Throughout  his  tenure,  President  Thomas   J.   Schwarz
accomplished  numerous  goals which promoted his mission of providing an
environment where students are given the necessary tools and support  to
succeed;  he  oversaw the creation of the Learning and Advising Centers,
and coordinated with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs  to  form  the
Student Success Unit; and

  WHEREAS,  In  addition,  President  Thomas J. Schwarz supervised the
restructuring of the academic administration and encouraged  the  growth
of  interdisciplinary  programs  including the College's highly regarded
School of Film and Media Studies; his tireless efforts to integrate  the
Neuberger  Museum  of  Art  and the Performing Arts Center with Academic
Affairs have provided exceptional opportunities  for  students  and  the
community to take greater advantage of these cultural assets; and

  WHEREAS,  Under  the  luminous  leadership  of  President  Thomas J.
Schwarz, retention rates for all classes  have  steadily  improved,  the
four-year  graduation  rate increased from 35% to 53%, and the College's
six year graduation rate of 63% far exceeds the national average; and

  WHEREAS, Devoted to sustainability and  environmental  conservation,
President  Thomas  J. Schwarz was one of the original signatories on the
American  College  and  University   Presidents'   Climate   Commitment,
promising  Purchase  College  would  follow  a timeline and take certain
steps to achieve climate neutrality; and

  WHEREAS, President Thomas J. Schwarz was also  instrumental  in  the
environmentally  sensitive  and  award-winning renovation of the central
campus plaza, the addition of recycling programs and the integration  of
these  programs  into  courses  of  study,  and  the achievement of LEED
standards  for  all  new  and  refurbished buildings; his focus on water
quality and energy  conservation  reflects  his  ongoing  commitment  to
sustainability  and  has  earned the college a designation as one of the
greenest colleges in the SUNY system; and

  WHEREAS, President Thomas J. Schwarz's desire to restore the  beauty
and  increase  accessibility  of  the campus led to over $400 million in
capital construction and  rehabilitation  of  academic  and  residential
buildings  including  Student  Services,  the Center for Media, Film and
Theatre, the Durst Humanities Building, the  Neuberger  Museum  of  Art,
Alumni Village, Fort Awesome and Wayback; and

  WHEREAS,   Furthermore,   through   President  Thomas  J.  Schwarz's
strategic thinking and quest for ways to  secure  the  future,  Purchase
College  Foundation-Charitable  Entities' investment portfolio grew from
$35 million to $95 million over the past  decade;  the  Foundation  also
enabled  the  creation  of  unique  revenue  streams  for  the  college,
including the Park2Fly airport parking service and upon completion,  the
Broadview Senior Living Community; and

  WHEREAS, An ardent supporter of Purchase College's students, faculty
and  staff,  President  Thomas J. Schwarz has proudly attended countless
exhibitions, performances, athletic events, concerts,  plays,  readings,
scientific  presentations  and alumni events on campus, in New York City
and beyond; and

  WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New  York  State,
President  Thomas  J. Schwarz has continually demonstrated an impressive
dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting  enthusiasm  for
the  quality  of  the  educational programs and opportunities offered at
Purchase College for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as
for the entire community; and

  WHEREAS, Through President  Thomas  J.  Schwarz's  legacy  of  sound
leadership  and guidance, Purchase College, State University of New York
stands strong and proud, academically, financially, and environmentally;
now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
commend  President Thomas J. Schwarz upon the occasion of his retirement
after  17  years  of  dedicated  service  to  Purchase  College,   State
University  of New York, and to wish him continued success in all of his
future endeavors; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to President Thomas J. Schwarz.