J 300: Commending Dave Fontaine for 24 years of service to Utica University

 Senate Resolution No. 300 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Dave Fontaine upon the occasion of his retirement after 13 years as Director of Athletics for Utica University WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge outstanding individuals within our midst who have made significant contributions to the communities of this State and Nation; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Dave Fontaine upon the occasion of his retirement after 13 years as Director of Athletics for Utica University; and WHEREAS, After 13 years, 20 conference championships, 15 NCAA Tournament appearances, 65 All-Americans, and countless enhancements to facilities and traditions, Utica University Director of Athletics and Physical Education, David Fontaine, has announced his official day of retirement from Utica University's Athletics Department as Friday, January 31, 2025; and WHEREAS, Dave Fontaine graduated from Notre Dame Junior-Senior High School in Utica; he earned an Associate's in Liberal Arts and Sciences degree from Mohawk Valley Community College, a Bachelor's in Psychology degree from Utica College (now Utica University), and a Master's in Physical Education, Administration, and Management degree from Syracuse University; and WHEREAS, Dave Fontaine was a four-year collegiate student-athlete and filled the role of Captain of the Pioneers Baseball Team in his senior season, leading the team to an Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Upstate County Championship; and WHEREAS, A Utica University alumnus, Dave Fontaine has spent the last 13 years leading the Athletic Department for the Pioneers as Director of Athletics and Physical Education; and WHEREAS, The Utica native also spent 11 years at Utica University, from 1989 through 2000, serving in a variety of roles, including Director of Intramurals, Head Softball Coach, Home Event Manager, Compliance Director, Scheduling Coordinator, and Assistant Director of Athletics; and WHEREAS, Since his return to the Athletics Department in January of 2012, Dave Fontaine has been at the forefront of several improvements and developments; he was also instrumental in creating, developing, and enhancing athletic department operations; and WHEREAS, Dave Fontaine feels fortunate to have been an integral part of countless program-defining moments for the Pioneers, including conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances and victories, and high individual placements which featured some of the top finishes in the country; today, Utica University boasts one of the largest athletic programs in the Empire 8 Conference; and WHEREAS, The many contributions of which Dave Fontaine has played a vital role are a testament to his legacy which will inspire future students and athletes of Utica University for generations to come; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those dedicated individuals who have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence unquestionably have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Dave Fontaine upon the occasion of his retirement and to wish him well in all his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dave Fontaine.