J 939: Commending Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., upon his retirement, after eight years as President of Rochester Institute of Technology, on June 30, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 939 BY: Senator COONEY COMMENDING Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., upon his retirement, after eight years as President of Rochester Institute of Technology, on June 30, 2025 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 Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., upon his retirement, after eight years as President of Rochester Institute of Technology, on Monday, June 30, 2025; and WHEREAS, In 2017, Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., was appointed as the 10th President of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT); he has more than 40 years of experience in higher education; and WHEREAS, Earning his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (with distinction), Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., graduated from the University of Delaware in 1975; in 1977, he earned a Master of Science and Master of Arts in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University; also at Princeton, he earned his Ph.D. in the same field in 1979; and WHEREAS, Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., has been an integral part of numerous projects and programs within RIT, and he has been praised for propelling the Institute into its existence as a leading research university with national and international impact and influence; and WHEREAS, Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., has been affiliated with the Infinity Project; he is co-author of a textbook on the digital world, which has been utilized in hundreds of high schools nationwide, introducing students to the field of engineering; and WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., RIT's enrollment increased; funding for scholarships, endowed professors, facilities, and other projects reached more than $1 billion; a performing arts program, which includes more than 1,800 performing arts scholars, was launched; and WHEREAS, Currently, Rochester Institute of Technology is home to 20,570 students from every state in the United States and more than 100 foreign countries; more than 148,000 alumni are shaping and improving the world; the Institute is the third largest producer of graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among all private universities in the country; and WHEREAS, Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., remained steadfast in his commitment to welcoming a diverse campus environment that fostered the success of all students, professors, and staff, quoted as saying, "At the end of the day, we want for each of our students, faculty members, and staff members to have the opportunity to excel at the highest level in the paths they have chosen; the success of RIT, and more broadly the success of our Nation, demands that we not sideline talent"; and WHEREAS, Through the years, with Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., has been his wife, Nancy Munson, former nurse, avid runner, and dedicated volunteer; the couple were blessed with four sons and four grandchildren; and WHEREAS, The many contributions of Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., are a testament to his legacy which will inspire future students of Rochester Institute of Technology; his leadership and unwavering dedication to the faculty and students, as well as his strategic vision, create a legacy that will define the Institute for years 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 Dr. David C. Munson, Jr., 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 Dr. David C. Munson, Jr.