Senate Resolution No. 687 BY: Senator KENNEDY MOURNING the death of Dr. Julius Gregg Adams, former Executive Director of the University of Buffalo's Educational Opportunity Center, distinguished citizen, and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who, through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive impact on the lives of its residents; Dr. Julius Gregg Adams was one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Dr. Julius Gregg Adams, noting the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Dr. Julius Gregg Adams of Buffalo, New York, died on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the age of 65; and WHEREAS, In 2012, Dr. Julius Gregg Adams was named director of the University at Buffalo's Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), which provides programs to prepare low-income and non-traditional students for higher education and jobs; and WHEREAS, Dr. Julius Gregg Adams' educational background, experience and knowledge of the Buffalo-Niagara region made him an outstanding choice to lead the Educational Opportunity Center where he was truly instrumental in supporting countless students in achieving their full potential; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Dr. Julius Gregg Adams, UB's EOC offered programs in literacy training, English as a second language education, General Educational Development (GED) training and college preparation, as well as career training in health care, information technology, green technologies, and the service industry; it also provides programs, such as tax preparation and assessment testing, to roughly 3,000 community members each year; and WHEREAS, Julius Gregg Adams joined UB from Daemen College, where he chaired the Education Department and was associate dean for special initiatives in education; he previously held teaching and administrative positions at St. John Fisher College in Rochester and Fredonia State College, where he was director of the School of Education and an associate professor of education; he also worked as a school psychologist in the Buffalo Public Schools; and WHEREAS, Additionally, Julius Gregg Adams served as associate dean for teacher education in UB's Graduate School of Education from 2002-06; during that time, he was also interim executive director of the Office for University Preparatory Programs, an organization that works to enrich the education provided to local children and teenagers; and WHEREAS, Julius Gregg Adams received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, as well as Master's and Doctoral degrees in Educational Psychology, all from the University at Buffalo; he was the proud recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including a SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1993; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his profession, Julius Gregg Adams served on the New York State Education Department's Board of Regents Professional Standards and Practices Board, as well as a working group that developed new teacher exams; and WHEREAS, Dr. Julius Gregg Adams is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Carmon Grigsby-Adams; daughter, Lisa Adams; grandson, Emanuel Pace Jr. (EJ); cherished father, Peter Adams; siblings: John (Mildred), Benjamin (Patricia), Denise, Edna, Cynthia (Darnell), and Timothy (Tiffany); sister-in-law, Sheritta Grigsby; nieces and nephews: Michael, Evelyn, Lisa, Adam, Nicholas, Torey, Gavin, Luke, Kennedy, Paige; several godchildren; and many other relatives and friends; he is preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Adams and brother, Paul Adams; and WHEREAS, Dr. Julius Gregg Adams' infinite selflessness and benevolence will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives he touched; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Dr. Julius Gregg Adams leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Dr. Julius Gregg Adams, and to express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Dr. Julius Gregg Adams.