Assembly Resolution No. 163 BY: M. of A. Hunter CELEBRATING the life of Ruth J. Colvin, recognizing her significant accomplishments and impact on New York State communities and the field of education WHEREAS, A Great State is only as great as those individuals who perform exemplary service on behalf of their communities, whether through unique achievement in professional or other endeavors, or simply through a lifetime of good citizenship; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate the life and record the passing of Ruth Johnson Colvin, noting the significance of her accomplishments and impact; and WHEREAS, In 1962, Ruth J. Colvin, from the basement of her home in Syracuse, New York, launched a literacy program, recruiting and training volunteers to help adults in her community develop their literacy skills; and WHEREAS, In 1967, Literacy Volunteers, Inc. was incorporated; and WHEREAS, In 1972, Literacy Volunteers of America was incorporated to serve adults and chapters throughout the United States; and WHEREAS, Literacy organizations serving adults throughout New York trace their origins to Literacy Volunteers and Ruth J. Colvin, including LiteracyCNY, Literacy Volunteers of Cayuga County, Literacy Rochester, Literacy Buffalo Niagara, Literacy Volunteers Ontario-Yates, Literacy Volunteers of Broome-Tioga Counties, Tri-County Literacy Center, Literacy Nassau, Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County, Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County, Literacy Partners, Literacy New York, Literacy Volunteers of the Tarrytowns, Literacy Volunteers of Otsego & Delaware Counties, Literacy Connections of the Hudson Valley, Literacy Suffolk, Literacy Volunteers of Wayne County, Ulster Literacy Association, Literacy Solutions NY, Literacy West NY, Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County, Literacy of Northern New York, Literacy Volunteers of Seneca County, and Literacy Volunteers of Clinton, Essex, & Franklin Counties; and WHEREAS, These organizations have helped tens of thousands of adults to develop literacy, math, and digital literacy skills; and WHEREAS, In 2002, Literacy Volunteers of America and Laubach International merged to form ProLiteracy; and WHEREAS, Recognition for Ruth J. Colvin's work and influence includes the Volunteer Action Award by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, New York in 1993, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in 2006; and WHEREAS, In 1950, Ruth J. Colvin founded the Dubbers Golf Group for women at Drumlins Country Club; and WHEREAS, Ruth J. Colvin authored twelve books; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor the life and accomplishments of Ruth Colvin, and to express our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and literacy organizations she helped to found or inspire; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Ruth J. Colvin, ProLiteracy, and LiteracyCNY.