LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Excelsior College upon the occa-
sion of being designated a "Top Military-Friendly School" for the 5th
consecutive year

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose exem-
plary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate the pursuit of
excellence in education and service to the community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Excelsior College upon the occasion of being designated a "Top
Military-Friendly School" for the 5th consecutive year; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1971 by the New York State Board of Regents,
Excelsior College is an accredited and recognized leader in removing
obstacles to the educational goals of the adult learner; and
WHEREAS, Previously known as Regents College, in 1998 Excelsior
College was chartered by the Regents as an independent, nonprofit insti-
tution and was renamed Excelsior College in 2001; and
WHEREAS, The students at Excelsior College have educational paths that
are as unique and diverse as they are; the College's committed, national
faculty and caring, professional staff help working adults overcome
barriers to achieving personal, professional, and academic success; it
is the nation's leading institution for prior learning assessment; and
WHEREAS, Excelsior College has more than 37,000 enrolled students and
over 148,000 graduates worldwide; nearly one-third of its enrolled
students self-identify as minorities and active duty, reserve and veter-
ans comprise 34 percent of its enrolled students; and
WHEREAS, For five consecutive years, Excelsior College has been
honored as one of the "Top Military-Friendly Schools" by MILITARY
ADVANCED EDUCATION; and
WHEREAS, To earn its distinction as one of the top military-friendly
colleges, Excelsior College was rated on a distinct set of criteria,
including tuition, scholarship and financial aid programs, advising
excellence, presence on military installations, as well as acceptance of
transfer credit, credit by exam and American Council on Education recog-
nized military training; in addition, Excelsior College met specific
standards on veteran support services, faculty training on veteran-spe-
cific issues, and mentorship programs; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Excelsior College's course, "Success Strategies
for Military and Veterans," earned the 2010-2011 Innovation Award from
the Center for Transforming Student Services; the course provides
college and career orientation to veterans and military members and
teaches transition strategies for those entering the civilian workforce
after a military career; and
WHEREAS, Excelsior College is also a recipient of the Council of
College and Military Educators' Institutional Award; and
WHEREAS, Excelsior College continues to fulfill its laudable educa-
tional purposes and is proudly aware of its distinguished past; it is
eager to fulfill its commitment to its students, faculty, alumni and
community, and is planning with vision and purpose for the growth and
change it will encounter in the years to come; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an educa-
tional institution of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to
our attention, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Excelsior College upon the occasion of being designated a

"Top Military-Friendly School" for the 5th consecutive year; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Excelsior College.