Honoring Dr. George J. Searles upon the occasion of his retirement after 45 years of distinguished service as a professor, author and distinguished public servant

Assembly Resolution No. 1352

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

        HONORING  Dr.  George J. Searles upon the occasion
        of his retirement after 45  years  of  distinguished
        service  as  a  professor,  author and distinguished
        public servant

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize  the
lasting achievements and legacies of those individuals who substantially
contribute  to the education and quality of life of our communities, its
citizenry and the entire State of New York; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Dr.  George  J. Searles, Professor in the School of Humanities, upon the
occasion of his retirement after 45 years of  distinguished  service  to
Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, New York; and

  WHEREAS,  Dr.  George  J.  Searles  began  his illustrious career at
Mohawk Valley Community  College  (MVCC)  in  1976  as  faculty  in  the
Humanities  Department,  he  advanced  to  become  a professor, teaching
English and related courses; and

  WHEREAS, Dr. George J. Searles is known as  a  renowned  scholar  on
Philip  Roth  and  John  Updike,  having published books, interviews and
essays on both authors; the Philip Roth Society established  the  George
J.  Searles  Award  in  2025  as  recognition of his expertise; he is an
advisory editor of the Roth Society's academic journal, based at  Purdue
University; and

  WHEREAS,  Dr. George J. Searles' dedication to MVCC and his students
was recognized with the Chancellor's Award for  Excellence  in  Teaching
(1985)  and the Chancellor's Award for Scholarship & Creative Activities
(2003); in addition to achieving the highest academic rank in  the  SUNY
system  with  the  SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professorship (2021), Dr.
George J.  Searles was proclaimed New York State Professor of  the  Year
(2002)  by  the Carnegie Foundation and was recognized as Advancement of
Teaching New York State Professor of the Year (2002); and

  WHEREAS,  Dr.  George  J.  Seales  is  a  masterful  instructor  who
demonstrates  patience  and  respect  for his students and their writing
while providing a unique learning experience based on individual student
needs; his textbook, "Workplace Communications: The Basics" was born out
of the needs of his students, now in its eighth edition, it is  used  in
over  200  colleges  in the United States and internationally, including
Canada, Saudi Arabia, and China; and

  WHEREAS, Dr. George J. Searles has been a fountain of knowledge  and
resource  to  students  and  colleagues alike, having authored 15 books,
many  reports,  essays  and  articles,  garnering  widespread   respect,
accolades and notoriety; and

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the intent of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the  maintenance  of  high  standards  in  their

profession,  certainly  have  earned the recognition and applause of the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. George J. Searles upon the occasion of his retirement after 45
years of distinguished service to Mohawk  Valley  Community  College  in
Utica, New York, and to wish him well in his future endeavors; and be it
further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. George J. Searles.