X

State University of New York leaders join many in remembering former Gov. Mario Cuomo

Posted 1/8/15

The State University of New York joined many in the rest of the state with remembrances of former New York State Governor Mario M. Cuomo, in recognition of his lifelong contributions to SUNY and New …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

State University of New York leaders join many in remembering former Gov. Mario Cuomo

Posted

The State University of New York joined many in the rest of the state with remembrances of former New York State Governor Mario M. Cuomo, in recognition of his lifelong contributions to SUNY and New York State.

The former governor died New Year’s Day.

SUNY Board Chairman H. Carl McCall said, “I have had the honor over many decades of working, campaigning, and most importantly, ‎developing a partnership and friendship with Governor Mario Cuomo. I join with all New Yorkers in mourning the loss of this iconic leader and send my condolences to his family. Mario Cuomo was a champion for diversity and civil rights, and his devotion to the plight of the less fortunate brought important societal issues to the forefront of national discussion. One of the most gifted speakers of our time, Mario Cuomo painted a picture of American life that remains vivid and powerful to this day. In the halls of government in Albany or as New York's ambassador on the national stage, Mario Cuomo was always principled, cerebral, honest, and above reproach. ‎He changed New York for the better and although his voice is now silent, his timeless words and ideals have shaped our state and will be with us forever.”

SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, "New York and the country have lost one of the great leaders of our time. Mario Cuomo's vision that government could be a vehicle to improve lives, especially for our most disadvantaged citizens, reverberates to this day at the State University of New York, as does his dedication to keeping public higher education in New York affordable and world-class. While in office, he graciously accepted invitations to meet with and speak to our students, faculty, and governance groups. He hosted President Clinton at the University at Albany in 1994 and made the initial investments in what has now grown into SUNY Polytechnic Institute. My thoughts and prayers are with Governor Andrew Cuomo and the entire Cuomo family during this difficult time.”

D. Bruce Johnstone, SUNY Chancellor 1988-94, said, “Mario Cuomo was brilliant, thoughtful, and a strong supporter of public higher education. While we never had as much state revenue as we would have liked, his years were mainly during difficult financial times for the state, and the governor was supportive of our long struggle, primarily with the State Legislature, to free ourselves from much of the pernicious over-regulation that had so plagued the campuses and the system in the early 80s. Most important to me -- and I believe to the entire system -- Mario Cuomo appointed good trustees and superb chairs and was fully committed to the essential independence and academic integrity of the State University. In short, I admired him greatly and was proud to be a part of his cabinet.”