2009 Senate Joint Resolution 34
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Dr. Akbar Ally.
Whereas, Dr. Akbar Ally has been a devoted advocate for the proliferation of diversity and a leader in the cause for social justice in the area of education; and
Whereas, Dr. Ally received his Ph.D. in Urban Social Studies in 1981 from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, going on to receive professional development certificates from both the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Harvard University; and
Whereas, Dr. Ally has shown true devotion to providing equal educational opportunities for all through his establishment of a retention program for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; and
Whereas, while the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School, he improved recruitment and retention strategies, established faculty and student exchange programs with 27 minority colleges and universities, and provided opportunities for high school and undergraduate students in the sciences to further their education; and
Whereas, as the Special Assistant to the Provost and Vice Chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Ally was able to further improve recruitment and retention strategies of both students and faculty, increasing the number of minority faculty and staff, including women, while also improving the graduation rates of students from low-income families; and
Whereas, through his dedication to diversity, he has improved not only the image of the University of Wisconsin-Madison but also the overall educational experience of its students, exposing them to more ideas and more walks of life, and furthering their understanding of the world; and
Whereas, Dr. Ally, as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at UW-Madison has furthered the university's diversity efforts by establishing the PreCollege Enhancement Opportunity Program (PEOPLE) to increase diversity of the student body through collaboration with business communities and school districts to increase high school graduation and college preparation for minorities; and
Dr. Akbar Ally's support for diversity on our campuses and in our communities has continued in his retirement through his volunteering and lecturing, and he should be forever recognized for his efforts and accomplishments in pursuit of creating a more equal and diverse environment in both education and beyond; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature commends the life and public service of Dr. Akbar Ally.
