Life of Senator James H. Donovan

Aug 16 2010

State Senator James H. Donovan was first elected in 1965, serving for 25 years, until shortly before his death from cancer.  During his time in this position, Donovan achieved a lot, and will go down in history as “serving his district longer than any other state legislator.”  What he was most well-known for was his role as chairman of the Senate Education Committee, which he held for 14 years.  Through this role Donovan made efforts in expanding programs “aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy and illiteracy.”  He also was a forerunner in the creation of the New York City School Construction Authority, a measure that enabled NYC to tremendously reduce red tape in the construction of new schools.  In addition, he chaired the Committee on Mental Hygiene and Addiction Control as well as the Committee on Roads and Public Works.    But it was really his work in education that he made the most significant strides, according to Ralph J. Marino, State majority leader who claimed that this was “where he assured that quality and affordable education was this state’s top priority.”

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Senator James Donovan

Nov 19 2012

Senator James Donovan is widely remembered for his 14-year role as chairman of the Senate Education Committee. A “man of the people,” he contributed greatly to education in New York, while fighting illiteracy and teenage pregnancy as well.

Jim Donovan also held several other roles, including chairman of the Committee on Roads and Public Works and chairman of the Committee on Mental Hygiene and Addiction Control.

When Donovan passed away, numerous institutes were named in his honor. His death was described as a “tremendous loss.”

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Senator James H. Donovan

Jul 11 2012

Senator James H. Donovan is most famous for his 14 year role as chairman of the U.S. Senate Education Committee for 14 years. He also served as chairman for the Committee of Mental Hygiene and Addiction Control, the Committee on Roads and Public Works, and the Select Committee on Mentally and Physically Handicapped.

When he passed away in 1991, numerous institutes were named in Jim Donovan’s memory. These include the Donovan Stadium at Murname Field, Donovan Memorial Park, the James H. Donovan Community Center Building, the James H. Donovan Science and Technology Buildings, the James H. Donovan Education Resource Center, and many others.

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Reading Skills and PARP

Jan 12 2012

In a world where technology has such a strong hold, it is important to cultivate non-electronic, educational activities into children’s lives. Reading has become more of a chore and less of a pastime because, while it is rewarding, it does not give immediate results the way computer games do. Senator James Donovan, known for his 14 year role as chairman of the Senate Education Committee, understood the importance of reading education at a young age.

In an effort to increase enjoyment of the activity, Jim Donovan initiated a program called Parents As Reading Partners, or PARP, which encourages parents to spend time with their child every day for a reading session. By taking turns, the child’s reading skills are developed in a stress- free, comfortable environment, while the parent-child relationship is strengthened as well.

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The Contributions of Senator James Donovan

Dec 15 2011

Senator James Donovan served as chairman of the Senate Education Committee of New York for fourteen years. He was, and still is, known as a “man of the people.”

He passed away in 1991 after battling cancer, and his death was considered a “tremendous loss.” His contributions are widely recognized today. Senator Ralph J. Marino said “Jim Donovan’s most lasting contribution will be in the area of education, where he assured that quality and affordable education was this state’s top priority.”

The governor at the time of Donovan’s death added that “Donovan’s courageous struggle to overcome his illness served as an inspiration to us all.”

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Parents as Reading Partners

Dec 01 2011

Senator James H. Donovan served as chairman of the US Senate Education Committee for 14 years. During that time, he instituted a program called Parents as Reading Partners, or PARP, to encourage children to read on a regular basis.

The program suggests that parents spend at least fifteen minutes each day reading with their child, taking turns reading aloud. In this way, children are less likely to become frustrated and discouraged, and will also form a stronger bond with their parents. Children may be encouraged to open up about their feelings on the book, school, social lives and more.

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Senator James H. Donovan Lives On

Nov 24 2011

Senator James Donovan is best known for his 14 years as chairman of the U.S. Senate Education Committee. However, he also served as chairman for the Committee on Roads and Public Works, the Committee of Mental Hygiene and Addiction Control, and the Select Committee on Mentally and Physically Handicapped.

Following his death in 1991, dozens of institutes were named in his honor. These include the Donovan Stadium at Murname Field, the James H. Donovan Science and Technology Building, Senator James Donovan Room, Donovan Memorial Park, Oneida County Republican Committee Headquarters, the James H. Donovan Education Resource Center and the James H. Donovan Community Center Building.

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A “Tremendous Loss”

Nov 10 2011

Known as a “man of the people,” Senator James H. Donovan served as chairman of the Senate Education Committee of New York for 14 years.

His death in 1991 was considered a “tremendous loss” to the state, and Donovan’s contributions are widely recognized until today. According to Senator Ralph J. Marino, “Jim Donovan’s most lasting contribution will be in the area of education, where he assured that quality and affordable education was this state’s top priority.”

The governor of New York at the time of his death added that Donovan’s “courageous struggle to overcome his illness served as an inspiration to us all.”

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Utica’s Senator James H. Donovan Middle School

Oct 23 2011

Named after the New York senator, Utica’s Senator James H. Donovan Middle School is located in the Utica City District. A public school, the school promotes “student diversity” by welcoming students from outside of the mainstream school districts.

Utica’s Middle School’s curriculum is flexible, and attracts its high-quality students through competitions. Parental evaluation has given the institute 3 out of 5 stars.

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James Donovan: Education and Beyond

Sep 22 2011

Senator James Donovan is remembered as a “man of the people.” Having served as the chairman of the Senate Education Committee for fourteen years, Jim Donovan made various contributions in the field of education, including numerous programs to reduce illiteracy as well as to bring technological training into the school curriculum.

Before his role with the Senate Education Committee, James Donovan also served as the chairman of the Committee on Roads and Public Works and the Committee on Mental Hygiene and Addiction Control. He battled teenage pregnancy, and when he passed away, several institutes were named in his memory.

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Senator Donovan’s Educational Endeavors

Sep 12 2011

During his lifetime, Senator James H. Donovan was instrumental in working for the advancement of good education for children and teens.  When he passed away in 1990, it was a loss to the world of education.  He understood the importance of teens focusing on getting a good education and worked hard to fight against illiteracy and pregnancy of teens.  Donovan figured that with a good education, it was less likely these individuals would fall into these pitfalls and thus turn the direction of their lives around.

Senator James H. Donovan’s death was described as a “tremendous loss” by Ralph J. Marino, the governor of New York at the time.  This wasn’t surprising given his many roles, which included being the chairman of the Senate Education Committee; a position he held for 14 years.  It was also Donovan who established the New York City School Construction Authority which was able to battle successfully against many obstacles new schools usually had to face.

Even 11 years after his death, James Donovan’s commitment, dedication and success within the education framework has not been forgotten.

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