Archive for the 'Senate Work' category

The Contributions of Senator James Donovan

Dec 15 2011 Published by under Senate Work

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 Published by under Senate Work

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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Technology and Senator James Donovan

May 04 2011 Published by under Senate Work, Senator James H Donovan

Senator James H. Donovan is known for his many accomplishments in the education sector of New York State. During his time in the role, Senator Donovan understood that technology was and would continue gaining momentum through the following years. He observed that many people were losing jobs as a result of the lack of knowledge in technological fields, and so worked to incorporate modern technology into the school curriculum.

As part of the effort, Senator Donovan also raised funds in support of various programs, including RATPAC (Reading Achievement Through Publishing Activites), Starlab planetariums, TNT (Technologies Network Ties) and more.

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Institutes Named for Senator James Donovan

Apr 19 2011 Published by under Honors & Awards, Senate Work, Senator James H Donovan

A “man of the people,” Senator James Donovan influenced numerous aspects of New York’s education. Before his death, Jim Donovan served as chairman of the US Senate Education Committee for fourteen years, as well as chairman of a number of other committees.

When he passed away, Senator Donovan was recognized by various institutes named in his honor, such as the Donovan Stadium at Murnane 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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Sentator James Donovan’s Accomplishments

Mar 29 2011 Published by under Senate Work, Senator James H Donovan

Senator James Donovan is best known for his 14-year service as chairman of the Senate Education Committee of New York. However, James Donovan had many other roles as well, including chairman of both the Committee on Roads and Public Works, and the Committee on Mental Hygiene and Addiction Control. During his time as senator, Donovan also worked to reduce teenage pregnancy and promote literacy in teens throughout New York.

When he passed away at the age of 66, it was described as a “tremendous loss,” and the governor of New York added that Donovan’s “courageous struggle to overcome his illness served as an inspiration to us all.”

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Senator James Donovan’s Legacy

Mar 06 2011 Published by under Senate Work, Senator James H Donovan

James Donovan is best known for his role as New York State Senator, but he contributed his state and his country in many additional ways as well. He served as chairman of the Senate Education Committee, the chairman of the Committee on Roads and Public Works, and the Committee on Mental Hygiene and Addiction Control. He created the New York City School Construction Authority, and served two tours of duty as a marine in World War II as well.

When Senator James Donovan passed away, 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 the state’s top priority.”

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Senator James Donovan and Technological Education

Feb 18 2011 Published by under Senate Work, Senator James H Donovan

Senator James H Donovan understood that technology has become increasingly more important in the workplace. He observed that many people had no education in the field, and, as a result, they were losing their jobs. He then took it upon himself to encourage the integration of modern technology into the regular school curriculum.

Senator Donovan also raised funds for programs such as “Writing to Read,” “Writing to Write,” GERIS (Graphics Expression Reading Improvement System), TNT (Technologies Network Ties), RATPAC (Reading Achievement Through Publishing Activities) as well as “Starlab” planetariums which were transferred from school to school. He also supported the renovation of school libraries. Through his efforts Senator Donovan was able to successfully impact the technological education of his time.

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James H. Donovan Mental Hygiene and Addiction Control

Feb 03 2011 Published by under Senate Work, Senator James H Donovan

As State Senator, James H. Donovan worked hard for his people. He had many varied interests vis-à-vis the people he served and one area in which he was very active was mental health.  In fact, a mere eight years after he was first elected, Donovan became the chairman of the Committee on Mental Hygiene and Addiction Control.

Mental hygiene is the standpoint of public health within the realm of psychiatry. The ideas under this umbrella have been brought into mainstream psychiatry via community health activists.  Mental hygiene differs from the general way mental illness is treated as it is more focused on prevention rather than later stage treatment.  It goes for early intervention in an effort to reduce the use of long-term or institutionalized care.  As well, the focus is very much on children since the thesis behind mental hygiene is that any type of mental dysfunction is related to experiences from early childhood.  Since Donovan was very involved in the education system as well, chairing this committee was a perfect fit for him as mental hygienists worked closely through the educational structure as well.

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James H. Donovan: Chairman of the Senate Education Committee

Jan 20 2011 Published by under Senate Work, Senator James H Donovan

Senator James Donovan is likely most famous for his service as the chairman of the Senate Education Committee. He led this role for fourteen years, during which he expanded educational programs, worked to reduce teenage pregnancy and illiteracy and created the New York City School Construction Authority. This authority enabled new schools to be opened without difficulty.

When Senator Donovan died, Ralph J. Marino said, as senate majority leader, “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.”

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The Death of James Donovan

Dec 02 2010 Published by under Senate Work, Senator James H Donovan

Senator James Donovan died two decades ago of colon cancer. He left an extraordinary legacy, through his many years in public service. He served as New York State Senator for 25 years before retiring, as a result of unbearable weakness from his illness, mere months before his death.

Donovan battled fiercely with his illness. When he died, Gov. Mario M. Cuomo said that Donovan had conducted a “courageous struggle to overcome his illness, which served as an inspiration to us all.” He then ordered for the flags on all the state buildings to be lowered to half-staff, to show respect and grief for the deceased senator.

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