Senate Resolution No. 1315

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Monte and upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award by the University at Albany Alumni Association

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 all the citizens of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Monte and Avery Lipman upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award by the University at Albany Alumni Association to be celebrated with a Gala on May 4, 2019, at Wolfert's Roost, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious award honors an alumnus or alumna with an extraordinary achievement, one who has been recognized nationally and/or internationally, or an individual who over the course of a decade or greater, has exhibited outstanding success in a chosen profession or outstanding service to society; Monte and Avery Lipman are such individuals; and

WHEREAS, In addition to sharing the same alma mater, University at Albany (UAlbany) graduates Monte and Avery Lipman share numerous music industry accolades as the founders and chief executives of , a division of , the world's largest music company; and

WHEREAS, Monte and Avery Lipman's work with multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning legends and superstar artists like , Stevie Wonder, , , , Jack Johnson, and speaks volumes; their philanthropic commitment to raise funds for the fight against cancer speaks even louder; these successes paired with their willingness to give back to UAlbany demonstrates the Lipman brothers' tremendous character; and

WHEREAS, Now regulars on the annual Billboard Power 100 list, the Lipmans served on UAlbany's concert board, worked at the University's radio station (WCDB), as well as the school's on-campus record store, and played football under coach Bob Ford while students at UAlbany; and

WHEREAS, Shortly after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Rhetoric and Communication in 1986, began his career at Arista Records; Avery Lipman also joined Arista after graduating in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English; and WHEREAS, The brothers moved through the ranks of the music industry, mentoring UAlbany students along the way; and

WHEREAS, In 1989, Monte Lipman was made Record Promotion Director of EMI Records and guided such famous acts as Arrested Development and Wilson Phillips; Avery Lipman was named Business Administration Director at International in 1991; and

WHEREAS, Four years later, Monte and Avery Lipman converged to launch Republic Records as an independent record label; today, the label now competes at the highest level and has been cited by Billboard Magazine as the "#1 Label of the Year" multiple years in a row; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Monte and Avery Lipman, Republic Records is home to award-winning artists and innovative business ventures, including American Recordings (The Avett Brothers), XO (The Weeknd) and Young Money (Drake, ); and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Republic Records has expanded to release high-profile soundtracks for Sony Pictures (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), Universal Pictures (Fifty Shades of Grey) and NBC TV (The Voice), as well as other notable film and television franchises; and

WHEREAS, The Lipman brothers sit on the boards of many philanthropic organizations, including the Foundation and T.J. Martell Foundation; they also serve on the executive committees of DKMS (Delete Blood Cancer), and the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation of New York; and

WHEREAS, Monte and Avery Lipman delivered UAlbany's 169th Undergraduate Commencement address, and more recently, hosted students and alumni for a panel discussion and networking reception alongside Universal Music Group's EVP of Business and Legal Affairs; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Monte and Avery Lipman upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award by the University at Albany Alumni Association; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Monte and Avery Lipman.