Senate Resolution No. 300
BY: Senator GRIFFO
COMMENDING Dave Fontaine for 24 years of service
to Utica University
WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge outstanding individuals within our midst who
have made significant contributions to the communities of this State and
Nation; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Dave
Fontaine upon the occasion of his retirement after a total of 24 years
of service at Utica University; and
WHEREAS, David Fontaine retired from Utica University's Athletics
Department on Friday, January 31, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Dave Fontaine graduated from Notre Dame Junior-Senior High
School in Utica; he earned an Associate's in Liberal Arts and Sciences
degree from Mohawk Valley Community College, a Bachelor's in Psychology
degree from Utica College (now Utica University), and a Master's in
Physical Education, Administration, and Management degree from Syracuse
University; and
WHEREAS, Dave Fontaine was a four-year collegiate student-athlete
and filled the role of Captain of the Pioneers Baseball Team in his
senior season, leading the team to an Eastern College Athletic
Conference (ECAC) Upstate County Championship; and
WHEREAS, A Utica University alumnus, Dave Fontaine has spent the
last 13 years leading the Athletic Department for the Pioneers as
Director of Athletics and Physical Education; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his time as Director of Athletics, Dave Fontaine
also spent 11 years at Utica University, from 1989 through 2000, serving
in a variety of roles, including Director of Intramurals, Head Softball
Coach, Home Event Manager, Compliance Director, Scheduling Coordinator,
and Assistant Director of Athletics; and
WHEREAS, Since his return to the Athletics Department in January of
2012, Dave Fontaine has been at the forefront of several improvements
and developments; he was also instrumental in creating, developing, and
enhancing athletic department operations and countless enhancements to
facilities and traditions; and
WHEREAS, Dave Fontaine feels fortunate to have been an integral part
of countless program-defining moments for the Pioneers, including 20
conference championships, 15 NCAA Tournament appearances, 65
All-Americans, and high individual placements which featured some of the
top finishes in the country; today, Utica University boasts one of the
largest athletic programs in the Empire 8 Conference; and
WHEREAS, The many contributions of which Dave Fontaine has played a
vital role are a testament to his legacy which will inspire future
students and athletes of Utica University for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
dedicated individuals who have shown a long and sustained commitment to
excellence unquestionably have earned the recognition and applause of
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dave Fontaine upon the occasion of his retirement and to wish
him well in all his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dave Fontaine.
