Release

UAlbany Libraries Acquire Ronald B. Stafford Papers
M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives adds the papers of a state senator to its collection

Contact: Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 8, 2006) -- Brian Keough, head of the University at Albany's M.E. Grenander Special Collections and Archives, today announced the acquisition of the Ronald B. Stafford Papers, approximately 225 cubic feet of material documenting Stafford's 40 years in the New York State Senate and in public life.

"This is a significant addition to our collection that includes the personal papers of 41 former members of the New York State Senate and Assembly and 22 former US Congressional members," said Keough.

Elected to the New York State Senate in 1965 to represent the 45th District, Ronald B. Stafford represented the North Country during a 37-year Senate career which included membership on several committees. He ended his career as chairman of the powerful Finance Committee. Stafford, a Republican, was the first chairman of the Senate's Higher Education Committee. During his Senate career, he chaired the Senate Finance Committee, Higher Education Committee, Codes Committee, and the Judiciary Committee. In 1974, as Chairman of the Senate's Higher Education Committee he helped shape and create the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), a landmark program that opened access to college for New Yorkers who would otherwise have been unable to afford opportunities in higher education. He was a protector of the environment through his involvement in Adirondack Park affairs. Stafford was instrumental in bringing the 1980 Olympic Winter Games to Lake Placid, and in 1974 was appointed chairman of the New York State 1980 Olympic Winter Games Commission. He remained a leading figure in the Senate and state politics throughout his career and until his death in 2005.

The Ronald Stafford Papers were transferred to the University at Albany Libraries in January 2006. The papers consist of correspondence, letters, memorandum, meeting minutes, press releases, legislative memorandum, newsletters, writings, photographs, clippings reprints, and other archival resources.

For more information on access to the papers, contact Brian Keough, (518) 437-3931 or [email protected].

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