University at Albany Foundation Announces 2024 Citizen Laureates

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 23, 2024) — Sen. Neil Breslin, Gloria DeSole and Elga Wulfert have been named 2024 Citizen Laureates by The University at Albany Foundation. The awards honor outstanding leaders in business and industry, government and academia, who have helped transform the Capital Region community through service and philanthropy.

Breslin and DeSole were named Community Laureates in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Capital Region and beyond. Wulfert was named Academic Laureate, an award that honors notable achievements in academia and research.

Meet the 2024 Citizen Laureates:

New York State Sen. Neil Breslin

Neil Breslin is a devoted public servant and community leader. A lifelong Albany resident, Breslin’s deep involvement in civic and social areas includes 15 years as a board member of Arbor House, a residence facility for women in need, where he also served as president for seven years. Breslin has been the attorney for St. Anne's Institute in Albany and has performed work for Hospitality House, the International Center and Hope House — a local addiction treatment center. Breslin served as vice president of the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless from 1994 to 1998.

Breslin has been lauded by numerous local and state organizations for his dedication to addressing critical issues such as healthcare access, homelessness, addiction support services, workers’ rights and environmental issues. He has been honored for his work supporting women, working families and higher education institutions. In 2023, UAlbany recognized Breslin with the Medallion of the University, UAlbany’s highest honor for distinguished public service. The senator has been instrumental in securing support for initiatives that have improved UAlbany’s facilities and provided critical financial support for students, including many from underrepresented groups, including first-generation students.

Gloria DeSole

Gloria R. DeSole is a two-time UAlbany alumna (BA ‘59, PhD ‘69) and served the University professionally for nearly four decades, including two decades as senior advisor to the president and director of affirmative action and employment planning. At UAlbany, DeSole facilitated the transformation of the workforce in order to strengthen the University’s ability to deliver a superior education to the increasingly diverse student body.

DeSole is a tireless social justice advocate and has made strides against racism, misogyny and homophobia through her work with numerous organizations throughout the Capital Region. This service includes leadership roles with the Pride Center of the Capital Region, Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, Women Against War, The Alliance for Positive Health, The Community Foundation of the Capital Region and UAlbany’s Center for Women in Government and Civil Society.

DeSole has been recognized locally and nationally for her commitment to service and improving the lives of women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. She has received the C. Jordan Vail Spirit of Philanthropy Award from the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, the Trailblazing Women Award from the Women’s Fund of the Capital Region, the Women Making Waves Award from the National Organization for Women, and multiple awards from UAlbany including the Distinguished Alumni Award, the President’s Lifetime Justice Award, and the Harvey Milk Award.

Edelgard Wulfert

UAlbany’s Edelgard (“Elga”) Wulfert, a professor of psychology and SUNY Distinguished Service Professor, has been widely recognized for her research on addictive behaviors, particularly gambling disorder. Wulfert developed an innovative cognitive-motivational therapy approach, which marked a significant advancement in addiction treatment, and has delivered trainings on this intervention to over 1,200 clinicians across New York State.

With her tenure at UAlbany spanning 35 years, Wulfert has held several key positions, including dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and interim provost. Her excellence has been recognized with numerous accolades, such as the President’s and Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching and designation as "Most Influential Faculty Member" by honors students. She was named Collins Fellow for her extraordinary service to UAlbany and received the UAlbany Alumni Association’s Citizen of the University Award. Wulfert has shown a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, co-chairing the President’s Council and co-founding the “Women in Science and Health” (WISH) initiative to promote career development of women in STEM. Her extensive community outreach includes serving as first vice president of the New York Council on Problem Gambling and being a board member of Albany Pro Musica.

Celebrating changemakers

“The University at Albany Foundation’s Citizen Laureate Awards Dinner is an annual event that honors exceptional changemakers in the Capital Region,” said Fardin Sanai, vice president for university advancement and executive director of The University at Albany Foundation. “This year, we are thrilled to recognize three individuals who have made significant contributions to our community through advocacy, service and academic research. We owe thanks to the Citizen Laureate Advisory Committee and all those who submitted nominations. We eagerly anticipate celebrating the achievements of the 2024 Laureates at this year’s event.”

The awardees will be honored at the annual Citizen Laureate Awards dinner on Nov. 14. The dinner will be held in UAlbany’s Broadview Center.

The Foundation’s annual celebration of Citizen Laureates began in 1977 as a way to bring together the academic and business communities of the Capital Region. The gala dinner is a signature fundraising event for UAlbany student scholarships.

For more information, visit Citizen Laureate or contact UAlbany’s Office of University Events at (518) 442-5310.