16-91 Commending Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand

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SpUTIN g ti 21 U d' '�� gewce Y 1865 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, PUBLICLY COMMENDING AND HONORING KATHLEEN CEKANSKI FARRAND FOR 42 YEARS OF DEDICATED AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AS THE COUNCIL ATTORNEY FOR THE SOUTH BEND COMMON COUNCIL N originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and a graduate of the The Ohio State University, Kathy Cekanski Farrand moved to South Bend, Indiana in 1972 to attend the University of Notre Dame Law School. As a first -year law student, Kathy was one of twelve women in the third co- educational graduate class in the Law School. She witnessed the first co- educational undergraduate class and was appointed as the first woman rector for two residence halls, Badin Hall in 1972 and Breen - Phillips Hall in 1973; and N after her graduation from the University of Notre Dame, Kathy founded the first all -women law firm in Indiana, Cekanski and Swartz. Kathy was the first and only woman to hold the position of Deputy Attorney for St. Joseph County, a position that she held for 28 years, establishing her long- standing dedication to the residents of South Bend and St. Joseph County; and 60W; a6, in 1974, the position of Council Attorney was established by Indiana Code and adopted into the South Bend Municipal Code. Kathy was offered the position of Council Attorney by the then Council President, Roger Parent. Thus, beginning her tenured career as the longest standing council attorney in the State of Indiana. As stated in her letter of retirement: "I am most humbled to have been told that my tenure as Council Attorney is a record in our state, for which I am most grateful. It has truly been a pleasure to serve and to assist all of the current and past members of the South Bend Common Council, in pursuing the best interests of our citizens." As Council Attorney, Kathy has accumulated an immense knowledge of local, state and federal laws and an ability to foster better networking of information between legislative and administrative branches of city government, as well as members of the community; and Gfige,ea,, in her forty -two (42) years, Kathy has worked with (fifty- three) 53 council members, six (6) mayors and four (4) city clerks, acquiring a wealth of institutional and legislative knowledge about city government in the process. Current council members who have served with Kathy for a number of years have noted that: "Kathy is the epitome of excellence, dedication, and unwavering commitment. She has devoted over 40 years to the Council, numerous city departments, and the citizens of South Bend, Indiana. I am amazed at the depth and breadth of her knowledge and her willingness and ability to share that knowledge." — Karen White, At Large Council Member "The Ohio State University Coach Woody Hayes said, "Nothing that comes easy is worth a dime!" Kathy, throughout your legal career, you have fought the team across the field, you have clearly showed them that you are from Ohio's here. Over the past 40 plus years, you have set the earth reverberating with a mighty cheer, Rah! Rah! Rah! Thank you so much for all of the wisdom, insight and passion that you provided to this Buckeye, who represents the 6h District of South Bend! Yes, Kathy, you were worth every dime! Grateful for you." — Oliver Davis, 6t' District Council Member GA"J, even with her significant commitment and diligence, Kathy always made time for her family.