UUP will celebrate its 35th anniversary at this month’s Fall Delegate Assembly with a special look back at the early days of academic unionism and the people who fought to make the union and the University what they are today.

Delegates to the union’s policy-making convention in Albany will be treated to an archives room filled with photographs and other memorabilia that depict the history of UUP — from the early struggles to unionize, to the significant contributions of trailblazing union women, to a new generation of union leaders. Delegates and invited guests will receive an anniversary journal that highlights the union’s first 35 years in words and pictures. Proceeds from the commemorative booklet will benefit the UUP College Scholarship Fund.

During the Friday night dinner, UUP President Phillip Smith and the other statewide officers will acknowledge the significant contributions of five higher education unionists — from part-timer activists, to distinguished members, to outstanding retirees.

Delegates will also hand out $2,000 scholarships to three highly deserving SUNY undergraduates. More details on this year’s honorees can be found on pages 10 and 11.

During the two-day convention, delegates will be asked to vote on three proposed constitutional amendments that deal with creating a Retiree Chapter, changing when chapter and affiliate elections are held, and broadening the window of dates to hold Delegate Assemblies.

— Karen L. Mattison