Every day on SUNY campuses and in SUNY hospitals around the state, hundreds of UUP members work behind the scenes on behalf of their sisters and brothers. They mentor newer colleagues; they serve on union committees and in leadership roles; they demand justice and equity for the underrepresented within their ranks. They do it at personal risk, and year after year into retirement.
They don’t do it for the accolades or even a pat on the back. Their reward is knowing they have improved the working lives of their fellow unionists.
This fall, UUP is honoring three individuals for their tireless efforts: Lorna Arrington of Buffalo Center, Jan Tewes of Morrisville and Ed Alfonsin of Potsdam.
“These steadfast unionists have made UUP?what it is today—an organization dedicated to its members, and to the students and patients they teach and serve,” said UUP?President Phil Smith. “Without these hard-working unionists, SUNY?would not be able to preserve its mission of a quality, affordable education for all New Yorkers.”
UUP is also honoring the next generation of selfless leaders with College Scholarship Fund one-time awards of $2,000. And, for the first time, UUP awards the William E. Scheuerman Post Baccalaureate Scholarship to a full-time SUNY graduate or professional school student. The five standout young adults join a long list of SUNY?students who demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, community service and labor ideals.
— Karen L. Mattison