Union delegates salute Sullivan

Like the most dedicated postal carrier, Assembly-man Edward Sullivan (D-New York) has trudged through the snow — and worse — to deliver his message. His enthusiastic communiqué is for a strong, state-funded public higher education system in New York state, and that is why UUP delegates chose to honor Sullivan with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Support of Public Higher Education at their 2002 Spring Delegate Assembly.

Sullivan, who will retire at the end of his current term in December, has served in the Assembly since 1976. Since 1987, he has presided over the Assembly Higher Education Committee with an ardent, unwavering commitment to SUNY, its faculty and its students.

“Ed is a man who truly cares about solidarity, unions and making this a better world,” UUP President William Scheuerman said in presenting the award to Sullivan. “He came out in a snowstorm to help us,” Scheuerman added, referring to a recent rally UUP held for a better state budget for SUNY on a blustery, snowy day.

Sullivan is no less of a vigorous supporter of public higher education in calmer climes. Over the years, he held many public hearings that led to protective legislation on several issues of great importance to UUP — from land-lease matters and streamlining on University campuses to exposing the state-imposed fiscal crisis faced at SUNY’s teaching hospitals.

“Whenever we’ve needed Ed Sullivan, he’s been there,” Scheuerman said of the assemblyman’s tireless efforts to ensure that justice and fairness prevail at SUNY.

UUPer Robert Pompi of SUNY Binghamton echoed the sentiment during a reception honoring Sullivan. “You were one heck of a beacon for us; we’re going to miss you,” he said.

“The only thing I did right was listen to you folks,” Sullivan responded modestly.

To a packed house of delegates who cheered on their feet for a man they unanimously named a Friend of SUNY in 1990, Sullivan, in turn, acknowledged the efforts of UUPers across the University system.

“Thank you for letting me work with you for all these years,” he said. “The work that you and the people you represent as delegates do, and the things you evoke from your students, are such a wonderful treat.”

— Lisa Feldman Reich