Alumnus Award
UUP Executive Board member comes out on top

Old Westbury Educational Opportunity Center (EOP) counselor Candelario Franco remembers when he was a 20-year-old student at Queensborough Community College/CUNY looking for direction and a career. He also remembers Carrie Jones, the Old Westbury admissions counselor and recruiter who helped him find his way. It was this chance meeting with Jones that stirred Franco’s desire to become a counselor and to do for students what his counselor did for him.

Twenty-two years later, it is Franco’s dedication to his students, higher education and his union that have won him his newly elected position on UUP’s Executive Board. And, similarly, such qualities led to his recognition as this year’s Old Westbury Alumnus of the Year.

Franco — UUP chapter president at Old Westbury — has always seen his role at the university and union as more than just a job. As a counselor, he takes the time to make sure each student feels like an individual and not a number. Amilcar Mufumo, former coordinator of EOP admissions, who guided his internship, introduced him to this concept.

“Whether the student’s question is about time management, graduate school or homesickness, he makes time and cares. As a senior EOP admissions counselor, he’s helped to personally usher in, guide and aid first-generation and ‘traditionally bypassed’ students, helping them to succeed as he has,” said UUP Secretary Eileen Landy of Old Westbury.

Continuing his work as chapter president and a veteran professional delegate, Franco has practiced the philosophy of unionism for more than 20 years. “My union involvement stems from the realization that representing the union requires an active, long-term role at the chapter and statewide levels,” said Franco. “Protecting people’s jobs and education is a struggle that is necessary and is why I have dedicated my life to both.”

— Thea Brewster