New York City Retirees Honored by New York State United Teachers

WASHINGTON, DC (04/27/2007)(readMedia)-- Marna Davidson, a union leader and activist for 42 years, and Alvin Graham, a retired member of Mamaroneck Teachers Association, were presented with Retiree of the Year Awards at New York State United Teachers' 35th Representative Assembly in Washington this week.

Davidson has served as a chapter leader for the United Federation of Teachers for nearly 25 years, and as a NYSUT and American Federation of Teachers (AFT) delegate for more than 30 years.

She has been the UFT Florida office's coordinator of services for the last 14 years, making sure that members receive important information on issues ranging from health, pension and union concerns to educational and cultural activities.

Graham, who is an executive committee member of his retiree council, is one of NYSUT's original retiree organizers - having served his union for more than half a century.

In addition to his political action work, Graham writes a column titled "From the Cracker Barrel" that appears in his union's retiree newsletter. He also is an avid traveler and speaks several languages.

"Marna and Alvin helped shape the current NYSUT retiree structure," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. "As staunch supporters of NYSUT's political action program and tireless advocates for public education, they richly deserve the recognition and appreciation this award brings."

NYSUT represents 575,000 teachers, school-related professionals, academic and professional faculty in higher education, professionals in education and health care and retirees. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.

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