Local 1 Apprentices get SUNY Degrees - (7/21/2011)

Attending the ceremony with the apprentices were (Seated from left) Instructor Gino DeGirolamo, Head Trade Instructor John Senay Jr., Director of Trade Education Arthur Klock Jr., Business Manager George W. Reilly, Financial Secretary Treasurer John J. Murphy, Organizer Richie Garner, Instructor John Miller, and Instructor Allan Wishnoff.

On Friday, June 17, 2011, Local 1 apprentices entered the Alfred Lerner Hall at Columbia University to the cheers of their family and friends in celebration of their receiving Associate Degrees in Science from Empire State College, State University of New York.

Each graduate, dressed in the traditional cap and gown, was received by Empire State College President Alan R. Davis who conferred the degrees upon them at the conclusion of the commencement ceremonies. Present to address the graduates was Local 1 Business Manager George W. Reilly.
 
Business Manager Reilly congratulated the graduates and their families for the hard work and effort they put in to achieving their degrees, reminding them of the challenges ahead. “Newspapers have been filled with headlines about high construction costs, expiring agreements, layoffs, and non-union competition, but oddly enough, there was no mention at all about the good we do or who we are. Our Union needs an educated, motivated, articulate and efficient work force, now more than ever. Earning college degrees as you have done is nothing short of a remarkable achievement for yourselves and for our trade.”
 
Stephanie Sorel, who works as an Office Professional in the Local 1 office, beautifully sang “God Bless America” as a recessional at the end of the ceremony.
 
To view photos from this event go to our Photo Gallery.
 

Click Here for a complete list of the Graduates.

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