Loretta Donlon

"Not for Ourselves Alone:" The Sandy Feldman Outstanding Leadership Award

Loretta Donlon
Retiree Council 7

The nomination form submitted on behalf of Loretta Donlon by her sisters and brothers in RC 7 said it all: "She is an outstanding leader and her work, always, is for the benefit of others."

Donlon became active in her union early in her career. As a third-year teacher, she became a building rep and continued in that capacity even as she took on other jobs and positions for the Syracuse Teachers Association. She was executive vice president for 21 years and served on the executive board for years before that.

Donlon was a leader in the campaign to affiliate STA with NYSUT, recognizing that such an alliance was in the best interests of the members. As vice president, she handled grievances and headed the negotiations team for some units. One innovative committee she led was the Professional Responsibilities Committee, which was ahead of its time in having teachers write curriculum. She was a delegate to state and national conventions, served on the Syracuse Labor Council and was president of the Onondaga County Teachers Association.

As a retiree, she is the longtime secretary of NYSUT Retiree Council 7. She has lent a steadying hand to one of the longest operating councils in the state. Her active role in the Central New York Chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans has helped bridge gaps and fostered real understanding.

Donlon's newest and biggest responsibility came with her election to the NYSUT Board as Director of ED 51, one of three retiree directors statewide. The governor's office asked her to serve on the Advisory Task for the state Office for the Aging.

The nomination form submitted on behalf of Loretta Donlon by her sisters and brothers in RC 7 said it all: "She is an outstanding leader and her work, always, is for the benefit of others."

Donlon became active in her union early in her career. As a third-year teacher, she became a building rep and continued in that capacity even as she took on other jobs and positions for the Syracuse Teachers Association. She was executive vice president for 21 years and served on the executive board for years before that.

Donlon was a leader in the campaign to affiliate STA with NYSUT, recognizing that such an alliance was in the best interests of the members. As vice president, she handled grievances and headed the negotiations team for some units. One innovative committee she led was the Professional Responsibilities Committee, which was ahead of its time in having teachers write curriculum. She was a delegate to state and national conventions, served on the Syracuse Labor Council and was president of the Onondaga County Teachers Association.

As a retiree, she is the longtime secretary of NYSUT Retiree Council 7. She has lent a steadying hand to one of the longest operating councils in the state. Her active role in the Central New York Chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans has helped bridge gaps and fostered real understanding.

Donlon's newest and biggest responsibility came with her election to the NYSUT Board as Director of ED 51, one of three retiree directors statewide. The governor's office asked her to serve on the Advisory Task for the state Office for the Aging.