January 20, 2009 VIDEO: Albert Shanker Award for Distinguished Service: Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Source: NYSUT News Wire Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, who delivered the benediction at President Obama's inauguration Tuesday, received the Albert Shanker Award for Distinguished Service at NYSUT's convention last year for his tireless efforts in the civil rights movement. From left, Shanker Award winner Joseph E. Lowery, NYSUT officers Dick Iannuzzi and Alan Lubin, and Eadie Shanker at Representative Assembly 2008.