Arlene Hanley
Retiree Member of the Year
Arlene Hanley
Rochester Association of Paraprofessionals
Rochester Teachers Association
BUFFALO, N.Y. April 2, 2009 - Arlene Hanley, a union leader and activist from Rochester for more than 40 years, will be honored as Retiree of the Year during the New York State United Teachers 37th Representative Assembly in Buffalo.
Hanley is a former president of the Teacher Aides Association of Rochester, leading that unit at a time when it was first recognized by the city's school district. An active unionist throughout her career, she also served as a building rep, School-Related Professional Committee chair and delegate to the NYSUT Representative Assembly.
Hanley has continued her service to the union in her retirement as a NYSUT state Employees' Retirement System consultant in the Rochester regional office. In that position - which she will be leaving this year - she has conducted workshops for the Rochester Association of Paraprofessionals and other school districts, providing critical up-to-date information about the ERS. She also is an active member of the Genesee Valley School Boards SRP Committee.
"Arlene's lifetime of service and dedication to NYSUT is inspiring and serves as an important example to today's newer members," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. "Her commitment to her union and to the service of the SRP membership will be greatly missed."
"Arlene Hanley is not only a tremendously dedicated unionist, but also a marvelous person," added NYSUT Vice President Kathleen Donahue. "It is wonderful to see a paraprofessional recognized, and it is only fitting that it is Arlene receiving this honor. She is, and has always been, a true union advocate."
The RA - NYSUT's policy-making convention - begins today and runs through Saturday at the Buffalo-Niagara Convention Center. More than 2,500 delegates, guests and staff are expected to attend.
NYSUT represents more than 600,000 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.