For Immediate Release

August 31, 2018

Historic union documents, images and artifacts from the Cortland Chapter of United University Professions are part of a new exhibit, “We Are UUP: The University’s Union,” which opens Friday, Aug. 31.

The exhibit chronicles the history of the Cortland Chapter, from 1973 to present day. Many Cortland chapter activists have served important roles in UUP governance, including statewide officer positions. Some have been elected or appointed to leadership roles with UUP’s state affiliate, the New York State United Teachers, and/or with the union’s national affiliates, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Education Association.

Cortland Chapter UUP members will lead tours of and provide commentary on the exhibit from 4 to 6 p.m. on Aug. 31.The exhibit is located in the lobby of SUNY Cortland’s Student Life Center, 8 Pashley Drive, Cortland.

The exhibit, part of SUNY Cortland’s sesquicentennial celebration, is intended to strengthen the social and political bonds that unite the campus community, and to raise awareness of contributions made by the labor movement. UUP’s bargaining unit represents over 37,000 SUNY academic faculty and professional staff across New York state.

"We are pleased to be able to share some of our union's proud history,” Cortland Chapter President Joe Westbrook said. “Many members of the Cortland community are simply not aware of what UUP has achieved, not only for SUNY employees, but also for all New Yorkers through its support for measures that ensure SUNY remains affordable and accessible for all students."

The Cortland Chapter’s 900 members thank the college for the $1,000 grant that made the exhibit possible.

For more information, please contact Westbrook (607-753-5517; joe.westbrook@cortland.edu), Cortland Chapter Assistant Toni Murray (607-753-5991; toni.murray@cortland.edu), or Chapter Secretary Bekkie Bryan (607-753-4561; rbryan@uupmail.org).