For Immediate Release
May 21, 2026
United University Professions, the nation’s largest higher education union, has honored state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky with its Friend of UUP award.
Sen. Stavisky, the first woman from Queens County elected to the state Senate and the first woman to chair the Senate Higher Ed Committee, was elected in 1999 and has served ever since.
As Senate Higher Ed Committee chair, Sen. Stavisky has been a strong supporter of public higher education and SUNY, and she’s been a longtime friend of UUP. Under her leadership, she has worked to increase state funding to SUNY, providing the university system with resources necessary to offer a word-class educational experience to students.
She has also increased student access through reforms to the state’s Tuition Assistance Program and by keeping tuition reasonable for working families.
“Sen. Stavisky really deserves this Friend of UUP award,” said UUP President Fred Kowal. “She’s been there for UUP and her hard work has benefitted SUNY, our members, students and communities across our state.
“UUP’s relationship with state lawmakers matters to this union the whole year round, and not just during budget season,” he continued. “We cultivate good friendships with lawmakers whose ideals and goals match our own, on both sides of the aisle. It’s a bonus for us when these friendships are based on years of trust and mutual respect. We are fortunate indeed to have such a friendship with Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky of the 11th Senate District.”
“Together we have made great strides and I'm optimistic about the future, the faculty and support staff are the reason,” said Sen. Stavisky. “They teach the students, they conduct the research, and they care for the patients in our public teaching hospitals. The strength of New York's future is a result of our public colleges and universities, and I will keep doing my part in Albany to make sure New York lives up to that responsibility.”
UUP’s nonpartisan award recognizes distinguished service rendered to SUNY by those who strengthen and enlarge the political community devoted to the progressive development of public higher education in New York state. Past winners include state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
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