Cosby, McCall head stellar roster of speakers

posted: March 17, 2004.

One of the most influential performers of our time, whose generous support of education, social service and civil rights organizations has provided many with the gift of learning, is the keynote speaker of the 2004 Representative Assembly.

Humorist Bill Cosby will deliver the opening session's address on Thursday. Also that night, NYSUT will honor H. Carl McCall, former state comptroller, with its Albert Shanker Award for Distinguished Service. A capacity crowd is expected. Participants need to be aware that:

• Delegates and alternates will be seated in the hall. Guests will only be seated in the hall as space permits. An overflow room will be provided for those who cannot be seated in the hall to watch the proceedings by live telecast.
• The session will start at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Delegates will hear from an impressive assortment of speakers. Outstanding public school groups will perform beginning 15 minutes before the start of each general session.

At press time, the RA schedule was still in flux. The tentative schedule has NYSUT President Tom Hobart giving the State of the Union address during the morning session of Friday, March 26. Also scheduled to speak that day are American Federation of Teachers Executive Vice President Nat LaCour, state Comptroller Alan Hevesi and state Education Commissioner Richard Mills.

Saturday is expected to kick off with an address by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer.

In addition to deliberation and action on RA resolutions, amendments and reaffirmations, the busy schedule includes program reports from all NYSUT officers, and videos that inform on issues or celebrate achievements such as the May 3 march for public education. Presentations will highlight the life-saving impact of Automated External Defibrillators; professional development efforts and Staples recycling program.