Solidarity forever

A tribute to Thomas Y. Hobart Jr.

April 9, 2005

PICTURED: Sen. Hillary Clinton at the Hobart celebration.

Praising Tom Hobart for "a lifetime of service not only to NYSUT - but to our children," U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said Hobart's reach extended far beyond New York. "How do you sum up his lifetime of service?" Clinton said to an overflow crowd at Friday evening's gala celebration at the Hilton. "It's such an extraordinary record of accomplishments."

She lauded Hobart for building a union that is an example for the nation. "NYSUT is a model for the kind of union that tries to bring people together to solve problems," she said. "You've been blessed to have him as your president all these years. And I feel fortunate to be able to call him a friend."

Clinton thanked Hobart for his friendship and support, especially his "straight answers" and help during her 2000 campaign for U.S. Senate.

"Throughout that campaign, NYSUT was one of my strongest supporters," she said. "I'm here to say thank you to all of you for taking a chance on me."

During the festivities, Hobart was presented with a framed New York Teacher cover honoring "Mr. NYSUT," a commemorative gavel, and a set of books signed by all the living U.S. presidents.

American Federation of Teachers President Ed McElroy said he's held many titles, but the one he'll cherish most is Tom Hobart's friend. "I'm prouder of that than anything else," he said.

Hobart spoke briefly, saying,"I am just awed looking at this crowd." He said many of the thousands of people in the room had made NYSUT the great union it is today. "An awful lot of you have done the work I've gotten the credit for," he said. "I owe you rather than you owing me."