NYSUT's top retirees, SRP member honored

April 12, 2005

Left to right: Altomare, Goldberg and Keomuongchanh

Three unionists of diverse personal backgrounds and professional experiences were recognized by their NYSUT colleagues for service to their union and the constituencies they represent.

Honored as Retiree Members of the Year were Sheila Goldberg of the Plainedge Retiree Chapter and George Altomare of the UFT.

Meanwhile, Oupekha (Sam) Keomuongchanh of the Rochester Association of Paraprofessionals was recognized as NYSUT's School-Related Professionals Member of the Year.

Goldberg, president of her retiree chapter, is a two-time breast cancer survivor who coordinates NYSUT's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" in Nassau County. She is also a longtime VOTE/COPE activist.

Altomare was one of the original organizers of the former New York Teachers Guild and the Teacher Unity Campaign, which eventually led to the founding of UFT.

He remains active as UFT director of worker education and serves on the executive board and numerous committees, staying connected nationally as delegate to the AFT and AFL-CIO.

Keomuongchanh, a member of his local's Executive Board, is fluent in seven languages. He advises and offers other support to students from around the world who attend the high school in which he works.