Steven London
Professional Staff Congress
A NYSUT activist since joining United University Professions at SUNY Old Westbury in 1980, Steve London joined the PSC when he moved to CUNY's Brooklyn College in 1986. London was active in the reform caucus of UUP, which became a template when he helped to found the New Caucus in the PSC. A political science professor, he became Brooklyn College chapter chair in 1993. When the new caucus was elected to leadership of the PSC in 2000, he was elected vice president and named to chair the Grievance Policy Committee. As political director, he helped project the power of the union within New York City.
In 15 years on the NYSUT Board of Directors, London worked to integrate a higher education agenda within NYSUT. He says he is most proud of participating in a collective leadership that won and transformed the union.
Judith Wishnia
United University Professions
Throughout a long and distinguished career, Wishnia fought for social justice through her work as a unionist, as a feminist and as a scholar. Wishnia joined UUP in 1976 when she was at Stony Brook University. As an active member, she served six years on the statewide executive board and on the negotiations team. UUP bestowed its highest honor on her in 1994 when she received the Nina Mitchell Award for Distinguished Service.
At her chapter, she has been the academic grievance chair and continues to serve as an AFT, NYSUT and UUP delegate. She is a member of the chapter executive board, as well. Although Wishnia retired as a professor at Stony Brook, she did not retire from her work in UUP, NYSUT and AFT. Since 2005, she has chaired UUP's Active Retired Membership Committee, which represents more than 4,000 members.