NEW YORK, April 12, 2008 — Robert Cermele, mathematics professor at the CUNY New York City College of Technology, today received one of NYSUT's most prestigious statewide awards, "Higher Education Member of the Year," at the union's 36th annual Representative Assembly in New York City.

Cermele was honored for his 36 years of professional excellence as a CUNY professor, his commitment to the college's students and his role in building a strong union chapter on his campus and a vital Professional Staff Congress union throughout the five boroughs. PSC is the union representing CUNY academic and professional faculty.

A Manhattan resident, Cermele is a member of PSC's Executive Council and the chapter leader at the College of Technology.

"Bob Cermele embodies all the qualities of an education union leader: professionalism, advocacy and compassion," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. "He has built relationships that have benefited his students, his colleagues and their campus. Together with other PSC leaders, he has consistently fought for the needs of students and staff."

On campus, Cermele has brought faculty, administrators and students together to address key issues, from improving the college's physical plant to establishing fair teaching loads for his colleagues. He is known as an outstanding math teacher, particularly helping those who have struggled with math in the past.

Cermele plays a similar role off-campus. He is a consistent advocate for fair funding for his campus and for the entire public education system in New York state.

"Bob Cermele is a strong voice for his college and for all of CUNY," said NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin. "When he speaks to legislators, they listen to his voice of experience about the needs of his students and the CUNY system."

NYSUT represents more than 585,000 teachers, school-related professionals, academic and professional faculty in higher education, professionals in education and health care and retirees. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.