NYSUT Legacy Fund

Legacy Fund Tributes

MARY LOU DAVIS

- MathTeacher in NYC, Arlington and Spackenkill Public School districts.

- Held numerous Union leadership positions with the Spackenkill TA

- Organized the Spackenkill Retired Teachers Unit and served as President of the retiree chapter.

- Retiree Council #13 Board of Directors member and Treasurer of Retiree Council #13

- Serves as a Peer Coach for Research on Arthritis for the Hospital for Special Surgery

- Past President of AAUW Poughkeepsie branch & Woman of the Year Committee Chair

- Served 14 years as AAUW NYS Board President and State Convention Director

- Board of Trustees and Treasurer of Community Methodist Church

- Previous President of Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan and Orange County Math League

- Former Arlington CSD School Board Member

- Volunteer at Second Hand Rose, Dutchess County Habitat for Humanity

- NYSUT Community Service Award Winner (2012)

- American Federation of Teachers “Living the Legacy” Award

- Past American Association of University Women-Poughkeepsie Woman of the Year

- Joseph P. Whitehead Educator of Distinction Award

 

KATHY TAYLOR

- Cosmetology teacher in the Career & Tech Department of Ulster BOCES

- Served in a several Union Positions for the Ulster BOCES TO, including Local President for 15 years.

- Served as President of the Upper Catskill Area Labor Federation

- Received the “Mother Jones Award” from the Upper Catskill Area Labor Federation

- Served on the NYSUT Board of Directors for 15 years representing the Mid-Hudson region (ED 13)

- Committee of 100 Delegate from Ulster BOCES for many years.

- Served as a member of the Board of Directors of Retiree Council #13 and as Vice-President of Retiree Council #13

 

JOE PESAVENTO

- Social Studies teacher in the Marlboro CSD

- Served as a Director of the Mid-Hudson Teacher Center

- Served on the statewide Teacher Center Policy Board for over 20 years, including term as President of Policy Board

- President of the Marlboro Faculty Association for 37 years.

- Committee of 100 Delegate for Marlboro throughout his 37 years as local president.

- Member of the Board of Directors of Retiree Council #13

- Mentor to many new local leaders in Ulster County during his tenure as Marlboro President.

- Active in the Marlboro Community in various organizations including UNICO and KIWANIS.

 

MATTHEW OSTOYICH

- History teacher in the Onteora CSD

- Served as an adjunct professor for Taft University in retirement providing instruction to AP teachers.

- Served as President and Co-President of Retiree Council 313

- Committee of 100 Delegate while serving as President of Retiree Council #13

- During his tenure as President and Co-President of Retiree Council #13 he became an ambassador for the group attending Election District meetings, County meeting, and other NYSUT sponsored events to promote Retiree Council #13.

- Mid-Hudson Bridges (RC #13 newsletter) was established during Matt’s tenure.

- Serves as President Emeritus for Retiree Council #13.

 

MAE STARK

- Science and Math Teacher in the NYC Public School System

 - Taught with Al Shanker in the same NYC middle school

- Active member of the United Federation of Teachers while inservice.

- Credited her Russian immigrant parents for her unionism.

- Upon retiring, Mae moved to Ulster County and began substitute teaching in the Kingston CSD.

- Organized the Kingston Substitute Teachers bargaining unit. Mae served as President and Chief 

Negotiator for the Kingston Substitute Teachers-still subbed a few days each year well into her 

90s.

- Active member in the Ulster County Democratic Party throughout her days in Ulster County,