Public Employee Press

District Council 37 college graduates seize the day

By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

Parent Coordinator Joseph Cooper held down two jobs, took guardianship of his 3-year-old niece, and stayed on the Dean's List.

Parks Enforcement Patrol Officer Barthel Joseph studied on the subway, got married, and was promoted after earning his degree.

And Clerical Associate Nichole Melendez-Mowatt, who was labeled learning disabled from third grade, overcame the stigma to graduate summa cum laude and be inducted into the National Honor Society.

These three DC 37 members juggled jobs and family to complete their bachelor's degree, Cooper and Melendez-Mowatt with honors from the College of New Rochelle, School of New Resources at its 20th annual hooding ceremony at union headquarters May 11. They and 80 others from 12 DC 37 locals are the Class of 2015.

"Many of you are the first in your family to graduate from college," Dr. Darryl Jones, dean of the School of New Resources, told the grads above cheers from an audience of 400. "You advanced with vision, perseverance and sacrifice - and support from your families and your union - to embody the transformative power of education."

The school brings the campus to the union hall, a program Lillian Roberts launched over 40 years ago under then DC 37 Executive Director Victor Gotbaum. Since then, more than 3,700 DC 37 members have graduated, becoming teachers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, therapists, civic leaders and more.

At the May 19 commencement ceremony at the Beacon Theatre, Roberts, the recently retired DC 37 chief, was honored with the Sister Dorothy Ann Kelly, O.S.U. Woman of Conscience Award.

"Without a program like this I would not have my degree," said Cooper, one of 34 public school workers in Local 372 to graduate this year. "My wife, Carolyn, was very supportive and knew how much this meant to me.

"All the classes and professors understand we are working adults. They push us but realize that we come to class after a 10- or 12-hour workday and still have families to care for at home," said Cooper, who also works a second job and may one day run for City Council.

The College of New Rochelle is worthwhile

Cooper's day starts early with dropping off Serenity, now 6, at school. He arrives at Community Arts and Media High School for work and spends two or three evenings a week at the union hall campus. He reads and writes papers late nights. Cooper said, "I put in very long days but it was worth it. What I thought would take 10 years, I completed in just three."

PEP Sgt. Barthel Joseph, a Local 983 member, learned of the school online. "From the first night, I knew I found what I wanted," he said. "Campus Director Dr. Steve Greenfeld and the staff made me feel welcome."

"When Sandy hit and DC 37 closed, I shuttled between three different campuses," he said. "I was determined to not give up, and I finished last August."

Shortly after, the Parks Dept. promoted Joseph to sergeant. "At the interview, Assistant Commissioner Michael Dockett noted I had my bachelor's degree. I believe that gave me an edge and made the difference that opened new doors for me," Joseph said. "I also set an example for my children to work hard in school."

"This has been a test of faith," said Melendez-Mowatt, who graduated with a 3.96 grade point average and addressed the hooding audience. "I was empowered to advocate for myself. I started the College of New Rochelle, stopped to have my son, and came back. The professors always encouraged me. We have overcome obstacles to finish a journey that begins today."