32BJ SEIU HONORS 250 NEW TRADE SCHOOL GRADUATES
32BJ SEIU HONORS 250 NEW TRADE SCHOOL GRADUATES
NJ Assemblywomen Shavonda Sumter delivered inspiring commencement speech
Newark—On Saturday, June 17th at 2pm, hundreds of graduates marked a milestone at a ceremony at Rutgers University’s Paul Robeson Center in Newark. Two-hundred and fifty graduates– members of the labor union 32BJ SEIU—received certificates for completing a variety of courses offered through the Thomas Shortman Training Fund. From academic courses to classes in various trades including electricity, carpentry, plumbing, air conditioning and refrigeration, students receive the education they need to improve their skills. There are even green courses to help members prepare for the demands of a changing global market.
“I took ESL courses and classes to help me prepare for the test to become an American citizen,” said Ana Veras, an office cleaner from Paterson. “And today I am proud to say I am a graduate and an American citizen! Thanks to my union, 32BJ, I was able to fulfill my lifelong dreams.”
Ana Veras was one of the 51 new American citizens honored. She led the audience of two hundred proud family and friends when they recited the pledge of allegiance.
Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter praised all of the graduates for their hard work and achievements during her keynote address. She shared her personal story about the financial obstacles she faced when she was about to enter college and how she persevered and was able to graduate and excel. And she credited a former employer for helping to get her Master’s degree.
“Whether it’s improving their ability to speak and write in English or learning the latest tools of the trade, our graduates bring these new skills to their job and they gain the confidence they need to succeed,” said 32BJ Vice President Kevin Brown.
This year, there was an increase in the number of women who studied trades like carpentry and plumbing. 32BJ partners with a consortium of 19 Community Colleges to offer members courses at locations across the state. The goal is to provide 32BJ members with the tools necessary to meet the challenges of a changing industry.
*About 32BJ: With 165,000 members in 11 states–including 12,000 in New Jersey–32BJ SEIU is the largest property services union in the country.
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Press Contact: Desirée Taylor
