Labor Resource Center to Honor Senator Kerry and Teresa Heinz on May 10

By Jeanne Wallace-Buckley

On May 10, Senator John F. Kerry and his wife philanthropist Teresa Heinz will be awarded the Chancellor’s Medal for Distinguished Service to Massachusetts’ Working Men and Women at the Labor Resource Dinner at the Boston Teacher’s Union Hall. Kerry and Heinz will join a distinguished list of previous recipients, which includes Senator Tom Birmingham; Congressman Stephen Lynch; Don Wightman, president of the National Union of Utility Workers; and Dennis Rivera, Latino activist and president of NYC 1191/SEIU.

“I am very proud UMass Boston is bestowing the Chancellor’s medal in recognition of Senator Kerry’s and Teresa’s Heinz’ exemplary public service,” said Chancellor Gora. “Their work in the community is inspiring.”

“We recognize individuals who exemplify the spirit of the award—regional and national commitment to working people,” explains Pat Reeves, director of the Labor Resource Center. “Kerry and Heinz each exemplify commitment to working people, and share a concern for the income maintenance and social supports for the most vulnerable population.”

Kerry, a Yale graduate and decorated Vietnam veteran, has demonstrated unwavering support of workers during his 18 years of service in the U.S. Senate, with a voting record greater than 90 percent on labor votes.

Teresa Heinz, a 1998 UMass Boston honorary degree recipient and former United Nations linguist, is the chairman of the Heinz Family Philanthropies and of the Howard Heinz Endowment, one of the nation’s largest philanthropic enterprises. Heinz has funded, tirelessly advocated for, and advanced research and programs that promote the long-term economic security of women in the Commonwealth and across the nation.

The dinner will benefit the Labor Resource Center, established in 1997 as an outgrowth of the 15-year-old Labor Studies Program. The center offers both undergraduate and non-degree programs in labor studies and conducts basic research, provides support and training to labor and community organizations, and advocates for economic and social justice for working families.

In keeping with the event’s theme, “When the Ordinary Becomes Extra-Ordinary: Celebrating the Power of Public Service,” the event will also honor and celebrate the contributions of the Association of Flight Attendants; Bob Bower of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO Education and Training Department; the Employment Unit of Greater Boston Legal Services; Ironworkers Union Local 7 Boston; the Legalization Coalition; and Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts I.A.F.F.

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