On August 31, our long-time Chapter President, Dr. Estelle S. Gellman retired after 43 years with Hofstra. For the last 19 years, she has served us as the leader of our proud faculty union. Through pros-perity and recession, Estelle was always there for us, fighting for our rights as fac-ulty (and professionals). Everyone who knew her as the AAUP President recog-nized that she was brilliant, always acces-sible, and ever so humble. Her compas-sion and empathy are arguably the leading reasons as to why we have advanced so much during her tenure. Professors knew they could count on the AAUP President to defend their rights to academic free-dom under the Collective Bargaining Agreement without reservation. And even when there were no violations of the con-tract, Estelle would still listen carefully and dispense whatever advice she thought would make things better for the profes-sors and their family. Estelle was, and is, one of the toughest and wisest negotiators I have ever met in my career. I am also delighted to report to you that the Hofstra AAUP Executive Committee has entered into an agreement with Dr. Gellman to serve as Senior Advisor to the Hofstra AAUPChapter President which will cover the period up to, and including, our next contract expiration on August 31, 2011.

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