2015 George M. Growney Scholarship Award Winners Announced; Award Ceremony Slated for June 1

Webster, N.Y.—On Monday, June 1, CSEA Monroe County Local 828 Executive Board, Local 828 Scholarship Committee and CSEA Retirees Local 902 will host the 23rd Annual Scholarship Award Dinner at Liberty Lodge in Finn Park, 850 Maple Dr., Webster, N.Y.

At the picnic supper, Local officers will formally announce the winners of the CSEA Local 828 George M. Growney Memorial Scholarships, Unit 7400 and the Jane McManus Scholarship Award for 2015. This year, $10,000.00 will be awarded to deserving area students whose parents or caregivers are members in good standing of CSEA Monroe County Local 828.

Since 1993, CSEA Local 828 has awarded over $140,000 in scholarship prize money. In 1993, the Monroe County Employees Unit 7400, the largest Unit in the Local, created their own scholarship program and have distributed more than $23,000.

George M. Growney Memorial Scholarships Local 828 & Unit 7400

Mr. Growney was a long time local labor leader and activist. He was employed as a probation officer with Monroe County. He served as local president for nearly two decades before his retirement in 1995. George had a passion for kids to succeed, and would be proud that his union brothers and sisters have carried on his legacy of love and commitment to youth. George M. Growney died on August 10, 1997. The scholarship program was named in his honor in 1998—one year after his passing.

“This is one of the best things we do as union activists,” said Bess Watts, President of Local 828. She added, “It’s very rewarding to know we are helping our young people succeed in life.”

CSEA Local 828 Scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors whose parents and caregivers are members or agency shop fee payers of Monroe County Local 828. The scholarship committees have reviewed thousands of applications in the past 23 years, which demonstrates the significant need of financial resources for young adults continuing their formal education. Scholarships applicants are judged on academic achievement, a written essay, financial need and potential.

Jane McManus Scholarship Unit 7420

Jane McManus

This year, no applicant met the general criteria to win the Jane McManus Scholarship. Therefore, the funds for this year will roll over to the 2016 Scholarship.

In 1974, Jane McManus started her public service career at the Rochester Public Library as a Senior Library Clerk. While a full-time employee, she also worked in the Literature and Local History Divisions. Shortly thereafter, Jane was promoted to part-time Library Assistant while working in the Reynolds Audio-Visual Department of the Central Library. In 1991, she transferred to the Winton Branch Library and has been The Story Lady for over two decades.

In 1993, Jane was appointed to the Part-Time Benefits Committee at the Rochester Public Library. In 1995, Jane was one of the founding members who organized and established CSEA Local 828 Unit 7420. Jane was unanimously elected as the first ever President of the City of Rochester Library Workers Unit, where she remained as President of the Unit until April 2006.

Jane remains active in CSEA serving as a Steward, Contract Negotiations Team member, Grievance Rep, member of the Local 828 Health & Safety Committee, and member of the Local 828 Scholarship Committee. She’s a strong advocate for workers’ rights and childhood education. Her CSEA part time library co-workers in Unit 7420 proposed that a scholarship be named in her honor in 2010. They did so knowing full well that Jane's passion, leadership abilities and vision should be forever acknowledged in perpetuity. After 41 years of public service, Jane is planning her retirement for sometime this fall.

Here is a list of the 2015 Scholarship Award winners:

* Winners in red ink are Unit 7400 winners. Click on image for a larger view.