The AFL-CIO, the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust, and the American
Labor community hosted a reception honoring the life and work of John
J. Sweeney, President Emeritus of the AFL-CIO.
When: July 30, 2014, 5:00 – 7:30 pm
Where: AFL-CIO, 815 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC
John J. Sweeney, President Emeritus of the AFL-CIO, was honored at a reception to recognize Mr. Sweeney’s lifelong advocacy for working people here and abroad, a life that has been rooted in religious faith, family and an abiding belief in social and economic justice.
The University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, recognized Mr. Sweeney with the International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE) Global Peace and Social Justice Award in honor of his work for peace and justice in Northern Ireland. The University also announced its creation of the John J. Sweeney Scholarship, a full scholarship that will be available to American students with union ties who aspire to be part of the next generation of peace builders.
Professor Hugh McKenna, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Ulster, who presented the award said: “The University of Ulster and its INCORE center are delighted to honor Mr. Sweeney with this inaugural award and scholarship, in further recognition of his outstanding contributions to the American labor movement, the wellbeing of working people and the cause of peace in Northern Ireland. This has been made possible thanks to the contributions of the AFL-CIO and the American labor community and will enable American students to learn about peace in a post-conflict society and access the internationally recognized expertise at the University of Ulster.”
The scholarship is being established in conjunction with the newly endowed John Hume and Thomas P. (Tip) O’Neill Chair in Peace at the University of Ulster.
“John was a dear friend of my Dad and one of those people he could count on for Northern Ireland,” said Thomas P. O’Neill III, Chief Executive Officer, O’Neill & Associates.
At the event, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka presented Mr. Sweeney with the George Meany-Lane Kirkland Lifetime Achievement Award for Global Workers’ Rights. “John Sweeney has truly lived his core values of fairness, faith, and family,” said Mr. Trumka, who served with Mr. Sweeney at the AFL-CIO as secretary-treasurer. “John’s leadership has given a voice to countless workers who deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness.”
In addition to Mr. Trumka, Mr. Boland, Mr. McKenna, and Mr. O’Neill, other speakers included Anne Anderson, Irish Ambassador to the United States; Steve Coyle, Chief Executive Officer, AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust; and Tom O’Leary, Chief Operating Officer, The American Ireland Fund.
http://www.ktul.com/story/26162455/afl-cio-and-labor-community-honor-the-life-and-work-of-afl-cio-president-emeritus-john-j-sweeney |
Event Chairs
James Boland, President, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsworkers
Steve Coyle, Chief Executive Officer, AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust
Thomas P. O’Neill, III, Chief Executive Officer, O’Neill & Associates |
