Young Congratulates Women of Distinction Winners in Albany

State Senator Catharine "Cathy" Young (R,I,C - Olean) on Tuesday honored Gertrude A. Butera from Almond and Lisa Heath of Jamestown with the annual "Women of Distinction" Award. Ms. Butera and Ms. Heath were named as this year's recipients of the New York State Senate's honorary program.

"I was very pleased to have Trudy and Lisa recognized for their achievements," Senator Young said. "I congratulate them for truly making a difference in our communities and the Southern Tier."

Ms. Butera, joined with nearly 60 honorees from across the state to be honored at a special ceremony in Albany with a memorial plaque, Senate Proclamation and lapel pin. Ms. Heath was unable to attend the ceremony in Albany, but will be honored next Tuesday, June 27, at the Ironstone Restaurant in Jamestown.

Ms. Butera’s activism on behalf of her community got off to an early start, working in a Blood Bank for the American Red Cross. Her 1946 certificate from The Red Cross states: "Recognition of meritorious personal service performed in behalf of the Nation, her armed forces, and suffering humanity in the Second World War."

Since 1990, Ms. Butera has served as Chapter Delegate to the United University Professions Delegate Assembly. In addition, she is the Honorary Trustee for the United University Professions College Scholarship Trust Fund.

Throughout her life, Ms. Butera has earned the respect of her peers through tireless community service, illustrating the energies and passions of a woman who leads a meaningful, productive life.
Her long, illustrious career began when she graduated Leetonia High School in 1938 as Class Co-Salutorian. She went on to earn many degrees and certificates from such institutions as Youngstown State University, the University of Akron, SUNY Buffalo, and Clarkson College.

A tireless advocate for education, Ms. Butera worked as a professor of business technology at SUNY Alfred, from 1974 to 1990. However, her contributions were far from over, as she remained a member of the United University Professions for the following decade and a half.

As a longtime community activist, Ms. Butera’s accomplishments range far and wide. She has received numerous awards, including the United University Professions Certificate of Appreciation for Meritorious service to the Union and Its Membership, the Allegany County Board of Legislators Certificate of Appreciation, the Outstanding College Service Award from Alfred State College, the Nina Mitchell Award For Distinguished Service to the United University Professions, the Mother Jones Distinguished Service Award, and many other awards, committee memberships and services of
various organizations too numerous to mention.

The Women of Distinction program was created in 1998 as part of our state celebration of Women's History Month to honor exemplary women from across New York State whose singular professional or personal achievements, commitment to excellence and accomplishments merit special recognition. Honorees are selected from nominations submitted from across the state.

*** Ms. Health’s bio and photo will be available next week after her respective ceremony. ***