Vogel announces his retirement

April 15, 2002
Members of the UPI Executive Board

Dear Brothers and Sisters;

First of all, let me thank all of you for your good wishes, flowers, cookies, books, cards phone calls, advice and the crossing of the fingers during my recent hospitalization. Shortly, I will thank all of you and your chapters personally. It really was very comforting and actually helpful to hear from you as well as receive the gifts of beauty, good wishes and knowledge. Thank you, Thank you. Thank you.

Also, please allow this missive to serve as a notice of my intention to step down as President of UPI during this summer. When I ran for re-election, I informed our Chapter Presidents and others that it was my intent to run but not complete the scheduled three-year term.

I ran because there was much unfinished business. I think I made the right decision. UPI negotiated some of its largest salary increases during this year and a half, we helped in creating a positive transition of leadership in the Illinois Federation of Teachers, we also saw the Illinois Board of Higher Education adopt our positions on salary equity and most importantly we saw a very smooth transition of leadership in UPI at the local and Chapter level.

I know there will be ample time for a review of my 16 years as President later, but the purpose of this memo is to inform you that according to our Constitution, the UPI Executive Board has the authority to select replacements for Local officers, including President in order to complete the scheduled term of office of the elected officer. This decision will have to be made at our April Executive Board meeting this Saturday in Springfield.

The exact date of my resignation will be determined after I meet with my replacement.

I know I will have ample opportunities to meet and celebrate our past accomplishments and future successes in the next few months. I look forward to it.

As always in Solidarity and Appreciation,

Mitchell Vogel, President