Anne Arundel Sergeants Association, Local 123

On Saturday, July 24, 1999, at 11:00 a.m. in Silver Spring Maryland the
National Labor College Graduated its first class. The National Labor College
is located at the George Meany Center for Labor Studies. The class consisted
of a total of 46 students graduating from Antioch University and 42 students
graduating from the National Labor College. All students received their
Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies.

     This was a proud day in labor history. The Honorable Paris N.
Glendening, Governor of Maryland, gave the keynote address and was awarded an
honorary Ph.D. from the University.

     Also addressing the graduates was John J. Sweeney, International
President of the AFL/CIO. Mr. Sweeney expressed the pride that organized
labor can feel in the establishment of the National Labor College.

    While this was indeed a special day for all of organized labor, a special
honor was bestowed upon the International Union of Police Associations, IUPA.

 
    The first Student to graduate from the first graduating class of the
National Labor college was Bret Ballam. Bret is the President of IUPA local
123, in Anne Arundel County Maryland. President Ballam started at the
National Labor College in April of 1998. He completed double semesters, while
not only working full time, but running his union and negotiating a contract
for his local.  Of the 42 students graduating from the National Labor College
three, including Bret, were from the IUPA. Sgt. Bryan Heger and Sgt. Steve Torbek all are from the Anne Arundel Police Sergeants Association, Local 123.

    Brother Ballam leads by example, there are five more members of his
local, and one associate member attending the National Labor College.