and Technology Center Dedicates New Addition
Winpisinger Center Director Jim Leslie, right, demonstrates the new video collection of speeches by former IAM President William W. Winpisinger.
A dream, born in tough times, is now a sparkling reality. The William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center's new wing is in full operation this summer.
With more student dormitory space, more state of the art classrooms, a bigger library and new computer facilities, the new facility increases school capacity by fifty percent.
"This marks our 20th anniversary," explained Director Jim Leslie. "We have taught almost 40,000 rank-and-file IAM members to be better activists and leaders. Now more members can take a wider variety of classes here."
Honoring the Founders
At the recent dedication ceremony, members of the current Executive Council and past officers gathered to honor the vision and valor of the IAM's legendary leaders.
"Here at Placid Harbor," explained IAM President Tom Buffenbarger, "members can learn from the example set by Wimpy, Tom Talbot, Tommy Douglas and George Kourpias. By connecting with the very roots of our union, they will find the drive and determination required to succeed."
Long known simply as Placid Harbor, the Center was renamed for the late IAM President William W. Winpisinger, who turned his dream of an education center into a reality. Besides bearing his name, the Center houses a collection of Winpisinger's speeches, papers and videos.
The Center's library now honors Tom Talbot, the IAM's first president. "Our members who study here should know all about Tom Talbot's courage and conviction. His example can help them when times get tough," said Buffenbarger.
A new reading room bears the name of retired IAM president George Kourpias, who succeeded Winpisinger. "This institution has been the salvation of our union," remarked Kourpias. "Our members deserve a world-class educational institution. And they have it."
The IAM's financial stewards, the general secretary-treasurers, also played major roles in purchasing, building and operating the facility. Two of the new classrooms are named for former Secretary-Treasurers Gene Glover and Tom Ducy.
"Gene Glover and Bill Winpisinger set in motion, and Tom Ducy propelled, a remarkable set of events," said current General Secretary-Treasurer Don Wharton. "These rooms are to thank Gene Glover and Tom Ducy for all they have done."
"Everybody who was there in the beginning and everyone who came after made Placid Harbor what it is today," said Glover, who was secretary-treasurer when the Center first opened. "I know it is going to get even better."
One conference room carries the name of T.C. "Tommy" Douglas, the founder of Canada's Medicare system. "Tommy Douglas was a great human being, a great Canadian Trade unionist who made the most popular film ever shown at Placid Harbor -- Mouseland," said Buffenbarger. "His conference room reminds us how vital international cooperation and communication is in the IAM."
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