Red Cross to honor college president and director of disaster mental health studies

College President Steven Poskanzer and James Halpern, director of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health at the State University of New York at New Paltz, will both be honored at the Red Cross of Ulster County’s 10th Annual Founder’s Dinner at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 5, at the Wiltwyck Golf Club in Kingston.

Each year the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Ulster County Chapter honors community leaders who exemplify the core values and visionary spirit of the founders of the chapter.

In addition to Dr. Poskanzer and Dr. Halpern, the Ulster County Red Cross will also honor David H. Rylance, business leader and community activist.

In announcing the 2009 honorees, Michael F. Oliver, chair of the board of directors, said, “This year the chapter is celebrating 100 years of service to Ulster County. The board wanted award recipients who not only exhibit the founder’s commitment to community, but also demonstrate a concern for the future. We selected three Ulster County leaders whose efforts are strengthening the foundation of our community and are helping to prepare a new generation of professionals and volunteers.”

“Dr. Poskanzer and Dr. Halpern, through their work with the students in the Institute of Disaster Mental Health, are creating a valuable resource to address the special needs of disaster victims,” Oliver added. “These men illustrate the same dedication and leadership that motivated our chapter founders in 1908.”

Those wishing to join the Ulster County Red Cross in honoring Dr. Poskanzer, Dr. Halpern and Mr. Rylance may contact the chapter office at 845-338-7020 or e-mail director@ulsterredcross.org. Tickets are $125.00 per person and the proceeds will support the emergency services and education programs of the American Red Cross in Ulster County.