04/04/2025
New York State Senator Lea Webb recently honored D. Jo Schaffer, a retired SUNY Cortland professional staff member, with the New York State Senate Commendation Award.
Schaffer, who joined SUNY Cortland’s Art and Art History Department in 1967 and became slide curator emerita in 1996, was honored by Webb for her tireless dedication to social justice and exceptional service to the Cortland community.
“Jo’s commitment has spanned decades, and her work is truly a testament to the power of grassroots activism and community engagement,” said Webb, who serves the 52nd District, which includes Cortland.
Whether through her leadership with the League of Women Voters, her volunteer work registering voters, or her role as a founding member of the Cortland Arts Council, Schaffer’s impact has been felt by many, Webb said.
“She has consistently gone above and beyond, from moderating candidate forums to educating voters and serving on countless boards and committees.”
In 2023, Schaffer was presented with the Alice Walker Award by the League of Women Voters of Cortland County, recognizing her community service and volunteer leadership.
Schaffer was credited for her work with United University Professions (UUP), with local organizations like the YWCA and with the City of Cortland’s Historic District Review Board.
A former SUNY Cortland chapter president of the UUP and a longtime active statewide labor union leader, Schaffer upon retirement was recognized by the statewide union with its prestigious Nina Mitchell Award for Distinguished Service. She was honored as the 2008 UUP Outstanding Retiree for having continued to serve the union diligently long after retirement.
“Her legacy of service and advocacy is both broad and deeply personal,” Webb said. “She does the hard work, the behind-the-scenes work, with humility and grace.”
A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Schaffer always valued her public education and revered her father who had taught at Brooklyn College of CUNY. She attended Midwood High School before earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art from Brooklyn College. She also received a certificate in art history from the University of Paris and did doctoral work in art history at SUNY Binghamton. She taught art in the New York City public schools prior to coming to SUNY Cortland.
In 1997, Schaffer established two SUNY Cortland scholarships with a charitable remainder trust though the Cortland College Foundation. The Jo Schaffer Scholarship in Art History is awarded to an outstanding SUNY Cortland junior in art history. The Jo Schaffer Award in Social Justice is presented for their outstanding community service and activism on behalf of the disenfranchised and disadvantaged.
“She has been an extraordinary force for good in our community,” said SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum upon learning of the honor.
Webb announced Schaffer’s award shortly after the conclusion of Women’s History Month.