Meet the Candidates for Member-at-Large

Our upcoming Special Election for Member-at-Large candidates has these two candidates (note the mailer said 3, that was incorrect).

Sarah Swider

I am running for the position of Member‑at‑Large on the Executive Board because I believe deeply in the power of a strong, engaged union to shape the future of our university. Higher education is facing a period of significant uncertainty and change in the environment in which we operate. Our people are the institution’s greatest asset, and Wayne State University can only weather these challenges and come out strong, if the voices of its workers are heard, respected and central to decision‑making. I want to help our union fulfill that mission.

I bring both practical experience and scholarly expertise in labor and worker issues. Before entering academia, I worked as a political organizer and for a local SEIU union, gaining firsthand insight into contract struggles, member outreach and building collective power. I later worked with workers and unions in South Korea during a period of major restructuring, which deepened my understanding of the challenges workers face in moments of structural and institutional change. I went on to earn a master’s degree in industrial labor relations and later a PhD in sociology, and devoted much of my academic career to researching worker movements, labor issues and collective action. These experiences have equipped me with knowledge and skills that would help me serve effectively as a member of the Executive Board. Finally, I am energized by the momentum, new leadership and renewed engagement I see across our union. I want to contribute to, and help build, that energy. As Member‑at‑Large, I am ready to participate by actively listening to, and engaging, our members and bringing their voices to the table.

Richard Lerman

My name is Richard Lerman, I am an Instructor of Teaching, and I am running to be a Member-at-Large for the WAU.

I worked at Wayne State University for almost 30 years as an IT professional and for almost 6 years as a part-time faculty member before my position was eliminated due to the IT consolidation and reorganization in 2020.

Over the next few years, I continued working as a part-time faculty member until I accepted a full-time teaching position in the Technology, Information Systems, and Analytics department at the Mike Ilitch School of Business last year.

I am also a proud second-generation alumnus of WSU, receiving degrees in engineering, computer science, business, and education. My father received his business degree in 1974. I met my wife at WSU, and my daughter is a graduate of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Over the years, I have donated both my time and my money to WSU, helping with late-night breakfast and graduation, and funding MISB scholarships and our new building.

As an IT professional at WSU, I was active in the P&A union, UAW Local 1979. I served as Member-at-Large, Treasurer, and a member of the contract negotiation team. I helped with elections, grievances, and layoffs. I completed contract negotiations training at the UAW.

If elected as a Member-at-Large for the WAU, I will draw on my previous union experience to ensure WSU honors all provisions of our union contract, provide support to all of our members, and help to identify ways to move our union forward.

I am glad to return to WSU and proud to be a member of the WAU.