Cortland Resident Honored With NYS Senate Commendation Award

At the end of the month of March, which is Women’s History month, New York State Senator Lea Webb (SD-52), presented Cortland native, Jo Schaffer with the New York State Senate Commendation Award. The award is one of the highest honors the State Senate may present in recognizing individuals who have served and made long lasting contributions within their community and for the state.

Jo Schaffer’s service for the Cortland Community has spanned many decades. Her work includes grassroots activism along with a high community engagement. She also is a member of the League of Women Voters and helped volunteer her time to getting people to register to vote; she is also a founding member of the Cortland Arts Council. 

“She has consistently gone above and beyond, from moderating candidate forums to educating voters and serving on countless boards and committees. Jo has been a fierce advocate for her community, from advancing faculty interests through the United University Professions (UUP) to her work with local organizations like the YWCA and the City of Cortland’s Historic District Review Board. Her legacy of service and advocacy is both broad and deeply personal—she does the hard work, the behind-the-scenes work, with humility and grace.”

Senator Webb said.

In 2023, Jo was recognized with the LWV Alice A. Walker Award. Another testament of her dedication for her community. 

“We are so proud to call Jo Schaffer a member of the League of Women Voters of Cortland County.  She has done so much for the Cortland community and is so rewarding of this award.  Our hearts are full of love and appreciation for Jo.”

The League of Women Voters of Cortland County said in a release.