March 31, 2026
ESPA Awards from 2026 Annual Meeting
LEFT: Gary Prophet (ESPA), Gwen Sheldon, and Bruce Becker (ESPA) RIGHT: Craig Schulz (Amtrak), Glen Sheldon, and Margaret Clark (Amtrak)
At the ESPA Annul Meeting and Lunch in Schenectady, Gwen Sheldon, long-time care taker of the unstaffed Amsterdam station with a contract to open, clean and close the train station, was awarded the “Outstanding Passenger Care Award” in appreciation to her stewardship of the station, including being the friendly face that travelers have often interacted with in Amsterdam NY. Thanks for a job well done!
The Great American Stations | Amsterdam NY
ABOVE: Steve Stauss, Gary Prophet, Bruce Becker, and Kevin Jones of ESPA
Long time ESPA member Tony Rudmann – who has long served as ESPA’s Director of Legislative Affairs and ESPA Coordinator/Director – was awarded at the Annual Meeting the ‘President’s Award’ for his many years of dedicated service to the Empire State Passenger Association and rail travelers of New York State. Tony was unable to attend this year’s meeting due to the mobility issues of age, but continues to remain active with ESPA online – we all wish him well and hope to see him soon.