American Sociological Association Award

The American Sociological Association (ASA) presented Andy with its Public Understanding of Sociology Award in recognition of his career-long efforts to bring sociological research to general audiences. The award honors ASA members who have made exemplary contributions to advancing public understanding of sociology through community work, public engagement, policy contributions, or translating scholarly knowledge for broader publics.

At the heart of Andy's public contributions was a long-term relationship with The New York Times, through which he and his Queens College students helped journalists interpret census data on societal changes including racial segregation, immigration, voting patterns, and income distribution. His research and maps provided the foundation for dozens of major features – many with front-page coverage – on topics ranging from social class and race to the displacement of populations by Hurricane Katrina.

Beyond his work with the Times, Andy extended his public reach through his own column on GothamGazette.com and through SocialExplorer. His community engagement went further still: as President of the Yonkers Board of Education, he fought to bring the school system into compliance with court-ordered integration, and he frequently served as an expert witness in civil rights cases alongside organizations such as the ACLU, NAACP, and the U.S. Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.

In honoring Andy, the ASA recognized a scholar who consistently translated complex sociological knowledge into tools, stories, and arguments that informed policymakers, journalists, courts, and everyday citizens alike.