April 2007 Board Minutes Wick Alumni Center
Members Present: Jim Kendrick, Dick Boohar, Irv Omtvedt, Rose Marie Tondl, Bob Fuller, Delivee Wright, Max Clegg, Jim McShane, Dan Lutz, Jack Goebel
President Howard Ottoson called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m.Regarding minutes of the Association’s membership meetings, the need for the secretary to record in the minutes a condensed report of the speaker’s presentation was discussed. By consensus, it was agreed that only the speaker’s name and identification and the title of the presentation need to be included in the minutes.
Lutz broached the subject as to whether motions made at directors meetings should be in writing, as mandated by a motion made by Jim Kendrick some time ago. It was agreed that this procedure would be desirable and should be implemented.
In regard to approval of the minutes of the March board meeting, Tondl stated that Roberts’ Rules do not now require a motion and second for approval of the minutes, nor of accepting the treasurer’s report.
The March meeting minutes were approved without changes. Treasurer Walter Mientka was absent and no report was given.
Regarding Emeriti participation in OLLI, Ottoson said of new members offered a one-year free membership, 32 have responded. It was pointed out that a significant number of newly-designated Emeriti do not live in the greater Lincoln area.
A report on the Faculty Senate was requested. McShane said he would be attending a meeting later in the day and would report later.
The overall staging of the New Emeriti Appreciation Luncheon was excellent, and should be scheduled again when warranted.
Ottoson reminded the board of the NU Retirees’ luncheon sponsored by President James Milliken in Omaha. Emeriti should have received a postcard registration form to be returned to the President’s office. A list has been turned in for attendance at the Emeriti Luncheon September 27.
Lutz was asked to comment on the proposal to recognize Emeriti for superior achievements and honors. The question was raised as to whether honors/achievements at the national, state, city or other level or category would be appropriate to be recognized. It was suggested that an announcement of such recognition be made at membership meetings which would inform Emeriti Association members at large, since meeting minutes are posted on the website.
Officers and board members were reminded to bring selected hard copy materials (archival records) to the next board meeting to be put in filing cabinets in the lower level of the Wick Center, preparatory to being digitized. The ad hoc committee regarding the digitizing project, along with president Ottoson, will meet in early May to move forward on the overall project.
A question was raised as to whether recipients of Wisherd Fund grants and amounts would be appropriate to be included in the digitized archives. The question of privacy was raised relating to Emeriti receiving funding for health assistance. Those receiving funds for research projects and research topics would probably be appropriate to include. The Archival committee was requested to report to the board at its September meeting.
Other listed agenda items:
Report by Website Committee posted on website.
Membership Committee: Boohar said a number of envelopes from Emeriti Assn. mailings have been returned with wrong addresses, some with no forwarding option. A possible solution, he said—which takes time—is to call department or academic units to find current staff members who might help contact Emeriti from that unit.
The April membership meeting will be held April 17 at the Nebraska East Union. The presentation is titled “Last Things First,” and will be presented by Timothy F. Clare of Rembolt, Ludtke LLP. Clare is a Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Lutz will arrange for a postcard notice to be mailed by UNL copying/printing to Emeriti with greater Lincoln area addresses.
The next board meeting will be May 1 at the Alumni Center. Ed Paquette will review the following programs: Pay it Forward, Medicare Supplement and Long term Care.
Further topics and discussion:
Fuller reminded that a suggestion was made at the New Emeriti luncheon that the Association initiate steps to assist U.S. armed service veterans who have returned from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mac Sawyer made the suggestion at the luncheon. A contact would be Margaret Bunde of the Veterans Administration officed in Lincoln. Emeriti are urged to volunteer and contact Sawyer.
Delivee reported that four baskets had been delivered to Emeriti home after hospitalization: Eugene Ruud, Bill Splinter, Clinton Hoover and Jim Shelley. Shelley’s condition needs to be checked on.
A question was asked as to whether lifetime or domestic partners, vs. spouses, are eligible for Wisherd Fund grants. Answer: they are not.
Fuller reported that two Emeriti have collected a large number of antique optional instruments, which would be desirable to be saved when and if they do not have a place in the owners’ property. Efforts need to be made to preserve the collection. Suggestions included contacting the NU Foundation and the Nebraska Historical Society if Eugene Ruud, one of the collectors, wishes to dispense with the instruments, including telescopes, but to keep the collection intact. Behlen Industries of Columbus might be contacted to see if any of the instruments, including telescopes, were manufactured in Nebraska. It was also suggested to contact the Mueller Planetarium for advice.
There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:10 p.m.