Old Board MinutesOctober 6, 2009 President Lowell Moser called the meeting to order at 1 p.m. at the Wick Alumni Center. Directors and officers present: Jim Kendrick, Jim Carr, Delivee Wright, Herb Howe, Max Clegg, Dan Lutz, , Tice Miller, Walter Mientka. Andrea Cranford, representing the UNL Alumni Assn., was present. She announced the dates for Masters Week to be November 4-7, with a welcome reception to begin the observance. Nominations for Alumni awards are due December 1. A new Alumni Association staff member, Brooke Janousek, was introduced. Following approval September 24 of establishing Collegial Membership in the Emeriti Assn., Jim Kendrick proposed the following wording to be included in the constitution and by-laws: Membership shall consist of dues-paying Emeriti of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and dues-paying Collegial Members. Membership is complimentary for a full calendar year after obtaining Emeritus/a status from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. All members are franchised to vote on matters affecting the Association. Honorary (non-voting) Life Membership is granted to surviving widows and widowers of UNL Emeriti. Collegial Membership may be granted by the board of directors of the UNL Emeriti Association to any person holding Emeritus or Emerita status from any university/college. Howe moved for approval of the Collegial Membership definition, seconded by Clegg, carried. Treasurer’s report: Walter Mientka. He reported that, as approved during the September 8 board meeting, he formally requested the transfer of $5,000 for operating expenses, and $3,000 for the purchase of two library display cases, from our UNL Foundation Spendable Amount total. He subsequently heard from Ms. Tinkler, our Foundation liaison contact, who indicated that the documentation he submitted for the Request for Transfer of Funds, was in order and he would soon receive the checks for deposit in our Association bank account. The formal treasurer’s report is posted on the website. Zelma Wisherd cemetery headstone funding: A total of $525 in contributions has been received so far, leaving a balance of $175 to complete the project. Moser will send out a reminder to the listserv. The current plan for alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays for monthly membership meetings was discussed. Some members continue to prefer a definite day for each month, as opposed to the alternate day approach. Some members believe the alternate monthly meeting day approach is not working as anticipated. Following the meeting, Mientka developed a statistical analysis, e-mailed to board members, comparing attendance at Tuesday vs. Thursday meetings for the period January 22, 2008 through September 2009. For the 2010 spring semester beginning in January, membership meetings at the UNL East Union are scheduled on an alternate Tuesday-Thursday basis. No formal action was taken. In scheduling monthly membership meetings, dates of Foundation and NU President-sponsored meetings must be considered. Howe moved that the January 2010 New Emeriti luncheon (formerly held at the Champions Club), be held at the East Campus Union beginning at 11 a.m., with a wine and cheese reception, followed by the usual luncheon and program. Motion seconded and approved. The procedure for new officer elections will be reviewed at the October membership meeting. Robert Fuller, whose schedule did not permit his attendance at the board meeting, submitted the following written report on the Emeriti in Action project: An order has been placed for the display cases. Max Clegg has been asked to construct plaques for each of the cases, and to consult with a library representative regarding the plaques. About a half dozen responses to the Emeriti in Action flier have been received. Each member of the board is expected to contribute an item for the display…either one of their own, or a contribution recruited from someone else. A description of a given contribution can be e-mailed to Fuller at rfuller@neb.rr.com. In a written report, Fuller, chair of the nominating committee, said he had not received any additional nominations for officers or board members. The board in session requested Fuller to transmit a message to the organization’s Listserv, announcing the present slate of officers to be elected, explaining the election process, and encouraging additional nominations. Committee Reports: Membership Relations – Tice Miller. Tour of Haunted Attic – Temple Building—10 a.m. October 27 EC Activity and schedule – Kay Rockwell (absent). 9-Mile Prairie Tour cancelled. Faculty Senate activities – McShane not present but forwarded a report on the Ayers committee charge, conclusions and recommendations. The committee had two charges: 1. To determine whether the principles of academic freedom had been violated in the Ayers cancellation. We determined that they had. 2. Make what we thought might be suitable recommendations should such circumstances arise in the future. We tried not to blame persons, because that was not in our charge and the evidence we had was not sufficient for us to be comfortable doing so, even if we had been asked. We made no specific recommendations about whether Ayers should be re-invited That also was not in our charge, and in our view, that is an academic judgment properly to be made by the appropriate professors of the College of Education and Human Sciences. If anyone wants a copy of the full report, I will forward it to them electronically on request. Website – Kendrick – no report; experiencing problems with computer. Membership – Melvin Thornton. Not present, but submitted the following report: As of October 6, 2009: Total of 796 names on the database. This includes 207 annual members; 143 life members; 29 new – 2009 members; 23 new-2010 members; 131 surviving spouse/partner members; and 264 others. List of Emeriti for Memory Moments: Dave McGill, Charles Mignon. There being no further old, unfinished or new business to consider, the meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dan B. Lutz, Secretary ////////////////////////////// September 8, 2009 President Lowell Moser called the meeting to order at 1 p.m. at the Wick Alumni Center. Directors and officers present: Jim Kendrick, Tice Miller, Delivee Wright, Herb Howe, Max Clegg, Jim Carr, Bob Fuller, Kay Rockwell, Walter Mientka, Dan Lutz The minutes of the May board meeting were approved without change. The treasurer’s report for August 1 – August 31 was distributed by Treasurer Mientka. The checkbook balance as of August 31 was $1,206.90. Mientka reviewed the proposed 2009 budget along with a summary of expenditures to alert the Board that we have overspent in at least one category associated with our projections. In addition, a printing bill for the fall mailing received in September will reduce the balance to an even lower level. As a consequence, sooner than expected, he will have to proceed with the process to transfer $4000 from our Foundation spendable earnings to our operation account. Mientka reported that there may be possible changes relating to the UNL Alumni Association handling of the Emeriti Assn. account. It is suggested that when our finances are handled through the UNL Alumni Association that the title of treasurer be changed to financial secretary. Also suggested is a petty cash category may be necessary which would contain small amounts of income and expense. Mientka said a specific proposal would be unveiled this fall. It was reported that the Collegial Membership proposal will be voted on at the September 24 Emeriti Assn. membership meeting. An e-mail message will be sent on September 17 to 795 individuals on the Emeriti Assn. listserv, giving the opportunity for a vote via computer. Electronic voting will end September 23. President Moser reported on the Association’s effort to underwrite the cost of a headstone, now lacking, at the location in Wyuka Cemetery where Zelma Wisherd is buried. The Emeriti Assn. seeks to solicit contributions from members to pay the $695 cost for a headstone. Members are encouraged to send a check payable to the UNL Alumni Association with the amount designated for the Zelma Wisherd Memorial Fund. Addressed envelopes were distributed to those present. It is clear that no funding for the headstone can come from the Wisherd Fund maintained within the Emeriti Assn. Bob Fuller presented the “Emeriti in Action Project Report,” in which the Association, in cooperation with UNL Libraries, will host a library exhibit in the spring of 2010. The exhibit will display activities carried out by UNL Emeriti since they achieved Emerita/us status. Each display will feature an article resulting from an Emerita/us activity, and may include works of art and handicrafts and photographs. A short paragraph will summarize a short background sketch of the Emerita/us who produced the article. Coordinator of the project is Robert Fuller, past Emeriti Assn. president, who can be reached at (402) 430-8310, or e-mail rfuller@neb.rr.com Display cases will be set up at Love Library next spring, with the project in place until the end of May. It was noted that few people look closely at library displays. Students more often look at something presented electronically. It was recommended that the displays be shared through the library website. It was suggested that new display cases be titled for Zelma and Maude Wisherd. To aid in financing, it was suggested by Mientka and Howe to pursue a proposal to the NU Foundation for a $4,000 from the spendable money in the Wisherd Fund. It was moved by Fuller, seconded by Carr, to accept such a proposal. Carried. Oral history project: Moser said two projects are in progress, to be critiqued and proceed from there. New Business A slate of 2010 officer candidates was prepared by the Nominations Committee and announced to the Board. Candidates are Dan Wheeler for president-elect and Jerry Petr as a director. These names will be presented to the Membership at the September 24 meeting. Any additional nominations must be made by the October membership meeting, with a vote on the final slate at the November meeting. Howe said the fall meeting program schedule would be announced on the internet. The Emeriti Assn. brochure created 2 ½ years ago needs to be revised. Moser and Miller will work on revising the brochure, including changing the typeface. The CASNR Alumni Chapter requested for e-mails for CASNR Emeriti who now are honorary members of the CASNR chapter. It was suggested that we e-mail CASNR emeriti first to see if anyone objects before giving the chapter the e-mail addresses. Kendrick gave a short report on the Emeriti Assn. website. He said the number of visitors to the website is increasing. Many visits are from Emeriti residing in foreign countries. Kay Rockwell gave a brief report on new membership coffees; very successful series, more will be scheduled going into fall. A schedule of coffees is posted on our website. Membership Committee: Thornton absent from meeting but submitted the following report. Current membership consists of 209 Annual members, 142 Life members, 29 new “09 members, 20 ’10 members, 130 spousal members, 265 potential members, which accounts for the 795 names on our data base. Benefits Committee: Goebel absent from meeting; no report submitted. Jim McShane was absent but sent a report on Senate activities. The submission of the Ayers report has been delayed until October. McShane is on the committee charged with preparation of the report. //////////////////////// May 5, 2009 President Moser called the meeting to order at 1 p.m. Directors and officers present: Jim Kendrick, Jim Carr, Max Clegg, Walter Mientka, Jim McShane, Bob Fuller, Dan Lutz. After discussion, Fuller moved, seconded by Clegg, that the minutes of the April 7 board meeting be approved. Carried. After presentation of the April treasurer’s report, and some clarifying discussion, moved by Kendrick, seconded by Fuller, to accept the report, which will be placed on the website. Moser reported on a brief visit with Dean Steve Waller of CASNR. He indicated that the first Departmental Award for the Involvement of Emeriti had been presented to the Department of Animal Science during the CASNR Week activities. Status of the proposed Zelma Wisherd headstone at Wyuka Cemetery was discussed by Moser. His visits to Roper & Sons and Wadlow Funeral Homes failed to confirm whether a headstone had been ordered at the time of her death. There were no records or an obituary available. It was concluded that the best approach to purchasing a headstone at the approximate cost of $600 would be funded by voluntary contributions by emeriti, with board members and officers taking the lead. The topic of Collegial Member privileges within the Emeriti Assn. was discussed. It was concluded that this issue would be reviewed and a decision made in the fall. Pursuit of implementing the Oral History Project was discussed. It was recommended that, on the basis of apparent support for the project by East Campus faculty and administration, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Steve Waller be contacted. It is known that the project has good support by the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Regarding a suggested UNL Retiree’s display at Love Library, Fuller will meet with Library representatives on May 6. The challenge of Emeriti Assn. officers and board contacting and communicating with the 317 emeriti members without e-mail capability was discussed. It was decided that two mailings (yellow postcards) would be made---one this fall and one next spring—announcing monthly program dates and speakers. Moved by McShane, seconded by Mientka, carried. A proposed addition to Article III of the Association’s constitution, enunciating a Collegial Membership category, was discussed. It was decided to leave the wording as it now exists. New business: The need to contact eight new Emeriti was discussed. They will receive a welcoming letter from the president, and will be contacted by Kay Rockwell to be invited to get acquainted coffees. It was noted that when monthly membership meetings convene at the East Campus Union this fall, the meeting dates will be Thursday, September 24, Tuesday, October 20, and Thursday, November 19. Emeriti board meetings will be held on September 8, October 7, November 4, and a longer board meeting/retreat will be held on December 1, 2009. A lengthy discussion was held regarding disbursements from the Wisherd Fund. It was noted that there are virtually no requests from emeriti for medical aid assistance or a proposed research project. Support of the Oral History effort would be a possibility. The board charged the Wisherd Fund committee, headed by McShane, to study new possibilities for disbursing Wisherd Fund dollars and make recommendations to the board for grants under the broad umbrella of “betterment of emeriti.” McShane reported on the UNL Faculty Senates activities in reference to the UNL Professional Misconduct. He related that he had spoken to the Senate about the shortcomings he saw in the proposal and asked the Board if they were comfortable with his continuing to do so. The board response was very supportive. McShane was told that he was doing in the Senate what he had been appointed to do and that he should feel encouraged to continue what he had been doing. Committee reports: Kendrick reported on continued improvements and expansion of the Emeriti Assn. website. Membership Relations – No report. Benefits – No report New Emeriti summer activity events – report submitted by Kay Rockwell. May 13 – 9:30 a.m. Coffee – Crescent Moon Courtyard, 816 P St. June 10 – 9:30 a.m. Spring Creek Prairie. Tour – 10:15 a.m. Fee - $3. RSVP required. Meadowlark Festival – Walton. Date and details to be determined. Membership Committee: Chair Mel Thornton submitted the following report: As of April 29, 2009: There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 3 p.m. ///////////////////////////////////////////// April 7, 2009 President Moser called the meeting to order at 1 p.m. at the Wick Alumni Center. Directors and officers present: Bob Fuller, Max Clegg, Jim Carr, Tice Miller, Kay Rockwell, Jack Goebel, Herb Howe, Jim Kendrick, Dan Lutz, Jim McShane, Mel Thornton, Walter Mientka Emeriti Assn. Webmaster Kendrick installed equipment and a screen capable of bringing up items from the website, including minutes of previous meetings, which proved very useful in reviewing past actions. In demonstrating the equipment, the minutes of the March 3 board meeting were displayed. One change was made regarding the following statement: McShane discussed the proposed Oral History Report. The following was deleted: Mary Quinlan, Associate Professor of Journalism at UNL, will provide an update on the report status at the April membership meeting. Andrea Cranford, representing the UNL Alumni Assn., presented an update on developments of interest to the Emeriti Assn. Commemorative coffee mugs, stored at the Wick Center, are available to be given to speakers at Emeriti Association Meetings or at other appropriate occasions. Cranford is the official liaison person from the Alumni Assn. to the Emeriti Assn. She is in charge of media relations for the Alumni Assn., responsible for news releases, Good NUZ, and a Nebraska full color magazine produced four times a year. An upcoming issue features the Emeriti Assn. Cranford said the Alumni Assn. is developing a new Website, which will be open in May, with a link to the Emeriti Assn. website. After considerable discussion, it was agreed that the proposed Collegial Membership category would be presented for final wording at the April 21 membership meeting, leading to a formal vote in September. A vote of approval by 2/3 of those voting by either method will be necessary to implement the proposal. Electronic voting will be available on the web with a hard copy proposal available at the meeting. The Oral History program by Indiana University can be accessed on their website, http: www.indiana.edu~/ . Board members were encouraged to visit that website. The Oral History issue will be on the April membership meeting agenda. Fuller agreed to be the contact person on the board. It was moved by Thornton, seconded by Fuller, to move ahead with this project. Carried. McShane agreed to chair a committee which will include Fuller and Tice Miller. Moser will check with CIT (Communications and Information Technology) regarding information on preparing and archiving Oral History and other presentations by the Emeriti Assn. and what costs would be involved. Proposals and criteria for Emeriti awards were discussed. The executive committee would work on criteria leading to recognition of deserving individuals at an annual awards ceremony. Guidelines would be drawn up relating to service awards, and when and where such awards would be presented. Moser noted that Zelma Wisherd, the last of the Wisherd extended family and who was directly responsible for establishment of the Wisherd Fund benefiting the Emeriti Assn., is buried at Wyuka Cemetery, but there is no gravestone. After brief discussion, McShane moved, seconded by Thornton, to finance an appropriate memorial stone at the stated cost of $600. Motion approved. It was suggested that $500 be drawn from the Emeriti Foundation and $100 contributed by the Emeriti Assn. With further discussion the Board thought it would be better to fund it by donations rather than using the Wisherd Fund. They agreed to ask for donations. At the April meeting following a visual presentation the membership will be advised that we likely will be asking for donations. Moved by Mientka, seconded by Howe, to pursue the program, carried. Committee reports: Jim Kendrick, Website committee chair indicated that recording of meeting programs and processing by CIT, that it will now cost $50 to $100 for a senior technician to process and post each program on the “Look and Listen” tab on the website. It was moved by Mientka, seconded by Howe that we go ahead and fund this new cost for all of the high quality programs, carried. Membership Relations: Tice Miller describe the activity of the Membership Relations Committee. Kay Rockwell reported on the New Membership Connections: Next coffee will be held April 20 at Mo Java. A visit is proposed to Salt Creek Prairie, which would require a fee of $3 per person attending. A motion to have the Emeriti Association cover the $3 cost per person was made by Rockwell, seconded by Clegg, carried. Membership report: Mel Thornton. Membership numbers by category are: Annual membership – 247; life members –145; new (2009) members—29; spouses—123. Total of these categories—544. Prospective Emeriti members—227; making a grand total of 771. Wisherd Fund – McShane, chair; Wisherd Award checks are being processed. No other report. Faculty Senate McShane: No report. Benefits – Goebel: No report. There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 3 p.m. Dan B. Lutz, secretary /////////////////////////////////////////////// March 3, 2009 President Moser called the meeting to order at 1 p.m. Directors and officers present: Tice Miller, Kay Rockwell, Herb Howe, Jim Kendrick, Max Clegg, Walter Mientka, Bob Fuller, Jim McShane, Jim Carr, Dan Lutz Tice Miller was introduced as the new Member Relations Committee Chair and welcomed to the board. Two staff members of the UNL Alumni Assn., Bob Stelter, Program Director, and Amy Castro, Asst. Program Director/Student Programs, spoke to the board regarding a proposed project involving the Emeriti Assn. The Alumni Engagement Committee, charged with contacting students interested in enrolling at UNL, has the opportunity for Emeriti to volunteer for the “Postcards of Pride” project, in which prospective students are contacted personally with a University postcard.. A total of 150 volunteers are needed. A goal is to send out 3,000 postcards to students who have been admitted to the university but have not yet enrolled. Emeriti would be encouraged to send out cards relating to their academic specialty, if the student's study program has not been declared. An Emeritus/Emerita would send out a packet of 10 postcards. It is hoped to expand the postcard activity beyond Emeriti in the Lincoln area. Further details were noted. By consensus, the board agreed to bring the matter to the attention of the membership when the Alumni Association had an overload of postcards to send. Report on Alumni Assn./Emeriti Assn. meeting: The board was reminded that the Emeriti Assn. is an affiliate of the Alumni Assn, so we are covered by their insurance.. The two associations and OLLI should meet in the future to discuss cooperative travel activities and other potentially joint activities. It would be good to invite the Alumni Assn. to have a staff person stop by at our monthly meetings. The Alumni Association and, consequently, our budget goes through the NU Foundation. The treasurer's report submitted by Walter Mientka was accepted. The minutes of the February 3 board meeting were approved as submitted. Old business: Finalizing procedure for electronic voting: The recommendation was confirmed that an electronic ballot be used for all future votes for officers and directors of the Association and on changes to the Association's constitution and by-laws. A change was approved in Article VI, Election of Vice President/President-Elect and a Director at each November membership meeting. Nominations for these positions would be presented at the Emeriti Assn. September meeting and members are urged to seek additional nominations for either or both offices. Such additional nominations would be presented to the Emeriti Assn. board of directors at its October meeting. Candidates would be elected by written or electronic ballot. The proposed new electronic voting procedure would be noted on the postcard going to greater Lincoln area Emeriti regarding the March membership meeting. Two other proposed amendments to the by-laws--collegial membership and flexibility in officer elections--will be voted on at a later time. Announcement of a tour of the Temple Building on April 9 at 3:30 p.m. will also be included on the card. It was announced that the East Campus Union will not be available for the April 21 meeting. It was proposed that the meeting be held at the Champions Club and and $5 charge per person be charged rather than the normal $4.. Moved by Fuller, seconded by Miller, approved. The schedule of upcoming monthly membership meetings: Foundation Luncheon--September 10; regular membership meetings: September 24, October 20, November 19. Board meetings continue on first Tuesday of a month. Howe said postcards would not be mailed out to members regarding upcoming meetings following the current mailing for March because of the significant expense. Notices of future meetings will be sent to members via e-mail. McShane reported on behalf of the Wisherd Fund Awards Committee. He indicated that two awards had been made for research-related activities and one for a medical supplement request. He requested that a slot be included on the website for Wished Fund developments other than the approved awards. There would be two separate tabs on the website: Wisherd Fund and Wisherd Awards Committee. McShane also discussed the proposed Oral History report. McShane had no report/update on the Faculty Senate. The board briefly discussed identifying someone to write a history of the Emeriti Assn. Committee reports: Benefits: Goebel not present. Membership: Thornton not present. Website: Kendrick: Monthly Committee Reports are posted on the Website. Membership Relations – Kay Rockwell. Reported on a very successful New Emeriti Coffee. Next session will be at Jones Coffee, 727 South 11th St., March 23. There being no unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 3 p.m. Dan B. Lutz, secretary ///////////////////////////////////////// The meeting of the UNL Emeriti Association Board of Directors was called to order by President Lowell Moser at 1:02 pm in the Wick Alumni Center, January 6, 2009. Those present were: Jim Carr, Max Clegg, Jack Goebel, Herb Howe, Jim Kendrick, Walter Mientka, Jim McShane, Lowell Moser, Mel Thornton, Delivee Wright. //////////////////////////////////////////////////// January 6, 2009 The meeting of the UNL Emeriti Association Board of Directors was called to order by President Lowell Moser at 1:03 pm in the Wick Alumni Center, January 6, 2009. Those present were: Jim Carr, Max Clegg, Jack Goebel, Herb Howe, Jim Kendrick, Walter Mientka, Tice Miller, Lowell Moser, Kay Rockwell, Delivee Wright. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Officers and Directors (2008 & 2009) Planning Retreat Those assembling at 11:30 a.m.: Jim McShane, Robert Fuller, Lowell Moser, Tice Miller, spouse Carren Miller, Kay Rockwell, Howard Ottoson, Jim Kendrick, Delivee Wright, Mel Thornton, Max Clegg, John Goebel, Herb Howe, Jim Carr, Dan Lutz. Fuller presided over the meeting for the final time of his term, he will become past president and Moser will assume the presidency for the January board and membership meetings. Diane Mendenhall, newly named Executive Director of the UNL Alumni Assn., was present and addressed the group and answered questions. The Alumni Association has made available a room on the third floor of the Wick Center (east end of hallway on south side) for use by the Emeriti Assn. Access to the office is available for the use of any Emeriti Assn. board members who need an office space on the UNL City Campus. Emeriti are urged to make use of the room, not just for storage, but also for committee meetings. It is suggested that the room be named the Maude and Zelma Wisherd room. The office has a working telephone and computer for our use. To access the office, request the key from the receptionist. Max Clegg has offered to make a sign to hang in the window. Beginning of the Retreat agenda: Max Clegg agreed upon request to fill the vacancy of director, with one year remaining, resulting from the death of Rose Marie Tondl. Moved by Kendrick, seconded by McShane, carried. Extensive discussion ensued regarding the multiple proposals aimed at “Re-Energizing the UNL Emeriti Assn.” Concern has been expressed regarding the departure of many attendees at membership meetings following the program presentation, thus lessening attendance at the business session. Suggestions included distributing the business meeting agenda when members arrive. Make announcements and key points briefly before introducing the program speaker; shortened business session after the program. The luncheon, provided by the Union and subsidized by the Emeriti Assn is popular with attendees. Lessened attendance at Association meetings, partly attributable to holding all meetings on Tuesdays, was discussed. It was moved by Rockwell, seconded by Howe, to alternate Association meetings between Tuesdays and Thursdays, carried. The January Association meeting welcoming newly designated Emeriti will be held January 22 at the Champions Club; cost -- $5 at the door. Board meetings for 2009 will be held at the Wick Center from 1:00 to 3:00pm on Jan. 6, Feb. 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, Sept 8, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, and Dec 1. Possible touring of UNL campus facilities was discussed. A question was raised as to whether tours would be held separately or count as monthly membership meetings. The question as to whether tours would be conducted separately from meetings, or a tour count as a meeting, will be flexible—at the discretion of the program committee and the board. It was noted that a tour of the International Quilt Study Center attracted one of the largest number of attendees. (A short business meeting was held in conjunction with the tour). There is a need to improve the visibility of the Emeriti Assn. Articles need to be submitted to the Scarlet. Promotion of increased accessing the Emeriti Assn. website is needed. The postcards sent out in advance of monthly meetings have reminded members of the website. Providing transportation when needed for members to attend monthly meetings was discussed. It was noted that most care centers, i.e., Eastmont, the Landing, Savannah Pines, etc. provide some transportation services for residents. Emeriti are urged to contact acquaintances who might attend meetings if transportation were available and possibly make arrangements. In examining posted issues, the board identified the highest priority as the creation of a Program Committee, chaired by the president-elect (vice president). The committee would consist of 3-4 other members and would deal with all aspects of monthly meetings, beyond contacting potential speakers or presenters. A question was raised as to the possibility of a meeting to be held at the Hardin Center. A successful meeting was held in the past at the College of Dentistry on East Campus. Regarding the need to increase the visibility and presence of the Emeriti Assn., it was suggested that the board should consider developing a “Marketing Committee” which would pursue ways to make the Association more visible. Report on attendance by Fuller and Moser at the International Conference of the Association for Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE) at University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Ideas from AROHE that continue to be discussed within the UNL Emeriti Assn.: ---Associate membership for retired faculty from other universities or other emeriti associations. ---Retiree organization for staff (other than faculty) perhaps help UNOPA start a retiree organization. ---Willingness to assist, if desired, in establishing Emeriti associations for UNK, UNO and/or UNMC. Among other ideas from the conference that present a challenge to the officers and board members to explore and possibly implement: ---Closer relationship with OLLI. ---Living history interviews and videos. ---Tours, travel, field trips. Considerable attention was given to Emeriti Assn. membership status as of Dec. 2, 2008, reported by Mel Thornton: Annual members – 226 (148 current with dues). Life members – 142. New (2009) members – 22 Surviving spouse – 120 Inactive – 260 Total – 770 Questions were raised as to how to deal with inactive members. Why inactive and what could be done? Thornton, on behalf of the membership committee, presented four motions: Motion 1 – seconded by Herb Howe.: Collegial membership. Any person holding Emeritus or Emerita status from any university may be invited by the board to join the Association as dues-paying collegial members. The motion was amended to state that this procedure would be tried for two calendar years—2009 and 2010. Carried. Motion 2 –Special Membership:: A person with substantial service rendered to the University in teaching, research, Extension, or administration in a professional field may apply for invitational membership. The application must be endorsed by the appropriate UNL department. It is expected that applicants would be at least 55 years of age, retired, and have been employed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for at least 10 years. Motion by Goebel, second by Rockwell, to table. Sustained. Motion 3 – Invitational Membership. The board may invite any person with substantial interest in and experience with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to join the Association. Move for approval by Thornton, second by Goebel, defeated. Motion 4 – Courtesy Membership: Membership (dues-paying, non-voting) is granted to a person who is invited to join the Association by at least one regular member of the Association. It is expected that a Courtesy Member will be at least 55 years of age, retied, and have an interest in higher education. Moved by Thornton, seconded by Goebel, Defeated. With the passage of Motion #1 (Collegial membership), the board needs to decide what benefits would be enjoyed: voting rights, complimentary first year membership, dues-paying, holding office. It is clear that Wisherd funds are available only to UNL Emeriti. There is a need to be explicit about these benefits with regard to surviving spouses. Questions remain regarding officer and director election procedure Jack Goebel and Jim Kendrick were designated to develop and report on a proposed procedure. There being no further discussion, the retreat was adjourned at 3 p.m ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// November 4, 2008 – Wick Center The meeting was called to order at 1 p.m. by vice president Lowell Moser. Present: Jim Kendrick, Delivee Wright, Kay Rockwell, Jim McShane, Howard Ottoson, Max Clegg, Walter Mientka, Dan Lutz. Minutes of the previous board meeting: I believe that they had not been posted to the web, so we deferred approval. Treasurer Walter Mientka discussed a higher level of expenses than had been anticipated, and asked the board to consider transferring funds from the Association’s account with the NU Foundation to the Association treasury. Moved by Kendrick, seconded by Rockwell, to transfer $5,000 to the Emeriti Assn. account; carried. After further discussion, moved by Ottoson, seconded by Clegg, to accept the treasurer’s report. Carried. Moser passed around a report on AROHE compiled by President Fuller, following attendance by Fuller and Moser at “the 4th International Conference of the Association for Retirement Organizations in Higher Education held at USC in Los Angeles, Calif.” A total of 135 delegates registered for the conference, of which 60 percent were Emeriti and the balance retired Staff members. Fuller served on a panel during a discussion period at the California meeting. Rockwell noted that some of the items of discussion relative to expanding membership to include retired faculty in presently constituted Emeriti organizations are similar to opinions expressed in the UNL Emeriti Assn. listening sessions. The proposed by-laws change to add other types of membership categories was discussed briefly.The procedure by which this year’s election would be conducted was discussed since we cannot meet the by-laws requirement of having two nominees for each office—vice president and director—and presenting it to the whole membership by the November meeting. Language of the present by-law: In October of each year, the board of directors shall nominate at least two Association members for the office of vice president/president-elect and at least two Association members for the position of director for a 3-year term. These names will be submitted to the membership at least a week prior to the November meeting of the Association. Proposed change: In October of each year, the board of directors shall nominate at least one Association member for the office of vice president/president-elect and at least one Association member for the position of director for a 3-year term. These names will be submitted to the membership at least a week prior to the November meeting of the Association. Nominations will be accepted from the floor. Agreement on a nominee to serve a 3-year term shall be obtained in advance of the nomination. There was no support for changing the by-laws since during the summer of 2005 there had been extensive discussion and the by-laws had been changed to require two nominees. Moser gave a favorable report on the October 21 membership meeting. Increased attendance included 43 reservations received in advance and 15 members who were “walk-ins.” Comments on the menu were highly favorable. The option of advance reservations for the prepared luncheon or members bringing their own food will be continued. Rockwell reported a modest but continuing response in attendance at the NewComer Coffee sessions. She summarized continuing interest and outlined a procedure for establishing an Emeriti bowling team. She will ask Jim Augustyn to determine if there is interest in a second semester Emeriti bowling team. McShane as EA rep to the Faculty Senate reported that, prompted in part by the resolution of the Emeriti Association, the Senate Executive Committee was proposing that the Senate ask the AAUP to look into the disinvitation of Ayers to see if its process met the criteria of sound academic practice and to suggest possible policy changes to the process. (Later that day the full Senate voted to delay consideration of that motion for one month.) Clegg said materials and instructions for separate dues and Wisherd Fund mailings have been arranged with the UNL copying and mailing center. He noted that longtime staff member Louise DeNovellis, who has maintained the Emeriti Assn. roster for mailings passed away, and another staff member has been designated for this task. The Association’s fall schedule of meetings is as follows: November 18 – 11:30 a.m., East Campus Union, Future of Nebraska: “Nebraska—Today and Tomorrow.” Dec. 2 – Board meeting, lunch and Retreat – 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Wick Center. January 22 – Luncheon for new and current members of UNL Emeriti Assn., Champions Club, 11:30 a.m. New Emeriti and guest – free admission. Charge of $5 per person for members and their guests. The meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m. Daniel B. Lutz, Secretary //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// October 14, 2008 President Bob Fuller called the meeting to order. Board and Committee members present were: Bob Fuller, Max Clegg, Herb Howe, Jim Kendrick, Walt Mientka, Lowell Moser, Howard Ottoson, Kay Rockwell, Rose Marie Tondl, and Delivee Wright. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// September 9, 2008 – 1 p.m. President Bob Fuller called the meeting to order. Board and committee members present: Jim Kendrick, Mel Thornton, Herb Howe, Kay Rockwell, Max Clegg, Rose Marie Tondl, Lowell Moser, Walter Mientka, John Goebel, Dan Lutz. Minutes of the May board meeting and April membership meeting were approved by acclimation. Andrea Cranford, Editor, Office of University Communications (in her role as liaison from the UNL Alumni Assn.), offered brief remarks. Andrea offered to get faculty-staff directories for Emeriti board members. An acknowledgement of appreciation for support from the UNL Alumni Association was moved by Mientka, seconded by Tondl, approved. The August 1-31 treasurer’s report was presented by Mientka; accepted by the board. Thornton presented the updated membership report, confirming a significant increase in number of members and/or eligible members. Motion to accept report, Mientka, second, Rockwell, carried. Thornton moved to take the additional category of Association membership off the table. It carried with more than 2/3 vote. The various membership categories and the respective rights and privileges were discussed. (See the Membership Report tab on the Emeriti Assn. website). Thornton then moved that the membership category discussion be brought back at the November board meeting awaiting a report from Bob Fuller and Lowell Moser from the AROHE meeting in October. Motion carried. The president raised the question as to what is the bona fide official Emeriti Assn. database—the listing maintained by the membership committee or the database maintained by the UNL copying and printing center. Lutz said the question is not related to which is the “official” database. The membership committee database is maintained for contacting various segments of Emeriti Assn. membership, examples—paid members, life members, surviving spouses, Emeriti within the greater Lincoln area and elsewhere, etc. The data base lodged in the copy center is used to mail notices to the greater Lincoln area Emeriti and an expanded list regarding the Wisherd Fund. There is an ongoing effort to reconcile differences in the two databases. Thornton affirmed that the Mail Room mailing list should be a proper subset of the complete Emeriti database maintained by the Association. Rockwell presented the Ad-Hoc Task Force report and recommendations. She moved approval of the report, seconded by Goebel, carried. Page 5 of the Ad Hoc Task Force report, “Committed to board – how to use report”, moved by Goebel, seconded by Howe. See the Ad-Hoc report on the Emeriti Website under the Membership Relations tab.. An update on AROHE was presented by Fuller and Moser, including Emeriti Assn. representation at the meeting to be held at the University of Southern California. As to the question by Rockwell whether to continue the “Newcomer Coffee” series, the decision was “Yes.” Herb Howe reviewed the selection of Emeritus or Emerita. No major changes were mentioned. The slate of nominations for Emeriti assn. officer and director positions will be developed in October. One director slot is open as well as the office of vice president. Board members are urged to suggest candidates after securing the person’s permission to nominate them. Reminder of newly designated Emeriti and current members joint meeting in January at the Champions Club. Subsequent to the board meeting, Thursday, January 22, has been chosen as the date for the luncheon. New Emeriti and guests will be guests of the Association. Members and their guests will be invited for $5 per person for the wine, snacks and lunch. Interest has been expressed for Emeriti Assn.-sponsored tours, without a formal meeting. Possibilities include Antelope Valley and the new building on East Campus. Fall schedule of board and member meetings: Board—October 7 and November 4 and a board retreat from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on December 2. Association meetings—September 23, October 21 and November 18. A postcard will be mailed to the Greater Lincoln list of Emeriti covering the membership meetings, including arrangements for a subsidized buffet lunch. A postcard covering the remainder of fall membership meetings will be sent to Emeriti in the Lincoln area. The theme of the three fall meetings is “Visioning the Future.” Possible interest in forming Emeriti bowling teams of four persons each to compete in the UNL Employees League was noted. There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, //////////////////////////////////////////////////// May 13, 2008 – 1 p.m. President Bob Fuller called the meeting to order. Board and committee members present: John Goebel, Rose Marie Tondl, Jim Kendrick, Mel Thornton, Bob Fuller, Jim McShane, Kay Rockwell, Walter Mientka, Lowell Moser, Max Clegg, Herb Howe, Delivee Wright. Dan Lutz. Guest: Tom Zorn, UNL Senator. Presenters: Keith Dietze, Director, University-Wide Benefits, Vice President for Business and Finance; Greg Clayton, Director, Benefits & Risk Management, Human Resources. Minutes of the Emeriti Assn. April 1 board meeting were approved as posted on the website. The treasurer’s report submitted by Walter Mientka was accepted. Medical insurance issues for Emeriti were discussed by Clayton and Dietze. Dietze reviewed changes since 2002 relevant to Emeriti. Click HERE for a summary of their presentation. Kendrick moved, seconded by Howe, that the president appoint a committee to study the health benefits situation in depth, make any recommendations and report back to the board. Motion carried. Proposals to change requirements and benefits for membership in the Emeriti Assn. were considered in a lengthy discussion. It was emphasized that the requirements and procedure for conferring Emeritus status on a retired faculty member are the policy of the University of Nebraska, not of UNL. UNO, UNK and the Medical Center have Emeriti, but only UNL has an Emeriti Assn. The membership committee asked the board to consider the following questions:
Following is a brief summary by Mel Thornton of finished and unfinished business relating to changing the organization’s constitution and by-laws as they relate to membership: A motion was approved to amend our objectives by replacing University of Nebraska by University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This change will remove any doubt that the Emeriti Assn. is intended to be exclusively for UNL Emeriti. To change provisions in the constitution, this change would need to be approved by a two-thirds vote of members present and voting at a regular membership meeting. A motion was seconded and amended to make an addition to the Membership Article of the Emeriti Assn. Constitution. As amended, it reads: Special Membership: Any person holding Emeriti status from any university may be invited by the board to join the UNL Emeriti Assn. as a dues-paying special member. This motion was discussed and then tabled pending further discussion Time did not permit discussing two questions: ---What benefits, i.e., voting, complimentary first-year membership, eligibility to hold office--could be enjoyed by any new types of members? It is clear that access to Wisherd funds is available only to UNL Emeriti. ---Requirements for serving as officers and board members? Should being an Association member in good standing be a requirement? Can honorary or special members serve? For unfinished business, the board needs to consider these remaining proposals (suggested wording):: --Add a special membership section to the membership article of the constitution: Suggested wording for consideration: A person with substantial service rendered to the University of Nebraska in teaching, research, Extension or administration in a professional field may apply for invitational membership. The application must be endorsed by the appropriate UNL department or unit. It is expected that applicants would be at least 55 years of age, retired, and have been employed in any branch of the University of Nebraska for at least 10 years. ---Add an Invitational Membership section to the article on membership (suggested wording): The board may invite any person with substantial interest in and experience with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to join the Association. ---Add a Courtesy Membership to the article on membership (suggested wording): Membership is granted to a person who is invited to join the Association by at least one Regular Members of the Association. A Courtesy Member would be at least 55 years of age and have an interest in higher education. In advance of the meeting, President Fuller proposed to those of the Association listserv the following membership category: Honorary: (non-dues paying) Life Membership is granted to surviving Widows and Widowers of University of Nebraska-Lincoln Emeriti. Survey Task Force – Report by Kay Rockwell, Chair Report is attached as (a) dialogue proposal and (b) Addendum A On behalf of the Task Force, Kay Rockwell moved: Motion #1 -- acceptance of the Task Force’s proposed plan to conduct three dialogue sessions on how the Emeriti Association can address member needs. And, that each dialogue session include three groups: New Emeriti, Junior Emeriti, and Senior Emeriti. Motion carried. Motion #2, Part A -- that the Task Force members take responsibility to:
Motion carried. Motion #2, Part B -- that the President appoint Emeriti Association Board members to take responsibility to: · Recommend at least 24 Emeriti to participate in each of the three groups (New, Junior, & Senior), and that these nominations be submitted in writing to Rose Marie (rtondl@unl.edu) by May 30, 2008. --Name: --Address: --Phone number: --Email address: --Why can this person contribute to the effort? Record and interpret notes for each of the dialogues:
Motion carried Motion #3 -- that the Emeriti Board cover mailing costs for the letters of invitation, the lunches for the small group dialogues, and other small (not more than $100) incidental expenses. Motion carried The item on the agenda “possible Association sponsorship of a golf event” will be discussed at a later date. Committee reports: Membership—451 dues-paying members—breakdown: 175 paid annual members; 149 life members; 105 honorary surviving spouse members, and 32 complimentary new ’08 members. Mientka reported on a memo from Jane Tinkler with the University of Nebraska Foundation that “due to budget issues, Emeriti may have to cover some or all of the cost of the Scarlet subscriptions by allocating a portion of dues collected…The subscription fees for academic years 2005-2008 totaled $19,125.” It was learned after the meeting that the Scarlet can be accessed via computer and an announcement will be made on the Emeriti website. As a follow-up of the report, the board asked Mientka to send a follow-up report of the board’s deliberations to Meg Lauerman. Comment: the report was sent to Meg on May 19 with a copy to the board members. Meg sent a reply on the same day to Walter, with a copy to the board. There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned. Dan B. Lutz, Secretary //////////////////////////////////////////////////// April 1, 2008 – 1 p.m. President Bob Fuller called the meeting to order. Board and committee members present: Kay Rockwell, Rose Marie Tondl, John Goebel, Lowell Moser, Max Clegg, Jim Kendrick, Jim McShane, Walter Mientka, Dan Lutz Minutes of the March 4, 2008 board meeting were approved as posted on the website. The treasurer’s report submitted by Treasurer Walter Mientka was accepted. McShane reported on the Wisherd Fund meeting between the representatives of the UNL Emeriti Association and the University of Nebraska Foundation. 3/21/08 Present: Jack Goebel, Herb Howe and Jim McShane for the Emeriti and Keith Miles, NU Foundation VP & General Counsel and Dan Morin, NUF CFO. Understandings: 1. Re: request for funds: a. It is enough to send a copy of the Emeriti Association (‘EA’) Board minutes accepting the recommendation of the Wisherd Committee. No copy of the original application would be necessary. They do not want to second guess our decisions, just to confirm such decisions have been properly made. b. Recipients of scholarly research funds should keep records of expenses for their own tax purposes. If all the money is used for research purposes, there should be no tax liability. Persons receiving health reimbursements should be in touch with their lawyer or accountant. c. To prevent future confusion re this process EA treasurer should contact the NUF Accounting Department (Mr. Morin’s shop) to request that checks be drawn. 2. Re interest: a. The Wisherd Fund, according to the will, puts the interest from the fund to the benefit of the EA. This interest goes into the “Spendable Amount” category. But the will does not give us the interest on the interest i.e., the interest on the “spendable amount.” b. We draw as much out of the spendable amount as we need for the purposes of the EA. The rest stays in that account, but the interest it accrues goes to the Foundation. c. Part of that draw could be to take some of the money in the “spendable account” and put it back in (i.e., make a contribution to ) the Wisherd Fund. That would mean that the interest on the total (including our “contribution”) is what would be available to us each year. But we could never get such a “contribution” out of the trust fund to spend it because only the interest on the fund is available to us. We could not turn around and withdraw the whole amount we had contributed to the fund. Of course, the amount of interest on the fund available to us would grow proportionately with whatever we put in the fund. For the record: The Wisherd Fund is made out to the UNL Emeriti Association. There is no claim on it from any other NU unit establishing its own emeriti association. 3. Re the meeting itself: a. It must be noted that the meeting was quite cordial and the Foundation folks showed every evidence of wanting to be cooperative and supportive. b. It was very helpful to have the presence of former administrators for the discussion, folks who knew the NU Foundation people and who understood the financial and the tax implications of the issues we raised. J. A. McShane, 2007-8 Wisherd Committee Chair Mientka recommended that the minutes include a motion passed by the board during a December, 1995 meeting that is relevant to the current discussion: ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Kay Rockwell distributed a listing of possible data collection processes regarding the proposed survey of Emeriti Assn. members seeking answers to the decline in attendance at membership meetings and participation in the affairs of the association. The question arose as to when and under what conditions the survey would be conducted. Reversing an earlier decision by the board, it was decided not to conduct the survey of Emeriti Assn. members attending the President’s luncheon in May. Rockwell plans to meet soon with an ad hoc committee appointed at the March 4 board meeting to design a survey and likely conduct it through small discussion groups, i.e., focus group interviews, this fall. Other members of the committee are Herb Howe, Dan Lutz, Rose Marie Tondl and Delivee Wright. New business: :No specific ideas surfaced. Lutz will arrange for a postcard reminder of the April membership meeting, to be held at the International Quilt Study Center to be sent to Emeriti in the greater Lincoln area. Rules for courtesy activities: Sympathy cards to survivors of deceased Emeriti or spouses will continue to be sent. The possible eligibility of persons in the Lincoln area who have been given Emeritus/emerita status from another institution of higher education for membership in the UNL Emeriti Association was discussed. Two possibilities were suggested, either honorary memberships or Associate memberships. It was pointed out that such members would not be eligible for Wisherd funds. It was agreed to forward this issue to the Membership Committee with the intent that the committee would examine this issue {Fuller called it reciprocity} and bring their findings to the Board in May, perhaps in the form of a constitutional amendment for discussion by the Board. If approved by the Board it would go to the Members at a fall meeting. The question was raised as to whether the UNL Emeriti Assn. should join the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE). If so, who would represent the Emeriti Assn. at a AROHE meeting to be held October 24-26 at the University of Southern California Los Angeles. It was moved by Goebel, seconded by Tondl, for the Emeriti Assn. to join the organization and send two representatives—the president and president-elect—to the fall meeting. Carried. There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned. Dan B. Lutz, Secretary //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// March 4, 2008 – 1 p.m. Lowell Moser presided at the meeting; president Fuller is out of town. Board and committee members present: Delivee Wright (assistant secretary), Max Clegg, Bob Diffendal, Jack Goebel, Herb Howe, Kay Rockwell, Rose Marie Tondl, Jim McShane, Walter Mientka. The minutes and treasurer’s report presented at the February board meeting were accepted; both documents have been posted on the Emeriti Assn. website. The proposal that Emeriti in the greater Lincoln area be notified of upcoming membership meetings via e-mail rather than the present arrangement of mailing a postcard was discussed. The cost of mailing the postcard is a factor in considering a change. A question was asked as to the number of Emeriti who do not have access to the internet. It was decided that the secretary continue to submit information to the UNL printing/copying center through the current semester (March and April meetings), with a possible change to be discussed later. New business: The proposed survey of Emeriti in an effort to identify factors in a continuing trend of lower attendance at membership meetings was discussed. Kay Rockwell distributed a detailed document listing alternatives to several considerations which would be covered in a survey: --Who would receive the survey, i.e., all Emeriti on the membership roster…all residing within a 50-mile radius of Lincoln? --Ways to distribute a survey: paper survey form sent with dues renewal notices, web-based, or a telephone survey with board members calling a given number of Emeriti. --Group discussion: assumption that the board is searching for “new ideas” to energize Emeriti meetings. Possible group formats: newly designated Emeriti (under 5 years of membership), 5-10 year members, 11-plus year members. Other parameters might include female Emeriti, spouses. --Information desired by the board. (Ideas generated by back-and-forth e-mail discussion since the February membership meeting, when the motion to conduct a survey was approved). ---Day of the week for scheduling monthly meetings. ---Meeting location. ---Most convenient time of day. ---luncheon alternatives: buffet (paid by attendees), light luncheon provided by East Campus Union, Emeriti Assn. subsidize individual luncheon costs. Need for refreshments? ---Individual need for transportation to meetings. ---Gauge interest in and appeal of program topics and Emeriti activities. ---Circumstances which prevent attendance at membership meetings. ---Members’ evaluation of the website. The estimated cost of conducting such a survey and followup action needs to be calculated. The board needs to decide when the survey would be conducted (what season of the year) and enlist Emeriti board or regular members to design a survey instrument, collect pertinent data, summarize and interpret the data and report the results. After considerable discussion, it was decided that a survey instrument would be developed and offered to Emeriti in attendance the NU Retirees luncheon hosted by President J.B. Milliken May 22 at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln. Emeriti seated at various tables would be offered the survey form to complete and leave at the conclusion of the event. An ad hoc committee composed of Kay, Rose Marie Tondl, Dan Lutz and Herb Howe will follow through in developing a survey instrument for board approval and to be introduced at the luncheon. The next item of business was the situation in which the University of Nebraska Foundation is now mandating its approval of payment of grant funding to Emeriti applicants for either research projects of medical expense subsidies. Discussion was led by Jim McShane, chair of the Maude Wisherd Committee. The Foundation is now insisting on receiving a copy of the application as well as a letter from the Emeriti Association confirming approval of payment to an applicant for either research or health-related funding. After considerable discussion, it was moved by Rockwell, seconded by Goebel, that representatives of the board meet with appropriate officials of the Foundation to discuss this situation. Carried. Note: On March 5, Vice President Moser asked Jack Goebel to contact Jim McShane and Herb Howe and arrange a meeting with them and the Foundation officials. McShane, also the Emeriti Association’s representative to the Faculty Senate, said the president of the Senate is becoming involved in discussions and decisions related to Emeriti policy. A summary of McShane’s report to the board is filed as an addendum to the minutes. Click HERE to view. Committee reports: Membership Committee – Mel Thornton, chair; not present, no report given. Website Committee—Jim Kendrick, chair; not present, no report given. Member Relations Committee: R. Gene White, chair, not present. Summary of committee meeting on February 19 handed out. Committee member Barbara Wright-Chollet was asked to check with Delivee Wright regarding guidelines used to determine when a member would receive recognition from the club. “Coffee on Us” program: Efforts will continue to urge new members to attend these gatherings. The coffee gathering is deemed as an effective tool to urge new members to be active in the Association. Discussion of Emeriti benefits list. A call to the UNL Athletics ticket office disclosed that a faculty member must have maintained his or her football tickets for a minimum of 10 years before becoming eligible to purchase football tickets after retiring. Jack Goebel, Irv Omtvedt and Herb Howe are requested to meet with UNL Athletic Director Tom Osborne regarding this issue. There also is a strong feeling that “A-list” individuals at UNL, (without academic ranking), be included at some level regarding benefits. A meeting with the Provost will be sought on this issue. The committee is following up on a request to obtain Emeriti parking permits for use on “A” parking lots on East Campus. The Emeriti Assn. membership meeting on March 18, at the East Campus Union, will feature Paul Royster, UNL Libraries, who will present a program on “The Digital Commons,”—digital resources that are available and how Emeriti can access and add to the Digital Commons Library Archives. There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned. Dan B. Lutz, Secretary /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// February 12, 2008 President Robert Fuller called the meeting to order at 1 p.m. Board and committee members present: Kay Rockwell, Herb Howe, Howard Ottoson, Gene White, Lowell Moser, Jim Kendrick, Rose Marie Tondl, Max Clegg, Walter Mientka, Jim McShane, Dan Lutz Minutes of the January 8 board meeting and the treasurer’s report for the period January 1- 31, 2008 were approved by acclamation in separate board responses. After brief discussion, The proposed budget for 2008 was approved following a motion by Mientka, second by McShane. McShane presented a report on behalf of the Wisherd Fund Committee. Grants of $1,000 each in the research-scholarly activity area were awarded to Bob Raymond for an Accountancy project and to Bill Splinter, Director of the Larsen Tractor Laboratory to preserve early documents for historical and archival purposes. In the health support area, an Emeritus was awarded $1,000 toward unreimbursed medical costs. The fact that the amount disbursed is well below the amount available in the Wisherd Fund. The committee cited the possibility of raising the upper limit of awards, funding scholarships, or for other purposes. It was noted that $1,000 limit to aid an eligible individual with serious medical bills, modest insurance and relatively low income is not very helpful. All Emeriti are eligible to apply for grants. In discussion, this was defined to be within a 50-mile radius of Lincoln. For discussion purposes, it was proposed that a grant would be increased to $2,000 for an eligible individual, and the ceiling of an individual’s income be raised from $30,000 to $50,000. After some discussion, these issues were referred back to the committee to discuss and come back to the board with recommendations. Kay Rockwell presented an update on the newly-launched Newcomer Emeriti Connections (NEC) program. The first gathering did not draw Emeriti, other than the host couple (Kay and spouse). She suggested that a coffee chat be scheduled once a month, invitations starting with 2007 designated Emeriti, and then working back to previous years. Information cards will be passed out at membership meetings. She asked for assistance from board members in making personal approaches to prospective attendees. Mientka suggested an operational change to notices of upcoming Emeriti Assn. membership meetings. Rather than sending out a postcard announcement to greater Lincoln area Emeriti, date, location and name of speaker and presentation would be sent to those Emeriti with e-mail addresses. The cost of printing and mailing the postcards is fairly expensive McShane handed out a detailed document (22 points) regarding proposed changes in the wording in the Regents’ Policy regarding awarding Emeritus status (Click HERE to View). On a motion by Kendrick, seconded by Moser, and approved, the board instructed McShane to go to the Senate meeting and tell the Senate of the problems with the document. The motion indicated that the one point the board thought most significant, most imperative to achieve, was the suggestion that a faculty member’s final PAF include a notion of whether the retiring faculty member was to be awarded Emeriti status, and if not whether the issue was ineligibility or something else. Fuller said he would work on a letter to Provost Linda Pratt indicating the Emeriti Association’s issues with the present draft. McShane also distributed a 5-issue document indicating problems with the proposed UNL by-law change that would take from the statement on the Dean of Graduate Studies obligation of a formal search, the designation of the sr. VCAA as the appointing officer and as the officer to whom the Dean of Graduate Studies was responsible (Click HERE to view). The board told McShane to advise the Faculty Senate about the board’s concerns on these issues. A motion for McShane (Emeriti Assn. representative) to go to the Faculty Senate with the recommendations was made by Kendrick, seconded by Moser; approved. Committee reports: Membership Committee: Chairman Mel Thornton was not present at the meeting, but following is an up-to-date report, including new memberships reported by Mientka at the meeting: 204 annual members - 179 of whom are current in 2008 dues. Total on data base: 695 Website Committee: Chairman Kendrick reminded that other Emeriti Assn. committee chairs need to turn in reports for posting on the website. The question regarding establishment of a memorial for recently deceased longtime Emeritus and board member Dick Boohar was raised. Emeriti were encouraged to attend his memorial service. A decision to establish a formal memorial for him will be discussed at the next board meeting. There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// January 8, 2008 Association president Robert Fuller called the meeting to order at 1 p.m. Board members and committee chairs present: Walter Mientka, Max Clegg, R. Gene White, Kay Rockwell, Herb Howe, Howard Ottoson, John Goebel, Lowell Moser, Jim Kendrick, Rose Marie Tondl, Delivee Wright, Dan Lutz. The minutes of the December 4, 2007 board meeting, the treasurer’s report for December 1-31, 2007 and the 2007 income and expense analysis were accepted as presented. The following motion was presented by Mientka for board consideration: Emeriti Assn. life membership dues would be deposited in the Emeriti Assn. bank account to contribute to its total so that when fitting, a portion can be used to purchase an interest-bearing account or certificates of deposit. Moved for approval by Rockwell, seconded by Tondl, carried. Committee reports Benefits Committee--Jack Goebel, chair: Information packets are being prepared for the new members of the Emeriti Assn. (32 in the year 2007). Included is information explaining advantages accrued in being members of the Emeriti Assn., and where applicable, the UNL Alumni Assn. A listing of UNL Emeriti benefits and UNL Emeriti Assn. benefits was distributed. Two listed benefits accorded by UNL to Emeriti were transferred to the listing of UNL Emeriti Assn. benefits: in brief: applications for financial support from the Maude E. Wisherd Fund, and “surviving spouses of UNL Emeriti are honorary life members of the UNL Emeriti Assn.” The question was raised as to a need to update the Emeriti Assn. brochure. Discussion at the meeting, and subsequent e-mails opined that there is not a current need for an update. Maude Wisherd Committee: Chairman Jim McShane was not present. Membership Committee—Mel Thornton, chair. The membership list breakdown: 664 names on list. Life members—149; annual members—211 (total paid—136); new members—31; widows—95. Non-members—178. Of paid members, 113 are paid through 2008, seven each for 2009, 2010 and 211, and two through 2012. Membership Relations—Gene White. There is a need for a chairperson for the Courtesy Committee. The possibility of sponsoring Emeriti Assn. scholarships was discussed briefly and removed as an agenda item. Website Committee—Jim Kendrick. Due to computer-related problems no formal report was given regarding various types of “hits” on the Emeriti Assn. website. He said names of new members are posted on the web four times a year. New Emeriti Luncheon at Champions Club January 17. Fuller reported that only eight of 31 newly-designated Emeriti have responded as to whether they plan to attend. (The total rose to 15 after the meeting, and calls were being made to non-respondents). Principal officers of the Association—Fuller, Ottoson, Moser, Mientka and Lutz--are asked to attend and act as individual table hosts and to introduce new Emeriti as guests. Kay Rockwell will present the Newcomers program plans. Gene White, Member Relations chair, will offer a welcome. Mientka will staff an entry table and welcome persons as they arrive. Five administration guests will be present, including Alumni. Assn. interim director O’Hanlon and OLLI director Dee Aguilar. Kay Rockwell presented a proposed format and goals for Newcomer Emeriti Connections. The two-fold purpose: --To renew relationships with spouse, partner, significant other, special associate, with colleagues at the same significant life-changing stage. --To encourage support for the UNL Emeriti Assn. Eligible participants: Emeriti within the first two or three years of the significant life-changing event. Dues: none. Leadership for NEC: board member on the Membership Relations Committee. A lengthy list of planned activities, impromptu socials, such as dinner/movies, home-based food events. Tailgate parties and attractions in Nebraska and beyond. A complete listing may be obtained. President Milliken will host the NU Retiree luncheon on May 22 at 11:30 a.m. at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln Put this date on your calendar. Dates and speakers of upcoming membership meetings reported by Lowell Moser: (Meetings at East Campus Union unless specified otherwise). January 22 – “Most Famous Scientific Formula of All Time,” Greg Snow, UNL Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy. February 19 – “Willa Cather—Words to Her Brother” Joan Barnes and Andrew Jewell, editor of the Willa Cather on-line resource, will present a program on the Roscoe and Meta Cather collection of letters donated to UNL last year. March 18 – “The Digital Commons.” Paul Royster will describe what is available to Emeriti and will indicate how faculty can add to and access the digital archives of the university. April 15 – A curator-led tour of the International Quilt Center at its location at 33rd & Holdrege St., and view the open exhibition, “Quilts in Common.” There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned. Dan B. Lutz, Secretary /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// December 4, 2007 President Howard Ottoson called the meeting to order at 1 p.m. Board members and committee chairs present: Kay Rockwell, newly-elected as a director, and Lowell Moser, newly-elected vice president. Rose Marie Tondl, Max Clegg, Irv Omtvedt, Jack Goebel, Gene White, Herb Howe, Bob Fuller, Dan Lutz, Mel Thornton, Walter Mientka, Jim Kendrick, Dick Boohar. Present and increased interaction between the Emeriti Assn. and the NU Foundation was discussed.: Foundation spokespersons present were Jane Tinkler and Bill Reece. Fuller announced that the luncheon, co-sponsored by the Emeriti Assn. and the NU Foundation, will be held at the Embassy Suites on September 26, 2008. Reece discussed the potential of gift planning, an avenue for the relationship between the Foundation and the Emeriti Assn. to be broadened, and the bond between the two entities to become stronger and more coherent. One idea would be the creation of an Emeriti Scholarship Fund, which would sharpen the identity of the Emeriti Assn. and strengthen the relationship with the Foundation. The idea was discussed relating to details and implementation of a Fund. Reaction to the idea was favorable. Ottoson suggested that the Emeriti Executive Committee discuss opportunities to broaden the relationship between the Association and the Foundation and bring a recommendation to the Emeriti Board at a later date. The minutes of the November 6 board meeting were approved. The treasurer’s report, submitted by Walter Mientka, was accepted on a motion by Dick Boohar, seconded by Goebel. Mientka mentioned an Association expense item which he had paid. It was moved by Omtvedt, seconded by Tondl, that he be reimbursed by the Association for this expense, carried. Omtvedt stressed that ways to develop a closer relationship between the NU Foundation and the Emeriti Assn. need to be explored and discussed. Within the discussion, it was noted that the University of Nebraska Foundation is not a part of the University per se and thus is not listed in the Centrex directory. Fuller said a letter has been sent to the 31 newly-designated Emeriti, inviting them to attend the luncheon January 17 at the Champions Club. NU President Milliken was invited to attend the luncheon, but his schedule will not permit. Fuller reminded that the first board meeting of 2008 will be held January 8. The membership meeting will be held January 22 at the UNL East Union, with Greg Snow, UNL Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy, speaking on the topic “Most Famous Scientific Formula of All Time.” Committee report: chairman Goebel – progress report at a later date. It was noted that new Emeriti are not receiving the UNL Alumni magazine. This will be checked into. Dee Aguilar, newly-designated coordinator of OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) handed out program materials and a copy of the current issue of Lincoln 55+, which contains the full program/class schedule for OLLI coming up in 2008. Aguilar reported that OLLI currently has 580 members, compared to 200 a year ago, growing to 537 in June, 2006. The next goal is to have more than 600 members, in an attempt to secure a $1 million grant, for which an application will be submitted April 28, 2008. Relating to the fact that newly-designated Emeriti are eligible for a year’s paid membership to OLLI, it was noted that 11 new Emeriti live outstate or out-of-state, which prevents them from participating in OLLI classes. It was suggested that the possibility of posting OLLI lectures on the web. It also was suggested that Rod Bates be contacted regarding the possibility of OLLI lectures being circulated via telecommunications. OLLI courses begin on January 28. New Emeriti can sign up at the upcoming luncheon. The conflict between the fact that OLLI is operated on a July-June (of the following year) fiscal year basis, while the Emeriti Assn. operates on a calendar basis makes complimentary payment of OLLI fees complicated. However, Aguilar said spouses of Emeriti can purchase 18 months of participation for $50. Also, an Emeriti participant in OLLI, or his or her spouse, can purchase a NET card for $40 instead of the usual $50. Returning to the issue of Emeriti Assn.-sponsored scholarships to UNL, it was urged that a scholarship fund document be developed and circulated to members. An emphasis would be that no gift is too large or too small. An estate gift also could be arranged to fund this type of scholarship. More study is required, but the possibility of $1,000 and $2,000 scholarships was mentioned. A long-term effort to raise funding for Emeriti-sponsored scholarships would be possible through estate planning. Criteria for awarding Emeriti-related scholarships would be determined by the Emeriti Assn. board or an appointed committee, although individual donors can tailor or designate some criteria. Emeriti Assn.-recommended criteria for scholarship awards would state an preference but in some instances might not be the final word. It was noted that the Maude Wisherd Fund now contains $35,000, which does not earn interest. It was moved by Omtvedt, seconded by Kendrick, that a portion of the fund be moved to a status wherein it could earn interest, a move related to generation of scholarship funding. Carried. It was suggested that increasing the $1,000 limit per application for a grant from the Wisherd Fund be considered. James McShane, chair of the Wisherd Fund Committee, was absent, but he requested that the following report be included in this set of minutes: Three requests have been received: one for medical report, one for academic research report, and another request for academic report lacks support letters. A December 15 deadline has been set for receipt of these letters. Since the committee is concerned about the amount of Wisherd Account money earning interest for others than the Emeriti Assn., and because responding favorably to all three applications would not affect fairness of the process, the deadline for receiving the letters was set. Membership Committee report – Boohar. While all data is not entered on the computer, the following figures were reported: 267 paid annual members, 142 life members, 100 widows or widowers, and 157 others—not members for a total of 666 persons on the master list. It was moved by Mientka, seconded by Fuller, that the board express strong appreciation for the dedication of Boohar to duties of a membership chair. Carried. Member Relations Committee – Gene White was introduced as chair. Benefits Committee – Jack Goebel, chair; no report at this time. Website Committee – Jim Kendrick. Visitors to the website in November: Unique – 436, total 677. Tabs clicked: 3,187, A total of 52 absentee ballots were recorded for the November election, and the top five foreign visitors in rank order: Spain, Romania, Poland, Turkey, Mexico and Denmark. The board expressed appreciation for the dedication and hard work of outgoing president Howard Ottoson during his term, and welcomed his continuance on the board as past president. There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 3 p.m. Dan B. Lutz, secretary ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Wick Alumni Center President, Howard Ottoson, called the meeting to order. Those present: Jim Kendrick, John W. Goebel, Rose Marie Tondl, Max Clegg, Walter E. Mientka, Irv Omtvedt, and Delivee Wright The minutes of the May l, 2007,Board of Directors meeting that had previously been circulated to the administrative group online, were formally approved. /////////////////////////////////////////////////// Meeting convened by President Howard Ottoson at 12:30pm. Those present: Bob Fuller, Delivee Wright, Walter Mientka, Dan Lutz, Jim McShane, Peter Bleed, Professor of Anthropology and Geography at UNL, was present to offer suggestions and answer questions regarding the challenge of preserving collections of historic scientific instruments, those telescopes and other types at UNL first used by Prof. Brace in the early 1900s as well as the personal collections of magnification equipment assembled by UNL emeriti Duane Jaecks and Eugene Rudd . Bleed said the possible destruction of Brace Laboratory appears to not be in jeopardy at the present. However, the use of Brace Lab to preserve the collections appears to be doubtful. Sheldon Gallery is coping with overflow. He said it would be appropriate for the Emeriti Assn. to support plans for a new physics building to include the instruments from the two private collections. Stating that the collections be considered as “art” would not ensure their survival, Bleed said. He recommended that the Emeriti Assn. support an effort to provide an endowment, which would include funding for a curator to ensure preservation of the collections. As a last resort, the instruments would be put in boxes and stored in Nebraska Hall pending a permanent location in the future. After some discussion, it was suggested that the Emeriti Association take the lead in forming an ad hoc group including the NU Foundation and UNL administration to formulate a plan to preserve the collections. An Emeriti Assn. task force might be composed of former academic deans and department heads. It was moved by McShane, seconded by Fuller, that president Ottoson appoint a committee of knowledgeable persons to explore the possibility for UNL to obtain, protect and display the collections of historic scientific instruments owned by UNL and equipment assembled by professors Rudd and Jaecks. The goal would be to actively engage in the process of sustaining UNL’s cultural heritage so that it will be available to others for aesthetic and educational purposes. Carried. President Ottoson asked that others in the Association nominate individuals suitable to the task. Possibilities would be those with some understanding of physics, instruments, curator needs and physical plant requirements, and perhaps, fundraising. Board member Fuller left the meeting after this discussion to meet other commitments. The next items on the agenda were presentations by Ed Paquette, Executive Director of the Nebraska Alumni Assn., Ernie Giambre, Chief Marketing Officer of Great American Financial Resources, Inc., and Ken Grubb, President and CEO of the Endowment Trust Program. Ed Paquette began the discussion by sharing a vision of a retirement village located within the proposed business-residential development in downtown Lincoln. The complex would be similar to one developed by Pennsylvania State University. During the next 5-6 years, it is hoped that an 18-story complex would be constructed on 14th St., which would include 200 independent living units and 25 skilled nursing units. The structure would be connected to a new hotel, and include spa facilities with Condos would be located on top of the hotel. The context of the following presentations for the Emeriti Assn. was that the Association has the opportunity to utilize these programs by virtue of its recent affiliation with the Alumni Association.. Ken Grubb discussed the program of Pay IT Forward. This program works with non-profit organizations to help them find new funding sources and financial stability. An ETP Program—a life insurance trust--if adopted by the Emeriti Assn., would utilize a “sleeping asset—a person’s unused insurability. Assets in the Trust would only be used for the benefit of the Emeriti. Assets also may be split between non-profit organizations. The Trust would grow in years to come. There is no cost to the Emeriti and 100 percent of money raised would go to the Emeriti Assn. Ernie Giambra followed by outlining Medicare supplement programs offered by his company. He distributed material describing these options. He indicated that he would be happy to discuss these at an Association meeting. Also adding to the discussion and answering questions was Jeffrey Scoular, Vice President, Business Development for Pay It Forward. Also present during the discussion was Bob Stelter, Director for Development, and Kersi Pajniger, Chief Financial Officer, Nebraska Alumni Assn. One business item was considered following the above presentation. After some discussion, Jim McShane took the chair. It was moved by Ottoson, seconded by Mientka, that the UNL Emeriti Association, by prior approval, hereby send for deposit $1,600 to the OLLI organization to support the initial membership fee for those 2006 and thereafter Emeriti who wish to become members of OLLI. Approved by board members present. Delivee Wright departed the meeting before this motion was offered. Lutz reported that Jack Botts, who served as substitute secretary for the April membership meeting when Lutz was out of town, had e-mailed a draft of the minutes of the business portion of the meeting. Ottoson said that while the current board meeting would ordinarily be the final one until fall, it would be necessary to schedule another board meeting to deal with unfinished business. He will check board members’ schedules and announce a date. Respectfully submitted, ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Wick Alumni Center President Howard Ottoson called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. Those present: Jim Kendrick, Dick Boohar, Irv Omtvedt, Rose Marie Tondl, Bob Fuller, Delivee Wright, Max Clegg, Jim McShane, Dan Lutz, Jack Goebel 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. Respectfully submitted, /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Wick Alumni Center President Howard Ottoson called the meeting to order. Those present: Irv Omtvedt, Bob Fuller, Rose Marie Tondl, Walter Mientka, Dick Boohar, Jim Kendrick, Jim McShane, Dan Lutz Minutes of February 6, 2007 board meeting: moved by Kendrick, seconded by Fuller for approval, carried. Treasurer’s report—Walter Mientka: Report covered period from February 1 through February 28, 2007. Assets—Wisherd Fund: book value--$55,166.33; spendable earnings--$33,486.36. Total income--$5,611.01; Total expense--$1,280.33; Checking account balance--$4,330.68. (Complete report posted on Assn. website). Motion to accept treasurer’s report as presented, Mientka; second, Fuller; carried. Preparations for the New Emeriti Appreciation luncheon to be held March 8 at the Champions Club were discussed. Ottoson said fewer-than-hoped-for reservations had been received from newly-designated Emeriti. Fuller distributed a seating chart indicating tables to be hosted by Emeriti Assn. officers and board members. Lutz, head of an ad hoc committee also including Mientka and Clegg, reported on a visit with Paul Royster, coordinator of UNL Libraries, in regard to digitizing appropriate Emeriti Assn. records. Lutz said Royster was very cordial and open to receiving any printed material the Association deems important to index and preserve. There will be no charge to the Association for digitizing and there will be open access to anyone desiring to look at the records. It was decided that officers and board members bring all printed (hard copy) documents related to the Association to the next board meeting. These documents will be stored in file cabinets in the lower level of the Wick Center. The subcommittee will then decide which records/documents should be digitized and which documents will remain in the files for reasons of privacy, etc. To access digital records, interested persons will go to digitalcommons@unl.edu, go to “E” for Emeriti. Moved by Fuller, seconded by Mientka, to accept the report, carried. Updated draft versions of UNL Emeriti Benefits and UNL Emeriti Assn. Benefits were distributed for discussion. A number of points were made along with suggestions for changes in wording. A finalized version of Emeriti Assn. benefits was distributed to those attending the New Emeriti Appreciation Luncheon. The final version of both benefits lists is posted on the website as a report from the Benefits Committee. The following definition of Emeriti Assn. membership was moved by Mientka, seconded by Omtvedt, carried: “Membership shall consist of dues-paying Emeriti of UNL. All members are franchised to vote on matters affecting the Association. Honorary (non-voting) life membership is granted to surviving widows and widowers of UNL Emeriti.” See also Constitution/Bylaws Article III. Website Committee Report for February—Jim Kendrick. Report posted on website. Membership meeting speakers and their presentations posted on the website is of interest to the large number of Emeriti living outside the immediate Lincoln area. Standing committee reports: Benefits—chairman Goebel not present. Membership—Boohar: the roster is up to date except for listing new members and a number of address changes. Member Relations—the post of committee chair remains unfilled. Speaker for March 20 Emeriti membership meeting: Betsy Sheets, Director of Community Relations and Marketing, Eastmont Towers Community. Topic: “I’m Not Ready Yet!” Should I Stay in My Home or Join a Community?” Key reminder to attendees of March meeting: Site is Dixon Lecture Hall, NU College of Dentistry, 40th & Holdrege Streets. Parking lot for “A” parking tag owners west of Dental College. Snacking and chatting, 11:30 a.m. (refreshments provided); program, 12:00 noon, followed by business meeting. Lutz will arrange for reminder postcard on meeting to be sent to Emeriti with greater Lincoln area zipcodes. There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 2 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Wick Alumni Center President Howard Ottoson called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. Those present: Delivee Wright, Jim Kendrick, Dick Boohar, Rose Marie Tondl, Bob Fuller, Max Clegg, Dan Lutz, Walter Mientka Approval of January 9, 2007 board meeting minutes: Moved by Fuller, seconded by Kendrick, carried. Approval of January 16, 2007 membership meeting minutes (recorded by assistant secretary Anita Leininger) – moved by Fuller, seconded by Kendrick, carried. Minutes will be place on the website. Acceptance of treasurer’s report compiled by Mientka: moved by Mientka, seconded by Fuller, carried. Copies of the Association’s planned 2007 budget were distributed. After brief discussion, moved by Fuller, seconded by Boohar, to accept the budget as presented; carried. A list of newly-designated UNL Emeriti was distributed. It was recommended that the Emeriti Association sponsor an appreciation luncheon for this group, to be held at the Champions Club March 8. Moved by Kendrick, seconded by Boohar to proceed, with the president, vice president and chair of the Member Relations Committee taking the lead on this project; carried. It was recommended that a board member act as a host/hostess at each table. President Ottoson would sign a letter of invitation to be mailed to the new Emeriti, along with a return reservation card It was recommended that Ed Paquette, UNL Alumni Assn. executive director, and UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman be invited to the luncheon. Alumni Association items on the agenda—affiliation of the Emeriti Assn. with the Alumni Association; availability of the Alumni Assn. magazine to Emeriti Assn. members; and office/storage space for the Emeriti Assn. in the Wick Center. Ottoson said he had filled out a form making the occupancy official. A question was raised as to the availability of the Alumni Assn. magazine to Emeriti. The next issue of the magazine will be out March 15. Emeriti will be placed on the mailing list, with new members added on a staggered basis. As many names as possible will be submitted by February 12. Office and file space for the Emeriti Assn. president, secretary and treasurer have been designated in the lower level of the Wick Center. Ottoson announced that a bus would be provided to transport UNL Emeriti and spouses to Omaha to attend the NU President’s luncheon for retirees set for May 23. Vacancy - chairperson of Member Relations Committee: Ottoson said a number of contacts have been made, with no “takers.” The search will continue. Correspondence: Letters to Emeriti who have not paid 2007 dues will be sent out shortly. Lutz introduced the subject relating to possible creation of Digital Archives, which would incorporate many of the Emeriti Association’s paper records and other materials now filed in the traditional manner. The suggestion was made by Emeriti Association member Dick Fleming. Paul Royster of UNL Libraries, who is in charge of Digital Archives, is willing to meet with Emeriti Assn. officers to discuss setting up a site for Association Digital Archives Moved by Fuller, seconded by Tondl, to contact Royster, carried. An ad hoc Archives Committee was appointed, with Lutz as chair, along with Mientka and Clegg, to follow through in contacting Royster. Emeriti Association representation at UNL Faculty Senate meetings: Omtvedt has indicated a heavy schedule prevents him from regular attendance. A contact will be made with Jim McShane and past Emeriti Association president Don Edwards. Plans are firm for the Emeriti Association membership meeting Tuesday, February 20, at the East Campus Union; speaker: John Janovy, Jr., Varner Professor of Biological Sciences, on the topic: “A View From the Trenches.” An expanded biographical sketch of Janovy and an abstract of his topic are available on the Emeriti Assn. website. Time schedule for the meeting as usual: snack and chat, 11:30 a.m.; presentation, 12:00 noon, business meeting to follow. Lutz was requested to arrange for a postcard reminder to be mailed to Emeriti Assn. members in the greater Lincoln area. Fuller brought a supply of the new Emeriti Assn. brochure. A supply of 700 copies is available to distribute to new and prospective Emeriti Assn. members. Reports and action recommendations from standing committees: Benefits—John Goebel, chair. No report. Membership: Dick Boohar, chair: A number of postcards were returned with out-of-date addresses and some undeliverable; changes will be made as soon as possible Also, the list of UNL retirees, eligible Emeriti, will be incorporated into the master membership roster. These changes will be made as soon as possible to enable invitations to be sent to attend the Appreciation Luncheon in March.. Member Relations— represented by Fuller. No formal report. Committee takes the lead in planning the Appreciation Luncheon. Website committee—Jim Kendrick, January report posted on Website. There being no further old, unfinished or new business, it was moved by Fuller, seconded by Wright, to adjourn the meeting at 2 p.m. carried. Respectfully submitted, ///////////////////////////////////////////////////// Wick Alumni Center President Howard Ottoson called the meeting to order at 12:30 pm. Those present: Jim Kendrick, Dick Boohar, Delivee Wright, Rose Marie Tondl, Irv Omtvedt, Howard W. Ottoson, Bob Fuller, Walter E. Mientka, Dan Lutz Ed Paquette, Executive Director of the UNL Alumni Association, welcomed the board and praised the contributions and professionalism of Emeriti faculty to enhance the scholastic success of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and its students. He described in detail the mission and programs of the Alumni Association. He invited the UNL Emeriti Association to become an affiliate of the Alumni Association. This arrangement would include a venue for board meetings, generous office space in the garden (lower) level for records, computer access, some clerical assistance and a long-sought after space for Emeriti Association archives. Other membership services which would be extended to the Emeriti Assn. on an optional basis include health insurance supplements and web banking services. (Extracted from business session held later): After considerable discussion and questions, it was moved by Fuller, seconded by Mientka, that the Emeriti Association become an affiliate of the Alumni Association along the lines of discussion by Paquette, and monthly board meetings be held at the Wick Center.. Carried. It was moved by Fuller, seconded by Wright, that Association officers Ottoson, Mientka and Lutz meet with Paquette to discuss specified services, examine and assign space in the office area and agree to terms of the proposed arrangement, which would be on the agenda for approval by the Alumni Association board on January 19. Motion carried. A question was raised as to whether Emeriti are eligible to park their vehicles in the UNL parking garage at the corner of 17th & R Sts., close to the Wick Center. Moved by Fuller, seconded by Tondl, that Mientka check to see if Emeriti can park in this facility. Carried. The business portion of the meeting convened at 1:45 p.m. Omtvedt moved, seconded by Boohar, that the minutes of the December 5 board meeting be approved. Carried. Kendrick suggested that the secretary, when transmitting the first draft of board meeting minutes to the Administrative group, stipulate that comments, changes, suggestions, etc. be e-mailed back to the secretary no later than 7 days after the minutes are transmitted. Suggestion adopted. Treasurer’s report: Assets, income and expenses for December 1-December 31, 2006; Breakdown of income and expenses for calendar year 2006. (Full reports posted on website). Motion for acceptance of report by Omtvedt, second by Boohar; carried Omtvedt reported receiving a letter of thanks from Earl Barnawell, Emeritus Professor, School of Biological Sciences, for approval of a grant from the Wisherd Fund to support research using transplanted frog pituitaries to study the control of color in frogs. Another Emerita sent a letter of thanks to Mientka for a $1,000 grant from the Wisherd Fund to assist with health care expenses. Omtvedt commended Mientka on the excellent job he is doing as treasurer and for his thorough reporting and moved that the Emeriti Assn. Board extend its sincere appreciation. Motion was approved unanimously with appreciation extended by a round of applause. Omtvedt summarized the response to a letter sent to 137 spouses of deceased Emeriti; recipients are considered honorary members of the Emeriti Assn. Recipients of the letter were given the choice of being considered an honorary member of the Association, or requesting that their name/s be removed from the Association master roster. Thirty-five recipients had responded by January 8, with 10 requesting removal from the list. Eleven honorary members contributed a total of $220 as of January 8. Most comments were positive; some individuals noted spending part of a calendar year out of the state. No negative notes were received. It was recommended that a letter be sent annually to widows and widowers of Emeriti. Agenda item - followup on Brinkerhoff report on Emeriti membership. Ottoson said “a chain of inquiry” is underway regarding the membership issue. Ottoson said he had talked to a number of persons in Academic Affairs and the UNL Business Office about identifying recent Emeriti. He (Ottoson) received several referrals until Mark Chauche, UNL Business and Finance, said he would call back with a report Comments on draft of Emeriti Assn. brochure: Add sentence to contact treasurer regarding dues, contributions. Address of Wick Alumni Center—Emeriti Association to become an Affiliate. Note that luncheons sponsored by the NU President and the NU Foundation are complimentary to Emeriti and spouses. Possibility of changing photo on front cover of brochure. It was suggested that 700 copies of the revised brochure be printed and sent to those individuals who have not paid Emeriti Assn. dues and inviting them to become members. Moved by Fuller, seconded by Tondl, carried.. Fuller announced the January 16 membership meeting program title as “Guarding Your Retirement Assets.” Presenter will be Courtney K. Eastlack, Wealth Management Advisor for the Wealth Management Group, a division of TIAA-CREF Individual and Institutional Services. Snack and chat, 11:30 a.m., program begins at 12:00 noon, followed by business meeting. .Moved by Omtvedt, seconded by Mientka, that the secretary arrange with UNL printing/copying center to mail a postcard announcing date, location and program title for January Emeriti Assn. membership meeting. Carried. Because a meeting venue is not available at the East Campus Union for the March membership meeting, Fuller was asked to check on the availability of a room in the Dental College. President calls on committee chairs for reports: Benefits--Goebel, chair: no report. Membership--Boohar, chair. Updated report will be made as soon as possible; need to await further results of letter contact with spouses of deceased members. Individual contacts will be made with delinquent members. Member Relations--Efforts underway to determine committee chair. Joe Aguilar is being contacted by Mientka to fill this post. Delivee Wright has agreed to continue to serve as the Courtesy Coordinator. Website--Kendrick, chair. Summary for 2006: Visitors from 23 countries were noted during the year. Mondays were the busiest day, and early afternoon was the favorite time to visit the Website. A total of 2,640 visits to the website were recorded for the year, with the largest numbers during the final quarter of the year (October, November, December—most in one month, 708. A total of 25,981 tabs were clicked during the year, with the most recorded in April, October and December. The deaths of Emeriti Laura Casari and Lois Collings were noted. There being no further old, new or unfinished business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Minutes of Meeting held at East Campus Union President Irv Omtvedt called the meeting to order. Those present: Jim Kendrick, Dick Boohar, David B. Brinkerhoff, Delivee Wright, Rose Marie Tondl, George Tuck, Max Clegg, Howard W. Ottoson, Bob Fuller, Jerry Petr, Jim McShane, Walter E. Mientka, Don Edwards, Dan Lutz It was noted that this meeting is the final one for Past President Don Edwards who will be leaving the Board on December 31 as will Jerry Petr who has completed his 3-year term as a Director. Tondl was welcomed as the newly elected director to replace Petr. The November 2 board of directors meeting minutes and the November 16 membership meeting minutes that had previously been circulated to the administrative group on-line and suggested changes incorporated, were formally approved by acclamation. The treasurer’s report covering the period November 1-November 30, 2006 was accepted as presented by Walter Mientka on a motion by Mientka and second by McShane. The treasurer’s report is posted on the Emeriti Assn. website. The next agenda item taken up by the board was discussion of recommendations pertaining to changing the amount of Maude Wisherd stipends to Emeriti applying for assistance in meeting medical costs. The gap in Medicare part D coverage "the donut hole” relating to the shortfall of benefits in making it possible to pay Medicare costs in full was discussed. Questions arose regarding how Emeriti Association originated funds lodged in the NU Foundation can be used to meet Emeriti medical assistance requests. Mientka said he would check with the Foundation regarding this issue and get back to the board. (Note: A note circulated to the administrative group on the internet by Mientka after contact with the Foundation is reproduced as Addendum A to the minutes). The next item for discussion was the report of the ad hoc committee chaired by David Brinkerhoff on obtaining an accurate database of retired UNL faculty to make it possible to deal with the issue of identifying faculty recommended for tenure. The committee charge is ultimately to recommend criteria for certifying Emeritus status for retiring academic faculty (the current policy of the Board of Regents is contained in Addendum B to the minutes). Brinkerhoff handed out a 4-page report, which was discussed in depth for some time. (See Addendum C to the minutes). Brinkerhoff made the following motion, seconded by Boohar: “The Board of Directors committee accepts the recommendations of its ad hoc study group and transmits them to the Emeriti Association president to see to their implementation as is practicable.” Motion approved. Omtvedt asked when the new Emeriti Association brochure would be completed for distribution. The answer offered is “soon.” Cost per copy of the brochure will be 73 cents. Omtvedt said there is a need for a new chairperson for the Member Relations Committee; other committee chairs will continue to serve. Kendrick distributed a hard copy of the Website Committee report for November, which is also posted on the Web. In the report, he asserted that having visual and audio presentations on the Association website is essential if we are to generate meaningful interaction with Emeriti who live outside of Lancaster County. The Association needs to own its own digital camcorder and a wireless mike, he said in the report. The wireless audio-visual equipment needed to produce acceptable quality for streaming or podcasts could be acquired for about $1,000. It was moved by Mientka, seconded by Fuller, to authorize Kendrick to purchase the appropriate equipment for $1,000. Motion carried. Omtvedt cited the following correspondence needs to be sent soon:
Omtvedt reported that the UNL Library system has agreed that Emeriti Assn. records can be archived in the system. Volunteers for the East Campus Visitors Center are needed. There was no discussion on this item. Board and membership dates for 2007 were discussed. It was proposed that the next board meeting would be held at 12:30 p.m. on January 9, with meetings on the first Tuesday in following months, except for June, July and August when board meetings are not scheduled. Moved by Omtvedt, seconded by Mientka, approved. It was agreed that the first membership meeting in 2007 would be held in the UNL East Union, convening at 11:30 p.m., with the meeting to begin at 12:00 noon. There being no further old or unfinished business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Addendums////////////////////////////////////// Addendum A Wisherd and Emeriti Funds Book value is the historical cost basis of the endowment (or investment) whereas market value is what the endowment is worth right now. Basically, book value is what went into the endowment and market value is what you would get if you sold it now. Because this is a permanent endowment, only the income can be spent. The income is the spendable account. The estimated annual income is the amount the fund can expect to earn over the next year if no new contributions are made to the account. It is the endowment thatis earning income and the earnings are placed in the spendable account. Fund 30086910 (Emeriti Fund) is not an interest bearing account. It is considered an expendable fund and our expendable funds do not earn income. It's treated like a free checking account. Income from the Wisherd Fund may provide support for the programs and activities of the Association's Membership, Membership Relations, Program and Website committees. Addendum B EMERITUS STATUS FOR RETIRED FACULTY Emeritus status is the rank awarded by the Board of Regents to an employee at the time of retirement in recognition of substantial service rendered to the University in teaching, research, extension, or administration in a professional field. It may also be awarded to a retired administrator whose work impinges directly on the educational program. For faculty the recommendation is initiated by a vote of the departmental faculty with the endorsement of the chair and dean. In the case of A‑line administrators, the recommendation is made by that individual's immediate supervisor. Consistent with Regents policy, eligibility for emeritus status includes being at least 55 years of age and having been employed by the University of Nebraska for at least ten years, although exceptions to this may be made by the Board. The official statement of the Board indicates that, while a retired individual is clearly on a non‑active status with regard to required activities, emeritus status is granted to encourage the individual to maintain association with the institution and to continue study and scholarly investigation. Certain perquisites and privileges are provided as follows: On all formal occasions, emeritus faculty are recognized on the same basis as active members. They do not attend departmental or faculty meetings except upon invitation by the presiding office, and then without vote, but with privilege of the floor. As detailed in the Graduate College Governance Document, upon the recommendation of the departmental or interdepartmental Graduate Committee, retired Graduate Faculty Members who have been appointed to emeritus status may retain the rights and privileges associated with their level of membership on the Graduate Faculty. Further, consistent with the policies of the Distinguished Professorships Committee, emeriti faculty may retain any special professorship title as approved by the Chancellor. When emeritus faculty are called upon to act as references for former students, to furnish information to earlier associates, or to perform any other similar university service stemming from a responsibility which continues beyond their retirement, they are entitled to use official stationery and other departmental office privileges as is customary. Special privileges within a department relating to office space or desk room and use of research facilities, including access to the computer network, may be granted at the discretion of the dean or director, in consultation with the department head or chair. This decision will take into account availability of space and the individual's ongoing contribution to the university. The Campus Parking Office will issue a standard parking permit at no charge to any emeriti. The ticket office allows all emeriti to purchase tickets for athletic events on the same basis as current employees. However, retirees who do not hold season tickets at the time of retirement. will not be contacted by the ticket office regarding their interest in obtaining tickets. Events sponsored by the University Program Council at the Student Union are available to all emeriti at the same discounts as regular faculty. Revised 9-99 Addendum C Recommendations: 1) It is NOT recommended that the Association establish separate criteria from the UNL administrative process nor is it recommended that the Association evaluate faculty for emeriti status. Rather, we recommend that the President of the Association contact Chairs, Heads and Deans annually to encourage them to follow department procedures for approving of emeriti status of faculty with pending retirements. In essence, this recommendation encourages “tweaking” existing procedures as Mientka has proposed rather than invent new ones unique to the Association. 2) Embrace the document “Emeritus Status for Retired Faculty Academic/Administrative Employees” (attached) which summarizes and details the current policies of UNL and the Board of Regents specifying the conditions for eligibility (age and length of service) as well as privileges and benefits to those awarded emeriti status. This document serves as the basis for defining emeriti status as it pertains to EA membership. 3) A letter be sent by the President of the Emeritus Association congratulating the retiree on their achievement of emeriti status, informing her/him of the association and detailing the benefits that come from emeriti status and membership in the Association. 4) Additional research be undertaken by the Benefits Committee to articulate clearly the benefits that accrue to Emeriti and debunk any existing misconceptions. For example, there is no mention in the attached document regarding audit privileges. Are there other benefits and/or privileges that should be considered and/or existing ones that need to be renegotiated? 5) The President of the Emeritus Association correspond annually to Department and Division chairs/heads information on the Association (brochure) and include for distribution to those newly appointed to Emeritus status the document “Emeritus Status for Retired Faculty Academic/Administrative Employees”. Also, work with the SVCAA to insure that this same document is included in the Faculty Handbook. 6) Identify UNL emeriti from a “single” source reflecting the names of those who have been administratively processed and awarded the status of emeritus by the University. Because the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs has administrative responsibility for annually (September) notifying the BOR of those faculty officially approved for emeritus status, we recommend that the SVCAA office be that single source. The Source of this information comes from SAP and reflects the change to emeriti status on the employees PAF. This listing is generated for the SVCAA by the payroll department. Further, we recommend a semiannual listing (February and September) to facilitate capturing in a timely manner faculty who have retired mid-academic year and those on twelve month appointments who potentially retire any time during the calendar year.November 2, 2006 – UNL East Campus Union Vice President Ottoson called the meeting to order around 1:30 pm. Those attending were Ottoson, McShane, Brinkerhoff, Petr, Kendrick, Mientka, and Boohar. The Board approved the 5 October Board Minutes and recommended that the Association membership approve the minutes of the 19 October Associatione meeting that were email circulated to Board members. The Board approved the oral report from Treasurer Mientka. The Treasurer’s report will be posted on the Website after Mientka receives the Bank statement for October. The Board approved the email distributed recommendations for funding from the Maude Wisherd Fund. The Board asked the Committee to suggest modifications to the current $1,000 limit on awards made for unreimbursed medical, pharmacy expenses, or the costs of custodial care. Ad hoc Committee chair David Brinkerhoff reported that the Committee would, at the December Board meeting, provide specific recommendations likely along these lines:
Kendrick indicated that usage of the Website had increased in October relative to September (see Committee report on the Website). Ottoson reminded that the membership program on November 16 would feature Dan Lutz describing his railway journeys. Ottoson gave some details on the need for assistance at he East Campus Visitors" Center and said a signup sheet for volunteers would be circulated at the membership meeting. It was suggested that the president check on whether the Nebraska Alumni magazine is available gratis to Emeriti. Ottoson adjourned the meeting around 2:45 pm. Minutes by Kendrick /////////////////////////////////////////////// October 5, 2006 – UNL East Campus Union President Irv Omtvedt called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. The following officers and directors were present: Anita Leininger, Jim McShane, Jerry Petr, Dan Lutz, Max Clegg, Don Edwards, Howard Ottoson, Dick Boohar, Jim Kendrick, Irv Omtvedt, David Brinkerhoff, Delivee Wright and Walter Mientka. Approval of the minutes of the September 14, 2006 board meeting minutes was requested. The minutes had been transmitted via e-mail to the administrative group, i.e., officers and directors. Moved by Edwards, seconded by McShane that the minutes be approved as submitted. Carried. Following the September board meeting, the president appointed the Emeriti Assn. Executive Committee (President Irv Omtvedt, Vice President Howard Ottoson, Immediate Past President Don Edwards, Secretary Dan Lutz and Treasurer Walter Mientka) to serve as the nominating committee to develop a slate of two candidates for each of the positions to be on the November ballot for approval by the board and announced at the October membership meeting. The committee recommended the following Emeriti faculty, who have agreed to have their names on the ballot: Vice President/President- Elect: Bud Dasenbrock, Bob Fuller. Director (3-year term): Joe Aguilar, Rose Marie Tondl. The slate of candidates for the office of vice president/president- elect and one director offered by the nominating committee was presented for discussion and formal approval. Nominees: vice president/president-elect: Bud Dasenbrock, Bob Fuller, director: Joe Aguilar, Rose Marie Tondl, to serve 3-year terms. Moved by McShane, seconded by Leininger to accept the slate as submitted. Carried. Omtvedt reminded that the positions of secretary, assistant secretary and treasurer are filled by members appointed by the president. Dan Lutz has agreed to continue service as secretary; Anita Leininger as assistant secretary and Walter Mientka as treasurer. Elected and appointed officers and director will begin their terms on January 1, 2007. Candidates will be introduced and each will be asked to make a brief statement at the October membership meeting, including the academic unit in which each served. Voting will be possible by either a paper or electronic ballot. Voting by paper ballot will take place during the November 16 membership meeting. An absentee electronic ballot will be available on the Emeriti website as an alternative voting method from October 23 through November 13. The treasurer’s report, which had been e-mailed to officers and directors, and a hard copy distributed at the meeting, was approved on a motion by Petr and a second by McShane. It will be posted on the website. It was agreed that a letter reminding members that dues are due will be sent out soon to annual dues-paying members. Omtvedt reminded that mention needs to be made at the October membership meeting of Emeriti deceased since the May membership meeting. He asked that any information in this regard be sent to him via e-mail. A great deal of discussion ensued regarding the status of the Emeriti membership list, being determined and validated by an ad hoc committee chaired by David Brinkerhoff. A major challenge is to determine the validity of a listing of newly-designated Emeriti. It was asked whether names of newly-designated Emeriti could be obtained on a quarterly or semiannual basis. Brinkerhoff said it is doubtful that names can be obtained other than on an annual basis. Differing data are included in the Emeriti Assn. membership rosters (both the list maintained by UNL printing/mail service, with contact from secretary Lutz, and the roster maintained by Dick Boohar of the membership committee); a roster compiled by the NU Foundation, a list maintained by IANR administration; and a listing compiled by Greg Clayton. The process whereby retiring faculty are nominated to become Emeriti, and the movement through various administrative venues to reach final approval by the Board of Regents, was discussed. Examples are known in which possible eligible and deserving faculty were not nominated by the academic department head, or acted upon as nominations move up the chain for final approval by the Board of Regents. The committee will continue its work on this complicated project. Board members were asked to submit any suggestions or comments relative to the matter to the chair of the Ad Hoc Committee, using the e-mail address: EMERITI-ADM@LISTSERV.UNL.EDU. Reports from standing committees: Benefits Committee: main effort is working on issues which might affect the present eligibility of Emeriti to park in designated “A” (formerly #10) lots, notwithstanding limitations such as several lots being closed at 10 p.m. on the day before a Husker football game. Wisherd Fund Committee: Chairman McShane reported that two requests had been received for funding research projects and two for medical funding assistance. He also reported a $100 donation had been received. There was no report from the committee concerned with refinement of the Emeriti Assn. brochure. Emeriti participation in OLLI courses continues to be encouraged. All Emeriti have the privilege of auditing courses and such a statement should be included in the revised brochure.. Wright was asked to summarize the program topic for the upcoming October membership meeting, which will center on approaches to family/genealogical research. There will be three presenters followed by table discussion. Lutz was instructed to send out a postcard to Emeriti with greater Lincoln area mailing addresses, listing the program and also the voting procedure for vice president/director, utilizing either paper or electronic ballots. There being no further old, unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 3 p.m. Respectfully submitted, /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// September 14, 2006 – UNL East Campus Union President Irv Omtvedt called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. The following officers and directors were present: Officers and directors present: Anita Leininger, Don Edwards, Delivee Wright, Jerry Petr, George Tuck, Robert Fuller, Max Clegg, Walter Mientka, David Brinkerhoff, Dick Boohar, Jim Kendrick, Jim McShane, Dan Lutz, Jack Goebel. The first item of a sizeable list of concerns regarding the identification and certification of academic retirees from UNL related to the fact that the Board of Regents no longer acts on a submitted list of faculty nominated for Emeritus status. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding what constitutes an Emeritus individual. Procedures leading to an official designation are vague at this time. The Emeriti Assn. needs access every three months to a list of retirees with a breakdown of those recommended for Emeritus status or not. Some faculty are not on tenure-leading appointments. This would include Cooperative Extension faculty/educators and those paid from “soft” funding sources. Extensive discussion led to a motion by Kendrick, seconded by Leininger, that the Emeriti Assn. establish a committee to recommend criteria for certifying Emeritus status for retiring academic faculty. Motion approved unanimously. It was agreed that David Brinkerhoff would chair the newly-established committee. Other committee members will be Dick Boohar, Jack Goebel and Jim McShane. A contradiction was noted in that Extension educators presently are not eligible for tenure but can be recommended for Emeritus status. Moving on to other matters, letters will be sent to Emeriti on an annual basis relating to dues payment, if they are not life members. Letters would be sent to surviving spouses of deceased members and to new retirees. It was noted that retiree Don Jensen died before his Emeritus status was approved. However, surviving spouse Jan Jensen is eligible to be a member of the Emeriti Association. After some discussion, it was moved by Goebel, seconded by Edwards, to delay our becoming a member of the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE), or sending a delegate to the Arizona meeting sponsored by the University of Southern California. Motion carried. Omtvedt expressed concern regarding the issuing of tickets for a fine of $30 to Emeriti parking in an undesignated parking lane in the “A” lot behind the music building. He said the issuance of temporary parking passes needs to be pursued to allow attendance by Emeriti for specific meetings. Omtvedt announced the appointment of Association officers, including the past president, to constitute a nominating committee for 2007. A ballot would be placed on the Emeriti Assn. website. It was noted that the Association secretary and treasurer serve at the pleasure of the president. The ballot would include two candidates for president/president-elect and two candidates for a 3-year term on the board. Deadline for submission of electronic ballots is November 14; a membership meeting is scheduled for November 16. Delivee Wright announced that the program theme for the October membership meeting will focus on geneaology—“Finding your Roots.” A panel composed of Dewaine Alcorn, Sharon Sawyers and Ed Hirsch will discuss the topic. This will be followed by tale discussions at which members can relate personal experiences and situations, along with questions and answers regarding the general topic. A card will be sent to Emeriti with Lincoln area zipcodes announcing the October meeting date and topic. The meeting at the East Campus Union will open with refreshments, business meeting at 12:00 noon. Solicitation of board and officer candidates will be done on the web. It was stressed that the Emeriti Criteria Committee will have access to funds required to carry out its mission. Approved by acclamation. Omtvedt asked for a motion to approve the Association paying the individual cost of $50 for new Emeriti Assn. members to enroll in OLLI for the upcoming program series. Moved by McShane, seconded by Edwards, carried. Copies of the August, 2006 Treasurer’s report were handed out by Mientka. The report also was posted on the website. Report approved as submitted. Website committee report – Jim Kendrick. The report showed a total of 868 visits from January through August, 2006. The five most popular tabs (clicks) were: List of Emeriti Assn. members, list of board members, treasurer’s report, calendar of event, and “What’s New?” New members for calendar year 2007 will be posted on the web. Tuck suggested a welcome to new members be posted on the web, and members are encouraged to share ideas for OLLI program presenters and topics. A need continues to identify from among Emeriti those who are interested in teaching either a 7-week OLLI class or a single session With no further old, unfinished, or new business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Addendum to minutes clarifying the electronic ballot process introduced and discussed at the board meeting. Submitted by Jim Kendrick. The electronic ballot can be used by any Association member, wherever they may reside, to vote on major issues presented to the Association for a decision. Major issues are those such as voting for officers and considering fundamental changes in structure or procedures. Accepting a committee report, voting for adjournment, voting to send condolences, etc. are not considered major issues. However, at any meeting, Roberts’ Rules of Order permit a motion from the floor to have an issue decided by written ballot. This means—if approved by a vote of members attending the meeting—that all members need to be apprised of the necessity for a written ballot and the issue(s) to be voted on. The electronic ballot is considered a written ballot. Obviously, any member may vote in person at any meeting in which an issue is to be decided by a vote—providing meeting attendees have not previously voted on the same issue using an electronic ballot. One disadvantage—but not deemed a fatal weakness—of the proposed electronic ballot is the inability of members to “write in” a name when voting for officers of the Association. For the voting on a slate of officers at the November 16 membership meeting, I propose that the electronic ballot be activated on Monday, October 23 and remain open until midnight on Tuesday, November 14. This assumes that the Nominating Committee will be in a position to announce the names of candidates during the membership meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 19. Finally, paper ballots will need to be available at the November membership meeting for those members who had not cast their vote via the electronic ballot. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// May 2, 2006 President Irv Omtvedt called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. The following officers and directors were present: Jack Goebel, Delivee Wright, Max Clegg, Dick Boohar, Walter Mientka, Jim Kendrick, Dan Lutz The first item on the agenda was for the approval of the March, 2006 membership and board meeting minutes and the February board meeting. These minutes were approved by acclamation. The April membership meeting minutes were approved with no further suggestions by the board. Emeriti present at the next regular membership meeting in October will be asked to approve these minutes. Treasurer’s report--April 1-April 30, 2006, presented by Walter Mientka. This report is posted on the Emeriti Assn. website. Highlights: Maude Wisherd Fund—book value, $55,066.83; spendable earnings, $31,087.85. Emeriti Assn. Foundation Fund—600.00. Income—balance carryover, $5,294.39, current income for period--$595.00; total--$5,889.39. Expenses--$786.02. Checking account balance--$5,103.37. Committee reports: Benefits Committee – no report. Membership Committee: Dick Boohar: Concern was expressed regarding low attendance at Emeriti Assn. monthly meetings. It was observed that Emeriti of East Campus academic units are in attendance more than those from City Campus. Advanced age and its limitations for many Emeriti is a factor in non-attendance. It was suggested that programs featuring questions regarding retirement benefits and related topics, with answers provided, might increase attendance. Boohar said the master roster of members needs to be brought up to date to record new and paid-up members. The desirability of adding e-mail addresses for those Emeriti who approve of this listing was mentioned. Membership Relations Committee – Robert Fuller, chair, not present. Committee representative—Delivee Wright. The need for support for the recognition event for newly-designated Emeriti and completion of the proposed revised Emeriti brochure were discussed. Wright will work with Max Clegg to design and produce sympathy card stock available for the committee to send to bereaved relatives of deceased Emeriti. Website Committee – Jim Kendrick. The growing outreach of the Website is evident with visitors from Belgium, Greece, Romania, South Africa and Argentina. The top five pages viewed were: Look & Listen, Calendar, Members, Minutes of Meetings, and the listing of board members. To increase technical accuracy and receptivity, Kendrick said there is a strong need for a skilled camera operator to record membership meeting presentations. New Business Current status of the OLLI proposal aired at the April membership meeting was discussed. Emeritus Deanna Eversoll expressed hope for a partnership involving the Emeriti Assn. OLLI, formerly the SAGE program, is now under the UNL umbrella. The Osher Foundation hopes for a $1 million Endowment to support programs in the future. A detailed resolution pledging UNL Emeriti Assn. support of the long-term goals of OLLI was approved at the April Emeriti Assn. meeting. At the current board meeting, it was indicated that specifics of an OLLI-related proposal by the Emeriti Assn. are yet to come. It was reported that Eversoll suggests encouraging newly-designated Emeriti to enroll in OLLI-sponsored classes conducted on the UNL East Campus and Lincoln Community College facility located on the former Gallup Organization property. The recommended annual membership fee for OLLI is $50, which includes the tuition fee for one 7-week class. Members will pay a tuition fee of $25 per class for each additional class taken during the year. The goal is to have 500 OLLI members by the beginning of the next fiscal year, and the current enrollment is about 200. After considerable discussion, the following motion was made by Mientka, seconded by Goebel: “Be it resolved that the UNL Emeriti Assn. will pay the OLLI program membership fee and the cost of one course for all faculty that participate in the program during the first year following their being granted Emeriti status by the NU Board of Regents.” Motion approved by voice vote. Omtvedt expressed strong concern regarding the finding that parking permits in eligible lots on the two UNL campuses expire upon the death of an Emeritus, making the surviving spouse (widow or widower) ineligible to retain a permit. The Association considers the spouses of deceased Emeriti faculty to be honorary members. Goebel will check with appropriate Administration staff to seek clarification and continuation of the validity of the parking permits for deceased faculty survivors. Omtvedt read the draft of a letter directed to delinquent members, verifying their status, and reviewing the membership options—life or annual member. Two editorial changes were approved. The letter will be sent to 67 Emeriti who have not paid dues. A letter will be sent soon to Emeriti widows and widowers and life members. The question was raised again regarding a proposed UNL-sponsored recognition luncheon this fall for newly-designated Emeriti. Omtvedt said he would check with Senior Vice Chancellor Barbara Couture and IANR Vice Chancellor John Owens. He noted that the Vice Chancellors would likely be very occupied and busy through the end of the academic year. Omtvedt said he would recommend that the function be held in October. Board members were reminded that the NU President’s retiree luncheon will be held on May 23 at the Embassy Suites Hotel. An RSVP invitation will be sent to NU retirees, including UNL Emeriti. It was mentioned that John Brasch, who has been in private business, has been reappointed to a UNL position by Vice Chancellor-Research Prem Paul. Brasch will head a task force charged with formulating steps to make Nebraska products more marketable. Brasch will meet with a few members of the board to determine how to most effectively involve Emeriti on a volunteer basis in the work he is doing to secure patents in the Office of Vice Chancellor for Research There being no further unfinished, old or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// April 4, 2006 UNL East Campus Union President Irv Omtvedt called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. The following officers and directors were present: Dan Lutz, Jack Goebel, Howard Ottoson, Delivee Wright, Robert Fuller, Walter Mientka, Don Edwards, Max Clegg, Dick Boohar, Jim Kendrick, Jim McShane The first item on the agenda was for approval of the minutes of the March 16 membership meeting and the March 7 and February 7 board meetings. The policy was reiterated that any changes approved by the board would result in corrections being made before the upcoming membership meeting. After brief discussion, it was moved by Edwards, seconded by Boohar, that the drafts of the February and March board meetings be approved. Carried. The treasurer’s report for the period March 1-31, 2006 was presented. Highlights included: Maude Wisherd Fund—book value: $55,066.83; spendable earnings--$30,454.77; market value--$160,546. Association income--$5,370.36. Expenses--$75.97. Checking balance--$5,294.39. Treasurer Mientka defined book value as the amount deposited in the Foundation by the Emeriti Assn. 20 years ago and added deposits over the year. Market value is the financial worth of the investment today. Benefits Committee: No report per se. Will be checking on benefits accruing to those enrolled in the UNL health program and changes that have occurred. Membership committee: Efforts continue to keep Emeriti mailing addresses up to date. Boohar stated that all mailings originated by the committee would be postage-paid (not under permit), thus increasing expenses. The committee will check with UNL departments and academic units periodically to identify new Emeriti and the whereabouts of Emeriti whose mailing addresses are inaccurate/out of date. It was suggested that the Chancellor’s office might be willing to check with departments to obtain up-to-date information on new and present Emeriti. Information in WORD format would be sent to Boohar Kendrick urged that Emeriti who are not members of the Association should receive communications from the Member Relations Committee. Members in good standing in 2005 but who have not paid dues in 2006 should get a letter urging submission of dues. Other lists constructed and maintained by the Member Relations Committee would be non-members, life members, widows and widowers (not solicited for dues), and honorary life members. Regarding a proposed letter drafted by treasurer Mientka to go to all members of the Association along with a membership response form, Clegg will take the cover letter to and arrange with UNL printing-mailing services for processing and mailing. He will keep secretary Lutz informed if his assistance is needed. Gwen Newkirk wrote a letter suggesting that the Association consider compilation of a permanent history encompassing past and present Emeriti. Regarding a suggestion that a permanent Emeriti database be constructed, including members through the years since the inception of the Emeriti designation process, McShane said he would check with the UNL administration regarding the availability of records from 1998 on which would include all designated Emeriti—past and present. The issue of a need by the Association to establish official archives was discussed. One challenge is a space capable of storing a large volume of information in various forms. It was noted that former space allocated to the Association in the Wick Center was closed out by the Alumni Association. The possibility was broached of the UNL library being a depository for Association documents. It was suggested that Omtvedt explore this possibility with the UNL Archives Director. Regarding the needed support for a UNL-wide event recognizing newly-designated Emeriti, Omtvedt suggested that John Owens, Vice Chancellor for IANR, be requested to visit with Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Barbara Couture to elicit a response The need was reiterated for the availability of a new, updated UNL Emeriti Association brochure, particularly for the benefit of newly designated Emeriti. The Member Relations Committee will ask, during the April membership meeting, for volunteers with the needed skills to assist with the project. Gwen Newkirk forwarded request that the Association maintain sympathy card stock to send to the family/survivors of deceased Emeriti or spouses. Delivee Wright will work with Max Clegg to create sympathy card stock; already have supply for courtesy situations. Maude Wisherd Committee: report included within treasurer’s report. Jim Kendrick, website committee chair, reported on website statistics (January through March 2006) to the board. A total of 224 visitors accessed the website during the 3-month period, viewing 3,970 pages. Visitors were noted from Romania, Canada and the Ukraine. The Look & Listen tab permits Emeriti to see and hear speakers who addressed Association meetings. Two techniques---Streaming and Podcasting—were added during the quarter. Streaming allows watching speakers while at the computer and connected to the Internet; video podcasting involves a file downloaded from the Internet and then placed on a portable device about the size of a small cell phone. This latter technology permits viewing a speaker at a time and location chosen by the computer user. Kendrick emphasized that persons 35 years or under have shifted times and location in regard to accessing information. UNL and Stanford University use podcasting in classroom instruction. As an example of the shift to podcasting, he said, it is ABC News Now, not “Nightly News.” Some UNL classes this fall will be delivered by podcasting, including Backyard Farmer and Market Journal. Only three other Emeriti association websites in the U.S., in addition to UNL, have any content, i.e., (current minutes, calendar, etc.). However, the UNL Emeriti website is the only one with video streaming and video podcasting, Kendrick noted. The new technology is key to participation in the future by current 35-year-olds and up who become eligible for Emeriti status, he added. The new technologies, as shown by the 2006 first quarter statistics, confirm the value of the UNL Emeriti Assn.’s ability to convey information by streaming and podcasting, Kendrick stated. Keeping the timetable for future membership meetings as 12:00 noon for the guest program presentation and 1 p.m. for the Association’s business meeting was discussed. However, a motion was made by Mientka, seconded by Edwards, to schedule the business meeting first (12:00 noon) and then the presentation, which would allow it to be more open-ended before conclusion. It was noted that the next meeting per se would not be until October; the May meeting (time and location to be announced) is the traditional NU President’s luncheon for Emeriti and university faculty retirees. Mientka suggested discussion regarding possible different locations for meetings, now held exclusively on East Campus. After some discussion, the Mientka motion with Edwards’ second was withdrawn. Regarding establishment of Emeriti Assn. Archives, it was moved by Fuller, seconded by Edwards, to seek formal approval at the next board meeting following investigation of a possible site. Carried. Kendrick expressed strong concern that less than 10 percent of newly-designated new Emeriti join and maintain membership in the Association. A bleak future looms for the Association, he stated, with the number of deaths of present Emeriti exceeding that of new members. McShane commented that it would be desirable to request “exit interviews” with faculty retiring from UNL. This would give the Emeriti Assn. access to such individuals at a time to encourage membership. And the results would be useful to campus leadership as a means of assessing the morale of departing staff, especially among senior faculty. There being no further old, unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// February 7, 2006 East Campus Union The February Board meeting of the Emeriti Association was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by President Irv Omtvedt. Those present were: Howard Ottoson, Walter E. Mientka, Donald Edwards, Richard Boohar, James Kendrick, Max W. Clegg, Robert Fuller, Jerry Petr, Delivee Wright and Anita Leininger. A motion was made by Donald Edwards to accept the minutes of the December board meeting. Seconded by Dick Boohar. CARRIED Reports were given by: 1. Walter Mientka: Treasurer's Report. A hard copy was distributed to members. 2. Howard Ottoson: It was suggested that Howard should be consulted when it is necessary to send out special notices. There was also a brief discussion of the services available via the Print Shop located on city campus. It should be contacted when printing and mailing of notices by the board is required. If Questions arise about printing procedures, contact Miss Carol Johnson. 3. Dick Boohar: Dick reported he had incorporated two changes in the Master Roster based on information received from Walter Mientka. Next a rather extensive discussion of Emeriti membership was initiated by Dick Boohar as follows: 1. Names of new retirees approved by the regents for Emeritus Status are reported in June of each year. 2. There is a need to resolve how newly appointed emeriti are informed about becoming a member of the Emeriti Association. 3. Dick Boohar moved that dues begin one year after the faculty member is officially accepted by the regents as an Emeriti member, seconded by Walter Mientka. CARRIED. 4. President Irv Omtwedt announced that Herman Knoche has agreed to be chair of the Member Relations committee as a replacement for Myra Wilhite. 5. Dick Boohar moved that the Board begin to develop a logo for the Emeriti stationery. Jim Kendrick moved the motion be approved, seconded by Donald Edwards. CARRIED. Anita Leininger, Asst. Secretary ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// December 1, 2005 Meeting called to order at 1:30 p.m. by president Irv Omtvedt. Other board members and officers present: Jim Kendrick, Delivee Wright, Dick Boohar, Howard Ottoson, Wilma Crumley, Francis Haskins, Walter Mientka, Don Edwards, Jerry Petr, Max Clegg. The death of Emeritus James Rawley following a stroke and a fall outside Oldfather Hall was noted. In preliminary remarks, Omtvedt asked the board for aid in selecting committee members and chairs. He also expressed concern that there is a shortfall of city campus origin Emeriti attending membership meetings. Care also needs to be taken in assuring a balance of City and East Campus Emeriti on committees. It was moved by Boohar, seconded by Wright, to approve the minutes of the November 3, 2005 board meeting. Carried. Moved by Edwards, seconded by Ottoson, to approve the minutes of the November 17, 2005 membership meeting. Carried. Mientka suggested looking into the possibility of asking speakers at membership meetings to submit an abstract of their presentation to facilitate a condensed version included in the minutes. Kendrick said he was working on an arrangement wherein an audio version of a presentation could be accessed on the website. Treasurer’s report: Mientka distributed a hard copy. He noted that the amount of compensation to grant recipients from the Wisherd Fund needed to be added to the expense portion of the report. Moved by Edwards, seconded by Wright to approve the report. Carried. The issue regarding providing refreshments to attendees of the monthly membership meetings was discussed. A statement of costs for refreshments available at the November meeting has not been received. It was decided that decaf coffee, hot cider (or ice tea) and cookies would be provided for the January, February, March and April membership meetings. Vice President and Program Chair Ottoson discussed plans for programs at the February, March and April membership meetings. As announced earlier, the January membership meeting speaker will be Dean Marjorie Kostelnik of the UNL College of Education and Human Sciences, who will discuss how the academic unit was formed from previous academic entities. He distributed a listing of program ideas. Several thoughts were expressed by board members regarding other possible program topics. These included Walgreen pharmacist Ally Jacobsen, who previously spoke to the Assn. on health care with emphasis on prescriptions, given the current interest in Medicare options and choices. Another idea: a panel of Emeriti Assn. members discussing areas of interest of Emeriti, i.e., seniors. Topics might include travel, financial issues, spare time choices. This idea would also engage more Association members in the group’s activities. Other possible speakers/topics suggested included: Peter Levitov, relating to international students; pre-need funeral planning, Bill Haberlan, resource person; works of art—chimpanzees vs. humans, a field trip to studios; Tom Winter, UNL faculty member, on rubber band airplanes and related subjects. In informal discussion, the board showed little enthusiasm for N.U. and UNL master plan presentations, Report on UNK, and College of Engineering and Technology at UNO. Standing committees’ year-end reports elicited a great deal of discussion. Courtesy Committee—Delivee Wright. Within its present context, no more than a dozen baskets were distributed this year to members who returned home after hospitalization. Delivering baskets depends on word-of-mouth notification from members. Nothing is delivered to families in case of deaths. It was pointed out that patients recovering at home welcome visitors; this may be more therapeutic than the baskets themselves. The need for the newly constituted Membership Relations Committee to arrange for getting baskets or other recognition to Emeriti outside Lincoln prompted an in-depth discussion on a system to contact various segments of the total Emeriti membership, whatever their residence, as well as new members, annual dues-paid members, life members, widows and widowers and various zip code groupings. Boohar, with assistance by Kendrick, proposed the first mailing to go to new Emeriti who retired from UNL during the period July-September of this year—12-14 individuals. The goal would be a first class mailing this month (December). Boohar proposed that stationery would be printed by a private print shop; with envelopes carrying his (residence) return address. A post office box would be rented to receive returns, especially those indicating change of address or a recipient deceased. Boohar said he has the capability to sort mailing labels from the roster he maintains to a variety of recipient categories, some of which may be beyond the capability of UNL printing/mailing services, which handles current Emeriti Assn. mailings. Lutz and Crumley questioned the appropriateness and legality of printed stationery and envelopes with different type style and size and particularly the use of a private return address. This possibility will be checked out as soon as possible. After considerable discussion, it was moved by Kendrick, seconded by Edwards, for the Emeriti Assn. to produce its own stationery/letterhead and envelopes, with the Association’s chosen return address. In the light of considerable discussion, it was moved by Edwards, seconded by Ottoson, to withdraw the foregoing motion, and refer the situation to the Member Relations Committee for appropriate action. Carried. Other Standing Committee reports: Maude Wisherd Fund: Chairman Lee Jones absent. Nominating Committee: Ted Hartung; mission accomplished for 2005. Website: Jim Kendrick. Report posted on the website listed changes posted and cited usage for November, i.e., number of visitors, number of pages viewed and top pages viewed. Omtvedt requested discussion relating to chairs of standing committees, committee responsibilities and potential members of committees for program year 2006. Benefits Committee – Haskins wishes to be relieved of chairmanship. Possible candidates might be George Rejda and Barbara Kohn. Wisherd Fund Committee – Lee Jones has declined to serve in 2006. A new chairman will be sought. Membership Committee – Dick Boohar to continue as Chair. Max Clegg agreed to join Dick Boohar on the committee. Jim McShane and Robert Fuller were mentioned as possible candidates for committee chairmanships. It was suggested that Dick Bradley be asked to serve as chairman of the Member Relations Committee. . Recommended that Jim Kendrick continue as chair of the Website Committee. Under new business: Development of mission statement and working plan for Membership Relations Committee. Pursue goal of developing a brochure describing the Association, its projects and goals for distribution to new or prospective members. Kendrick raised the possibility of a surcharge to be borne by members who requested/desired to receive mailings containing information that members normally would expect to access through our website. Despite technology, some mass mailings will continue to be necessary to all members, but these costs would be considered as an item in the annual operating budget. The amount of a surcharge has not been determined, but it might be something like $1.85 a year. No formal action was taken on this suggestion.. The question was asked as to whether meeting rooms at the East Campus Union have been scheduled for upcoming months. Omtvedt said meeting rooms and dates have been scheduled for membership meetings. He will contact the East Union in the near future to reserve a meeting room with four tables arranged in conference-table style for 2006 board meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. starting in February. Mientka requested that the board consider the following resolution. Whereas: Whereas: Whereas: Help emeriti (or surviving spouses) pay health insurance premiums Underwrite part of the cost of completing research and/or creative activity Help pay for custodial care of emeriti. Whereas: The Treasurer hereby submits the following resolution articulating additional types of support for the income from the Wisherd Fund: Resolution (Motion): This Motion was seconded by Don Edwards and passed with unanimity by those present. There being no further old, unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m. Dan B. Lutz, Secretary ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// November 3, 2005 Meeting called to order at 1:30 p.m. by president-elect Irv Omtvedt; President Edwards was out of town.. Other board members and officers present: Howard Ottoson, Wilma Crumley, Walter Mientka, Francis Haskins, Jim Kendrick, Dick Boohar, Delivee Wright, Jerry Petr, Dan Lutz Minutes of October 6 board meeting: Moved by Mientka, seconded by Boohar, for approval as distributed. Carried. Treasurer’s report (as of current date): Walter Mientka: Maude Wisherd Fund balance--$54,966.83; spendable earnings - $32,290.92. Income received – January –October: $3,209.90. Expenses, same period: $2,618.31 (includes $500 to open new UNL Emeriti Assn. Fund). Checking account balance: $591.59. It was noted that the Foundation’s new rules do not authorize the Association Treasurer to access the Association’s Fund accounts. Mientka volunteered to work with the Foundation to obtain the necessary papers to permit both the President and Treasurer access to these accounts. Motion for approval by Petr, seconded by Wright, carried. October 20 membership meeting minutes: moved by Ottoson, seconded by Wright for approval. Kendrick moved, second by Petr, for an amendment that committee reports not delivered at a membership meeting because the committee chair is not present will be posted on the website. Motion approved as amended. Omtvedt requested that Secretary Lutz bring 10 copies of the Oct. 20 meeting minutes to the Nov. 17 meeting for possible use by members present who do not have computer access. Kendrick explained procedures necessary to vote absentee through the website and handed out an explanation of a step-by-step process. In essence, an Emeritus wishing to vote absentee, following directions on the website, prints out a paper ballot, fills it out and mails it to the membership chair, who will verify that the individual submitting the ballot is a member in good standing of the UNL Emeriti Assn. The ballot must reach Membership chair Boohar on or before November 15. In addition to election of officers and a director for 2006, members may also vote absentee on a number of proposed changes in the Association’s constitution and by-laws. To facilitate recording of meeting proceedings by the secretary, Kendrick moved that “all motions other than procedural (i.e., “call for the question” for example) must be submitted in writing at Board and Association meetings.” Seconded by Mientka, carried. Other old business: Status of proposed new UNL Emeriti Assn. brochure – Mientka and Boohar: item still in planning process. New business: Discussion of proposed changes in some articles within the Association’s constitution and by-laws. Kendrick handed out a copy of the present Constitution and By-Laws and a listing of Articles therein, with new language proposed for some Articles. Following are Articles in the By-Laws acted on the by the Board: No changes are being proposed for Article I – “name of the organization…”; and for Article II – “objectives of the organization.” A major change was proposed for Article III – “Membership.” Present wording: “Membership shall include all Emeriti faculty (emphasis added) of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Retired faculty and administrators of the University of Nebraska and retired officers of the University of Nebraska Foundation may become members upon their request.” A significant proposed change “Membership shall consist of dues paying Emeriti of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Membership is complimentary for a full calendar year after obtaining Emeritus status. All members are franchised to vote on matters affecting the Association. Honorary (non-voting) Life Membership is granted to surviving widows and widowers of University of Nebraska-Lincoln Emeriti.” Crumley raised a question regarding the definition of Association membership as dues-paying Emeriti, because wording in the agreement with the University of Nebraska Foundation refers to University Emeriti (so certified, but including both paid and non-paid Association members) as eligible to receive grants/benefits from the Maude Wisherd Fund. Lengthy and serious discussion followed, with some board members maintaining that the proposed Article change and the Wisherd Fund stipulation are two separate issues. Crumley then offered the following motion: “That further discussion of Constitution Article III be deferred pending a legal opinion of possible authority of the Wisherd Trust Agreement in defining membership in the Association.” Seconded by Petr. Motion approved, 6-4. A University of Nebraska attorney and a NU Foundation Attorney will be requested to examine the relevant passage of the Wisherd Trust Agreement. In followup, Petr offered the following motion, seconded by Crumley: “If a legal opinion, as requested, with reference to Article III, reports that the Wisherd Trust Agreement’s does not restrict the Association’s ability to determine its membership requirements, the board adopts Article III, Membership, as presented. Carried.. . Changes in Articles IV through IX were approved unanimously by the board. Following are the amended articles with verbatim language and directors offering motions and seconds. Article IV – Place of Meetings: “Meetings shall be held at one of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Unions, in other campus buildings, or at other places in or near Lincoln.” Moved by Mientka, seconded by Ottoson. Article V – Officers: “The officers of the Associations shall be: president, vice president/president-elect, secretary and treasurer. The president shall appoint the secretary and treasurer annually with no specified term. The vice president/president-elect shall serve as program chairman. Duties for all officers and directors shall be such as ordinarily pertain to the officers. The Association officers, the immediate past president, the directors, and the chairs of standing committees shall constitute the board of directors. The Board of Directors shall act for the Association between meetings of the Association. Moved by Kendrick, seconded by Boohar. Article VI – Election of vice president/president-elect and a director. 1. A vice president/president-elect and a director shall be elected at each November meeting of the Association. The director shall be elected for a 3-year term. Both terms begin January following the election. 2. In January following the November election, the past vice president/president-elect shall automatically succeed to the office of president, and the former president shall automatically assume the office of past president. 3. In October of each year, the board of directors shall nominate at least two Association members for the office of vice president/president-elect and at least two Association members for the position of director for a 3-year term. These names will be submitted to the membership at least a week prior to the November meeting of the Association. Moved by Kendrick, seconded by Crumley. Article VII – Committees: “The Association shall have the following standing committees: Benefits, Maude Wisherd Fund, Membership, Member Relations and Website. The president shall appoint the chairs and members of the standing committees. Moved by Kendrick, seconded by Mientka. (Footnote: The former ad hoc Courtesy Committee, with expanded duties, has been changed to the Member Relations standing committee. The former ad hoc committee, On-line Communications, has become the Website standing committee). Article VIII – Dues: “The Board of Directors is authorized to set membership dues as warranted by expenses. The current Life Membership fee of one hundred dollars ($100), is deposited into the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Emeriti Association Fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation, of which a portion may go to the endowed Maude Wisherd Fund. Moved by Kendrick, seconded by Ottoson. An amendment to this Article, which received final approval, is as follows: The Board of directors is authorized to set membership dues as warranted by expenses, including a Life Membership fee to be deposited into the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Emeriti Association Fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation, of which a portion may go to the endowed Maude Wisherd Fund. Moved by Kendrick, seconded by Mientka. Article IX – Amendments: “These articles may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members voting, provided that notice of the proposed change has been given not less than one week. Moved by Mientka, seconded by Ottoson. Finally, it was moved by Petr, seconded by Crumley, that “The two documents—Constitution and By-Laws—be combined into one document, to be called ‘Constitution/By-Laws,’ Carried Committee reports: Benefits – Francis Haskins. Information about 2006 medical insurance premiums for University of Nebraska retirees is now available. Following are the new monthly rates for the Basic Option for single individuals and couples, all having Medicare (these categories probably include a majority of retirees who have retained their U. of N. medical insurance): for individuals, $386; for couples, $770. These amounts represent increases of 8.4 percent and 8.1 percent, respectively, from 2005 levels. Compared to rates that were in effect for 2003, for example, the rates for single persons have increased 35.4 percent, and for couples, 59.4 percent. Prescription coverage under the U. of N. program remains the same in 2006, as it was in 2005. As a matter of possible interest, for a couple in their 80s, both on Medicare, the current monthly rate for Plan F coverage with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Nebraska is $320.48. Of course, this plan has no prescription coverage. With regard to prescription coverage, much information about Medicare Plan D is now being distributed by mail, in special meetings, and via the Internet. The November 17 meeting of the Emeriti Assn. will consider these matters in great detail. Among the numerous items that individuals will need to consider in making decisions about Plan D are: 1. The amount likely to be spent for needed drugs. 2. The cost of premiums. 3. The extent of the formulary for the particular plan(s) being considered. Maude Wisherd Fund – Lee Jones. Chairman not in attendance; no report filed. Membership Committee – Dick Boohar. Efforts continue to maintain an accurate and up-to-date membership roster. There is some evidence that changes forwarded to UNL Mailing Services (which keeps an Emeriti master roster, i.e., paid, unpaid, all zipcode addresses, with ongoing changes, i.e., deceased, changes-of-address, etc. seem sometimes to not be made or are delayed. Cooperative efforts continue between myself, Dan Lutz as secretary and Walter Mientka as treasurer to assure accurate membership data. Nominating Committee – Ted Hartung. Not present; slate of candidates presented to board. Courtesy Committee – Delivee Wright. No names of Emeriti qualifying for courtesy baskets received during last month. Website Committee – Jim Kendrick. November report: Absentee ballot is available on the Emeriti Website. See the Vote Here! Tab. In Memory tab updated with names announced at October 20 meeting. October usage: 1,320 pages were viewed in 1,954 visits to the website from 96 unique visitors, including one from France and one from the United Kingdom. The 10 most frequently viewed pages were, in order: Treasurer’s Report, Board Membership, FAQs, What’s New? Board Minutes, Vote Here!, Calendar, Membership Roster, Nominations, and Committees. Omtvedt again reminded of the November 17 meeting at 12:30 p.m. in the Nebraska East Union, with the speaker: Mark Intermill, Association for Advocacy, AARP, topic: “The New Prescription Drug Program and Health Insurance Considerations.” The board unanimously instructed the President-Elect to seek a larger room and to order refreshments for those attending the November 17 meeting. A postcard notice will be sent to all Emeriti with Lincoln area zipcode addresses reminding of the election of officers and directors and the speaker and topic for the November 17 meeting. There being no further old, unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 4 p.m. The next Board of Directors meeting will be held Thursday, Dec. 1 at 1:30 p.m. at the Nebraska East Union. Respectfully submitted, /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// OCTOBER 6, 2005 Meeting called to order at 1:30 p.m. by president Don Edwards. Other board members and officers present: Howard Ottoson, Wilma Crumley, Walter Mientka, Irv Omtvedt, Ted Hartung, Francis Haskins, Jim Kendrick, Dick Boohar, Delivee Wright, Lee Jones, Dan Lutz Minutes of September 1 board meeting: Moved by Omtvedt, seconded by Boohar, for approval as distributed. Carried. It was stipulated that when the secretary records the minutes of the current meeting and forwards the draft by e-mail to officers and board members for suggestions/corrections, a response to the secretary is needed within five days after the draft is transmitted. Once any changes are made in the original draft, the approved version will be posted on the website, with the note that the minutes will still need to be approved for the record by members present at the next board meeting. Treasurer’s report (as of 8/29): Walter Mientka: Maude Wisherd Fund balance--$54,966.83; spendable earnings - $34.658.23—a $600 increase from last month. Income received – January –September: $3,209.90. Expenses, same period: $2,618.31 (includes $500 to open new UNL Emeriti Assn. Fund). Checking account balance: $591.59. The report also included correspondence from NU Foundation officials regarding establishment of and procedures relating to the newly-established UNL Emeriti Assn. Fund, “which shall be used for the benefit and support of the UNL Emeriti Assn.” Copies of request for payment from Foundation Funds form for applicants Judy Cole, Leora Horning and Helen Kreymbourg were forwarded to the Foundation at the Foundation’s request. A copy of the request by Hazel Anthony for $1,000 to support the research/scholarly activity “Legacy Project” by the UNL College of Education and Human Sciences was also forwarded to the Foundation. Moved by Omtvedt, seconded by Lee Jones, that the treasurer’s report be approved as presented. Carried. Considerable discussion ensued regarding the procedure for a retiring UNL academic/administrative staff member to be granted Emeritus status. It was noted that questions arise as to specific benefits Emeriti receive from the University. The current procedure, now on the website, was revised in 1994. The text of the explanation of Emeritus status issued in 1994 was distributed to the board. One question raised was a paragraph that stated “The (UNL) ticket office allows all Emeriti to purchase tickets for athletic events on the same basis as current employees.” In the case of football, this is limited to those who purchased tickets the previous year before retiring. It was also noted that not all retiring faculty are recommended for Emeritus status and/or a positive recommendation is not forwarded by the unit administrator through administrative channels for ultimate approval by the Board of Regents. A proposal to change the name and mission of the Courtesy Committee and change its status from ad hoc to Standing was discussed by the committee chair, Delivee Wright, and Irv Omtvedt. Wright raised a question as to whether the title is indicative of the current, and perhaps possible expanded, purpose of the committee. Wright said projects and engagement with members should be stressed within the committee’s purpose. Committee membership has dwindled, with only one member besides the chairperson. The committee does not receive word of illness or infirmity of Emeriti, who would receive a courtesy basket. The concept of Member Relations was advanced, beyond Courtesy and its present interpretation. A broadened perspective and the ability to meet stated objectives were urged by Omtvedt and Wright. The role and mission of such a committee should be enhanced or the committee dropped, Wright said. While re-stated objectives of the committee and its present title were not changed in the current discussion, it was agreed to submit the proposal to change the Courtesy Committee from an ad hoc status to that of a standing committee to the membership present at the October 20 meeting. The question as to who—only Emeriti who are dues-paying members of the Association, or also Emeriti who are unpaid members—should be invited to the annual NU Foundation luncheon was discussed. It was moved by Hartung, seconded by Mientka, that the Association should provide the Foundation with a list of only its members in good standing (dues paid) to be invited to the luncheon. The Foundation can add others as its guests as deemed appropriate. Carried. Membership committee chair Dick Boohar shared and discussed at length a detailed classification of individuals included on the master roster, which includes both paid and unpaid (but eligible) members of the Association. His analysis provides data as to a potential attendance total at membership meetings, the need to persuade more unpaid Emeriti to become association members, and the need to ensure that Emeriti widows and widowers are recognized by the Association for inclusion and involvement, especially attending membership meetings if they reside in the Lincoln area. Breakdown of paid, unpaid, residence in Lincoln area and outside of Lincoln, widows and widowers, surviving spouses of deceased Emeriti.
Boohar suggested that mailings and other efforts might be made by the Association and various committees to specific groups within the current classification to recruit new members, urge Lincoln area Emeriti to attend monthly membership meetings, and assure that widows and widowers of deceased Emeriti are welcome and urged to become involved in the Association and its programs. Lutz was complimentary regarding the effort Boohar made to construct a profile of UNL Emeriti, which can be utilized to meet the goals mentioned. However, he pointed out that all mailings originated by the UNL Emeriti Assn. are now handled by the UNL printing and mailing office. Mass mailings and mailings based on various classifications within the master roster would be significant challenges for the Association in terms of breaking out specific mailing lists, ordering printing, preparing jobs for mailing and multiplying billing and payment requests to the treasurer. Officers and committee chairs would need to rely on recruiting key members to perform these tasks. In short, the new arrangement would be complicated. Mientka moved, seconded by Omtvedt, that the board approve Boohar’s plan involving classification of certified Emeriti on the master roster, enabling the Association to further its efforts on behalf of members. Carried. President Edwards expressed gratitude on behalf of the Association for Boohar’s Emeriti analysis effort which can lead to positive steps in membership recruitment and meeting members’ needs. The need for a new, revised UNL Emeriti Association brochure was cited. After some discussion, the proposal was put on hold pending clarification of several items. Benefits Committee: Francis Haskins. (note: Secretary requested Haskins to provide a summary of his report because of the details and the importance to provide accurate and current information on benefits, especially in the health area. His report is presented herewith without editing). “As a visitor, I attended a substantial part of the September 15 meeting of the reconstituted University-wide Benefits Committee. Most of the part that I attended was devoted to discussion of the new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Medicare Part D). Numerous insurance companies will be offering Part D plans, and premium rates and coverage details will vary widely. However, the “standard” coverage provides that for each insured person: (1) There will be an annual deductible of $250 for prescription drug expenses. (2) For the next $2,000 in prescription expenses, the insured person will pay 25 percent ($500) and the insurer will pay 75 percent ($1,500). And (3) for the next $2,850, the insured will pay 100 percent. Thus, for the first $5,100 in annual prescription expenses, the insured person will have out-of-pocket expenses of $3,600 (in addition to the insurance premiums, estimated at $30-plus per month). After the $3,600 annual figure has been reached, the insurer will pay approximately 95 percent of additional prescription expenses. As of September 15, University officials had not determined what effect Part D coverage might have on prescription coverage under the University’s medical insurance plans. Enrollment in the new Medicare Part D will begin November 15, 2005, and coverage will begin January 1, 2006.” Maude Wisherd Committee – Lee Jones, chairman. Actions of the committee in approving those seeking grants has been covered in previous reports Nominating Committee – Chairman Ted Hartung presented the committee’s report on behalf of himself, Dick Fleming and Bill Splinter. Candidates for election as officers and board members of the UNL Emeriti Assn. for 2006: President—Irv Omtvedt; Vice President—Howard Ottoson; co-secretaries—Dan Lutz, Anita Leininger; Treasurer—Walter Mientka; Board members: Jerry Petr--1-year term; Delivee Wright—2-year term; Max Clegg—3-year term. Don Edwards continues service on the board as past president. The slate will be presented at the business session of the October 20 membership meeting. Committee report received consensus approval. On-Line Communications Committee – Jim Kendrick, chairman. The proposal was discussed to delete or discontinue the On-Line Communications Ad Hoc Committee and form a new Website Standing Committee. The possibility of listing the Association membership in its various categories on the web was discussed. The decision was affirmed to take the proposal changing the present ad hoc communications committee to the Website Standing Committee before the membership present at the October 20 meeting. It was suggested that a courtesy luncheon, which would in effect be an orientation meeting, be sponsored for new Emeriti Association members. The recent survey conducted by the Association disclosed a desire of socialization by members at monthly meetings Structured discussion on various topics might be held to vary the format of regular meetings. Omtvedt stressed the need for the board to explore reaching out to retirees, including possible structural changes in monthly meetings. Special interest groups might be encouraged. Mientka moved, seconded by Lee Jones, that the Association sponsor an orientation luncheon or meeting for new members once a year. Planning for the meeting would be the responsibility of the president. Motion approved. A resolution submitted to Association President Don Edwards by Emeritus Earl Barnawell was discussed. Barnawell requested the board to approve the following resolution, dated Sept. 7, 2005: Be it resolved that Regent J. David Hergert submit his resignation from the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska. In view of his actions to deceitfully and dishonestly manipulate the election that brought him to the Board of Regents, we call upon Mr. Hergert to resign. His actions are at variance with the standards of honesty and integrity we hope to inculcate in our students. It was decided by consensus to not take any action on the Barnawellbb resolution since the Emeriti Association has a representative on the Faculty Senate where this matter was discussed and action was taken at most recent meeting held on October 4, 2005 to call for Regent Hergert to resign. It was moved by Mientka, seconded by Ottoson, for the Association to appropriate $1,000 from its treasury for the relief of families in Katrina-stricken New Orleans. After brief discussion, Mientka asked permission to withdraw his motion; Ottoson concurred. Omtvedt moved that the UNL Emeriti Association by-laws be amended to permit absentee voting, so members not present at a called membership meeting would have an opportunity to cast votes. Seconded by Boohar, approved. The resolution would be taken to members attending the October 20 meeting for approval. If this provision relating to absentee voting is approved, the UNL Emeriti Association website will be used to distribute ballots to those desiring to utilize absentee voting. Details of the October 20 membership meeting at the UNL East Campus Union, beginning at 12:30 p.m.: Speaker will be Ted Weidner, UNL Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities, Management and Planning, who will give “A Status Report and Overview of the Antelope Valley Project and Its Impact on the UNL Campus and the City of Lincoln.” (A reminder card was mailed to Emeriti with Lincoln and nearby community zipcodes). The meeting room at the Union will be available prior to the Emeriti meeting for members who wish to come early to eat together and visit before the meeting. President Edwards reminded that future board meetings will be held at the East Union at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, November 3 and Thursday, December 1. There being no further old, unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, ************************************************************* September 1, 2005 Meeting called to order at 1:30 p.m. by president Don Edwards. Present: Wilma Crumley, Walter Mientka, Jerry Petr, Francis Haskins, Delivee Wright, Dick Boohar, Jim Kendrick, Irv Omtvedt, Dan Lutz. Minutes of the May 2, 2005 board meeting were approved. Wilma Crumley handed out a summary of the survey results, including all Emeriti on the master list—paid, unpaid and all zip codes. Thirty-one Emeriti responded to the survey, with most residing in the Lincoln area. While the number of returns was very small compared to the total surveyed, Wilma said the survey was still useful. In regard to speakers for association monthly meetings, some respondents urged that speakers from outside of NU be contacted to broaden the circle of acquaintances and subject matter beyond academia. Survey responses also urged more socialization at the meetings. The survey did not identify whether transportation might be a factor in attending meetings, i.e., possible need for carpooling. Some respondents termed the business session of the monthly meeting “cold.” Board members were requested to come to the October board meeting with ideas and suggestions regarding points raised by the survey. Formation of a new UNL Emeriti Assn. Fund: A memo distributed by Mientka to board members in July contained a clarification by Tracy Edgerton of the NU Foundation as to how the spendable earnings of the Wisherd Fund may be handled by the Emeriti Assn. “Spendable earnings may be utilized for any purposes that benefit the Association and its members…The Association may pass a resolution articulating other uses for the funds other than those currently in place as long as those uses will provide benefit to the association’s members. However, the earnings may not be transferred to another fund because the initial fund was not established by the Emeriti Assn., but rather by Maude Wisherd. Thus, although the Association has the discretion to spend the earnings, they do not have the authority over the fund to co-mingle the earnings with another fund.” Moved by Mientka, seconded by Omtvedt, that $500 be transferred from the Cornhusker Bank to open the UNL Emeriti Association bank account. Motion approved. Kendrick said the work of the Emeriti On-Line Communications ad hoc committee is completed with the activation of the website. After considerable discussion, moved by Crumley, seconded by Omtvedt, to discontinue the Website ad hoc committee and establish a standing committee as of January 1, 2006. Motion carried. This action will be placed before the membership for approval at the October general meeting. Crumley suggested that the board recommend to the incoming Association president that Kendrick be approved as Chair of the newly-constituted Emeriti Web Committee. Kendrick suggested that each standing committee contain one member residing outside of Lincoln. The proposal to change the title and mission of the Courtesy Committee from ad hoc to standing committee status was discussed. The possibility was raised of re-naming the committee to reflect a public relations thrust as well as courtesy. After some discussion relating to a broader approach by the committee, it was agreed that Omtvedt and Delivee Wright consider, among other options, “Member Relationships and Recognition Committee” as a possible new title suggested during the business session of the October membership meeting. Omtvedt said another title possibility might be “Membership Courtesies and Contact Committee.” The charge includes consideration of a broader scope of responsibilities for the committee, as well as a name change. Motion by Mientka, seconded by Crumley, to change the committee from an ad hoc committee to a standing committee and report such action to the membership for final approval. Carried. Wright noted that Hazel Anthony is the only other member of the existing committee. Because of privacy issues, it is sometimes difficult to hear about situations which would warrant a courtesy basket. The need to report Emeriti with health issues and birthdays 70 and above should be publicized. It was suggested that department and unit heads be urged to report any eligible recipients to the Courtesy Committee. Benefits Committee: Francis Haskins, chair. Haskins cited an article in the 8/25/05 edition of the Scarlet which was an account of the reconstitution of the System-wide Fringe Benefits Committee. The Emeriti Assn. has no representative on the reconstituted committee, although in the past, was represented on a comparable committee. Haskins suggested that President Edwards request at least the Emeriti Assn. receive a copy of the minutes of committee meetings. It was reiterated that Emeriti need a voice on the committee. It was recommended that President Edwards write a letter to NU President Milliken requesting that the Emeriti Assn. be represented on the committee. Maude Wisherd Fund Committee: Chair Lee Jones was not present at the meeting, but submitted a detailed recommendation on behalf of the committee, requesting that the board approve the request. Requests for assistance with health care costs ($1,000 each), were submitted by Helen Kreymborg, Leora Horning and Judy Cole. Request for $1,000 to carry out a research project whose purpose is to identify former Home Economics faculty members and identify their major contributions, submitted by Hazel Anthony. Moved by Boohar, seconded by Haskins, that the request be approved. Carried. Membership Committee: Chair Richard Boohar. Emeriti roster up to date through efforts of Boohar, with cooperation/assistance from secretary Dan Lutz and treasurer Walter Mientka. Lutz mentioned receiving a question from two Emeriti who did not receive an invitation from the NU Foundation to attend the Foundation-sponsored luncheon on September 15. There can be slipups when changes/information is sent to Louise deNovellis, who maintains the Emeriti master roster for UNL mailing services, the list that is used for Emeriti mailings. Nominations Committee: Chair Ted Hartung not present at board meeting. Nominations needed to be announced at October membership meeting. Edwards announced upcoming board meeting dates: October 6, November 3 and December 1, all convening at 1:30 p.m. Because of the noise problem at the Piedmont site, the October meeting will be held at the East Union. Mientka suggested the possibility of the Association hosting a dinner for new members. He asserted that a copy of his treasurer’s report—that would include an account of the Wisherd Fund, and the Association’s income and expenses—would be posted on the Web. He also suggested that an Emeriti Assn. brochure be developed for distribution to current and new members of the Association. Dick Boohar and Mientka “volunteered” to produce a mock-up copy. There being no further old, unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dan B. Lutz, secretary ****************************************************************** Monday, May 2, 2005 President Don Edwards called the meeting to order at 9 a.m., with the session to conclude at 10 a.m. to begin Emeriti web site training conducted by Jim Kendrick. Others present: Francis Haskins, Dan Lutz, Irv Omtvedt, Walter Mientka, and Wilma Crumley. An early question re the web site related to Frequently Asked Questions. It was approved by consensus to leave the listing as presented. After brief discussion, it was moved by Lutz, seconded by Omtvedt, to approve the proposal to make the Website ad hoc committee a formal standing committee. Motion approved unanimously. The possibility of making the Courtesy Committee a standing committee rather than an ad hoc committee was discussed. Omtvedt observed that the function of the committee might be expanded to include the broader concept of fostering good Emeriti relations. A need was expressed to define the purpose of the committee. The possibility was raised that the birthdates of Emeriti be listed on the web site to identify those whose birthdays would make them eligible to receive a gift from the Association. Noting that further discussion is needed to broaden the perspective of the Courtesy Committee, Omtvedt moved, seconded by Crumley, that discussion of a mission statement for the committee be included on the September board meeting agenda. Motion approved. Omtvedt will visit with Delivee Wright, current committee chairperson, regarding a description of the committee’s goals and functions to be brought to the September board meeting. Crumley discussed the possibility of replicating a 2001 survey of Emeriti designed to gather their thoughts and suggestions regarding Emeriti Assn. programs, attendance, and other issues which would be helpful in guiding board decisions. The survey form would be open-ended in terms of allowing members to express their ideas, concerns, etc. beyond the formal questions. Wilma and Dan were asked to investigate what needs to be done in developing a survey form and including it in a mailing which would include minutes of the April membership meeting and the text of the three motions passed relating to monies placed in the NU Foundation account and the re-establishment of Emeriti Assn. lifetime dues. Mientka raised a question as to whether Emeriti funds deposited in the bank are tax-deductible as compared to those which are deposited in Foundation accounts. He will check into this question. With no other business to transact, the business meeting was adjourned to begin the web site training. Respectfully submitted, Dan Lutz, secretary ************************************************************* Thursday, April 7, 2005 Members present: Wilma Crumley, Donald Edwards, Francis Haskins, Lee Jones, James Kendrick, Irv Omtevdt, Howard Ottoson, Jerry Petr, Delivee Wright. Old Business a. An Assistant Secretary replacement is needed for Jack Botts; this person will be needed by the October 2005 meeting. New Business a. A letter must go to the membership seven days before the April 21, 2005, meeting so the constitutional change can be enclosed. Submitted by Delivee Wright in the absence of Secretary Dan B. Lutz ************************************************************** Thursday, March 3, 2005 Members present: Don Edwards, Irv Omtvedt, Walter Mientka, Dan Lutz, Wilma Crumley, Francis Haskins, Jerry Petr, Delivee Wright, Lee Jones, Ted Hartung, Jim Kendrick. President Don Edwards opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. The minutes of the February 3, 2005 board meeting were approved as submitted. Walter Mientka presented the treasurer’s report as of the current meeting date. Principal items: Maude Wisherd Fund: balance--$54,966.83; spendable earnings--$30,229.40. Checking account total: $2,364.99; expenses since Feb. 17, 2005: $136.47. Balance to date: $2,228.52. While membership committee chair Dick Boohar was not present, Mientka reported 658 members currently on the master roster, of which 217 have paid dues, including 25 of the 160 life members. Donations, above dues, of $250.00. Lutz reported that he had not made contacts with prospects to assume duties as co-secretary, to replace Jack Botts, who declined to continue in this position. Lutz said he would contact possible candidates before the next board meeting. Discussion ensued regarding life membership proceeds and the possibility of reinstating the life membership option. It was suggested that life membership accumulated funds be set up in a separate account with the NU Foundation. Other discussion centered on the Wisherd Fund account. It was suggested that if currently idle Wisherd Fund dollars were used for courtesy expenditures, it would save $300 of budgeted operating funds. It was moved by Lee Jones, seconded by Irv Omtvedt, to re-establish the life membership option in the amount of $100, with proceeds going directly to a new UNL Association Foundation account. Upon consultation with the NU Foundation, it will be determined whether a portion of the Spendable Earnings from the Wisherd Fund could be transferred to the new proposed Emeriti Foundation account, including at least the initial principal required to establish the account. Accumulated interest in the new account would be earmarked for the UNL Emeriti Association operational spending. The motion was approved, with a stipulation that the board decision be reported to the membership at the March 17 meeting. Mientka was requested to confer with Foundation personnel to determine how to set up an account as described.. Mientka raised a question for discussion as to how proceeds in the Wisherd Fund might be spent for new purposes. Lee Jones, chair of the Wisherd Fund committee, reviewed current guidelines for research project requests and assistance in meeting health care costs. Research proposals have a $1,000 cap. Regarding health care, applicants must have a $30,000 annual income cap to qualify for a $1,000 maximum subsidy for health care premiums. A maximum of $1,000 per applicant is in force for financial aid to meet expenses of home health and nursing care. Expanding the definition of eligibility for Wisherd Fund subsidization of health care should be considered. Treasurer Mientka presented a proposed budget for 2005, with estimated total income of $3,900 and estimated expenses of $2,100, which if were to materialize, would result in a carryover of $1,800 to 2006. One difficulty is estimating, as an expense item, costs of printing and mailings, because of changes back and forth from mailing a monthly newsletter or equivalent information sheets, minutes of previous meetings, etc., vs. sending a postcard notice. Another variable relates to whether monthly mailings go to the total Emeriti membership or only to those with Lincoln zipcodes. No action was taken. In reference to a recent request by Deanna Eversoll on behalf of the OLLI program, that five recently-designated Emeriti serve on a “think tank” panel generating ideas for OLLI classes, moved by Jerry Petr, seconded by Irv Omtvedt, to approve; carried. Petr was asked to consult with Deanna about her selection of five Emeriti members to serve on the panel. The inclusion of OLLI information in Emeriti membership mailings was discussed. A recent mailing included OLLI materials going to Emeriti members with Lincoln zipcodes. It was decided that it would be better for OLLI to utilize the Emeriti mailing list to do its own mailing, rather than including materials in Emeriti Assn. mailings. Moved by Jerry Petr, seconded by Francis Haskins, approved. It was decided that the Emeriti mailing for March would be in the form of a postcard, listing the topic, speakers and other details of the March 17 meeting at the College of Dentistry. The mailing would go to members with Lincoln zipcode addresses. Prior to the meeting, Lutz e-mailed to the board and officers a list of several Emeriti whose February mailing was returned because of wrong mailing addresses, continuation of a troublesome problem within the master roster. While first class mailing is more costly, it does identify Emeriti with out-of-date mailing addresses. A need for assistance from board and at-large members is needed to provide corrected mailing addresses. Concern was again expressed regarding the low attendance level at monthly meetings when related to the large number of members with Lincoln zipcode addresses. Twenty-eight Emeriti attended the February membership meeting. It was noted that in addition to possible transportation problems, there is a need to determine whether specific program topics influence attendance or non-attendance at meetings. Jim Kendrick reported on behalf of the Online Committee that CIT technicians have been tied up with work on a national Extension initiative contract, and have not been available to work on the Emeriti project to shift records, data and communications to online/website status. However, it appears that they will be freed up soon to proceed on this project. A high noise level in the Piedmont Sunrise Coffee Shop board meeting venue was noted. It was suggested that suitable meeting rooms are apparently available at C.Y. Thompson Library and this possibility should be looked into. There being no further old, unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 3 p.m. The next board meeting will be held on April 7, with location to be announced. Respectfully submitted, Dan B. Lutz, Secretary *********************************************************************** Members present: Don Edwards, Wilma Crumley, Walter Mientka, Lee Jones, Dan Lutz, Ted Hartung, Delivee Wright, Jerry Petr, Francis Haskins President Edwards opened the meeting at 1:35 p.m. Minutes of the December 2, 2004 board meeting were approved as submitted. The status of an updated Assnociation. roster, including paid (annual and life), unpaid and all zipcode addresses was discussed. Lutz said the roster should be ready soon. The format for distribution, at least to officers and board members, was discussed, with possibilities hard copy, via e-mail or CD. The options will be checked out. With assistant secretary Jack Botts declining to be nominated for another term, a search is underway for a replacement. Lutz reported a number of prospects have been suggested with contacts yet to be made. Treasurer's report: Mientka reported $2,204.08 in the Emeriti Assn. checking account as of Feb. 3, 2005. Membership dues were received from 55 Emeriti, including $320 in additional contributions. The Wisherd Fund balance was $54,966.83, with $29,596.71 in spendable earnings. Report accepted as submitted. A question was raised as to whether association dues could be declared tax-deductible. This question was not readily answered, although the association is a non-profit organization. It was pointed out that monetary gifts to the Wisherd Fund should be classified differently, since the Fund is under the umbrella of the NU Foundation. The need to revise and re-issue an association membership brochure was suggested. After some discussion, a motion made and seconded at the December board meeting, to increase lifetime dues from $50 to $100 and offered as an option for membership, was tabled until next month, with a decision to be made regarding the breakdown of dues at that level as to what portions would go to the Association for ongoing operation and to the Wisherd Fund. Benefits - Francis Haskins. No new business to report. A question was asked as to whether it would be timely and appropriate to contact Chancellor Perlman in regard to possibly reinstating some subsidy funding from his office for the Association, given an apparently more favorable picture on state financial support for UNL. It was noted that the budget process is lengthy, and it would be premature to contact Perlman at this time. A question was raised as to what components of the Emeriti membership would be included in a mailing prior to the February meeting. The need to repeat, a second time, the need for non-paying members to send in dues was cited. The secretary was instructed to prepare a mailing to include minutes of the January membership meeting, schedule for February and subsequent monthly meetings, and a reminder to delinquent members to submit dues. Petr requested that a short notice on upcoming OLLI class schedules be included. Affirmed. A question was raised as to the need for an annual budget as a guide for expenditures in 2005. Mientka said a draft budget would be prepared for consideration by the board. The continuing concern regarding proportionally light attendanceat monthly meetings by Lincoln and nearby Emeriti residents was discussed. Lutz raised the possibility of a questionnaire to be sent to Emeriti with Lincoln area zipcode addresses to identify what factors influence attendance or non-attendance at meetings. These might include the need for transportation or the draw/appeal of specific programs. Previous efforts to organize and promote car-pooling were cited. Next board meeting: 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 3, 2005 at the Piedmont Sunrise Coffee Shop There being no further old, new or unfinished business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Dan B. Lutz, Secretary |
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