December 2011 Board Minutes Wick Alumni Center
Members Present: Agnes Adams, Allen Blezek, Jim Carr, John Comer, Jack Goebel, Herb Howe, Jim Kendrick, Bob Kuzelka, Jim McShane, Tice Miller, Jerry Petr, Al Seagren, Stan Vasa, Dan Wheeler, Delivee Wright, Doug Zatechka
11:30 am - Boxed lunches were served.
11:50 am - The Business Meeting was called to order by Dan Wheeler, out-going Emeriti Association President. He reviewed the agenda for the day and time allocations.
Minutes of the November 7, 2011, Board Meeting have been posted; approved as Corrected.
Agnes Adams, Treasurer reported that Nancy’s Debit Card from Wells Fargo Bank has been used fraudulently. It is unknown how this happened because the cards had not been activated for this account. The debit cards have been cancelled. The bank has refunded any charges made to our account.
Dan welcomed Allen Blezek, President-elect, and John Comer, new Board Member to the retreat. Herb Howe, Past-President, and Jim Carr, Board Member, have completed their terms of office.
Memory Moments: Ron Smith, former Dean of the College of Business Adminstration.
Jerry Petr reported Bob Fuller’s status and reminded that we can follow updates on line using www.carecalendar.org/logon/94991. (Code 2127).
RETREAT TOPICS
Changes to NU Emeriti Status. Dan reported that Herb Howe, Jack Goebel, and he had met with Linda Pratt regarding the proposed changes to Emeritus(a) status in the NU Bylaws. The changes were not targeted for UNL faculty members and are meant for clarification. They requested a box on the PAF for retirement Emeriti Status and asked that service be considered as part of the criteria. This item is on the Regents Agenda for December 2011.
Goals for 2012. Discussion/assessment of 2011 goals and accomplishments resulted in approving the following:
A. Continue and enhance the core programs which include:
1. Luncheons (three-four per semester).
2. Tours (one per semester).
3. Coffee House Chats (monthly) (invite total listserve).
4. Wisherd Fund Projects (annually)
Al Seagren moved and Bob Kuzelka seconded the motion to continue these CORE activities, but not the Emeriti in Service Project given that members are already volunteering in other ways. Motion passed.
B. Continue the Oral History Project interviews. (replace Tice Miller)
C. Work with UNL Administrators to provide an Orientation for potential Emeriti.
D. Maintain Economic Viability of the Association.
E. Encourage the new International Discussion Group.
F. Update Membership Brochure.
G. Review Big X Report for pertinent ideas.
H. Consider modifying meeting format to encourage participation/socialization.
I. Delay another “Emeriti in Action” to a future year.
Committe related items
Benefits: Doug Zatechka, Chair, reported that the list is being refined, as these seem to vary. The “Senior Learning Passport” for $25.00 was clarified as well as a new benefit that having a Blackboard account will allow the use of WIFI on campus. Jack Goebel will send an updated benefits list as it is competed.
Wisherd Fund Al Seagren, Chair,reported committee recommendations that three projects be funded as follows:
a. Ben Rader for research on four families in the context of their historical setting. ($2000)
b. Jane Ravnan for a third funding of the project to make Prof. Ravnan’s music
available in the Music Library. ($2000)
c. Health need supplement (third funding). ($2000)
We need to request reports from grantees. It was suggested that next year we limit the number of consecutive grants to the same person in our call for proposals. Also we should watch the level of “spendable funds” available for all projects. Herb Howe Moved and Jim McShane seconded a motion that these three projects be funded. Motion Passed.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Ways to keep new Emeriti involved beyond the first year were discussed. Jerry Petr moved and Bob Kuzelka seconded a motion to keep them on the Emeriti Listserve for three years. Motion passed.
2. The Schedule for 2012 Emeriti Meetings will continue to be Tuesday or Thursday of the third week of the month except for the week of Thanksgiving. The Emeriti Board Meeting will generally be the Tuesday of the second week. Stan Vasa moved and Bob Kuzelka seconded a motion that this schedule be approved. Motion passed.
3. The topic of a combined faculty/staff retirement association was discussed. Agnes Adams moved and Bob Kuzelka seconded a motion to table the discussion.
Motion passed with one nay.
4. Jack Goebel, incoming President, led discussions on:
Ways to encourage participation at the Emeriti Meetings and to streamline the business format and allow for social interaction.
Replacements for Tice Miller and possibly Jim Kendrick for the Oral History Project and for Mel Thornton, Membership Chair, who will not be continuing in that role.
Role Emeriti might play in the UNL goal of growth to 30,000 students. Jerry Petr suggested a “white paper” with issues on future UNL growth providing a vision that might stimulate comment. Jerry was asked to write a plan for how we might proceed on this.
The consensus was that we should continue sending the “yellow card” listing the Emeriti Program information for each semester.
5. Great appreciation was expressed for Dan Wheeler, the new Past President for his leadership over the past two years, and for Herb Howe, outgoing Past President, his great contribution to the Emeriti Association during his terms of office. Jim Carr was also thanked for his work as a Board member.
6. Program Dates for 2011: President-Elect, Allen Blezek, chairs the program committee. The plan is for three-four meetings per semester. Schedules of both Emeriti Board Meeting and Program Meeting dates were distributed.
In 2012, the Board will meet January 10, February 7, March 13, April 10, May 8, September 11, October 9, November 6, and November 27 (retreat).
In 2012, the Program Meetings with lunches will be: January 17, February 16, March 20, April 19, September 18, October 18, and November 13.
In addition, the NU Presidential Luncheon for Retirees will be in May (TBA), and the NU Foundation-Emeriti Luncheon for UNL Emeriti will be in September (TBA).
Meeting Adjourned: 2:30 pm.