December 2015 Board Minutes

December 2015 Board Minutes Sycamore Room, East Campus Union

Members Present: Nancy Aden, John Bernthal, John Comer, Duane Eversoll, Jack Goebel, Jim Griesen, Julie Johnson, Doug Jose, Rita Kean, Jeff Keown, Roger Kirby, Kay Rockwell, Al Seagren, Delivee Wright

Duane Eversoll, President, called the meeting to order at 11:10 am.

  1. Treasurer’s Report. Jack Goebel reported the Association is solvent.
    1. Balances were:
      Wisherd Spendable                 $18,367.86
      Emeriti Fund                               8,973.00
      Big X Fund                                   2,520.00
      Checking at Wells Fargo         7,317.17
      Bursar’s Credit                           to be reported.

  2. Big Ten Retiree Organization Conference, August 5-7, 2016. John Bernthal reported that current planning includes: Hotel with desirable rates; Tour bus contracted; Venue at the UNL Visitor’s Center; Chancellor’s support of Friday night reception/dinner; $2500 in member donations; Support for three breaks by Deans of Arts and Sciences, College of Business Administration, and Education and Human Sciences; two-hour campus tour Saturday pm; Goodie bags provided by Dean Kostelnik; Saturday night entertainment/location being arranged. Jim Griesen reported past programs have been examined to provide a similar conference with a goal of utility for the Associations. Prof. Richard Dienstbier’s work on aging will be integrated. A spouse program is being considered, depending on attendance. Online registration is being planned. John Bernthal will write an article for the Newsletter. Funding looks good and will include $150 registration plus $75 for spouse meals.

  3. Ad Hoc Committee to Explore Broadened Retirement Organization for UNL. Jim Griesen, Chair, with members Jack Goebel, Al Seagren, and Delivee Wright. (Jeff Keown and Nancy Aden were added to the committee that will meet in January.)

    Jim Griesen reported two possible tracks for such an effort:

    1. A retirement association that includes all UNL retirees with a possible supplemental program for Emeriti. (U. of Michigan model), or no separate programs (Ohio State U. model). In January, the committee with meet with Bruce Currin to see if his Office has interest in such an effort. A handout showing the UNL “Terms and Conditions of Employment” showing categories was distributed.
    2. The current Association could provide an “avenue” for long-term professional/academic employees to become associate members.

  4. Programs for 2016. Julie Johnson provided a list of Emeriti Luncheon program for Spring meetings as follows:

    January 19 Butch Hug and Mark Robertson – “Stadium Security”
    February 18 Dr. Bob Rauner, MD., MPH. – “Childhood Obesity”
    March 22 Harvey Perlman – “Reflections on being Chancellor”
                            (tentative, to be confirmed.)
    April 21 Nick Brozovic, Director of Policy for the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at UNL. “Global Challenge of Achieving Food Security with less stress on water Resources.”
    May (TBA) President’s Lunch for Retirees (all campuses)
    September (TBA) Foundation Luncheon for UNL Emeriti. (Julie will try to get date for this.)
    October 18 (TBA) New Chancellor. “Thoughts about the Future”
    November 17 (TBA)

    Other ideas for future programs were discussed.

  5. Lunch Break

  6. Emeriti Service Contributions to UNL. Jim Griesen shared information about recognition to Emeriti for service and/or volunteer contributions to UNL or the Community as done at Iowa U. It would be useful to survey areas to determine the ways Emeriti could be helpful on campus. The most probable idea was to work with international student’s. John Comer will talk with International Affairs to get project ideas.

  7. Activities and Coffee Chats for Spring. Kay Rockwell reported the following:
    December 16 – Holiday Celebration at Rockwell’s with treats and white elephant gift exchange (John Comer will organize the exchange.)
    November 19 – Coffee and Tour of Heating and Cooling Plant on East Campus was held.
    January – TBA
    February – Valentine party. (TBA)
    Suggestions for possible tours included:
    Newman Center – window viewing
    New Lab in Ruth Leverton (Janos Zemplini)
    Textile and Clothing Museum
    International Quilt Study Center – Museum
    Hillestad Gallery
    Michael James’ Exhibit at IQSC
    New Residence Hall Design (Knoll?)
    Barkley Center – developments in neonatal NICare.
    New Athletic areas (soccer, tennis)
    Bedient Organ Factory
    Speedway Museum
    Dental Museum (open 1 wk/yr)
    Coffee Chats should continue monthly as they have been.

  8. Gift for Chancellor Perlman when speaks in March. Ideas suggested were: a piece of local art such as Ceramics, Photography, Artist rendering, etc. This was tabled for now.

  9. Committee to Revise By-Laws. The Bylaws and the “Policy and Procedures” statement need to be updated to reflect our current committees and practices.

  10. Discussion Groups. The Domestic Politics and the International Politics Discussion groups are led by Emeriti/Ollie members. The Science Discussion Group led by Stan Rickle (?) is smaller and meets second Tuesdays at 2:00 pm at Scooters (84th & Van Dorn). Other ideas for interest groups include: photography, aging health care, bridge, book club, etc. A survey of members’ interests might be helpful.

  11. Website. John Comer met with Aaron Coleman on updating officers, and other revisions for the January changes. Jim Griesen needs to do a President’s statement.

    Newsletter. Julie Johnson reported guidelines for length of articles for the newsletter, and possible articles for the Spring 2016 issue. Charlyne Berens has written an “Emeriti Profile” and Max Sawyer has agreed to do one. A memory moments list will be included, and President’s message, new officers, activities, feature articles and upcoming events are all possible.

  12. Wisherd Fund Uses. After some discussion, action was tabled pending better sense of the financial future of the organization.

  13. Membership/Listserve. Roger Kirby, Chair, reported that a letter to members requesting dues renewal of annual ($10), three-year ($25), or Life ($200) membership dues be sent to Jack Goebel, Treasurer. Another reminder will be sent in January. Consideration of raising dues should be done before another dues cycle.

  14. Chancellor Relationship. It was suggested that, with a new Chancellor coming, the association should seek a strong relationship with him, and if possible, get it in writing.

  15. Letter for 2nd Year. It was suggested that the President send a letter to 2nd year Emeriti to encourage their continued participation.

  16. Member Relations. Jim Griesen will visit with Kay and Nancy to revise duties on these tasks.

  17. Appreciation to Duane Eversoll for his leadership during the past year as President was expressed by the Board.

  18. Adjournment. 3:00 pm.

Submitted By: Delivee Wright, Secretary