February 2014 Association Minutes

February 2014 Association Minutes East Campus Union

A luncheon was served to approximately 58 members with 6 brown bagging members.

Program: Vice-President Duane Eversoll introduced Professor Donald Wilhite, Former Director, School of Natural resources, IANR, UNL and Founder of the UNL Drought Mitigation Center.  He presented a program on "Planning for Drought and the Consequences of Global Warming." Data were presented on drought in this country and world-wide with changing climate data underlining the need for planning policies that lead to mitigation with risk reduction rather than crisis response.  Efforts are in progress in the USA and worldwide to develop policies to reduce future risks.  A question/answer period followed.  Dr. Wilhite was presented with an Emeriti Mug and thanked for his presentation.

Business Meeting – John Comer, President, convened the business meeting at 12:45 pm.  He reminded members that Minutes of Board and Member Meetings and Treasurer's Reports are posted on the Emeriti Association web site www.emeriti.unl.edu.

1. Memory Moments: Larry Ehlers, Mechanical Engineering; Charles O. Gardner, Agronomy; John Gradwohl, Law; Donald G. Hanway, Sr., Agronomy; Willis D. Moreland, Curriculum and Instruction, Teachers College; John Taylor, partner of George Wolf, English.

2.  Report on Big X 2016 Conference.  Jack Goebel, Chair, reported that leaders for the Planning and Fund Raising Committees have been identified and arrangements for accommodations are on hold presently.  He invited members to volunteer for sharing their talents for this conference planning.

3. Benefits Committee New Mission Statement was approved by the Board on February 11, 2014.  The new wording is as follows:
The Benefits Committee advocates for the continuation and enhancement of current benefits and establishment of new ones available through UNL to Emeriti members.  The committee also strives to promote the identification and/or creation of additional benefits that may be available to Emeriti through associations and partnerships with UNL, and the offices of state and local government.  Emeriti who know of such benefits are encouraged to bring them to the attention of the committee.

4. Proposed By-Law change to Article VI, 3b (To be voted on at the March membership meeting.)
Existing Language:  These nominations shall be presented to the Emeriti Association at its September meeting with the request that the Association Membership seek additional nominations for either or both offices providing that they have ascertained that these Members would accept these offices if elected.

New Language:  These nominations shall be presented to the Emeriti Association in September with the request that the Association Membership seek additional nominations for either or both offices providing that they have ascertained that these Members would accept these offices if elected.

Justification:  This change brings the By-laws into conformity with current practice. Additionally, it allows nominations to be presented via email to the entire membership at the same time.

5. Supervisors for Science Olympiad are needed by the Nebraska Department of Education.  They invite Emeriti to volunteer to supervise

6. International Discussion Group.  Arlen Etling reported on the past activity of this group and requested volunteers for the UNL Global Engagement activity (Model United Nations).  Members will receive an email invitation to participate.

7. The next Luncheon Meeting will be March 20, 2014. East Campus Union, 11:30 am.   Mark Traynowicz, Bridge Engineer at the Nebraska Department of Roads, will present "A Look at Nebraska's Bridges-In Light of Recent Collapses in other States."  (There are 15,000 bridges in Nebraska.)

8. The next Coffee Chats will be on St. Patrick's Day at 9:30 am, Monday, March 17th at the Crescent Moon Coffee House, below Ten Thousand Villages  (SE corner of 8th and P Streets.)  Wear green.  Email reminders are sent one week prior to each event.  Contact Nancy Aden <nancyaden51@gmail.com>

Meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm.
Submitted By: Delivee L. Wright, Secretary