Old Meeting MinutesThursday, September 24, 2009 Program
OLD BUSINESS Members present at this meeting were allowed to vote using paper ballots if they had not voted electronically. Combined results passed the amendment (74 for, 13 against).
///////////////////////// Membership Meeting, April 21, 2009 President Lowell Moser called the meeting to order at 12:55 in the Champion’s Club. There were 58 members and guests present. Memory Moment: Lloyd Jackson, Professor of Mathematics, was remembered following his recent death. Jim Kendrick demonstrated several features of the Emeriti Association website (emeriti.unl.edu). Members were encouraged to explore and use it. Minutes of the March meeting were approved as posted. Walt Mientka gave a treasurer’s report. The important features are that our estimated income as of 8 February is $7601.67 and our checking account balance is $2357.57. He also indicated that the Foundation was no longer giving an estimate of annual income because of the significant changes in the market. Board Activities: Herb Howe reported that 20 persons attended the tour of the Johnny Carson Theater. Lowell Moser stressed that in our move to information distribution by electronic means we do not want to lose contact with emeriti who do not use email regularly and that he wants to know about case in which this may happen. The board is investigating whether and how to institute an oral history program featuring UNL and specially the Emeriti Association. The Board would like to hear from persons who would like to engage is such a project or receive suggested names for project leader. Likewise, there have been discussions of instituting Emeriti Awards for service or creativity by UNL retirees accomplished after retirement. In addition, Love Library is receptive to a display featuring emeriti creativity and activities since retirement. New Business: It was announced that at the September 2009 meeting there will be held a vote on the following motion: Collegial Membership. Any person holding Emeritus or Emeriti status from any university/college may be invited by the board to join the Association as dues-paying collegial members. Ted Doane moved and Herb Howe seconded a motion that the Emeriti Association arrange to place a headstone on Zelma Wisherd’s grave at Wyuka Cemetery. It was she who created the Wisherd fund which has been so important to the association. Motion carried unanimously. The Board will seek ways to fund the placing of a marker on her grave. Committee Reports: Member Relations: Tice Miller announced that the next two coffee events will be held 9:30 on May 13 at the Crescent Moon courtyard (816 P) and 9:30 on June 10 at the Spring Creek Prairie Center south of Denton. Membership: Mel Thornton reported that the membership list currently includes 771 names of which 247 are dues-paying emeriti, 145 are life members, 29 are new gratis members, 123 are surviving spouse/partners, and 227 are UNL emeriti who are not association members. Wisherd Committee: Jim McShane reported that three grants have been approved and the checks will soon be issued. Senate Liaison: Jim McShane reported that the University Senate is grappling with expected budget cuts. At issue is to which tenure should be a factor in considering budget-related dismissals, the contradictory arguments against flat salaries and vertical cuts of whole positions. Also at issue is the proper way to permit the faculty to play a part in these important decisions. Additionally, there is an issue of changing the procedures by which the university deals with professional misconduct on federally funded projects. Again one issue is the voice of faculty governance, this time in the matter of peer review with regard to accusations of professional misconduct. The meeting was adjourned at 1:35. Submitted by Secretary Pro-Tem Jim CarrMembership /////////////////////////////////// Meeting, March 19, 2009 President Lowell Moser called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m. Seventy members and guests were present. President Moser convened the business meeting at 12:50 p.m. Memory Moments were observed for the following Emeriti faculty: Edward Homze, History; Jim Gibson, Anthropology; Desmond Wheeler, Chemistry; Leon Chesnin, Agronomy; David Fowler, Music. The minutes of the February 17 membership meeting and the treasurer’s report as of February 28, were approved as presented and placed on the website. The bank balance as of February 28 was $5,263.24. New Business: Constitution and By-laws amendments: Jim Kendrick explained the proposed changes, as proposed by the board: Proposed change to Article VI – Election of Vice President/President-Elect and a Director. A Vice President/President-Elect and a Director shall be elected by written or electronic ballot at each November meeting of the Association. The Director shall be elected for a 3-year term. Both terms begin in January following the election. Moved for approval by Jim McShane, second by Duane Alcorn, unanimous. Proposed Change to part 3: By August 31 of each year, the Board will nominate one Association member for Vice President/President-Elect and one Association member for director for a 3-year term, if these individuals would accept these offices if elected. 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 these members would accept these offices if elected. Such additional nominations shall be presented to the Emeriti Board at its October meeting. If no additional nominations are presented to the Board at its October meeting, the Association president will so inform the Association at its October meeting that the board’s nominations stand unopposed and the nominees shall assume their offices in January. However, if additional nominations have been made, all nominations will be presented to the Emeriti Assn. at its October meeting and by a posting on the Association’s electronic listserv. Moved for approval by Kay Rockwell, seconded by Irv Omtvedt, unanimous. The Association is seeking volunteers to develop an updated history of the organization which soon will be 50 years old. The Association also is seeking someone to head up an Oral History Project. This Project will record and store videos of Emeriti. Board activities: Moser indicated that a group from the board met with the Alumni Assn. on February 27 to create an on-going dialogue between the two organizations. He reminded members that the Emeriti Association is an affiliate of the UNL Alumni Assn. Emeriti Association members have been asked to send “Postcards of Pride” to individuals who have submitted an application to become a student at UNL but who have not yet paid fees. Each postcard would carry a simple message of encouragement. An Emeritus volunteer would accept a packet of 10 cards to be sent out on chosen months, with an appropriate personalized message. Emeriti are reminded that we have access to an office space called “the Wisherd Room” on the third floor of the Wick Center. A key is obtained from the receptionist. A tour of the Johnny Carson Center, in which remodeling makes possible expanded activities, will be held April 9. The first 20 individuals who sign up will go on the tour. An announcement will be sent out on the local ListServ for reservations. The April 21, membership meeting will be held at the Champions Club, same start time.. Due to the level of expense, the yellow postcards with information on upcoming meetings will not be sent any more. All Emeriti with e-mail capability will receive a notice via e-mail. For those without access to e-mail, they may pay $5 to receive a postcard on upcoming meetings during the program year. For those Emeriti, notify the president or other officers and send a check to Walter Mientka, treasurer. The April membership meeting will be the last one for the spring. On May 19, the spring Retirees sponsored by the NU President will be held at LaVista Embassy Suites. Committee reports: Member Relations: Tice Miller. Efforts will be stepped up to connect Emeriti with each other through campus recreation, bowling. Members to send ideas on creative “togetherness” activities to Miller. Next New Emeriti Coffee Chat: Kay Rockwell: 9:30 a.m., March 23, Jones Coffee Shop, 727 South 11th St. Membership: Chair not present. Wisherd Fund developments – Jim McShane. There being no unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Dan B. Lutz, Secretary /////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Membership Meeting, February 17, 2009 President Lowell Moser called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m. Forty-nine members and spouses were paid luncheon attendees; about 15 other members brought their own lunches. David Palm of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services gave a 45-minute presentation on “The Prospects for Universal Health Insurance” in the U.S. An outline of the presentation (which was recorded and will be displayed on the Emeriti Assn. website): What is the magnitude of the problem? What factors are causing the problem and what are the consequences? What are some political solutions? Can the U.S. afford universal coverage? President Moser called for observance of Memory Moments for Robert Knoll, James Gunnerson, and Betty Johnson. There were no suggestions for change in the November, 2008 membership meeting minutes and they were approved as posted. Treasurer Walter Mientka distributed a copy of the Treasurer’s report for January 1-31, 2009. The checking account balance at month’s end was $5,502.27. The complete report will be posted on the Emeriti Assn. website. A need for greater visibility of the Emeriti Assn. was cited. Jim Carr has been appointed to increase publicity efforts regarding the organization and was added to the Member Relations Committee. New Emeriti Luncheon at Champions Club report: total attendance of 85, including 11 new Emeriti. The high cost--$400--of mailing a postcard announcing upcoming programs was discussed. An effort will be made to announce future programs via e-mail to those with this capability and develop system to reach those without e-mail. An attempt will be made to move toward electronic voting for candidates for officers and board members, with a contingency for those unable to receive ballots electronically. An upcoming program will be a tour of the backstage of the Temple Building, probably in late March. Kay Rockwell reported on the series of Coffee Chats involving new members. Jim Augustyn will coordinate an Emeriti Assn. bowling team to take to the alleys this fall. He will be added to the Member Relations Committee. It was pointed out that monthly membership meetings will be alternated between Tuesdays and Thursdays in an attempt to stimulate increased attendance. Future meetings include Thursday, March 19, and Tuesday, April 21. The NU President’s luncheon will be held May 19. Jim McShane reported on activities of the UNL Faculty Senate. There being no unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Dan B. Lutz, secretary /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// November 18, 2008 Following lunch at 11:30 a.m., the final monthly membership meeting of 2008 was called to order by President Robert Fuller. Fifty-one Emeriti and spouses were in attendance. The final presentation of the series Visioning the Future featured the speaker, Bruce Johnson, UNL Professor of Agricultural Economics, discussing the topic: “The Future of Nebraska Today and Tomorrow: Realities and Opportunities in the 21st Century.” Johnson cited the basic realities as global, national and state (of Nebraska) in scope. Global realities cited: End of cheap oil (petroleum); end of cheap food; end of “a forgiving nature”, i.e., extreme weather events; end of U.S. economic dominance on the world scene—a challenge to U.S. lifestyles and standard of living. Severe U.S. shock from energy transformation, climate change, and end of cheap taxes—federal debt nearly doubled, challenges to 78 million Baby Boomers relating to future benefits of Social Security and Medicare. Basic realities for Nebraska: Limited population growth potential in much of state, contrasted to the expanded Omaha, Lincoln and Council Bluffs, Ia. metroplex, with an estimated 2 million population by 2050. Challenges include continuing brain drain, financial burden per capita for public infrastructure, sustaining natural resources, erosion of proactive public leadership, clinging to “status quo.” Johnson laid out goals and realities as to where Nebraska would like to be in the future, including economic viability, environmental preservation and societal/cultural well-being A Nebraska priority would be to become a recognized leader in diverse agriculture and food production systems. For Nebraska to become a leader in energy transformation, UNL would establish a Center for Sustainable Energy Systems. The UNL Innovation Park (now State Fair Park), would have the potential to tie in energy research. The business session was called to order at 1:15 p.m. Memory Moments recognized the death of Mildred (Millie) Ozaki, wife of Ron Ozaki, on September 23. The minutes of the October membership meeting, compiled by Delivee Wright in the absence of secretary Dan Lutz, were received. The treasurer’s report presented by Treasurer Walter Mientka was accepted. A motion for the Association to subsidize the costs of the noon luncheon preceding monthly meetings by up to $6 per participant was made by Jim McShane, seconded by Herb Howe, approved. Fuller announced that the UNL Alumni Association has designated new and increased space in the Wick Center for use by the Emeriti Assn. Items reported by Fuller: ---October membership meeting attendance continued the increasing trend. ---Continued discussion on possible alternative membership categories in the Association, i.e. retirees without formal designation as Emeriti, and retirees or Emeriti from other institutions of higher learning. ---Proposal for to suspend the constitution and elect Herbert Howe as Vice President and Jim Carr as a member of the Board of Directors was moved by Don Edwards, seconded by Delivee Wright. The motion carried unanimously. Membership and Wisherd Letters: Letters to Emeriti Association members regarding membership renewals and soliciting applications for aid from the Wisherd Fund have not yet been mailed by the UNL Copy Center, but the documents have been submitted to them. Faculty Senate report – Jim McShane: Unanimous vote to check on details regarding the proposed Ayers visit to the campus that was aborted. Action was postponed for a month, matter will be discussed again at December 2 meeting. Chancellor can disinvite a speaker, but asked to notify faculty committee within 48 hours. There is among some segments of the population skepticism that the security reason for disinviting Professor Ayers was valid and appropriate. Kay Rockwell report on new Emeriti coffee house chats: Next activity December 11 at 9:30 a.m. at Indigo Café in the Haymarket No reports on Benefits and Membership Committees due to absence of respective chairs Jack Goebel and Mel Thornton. Fall schedule: December 2 – Board planning retreat, 11:30 a.m. January 22 – Champions Club, New Emeriti recognized by current Emeriti, $5 per person for members and guests. Fuller shared the background on the establishment of the Wisherd Fund for the benefit of the Emeriti Assn.: Maude Wisherd worked as a librarian for the University of Nebraska from 1916 to 1955. She was awarded the rank of Assistant Professor in 1949. She worked in the library of the State Historical Society from 1955 to 1966. She died in 1978 at the age of 94. She participated in Emeriti activities after the UNL Emeriti Assn. was formed in 1961. Zelma Wisherd, (NU graduate, 1920), willed her estate to the University of Nebraska Foundation in 1981. Twenty percent was dedicated to a Maude E. Wisherd Memorial Fund for the “benefit” of the Emeriti Association. The original value of the gift to the Emeriti Assn. was in excess of $55,000. It now has a market value of more than $140,000. Only the earnings may be expended. The earnings now total more than $37,000. There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Dan B. Lutz, secretary ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////// October 21, 2008 President Robert Fuller made a few remarks about the association until the speaker arrived. Chris Beutler, Mayor of Lincoln, was introduced by Lowell Moser, Vice-President, and spoke on the topic of “Visioning the Future” for Lincoln. He addressed topics including: Role of the mayor in defining a great city and how to get there, Budget issues, Impact of Antelope Valley Project, Economic Development, Reducing Red Tape in the bureaucracy for business and entrepreneurs, City roads building standards, Safety, the Civic Arena Proposal, Community Values, Collaboration among private, public financial leadership, and Collaboration with the University. Emeriti questions were taken and were in the areas of : Public funds for Community Learning Centers, Public transportation for Low-income citizens, Plans to save the wetlands North of Lincoln, Smaller buses, Relationship to Omaha, Limits to growth, . He emphasized that the city could not separate current and future problems. President, Bob Fuller called the Business meeting to order at 1:25 p.m. A Memory Moment was held in memory of Professors Rose Marie Tondl (TCD), and Albert Book (Journalism). The treasurer’s report, September 1-30, 2008, was accepted. Old Business included: a. Program Committee is planning a retreat for the Emeriti Board for December 2, 2008. to consider the recommendations and data gathered by the ad hoc Committee on Re-energizing the Emeriti Association. b. Dues letters will go out the end of October along with requests for Wisherd Fund applications. These have both been moved to a calendar year cycle. c. The Nominating Committee will include the President (Bob Fuller), Vice-President (Lowell Moser), Past-President (Howard Ottoson), and Board Member completing his/her term (Max Clegg). They suggested we might limit the nominees to one rather than two. Members should suggest names as soon as possible for two elective positions that are open: Vice-President (Program Chair) and Board Member (three-year term). d. Coffees for Newcomers Emeriti Connection will be held October 27, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. at the Haymarket Mill. All Emeriti of one or two years are invited to attend. e. On Thursday, October 23rd, Bob Fuller and Lowell Moser will attend the Conference of the AROHE (Association of Retiree Organizations in Higher Education) in Los Angeles. Bob will do a presentation on the Wisherd Fund and the Emeriti web site. f. Mark your calendars for future Emeriti Events: Board Meetings (Nov. 4 and Dec. 2) any member may attend; Member meeting November 18 on the “State of Nebraska: Today and Tomorrow” by Bruce Johnson, UNL Professor of Agricultural Economics; and a “Welcome to New Emeriti by Present Emeriti” at the Champions Club including lunch on January 22, 2009. (New Emeriti receive one year complimentary membership.) New Business: A motion was made by Ron Case and seconded by Earl Barnawell to send a letter of support to Chancellor Perlman regarding his position on Prof. Ayers invitation to campus. A discussion followed regarding sustaining academic freedom and the safety issue. The motion was withdrawn. Jim McShane handed out a resolution on this topic which was discussed. Bob Kuzelka moved and Herb Howe seconded a motion to “Ask the Faculty Senate to seek an investigation to determine: A The extent to which the invitation to Professor William Ayers was legitimately suspended; B. The adequacy of the policies and procedures as are in place for the issuance of such disinvitation; and, C. What policy changes might be appropriate to assure that UNL is better prepared to meet such assaults in future. Jim McShane moved,seconded by Earl Barnawell, to modify the motion by adding five preliminary “whereas” statements. The vote on this motion failed to pass. The Kuzelka motion was then voted on and it passed unanimously. It was suggested that a letter be written to the Faculty Senate with this request and that it be followed up to be sure it was investigated. No further Committee reports were made. At present we have 781 mailings, 203 annual dues paid, 144 Life Memberships, 32 Complimentary Memberships (22 for 2009), 120 Spouse Members, 260 Eligible Non-Members. Meeting was adjourned. Submitted by Delivee Wright, Assistant Secretary in the absence of Secretary Dan Lutz. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////// September 23, 2008 Approximately 55 persons assembled at 11:30 a.m. at the East Campus Union, one of the largest attendance numbers in some time. Thirty-five persons participated in the catered luncheon. Enthusiasm was high regarding the luncheon menu. The room in the Union was somewhat crowded, and efforts will be made to provide more seating space for the October meeting. Ken Dewey, Applied Climate Sciences, School of Natural Resources, UNL, was introduced as the speaker. He presented a number of weather and climate photos and commentary. Included were weather and climate photos from Nebraska and the Great Plains, Great Plains Scenery, Photo Tours of U.S. Natural Resources, Story and Storm Damage Photos, Photos from TV Weather Studies and Climate Photos. He made the point that extreme weather conditions, which have prevailed in Nebraska and the central plains for decades, are not as a result of, or contributing to, climate change, such as the melting of ice packs in the Arctic. Access to research by Dewey can be gained through three websites: www.nebraskaweatherphotos.org, www.lincolnweather.org and www.lincolnclimate.org Lowell Moser presided over the business meeting, in the absence of Bob Fuller. The names of deceased Emeriti and spouses were read in observance of Memory Moments: Emeriti: Viola Damkroger, and Elizabeth Kime, both Extension Home Economics; Robert Emile, School of Music. Spouses (names followed by names of deceased Emeriti husband or wife): Dorothy Hansen, (Max Hansen), Industrial Education; Marybeth Geier (Jacob Geier, HPER); Elizabeth Ernst, (George Ernst) Civil Engineering; Mary Jo Hughes (Russell Hughes) Ag Extension; Waldo Penner, (Marie Penner), Food and Nutrition; Olive Copple, (Neal Copple), Journalism. Minutes of the previous membership meeting were approved and posted on the website. The treasurer’s report, August 1-31, 2008, was approved by acclamation. Re-Energizing the Emeriti Assn.: Report on Input from Emeriti Members: presented to the board at its September meeting; recommendations now posted on the website under the Reports Tab of the Membership Relations Committee. Additional Membership Categories also listed under the Reports Tab of the Membership Committee in this posting. The UNL Emeriti Assn. has officially joined AROHE, and Fuller and Moser will attend the organization’s annual meeting at USC this fall and report back their findings and impressions. Fall schedule of Emeriti Assn. meetings at the Nebraska East Union, under the banner of “Visioning the Future,” October 21--City of Lincoln – Today and Tomorrow: Mayor Chris Beutler. November 18— The State of Nebraska – Today and Tomorrow, Bruce Johnson, UNL Professor of Agricultural Economics. Board meetings continue on second Tuesday of the month: October 14, November 11 and a board retreat will be held on December 9. The “New Emeriti and Members” joint meeting will be held at the Champions Club on January 22, 2009. Unfinished business: Continuation of Newcomer Coffees is uncertain: committee chair Kay Rockwell was not present. Nominations need to be received by the date of the October membership meeting for the office of vice president and one director. The names of four candidates for the two offices will be reported. The Emeriti Assn. has been asked if there is interest in organizing a bowling team or teams of four persons per team to compete in the UNL Employee League. There seemed to be no visible interest. Committee reports: Membership Committee – Mel Thornton, Chair: Listing of number of current Emeriti Assn. members By category: Annual members – 203; Life members – 144; New (2008) members (complimentary dues) – 32; New (2009) – 22; Spouses – 120; potential active members – 260; total membership, all categories: 781. There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, /////////////////////////////////////////// International Quilt Center Emeriti and guests assembled at the recently opened Quilt Center at 33rd & Holdrege Sts. for an extensive tour of the facility. Approximately 70 members and spouses were on hand for the curator-led tour/program topic: “Quilts in Common.” The tour was very insightful regarding what is termed the world’s largest collection of quilts and fascinating detail. Approximately 35 members and/or guests attended a brief business meeting which convened at 1 p.m.. Memory moments: Eugene M. Johnson, Aurora IL, died March 7. He was a past member of the Libraries staff. Philip McVey is now deceased. The minutes of the March membership meeting, prepared by Secretary Dan Lutz, and the treasurer’s report, submitted by Treasurer Walter Mientka, were received without comment. A brief summary of the April Emeriti Association board of directors meeting was presented. (The minutes are posted on the Emeriti Assn. website). Questions regarding the Wisherd Funding process have been resolved. Design of a proposed survey of Emeriti Assn. members with a goal of answering questions regarding monthly meeting attendance and related issues will take place this summer and the survey will be conducted this fall. A committee chaired by Kay Rockwell is developing a model of the survey for board approval. Guidelines for the Courtesy Committee were discussed. Birthdates of Emeriti and spouses are not included in the membership database, making it difficult to identify upcoming birthdates, especially of elder Emeriti and spouses. An effort will continue to send sympathy cards to surviving spouses and family of deceased Emeriti. All members are urged to inform the committee chair of deaths of Emeriti. The membership committee is considering the possibility of establishing criteria for eligibility for membership in the Emeriti Association for Emeriti from other institutions of higher education. The new membership category would be UNL affiliate, an example: an Emeritus of UNO.. The committee is requested to report on this issue at the May board meeting. The board voted for the Emeriti Assn. to join the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE), and to send two delegates—the president and president-elect--to the AROHE membership association this fall. Kay Rockwell said a coffee house chat session for new members will be scheduled in May. Committee reports: Benefits – Jack Goebel. The Faculty has amended the policy regarding medical benefits for faculty approaching retirement. Funding contributed by faculty approaching retirement will not result in receiving benefits when retired—wording changed by Faculty Senate. Maude Wisherd Fund – Jim McShane: alternatives are to spend Wisherd Fund dollars for approved health benefits aid or research projects, or dollars will remain in the Fund to earn interest. Membership committee. – Mel Thornton. As of this date (of the membership meeting), 697 individuals are on the Emeriti Assn. membership rolls. Membership Relations – R. Gene White – no report. Website – Jim Kendrick – no formal report The May membership meeting will be the University of Nebraska President’s Luncheon, beginning at 11:30 a.m., at the Embassy Suites. The next board meeting will be held May 13 at the Wick Center Dan B. Lutz, Secretary ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// March 18, 2008 President Bob Fuller called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon. Twenty-five members and spouses were present. The program topic was Digital Commons @UNL, presented by Paul Royster of UNL Libraries. Briefly, the UNL Digital Commons is an “institutional repository”—an online, open-access archive for research, scholarship and creative activity by members of the UNL community. The “Commons” currently contains 11,800 open-access articles/documents and 10,571 limited-access UNL dissertations. It is the fourth largest “IR” in the U.S.—after Michigan, Ohio State & MIT. In November, 2007, it furnished 55,712 downloads of open-access articles to users in 119 countries (including Iceland, Lesotho, Uganda, Fiji, Laos and Nepal. The presentation was recorded and will be placed on the Emeriti Assn. website. Click HERE to go directly to The Digital Commons website. The business session was called to order at 1 p.m. Minutes of the February 2008 membership meeting, compiled by Dan Lutz, and the treasurer’s report for February, compiled by Walter Mientka, were received. Both items are now posted on the website. The possibility of a formal audit of treasurer’s reports and bonding of the treasurer was discussed, with no formal action taken. Mientka noted that there is no interest earned on $36,000 in Emeriti funds contained in the NU Foundation account. Any funds received as an endowment are not eligible to draw interest. The issue of formalizing the Wisherd grant process in dialogue with the Foundation was discussed. Regarding an update on the membership list, this information can be found on-line in the Association’s website. The next Newcomers (members) “Coffee on Us” informal meeting will be held on April 14 at 9:30 a.m. at The Mill coffeehouse on 4736 Prescott, across 48th Street from Union College. It was confirmed that a survey of members regarding attendance at monthly meetings will be conducted at the President’s luncheon May 22 at the Embassy Suites. The board will need to design and survey in April A Benefits Committee report indicated there is possibly controversy regarding Emeriti acquiring UNL athletic tickets. A followup report will be made Gene White reported that Barbara Chollet is the new chairperson of the Courtesy Committee. The April membership meeting will be held April 15 at the International Quilt Center, which is to formally open on March 30, at 33rd & Holdrege Sts. Attendees need to arrive at the Center at 11:30 a.m to participate in a tour of the facility.. Ample parking should be available at the site. Parking is also available north of the Hardin Center, across 33rd St. There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// February 19, 2008 President Bob Fuller called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon. Thirty-one Emeriti and spouses were present. Joan Barnes, UNL Library Outreach, and Andrew Jewell, editor of the Willa Cather on-line resource, presented “Willa Cather—Words to Her Brother.” In January, 2007, descendants of Roscoe and Meta Cather (Willa Cather’s brother and sister-in-law) donated an important collection of personal correspondence between Willa Cather and her family. Willa was one of seven children, and the eldest daughter. The collection, including more than 400 letters and postcards, spanned the period 1908-1947. It was acquired by the UNL Library system in January, 2007. Many of the letters were acquired from children of Roscoe and Meta Cather. It is speculated that many more letters exist, sent to known friends of the extended family. Jewell made a slide presentation picturing Willa Cather and family members, with one image dating back to 1893. Willa Cather was the first female recipient of an honorary degree conferred by UNL. Cather and Mari Sandoz, another famous figure, were quite different, although sharing the Nebraska heritage. Some of the letters were reflections of World War I. While the collection is rare and fascinating, it is stipulated that the contents cannot be published, made into television and/or movie programs. Persons interested in the story of Willa Cather need to mark June 4 on their calendars. “Cather’s Circles: Correspondence and Collections,” will be held June 4, with a lecture from 5-6 p.m. in the Love Library Auditorium, and a reception from 6-7 p.m. in Room 110 of Love Library. Barnes and Jewell noted that the event “will finally give the UNL community and its supporters and opportunity to meet and thank the Cather family and donors of the Roscoe and Meta Cather Collection.” The event will cap a day-long symposium regarding Willa Cather’s correspondence and relationships. ________________________________ The business session was called to order at 1 p.m. Memory Moments were observed for Ann Shelley, widow of Harry Shelley, (Psychology). Anne died February 17; and Richard Boohar, long time Association Membership Committee chair, who died February 4. Minutes of the January, 2008 membership meeting compiled by Dan Lutz, and the treasurer’s report for January, and the budget for 2008, compiled by Walter Mientka, were received. Mientka suggested that rather than postcard notices being sent out to greater Lincoln area Emeriti announcing upcoming membership meetings (date, location, name of speaker and topic), pertinent data would be sent to those Emeriti with e-mail addresses. No formal action was taken. McShane, the Emeriti Assn. delegate to the Faculty Senate, discussed a proposed UNL by-law change relating to the Dean of Graduate Studies. The 5-issue document has been placed on the Emeriti Assn. Website, Click HERE to view. McShane also cited a detailed document—22 points—regarding proposed changes in the wording in the Regents’ policy regarding awarding Emeritus status. The document is also on the website, Click HERE to view. Fuller is composing a letter to Provost Linda Pratt indicating the Emeriti Assn. board’s issues with the present draft. Committee reports: Wisherd Fund, Jim McShane, chair: Grants of $1,000 each to pursue research and scholarly activity 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. An Emeritus was awarded $1,000 toward unreimbursed medical costs Grants disbursed are well below the amount of funds available in the Wisherd Fund.. (At the February board meeting, it was proposed that a grant would be increased to $2,000 for an individual, and the ceiling of an individual’s income be raised from $30,000 to $50,000. The committee was instructed to discuss these proposals and report any recommendations back to the board). Membership Committee, Mel Thornton, chair: 204 annual members – 179 current in 2008 dues. 148 life members. 103 surviving spouse members. 31 new 2008 members. 34 members added to the rolls from old records. 175 persons on membership rolls, not included in above categories. Total on data base: 695. Report on new program – “Newcomer Emeriti Connection” – Kay Rockwell: The initial effort to lure new Emeriti Assn. members to a social gathering fell short of attendance. A monthly “Coffee Chat” will not be tried out. The initial gathering will be Wednesday, March 5, at 9:30 a.m. at Mo Java, 48th & St. Paul Sts. in University Place. The future of Emeriti receiving complimentary issues of the Scarlet may be coming into question. The amount of funding making this possible was announced. This arrangement is likely a pending item in the near future. Lutz moved that the Emeriti Assn. board develop and conduct a survey of Emeriti Assn. members designed to identify factors leading to low attendance at more recent membership meetings. Seconded by Mientka, carried. With no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned. Dan B. Lutz, secretary //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// January 22, 2008 President Bob Fuller called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon. Forty-four Emeriti and spouses were present. The speaker was Gregory R. Snow, Associate Professor, UNL Department of Physics and Astronomy. The title of his presentation was “E equals M times C squared—the most well-known yet misunderstood scientific equation.” E is energy; M is mass; C is the speed of light, which is approximately 186,000 miles per second or roughly 7 ½ times a second around the earth. Snow is a member of the UNL High Energy Physics Group. Principal research laboratories are at Batavia, IL and Geneva, Switzerland. Snow and colleagues work with 2,000 physicists around the world. Snow’s presentation has been posted to the Emeriti Assn. website for viewing. Minutes of the November membership meeting and the 2007 year-end treasurer’s report were approved by acclamation. These documents are also posted on the website. Dee Aguilar, in charge of OLLI, reported that the organization now has 620 members. She passed out a document outlining a tour and courses open for enrollment. Gene White reported on the new Emeriti Luncheon held January 17 at the Champions Club. Fifteen new Emeriti, from a total of 32, attended the meeting, along with eight of their guests. Five UNL administrators made short presentations. Seven board members served as table hosts. Bob Fuller served as master of ceremonies. Lowell Moser described scheduled programs for 2008. White reviewed a folder of retiree and Emeriti information, compiled by the Benefits Committee. Kay Rockwell described the proposed Newcomers Connection. . New business: Kay Rockwell discussed the newly-established Newcomer Emeriti Connection format and plans, ready for implementation. Moser outlined 2008 Emeriti Association activities: Monthly meetings (at East Campus Union unless specified otherwise): February 19 – Joan Barnes, UNL Library Outreach, and Andrew Jewell, editor of the Willa Cather on-line resource will present “Willa Cather—Words to Her Brother.” March 18 – Paul Royster, UNL Libraries, will present a program on “The Digital Commons.” He will describe digital resources available and indicate how Emeriti can access and add to Library Archives. April 15 – Curator-led Tour of the International Quilt Center at its new location at 33rd and Holdrege Sts. Meet in lobby area of new building from 11:30 – 11:45 a.m., then proceed with guided tour. May 22 – NU Retirees Luncheon hosted by NU President J.B. Milliken, 11:30 a.m., Embassy Suites, Lincoln. Committee chair reports: Benefits Committee – Herb Howe. No report. Membership Committee – Mel Thornton. A total of 195 members have e-mail addresses. Wisherd Fund Committee: Jim McShane. Only one application received for catastrophic medical care. No application for research funding or ongoing health care. Dollars from the Wisherd Fund will be used for benefit of the Emeriti Assn., with funds going to the NU Foundation. Barbara Wright-Chollet to be new membership relations member in charge of courtesy. Delivee Wright, outgoing chair, said one basket was delivered in December – to Ronald Joekel. Emeriti need to turn in names of any member recently released from hospitalization, and individuals with upper age level “5-year birthday,” i.e., 75, 80, etc. Faculty Senate representative is Jim McShane. McShane led a brief discussion of proposed by-law changes. Changed eligibility for retiring individuals to become Emeriti – administrators not eligible. Retired professors need to be protected as well as Emeriti. Emeriti would have floor rights at Faculty Senate – but not voting rights. Website committee – 2007 report by chairman Jim Kendrick: There were 3,390 different visitors to the website during calendar year 2007. There were 6,934 visits to the website and 30,304 pages were viewed. Memory Moments: Deceased: Abe Epp. (After the meeting, it was noted that William “Bill” Lutes passed away in November). There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// November13, 2007 President Howard Ottoson called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon. Names of candidates for position of director – 3-year term were cited: Kay Rockwell, R. McLaren (Max) Sawyer; for vice president: Lowell Moser and Jack Goebel. Max Clegg and Bob Raymond distributed paper ballots to Emeriti who had not voted on-line. Results of the combined balloting would be reported at the beginning of the business meeting. The guest speaker, Mario J. Scalora, Associate Professor of Psychology at UNL, was introduced to cover the topic: “The Seven Deadly Threats to Emeriti.” (Actually, the threats enunciated affect the security of men, women and children in today’s society.) Scalora listed and defined the threats and spelled out threat management designed to avoid or lessen threats to life and limb. Campus Violence: Virginia Tech tragedy prime example. Mental health can be an issue for some on the campus. Students behave a little differently in a campus environment. Warning signs must be identified. Acts of violence are conspirational and rarely impulsive. While shootings make headlines, knives are weapons of choice for some. Terrorism: Lots of people outside of the U.S. don’t like us. Much more hostility than 50-60 years ago. Business and research interests are targeted. Other targets in the U.S. relate to entertainment and capitalism. Travel – need to develop a safety plan. Need procedure to contact families at home if difficulties arise on trips. Extremist Groups are now targeting campuses. Focus is often on researchers seeking answers to various complex subjects. Animal extremists are an example of potential terrorists. Both rightists and leftists—both ends of the political spectrum—are targets for terrorism and violence. Identity theft and phishing: The internet is a tool for identity theft. Threats transcend national borders. Sinister contacts are made by more sophisticated villains than in the past. Persons 40 years old and beyond are more likely to be targeted. Many are known to have a “retirement nest egg” worth going after. Health Care Crisis – often faces college and university retirees prone to age-related or encourage health threats with varied health plan coverage. Depression – More challenges and stress in today’s fast moving, complicated world. Eighty percent of medicines are prescribed by general practitioners while some conditions require specialists. .________________________________________________________ Business session convened at 1 p.m. Results of election announced: Lowell Moser wins vice presidential nomination. Kay Rockwell elected to serve 3-year term on the Emeriti Assn. board. Delivee Wright has agreed to serve in the non-elective post as assistant secretary. She leaves the chairmanship of the Courtesy Committee. The October 16 Emeriti Assn. membership meeting minutes were approved on a motion by Irv Omtvedt, second by Bob Raymond. The treasurer’s report, covering the period October 1 – October 31, 2007. accepted as presented. As of October 31: Wisherd Fund market value, $177,477.65; book value, $44,166.83; spendable earnings $39,187.59. Income total: $2,469.86. Total expense: $650.30. Checking account balance: $1,819.56. Benefits Committee: no report Wisherd Fund committee: one request received for financial assistance after letter sent to all association members. Website committee: Kendrick reported that 50 Emeriti cast votes on-line in the election of vice president and a board member. Longtime membership committee chair Dick Boohar, who is retiring from that position, was presented a gift basket floral tribute in recognition and appreciation of his lengthy - seven years of service in this important area. Announcements of upcoming meetings: Board meetings to be held December 4 and January 8. New Board (2008) members will be invited to the December 4 meeting. The event recognizing new Emeriti--an appreciation Luncheon--will be held at the Champions Club on January 17. About 30 new UNL Emeriti are being invited. Next membership meeting: January 22 at East Campus Union. Speaker: Gregory R. Snow, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, UNL. Topic: “What is the Most Famous Scientific Formula of All Time?” The president’s gavel was passed from Ottoson to incoming president Robert Fuller. Meeting adjourned. Dan B. Lutz, secretary ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// October 16, 2007 UNL East Campus Union President Howard Ottoson called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon. Due to a schedule conflict by Kay Rockwell, a board member nominee, the introduction of candidates for the positions of vice president and a board member for a 3-year term were made prior to the program presentation. Rockwell presented a brief verbal resume of her background and accomplishments. Both candidates for vice president—Lowell Moser and Jack Goebel--and R. McLaren (Max) Sawyer, board member nominee—were not present. Brief statements weread regarding their individual qualifications. It was moved by Peter Bleed, seconded by Don Edwards, that the slate of candidates for the two positions be approved for a vote by the membership. Carried. Emeriti members Hal Allen and Ted Doane presented the program topic: What’s Cooking in Turkey: Ataturk University—Then and Now. UNL involvement in an effort to establish a university at Erzurum, in eastern Turkey, was approved during the administration of UNL Chancellor Clifford Hardin in 1954. Erzurum, population about 100,000, is an isolated city located about 28 hours by train from Ankara, the Turkish capital. Hal Allen was appointed as a member of the UNL team in 1956 and served until 1965; Ted Doane served from 1964-66. UNL participation in the establishment of Ataturk University extended from 1955 to 1968. A total of 187 academic staff from the U.S. assisted in the establishment of the university. The U.S. land grant university concept was incorporated at the beginning of the master plan to establish the new university. Allen helped establish the agricultural extension and information component of the university. The presentation was recorded and is accessible through the Emeriti Assn. website. The business session was convened at 1:05 p.m. In Memory Moments, President Ottoson read the names of the 12 Emeriti or spouses of Emeriti reported as deceased since our April meeting: Myron Brakke, Plant Pathology, C. Barron McIntosh, Geography, Robert Guenzel, Adjunct Professor, Everett Peterson, Agricultural Economics, Doris Warren, widow of Dick Warren, Animal Science, Robert Bowman, Geography, Henry Grether, Law, Virginia Bagley, wife of Walter Bagley, forestry, Dorcas Cavett, Elementary Education, Ray Coffey, Administration, Rita Frolik, widow of Elvin Frolik, Agronomy, and John Furrer, Agronomy It was moved by Jim Kendrick, seconded by Delivee Wright, to approve the minutes of the April, 2007 membership meeting minutes. Carried. Treasurer’s report: Walter Mientka. Acceptance of the report moved by Jim Kendrick, seconded by Don Edwards, carried. A request by Mientka to transfer $5,000 from the Emeriti Association’s UNL Foundation Spendable Earnings Account to a Cornhusker Bank operating account was moved for acceptance by Kendrick, seconded by Bob Fuller, carried. Committee reports: Website Committee: Jim Kendrick. Emeriti members may utilize electronic balloting, through the website, for the positions of a board member and vice president beginning November 1 and closed at midnight November 11. Results will be announced at the November 13 membership meeting. Paper ballots will be provided for those attending the November 13 meeting who did not vote electronically. President Ottoson announced that 19 persons have been designated as Emeriti by UNL since January 1. They are accorded complimentary membership in the Emeriti Assn. for one year. Delivee Wright, courtesy committee chair, said four courtesy baskets have been distributed this summer. The November 13, 2007 program at the East Union will be “The Seven Deadly Threats to Emeriti,” by Mario J. Scalora, Associate Professor of Psychology, UNL. Time schedule the same: 11:30 a.m., assemble, visit, snack; presentation begins at 12:00 noon, followed by business session. There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// March 20, 2007 President Howard Ottoson convened the meeting at 12:00 noon; 41 Emeriti in attendance. Robert Fuller introduced the speaker: Betsy Sheets, Director of Community Relations & Marketing, Eastmont Towers Community, Lincoln. She addressed the topic: “I’m Not Ready Yet!” Should I Stay in My Home or Join a Community? She introduced the topic with the statement that “we all struggle with the issue: When is it time to leave our family home and join a ‘community’ where everyday needs are met?” One measure is when home upkeep and routine—even meal preparation—becomes a burden. Health care needs are another concern, she noted, declaring that ultimately you (as an individual or couple) need to make the decision—not the extended family or an attorney. In the face of declining health, a person may gain freedom in a move to a “community.” A plus for seniors when they move from their home to a community environment is the ability to make new friends, Sheets stated. During her presentation, she suggested those considering a possible move to check the website www.itsanagething.org And, almost every community has a website, she added. She suggested contact with AARP, an organization of care consultants for the aged. A key to a major lifetime transition is early planning, she stressed. And, visit several “communities” designed for seniors. A common stereotype when retirement is mentioned is that a community means a nursing home, Sheets said. A positive attitude of moving forward and getting a new lease on life assure a more positive transition. The biggest challenge to downsizing—from life in a private home—for a move to a community—is downsizing, Sheets noted. Plan early in the game. Involve adult children in an inventory of items. Some seniors find that “the idea of moving is stopping me from moving. It is a perceived loss of independence.” But she declared: “home is more of an attitude than a place. Home is a place where you feel secure.” Sheets pointed out that seniors who have quit driving or are reluctant to drive regain mobility in retirement homes, where transportation is provided for necessary aspects of living. Talking with family regarding a possible move is most important, and yet can be most difficult to be honest and open, she warned. Don’t wait, she advised: “the worst time to talk is a time of crisis.” Regarding finances relating to moving to a community: “be open with your family. Talk to your financial advisor who has power of attorney.” She recommended another website: www.seniorhousingnet.com She referred to the main choices for seniors other than a nursing home: independent living and assisted living. The number of seniors joining assisted living communities “has exploded in the U.S.,” she said. Sheets stated that costs of some categories of senior living outside the private home continue to outpace the rate of annual inflation, with a 5 percent increase in residence fees every year. Against this backdrop, 70 percent of those over age 65 in the U.S. need long-term care. “Medicare doesn’t pay much,” she warned. “Retirement living is not cheap.” Robert Fuller announced the topic and speaker for the Emeriti Assn. membership meeting April 17, to be held at the UNL East Campus Union: “Last Things First,” by Timothy F. Clare of Rembolt, Ludtke LLP. He is a Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Business Meeting President Ottoson convened the business session at 12:50 p.m. In Memory Moments, Emeritus Norris Swanson was noted as deceased. Lutz moved, seconded by Dewaine Alcorn, that the minutes of the March board of directors meeting be approved. Carried. Treasurer’s report, February 1-28, 2007, presented by Walter Mientka. Maude Wisherd Fund: book value--$55,166.83; spendable earnings--$34,119.83; market value--$166, 284.37; Emeriti Assn. Fund--$650.00. Income, including balance carryover and dues--$5,611.01. Total expense--$1,280.33; Checking account balance--$4,330.68. Motion to accept report as presented—Mientka; second, George Tuck. Carried. Report on New UNL Emeriti Appreciation Luncheon—Robert Fuller. The first annual New UNL Emeriti Appreciation Luncheon was held at the Champions Club at noon on Thursday, March 8. The luncheon was attended by eight new Emeriti, eight board members and two representatives of the Vice Chancellor’s Office. After the luncheon, individuals were given a chance to introduce themselves and share their passion with those present. A short welcoming speech was given by Howard Ottoson on behalf of the UNL Emeriti Assn. Then, David Wilson and Susan Fritz extended the congratulations from the Vice Chancellors to the new Emeriti. Robert Fuller served as master of ceremonies. Materials about the UNL Alumni Association, OLLI and the Emeriti Assn. were distributed. Two new life members to the association were obtained. Mac Sawyer expressed an interest in seeing if there is some way we might be of service to the returning veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said that education is a key to helping them get on with their lives. Jaime Johnson made the arrangements at the Champions Club and Chances R catered the meal. Both the venue and food were excellent. Benefits Committee: no report. Wisherd Fund Committee: chairman McShane absent. Website Report: Chair, Jim Kendrick: report to be posted on Emeriti Website. Duane Eversoll reported on behalf of his wife, Deanna, that membership in OLLI has reached 412. However, the goal is 500, which would make the organization eligible for a million dollar grant. Delivee Wright reminded Emeriti present to contact her with any information regarding Emeriti who have been hospitalized and returned to their homes and also advanced birthdays, i.e., 75 years, 80 years, etc. There being no unfinished or new business to consider, the meeting was adjourned. Dan B. Lutz, Secretary ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// February 20, 2007 – UNL East Campus Union President Howard Ottoson convened the meeting at 12:00 noon. Bob Fuller introduced the speaker, John Janovy, Jr., Varner Professor of Biological Sciences. His topic was “A View From the Trenches,” a detailed analysis and possible conclusions as to where UNL is headed in regard to teaching programs in the coming years. Janovy is currently the chair of the UNL General Education Planning Team and Advisory Committee. He joined the faculty in 1966 and holds a UNL Distinguished Teaching Award. Janovy discussed the characteristics of students in classes such as Biology 101. Students in UNL classes with which he is familiar represent “a microcosm of an evolving nation,” he said. Students are “the greatest resource” at UNL, he continued. “A lot of talented people walk in the door.” From 3,500 to 4,000 students walk in the door at UNL in a decade and at least 500 become highly successful. The first rule of success for students, Janovy said, “is to get up (from bed) and go to school.” The student body enrolled in general courses are increasingly mixed in ethnicity and demography, names are different. Current university students “are not your parents’ freshmen,” Janovy said. Good note-taking in class is out. The change in the way students absorb facts and principles can be blamed on the current “information age culture,” he explained. Students can get literally thousands of messages a day. Differences in student populations result in the fact that no single approach is effective in dispensing information in a class. Other factors include the influence of television, obsession with cell phones and individual differences in maturity and reading skills in a particular class, Janovy said. “No single (instructional) approach works.” Access to electronic sources of information discourages students from going to a conventional library and check out/read “real (traditional) books,” he pointed out. Students can have access to information at 3:30 a.m. through computer-related sources. Two proposals have made their way through several UNL colleges, Janovy said: a list of outcomes in teaching courses and the structure of a teaching program. Major concerns observed as the process wends its way through various colleges: not enough writing is required of students, and not enough exposure to historical perspectives. But, “you can’t legislate writing,” he said. Finally, students—at the end of four or five years in an academic environment—must be able to say “this is what I have done,” with evidence to back up this claim of accomplishment. These are only a kernel of a lengthy and detailed discussion by Prof. Janovy. His presentation in full has been placed on the Emeriti Association website. President Ottoson convened the business session at 1:30 p.m. He asked for observance of Memory Moments for six Emeriti who passed away recently: Bill Swanson, Lynn Lutgen, Louis Rudman, Donald Pierce, Marie Penner, Virginia Bagley. Secretary’s report: Assistant Secretary Anita Leininger recorded minutes of the January 16 membership meeting, in the absence of Secretary Dan Lutz, who was ill. Since the minutes had not been placed on the Emeriti Assn. website, Anita read a draft of the minutes. Moved for approval by Robert Knoll, seconded by Loyd Fischer, carried. Treasurer’s report: Walter Mientka. A hard copy of the report was distributed for consideration by those present. The report covered the period January 1 through January 31, 2007. The current checking account balance is $5,396.01. Estimate of annual income is $7,601.67 The book value of the Wisherd Fund is $55,166.83; spendable earnings--$33,486.36. Moved to accept the report—Dick Fleming; seconded by Ed Hirsch. Fleming asserted “we should recognize Walter for the excellent treasurer’s reports he has been presenting to us.” The report of the Website Committee, Jim Kendrick, chair, is posted on the Emeriti Assn. website. It was suggested from the floor that Ed Hirsch write a report on Maude Wisherd and her subsequent endowment of the present Wisherd Fund. It was noted that more requests for medical aid or subsidization of research projects would be welcome. It was mentioned that the monetary definition of the poverty level has been raised, making more Emeriti eligible to apply for a grant from the Wisherd Fund. Ottoson mentioned the observance by A.W. “Abe” Epp of his 100th birthday. The Emeriti Assn. provided Abe with a gift basket. It is reported that he makes his own cookies and still drives his own car. Best wishes were extended by the group. Jerry Petr reminded that an OLLI reception, hopefully to attract new members, will be held March 15 from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Champions Club. Emeriti are urged to attend. (near the conclusion of the meeting, announcement of a brochure listing classes in sessions March 18-May 4. Present OLLI membership is about 300; a goal of 350 is set for the end of summer). It is confirmed at the Emeriti Assn. is now officially affiliated with the UNL Alumni Assn. One of the first benefits will be that all Emeriti should receive a complimentary copy of the Alumni magazine March 15. Ottoson said a search is still underway for a chairman of the Emeriti Assn. Membership Relations Committee. The 2006 chair of the committee, Bob Fuller, discussed the New Emeriti Appreciation Luncheon to be held at the Champions Club March 8. A search has identified 32 newly-designated Emeriti, of which 25 have Nebraska addresses. A postcard invitation, returnable as a reservation to president Ottoson, will be sent to Lincoln area residents. The Emeriti Assn. board is invited to the luncheon, and officers and board members will serve as table hosts and hostesses. Ed Paquette, executive director of the Alumni Assn., and Chancellor Harvey Perlman also have been invited to the luncheon. It was stressed that the March 20 membership meeting will be held at Dixon Lecture Hall in the College of Dentistry on the East Campus, same time schedule. Category “A” parking available in lot west of the Dental College. Speaker: 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?” Member Roscoe Shields announced that a private tour to the Washington, D.C. area, including Williamsburg and Monticello, with open time for other attractions, would be held May 5-10, with departure and return to Omaha. Any interested Emeriti check with Roscoe, Ottoson asked Lutz to check on an accessible source for a list of UNL department/unit heads. Lutz will check with Deb Green customer service supervisor with UNL copying/printing. There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:22 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// November 16, 2006 – UNL East Campus Union President Irv Omtvedt called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon. The process of electing two members to the board of directors continued, with the opportunity for those present who had not voted electronically to mark a paper ballot. Sixteen members voted for candidates posted on the website. Omtvedt appointed Jim Kendrick, Gwen Newkirk and Delivee Wright to distribute and count the ballots so results could be announced during the business meeting following the program presentation. Association member Dan Lutz gave a slide presentation on the topic: “All Aboard: Train Trips from Here to There and (almost) Everywhere.” Lutz said he had been shooting photos of trains of all types since the 1950’s and selected the show from among hundreds of slides. As an introduction, he noted that many people are aware of trains mainly through waiting for coal trains to pass at crossings or the loud train whistles at night. Beyond railroad employees and stockholders, he said many individuals relate to railroads and trains in three different interest areas: railroad history, advocacy for expanded and improved rail passenger service, and dyed-in-the wool railfans. Lutz has an active interest in all three areas. He recalled the presence of railroad travel during his entry and departure from U.S. Army service in the Korean War era. During his 32-year tenure at UNL, he traveled several times by train to conferences or news coverage—to Alliance, Nebr., Chicago, Washington, D.C., Denver, Colo., traveling on two of the railroads then serving Lincoln—the CB&Q, now Burlington Northern; and the Rock Island, now abandoned. Other railroads serving Lincoln in mid-century were the Union Pacific, Chicago & North Western, Missouri Pacific and the Omaha, Lincoln & Beatrice. The Union Pacific and OL&B still survive in serving Lincoln freight needs. While the U.P. is not friendly to Amtrak service on its trackage, it is important to Nebraska economics as the largest freight railroad in the U.S., headquartering in Omaha. The decline in rail passenger travel occurred in 1971 when freight railroads turned passenger service over to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, aka Amtrak. Passenger rail service was discontinued on many routes. Amtrak trains are restricted to 79 mph on intercity routes, track conditions permitted. Only the Amtrak Northeast Corridor—Washington to New York, Philadelphia and Boston—allows high speed rail---125 mph and above—which encourages business travel. Lutz said rail passenger service is vastly superior in Europe, Japan and some other countries to that of U.S. service because of more reliability in staying on schedule and higher travel speeds. The Japanese “Bullet Train” and German trains with mag-lev technology are examples. Lutz listed the California Zephyr route from Chicago to Oakland, Calif., with five stops in Nebraska and major stops at Denver, Salt Lake City and Reno, Nevada as one of the 20 most scenic rail trips in the world, through the Rocky Mountains and over Donner Pass in California. He regretted he could not put together slides for this route. He placed the Glacier Express over the Alps in Switzerland as one of the premier sightseeing trips. He cited two types of excursion train trips: one devoted to scenery and history, and the other concentrating more on the equipment, i.e., locomotive (steam or diesel) and vintage passenger cars. Scenic railroad trips abound in the American West; he showed slides of the Georgetown Loop RR, the Snowy Mountain Range RR, and the Cumbres & Toltec, which runs from Antonito, Colo. to Chama, New Mexico. He recommended riding the Alaska Railroad, White Pass & Yukon (included in the slide show), and a rail trip from Calgary to Vancouver, Canada, through the Canadian Rockies. He moved rapidly through two trays of slides, and had two more assembled. He told attendees he would be happy to do a slide presentation to interested groups Omtvedt called the business session to order at 12:45 p.m. He announced the results of the election, including both electronic and paper ballots: Vice president/president-elect: candidates Wilber “Bud” Dasenbrock, Robert Fuller. Fuller was announced as winner. Board of directors, 2007-2009: candidates Joe Aguilar and Rose Marie Tondl. Tondl was announced as winner. Officers and directors for 2007—not on the ballot: President—Howard Ottoson; Immediate past president—Irv Omtvedt; Secretary—Dan Lutz; Assistant Secretary—Anita Leininger; Treasurer—Walter Mientka; Director, term ends Dec. 31, 2007--Delivee Wright; Director, 2007-2008—Max Clegg. It was moved by Jim Kendrick, seconded by George Tuck, to destroy the paper ballots; carried. It was announced that a board of directors meeting will be held December 5; the next membership meeting will be held January 11, 2007. A clarification was made that UNL faculty who retired last year are eligible to attend one OLLI course free of charge, with a $25 fee for each additional course. The goal is to enroll 500 members in OLLI; approximately 175 are members at present. It was moved by Earl Ellington, seconded by Chuck Cromer, to approve minutes of the October 19, 2006 membership meeting as submitted; carried. In the absence of treasurer Walter Mientka, Omtvedt presented the treasurer’s report, through October 31, 2006. Highlights: Wisherd Fund--$55,066.83; spendable earnings--$32,253.26. Checking account balance: $4,450.79. Dues have been received for five new lifetime members Moved by Ron Case, seconded by Bill Wayne, to accept the treasurer’s report. as presented. Carried. The complete report is posted on the Emeriti Assn. Website. Delivee Wright reminded members to contact her if they have knowledge of Emeriti who have been hospitalized but dismissed so that she can give them courtesy baskets. Memory Moments: Omtvedt announced the following Emeriti as deceased: Ruth Ganshorn, Delno Knudsen and Violet Kaylan-Masik Committee reports: Benefits Committee: no formal report. The question of a possible threat to parking privileges for Emeriti, especially for retiring faulty was discussed. No action taken until further information is obtained. It was noted later that retired faculty have a one-year parking privilege for designated lots. Membership Relations Committee: Considerable discussion ensued, with no formal action taken. In general, the need was expressed to find more ways to serve members. The question as to whether designated Emeriti and retired faculty who at present lack Emeritus status might be invited to a lunheon. Questions continued as to whom—department heads, deans, administrators and NU Regents—are actively involved (and when) during the process of considering Emeriti status approval. It is hoped the identity of newly-designated Emeriti will be known by January, 2007. The ad hoc committee chaired by David Brinkerhoff is expected to give its report to the board at its December 5 meeting. It was indicated there are cases wherein faculty are now informed if they have achieved Emeritus status. The committee will continue pursuing the project to clarify the complicated process leading to certification of Emeritus status of retiring faculty members recommended by unit heads, with final approval by the Board of Regents Omtvedt said the Chancellor’s office had contacted him and clarified that all UNL Emeriti would be eligible for free Emeriti faculty parking permits, but permits would need to be renewed annually instead of every two years as is now the case. November 30, 2006 revision: Omtvedt noted that the next membership meeting would normally be held on the third Thursday of the month...in this case January 18,2007. However, several members cited recurring conflicts with our current schedule. At its December meeting, the board will discuss moving the monthly membership meetings to a different date during 2007 to minimize scheduling conflicts and encourage increased attendance The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// October 19, 2006 President Irv Omtvedt called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. He noted an error on the postcard sent to Lincoln area Emeriti that stated the meeting would begin at 12:30 p.m.; the correct time is 12:00 noon. Deanna Eversoll offered comments on the OLLI program. She had the opportunity to meet with the founder of the adult learning concept, Mr. Osher. This is the third year of the Osher grant process wherein funding is granted to selected sponsors of OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) programs. Deanna noted increasing evidence that active learning by seniors (aging adults) may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. An Osher grant of $1 million could be provided to UNL if there is evidence of the program being sustained with at least 500 members. The $1 million endowment would be used to support the program on a long-term basis in the College of Education and Human Sciences. Omtvedt encouraged Emeriti to participate in OLLI and reminded the members that the Emeriti Assn. had approved paying a one-year OLLI membership for all Emeriti faculty the first year after being granted Emeritus status. Eversoll hopes that Osher funding support will keep the OLLI program going in Nebraska, and challenges seniors and other participants to participate in OLLI sponsored classes. Omtvedt called for approval of the minutes of the most recent Emeriti Assn. membership meeting, held in April. Moved by Howard Ottoson, seconded by Max Clegg for approval as presented; carried. The ad hoc committee charged with clarification of the process leading to certification of Emeritus status of retiring UNL faculty and administrators, and reconciliation of various rosters resulting in an accurate and current list of Emeriti was asked for an update on progress to date. It was noted that at least two Emeriti were not invited to the recent NU Foundation sponsored luncheon. Ad hoc Committee chair David Brinkerhoff said the committee has not met but hopes to do so in the next 10 days. The committee will review the process within UNL in which retiring faculty and administrators are recommended by unit heads and recommendations move through a complicated process, culminating with final approval by the Board of Regents. A known flaw is that some retiring faculty are not recommended and forwarded by unit heads. It was decided that a previously planned reception to be held this fall for newly retired faculty would be postponed to a later date to allow the committee to move ahead on its charge Treasurer’s report: The report has been posted on the Emeriti Assn. website. Treasurer Walter Mientka asked for any comments. Hearing none, it was moved by George Tuck, seconded by Loyd Fischer for approval of the report. Carried. Benefits Committee: Chairman Jack Goebel said a committee meeting will be held in the near future, with a report to follow. Parking policy issues which would affect Emeriti will be discussed. Wisherd Fund Committee: no report. Procedures for election of one director and the vice president/president-elect were reviewed. Details were included in the October 4 board meeting minutes. Jerry Petr will be leaving the board and the election will determine his successor.. Max Clegg and Delivee Wright will continue as board members for another term, beginning January 1, 2007. Omvedt also noted that Howard Ottoson will automatically move to the President position and that he (Omtvedt) would move to the Immediate Past President position. He also thanked Dan Lutz and Walter Mientka for their willingness to each continuing to serve as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively, during the coming year, and that Anita Leininger was willing to continue as Assistant Secretary as a back-up to Dan Lutz during 2007. Omtvedt identified 13 Emeriti reported as deceased since May, 2006 in Memory Moments. Following is the listing: Gail Butt, Jr., Art & Art History; Earl Dickinson, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences; Vincent Dreeszen, Conservation & Survey Division; Hall Gildersleeve, Libraries; Catherine Indra, Education and Family Sciences; Larry Lusk, Music; Jane Munson, Cooperative Extension; Emery Nelson, School of Natural Resources; Keith Newhouse, Mechanical Engineering; LeRoy Peters, Entomology; George Rowe, Family & Consumer Sciences; Richard Tyler, Modern Language and Literature; Eugene Wright, Construction Management. . Dan Lutz will present a program on trains at the November 16 membership meeting. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The program was focused on Genealogical Research Resources Located in Lincoln, Nebr. Panelists were: Emeritus Dewaine Alcorn, vice president/programs, Lincoln-Lancaster County Genealogical Society; Sharon Sawyers, spouse of Emeritus Keith Sawyers; and Ed Hirsch, Emeritus, NU Foundation. Sawyers said “Family Tree DNA” is at the forefront of family tree genealogical research, and results in identification of distant relatives that other methods and approaches cannot confirm. The speakers distributed a comprehensive listing of organizations which can aid persons exploring their family tree, including the Lincoln-Lancaster County Genealogical Society and Archives located in the Union College Library; the LDS Family Life Center, located inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints building, 3000 Old Cheney Rd., The Nebraska State Historical Society, 1500 R St..; The American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, 631 D St.; the Catholic Chancery Office, Diocese of Lincoln, 3400 Sheridan Blvd.; Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper Library, 926 P St.; Lincoln City Public Libraries, main library, 136 South 14th St.; Union College Library, 3800 South 48th St.; UNL City Campus, Love Library, 13th & R Sts.; Nebraska Geological Survey, Conservation & Survey Division, Hardin Hall, UNL East Campus. There are also many on-line resources, Hirsch discussed his project of compiling a scrapbook chronicling ancestor/genealogical findings. Ideas for family research contained in the reference booklet distributed during the program:: 1. Complete an ancestor chart. 2. Complete a family group chart for each couple (mother, father, children). 3. Examine U.S. Census data – these go back to 1790. 4. Search family papers for obituaries, wake cards, family bibles, marriage and baptismal certificates, death certificates, etc. 5. Examine county and state records, historical and genealogical societies may provide: marriage, death, land, military, probate (wills), county and church records, naturalization papers, old newspapers, phone books or directories. 6. Contact churches local to the area for records of baptisms, marriages, deaths, and church histories. 7. Visit the Family History Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon); they have filmed vital and church records all over the world. 8. Explore alternative spellings of the surnames you are researching. 9. Join the Nebraska or Lincoln-Lancaster County Genealogical Society and/or the Genealogical Society in other states if applicable to find the roots of your family tree. 10. Take a genealogy class or a class in genealogy software from community college of city recreation 11. Visit state Vital Statistics Section, 301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln. Respectfully submitted, //////////////////////////////////////// April 20, 2006 UNL East Campus Union President Irv Omtvedt called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon. Vice President/Program Chair Howard Ottoson introduced Emeritus Max Clegg, to present a program on “BRAN” – Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska. Clegg noted that BRAN completed its 25th year—having been organized in 1981, and he has ridden in eight BRAN events since 1995. He described BRAN as “a safe, enjoyable ride across Nebraska, a non-charitable, non-profit activity”. It has traversed all of the state’s 93 counties. Men, women and children ride BRAN.. The 2005 “Silver Lining Tour” drew riders from 35 states—most over 50 years of age—the oldest rider 82. The yearly event is limited to 600 riders; individual registration fee is $90, commemorative T-shirt included. Food costs and other expenses may cost $20 more or less per day per rider. The organization currently awards $25,000 in scholarships each year and has contributed $250,000 from 1985 through 2005. For training, BRAN riders are recommended to complete at least 300 miles in various distances on the bike—15 or 20 miles daily with some distance rides of 45-60 miles. The 2005 BRAN experience: Day 1—Kimball to Bridgeport; Day 2—Bridgeport to Arthur, Day 3 –Arthur to Arnold. Riders had a rest stop at this Custer County town, to replenish supplies. Day 4—Arnold to Loup City; Day 5—Loup City to Aurora; Day 6—Aurora to Brainard; Day 7—Brainard to Waterloo. The 2006 event will begin in Broken Bow and conclude at Springfield, a distance of 437 or 500 miles, depending on which route is selected. In answer to another question from the floor, Clegg said good bikes cost from $700-$750. He displayed a number of bikers’ clothing and gear for inspection and possible questions. Note to those viewing this set of minutes on-line: The Clegg presentation was excellent—very detailed as a fast-moving slide show. Summary account above does not include many interesting and important details. New feature on website reported last month: “listen and watch” presentation by Clegg, and that of other speakers/presenters at regular monthly meetings. Extra Bonus: Emeriti Webmaster Jim Kendrick announced March 31 to all on Emeriti Listserve that “we are now video podcasting Emeriti Assn. speakers’ remarks.” Go to the Look/Listen tab on the website to see what’s new; contact Kendrick if you have technical questions re podcasting. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- President Omtvedt called the business session to order at 12:50 p.m. The minutes of the March 16 membership meeting were approved, on a motion by Jack Goebel and second by Jim McShane. Treasurer Walter Mientka was unable to attend due to teaching responsibilities. Omtvedt presented the report. Mientka reported receiving (as of April 20), 56 membership dues mailings, including one Life Member (Jack Goebel), one 2-year membership, and one $5 donation. Highlights of the Treasurer’s report, from March 1-31, 2006, inclusive: Assets: Maude Wisherd Fund: book value--$55,066.83; spendable earnings--$30,454.77. Emeriti Assn. Foundation Fund--$500. Estimate of annual income--$7,597.01 Checking account balance--$5,294.39. A description of the UNL Emeriti Assn. Foundation Fund with details regarding contributions and use of proceeds of the fund, can be viewed at http://emeriti.unl.edu/money.html The question was discussed regarding a permanent record of all Emeriti since inception of this designation to the present. A record has been compiled through 1997; data must be gathered and compiled from that year to the present. An optimum approach to the UNL administration to gather a list of confirmed Emeriti since 1997 was discussed. It was reminded that the next Emeriti Assn. board meeting would be held on May 2. Omtvedt requested “Memory Moments” for recently deceased Emeriti Theodore Jorgensen and Cyril Bish. A question was raised as to what format of sympathy card—type of stationery--should be sent by the Association to surviving family members. Clegg said a model note card could be designed to allow the Membership Relations Committee, and individual Emeriti, to print out a sympathy card. Looking ahead to Emeriti Assn.-related events: --NU President’s Retiree Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., May 23, Embassy Suites Hotel. --September 14, NU Foundation sponsored luncheon; details to be announced. --October 19, Emeriti Assn. membership meeting, East Campus Union, genealogy-related presentation by Delivee Wright, “Exploring Your Roots.” OLLI (formerly SAGE program) under UNL umbrella—Osher Foundation hopes for a $1 million Endowment to support programs in the future. Emeriti Assn. is mentioned in the proposal; Emeritus Deanna Eversoll, former coordinator of the SAGE program, hopes for a partnership involving the Emeriti Assn. Jack Goebel said OLLI would offer two 7-week sessions in each semester. Funding would include single memberships at $50 each, including one class; $25 for an additional class. Parking fee would be included within the registration. Sessions also would be offered at Southeast Community College Lincoln campus, which offers excellent parking facilities. George Tuck and James McShane prepared a resolution. McShane said the gist of the resolution would officially link the Emeriti Assn. to OLLI as a partner. The following resolution was moved by Loyd Fischer and seconded by James McShane; approved by voice vote: “Resolved: That the Emeriti Association of UNL does hereby indicate its support of the long-term goals of OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) at UNL of providing non-credit continuing education courses for senior learners of the Lincoln area; of encouraging the intellectual stimulation and social interaction of these learners; and thereby increasing the number of mentally active, socially and politically engaged citizens; and, be it further resolved that the UNL Emeriti Association authorizes its Executive Committee to seek favorable terms for UNL Emeriti professors, their spouses, widows, widowers or significant others to join Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and to encourage the OLLI staff to recruit UNL Emeriti Association members as teaching resources to the Institute.” There being no further unfinished, old or new business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// March 16, 2006 President Irv Omtvedt called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon. He asked for memory moments to recognize deceased Emeriti Henry Baumgarten and Russell Nelson. Vice President and Program Chair Howard Ottoson introduced the featured speaker, Prof. Peter Levitov, Association Dean of International Affairs at UNL, to present the topic “International Students in the U.S.A.” (Note: the full presentation by the speaker can be found on the Look and Listen tab). Prior to World War I, Levitov commented, there were an estimated fewer than 5,000 international/foreign students in the U.S., in a period of comparative isolationism. With the advent of the League of Nations and a growing awareness of the U.S., numbers grew. At the conclusion of World War II, the U.S. was acknowledged as a world leader, with interaction with other nations fostered by the Marshall Plan. Students from foreign countries, primarily at the graduate level in the immediate post World War II era, gravitated primarily to prestigious eastern universities, i.e., Harvard, Columbia and University of Pennsylvania. The Fulbright Act encouraged foreign students and professors to come to the U.S., with the reverse also evident. In the late 1960’s, The Great Society, with non-military U.S. aid to the rest of the world, caused a flush of foreign students. Foreign exchanges relating to agriculture also contributed to growth in numbers of visiting students, including at UNL. In the 1970’s, students from OPEC countries (major petroleum producers/exporters) came in droves to the U.S. Of note in the present context of foreign relations: many Muslim students from Iran entered U.S. university campuses, as well as students from Venezuela and Nigeria. In the 1980’s, the largest contingent of foreign scholars were Malaysian. More recently, the largest bloc of foreign students in U.S. colleges and universities are from China, followed in order, India, Japan, Korea and Malaysia. Of about 1,300 foreign students from 106 countries at UNL, 70 percent come from eastern and southern Asia. A similar percentage are enrolled in Big 12 universities, because of climate differences, more foreign students are enrolled in Big 12 schools in the South. After 9/11, foreign student enrollment on U.S. campuses fell because of the difficulty in obtaining visas, especially for state (other country) sponsored visas. “It was a real mess,” Levitov said, and led to a diplomatic backlash to the U.S. Today, foreign students account for 2 percent of all visas issued in the U.S. Approximately 600,000 international students are studying on U.S. campuses. Many students are non-immigrants—they go back home, he said. Graduate students and their dependents make a significant contribution to Nebraska’s economy, Levitov emphasized. Many foreign students face a difficult adjustment to the different culture of the U.S. Students encounter culture shock when they land in this country. Later they feel good, he said, then it (difficulty in adjusting to U.S. culture) hits them again. Levitov compared foreign students’ acculturation to transplanting a flowering plant: “it wilts before blooming.” Family relationships are different in many foreign countries than in the U.S. Use of time can be much different relating to practice of religion and use of leisure time. As foreign students strive to adjust to their environment in the U.S., every day interpersonal communication—slang, regional accents and gestures—differ by geographical region in the U.S. Levitov had three suggestions for Emeriti: 1. Look into a host family program through the Lincoln Friends of Foreign Students. 2. Through the English Conversation Partners Program, look into matching with a foreign student for one hour a week to engage in casual conversation. 3. UNL has received a large monetary gift enhancing an exchange program with Germany. Foundation support is needed for both directions of the exchange. In general, he urged spending a few hours looking into history and foreign language of a particular country represented by foreign students in the U.S. and at UNL. In answer to questions: The number of African students is down. Of those in the U.S., 2/3 are graduate students and half of that group have research support from their home country. UNL is not as well known as other universities by potential African students. And the climate of the Cornhusker State is not conducive to students from countries in a warmer clime Levitov distributed a leaflet explaining the Conversation Partners Program for Spring 2006, including an application form, and International Student & Scholar Statistical Data at UNL for spring 2006. Largest fields of study, by category are Arts & Sciences, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Education and Human Sciences. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- President Omtvedt called the business session to order at 1 p.m. He noted changes in chairpersons of two committees: Jim McShane will head up the Wisherd Fund Committee; Robert Fuller will chair the Member Relations Committee. Jim Kendrick called attention to the new feature on the website wherein Emeriti can listen and watch the presentation by the speaker or presenter at monthly membership meetings. Fuller reported that a memo dated March 9 had been sent to both UNL Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Barbara Couture and Vice Chancellor for IANR John Owens urging that the level of recognition given to faculty who become Emeriti be raised to the campus level, beyond the current recognition by their academic unit. It is proposed that a campus-wide recognition luncheon be sponsored jointly by Dr. Couture’s office and the office of Vice Chancellor John Owens, along with the UNL Emeriti Assn. With the present policy of the announcement of those faculty retirees granted Emeriti status occurring once a year—in June—a recognition luncheon could be held in July or August. The need to recruit members of the Emeriti Assn. was emphasized. Steps to increase this effort would include a revised mission statement and revision of a brochure developed in 1999. The treasurer’s report (now posted on the website), was presented by Walter Mientka, and approved. Approval was given to transfer $5,000 from the Wisherd Fund account in the NU Foundation to the Emeriti Association checking account, to be used for any appropriate purpose. Omtvedt summarized the development of a new logo to be used on envelopes and stationery to be used to mail information to various sub-lists of the Emeriti Assn. master roster. A listing of postal mailings associated with the Emeriti Assn. was distributed to the administrative group, i.e., officers, directors, committee chairs and committee members. Specific and assigned mailings would be done by the president, secretary, treasurer, the Member Relations Committee and chairs of the Membership and Wisherd Committees. Meeting announcements to Association members residing in Lancaster County would continue to be developed by the secretary, printed and mailed by UNL copying and mailing center. Delivee Wright, in charge of courtesy within the Member Relations Committee, again reminded members of the need to notify her of Emeriti who have returned home after hospitalization and of Emeriti with birthdays in upper age brackets (example: 70, 75, and beyond) so that a basket may be delivered to appropriate recipients. If an Emeritus is well acquainted with a bona fide recipient, it would be fine for he or she to deliver the basket. A question was raised as to whether a policy should be adopted to send a sympathy card to surviving family members following the death of an Emeritus. Informal consensus seemed to favor adoption of this policy. A decision was left to the courtesy subcommittee of the Member Relations Committee. Jim McShane agreed to send a personal note to the Baumgarten family and Don Edwards agreed to send a personal note to the Nelson family on behalf of the Emeriti Associaation A question was asked as to whether Helen Kreymbourg had achieved Emeritus status. No immediate answer was available. The next membership meeting will be held April 20 beginning at 12 noon (correction) at the East Campus Union. The program presenter will be Max Clegg, on how to ride across Nebraska on a bicycle (BRAN). Clegg has the experience…he has ridden across Nebraska on a bike nine times…a total of 4,500 miles. There being no further old, new or unfinished business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Thursday, January 19, 2006 President Irv Omtvedt called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m.. Approximately 50 Emeriti and spouses were in attendance. Vice President and Program Chair Howard Ottoson introduced the speaker, Dr. Marjorie Kostelnik, Dean of the UNL College of Education and Human Sciences. She holds the rank of Professor of Family and Consumer Science and is Associate Director of the Agricultural Research Division, IANR. She received an M.S. and Ph.D. in Human Development and the Family at Pennsylvania State University. She served on the faculty at Michigan State University as Program Supervisor of Child Development and later as a department chair. She came to UNL in 2001 as Dean of the College of Human Resources and Family Sciences, and two years ago, became Dean of the newly-formed College of Education and Human Sciences, which includes the former Teachers College.. Some points emphasized in her presentation:
Dr. Kostelnik said the new college fits well under the Nebraska motto and guide “Living the Good Life.” It’s offering value and enhancing the opportunities for citizens to access and enjoy the three components: food, clothing and shelter. “Every student (in CEHS) has a better chance to have ‘the good life’ and help others.” President Omtvedt called the business session to order at 1:30 p.m. He asked for self-introductions of those present. Two brief guest presentations were made prior to considering Association business. Deanna Eversoll, on behalf of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), discussed the opportunity for Emeriti to enroll in “The Elderquest” – a series examining aging through literature and film. Participating in the series will enable Emeriti “to develop a new view toward aging. Review past and current literature and films presented in this innovative and compelling project.” UNL OLLI was selected to be one of 21 sites for this national project. Beyond a special invitation to Emeriti, the series is free and open to the public; all ages are welcome. However, seating will be limited at the site: classroom at Nebraska Educational Telecommunications classroom, 1800 North 33rd St. (Free parking at the NET parking lot). The series runs from 1-4 p.m., February 10, 17 and 24; March 3, 10, 24, 31; and April 7. Call 472-6262 for further information and to register. Lillie Larsen, a member of the Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education, urged Emeriti as citizens to vote at the special $250 million school bond election scheduled February 14. She said present facilities would not accommodate a growing number of kindergarten students if sessions were to go to all-day. The number of kindergarten pupils—now 2,700—is expected to grow. She said conducting the election as a stand-alone issue at the polls rather than being included in the primary election would assure substantial savings in interest rates and construction materials While stressing that the reason for her appearance is to cast a vote, she said passage of the bond issue would not result in a tax increase to Lincoln citizens. In introductory remarks at the business meeting per se, Omtvedt noted the importance of those Emeriti with computers is increasing communications between and among members with the activation of the website. Emeriti Assn. affairs and activities now are reaching all Emeriti with computer capability, wherever they live. Listing of committees, some needing more members, will help enroll volunteers, he said. Omtvedt distributed a listing of Association officers, directors, and members of standing committees. Names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses are listed on the website. The former Courtesy Committee is now the Member Relations Committee. In Memory Moments, the death of James Rawley was noted. Approval of the November 17, 2005 membership meeting minutes was called for. The minutes, approved by the board, were posted on the website. Secretary Dan Lutz distributed a limited number of hard copies to those present without computer access. Moved by Lutz, seconded by Ottoson, approved by acclamation. Treasurer’s report – Walter Mientka. Report posted on website. It was stated that more income will be needed in the future from dues and/or contributions to achieve current Association goals. Motion to approve report by Mientka, seconded by James McShane, approved by acclamation. Mientka moved for approval by the membership present of a resolution approved by the board at its December 1 meeting: “Income from the Wisherd Fund may provide support for the programs and activities of the Association’s Membership, Membership Relations, Program and Website committees.” Seconded by Jack Goebel, newly-named chair of the Benefits Committee; unanimous approval by voice vote. Standing committee reports: (if generated, posted on website). Benefits Committee, Jack Goebel: no report. Maude Wisherd Fund – Robert Fuller: Posted on website. Excerpt regarding allocation of funds during calendar year 2005: The committee received four requests—three for financial assistance and one for a scholarly activity grant. Requests for financial support totaled $4,000. The committee approved $1,000 for each of the requests. The total disbursed represented 12.1 percent of the $32,923.61 of the December 1, 2005 spendable earnings. Membership Committee - Richard Boohar, chairman; not present – report posted on the website.. Membership Relations – Myra Wilhite, newly-named chair, absent because of illness. Delivee Wright, courtesy coordinator, again urged Emeriti to notify her if they have knowledge of any Emeritus or spouse who have returned home from a hospital stay so that a basket may be delivered. It was noted that the affected Emeritus would benefit greatly from a personal contact/visit with the volunteer deliverers of the basket, beyond the contents of the basket itself. Website committee – Jim Kendrick: Report posted on the website. Emeriti residing at a distance from Lincoln, including some foreign countries, have logged on to the website, confirming its value in communication with the widely dispersed Emeriti. Kendrick urged more member enrollment in the ListServe. Program chair Ottoson announced that the speaker at the Emeriti meeting, at East Campus Union, on Thursday, Feb. 16, will be Paul Johnsgard, Emeritus Professor, School of Biological Sciences, will discuss his trip to the Galopagos, “100 years after Darwin.” Omtvedt announced that the NU Foundation luncheon for Emeriti has been scheduled for September 14. There being no further, old, unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, /////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Thursday, November 17, 2005 President Don Edwards called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. He asked for self-introduction of those present. Vice President and Program Chair Irv Omtvedt introduced the speakers, Mark Intermill, Associate for Advocacy, and Robin Szwanek, Associate State Director of Community Outreach, both from AARP Nebraska who discussed “The New Medicare Prescription Drug Program and Health Insurance Considerations.” The length and complexity of the remarks and explanation of Medicare Prescription Drug Program (Part D for short) for eligible participants precludes a full summary of this excellent and detailed discussion. During their hour-long presentation and Q&A discussions (which continued for another hour in a separate room) it became clear for the majority of those retirees who are enrolled in Medicare’s traditional Private Fee-for-Service Plan[1] that:
The speakers cautioned that the complexity of Part D should not lead you to do nothing. The enrolment period for Part D ends on 15 May 2006. After that, there will be a 1% per month premium increase. Delay signup for 36 months and the premium you pay will be increased by 36% of the average premium paid in the U .S. at that time. The speakers cautioned that the complexity of Part D should not lead you to do nothing. The enrolment period for Part D ends on 15 May 2006. After that, there will be a 1% per month premium increase. Delay signup for 36 months and the premium you pay will be increased by 36% of the average premium paid at that time. Also, if one is not taking any prescription drugs at the present time, it’s wise to signup for the least expensive Part D plan available in your area (often less than $5 per month) Why? Some time in the future you might be taking prescription drugs and you will get coverage then without the delayed signup penalty. Finally, you can change your Part D insurance company or your plan each year (without penalty) from 15 November through 31 December. Those retirees still on the UNL health plan, or other health care plans that include drug coverage, probably don’t need to do anything now, but should check and reaffirm that their plans are cost effective. Those on Federal retirement probably have the best of all worlds, low cost and broad coverage. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// President Edwards convened the business session at 1:30 p.m. No deceased Emeriti were reported in Memorial Moments. The minutes of the October 20, 2005 membership meeting were posted on the website, and secretary Lutz had hard copies available for those without computer access. Moved by Omtvedt, seconded by Cyril Bish, that the minutes be accepted as submitted. Approved. Treasurer’s report: posted on website by treasurer Mientka. Reproduced here: Assets: Maude Wisherd Fund, as of Nov. 3, 2005: Balance: $54,966.83; spendable earnings: $32,290.32, (after three $1,000 awards by the Maude Wisherd Committee to three individuals); market value: $155,230.92. Income (total received January through Oct. 20): $3,209.90. Expenses: (total paid January through Oct. 20): $2,618.31 (includes $500 to open new UNL Emeriti Assn. Fund). Moved by Duane Olsen, seconded by Earl Ellington that the report be accepted as submitted. Approved. Old business: Election of officers and a director. Absentee ballots posted on website. Nominated for vice president/president-elect/program chair: Howard Ottoson. Two absentee votes cast for Robert Kleis. Moved by Ted Hartung, seconded by Dick Boohar, that Ottoson be confirmed for this office. Approved by show-of-hands vote. Nominated to serve as co-secretaries: Dan Lutz and Anita Leininger. Moved by Wilma Crumley, seconded by Jim McShane that the nominees be confirmed for office. Unanimous vote for approval by show of hands. Nominated to serve as treasurer: incumbent Walter Mientka. Moved by Omtvedt, seconded by Duane Olsen that Mientka be confirmed for this office. Unanimous vote for approval by show of hands. Nomiated to serve a 3-year term as director: Max Clegg. Absentee votes received for Ted Doane. Moved by Charles Cromer, seconded by James McShane, that Clegg be confirmed for this office. Unanimous approval by show of hands. New business: Proposals to change the Association Constitution and By-Laws. Proposals posted on website and handed out at meeting. After a summary of the proposed changes by Omtvedt, Jim Kendrick moved “approval of the Board’s recommendation of changes to our present Constitution and By-Laws and the Board’s recommendation to combine these into a single Constitution/By-Laws document. Seconded by James McShane. A show of hands met the requirement of a 2/3 vote in favor of the proposed changes be recorded for the changes to be approved. Gwen Newkirk questioned the procedure, stating that s secret vote would be desirable. A friendly amendment to the wording of Article VI – Election – Election of Vice President/President-Elect and a Director was introduced by Kendrick, seconded by McShane and approved by show of hands. There were two votes in opposition.. (Change indicated in bold face): “A Vice President/President-Elect and a Director shall be elected by written ballot at each November meeting of the Association.” Rose Tondl raised the possibility that it might be desirable for the Association president to appoint the secretary and treasurer rather than these positions being decided by nomination and election. She opined that these positions require particular skills and willingness for an Emeritus to serve in these offices. The Constitution/By-laws approved at the meeting states: “The President shall appoint the Secretary and Treasurer annually with no specified term.” Standing committee reports (posted on Emeriti website). Benefits – Francis Haskins, chair: No report. Maude Wisherd Fund – Lee Jones, chair, no report. Gwen Newkirk recommended that the names of Wisherd Fund recipients not be included in board or membership meeting minutes or reports, as a privacy issue. Membership – Dick Boohar, chair. Three deaths of Emeriti have been reported. Input is solicited from members with knowledge of deaths, Emeriti moving to another location, etc. to keep roster up to date. Nominating committee – Ted Hartung, chair. Task completed for 2006 program year with current election carried out. Courtesy committee – Delivee Wright, chair. She urged that members report knowledge of other Emeriti with birthdays of 75, 80, 85 and up, in 5-year intervals, to assure that those qualifying receive a courtesy basket. Knowledge of an Emeritus who had been hospitalized and returned home also is needed. It was mentioned that Emeritus Ted Jorgensen, Physics, recently observed his 100th birthday. Website committee (now a standing committee) – Jim Kendrick, chair. The recently activated website underscores that in reality the UNL Emeriti group is a national organization, not just centered on Lincoln. A ListServe is being constructed and Emeriti are being urged to sign up and avail themselves of its benefits in keeping up with ongoing developments. Newly-elected Vice President/Program Chair Ottoson was asked to announce the speaker and presentation for the January 19, 2006 membership meeting at the East Campus Union. The 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. The speaker and title of the presentation will be posted on the website. The gavel signifying the presidency was passed from Don Edwards to incoming president Irv Omtvedt. Edwards thanked the 2005 officers and board of directors for their service on behalf of the Emeriti Association. Omtvedt introduced the 2006 officers and board of directors. He called for volunteers to serve on the Association’s standing and ad hoc committees. There being no further old, unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, [1] As contrasted to Medicare’s Managed Care Plans or its Preferred Provider Organization Plans which have their own prescription drug plans. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Thursday, October 20, 2005 President Don Edwards called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m.. He asked for self-introductions of those present.Vice President and Program Chair Irv Omtvedt introduced the speaker, Ted Weidner, UNL Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities, Management and Planning, whose topic was “A Status Report and Overview of the Antelope Valley Project and its Impact on the UNL West Campus and the City of Lincoln.” The project is a partnership including the City of Lincoln, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District. In an earlier update, UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman said: “The Antelope Valley Project is a key to being able to make use of more land adjacent to the campus for the expansion of research facilities. The lack of laboratories for scientific research is limiting our ability to compete for large grants, which feed the Lincoln economy.” In the review, distributed to Emeriti present at the meeting, Glenn Johnson, general manager of the Lower Platte NRD, said “The Antelope Valley Project will provide protection to the area of Lincoln at greatest risk from flooding from up to a 100-year flood.” It was also emphasized that the project will not only reduce the financial losses from flooding, but also eliminates the threat to safety and loss of life and enhances recreation and economic revitalization. Several questions directed to the speaker related to the timetable for completing various phases of the overall project, and the effect of construction on vehicle travel in the area—how to get from Point A to Point B. A new bridge spans the now open channel of Salt Creek at 14th St. and Military Road, providing a new entrance to State Fair Park. Weidner stressed that a huge overall benefit from the project, when completed, will be closing the campus to through traffic, now very heavy, especially on 16th and 17th Streets (about 30,000 vehicles a day). The elevated overpass spanning the railroad tracks south of the Devaney Center will eliminate two dangerous railroad crossings at North 14th and North 17th Streets. Eventually, a new roadway north of the BNSF railroad tracks and south of the Fairgrounds will carry vehicular traffic. A new trail loop will connect five existing trails and provide access to downtown and the UNL campus. Weidner lauded the new 30-acre Fleming Fields Recreational Sports Park, which includes a playground and lighted softball and baseball fields. Specific timetables for completion of various phases of the project are conjectural, he said. The first phase of the project now underway will take six to eight years to complete. --------------------------------------------------------------------- President Edwards called the business session to order at 1:10 p.m. Memory moments were lifted up for deceased Emeriti Frank Dudek, Frances McCreight, Glen Sloan and James McGraw. The minutes of the April 21, 2005 membership meeting were approved by consensus. Treasurer’s report: Walter Mientka— · Maude Wisherd Fund: balance--$54,966.83. Spendable earnings--$32,290.92 (after three $1,000 awards were made) · Income: Jan. 1-Oct. 20, ’05). $3,209.90 · Expenses: total paid Jan. 1-Oct. 20, ’05) $2,618.31 (includes $500 to open new UNL Emeriti Assn. Fund, used for the benefit and support of the UNL Emeriti Assn). Contributions to this fund are tax deductible. New business: To change the Association constitution and by-laws. Each of three proposals requires a 2/3 vote of the membership present to make changes. 1. Add to Constitution Article VI.1 and By-laws Article VI.2 the sentence: “Absentee ballots shall be made available to members for use in the election of Association officers.” Approval moved by Franklin Eldridge, seconded by Dewaine Alcorn; show-of-hands vote, carried. Note of clarification: “It was the intent of the Board of Directors when submitting the proposal to the membership, to change the by-laws to permit absentee voting…that absentee voting would include other issues in addition to voting on officers/directors.” 2. To change the status of the Courtesy ad hoc committee to Courtesy standing committee. Add Courtesy in by-laws Article VII. Approval moved by Ted Doane, seconded by Wilma Crumley, show-of-hands vote, carried. 3. To change the status of the On-Line Communications ad hoc committee to Website standing committee. Add Website in by-laws Article VII. Approval moved by Irv Omtvedt, seconded by Max Clegg. Show-of-hands vote, carried. Standing committee reports: Benefits—Francis Haskins. Current developments were summarized, and attention called to the November membership meeting which will center on Medicare and health insurance issues. Note: A detailed summary by Haskins on health benefits is included in the minutes of the October 6 Emeriti board meeting, posted on the Emeriti Assn. website. Maude Wisherd Fund—Chairman Lee Jones not present. See Committee Report on Association website. Membership —Chairman Richard Boohar not present. See Committee Report on Association website. Nominating committee—Ted Hartung. To be voted on at Nov. 17, 2005 Emeriti Assn. membership meeting: Vice president/president-elect/program chair: Howard Ottoson. Co-secretaries: Dan Lutz and Anita Leininger. Treasurer: Walter Mientka. Director – 3-year term: Max Clegg. Jerry Petr and Delivee Wright continue on the board Special note: It was clarified after the meeting by the board that the vice president/president elect office is not subject to voter approval after being named; that person will automatically assume that post for the new program year. The current president-elect, Irv Omtvedt, will assume the presidency. As in the past, the current president will remain on the board as immediate past president. (The Emeriti Assn. Website is now set up for absentee voting on officer and board candidates for all who will not be attending the November membership meeting). Ad hoc committee reports: Courtesy – Delivee Wright. She expressed concern regarding failure of Association members to report known situations with members beset with serious illness or accidents, which would warrant courtesy baskets. Birthdays warranting baskets also are not being reported. The board is discussing a broadened mission and purpose for this committee. On-Line Communications – Jim Kendrick. Not present—See Website Committee Report on Association website. Next program topic and presenter: November 17, East Campus Union: “The new Medicare Prescription Drug Program and Health Insurance Considerations,” by Mark Intermill, Association Director for Advocacy, AARP. There being no further old, unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Thursday, April 21, 2005 President Don Edwards called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. He asked for self-introductions of those present, including former UNL academic unit affiliation. Vice president and program chair Irv Omtvedt introduced the speaker, Jack Oliva, dean of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, whose topic was “Some College Highlights and the Evolvement of American Ragtime.” Prior to performing several Ragtime melodies on the piano, Oliva briefly summarized the advent of Ragtime on the American scene. The first rendition of Ragtime was in 1897 in Chicago. This unique musical form embodies a mix of American folk melodies, European composed (classical) music and African musical traditions. Ragtime was not performed in concert halls, but rather in dance halls and saloons. Centers of the development of Ragtime, with each having a unique pattern, were St. Louis, Memphis, New Orleans, Nashville and Dallas. Composers were both amateurs and professionals. During its heyday, there were no music recording capabilities; sheet music was the norm. During the late 1800,s and early 1900’s, sales of pianos in homes peaked. The popularity and use of pianos, sheet music and Ragtime were intertwined. Memphis was noted for the Folk Rag; Oliva played a lively version of “The Monkey Rag.” Some numbers were a combination of the two-step played by the left hand and the melody by the right hand. Oliva discussed the importance of Beatrice, Nebr. native Weldon Kees in the big picture of Ragtime. Kees studied literature at UNL. An exhibition of his works is at the Sheldon Art Gallery. Kees, born in 1914, moved to New York City in 1943, to California in 1950, and died in San Francisco in 1955. He was a noted poet, painter, art critic and jazz and folk music composer. Oliva briefly chronicled the life and contributions of Scott Joplin, credited as being a major force in development of Classic Ragtime. Joplin was born in Bowie, TX in 1917 and died in 1868. Oliva played Joplin’s Pine Apple Rag and Tango Rag. Oliva received B.A. and M.A. degrees from Mississippi State University, and and EdD from New York University. He joined the U.N. staff as Professor of Music and his current administrative post in 2001, after nine years as Director of Music at the University of Florida, and seven years before that in a similar position at Mississippi State University. He helped set up a Ragtime collection in the Templeton Business Music Museum and Archive at Mississippi State He briefly reviewed the status and reputation of the present College of Fine and Performing Arts, at one time a component of the College of Arts and Sciences at UNL. There is a high respect at UNL for the arts, he stressed. Grants of $18 million allowed Hixson-Lied to avoid using budget funds for the benefit of students, faculty, tours and travel. Hixson-Lied currently has 850 students enrolled, including 650-675 undergraduates; served by 72 faculty members, 12 adjunct academics and 15-20 staff. Advanced degrees are offered in art and theatre. A undergraduate program is fast-growing and arts are becoming a big presence in schools. A connection with 4-H members has been established and is thriving. Oliva concluded noting the large financial gift by the late Johnny Carson to renovate the venerable Temple Building on the City Campus. Much needs to be done to the building with out-of-date facilities. A DVD was created, featuring “a walk down memory lane,” narrated by Terry Fairfield of the NU Foundation and given to Carson. Shortly before his death, Carson contributed $5.3 million to UNL, with $4.3 million earmarked for Temple Building renovation. Business Session Convened by President Edwards at 1:30 p.m. In memory moments, Max Schuster and Robert Stepp were noted as deceased. (Later, it was reported that Gail Wicks is deceased). Secretary Dan Lutz reported that no minutes were taken at the March membership meeting, which was a tour of the Dental College, as no business session was held Treasurer Walter Mientka presented a financial and membership report (Membership chair Dick Boohar was absent).Total membership: 658, including 160 life members. Current checking account balance: $2,064.19. Maude Wisherd Fund: Book value: $54,966.84; spendable earnings: $31,494.78. Total expenses paid since January 1, 2005: $850.71. A proposed budget for the Association was introduced later in the session and approved by voice vote. (Members not present wishing to obtain a copy may contact treasurer Mientka). Old business: Edwards said the needed replacement of Jack Botts as co-secretary has been referred to the Nominating Committee, which will report its proposed slate of officers in the fall. Three resolutions approved by the board but needing approval of members present at the meeting were introduced and discussed. The first resolution—Establishment of the UNL Emeriti Assn. Account at the NU Foundation, was moved for approval by Duane Olsen, seconded by George Tuck, passed by voice vote. The second resolution—spelling out in detail the use of funds within the UNL Emeriti Assn. Account, was moved for approval by George Tuck, seconded by Irv Omtvedt; passed by voice vote. The third resolution—changes in Article VII, dues, in the constitution; and Article VIII, dues in the by-laws, was moved for approval by George Tuck, seconded by Duane Olsen. A unanimous vote (show of hands) was recorded; 2/3 affirmative vote was required for approval. It was emphasized that all funds received for accounts in the NU Foundation are tax-deductible. The full text of the three resolutions is included separately as a supplement to the minutes in a mailing to all Association members, especially announcing a new amount for lifetime dues. Committee reports: no report from Nominating and Benefits Committees. A mailing regarding applications for assistance from the Wisherd Fund will be made in June. No reports from the By-laws or Courtesy Committees.. On-Line Communications Committee Chair Jim Kendrick reported that the Emeriti Assn. web site should occur early this fall. A training meeting for Association officers and board members was scheduled after the regular meeting. Treasurer Mientka reported that the first life membership at the new level of $100 was purchased by Sally VanZandt. The next Emeriti Assn. gathering will be the annual luncheon for Emeriti and retirees hosted by NU President J.B. Milliken at 11:30 a.m. on May 4 at the Cornhusker Hotel. There being no more old, new or unfinished business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Dan B. Lutz, Secretary *********************************************************************** Rose Leviticus and Duane Eversoll were introduced as guests. Greg Clayton, director of benefits at UNL, and Bill Wetzal, representing Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Nebraska, were introduced to address the subject of the increasing cost of health insurance, which has become a significant concern to Emeriti members enrolled in the University health benefits plan. Clayton said health insurance costs for a given set of benefits will continue to be a huge issue in coming years. He stressed that the University group plan is not a Medicare assistance plan. Medicare becomes the primary plan and the UNL plan supplemental. He noted that the University plan retains prescription benefits. Costs to policy holders increased significantly last year; prescription costs now account for 50 to 55 percent of the total premium. “University program provides good coverage, but it is not cheap,” Clayton stated. Those who choose to drop out of the program cannot get back in, he cautioned. Blue Cross & Blue Shield have nine different plans; the “Plan F” is the most comprehensive. There will be a $250 deductible in 2006. Medicate will pay up to 75 percent of prescription costs. Beneficiaries would pay the balance of 25 percent, up to a cap of $2,250 There will be no changes in Federal Blue Cross & Blue Shield, and university retirees covered under that plan are strongly advised, don’t leave it! /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Thursday, February 17, 2005 President Don Edwards called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. Guests present were Jane Tinkler, Planned Giving Donor Services Coordinator, and Bill Reece, Planned Giving Director, both with the University of Nebraska Foundation. One of the larger contributions to the Foundation came from NU graduate and television icon Johnny Carson, who, two months before his death, announced a gift of $5.3 million to support the Hixson Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts Department of Theatre Arts. The gift will support the expansion and renovation of the Temple Building. Edgerton defined and discussed A Charitable Lead Trust, Charitable Remainder Trust and a Charitable Gift Trust and handed out a brochure about giving to the NU oundation. The business session was opened at 1:15 p.m. Memory moments recognized the passing of Charles Stonecipher. Deanna Eversoll reviewed the progress from the former SAGE program?now OLLI?from its inception in 1992 until now. An excerpt of her remarks: "I had no idea in 1992 when we launched the "Sharing Across Generations for Enrichment" program for life?long learners, that a dozen years later it would be evolving as a member of a national network of 61 and soon to be 100 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes. Institutes currently are positioned within both private and public universities in 23 states. The common thread that connects this wonderful network is the Osher Foundation and its support of universities and colleges that embrace an educational mission that includes lifelong learning opportunities. Our OLLI is fortunate to have many faculty members and UNL administrators who share the Osher vision and we are dedicated to the task of expanding learning experiences and increasing OLLI membership in our UNL institute. As the development director of the Osher foundation grant, I want to encourage Emeriti members who retired within the last five years (and are not members of OLLI) to consider a unique opportunity to contribute to our UNL OLLI vision. I invite these recently retired Emeriti members to volunteer to be on an informal "think tank" team. This group will be another valuable "idea tern" for the next two years to help us reach goals that will ensure that the UNL OLLI receives its million dollar endowment to the Nebraska Foundation. The team will not have formal meetings, but will serve as an "idea" group on specific issues related to how this program can be even more integrated into the fabric of our university. If you are interested or know someone who would be great on this think?tank team, please contact me ASAP. E-mail at deversoll@unl.edu1 Our new motto for our OLLI is "Opportunity has no age limit! Live and Learn!" The minutes of the January Emeriti membership meeting were accepted as written. Treasurer Walter Mientka suggested that the principal balance of the Wisherd Fund should be invested to generate interest. Ed Hirsch, who stated he was a principal mover behind establishment of the Fund, said the fund should be used in some manner, given that few requests have been received for assistance from the fund. The treasurer's report was approved as submitted. A total of 215 Emeriti have paid membership dues to date. The Maude Wisherd Fund balance as of Jan. 31, 2005 was $54,966.83, with spendable earnings of $30,229.40. The balance of the checking account as of Feb. 17 was $2,119.99. Lutz reported that he has not yet secured a replacement for Jack Botts to serve as co?secretary, although he has a considerable list of possibilities. Standing Committee reports: Benefits Committee, Membership Committee, Nominating Committee: nothing to report. Wisherd Committee: With little response from members in terms of requests for research grants or health funding assistance, it was suggested that eligibility criteria for funding should be expanded. The possibility of a program relating to the UNL portion of the Antelope Valley Project was suggested. The next meeting will be March 17 at 12:30 p.m. to tour the College of Dentistry on East Campus. The tour will be hosted by Dean John Reinhardt. The noon luncheon hosted by the UN Foundation for Emeriti and retired faculty will be held September 15. There being no further old, unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Dan Lutz, secretary **************************************************************** Thursday, January 20, 2005 The immediate past president, Wilma Crumley, was absent because of illness, so the previous past president, William Splinter, introduced Don Edwards as the organization's new president. Vice President and program chairman Irv Omtvedt introduced the day's speaker UN?L Chancellor Harvey Perlman, who presented a brief administrative update. The chancellor said one of the constants at any university is the expression that "Morale has never been lower." Despite that, he said the faculty has never been prouder, and he listed several advancements that might justify administrative actions of the past three years: The university is stronger, he said, because its graduation rate is higher (60%), entering students have the highest ACT score average ever (24.8), 35% of undergraduates report significant research experience, and the institution has been awarded $151 million in federal competitive research dollars. He listed several research projects, now under way or planned:
Chancellor Penman said the University's legislative outlook is better, with a recommendation from the outgoing and incoming governors for a 4.1% to 4.6 % budget increase. He said his priorities are:
His administrative goals, he said, are:
The chancellor said the university faces several major challenges:
After the chancellor left, Irv Omtvedt summarized plans for upcoming meeting subjects:
In the business meeting members reported the recent death of Prof. Roberto Esquenazi Mayo (Modem Languages) in Rockville, Maryland, and honored his memory with a moment of silence. **********************************************************************
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