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,
Dan B. Lutz, Secretary
 

October 19, 2006
UNL East Campus Union

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.
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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,
Dan B. Lutz, Secretary
 

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.

Churches, service organizations as well as restaurants provide food for the riders. Also, entertainment is available at each town where they camp. The average mileage is around 70 miles and the longest segment may exceed 100 miles. In answer to a question, Clegg emphasized that the bikes travel on paved roads…not dirt or gravel/crushed rock bike trails.
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.
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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,
Dan B. Lutz, secretary

March 16, 2006
UNL East Campus Union

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.
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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,
Dan B. Lutz, secretary
 

Thursday, January 19, 2006
UNL East Campus Union

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:
The new academic unit, with a presence on both the UNL City and East Campuses and UNO, “is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals, families, schools and communities and to strengthening the relationships among them.” The following values will pervade all CEHS activities and outcomes: excellence, respect for diverse people and perspectives, innovation, community partnerships, collaboration; and integrating research with practical applications.
CEHS is now two years old “and we have made a lot of progress.” CEHS enrolls 2,400 undergraduate students (this figure is going up) and more than 900 graduate students. It offers 24 undergraduate programs/options and 38 teaching endorsements. CEHS enrolls 20 percent of all graduate students at UNL. “This year, we hired at least one new faculty member in every department. We enrolled our first students in a new Audiology doctoral program. In partnership with CASNR, CEHS will initiate an undergraduate program in Hospitality, Tourism and Restaurant Management.”
CEHS is a one-of-a-kind college in Nebraska: combining the fields of individual and family development, consumer science, leadership and administration, nutrition and health, teacher education, educational psychology, special education and communication disorders, as well as textiles, clothing and design into a single college aimed at improving people’s lives. In its first year, CEHS graduated more than 600 professionals in a variety of fields and certified 330 teachers in the elementary school, middle school and secondary levels.
CEHS has an active Extension program, affecting citizens in every Nebraska county. CEHS takes a special interest in immigration issues and rural communities. CEHS students and faculty are involved in a variety of research programs locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. In the past year, the new college secured more than $15 million in external funding.
Plans are underway to build a new home for the International Quilt Study Center at the intersection of 33rd and Holdrege Streets in Lincoln, across the street from the East Campus. A fund-raising effort is more than halfway toward the goal of approximately $12 million. The new building will house gallery space, classroom and research areas, a reading room, staff offices, a photography studio and a reception room for visitors for guests.
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,
Dan B. Lutz, secretary