May 2009 Board Minutes Steinhart Room, Wick Alumni Center
Members Present: Jim Kendrick, Jim Carr, Max Clegg, Walter Mientka, Jim McShane, Bob Fuller, Dan Lutz.
President Moser called the meeting to order at 1 p.m. Directors and officers present: Jim Kendrick, Jim Carr, Max Clegg, Walter Mientka, Jim McShane, Bob Fuller, Dan Lutz.
After discussion, Fuller moved, seconded by Clegg, that the minutes of the April 7 board meeting be approved. Carried.
After presentation of the April treasurer’s report, and some clarifying discussion, moved by Kendrick, seconded by Fuller, to accept the report, which will be placed on the website.
Moser reported on a brief visit with Dean Steve Waller of CASNR. He indicated that the first Departmental Award for the Involvement of Emeriti had been presented to the Department of Animal Science during the CASNR Week activities. Status of the proposed Zelma Wisherd headstone at Wyuka Cemetery was discussed by Moser. His visits to Roper & Sons and Wadlow Funeral Homes failed to confirm whether a headstone had been ordered at the time of her death. There were no records or an obituary available. It was concluded that the best approach to purchasing a headstone at the approximate cost of $600 would be funded by voluntary contributions by emeriti, with board members and officers taking the lead.
The topic of Collegial Member privileges within the Emeriti Assn. was discussed. It was concluded that this issue would be reviewed and a decision made in the fall.
Pursuit of implementing the Oral History Project was discussed. It was recommended that, on the basis of apparent support for the project by East Campus faculty and administration, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Steve Waller be contacted. It is known that the project has good support by the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Regarding a suggested UNL Retiree’s display at Love Library, Fuller will meet with Library representatives on May 6.
The challenge of Emeriti Assn. officers and board contacting and communicating with the 317 emeriti members without e-mail capability was discussed. It was decided that two mailings (yellow postcards) would be made---one this fall and one next spring—announcing monthly program dates and speakers. Moved by McShane, seconded by Mientka, carried.
A proposed addition to Article III of the Association’s constitution, enunciating a Collegial Membership category, was discussed. It was decided to leave the wording as it now exists.
New business:
The need to contact eight new Emeriti was discussed. They will receive a welcoming letter from the president, and will be contacted by Kay Rockwell to be invited to get acquainted coffees.
It was noted that when monthly membership meetings convene at the East Campus Union this fall, the meeting dates will be Thursday, September 24, Tuesday, October 20, and Thursday, November 19. Emeriti board meetings will be held on September 8, October 7, November 4, and a longer board meeting/retreat will be held on December 1, 2009.
A lengthy discussion was held regarding disbursements from the Wisherd Fund. It was noted that there are virtually no requests from emeriti for medical aid assistance or a proposed research project. Support of the Oral History effort would be a possibility. The board charged the Wisherd Fund committee, headed by McShane, to study new possibilities for disbursing Wisherd Fund dollars and make recommendations to the board for grants under the broad umbrella of “betterment of emeriti.”
McShane reported on the UNL Faculty Senates activities in reference to the UNL Professional Misconduct. He related that he had spoken to the Senate about the shortcomings he saw in the proposal and asked the Board if they were comfortable with his continuing to do so. The board response was very supportive. McShane was told that he was doing in the Senate what he had been appointed to do and that he should feel encouraged to continue what he had been doing.
Committee reports:
Kendrick reported on continued improvements and expansion of the Emeriti Assn. website.
Membership Relations – No report.
Benefits – No report
New Emeriti summer activity events – report submitted by Kay Rockwell.
May 13 – 9:30 a.m. Coffee – Crescent Moon Courtyard, 816 P St.
June 10 – 9:30 a.m. Spring Creek Prairie. Tour – 10:15 a.m. Fee - $3. RSVP required.
Meadowlark Festival – Walton. Date and details to be determined.
Membership Committee: Chair Mel Thornton submitted the following report:
As of April 29, 2009:
247 annual members.
144 life members.
29 new members (2009)
8 new members (2010).
126 Surviving spouse/partner members
234 Emeriti non-members
There being no further unfinished or new business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 3 p.m.