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November 13, 2007
UNL East Campus Union
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.
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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,
Dan B. Lutz, secretary
March 20, 2007
Dixon Lecture Hall, NU College of Dentistry
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,
Dan B. Lutz, secretary