IUPUI Senior Academy

Board Members Present: Marge Applegate, Shirley Newhouse, Golam Mannan, Bill Bosron, Joe Hingtgen, Bill Voos, Ted Cutshall, Noel Duerden, Giles Hoyt, Harriet Wilkins, Nick Kellum, Carlyn Johnson, Shelton Siegel

Continue reading →

Board members present: Marge Applegate, Ted Cutshall, Noel Duerden, Mary Grove, Joe Hingtgen, Giles Hoyt, Carlyn Johnson, Golam Mannan, Shirley Newhouse, Leon Rand, Sheldon Siegel, Bill Voos, Harriet Wilkins
Board member absent: Mark Grove
Committee Chair present: Walt Linne

Call to order
President Harriet Wilkins called the meeting to order at 10:10 A.M.

Approval of minutes
The minutes of the April 8, 2010, board meeting had been approved by email.
.
President’s report
President Harriet Wilkins announced that the next board meeting will be held on June 10 at 10:00 A.M., with members of the current board and new board members. The major agenda items will be election of new officers and planning for next year. Harriet thanked the board for good service and faithful attendance at meetings. She complimented members who worked on the Last Lecture and the overnight at Turkey Run State Park and informed the board that two key committee members, Jean Gnat and Noel Duerden, wish to retire from their positions and will need to be replaced.

Treasurer’s report
Treasurer Shirley Newhouse distributed Treasurer’s reports from April 1- April 30, 2010 and commented that the market value of all funds had risen. Balances were as follows: Senior Academy fund: $6,576; Returning Student Scholarship account: $45,075; IPS Scholarship account: $37,211; Academic Scholarship account: $38,975; and Senior Academy checking account $6,127. This year’s scholarship awards haven’t been deducted, and Shirley will remind the Foundation to do so. A brief discussion followed regarding differences in investment income of the scholarships funds. Shirley said that the Foundation manages the investments. Shirley and Leon Rand agreed to discuss this question with the Foundation.

Last Lecture report
Committee chair Golam Mannan reported on a very successful 2010 Last Lecture by Professor Emerita of History and Religious Studies Jan Shipps, held on April 30 in the IUPUI Library’s Lilly Auditorium. There was a full house, with many of Jan’s former students, family, friends, faculty and staff from the IUPUI and Bloomington campuses. The office of Dean of Faculties Uday Sukhatme generously paid for the reception, parking, and other expenses; and the IU Foundation awarded the speaker’s honorarium. Recordings of Jan’s talk were made, one of which will be placed in the Senior Academy files

Nominating Committee report
Chair Bill Voos reported that the election of new board members had been completed. The committee had made the following nominations for 2010-2011 board members to serve two-year terms beginning July 1, 2010:
Patricia Blake (Nursing), William Bosron (Medicine), Giles Hoyt (Liberal Arts), Nicholas Kellum (Physical Educations ), Walt Linne (Telecommunications), Art Mirsky (Science), Shirley Newhouse (Medicine), Leon Rand (Administration).
Ballots were sent to SA members by email or regular mail, and 60 responded. All nominees were elected.

The Nominating Committee also presented a slate of officers nominees for 2010-2011. They are:
President-Giles Hoyt
Vice President: William Bosron
Secretary: Margaret Applegate
Treasurer: Leon Rand
Officers will be elected at the SA board meeting on June 10, 2010.

Annual Meeting Committee report
The Senior Academy annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 26, from 2:30-4:30 P.M. Giles Hoyt reviewed the parking, menu, and accommodations to be provided by the Athenaeum. Because of a death in the family, Dean Sukhatme will not be available to speak; however, a representative of his office will be invited to bring greetings. The committee was pleased with the response for volunteers who will give brief talks about their post-retirement activities. The speakers will be Valerie Chang (Social Work) who is a visiting professor at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, and Patrick McGeever (Political Science and Liberal Arts) who will present a reading for his latest play.

Harriet asked for volunteers to greet attendees and assist Dottie Swinney with distributing nametags. She also asked for readers for roles in the McGeever play. Several people volunteered. Annual reports will be available on the tables. Various members suggested that a number of people who have been especially supportive of SA in the past year should be invited to the annual meeting. They include Susan Christian, Bill Heller, Sue Herrell, Shelley Hunter, Suzanne Vick, and Kevin Walsh.

Scholarship Committee report
Marge Applegate reported that the committee has agreed on scholarship recipients and is awaiting acceptances.

Communications Committee report
Walt Linne reported that the committee needs a volunteer to replace Neal Duerden, who has done an excellent job writing and editing the Senior Sentinel, which in the past year has taken a substantial leap forward by using the web-based format. Walt reported that the committee will look for people to centralize the communications process, handle publicity and promotion, and manage the Senior Academy web site. Walt also wants to initiate a Senior Academy letterhead and a symbol, which might be used on a pin.

Other Business
• Giles Hoyt, Shirley Newhouse, Leon Rand, and Harriet Wilkins agreed to meet to work out a budget for next year.
• Harriet relayed the suggestion that a plaque listing the recipients of the Bepko Medallion should be produced and placed in the Senior Academy room in the Campus Center.
• Noel Duerden suggested that there should recognition of past SA presidents.
• Harriet Wilkins agreed to send a special note of condolence to Dean Sukhatme.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 A.M.

Respectfully submitted
Mary Grove, Secretary

Board members present: Marge Applegate, Noel Duerden, Mark Grove, Mary Grove, Joe Hingtgen, Giles Hoyt, Carlyn Johnson, Golam Mannan, Shirley Newhouse, Leon Rand, Sheldon Siegel, Bill Voos, Harriet Wilkins
Board member absent: Ted Cutshall,
Committee Chair present: Walt Linne

Call to order
President Harriet Wilkins called the meeting to order at 10:05 A.M.

Approval of minutes
The minutes of the March 11, 2010, board meeting had been approved by email.
.
President’s report
President Harriet Wilkins informed the board that the IU Retirees Association will host the Big Ten Retirees Conference in Bloomington on August 20-22 and has invited the Senior Academy to participate. The theme will be “Retirement and the Arts.”

Treasurer’s report
Treasurer Shirley Newhouse distributed reports from March 1- March 31, 2010. She reported that as of March 31 the market value of all funds had risen. Balances were as follows: Senior Academy fund: $5,766; Returning Student Scholarship account: $43,099; IPS Scholarship account: $35,938; Academic Scholarship account: $38,081. Shirley said that the budget office has not yet deducted the SA scholarship contributions and that she would remind them to do so. Mark and Harriet pointed out that the goal is $50,000 in each SA scholarship fund. Based on $50,000 and a 4% return, each fund would return the $2,000 required for each scholarship.

Last Lecture discussion
Committee chair Golam Mannan announced that the selection committee has chosen Professor Emerita of History and Religious Studies Jan Shipps as the 2010 Last Lecturer. Golam also noted a change in date and location for the Last Lecture. It will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, April 30, in the IUPUI Library’s Lilly Auditorium. A reception will follow.

Golam announced that the Last Lecture Committee had approved a design for the lecturer’s plaque and the large plaque listing the first 12 lecturers, which will be hung in the Campus Center’s Senior Academy room. In addition, each plaque will have a brief description of the Last Lecture: Lessons for Life from a Lifetime of Learning. This subtext will denote that the lecturer is a distinguished member of the IUPUI community who will share wisdom gained through academic and life experiences.

A discussion followed regarding honoraria for the lecturers. The Foundation has promised to provide honoraria for 2009-2011. Next year the board will need to decide about honoraria for future lecturers.

Membership Committee report
Joe Hingtgen reported that he, Walt Linne, Ted Cutshall, and Mark Grove staffed a table at the Human Resources program held March 25th for IUPUI faculty and staff nearing retirement. They used the computerized photo display created for the February program and distributed lists of all the programs and social events sponsored by SA. Approximately 50 attendees visited the display and spoke to various SA members. Joe said that many people were surprised that IUPUI has a Senior Academy and expressed interest in becoming members. Harriet added that she had been asked for Senior Academy brochures to be distributed at a luncheon for retiring faculty on May 5.

Program Committee report
Carlyn Johnson announced that attendance was very good at March 23 program on the History of Black Physicians in Indianapolis by Dr. George Rawls. She suggested some plans for next year’s programs, including Marilyn Schultz on Indiana government and township trustees, a medical talk, and a discussion of policies and decisions that led to the recession in the U.S. Other members of the board thanked Carlyn for a good year of programs and suggested possible topics for 2010-11.

Scholarship Committee report
Marge Applegate reported that the committee has received a large number of outstanding applications for all three scholarships: IPS, Academic, and Returning Students. The committee has made recommendations and will soon know which students have accepted the scholarships. Margaret mentioned that the committee received an excellent letter of thanks from last year’s Returning Student scholarship winner. She also mentioned a problem regarding the Returning Student criteria, which does not allow applications from people who have already returned to IUPUI and enrolled in a class. She suggested that the Scholarships and Admissions offices could help by advising students to apply for the SA Returning Student scholarship prior to re-enrolling.

Annual Meeting Committee
Harriet Wilkins announced that the annual meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 26, from 2:30-4:30 P.M. Dean Sukhatme will be available to speak. On behalf of the committee, she reported on three possible venues. Based on room costs, food services, and parking, the board agreed that the Athenaeum is the best choice and that the meeting and reception should be held in one room,

The committee is seeking three people who will give a ten-minute talk about their post-retirement avocations and/or adventures. Several possible speakers were mentioned. Walt Linne was asked to email a request for retirees engaged in interesting travel, volunteer work, or new challenges to offer to be speakers.

Nominating Committee report
Chair Bill Voos reported that the committee’s work is progressing well. There will be a meeting of the nominating committee directly after the board meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:27 A.M.

The next board meeting will be at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 13, 2010, in the Glendale Public Library.

The SA Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 26, at 2:30-4:30 P.M., at the Athenaeum.

On June 10, 2010, at 10:00 A.M., there will be a meeting of the combined current and incoming board members.

Respectfully submitted
Mary Grove, Secretary

Board members present: Marge Applegate, Ted Cutshall, Noel Duerden, Mark Grove, Mary Grove, Joe Hingtgen, Giles Hoyt, Carlyn Johnson, Golam Mannan, Shirley Newhouse, Leon Rand Sheldon Siegel, Bill Voos, Harriet Wilkins

Committee Chair present: Walt Linne

Call to order
President Harriet Wilkins called the meeting to order at 10:07 A.M.

Approval of minutes
The minutes of the February 11, 2010, board meeting had been approved by email.
.
President’s report
President Harriet Wilkins informed the board that the Last Lecture date has been changed from April 16 to Friday, April 30, at 4 p.m. in the Herron School of Art Auditorium. Bill Voos, who is familiar with the Herron auditorium, said that the space is very nice, with comfortable seating for several hundred, AV and media facilities, and a large screen. In addition, there is a large lobby to use for receptions, and the main gallery is nearby. Parking is convenient and will be validated. Cars may drive to the door to drop off people who have difficulty walking.

Last Lecture discussion
Mark Grove, a Last Lecture committee member, said that Bart Ng is chairing the selection committee. He added that one of the finalists is not available for the April 30 date, but another finalist who had not been available on April 16, will be available on April 30. Leon Rand asked whether it would be desirable to choose a date when all finalists could be present. Harriet replied that, with changes in schedules of the potential finalists, it would be impossible to guarantee a date. She added that finalists would remain on the list in subsequent years.

A discussion followed regarding whether SA should change the “Last Lecture” appellation, because some people have asked whether the lecturer is retiring or terminally ill or leaving the university. The board discussed the question and decided that there is ample tradition to use the term “Last Lecture” to describe a lecture by a distinguished member of an academic community who shares wisdom gained through a life of inquiry, reflection and service.

The board also discussed the costs of receptions following the Last Lecture and SA annual meeting, which in the past have been supported by the Dean of the Faculties. Harriet agreed to follow up regarding financial support for the receptions. (See below for Last Lecture committee report.)

Treasurer’s report
Treasurer Shirley Newhouse distributed reports from February 1, 2010 – February 28, 2010. Shirley reported that as of February 28 the market value of all funds had lost ground. Balances were as follows: Senior Academy fund: $5,647; Returning Student Scholarship account: $42,583; IPS Scholarship account: $35,718; Academic Scholarship account: $ 37,927; Senior Academy checking account: $6,138. Harriet said that she will request a list of SA scholarship contributors and send them letters of thanks. Mark suggested that Kevin Walsh, fiscal officer in the Dean of Faculties office is a good source of contributor and donor lists.

Last Lecture Committee report
Committee chair Golam Mannan had additional information on Last Lecture, having just returned from a meeting with Vice Chancellor for Public and Government Relations Amy Warner and others. Golam reported that Amy said Chancellor Bantz’s choice would be to tie the Last Lecture to the Chancellor’s Honors Convocation, although this would not be possible this year. Amy said that her office will pay the costs of the Last Lecture reception, and the Dean of Faculties will pay for the plaque honoring the lecturer. The costs of the SA Annual Meeting reception will likely be paid by the Dean of Faculties office. Harriet will write to Dean Sukhatme to confirm that support. Golam also reported that Amy’s office will fund free parking as well communication and publicity costs, including a Last Lecture CD. The Senior Academy will pay for a plaque listing all recipients to be placed in the Senior Academy room (CC 264).

Golam reported that the Last Lecture committee received significantly fewer nominations this year, probably due to the fact that the Deans of the schools were contacted for nominees, rather than all faculty members. Golam has proposed that, in order to maximize the number of nominees next year, the invitations for Last Lecturer nominations should go to all faculty, either from the Dean Sukhatme or Senior Academy.

After discussion, the board decided that the Last Lecture title is appropriate and will continue to be used, but a brief subtitle will be added to clarify the choice of a distinguished member of the IUPUI community who will share wisdom gained through academic and life experiences. Golam will also discuss with the Foundation questions regarding honorarium awards.

Membership Committee report
Joe Hingtgen reported that Dottie has sent letters to new retirees informing them of their free one-year membership, which can be extended by paying for either an annual or lifetime membership. Joe asked board members to assist in staffing a table at the Human Resources program for new retirees, which will be held the morning of Thursday, March 25, in the Riley Hospital Auditorium. Ted Cutshall is taking the first shift, and Mark Grove is setting up a PowerPoint of SA photos of social events and programs. More volunteers are needed.

Program Committee report
Carlyn Johnson announced that Dr. George Rawls will speak on the History of Black Physicians in Indianapolis on March 23 at 10:00 A.M. Walt Linne will email an invitation to SA members. Carlyn has also contacted Assistant Chancellor for Diversity Ken Durgans and other organizations who are interested in the topic. She will prepare a poster and ask the Glendale Library to post it as an invitation to the public.

Social Committee report
Mary Grove reported that the last event of this year is an overnight trip to Turkey Run State Park. Jean Gnat is chairing the event, and reservations are due by April 5. Reservations may be made by email (www.indianainns.com) or phone 1-877-563-4371. Mention that you are a part of the IUPUI group. Also inform Jean Gnat (gnat@iupui.edu) or phone 872-3605.

Scholarship Committee report
Marge Applegate reported that the committee has received a large number of applications and will meet to review them.

Other Business: Annual Meeting
President Harriet Wilkins said that the annual meeting will be scheduled for late May, depending on Dean Sukhatme’s schedule. Suggested venues for the meeting included the Athenaeum, the Glick History Center, and the Indianapolis Museum or Art. Giles Hoyt will check on the Athenaeum’s availability, cost, and food services. Leon Rand suggested that the agenda could be enlivened by including a few brief “reports” on exciting things that retirees are doing or have done—travel, volunteer work, adventures, new challenges. Board members enthusiastically concurred with that idea. Harriet, Carlyn, Golam and Leon will meet to develop specific plans for the annual meeting.

Nominating Committee report
Chair Bill Voos urged board members to suggest names of candidates. He announced that there will be a meeting of the nominating committee directly after the board meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 A.M.
The next Board meeting will be at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 8, 2010, in the Glendale Public Library.

Respectfully submitted
Mary Grove, Secretary

Board members present: Marge Applegate, Ted Cutshall, Noel Duerden, Mark Grove, Mary Grove, Giles Hoyt, Carlyn Johnson, Golam Mannan, Shirley Newhouse, Sheldon Siegel, Bill Voos, Harriet Wilkins

Members absent: Joe Hingtgen, Leon Rand

Committee Chair present: Walt Linne

Call to order
President Harriet Wilkins called the meeting to order at 10:05 A.M.

Approval of minutes
The minutes of the November 12, 2009, board meeting had been approved by email.
.
President’s report
President Harriet Wilkins introduced Chris Maroldo, Director of the University College STAR (Students Taking Academic Responsibility) Mentoring Program, who explained how the program works. Mentoring is mandatory for students who are in first-time academic probation or reinstated for the upcoming semester. Currently, there are 200 students per semester in the program and 100 volunteer mentors, who are faculty, students, advisors, and other resource people. Mentors do not do academic advising, but they meet with a student about 30 minutes a week for 10 weeks. Students do a self assessment to analyze why they are having academic problems. Common issues are time management, hesitancy in approaching teachers and unfamiliarity with university resources. Some first generation college students feel bewildered. Students say the greatest benefit is that “someone cares about me.” Maroldo urged the Senior Academy members to consider becoming mentors. Harriet offered to announce the need for mentors at the next SA program.

Harriet reported:
• At this point, 46 SA members have pledged $25,452 to the United Way campaign.
• Richard Patterson is moving to Atlanta and has resigned from the SA board. Richard’s resignation was accepted by consensus.
• She’s trying to fix a date for the SA annual meeting.

Treasurer’s report
Treasurer Shirley Newhouse distributed reports from November 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009.

As of December 31, 2009, balances were as follows: Senior Academy Fund: $5401; Returning Student Scholarship account: $41,927; IPS Scholarship account: $35,056; Academic Scholarship account: $ 37,635; Senior Academy checking account: $6,174.

Shirley said that SA has $2,000 in each scholarship fund that hasn’t been deducted from those accounts to reimburse IUPUI for this year’s scholarships. She will remind the Foundation to release those awards.

Shirley also reported that recent contributions to the scholarship funds (in response to a year-end letter to SA members) have not been posted. Harriet said that once we will get a report on those contributions, the Scholarship Committee will send thank-you letters to contributors.

Last Lecture Committee Report
Chair Golam Mannan reported that letters were sent to four finalists nominated for the 2009 lecture, asking them whether they wish to be considered in 2010. In November, Dean of the Faculties Sukhatme sent a letter to the deans requesting nominations and asking them to distribute the letter to their faculty members. The Last Lecture Committee is working on additional ways to solicit nominations from the university community.
.
A discussion followed regarding awards for the Last Lecturer. The IU Foundation will provide cash awards for the next two years; afterward the Foundation will continue to co-sponsor the event, though funding is not assured. Board members discussed awarding a plaque or medallion to the Last Lecturer. Golam agreed that the Last Lecture Committee will choose an appropriate award.

Program Committee Report
Carlyn Johnson announced that on January 19, 2010, Tom DeCoster will speak on the characteristics of four generations: Veterans, Boomers, Generation X and Millennial (the Helicopter Generation). For a future program, Carlyn has asked Marilyn Schultz, an expert on state and local government, to speak about Indiana’s governmental system and the Kernan-Shepard report.

Noel Duerden and Mark Grove encouraged Carlyn to invite the people who had responded to the recent SA survey stating their willingness to give a presentation. Mark mentioned, in particular, Dr. George Rawls, an SA member from the IU Medical School, who has an interesting personal story and has offered to speak on the History of Black Physicians.

Social Committee Report
Mary Grove reported on upcoming activities:
• Reservations are due by February 8 for the February 17 lunch at Charbonos in Avon and slide program commemorating 15 years of SA events.
• Ten members have made reservations for March 17 program by the Ensemble Music Society.
• The final social event is an overnight stay at Turkey Run State Park on May 6-7.

Other Business
Board members congratulated Noel Duerden on the excellent writing, layout, use of color and photos in the Senior Sentinel.

Harriet announced that Bill Voos will chair the Nominating Committee.

The next Board meeting will be at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, February 11, 2010, in the Glendale Public Library.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:25 A.M.

Respectfully submitted
Mary Grove, Secretary