Annual Meetings

Annual Meeting Minutes

Spring: March 7, 2009
Jesse Wrench Auditorium

The meeting was called to order by President Kee Groshong in the Jesse Wrench Auditorium. President Groshong introduced Chancellor Brady Deaton. Chancellor Deaton reported on the recent achievements on the MU campus and gave a general overview of each school/college on campus, highlighting impressive national rankings and ground-breaking achievements by alumni, faculty and researchers. MU currently has a 85.4% freshman retention rate plus MU athletes have excelled both on the field and academically

President Groshong then introduced Mike Paden, Associate Vice President of Benefits. Mr. Paden stated the total plan year benefit payments for 2008 was $119.4 mil. The University plan year contribution for retirement was 5.87% or $68.4 mil; this amount will go up significantly beginning in 2009 requiring employee contribution to the plan. There will be no cuts in pensions.

President Groshong stated that MURA will continue to try to get retirees considered during the budget building process each year along with all other budget items, rather than as an after thought.

Peggy Gray, Program Coordinator in Office of Medical Education was introduced to give a presentation on the STEP (Seniors, Teachers, Educators, Partners) program on the MU Campus. Anyone 65+ is eligible to volunteer to be matched with a MU medical student. Students can spend time with seniors and become aware of the needs of older patients to provide good health care for seniors.

After an introduction by President Groshong, Judith Stallman, Professor of Agricultural Economics gave a brief presentation on the impact that retirees have in the community and on the local economy.

Business Meeting

Minutes of the November 15, 2008 Fall Meeting were approved.

Election of Officers

President Groshong introduced Jo Behymer, Chair of the Nominating Committee, who read the list of candidates for election in MURA offices. Behymer moved to accept the nominees by acclamation and was seconded by Tom Freeman. Motion carried. Mary Ellen Kanak was elected as Secretary for a two year term and Jack Miles, for a one year term, as President-Elect and Program Chairman.

Treasurer Report

The treasurer report was distributed showing the MURA income and expense report covering July 1, 2008 to January 31, 2009.

Membership

Ernest Hilderbrand said there were about 200 new members. He asked that anyone who has an email address or has changed email addresses to let MURA know as they are working on an updated email list for retirees.

President Groshong thanked Ernest and Roger Mitchell for their work on recruitment activities as well as Tom Freeman for his work on the newsletter.

Chancellor Retiree Award update was given by Darlene Miles. Awardees have been selected for the Faculty and Staff awards.

President Groshong and other MURA Board members will be meeting with the Chancellor on the 18th of March and meet with President Olson on March 11th.

Chancellor’s Luncheon: MURA will assist in the upcoming Chancellor’s lunch to be held in April. Because of the economic state of MU, there may be some retiree cost associated with the luncheon.

The MURA picnic will be held May 13th.

President Groshong encouraged everyone to talk to their legislator to get their support for the University.

12:20 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Sylvia Bradfield
MURA Secretary

and

Mary Ellen Kanak
MURA Secretary