Annual Meetings

Annual Meeting Minutes

Fall: November 15, 2008
Jesse Wrench Auditorium

The meeting was called to order by President Kee Groshong in the Jesse Wrench Auditorium. President Groshong introduced Page Harris from the University Pharmacy and stated she had brought brochures for services provided by their pharmacy.

Deputy Chancellor Michael Middleton was introduced and Dr. Middleton gave an overview of activities on the University Campus and student population for the present year.

Betsy Rodriquez, of Human Resources, spoke on the University retirement plan and said, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” as there is no danger of anything happening to the plan. There will be a hiring freeze implemented beginning Monday (except for grant funded positions) and there is a letter forthcoming from President Forsee next week giving information. The UM Benefits Committee, of which she is chair, will be looking at cost of living increases and other retiree matters during the next year.

Barton Boyle introduced Jolene Schultz and Glenn McElroy who gave a presentation on Columbia’s new Youzeum which opened May 1, 2008.

Donna Otto and Dr. Marilyn Rantz were introduced and gave a short presentation on Tiger Place. They now have 23 new apartments with a new design and will open in a few weeks.

BUSINESS

The Spring 2008 MURA minutes were accepted as appears on the MURA website.

President’s Report

Kee Groshong stated MURA and representatives of the other campuses met with President Forsee at the end of October. He was very impressed with the President and felt he was a good listener and a fast learner.

October 23rd, Groshong attended the Board of Curator’s meeting where they gave the status of the endownment and retirement funds.

November 4th, MURA Board met with Chancellor Deaton who is very supportive of retirees.

United Way

President Groshong encouraged everyone to give, if they haven’t already as the campus goal has not been met.

Membership

Ernest Hilderbrand stated there has been a membership drive by the membership committee. This drive has been successful and has added 138 new MURA members. Richard and Donna Otto, along with Roger Mitchell have contacted over 120 people. There are currently 1,100 current dues paying members of MURA.

Constitution

Charles Cramer distributed a copy of the revised MURA Constitution and By-Laws, of which minor changes were made. He moved to adopt the changes proposed. Gary Smith seconded the motion and motion was accepted and approved.

Interest Groups

Jean Zwonitzer is accepting names of anyone who may be interested in starting, leading and organizing different interest groups for MURA. Al Lacky is leading the Book Club and a Bridge group was formed and has been combined with the Fortnightly group.

Chancellor Retiree Award

Rod Gelatt is accepting names for nomination of one faculty and one staff person for the Chancellor Retiree Award to be presented in the spring. The selection is now a MURA function. The Nominating committee is also accepting names for nomination of the President¬-Elect for 2009 and Secretary for a term beginning in July.

Breakfast Program

About 65 to 75 attend these programs. December 2nd is the next program.

Gary Smith said that volunteers are needed at the Reynold’s Center welcome desk. Remember, that a free lunch is provided!

Holiday Lunch

The Holiday Lunch will be December 13 in the Stotler Lounge of the Union. February 3rd from 4:00 to 6:00 is the Winter Social to be held at the Reynold’s Center.

Door prizes were given out, provided by President Groshong.

Meeting dismissed at 12:00 p.m.

Sylvia Bradfield
MURA Secretary