MURA 2022 Annual Meeting Minutes
March 17, 2022
The March 17, 2022, hybrid annual business meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by MURA President Ruth Tofle with the click of the historic MURA gavel presented in 1990 from George Preckshot to President CV Ross. Thirty-nine members were present in person and 16 members participated online.
President’s Report
President Tofle reminded members of MURA’s 32-year history and reported on accomplishments toward the 2021-22 goals for MURA:
- Advance information technology to effectively support MURA objectives.
- Initiate partnerships to strengthen our organization and defray member costs.
- Promote diverse membership among MU/UM staff and faculty retirees and pre-retirees.
- Increase the scholarship endowment with goals set by Scholarship Committee.
- Benefit from member survey responses for continuing improvement of our organization.
She referred members to the MURA website, newsletters, and email Update for details of MURA accomplishments. She recognized those who have served in leadership roles and on committees for their contributions. In summary, she noted that good progress has been made on goals and objectives, and that the organization is in good health overall.
Minutes
Having received no additions or corrections, PresidentTofle noted approval of the minutes from the March 2020 annual business meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
Donna Johanning reviewed the fiscal report available to members online. As of February 28, 2022, MURA had a cash balance of $7,854.88 and investment assets totaling $107,032.48. She noted that one of the reasons for MURA’s strong financial position has been the addition of sponsors and thanked TigerPlace for sponsoring the annual meeting.
Nominating Committee Report and Election
Nominating Committee chair Betsy Garrett thanked the Nominating Committee members for their work. She presented the slate of candidates to become MURA officers and Board members and invited each to make a brief statement: President, Ina Linville; president-elect and Program Chair, Ken Dean; treasurer, Donna Johanning; member-at-large faculty, Art Jago; member-at-large staff, Debbie Allen. Betsy Garrett and Dick Otto seconded a motion to approve the slate of candidates. President Tofle asked if the group was ready for the question and gave instructions for electronic voting. The motion passed unanimously, and President Tofle was thanked for all of her work over the last two years.
Program Committee
Program Chair Ina Linville reported on upcoming breakfast programs. MURA began this fall offering hybrid breakfasts with options to attend in person or online. Education Committee co-chairs Clyde and Cecile Bentley lined up a great series of local speakers on topic ranging from Columbia Public Schools’ science education curriculum to Catholic Charities’ refugee reception and placement.
Members were encouraged to watch the newsletter for upcoming breakfast speakers and plans for a special breakfast at the Columbia Agricultural Park on June 7.
Membership Committee
Ina Linville reported for co-chairs Dick Otto and Jo Turner that, as of March 8, 2022, MURA had a total of 899 members, including 45 annual and 854 life members. The online membership application created by webmaster Judy Maseles is working well. Dick Otto has served as Membership Chair or Co-Chair for ten years and is stepping down from this role and was thanked for his service.
Scholarship Committee
Tom Henderson, Chair, reported that as of February 28, 2022, the Kitty Dickerson MURA Scholarship fund had a principal account balance of $131, 984. This total represents an increase over the $125,326 balance on June 30, 2021. The scholarship spending fund balance as of February 28, 2022, was $5,129. The process is underway for identifying three students for scholarship awards for this year. During FY22, undergraduate awards were made for a total of $4,500. Three undergraduate students were awarded $1,500 each for the current academic year. The next fundraising effort will take place at the April 12th MURA Spring Social to be hosted by President Choi, with registration proceeds committed to the scholarship fund. In addition, a pizza fundraiser is tentatively planned for May with details forthcoming in the coming weeks.
Member Survey
Art Jago, faculty member-at-large, Faculty Council representative, and Program Committee member, thanked committee members for their work in developing the member survey and interpreting its results. He encouraged members to access the detailed survey report on the web and then summarized results of the MURA member survey. Members count on MURA to be there to advocate for retirees’ interests. Online programming is appreciated by members, especially those living a distance from Columbia. Most MURA members learned of the organization from existing members. Members are satisfied with their health and pension benefits. MURA communications, programs and meetings are appreciated by members, particularly online offerings. With only a few exceptions, retired faculty and retired staff response similarly to survey questions.
There was a 5-minute break in the meeting.
Program
Donna Otto introduced the speaker, Marilyn Rantz, PhD, RN, FAAN. Dr. Rantz is a Curator’s Professor Emerita; Executive Director, Aging in Place Project and Sinclair Home Care; and lifetime member of the MU Retirees Association. The American Academy of Nursing chose Rantz as a 2020 Living Legend. Dr. Rantz’s presentation was titled The Future of Aging in Place–Quality of Life and Enhanced Care with Sensor Technology and APRNs [Advanced Practice Registered Nurses]. She provided an overview of the history of TigerPlace. Research comparing residents with the sensor systems in their apartments to those without showed an increased life expectancy of 1.7 years associated with the sensor systems. Gait sensors predict falls three weeks in advance and allow for interventions to prevent falls. The TigerPlace sensor systems have been commercialized and adopted in 17 states. Dr. Rantz spoke about ongoing research and the need for legislative changes to allow innovation and finished by taking questions from the audience.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Licklider
MURA Board Secretary