MURA 2024 Annual Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2024
The March 13, 2024, hybrid annual business meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. by MURA President Kenneth Dean. Approximately 75 members participated in person and online. He thanked Tiger Place and Central Bank and Trust for their sponsorships and MURA members who helped with the meeting.
President’s Report
President Dean reported on MURA goals:
- MURA Objectives
- Retiree welfare and rights
- Communications
- Educational and social activities
- Retiree participation in the MU family
- MURA revenues
- MURA use of technology
- Member priorities
- Volunteer opportunities
In summary, good progress has been made on MURA goals, and the organization is in good health.
Minutes
Having received no additions or corrections, Gary Smith moved and Kee Groshong seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the 2023 annual meeting as provided. The motion was approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report
Donna Johanning reported that, as of February 29, 2024, MURA had a cash balance of $16,088.37 and investment assets totaling $107,971.12. Jo Turner moved and Margie Sable seconded approval of the treasurer’s report. The motion was unanimously approved.
Committee Reports
Proposed Constitution and Bylaws Changes
President Dean moved approval of changes to the MURA Constitution and Bylaws as follows:
| CURRENT | PROPOSED |
|---|---|
| Article I, Membership | |
| The membership of the Association shall consist of University of Missouri retirees, their spouses or surviving spouses, and active faculty or staff age 55 and older who each pay the Association dues. Retirees from other universities or colleges and/or their spouses | The membership of the Association shall consist of University of Missouri retirees, former employees, their spouses/partners, and active faculty or staff age 55 and older who each pay the Association dues. Retirees from other universities or colleges and/or their spouses/partners, after approval by the Board and upon payment of dues, may become members. |
| Article V, Officers and Board of Directors | |
| Sect. 2. The Board of Directors, hereafter referred to as the Board, shall consist of the Officers, the immediate past President, the chairs of standing committees, and six members at large, three of whom shall be listed as staff and three as faculty. | Sect. 2. The Board of Directors, hereafter referred to as the Board, shall consist of the Officers, the immediate past President, the chairs of standing committees, and six members at large, three of whom shall be listed as staff and three as faculty Additional members may be added to the Board as allowed in the Constitution and Bylaws, but they shall not be voting members. |
| Sect. 4. Elections shall be held at the spring meeting. The terms of newly elected Officers and Board members shall begin July 1. No Officer or Board member shall serve more than two consecutive full terms in the same position, | Sect. 4. Elections shall be held at the spring meeting. The terms of newly elected Officers and Board members shall begin July 1. No elected Board member shall serve more than two consecutive full terms in the same position. |
| Sect. 5. The Officers shall have the responsibilities listed below: The President shall . . . Appoint chairs of all committees, with the exception of the Finance, Program, and Past Presidents Committees | Sect. 5. The Officers shall have the responsibilities listed below: The President shall . . . Appoint chairs of all committees, with the exception of the Finance, Program, and Past Presidents Committees. Appoint chairs of all other committees subject to the approval of the Board. All committee chairs and all other persons appointed to a position such as an ex-officio appointment or ad hoc appointment will serve at the discretion of the President. . . . The President Elect shall . . . Chair the Program and Education Committee and be responsible for the programs of the Association, including educational, business, informational, and social meetings. . . . |
| Sect. 7. Vacancies that occur shall be temporarily filled by the President with the approval of the Board. Such appointments shall run until the next meeting of the Association, at which time persons | Sect. 7. Vacancies that occur shall be temporarily filled by the President with the approval of the Board. Such appointments shall run until the next meeting of the Association, at which time such persons may be elected to complete the vacant terms. If the Presidency is vacated, the President Elect shall assume its duties. |
| Sect. 10. Between meetings of the Board, the Officers may take emergency action, which shall be reported at the next meeting of the Board. | Sect. 10. Between meetings of the Board, an Executive Committee consisting of the Officers and the past-president may take emergency action, which shall be reported at the next meeting of the Board. |
| Sect. 11. Non-voting Board members may be appointed by the President upon approval of the Board. Non-voting Board members may participate in Board meetings as any other Board member, except they shall not be allowed to vote. |
| BYLAWS | bylaws continued |
|---|---|
| Sect. 2. Additional Meetings. | Sect. 2. Additional Meetings. There may be other meetings of the Association called by the President. |
| Sect. 8. Standing Committees. The standing committees shall be Finance; Membership; Program and Education; Communications; Ombudsman; Retirement, Health, and Other Benefits; University Liaison; Awards; Governmental Affairs; Nominating; | Sect. 8. Standing Committees. The standing committees shall be Finance; Membership; Program and Education; Communications; Ombudsman; Retirement, Health, and Other Benefits; University Liaison; Awards; Governmental Affairs; Nominating; |
| Sect. 9. Special Committees. The President shall appoint an Audit Committee as an ad hoc committee. The President may appoint other ad hoc and special committees for specific services as needed. | Sect. 9. Special Committees. The President shall appoint an Audit Committee as an ad hoc committee. The President may appoint other ad hoc and special committees for specific services as needed. If and when an ad hoc committee of MURA, the Sponsorship Committee, is deemed necessary, it shall consist of the organization’s past-President, President-elect, treasurer and any other designees of the President. The purpose of the committee is to determine if monetary or in-kind sponsorship should be considered and accepted by MURA. The committee will cease to exist after making a recommendation to the Board. |
Jim Scott moved and Dee Montgomery seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Nominating Committee Report and Election
Nominating Committee chair Ina Linville recognized Betsy Garrett and Kee Groshong for serving on the Nominating Committee. She invited candidates to introduce themselves: President, Jim Scott; president-elect and Program Chair, Mary Leuci: treasurer, Brian Sanders; member-at-large faculty, Donna Otto; member-at-large staff, Janie Harmon. The motion passed by acclamation.
Awards Committee
Committee co-chairs Dick and Donna Otto reported that the nomination process is underway for this year’s Retiree of the Year awards.
Communications Committee
Communications chair Barb Harris reported that MURA communications are accomplished via bi-weekly electronic updates, quarterly newsletters, the MURA-Missouri.com website, and the MURA Facebook page.
Governmental Affairs Committee
Chair Mary Ann McCollum reported on the Governor’s State of the State/Budget address and higher education legislation of interest. She reminded members that MURA supports advocacy for MU through its Flagship Council membership and that the October 8 MURA breakfast program will feature candidates for the state representative and senate seats from mid-Missouri on the November 5 general election ballot.
Membership Committee
Membership chair Jo Turner reported that as of March 1, 2024, MURA had a total of 892 members, including 48 annual 844 life members. MURA continues to offer an “upgrade to life membership option” that allows annual members to apply their past dues toward life membership dues.
Ombuds Committee
Co-chair Mark Stewart reported that the Ombuds Committee received only one inquiry this year.
Program Committee
Chair Jim Scott reported good attendance at MURA programs in 2023-24, due in large part to the recruitment and logistical support efforts of Education Committee members and the technical support provided by Mary Leuci.
Scholarship Committee
Chair Ted Tarkow reported that MURA will sponsor six Dickerson Scholarships in 2024-2025. He noted that President Choi’s commitment to the Scholarship fund will allow a sixth recipient for 2024-2025 and perhaps for 2025-2026. At that point, his $10,000 will run out. The Committee is developing a database of Dickerson recipients who graduate.
Close to two dozen volunteers assisted Mizzou Store the start of both terms, raising close to $1200 for the Dickerson Scholarship fund. Mizzou Store contributed raffle items for the holiday social, proceeds from which also added to the fund. The second Shakespeare’s fundraiser to May, and members were provided with coupons for this fundraiser.
AD HOC and Other Reports
Faculty Council Representative
Representative Frank Schmidt reported on Faculty Council discussions of academic integrity in the age of artificial intelligence, MyVita, and prospective enrollment for 2025-26.
MURA Newsletter
Editor Mary Licklider announced that the deadline for receipt of materials for the sprint Newsletter will be Tuesday, April 9. She encouraged members to share their collections via the feature planned for the spring issue.
Total Rewards Advisory Committee (TRAC) Representative
Representative Betsy Garrett reported on TRAC discussions related to health and pension benefits and commended efforts by the benefits staff on behalf of retirees.
New Business
AROHE Travel Institute
President Kenneth Dean recapped the information provided members about the invitation for MURA to join the AROHE Travel Institute. Mary Licklider moved and Margie Sable seconded a motion for the president to conduct additional research on the AROHE Travel Institute and that the MURA Board make the final decision about membership.
Program
Robin Wenneker, Chair of the UM Board of Curators, provided an overview of updates and activities throughout the UM System.
Announcements
Members were encouraged to participate in the numerous educational and program opportunities planned for the upcoming months.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:48 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Suzette Heiman
MURA Board Secretary