January 2025 Minutes
President’s Council of Retired Employees
Friday, 3 Jan 2024 at 8:15 am
Foster Board Room, 3rd Floor, Buchanan Alumni House, and Zoom
Members Present: Louis Bassano, Richard Judd (Secretary), Richard Kent, Thomas Sandford (Chair), Claire Strickland, Althea Tibbetts, Cindy Eves-Thomas, Gail Werrbach.
Ex Officio Members: Sarah McPartland-Good. Mike Ekhardt and Gail Dyer Martin were also inattendance.
Approval of 1 Dec 2024 Minutes: Louis moved to accept; the vote was unanimous.
PCRE Membership: The Council welcomed Gail Dyer-Martin to her first meeting. (Mike attended a previous meeting.) Tom will follow up with the President’s Office to expedite letters of appointment. The Professional slot is still open. Tom has contacted two possible candidates; one has not responded, and the other declined. PCRE discussed other possibilities. Althea will contact those she knows on the list of professional retirees. Cindy suggested someone with web experience. Althea will contact others. The
Council will prioritize someone with web experience. Cindy will contact those she knows with experience and will let Althea know who (if anyone) responds.
Election of Chair: Rich nominated Tom to continue as PCRE chair. Althea seconded the nomination, and the vote was unanimous.
Hikel Award: Gail W. discussed the nomination process with the Council. Claire will check with HR about a formal definition of “retirement.” At a later meeting, PCRE will consider the timing of next year’s Hikel award, specifically sending out the announcement earlier and/or setting the deadline later. The Council will also discuss a more streamlined process and the possibility of not necessary conferring the award every year. The Council discussed posting opportunities for volunteering in some fashion. Tom mentioned that some organizations at Homecoming are looking for volunteers. The Council discussed a booth at Homecoming for volunteering opportunities.
Silver Tracks Newsletter: Louis will host a meeting of participants after the PCRE meeting.
Homecoming: Gail W. contacted Leonard Kay, who would be pleased to speak at Homecoming. Gail did not discuss a topic. Mike suggested ageism as a topic; Rich suggested differences between men’s and women’s health; and Gail suggested trends in aging. The Council will present these and possibly other ideas to Leonard and leave the choice to him. Louis will need a title for the newsletter (and for a web posting). Tom requested the President’s office to put the Homecoming date on the President’s calendar, but Sarah believes she will be away. Tom will check again, and the Council will consider a substitute. Tom will follow up on the four possible tours, and will contact the 25 or so vendors with a save-the-date announcement.
Update — Website: Cindy informed the council that Mike is on the web site; Gail D. will have to send Cindy a headshot. Cindy will remove the Hikel Award nomination announcement.
Other: Council discussed the lack of university-wide policy regarding listing of retirees on the Departmental web sites. Louis suggested some retirees might wish to remain off the list. Should the listing be optional? Should anyone retaining a university email address be listed? The council will take this matter up later. Mike suggested that retirees be kept informed of the Strategic Re-Envisioning project. The council discussed the possibility that the President might consult with the PCRE on this and other matters. PCRE members agreed that closer connections with the President’s Office would be fruitful. Retirees should be informed on University matters. Tom will ask Taylor about asking the President to attend a PCRE meeting.
Adjourned.