Oregon State University Retirement Association
Board Minutes
21 November 2005
Members present: Ron Lovell, Bill Brennan, David Eiseman, Ken Krane, Laura Sneeden, Norma
Barnhisel, Kathy Heath, Gale Hazel, Gary Tiedeman, Kathy Meddaugh, and Glenn Klein
Members absent: Bobbye Koeper, Nancy Evans, and Carol Mason.
Guest: Jean Peters
The meeting was called to order by President Eiseman at 9:00 am.
The minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy Heath: OSU Foundation Account: $6,306.82
OSU Account: $5,009.00
The final report from the golf tournament was a profit of $45.45.
Northwest Region University Retirement Associations (UWRA Fall Festival) A very comprehensive
report was given my Jean Peters who was our representative at this meeting. A complete summary, history,
etc. is available by contacting Jean. She reported that they were impressed with our display photo and
generally with the work that we have been doing. Scholarships that the typical association gives are usually
in the gerontology area. It was fun, but expensive. Almost all of the universities include all staff, not just
academic in their membership. Jean also share a number of items such as newsletters that she pickup at the
meeting. A possible state meeting was discussed. There was a suggestion that we might host a meaningful
regional meeting. She also said she had a great time visiting her grand kids!
Annual Meeting – Laura Sneeden - The Valley Football Center has been reserved for our annual meeting
schedule for 10 May 2006. The cost is approximately $130 per hour. It was noted that for refreshments, we
would have to use their catering services and parking needs special arrangements.
Standing Committees – Ken Krane – Bill Wilkins has agreed to chair the Member Services (tentative title)
committee, but would like a co-chair who is not an academic person. They are working to NOT duplicate
the work of OSU Senate Faculty Economic, Welfare and Retirement Committee, but to work with it. Gary
Tiedeman is on the senate committee. It was suggest that we might want to do some coordination with the
staff union as well.
Finance Committee: George Keller has agreed to be on this committee.
PLEASE EMAIL YOUR PREFERENCE OF COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS TO KEN: If not, you
may be assigned a committee!
Program Activities: There are three scheduled program activities: A postcard/email will be sent to explain
to members these coming events: 1. Kelly Building Tours on December 14 and 15. 2. A women’s
basketball game either Jan 19 or 21. We will work with them in providing pizza etc. Game ticket cost
would be $2.00 and $3.00 for food. 3. A February theatre event will be schedule later and Ken will report
on the date selected. Ron moved, Bill seconded that we pay for the theatre and basketball food costs.
Motion passed. Potential dates are Feb 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, or 18. Feb 11 seemed to be the preferred date.
Glenn report that a tour of Stahlbush Island Farms would likely be in February 2006 with the processing of
sweet potatoes. The actual date will be set later. The tour would probably be limited to 20 people. If more
register, we will see if they can offer more than one tour.
Tutoring of student athletes: In meeting with Kirk Walker, softball coach, it was request that retirees tutor
student athletes. Kris Bowman academic coordinator suggested there were a number of courses that could
use tutors. The specific courses for which help is needed were listed and Ken will send out an email to
members soliciting their help. Early evening once a week was an option mentioned. Concerns were parking
and making sure we comply with NCAA regulations. This is an excellent opportunity for members to
remain active in their academic field and also provide a great service to the University. Email will be used
to contact potential faculty and then let the athletic department match up faculty and students. Long term, a
more structured program might be developed.
Nominating Committee Report – Bill Brennan – Kathy Heath agreed to be a candidate for President
Elect, and Glenn tentatively agreed to continue as Secretary but because of a National meeting commitment
will decide later. Bill would like to have candidates attend a board meeting before agreeing to run for
office. The nominating committee report with a few penciled additions is an attachment. Some
suggest names may not be nominated as they are not members of OSURA. 2.
There was a discussion on status of retirees as academic faculty, professional faculty, and classified and
that we try to have all represented on the board.
A committee report will be refined and it is hoped we can have a preliminary vote in January. The Board
will vote on a final list of candidates.
Orange Card Report – Laura Sneeden – The following businesses were listed to solicit and some
additional were given at the meeting: Timberhill Athletic Club, McHenry’s Funeral Home, Eola Hills
Winery, Wildflower Grill (Lincoln City), Bay House (Lincoln City), Bob’s Beach Books (Lincoln City),
Sam’s Station, NW Hairlines, Pro Nails, Creative Crafts, Rice’s Drugs, Nails Now, OSU Bookstore,
Pangea (MU), and campus coffee shops, etc. Please send additions to Laura.
We will have a master list to work from. There was a discussion as to what is the benefit to the businesses
to give a discount with the Orange card. Ideas included appropriate publicity and greater business volume.
We are looking at July as a tentative time for the Orange Card. It was proposed that we have a draft of a
letter/fact sheet or both at the January meeting that would explain to potential businesses the benefits of
providing discounts with the Orange Card. A personal contact is still considered the best approach.
National chains may not be good contacts as decisions are not made locally. Once we decide on a list, it
was suggested that teams might go to the businesses to solicit to share the work load. There was a
discussion as to whether we should restrict the number of businesses in specific categories. The Orange
Card would be our membership card as well.
OSURA Pins – Laura distributed the new OSURA pins and reminded people of the availability of OSURA
cards for board members and officers to use when representing OSURA.
Membership & Recruitment – There was a general discussion of what to offer retirees to entice them to
join. A first year/18 months free membership seemed the most acceptable idea. Approximately 250 people
retire each year. We need to do a better job of explaining the opportunities of volunteering, service,
benefits, programs sponsored by OSURA, the Orange Card, etc. Ways of contacting potential members is
still an issue and needs further study. Kathy Meddaugh is working in that area now and will see what might
be done. It may or may not require a constitution/bylaws change to implement some of the ideas. 3.
It was announced that Laura was promoted and is now the assistant to Luanne Lawrence (way to go) but
she will still continue working with OSURA as one of her responsibilities.
OSURA Scholarship – There was a discussion of a possible scholarship sponsored by OSURA.
Items/ideas discussed included:
- awarded to specific majors such as aging related careers
graduate or undergraduate
family members of OSURA members
annual donations
certain amount out of annual dues each year
awarded at the annual meeting
conditions of scholarship
check scholarships of other universities/other organizations
appoint a scholarship committee
endowment funds with OSU Foundation
This is to be an agenda item for January meeting.
January meeting date and time: 9:00 am on January 23rd. (NOTE: other dates were discussed but all
have changed based on later emails)
PERS Give Back : There was a discussion on the PERS give back problems for an article in the GT. More
information will come later to affected retirees. Contact Bob Becker if you want to relay info about this.
Retirement Workshops: Kathy Meddaugh is working on this and we may get support for room rent, etc. It
will probably in late February and the intent is to include both on and off campus staff. It may need to be
offered at several sites. More information later.
President Gifts: Gale had a number of tickets to events that have been given to the OSURA board by
President Ray.
Newsletter Title: A ballot was taken and the new title of the OSURA newsletter is: OSURA News &
Views
Scheduled guest Terryl Ross did not attend.
President David adjourned the meeting at 10:48 am.
Respectfully Submitted, Glenn Klein, Secretary
4.