President Report
Anne Matoy
Association President, 2017
2017 provided numerous opportunities as the Emeriti met the organizational purpose of enhancing and encouraging the educational, professional and social interactions among retirees at Oklahoma State University and interacting with other individuals and groups in ways that enhanced the education and welfare of retired persons.
Accomplishments were not possible without the dedication and commitment of many individuals including the officers, council members, committee chairs, and council appointees to University and Faculty Committees—many who have continued to serve through multiple years of service.
The Emeriti Association financial condition continues to be solid. As of December 31, 2017, there was expendable assets of $35,750. Our endowed scholarship fund with the OSU Foundation enabled us to make our second scholarship. This year the award went to Devin Peck, a sophomore from Shawnee, majoring in Chemistry.
We received a large monetary gift from Kathryn McCollom in honor of Ken, who was one of our Emeriti Association founders. A study group has been appointed to consider how to best use the funds. We were also fortunate to receive several other gifts at the end of the year. Additional tax deductible contributions are always welcome.
Membership has decreased slightly and at year end our membership was at 541. After eighteen months of not being able to receive new retiree information due to the major changeover in University computer systems, we were finally able to secure new retiree information again on a regular basis. We urge you to invite prospective members and let both recent and not so recent retires know of our fun, fellowship, and continuing opportunities for service to the University and the community. Unfortunately, we lost 28 members as is reflected in our Memoriam listing.
The Emeriti close association with the University keeps us up to date on happenings and changes that can affect us. We are fortunate to have Emeriti representatives on university and faculty committee on important committees.
We greatly appreciate the support of the Provost’s office. The Provost graciously covers many of our expenses and provides administrative support through Misty Burk, the OLLI assistant. Misty is invaluable to our communications efforts to stay in touch with members through the newsletter and monthly updates as well as handling monthly dinner reservations and other routine duties.
The Alumni Center also provides valuable support in providing us with space for an office and the Council meeting room. We are pleased that our Ambassadors are able to assist the Alumni Center during football season with greeting visitors to the campus. At the close of the year, we began discussions of best utilization of resources to meet both Alumni and Emeriti needs and plan on an update to our current agreement in the next year.
The Ambassadors also assist at commencement exercises in both the spring and fall. With multiple sessions (four in the spring) we need plenty of volunteers to pass out programs and direct attendees. Commencement is always a wonderful celebration for students and their families. Being able to share in student success is a great experience.
Interest groups (Technology, Making the Most of Retirement, Armchair Travel Series, Investment Club) continued to provide fun and fellowship as well as new avenues for continual learning. Whether it was getting an update on all things digital, cruising from Cape Town to Singapore, learning about new volunteer opportunities and services available in Stillwater, or investments know-how, there is always something to do with the Emeriti Association.
Emeriti enjoyed two trips during the year. Pioneer Woman fans were enthralled with a trip in April to Pawhuska to eat at the Pioneer Woman Mercantile. After some shopping, we toured the Cathedral of the Osage, a 1910 French Gothic-styled church known for its fantastic stained glass windows. And on the round-about way home, buffalo greeted us as we viewed the grasslands. The December trip to Branson featured four shows and a light display with time for shopping.
Our monthly dinner meetings provided programs that were both entertaining and informative. Meet and Greet before the monthly gatherings provided yet another way to make new friends and renew acquaintances. While attendance varied, we averaged 85 attendees at the nine regular meetings. Food and gratuity costs nearly matched the ticket price, with the Emeriti Association picking up any additional charges for setup, AV, etc.
It has been my pleasure to serve as President during both 2016 and 2017. We have an excellent team in place for 2018 and I know you will continue to volunteer and support our many endeavors.