President’s Council of Retired Employees
Buchanan Alumni House
University of Maine
http;//
Meeting Minutes of October 4, 2016
Present: Candace Jordan, Sue Estler, Joe Genco, Mark Anderson, Robert Strong, Phyllis Thibodeau, Raymond Pelletier, Harold Brown, Michael Pullen, Ethel Hill, Judith Round, Captain James Settele, UM President Susan Hunter and Jeffrey Mills
Chair Judith Round called the meeting to order at 8:15. She welcomed President Hunter and making note of the President's busy schedule expressed appreciation on behalf of the Council.
President Hunter opened her remarks with an acknowledgement of the important work the Council is doing. She made it very clear she values our input. She, of course, is not available to attend many of our meetings, but she will share Captain James Settele, her Chief of Staff, who will be a direct link attending Council meetings.
Jeff Mills echoed President Hunter's acknowledgement of the important role retirees continue to play at the University of Maine. He indicated that retirees are very generous in contributing to the University. Retiree contributions are over $8 million dollars; some significant contributions through estate planning. Some have made the University as a beneficiary to a portion of their life insurance. Jeff announced Bob Strong as the new treasurer of the University of Maine Foundation as well as continuing his role as Chair of Investments. Judy suggested this might be something of interest to share in the Council newsletter.
Judy asked Mark Anderson to update the Council and the President on our proposed oral history project. We will be working with the leadership of All Maine Women, who will be conducting interviews.President Hunter was just recently inducted into All Maine Women. Judy mentioned the success of the Council's first outreach effort, a student presentation at Dirigo Pines arranged by Ray Pelletier.
President Hunter shared information about One University. One University is a concept, not an object. Seven campuses will be sustained. UMaine will continue to work with University of Maine at Machias to see how we can collaborate to benefit students enrolled in UMaine System. She spoke also about the needs on our own campus, such as a new engineering building, a life science building as Murray Hall is in need of replacement; Sue Estler added Shibles Hall as a building that needs to be replaced.
Jim Settele noted Council members are strong advocates of the University. He took the lead to invite members of the President’s Cabinet to join our group to share the most accurate information about issues of importance to the community and State. Council members expressed the importance of legislators being informed about student successes and faculty research and the University's impact on work force development. Jim assured the group much work is already being done in those areas.
A brief business meeting followed the visit from President Hunter. Judy confirmed that the 2017 Retiree Homecoming will be on June 6th in Wells Conference Center. Discussion of a speaker for the event ensued with Ivan Fernandez suggested as a possible speaker as well as Chancellor Page.
Election of officers will take place at the November meeting. We will set up committees for calendar year. A newsletter will go out late fall, early winter.
Candy informed the group that the Development Office and the University of Maine Foundation transition is complete with all Development staff now part of the Foundation and housed in Buchanan Alumni House.
Ethel thanked Ray for driving the van to the Darling Marine Center. This was a day trip for retirees who had indicated an interest during the Homecoming. Seventeen attended this event. Those attending asked if future trips were planned; perhaps one trip each semester. Suggestions included Highmoor Farm and a walking tour of the Orono campus. No decision at this time.
The minutes of the September 2, 2016 were approved as distributed. The meeting adjourned at 10:05.
Notes taken by Ethel Hill, substituting for Devon Storman