Attendees: Stone, Funk, Fischer, Ishino, Adams, Wickert, Nelson, Medick, Sparrow, Gliozzo, Harper-Jones, Forsyth, Ferris, Vanosdall, and Shaw

1. Welcome

• Chair Stone noted that the next two meetings of the Steering Committee will meet on:

  September 18 (Tuesday)
  October 24 (Wednesday)

  Professor Stone announced that Dr. Lawrence Sommers, one of the founding members of the FEA had passed away on August 3, 2007. He had been a key member of the FEA since the formation in 2004. The FEA recognized Dr. Sommers at the spring retiree lunch by awarding him with the Outstanding Leadership award.

  It was noted that the Provost Office and William Latta had reviewed the use of room 209 Olds and concluded that the office was being underutilized. It was decided that the room no longer will be for the exclusive use of the FEA but we can still reserve it whenever needed provided it has not been previously scheduled. The Provost Office did reimburse the FEA for the cost of the furniture that had been purchased for use in the office. Any Steering Committee member that has a key to the office should turn them in to Dr. Shaw.

  On another note, Dr. Richard Reid has been ill and so Dr. Funk has agreed to take over the duties of sending out the materials announcing the lectures etc. His efforts are much appreciated.

  
  
2. The minutes of the 7-25-07 meeting were approved.
3. FEA Bylaws
• The implementation of the Bylaws requires that elections must be held and officers put in place.
  
  The Nominations Committee needs to develop a slate of candidates (Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary/Treasurer). Elections will then be held to select officers for the current year. This election will be completed at the September meeting. Dr. Gliozzo the Chair of the Nominating Committee and the Nominations Committee will prepare a slate of candidates that will be willing and available for these positions. It was also noted that the Steering Committee , in addition, must appoint Chairs to the Awards, Communications, Nominations and Lecture/Seminar Committees for the 2007-2008 Academic year. This election will be a key step in implementing the newly adopted Bylaws.
  
  The FEA will contact both the Academic and Faculty Councils for them to grant us permission have representation this year at their meeting. Professor Stone will approach them to seek this permission.
  
  The Committee suggested that we try to have a representative meet with the Trustees at their meetings. This idea will be pursued as to how this might be accomplished.

 

4. Updates
1. MSU Retiree Association

• Professor Wickert reported on the activities of the MSU Retiree Association.. They have held their first meeting after a summer break. Stone indicated that he needs to contact Kay Butcher, President of the Association to set up a lunch to discuss common issues. These meetings are usually held 3-4 times per year between representatives of the two groups.

2. Lecture/Seminar Series
1. Professor Gliozzo reported that the speaker for the scheduled lecture on September 19 will be Professor Robert Hollingworth. His lecture will be—“Help I am Eating Genetically Modified Food”. Professor Fischer will introduce Dr. Hollingworth at the lecture.
   
   After some discussion, a list of possible individuals to give lectures in the future were developed. Dr. Gliozzo will check with those on the list to determine interest and possible dates. He will report back at the October meeting.
3. Other Updates
1. A discussion on the potential for collecting magazines for distribution to groups such as nursing homes, prisons etc. A motion was made to approve an email to faculty emeriti to determine the interest in the project. The motion was passed. Roger Funk agreed to send out an email to determine interest. A report will be given at the next meeting.
2. Professor Gliozzo indicated that the trip to Indiana University had been delayed this past winter and asked about the interest in a visit this fall. The group passed a motion to reaffirm the desire to visit that institution. Professor Gliozzo will find out about when would be a good time for the visit .
3. Professor Ishino gave an interesting report and led a brief discussion on Capitalism vs. Democracy.
• There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:30