The meeting of the Steering Committee of the MSU Faculty Emeriti Association was called to order by the Chairman with the following members present:  Kallen, Gliozzo, Hudson, Adams, Birdwell, Bader, Forsyth, Shaw, Nelson, Hollingworth, Stone, Ferris, Swallow, Harper-Jones and Fischer.     The Chair welcomed everyone and introduced Deborah Dezure, Assistant Provost for Faculty and Organizational Development who expressed appreciation for the work that has been done by the Steering Committee through the years and especially for the contribution of Gary Stone.  The Chair then presented Stone with a small token of appreciation.     The Minutes of the August 20, 2008 meeting were approved as corrected; the correct set of meeting dates will be forwarded to all members before the next meeting.  

1. SEMINARS:
   • Fischer reported that Carl Liedholm will be the next seminar speaker; his topic will be “The Effects of Globalization on the American Economy.”  The presentation will be on Thursday, October 30th at 2:30 p.m. in the Radiology Auditorium.   A number of topics were suggested for future seminars.  These included: Special Collections in the Library, Geriatric Sexuality, the History of Morrill Hall, International Economics and Computers in Security.
2. ON LINE JOURNAL:
   • Gliozzo acknowledged the contributions of Bader, Stone, Funk, Forsyth and Marilyn Rothert in moving the project forward and shared a draft proposal to request the participation of others as editor, referees and contributors.  Work concerning the legal status of the project is proceeding.   Decisions are yet to be made concerning style, length and format of submissions.  A software program has been identified that may be used for submissions.
3. MAGAZINE PROJECT:
   • Gliozzo reported that there will be another magazine collection October 20-24 at the Service Learning and Civic Engagement Depot in Student Services.  A reminder will be sent to Emeriti Faculty in October. (Shaw reminded the group that used musical instruments would still be welcomed for distribution to students in the Lansing and Detroit areas.  A tuba was received previously and was much appreciated.)
4. ART MUSEUM PROJECT:
   • Gliozzo reported that the MSU Kresge Art Museum has invited members of the Faculty Emeriti Association to participate in a five program outreach initiative relating to Grades K-12.  “Picturing America” is an initiative funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.  The program is intended to serve as a catalyst for the study of American history and culture.  Individuals who volunteer will receive training and be provided with a stipend for their services during the period from November 2008 –May 2009.  A motion by Adams -- seconded by Stone -- encouraged Gliozzo to explore the matter further and expedite communication with Association members as appropriate. The motion passed.
5. ORAL HISTORY PROJECT:
   • Ferris reported that members of her committee have had access to three faculty interviews that were conducted previously in connection with the Sesquicentennial Oral History Project and been in contact with the interviewer of that project. She asked members of the Steering Committee to recommend names of emeriti faculty to be interviewed as part of this project, along with probes they would like to see incorporated in the interviews.  Names of persons who could serve as the interviewer are also needed.
6. COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE:
   • It was recommended by the ad hoc committee, Hudson and Birdwell, that “The Communications Committee shall provide a consultative service to the Faculty Emeriti Association and its other committees, particularly in approaching media to publicize their mission.”  Discussion followed, and it was suggested that more elaboration is needed to assist the person or persons contacting the media in terms of how, when and which media to contact. The issue of who should make media contacts was unresolved.
7. REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES TO ACEDEMIC AND FACULTY COUNCILS, THE HEALTH CARE TASK FORCE, BOARD OF TRUSTEES & MSU RETIREE ASSOCIATION:
   • Stone indicated that the Steering Committee is authorized to have a representative participate in both Councils this year and By-law changes will make this participation a permanent “right.”  Minutes of the Councils are on line for review.  Stone has been attending meetings of the Task Force and will continue to report on progress of the group who is dealing with questions related to the University’s $110-120 million a year expenditure for health care. Adams reported that the Board of Trustees did not meet on the scheduled date; she will continue to attend meetings of this group. Forsyth will be    the Steering Committee’s representative to the Retiree Association.
8. OTHER:
   • Shaw indicated that he will continue to purchase $50 book store gift certificates to be given to seminar speakers.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

Maxine S. Ferris
Secretary