CONNECTICUT STATE CONFERENCE-AAUP
WHAT are we?: Officially, we are the Emeritus Assembly of the Connecticut State Conference of the American Association of University Professors, Inc. Unofficially, we are a group of retired college/university faculty, librarians and other academic professionals which usually meets four times each academic year to learn and to enjoy each others company.
WHEN do we meet?: We meet 2 times in the fall, October &; November, and 2 times in the spring, April & May. The fall meetings tend to be "issue oriented" and have comprised such topics as retirement and/or health care issues, recent changes in the law that affect out members, public opinion of higher education, future directions & trends in higher education, public polling techniques, etc. The spring meetings tend to be "cultural events", such as visits to various museums, displays of items of historical interest, attendance at musical performances, etc. Visits to gardens, talks on travel experiences, presentations on ecological issues and disaster relief have been suggested.
WHERE do we meet?: The meeting sites vary with the theme of the meeting. They have included such venues as the Legislative Office Building (Hartford), various campuses, Museums, restaurants, etc. The schedule and themes of the meetings is set by the Executive Committee in the spring or summer before the program year begins. Assembly members are invited to make suggestions on themes and places to be considered for the schedule.
WHO can be a member?: Any retired college or university faculty member is welcome to join. Spouses are welcome to accompany members at meetings.
WHY was the Assembly formed? (November 3, 1986): To promote the social and professional interests and general welfare of emeritus professors of institutions of higher learning in Connecticut." It continues because it comprises people who, though retired, are still interested in learning about events and issues that may affect them and their active faculty colleagues, who like to attend cultural events, and who enjoy socializing with other emeritus faculty.
Interested in joining us? Please contact our Membership Chairperson, Tim Killeen.
Email address: Killeen@charter.net.
Submitted by Richard P. Wurst June, 2006
BRIEF LOOK BACK
December 1, 1986 - SPRING 2006
BY CECILIA WELNA
Since joining the AAUP Emeritus Assembly, I have visited many interesting places, listened to challenging topics, have been brought up-to-date on matters such as, the State pension plan and its future, adjunct faculty issues, University plans for emeriti, national polls, and Medicare part D explanations. I have visited museums that I would not venture to visit if left to my own plans. The Autumn 2005 issue of this "Newsletter" gave more details about our past programs. The annual dues are six dollars. We hold four major meetings a year which means that each meeting is $1.50.
In October we met at the Legislative Office Building to learn about "Recent Changes in Health Care". A presentation was made by regional Director Eric Rodko of CHOICES. Mr. Rodko is very familiar with the rules for Medicare Part D and CHOICES is a program which renders assistance with outreach, health insurance and referrals.
At that same October meeting we also heard from State Senator Mary Ann Handley (represents Bolton, Glastonbury, Manchester and Marlborough, District 4 towns). She reassured the group that it is unlikely that Medicare Part D would be repealed. Senator Handley is very active in championing education, bringing in millions of dollars to 4th District schools for construction projects. She is an advocate for the state universities and colleges. She helped with the state Husky Health Care Plan. She reassumes her leadership role as Senate chair of the legislature's Human Services Committee and is the chair of its Internship Committee. She is also vice-chair of the Judiciary Committee and a member of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee. Her list of accomplishments is very long. She appears on "Focus on the 4th", a cable television program every Wednesday evening at 6:oo p.m. on Cox Channel 15. The speakers we invite are always of the highest caliber.
The November meeting found the group at Quinnipiac University at the Polling Institute. Dr. Douglas Schwartz, Director of the Poll at Quinnipiac University presented an overview of the operation. From Connecticut the poll expanded to New York, next to New Jersey and during presidential elections to Florida, Pennsylvania and the nation. If there were no polls the news media would act using less scientific data. "We do not want to affect but reflect using good public opinion research."
Every spring the group turns to cultural activities. We visit museums, formal flower gardens, attend symphonies. In the spring of 2006, the Emeritus Assembly is planning visits to two museums: the Mark Twain in Hartford and the much expanded and renovated New Britain Museum of American Art.
Following every meeting the Emeritus Assembly members fulfill their physical and social needs. We gather for lunch at an excellent restaurant near the meeting place. Here, members socialize with old friends and make new friends.
Join us!
Cecilia Welna, Secretary Note: C. Welna served as EA secretary 1997-2007
