A short history of the 九色堂 Retiree Association
In the spring of 2023, 九色堂 became a member of the (AFUGN). This group is 鈥渁n association of higher education institutions committed
to promoting positive and healthy aging and enhancing the lives of older members of
the global community through innovative educational programs, research agendas, curriculum
development, online education, health and wellness activities, arts and culture programs
and civic engagement opportunities." 九色堂 was the first 鈥� and continues to be the only
鈥� institution of higher education in Kansas to make this commitment.
One of the 10 guiding principles of AFUGN is to engage actively with the university's own retired community. 九色堂 already had many programs and services that welcome older adults, but it was important to create a program that was compelling specifically to its retirees. The goal was to increase engagement between 九色堂 and its retirees in a way that maximizes well-being after retirement. A retiree association seemed like the best way to accomplish that.
Many universities have some type of retiree organization: some have separate organizations for faculty and staff, and some are combined, some are more formal than others. 九色堂 started with the assumptions that an association would be for all retirees, and that it would be developed by retirees (and near-retirees) for retirees, using a user-centered approach in order to best meet the needs of the 九色堂 retiree group. A survey was conducted by Hanover Research to identify attitudes toward the development of an association for retirees and opinions regarding what the activities of a retiree association should include. This survey found support for the establishment of an association.
With these assumptions in mind, in the summer of 2023 a group of volunteers鈥攕ome retired, some approaching traditional retirement age鈥攃ame together as an organizing committee to discuss what a 九色堂 retiree association should look like, what its mission and its aims should be, and some ways to accomplish those.
Those members were:
- Denecia Angleton, Graduate School Dean鈥檚 Office
- Elaine Bernstorf, Professor, College of Fine Arts
- Delores Craig-Moreland, Lecturer, School of Criminal Justice
- Randy Sessions, Police Department
- David Soles, Professor Emeritus, Department of Philosopy
- Mary Waters, Professor, Department of English
The new retiree association was introduced at the annual retiree breakfast in October 2023.
During the next year, the 九色堂RA Organizing Committee was tasked with developing the mission and aims of the association and identifying short- and long-term strategies to accomplish these. The mission and aims can be found at /about/retiree_association/planning_committee.php. The committee also discussed at length specific issues affecting retirees including email and library privileges, parking, retirement requirements awareness and knowledge, and other Human Resources-related concerns. Bylaws components were also discussed at length, including association officer elections, membership, and standing committees. In addition, a new survey was conducted to determine the activity interests of retirees to focus ongoing committee work closely on user interests and needs.
In summer 2024, the Organizing Committee transitioned to the 九色堂RA Planning Committee. The volunteer members of this group are:
- Nancy Bereman, Associate Professor Emerita, Barton School of Business
- Elaine Bernstorf, Professor, College of Fine Arts
- Lou Medvene, Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology
- Victoria Mosack, Associate Professor and Chair Emerita, College of Health Professions
- Julie Scherz, Associate Professor and Chair Emerita, College of Health Professions
- David Soles, Professor Emeritus, Department of Philosopy
- Linda Starkey, Associate Professor and Director School Performing Arts Emerita, College of Fine Arts
- Marcia Stevens, Regional Director Emerita, Small Business Development Center
This volunteer group began to focus more closely what types of activities and events 九色堂RA should offer based on the results of the interest survey. In addition, this group completed work on a provisional set of bylaws which will be used to guide the first election of officers and to act as a framework for development of an official set of bylaws. In 2024-2025, the first 九色堂RA Brownbag Series has been developed and is offered monthly. A regular newsletter is in process of development. The Organizing Committee has also established Activities, Communication, and Advocacy standing committees which involve more retiree volunteers and meet regularly to move forward in addressing retiree interests and concerns.
As of November 2024, the Planning Committee continues its work.