As I transition rapidly from
President to Past President, I am acutely aware of the many
satisfactions from service on the Executive Committee of
CSU-ERFA. Regular contact with dedicated retired
faculty who continue to guard the interests of the
California State University and especially its retirees for
years, even decades, after retirement provides pleasure that
far transcends the honor of election.
Leaders Needed. As
the State of California threatens to lurch toward chaos,
creative thinking in our State Council and especially in its
Executive Committee is in high demand. If your
colleagues look to you for leadership I strongly urge that
you respond with enthusiasm. Perhaps I am only
preaching to the choir, for I am not aware that nominations
committees meet resistance when they seek nominees.
Reporter Editor Needed.
Replacement for one crucial position on the Executive
Committee will be an important project in the coming year.
Ted Anagnoson is retiring following the winter issue of
The Reporter. The publication has properly
received high praise during this period, and he leaves
behind some very big shoes to fill, in every sense of the
word. I am positive that incoming President Dieter
Renning will welcome nominations and applications from
colleagues who would welcome this challenge.
Thanks to CSUN. I’ve
said this before, but it's worth saying again and this is my
last chance. Much of the success of CSU-ERFA has been
due to the hospitality, support and good fellowship of the
CSU Northridge campus and the hard-working members of its
Association of Retired Faculty. Thanks to CSUN as well
for sending us an exemplary Executive Director. Living
up to their ARF name they are true thoroughbreds.
Bob Bess Illness. Everyone in
CSU-ERFA who knows Bob Bess is hoping and praying for rapid
recovery from the cancer that hospitalized him in Sacramento
during and long after the spring Council meeting.
Throughout my years in the CSU Academic Senate I regarded
Bob Bess as the perfect administrative representative from
Golden Shore, the one who was respected and admired by all
the Senators. Those adjectives still apply, but just
in a different venue. We are anxious to see you in July,
Bob, or at least in October.
Donald O.
Dewey (Los Angeles)
CSU-ERFA President
June 2009.
(Webmaster's
note: This is a slightly edited version of the "From
the president" column that appears in the June 2009 issue of the
Reporter.)
