Members of the CSI Academy of Retired Professors (ARP) gathered in the Campus Center Park Café to chart the course of the organization, and find ways of growing its membership. The overall atmosphere of the meeting was warm and responsive.
After attendees provided some biographical information about themselves, including the years that they were hired and retired, CSI Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs Barbara Eshoo told the members about the recent success of the CSI Celestial Ball fundraiser and the Alumni Association’s new magazine, Eye on CSI.
Co-chair Bob Chiles then discussed how similar Faculty Emeriti groups around the country are structured, and what they provide for their members, suggesting that ARP should build upon the best of what these other organizations have achieved.
ARP founder and co-chair Dr. Irene Deitch mentioned possible grant money for lifelong learning through the Osher Foundation. In addition, Dr. Deitch informed the group of the program, Faculty Emeriti/Alumni: Meet Your Mentor, which is still in the planning stage. Many of the attendees expressed an interest in participating.
Steering Committee member Jim Sanders suggested that ARP schedule more formal events as a way of attracting new members and increasing involvement. The first of such events is a planned Spring Reunion/Luncheon. As the meeting drew to a close the members also agreed to schedule another breakfast meeting in the Park Café sometime in March.
Professor Emerita Irene Deitch is a founding member of ARP, as well as the founder of the OPTIONS study program for older adults, currently housed in the Office of Continuing Education.
