Spring 2016 Update: Legislative Issues this meeting ABOR asked to “change the model of funding”, move the uniLarry Carlson & Jeri Meeks, Government Liaisons versities out of the “state agency A Retiree’s Eye on the Legislature construct” and asked for the opporAfter many months of lobbying and bill writing the sec- tunity to create more operating flexiond session of the 52nd Legislature opened for business on bility and the ability to design beneMonday January 11th. Bills are going through their consti- fits for employees. tutional review, their “First Read” and assignment to the ABOR's 2016 Legislative agenda calls for the appropriate standing committees. House and Senate com"enterprise to develop independent benefits programs". mittees are building their agendas, setting their calendars Specifically: and gearing up for lively debates, amendments and recommendations. With retirement and healthcare plan reforms  The Health Insurance Trust Fund must be reformed to introduced last spring to the Legislaprevent university employees from paying an unfair ture by the Arizona Board of Regents share into the fund. (NOTE: this may directly impact (ABOR) for all three state universiretirees who elect insurance through ADOA. See AZ ties the ASU Retirees Association Republic article review in Keeping up with Current (ASURA) ASRS and Government Issues.) Liaisons have been busy keeping the Board current on discussions and  ABOR should be given authority to determine benefits resulting legislative actions. -eligible status of employees to align with federal rules and realize cost savings. ABOR 2016 Legislative Agenda; Retirement program and healthcare plan changes  The university enterprise should be granted full relief In Spring 2015 the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) from the state's healthcare system through a strategicalPresident Eileen Klein and university presidents Michael ly planned withdrawal. Crow (ASU), Ann Weaver Hart (UA) and Rita Cheng ABOR states that property/casualty/worker's compensa(NAU) met with the AZ House of Representatives Higher tion insurances are designed and structured for typical govEducation committee. Along with discussing the board’s ernment entities and no longer meet the unique and changand university’s mission for this fiscal year, ABOR stressed the need for flexibility in selecting retirement pro- ing risk exposure profile of higher education. grams and healthcare plans to keep tuition costs down. In (Continued on page 4) Inside This Issue Update: Legislative Issues 1, 4-5 Fall 2015 Luncheon Report 6 ASURA 2016 Annual Meeting 9 9 ASURA Board Officers/Other Volunteers 2 The Spirit of Phoenix Christmas Concert 7 ASURA Needs Your Old Books! President’s Message 3 December 2015 Holiday Potluck Wrap Up 7 Remembering a Little College (Dean Smith) Remembering Corrine Irvan 3 Spring 2016 ASURA Events Schedule 8 Video History Report Adopt-a-Family Report 5 Write a Will Workshop 8 Obituaries 2015 Health Care/Seminar 6 Scamming Schemes 9 New ASURA Members 10-12 12 13-15 16 ASURA Board Officers President Jim Fordemwalt Past President Jo Madonna Vice President Barbara White Secretary Bev Buddee Treasurer Barry Bruns ASURA Board of Directors & Ex-Officio Members Terms Expire April 2016 Terms Expire April 2017 Terms Expire April 2018 Karen Hammann Glenn Irvin Jo Madonna Jan Thompson Hal White Larry Carlson Joyce Hartman Diaz Jim Fordemwalt Ruth Kingsley Trudy Perez Jeannette Robson Barry Bruns Bev Buddee Bob Francis Larry Mankin Barbara White Ex-Officio Members Alumni Association - Rhonda McClintock Emeritus College Liaison - Elmer Gooding Human Resources - Sheree Barron/designee University Liaison - Barbara Shaw-Snyder & Abby Polito University Club Liaison - Jim Fordemwalt University Senate - to be determined University Staff Council - Katie Aguilar Committees & Liaisons ASURA Office Staff Phone: Fax: Website: Location: Adopt-A-Family: Joan Leard Membership: David Schwalm Book Donations: Mary Stevens Obituaries: Becky Reiss Events Coordinator: Barry McNeill Prime Times Newsletter: Jeannette Robson (Designer) Wilma Mathews (Editor) Finance: Barry Bruns Government Liaison (ASRS): Larry Carlson Government Liaison (State Legislature): Jeri Meeks, Hal White Health Insurance Liaison (ADOA): Larry Carlson Health Insurance Liaison (ASRS): Joyce Hartman Diaz Luncheons/Special Events: Joyce Hartman Diaz Scholarship: Sue Blumer Joy Shearman (480) 965-7668 ** (480) 965-7807 http://asura.asu.edu/ Community Services Building 200 East Curry Road, Room 201B Tempe, Arizona ** Best to call beforehand Business Operations Mgr. - Carolyn Minner Coordinators, Office Staff - Linda Van Scoy, Nancy Lesko Monday: Seminars: Jan Thompson Tuesday: Seminars (pre-retirement): Trudy Perez Wednesday: Travel: John Brock Thursday: Friday: Video History Project: David Scheatzle Subs: Website & Data Base: Connie McNeill Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 2 9am-noon 1pm-4pm 9am-noon 1pm-4pm 9am-noon 1pm-4pm 9am-noon 1pm-4pm Closed Carol Berg Jeannette Robson Carol Moore Linda Van Scoy Nancy Lesko Bev Buddee/ Tara Roesler Bonnie Scheall Help Wanted Joan Leard Dorothy Meunier Helen Seaton Maxine LaRoux Spring 2016 President’s Message The second presentation, on December 9, 2015, was by Kevin Salcido, ASU Vice President of Human Relations and Chief Human Resources Officer. He explained the reasons for the University’s proposal for going from a Defined Benefit program to an optional retirement program with a Defined Contribution program as a proposed option. Jim Fordemwalt, 2015-2016 ASURA President A belated Happy New Year to everyone! I hope that 2016 will be a banner year for you. The ASURA Board has been following the developments of possible changes in the Arizona Retirement policies this past fall. As most of you are probably aware, there has been discussion in the ASU Administration and the Arizona Legislature for possible making changes in the retirement system, among other things, from a Defined Benefit (DB) program to a Defined Contribution (DC) program. This, of course, has significant implication for future retirees. There is no indication that any of this will have any impact on present retirees. As of the last report, there has been no action on any of these proposals. Salcido expressed the opinion that there was a “less than 30% chance of anything happening this year on these proposals.” This year was the year for ASURA to be the host for the Tri-University Retirees Association, which was held in the Memorial Union on November 5. The annual ASURA Christmas Party was held December 18 and was attended by 40 members … and I think it was a great success! In order to follow this and to gain greater insight into these implications, the ASURA Board has invited speakers with knowledge in this area to make presentations to the Board. The first of these presentations, on October 14, 2015 was by Steve Ramos and Linda Somo, of the Arizona Education Association (AEA) who discussed the pros and cons of the proposed legislation by the ASU Administration and ABOR to take the future ASU retirees out of the Arizona State Retirees System (ASRS) Defined Benefits (DB) plan and a Defined Contribution (DB) plan. The plans for the 2016 ASURA Annual Meeting are well along. It will be in the MU Alumni Lounge from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, president and founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AFID). Remembering Corrine Irvan February 12, 1929 - December 26, 2015 Corrine was technically the second ASURA Office Coordinator and Business Manager when the organization was officially established, Marilyn Wahl being the first. But Marilyn, who was also serving as ASURA Board Secretary, convinced Corrine to take the job as she couldn’t do justice to both positions. That was in 1991 and through her term to 2007, Corrine organized the office and staff volunteers, handled the business matters and built the membership each year. Most volunteers work a few hours a week but Corrine was so committed to ASURA that it was practically a full-time job. Several Board members suggested it be a paid position but she said she didn’t want or expect to be paid. Corrine was truly the backbone of ASURA and a major contributor to its growth and success. (submitted by Linda Van Scoy) More than any other person, Corrine is responsible for the survival of ASURA from its beginnings in 1991 until she resigned in 2007. She served with two jobs: Office Coordinator and Business Operations Manager. She came to the office most every weekday and then, as required, on weekend days. She supported the elected president and the executive board and was largely responsible for developing the monthly meeting agenda for the president. Every president was in fear that something would happen to Corrine, either by an act of God or that she might resign. The treasurer came to the board meetings and received the treasurer’s report as prepared by Corrine. She kept the books and wrote the checks. She kept the membership roster current and searched out delinquent members. Corrine had many friends from her work at ASU when she was recruited to volunteer for office staffing. They were loyal and were treated to an annual grand luncheon, essentially their only reward for one afternoon per week of service. All of our past presidents through 2007 are indebted to Corrine Irvan. (submitted by Dave Scheatzle) Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 3 Spring 2016 watching the following bills as they have a direct impact on ASU: (Continued from page 1) ABOR states that Arizona's universities must be able to HB2072- Fire arms on university and college camoffer competitive, flexible, and cost effective retirement pus: This bill would amend two Arizona Statues (13-2911 programs in order to attract and retain quality faculty and and 12-3102) and allow an exception for registered stustaff. dents and faculty to carry guns on campus if they have a ABOR would like the authorization to issue commercial valid weapon permit and have registered with the institupaper and obtain commercial lines of credit. tion's administration. ABOR also rolled out a New Proposed State Investment Model, FY17 Budget Request and Legislative Agenda document in September 2015, requesting the ongoing fiscal relationship with the state be based on per-resident-student funding, with the goal of increasing the state’s resident student support to 50% of the cost of education (currently calculated at 34%). These supplemental funds, totaling $24M for all universities, would come from last year's state revenues, which exceeded the state’s forecast. SB1031 - Voting on Campus.: This bill allows student organizations under the auspices of ABOR to set up voting centers for each campus during the early voting period and on election day. The voting centers would provide an appropriate ballot and would allow voters to lawfully cast the ballot. Keeping Current on the Issues ASURA Government and ASRS Liaison committee members have been hard at work reviewing articles and ASU’s 2016 Priorities websites and attending ASRS Board, ASRS External AfASU’s stated legislative priorities are centered on the fairs committee meetings and ASU legislative events. Our budget. Dr. Crow spoke eloquently about the need to sup- liaisons have initiated a working group of city and state port Arizona’s resident students at the Legislative Advoca- retiree association government liaisons to coordinate legiscy Breakfast on Monday January 11. In agreement with lation tracking, review and response. ABOR’s investment model the university proposes a perThe ASURA Board and Executive Committee have also resident-student state funding increase as a FY16 suppleseen presentations from these organizations this fall: mental budget item ($10.7M of the proposed $24M will go to ASU). He spoke about how a fiscal model based on  Arizona Education Association (AEA) Retirees — funding resident students is part of a larger plan to raise KAEA Retiree representatives Steve Ramos and Linda 12 standards and promote Arizonans going to college and Somo discussed the differences between defined benestaying in state to grow our economy. To support this fit vs defined contribution programs and the pros and comprehensive educational model the first breakfast speakcons of each. AEA presented statistical data to support er was Rich Nickel from College Success Arizona, a nonthe three universities staying with the ASRS defined profit that coordinates college preparatory, scholarship and benefit program. mentoring partners to support student success in college. Approximately 30 states have used this model suc Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) — ASRS cessfully. Assistant Director of External Affairs Pat Klein spoke at the Tri-University Retiree Association meeting Bills and Budgets to Watch about the consistently monitored investment portfolio Governor Ducey was supportive of the three state uniand fiscal stability of the defined benefit state retireversities in his State of the State address on January 11, ment system which results in a stable income for ASU 2016. In his Executive Budget, released on January 16, he retirees. opted to adopt the per-resident-student funding model but proposes $8M for all three universities – a sharp contrast to  Arizona State University (ASU) — In line with ABOR’s request for $24M. ASU’s request to be relieved of its obligation to participate in ASRS ASU VP HR/Chief Human Resources Although ABOR’s 2016 Legislative Agenda prioritized Officer Kevin Salcido discussed the investment adthe development of independent benefits programs, no bills vantages, lower investment percentage (7% vs. over addressing university retirement programs or healthcare 11% this year) and portability of an Optional Retireplan option reform have been submitted to the legislature ment Program (ORP) or 401(a). In ASU’s proposed for consideration as of January 13, 2016. ASURA will be (Continued on page 5) Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 4 Spring 2016 Arizona State Legislature 52 Legislature House and Senate Bills: http://azleg.gov/Bills.asp (Continued from page 4) plan, new employees would not have an option to participate in ASRS, current vested employees would have the option to move from ASRS to ORP and retirees participating in ASRS would not be affected. Mr. Salcido did state, several times, that the investment risk would lay with the employee and ASU would not invest in employee 401(a) accounts until the employee is vested (5 years). Arizona State Retirement System Bill Tracker: https:// www.azasrs.gov/content/legislation ABOR 2016 Legislative Agenda within ABOR September Board Meeting (page 45): http://azregents.asu.edu/ boardbook/Board%20Agenda%20Books/2015-SeptemberBoard-Meeting.pdf#page=45 ABOR New Proposed State Investment Model, FY17 Budget Request and Legislative Agenda: https:// www.azregents.edu/sites/default/files/news-releases/ In the News: AZ Republic Article published a front ABOR%20Rolls%20out%20New%20Proposed%20State% page article on Sunday January 10, 2016 entitled “With 20Investment%20Model%2C%20FY%2017%20Budget% cash on hand, do we cut or spend”. Of particular interest is 20Request%20and%20Legislative%20Agenda.pdf the discussion regarding the Health Insurance Trust Fund. AZ House of Representatives Higher Education Committee Jan 29, 2015 meeting: http://azleg.granicus.com/ In addition, the ASURA sponsors brown bag lunches. MediaPlayer.php?view_id=22&clip_id=14846 Larry Carlson presented a forum regarding retirement inAZ Republic article review in Keeping up with Current surance and planning options on December 3rd at ASU Issues: http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/ West with 20 attendees. politics/2016/01/09/deciding-arizonas-fiscal-future-cutASURA sponsored a pre-retirement financial seminar spend/76733520/ on October 13th in Tempe at the ASU Bio-design building gathering over 50 attendees. Two personal financial plan- AZ Republic Article: Gov. Ducey’s budget Plan: Modes ners explained various strategies employees need to inves- Increased to the education, child safety; no tax cuts yet: http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/ tigate as they approach retirement. politics/2016/01/15/gov-doug-ducey-announces-arizonaHelpful Links budget-proposal-2016/78847816/ Who is my District Legislator?: https://www.govtrack.us/ College Success Arizona: http://collegesuccessarizona. org/about-us/ congress/members/AZ Adopt-a-Family Report Joan Leard/Chair Your Adopt-a-Family dollars are still at work helping two families each year. This school year we have adopted a mother, father and five boys from the Tempe school system, and a mother, father and two girls from ASU. The Tempe schools social worker says, “I have a great family. The father works hard in landscaping to support his family and the mom stays at home to care for the children and takes the two oldest to school every day – excellent attendance.” The ASU coordinator says, “Father was active duty Air Force as an avionics technician on F-22 and F-16 aircraft, separated in 2014 and began to pursue a bachelor’s degree at ASU in electrical engineering. Mother is a nursing assistant.” The girls are 11 and 16 years old and do well in school taking advanced classes. Before the Christmas holiday we had a call from the manager of Springleaf Financial Services in Tempe. His company, with local offices, wanted to donate to our program. We accepted their offer and added their funds to ours to make for very generous gifts for all eleven of our recipients including clothing, toys and grocery cards for food. As in other years, we helped these families in the fall, at Christmas and we will make another donation to each in the spring. Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 5 Spring 2016 2015 Health Care/Open Enrollment Seminar Recap — Jan Thompson/Chair, Seminar Committee By all accounts, the October 22nd “2015 Health Care/Open Enrollment Seminar” was a resounding success, with about 70 ASURA members and guests attending our first seminar held at the Tempe Historical Museum. The good news is that there are no rate increases in state plans and, it’s a “positive open enrollment” year for both ADOA and ASRS, meaning that no action is required if you wish to keep the same coverage that you had this year. David Parra, AARP, state director of community outreach, presented a session on Medicare coverage and fielded questions with his trademark clarity, enthusiasm and good humor. Elizabeth Shaefer and Pat Klein followed with their respective presentations on ADOA and ASRS health plan coverages for next year. They also addressed many attendees’ questions both during and after the session. Ron McElhaney, Elizabeth Shaefer (ADOA), Maynard Blumer Pat Klein (ASRS), Doug Johnson, Dorothy McAden David Parra (AARP) ASURA Fall 2015 Luncheon Recap — Joyce Hartmann Diaz/Chair, Luncheon Committee 54 ASU retirees and guest attended the (ASURA) Fall luncheon at the Shalimar Country Club on November 13th. Mike Chamberlin (local television news personality, now retired) entertained the group with songs from WWII in honor of Veteran’s Day, Christmas songs, and old favorites along with his always interesting stories. The event, and Mike’s performance, were well received. Barbara Gaston, Suzanne Bias, Barbara Bradford Eschbach, Bonnie Scheal Mike Chamberlin Karen & Dave Schwalm, Jay Butler, Jo & Matt Madonna Carl Cross & Arlene Westgard (Continued on page 7) Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 6 Spring 2016 (Continued from page 6) The Spirit of Phoenix Christmas Concert Recap — by John Brock,/Chair, Travel Committee On December 5, 2015 about 12 persons affiliated with the ASURA attended the Spirit of Phoenix Chorus Christmas concert at Skyline High School in Mesa. The concert consisted of a cappella holiday music. In addition to songs by the chorus, several quartets drawn from the chorus entertained the audience. After the event, several of the ASURA members enjoyed an early dinner at a nearby eatery. This is an annual event, so watch for announcements about this activity in Fall 2016. December 2015 Holiday Potluck Wrap Up — by Joyce Hartmann Diaz/Chair, Luncheon Committee 43 ASU retirees and guests attended the annual ASURA Holiday Potluck on Friday, December 18th. Guests brought a large variety of yummy holiday food and treats. The event resulted in a lot of delightful food for our tummies, and much socializing-- which we all enjoy. On behalf of the Luncheon Committee we’d like to thank all those who brought baked goods to sell and those who purchased items to enjoy over the holidays. Our annual bake sale netted $164.06 for the association. I’d like to thank committee members Beth Fordemwalt and Gretchen Hirni for all their help, as well as Linda Van Scoy and Carol Berg (the little office elves), and Jim Fordemwalt for all their help with the potluck set-up, clean-up, and support. The ASURA Board looks forward to seeing you at some of our 2016 events. Watch your e-mail for more events in 2016. Joyce Hartman Diaz, Sue & Maynard Blumer, Doug Johnson Barry & Connie McNeill with Carol Cary Bonnie Scheal, Carol Berg, Mary Stevens Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times Ceil Hook, Karen Hammann, Linda Van Scoy 7 Beth Fordemwalt, Joyce Hartman Diaz, Gretchen Hirni Joy Shearman, Barbara Bradford Eschbach Spring 2016 Spring 2016 ASURA Events Schedule The Events Committee has planned a full set of events for this Spring. Please put these dates on your calendars. As the events get closer additional information will be available on our website, https://asura.asu.edu and you will be able to register for the events. Note: The Tovrea Castle tour sold out very quickly last year and those who went last year are not eligible to go again this year. The first announcement for the event will be sent out on Monday March 7th and registration will open at 10:00 am on Tuesday March 8th. Type Event Name Date Cost/Contact Meeting OPEN - ASURA Board Meeting Wednesday, February 10 Free ASU Event 30th Annual “ASU Day at the Capitol” Tuesday, February 16 Free Seminar Write a Will Workshop Thursday, February 18 Free Travel Cuba - 2016 March 5-17 Contact: Gary Kleemann, gary@asu.edu Meeting OPEN - ASURA Board Meeting Wednesday, March 9 Free Seminar Scamming Schemes Thursday, March 17 Free Travel Tovrea Castle Tour - 2 Sessions Friday, April 1 $13 per person Meeting/ Social 2016 Annual Meeting Saturday, April 16 Free Meeting OPEN - ASURA Board Meeting Wednesday, May 11 Free Write a Will Workshop: February 18, 2016 - 10:00am-12:00pm - CSB Rm. #330 - Free (Note: Registration must be completed by 4:00 pm Wednesday February 10) Do you understand the difference between a Will and a Trust? Have you ever wondered what the purpose of Probate Court is? Are you wondering how to begin the process of estate planning and its significance? If you have asked these questions, please plan to attend the Write a Will Workshop. The workshop will address these questions, provide materials to help make the estate planning process easy, and allow time to for you to ask related questions. Troy McNemar and Nancy Gerald will co-present this beneficial workshop. T. Troy McNemar is a practicing attorney and has been certified as a specialist in Estate and Trust Law by the State Bar of Arizona. Since 1991, he has been representing Arizona clients with estate planning, probate, trust administration and adult guardianships and conservatorships. Troy graduated from Washburn University in 1988 and earned his law degree from the University of Kansas, School of Law. Troy is active in the Arizona nonprofit community and serves as the Vice Chair of the Planned Giving Roundtable of Arizona and as Past Chairman of the Board of Directors of St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. Nancy Gerald began serving the nonprofit community in 1993 and has specialized in estate planning for the past eight years. Nancy is a graduate of Bradley University and earned her master’s degree from the University of Phoenix. She has worked for the American Red Cross for fourteen years. Her volunteer commitment to advancing charitable giving includes mentorship for the Arizona Endowment Building Institute, serving on the board of the Planned Giving Roundtable of Arizona, and past President of the Planned Giving Roundtable of Arizona. To sign up for this workshop register on-line at https://asura.asu.edu, or call the ASURA office at 480-965-7668. (Continued on page 9) Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 8 Spring 2016 (Continued from page 8) Scamming Schemes: March 17, 2016 - 10:00am-12:00pm - CSB Rm. #330 - Free As times get tougher, thieves get bolder and they are out to get YOU! Join us to learn how scam artists work and how to avoid becoming their target. Experts from AARP’s Arizona Fraud Watch Network and the Arizona Corporation Commission will discuss how to dissect various types of schemes, from financial investments to identity theft, and common tactics used by these scoundrels. Remember, knowledge is the first line of defense! To sign up for this workshop register on-line at https://asura.asu.edu, or call the ASURA office at 480-965-7668. (Note: Registration will begin in mid-February) ASURA 2016 Annual Meeting: April 16, 2016 - 11:30am-2:00pm - ASU MU Alumni Lounge - Free Plan to attend this year's Annual Meeting to help us celebrate the 25th year of the ASU Retirees Association. The guest speaker will be M. Zuhdi Jasser, M.D., the founder and President of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD). The Annual Meeting of the ASU Retirees Association celebrates the conclusion of each year, as called for in our Bylaws. The meeting provides an opportunity for us to recognize the activities and accomplishments of the organization and the contributions of our members. The meeting also provides an opportunity to discuss other matters that are of interest to the entire membership. The ASURA Annual Report is distributed to those who want a copy. This report summarizes our activities for the year. Links to prior-year reports appear for each annual meeting that is listed among our past events on our website (https://asura.asu.edu). The complete agenda for this year's meeting is still in the planning stages. There will be light lunch snacks, salad, coffee and tea. ASURA Needs Your Old Books! Are your bookshelves too full? Are you downsizing your office or your home and don't have space for all of your books? Donate your used books to us, and we will work with our partner, Friends of the Phoenix Public Library, to sell them. We'll use proceeds of the sale to support our programs. The ASU Foundation, a separate nonprofit organization that exists to support ASU, will provide you with a gift receipt for tax purposes. Half of the proceeds will be invested in our endowed scholarship fund, and half will be used for our Video History project. Earnings from the endowed scholarship fund are earmarked for our ASURA Scholarship. If you have books you can donate, please visit our website at https://asura.asu.edu/BookDrive and print our donation form. Complete the form and either scan and fax or email to Mary Stevens, chair of the Book Drive project or mail it directly to the ASURA office. For more information contact: Mary Stevens, (602) 758-3750, marystevens0@gmail.com Bill Moor, (480) 838-8348, william.moor@asu.edu Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 9 Spring 2016 “Remember a Little College” - by Dean Smith, published in the Winter 2007 Prime Times — Dave Scheatzle/Chair, Video History Dean Smith was ASU’s Director of Publications, a founding member of ASURA and author of many books on the history of ASU. I was the editor of the Prime Times for a dozen issues from October 2004 until February 2009. During that period, Dean Smith wrote a number of ASU History articles. Following is one, written for the Winter 2007 edition, that I found worth repeating. Compare Arizona State Teachers College at Tempe (student Pop. 1300) in 1940 with ASU today. Dean Smith died July 11, 2012. Activity Building, where we had Wednesday evening dances (one hour long), still stands. The new Lyceum Building and Irish Hall, and the fairly new Goodwin Stadium (8000 It was September, 1940, the summer heat was very much with us, and there was no air conditioning – not even seats) rounded out the list. We had no student union, so swamp coolers in most buildings – on the campus of Arizo- somebody put some chairs, a juke box and a soft drink machine in the basement of the Lyceum, and that served until na State Teachers College at Tempe. But nobody complained, especially we freshmen who were starting the big- after the war. gest adventure of our lives. I had turned 17 not long before Female students were guarded like rare zoological speand all this was new, exciting and a bit frightening. cies. Freshman girls had to be safely back in their halls by eight o’clock (!) on weeknights, and had only one lateAll the males among the 1,300 students enrolled that night weekend privilege a semester. I can still see the guys fall knew that our college days might well be numbered. in the soft glow of the West Hall porch light, giving their Hitler’s legions had occupied Paris in June, England was grimly awaiting the Nazi invasion, and America was at last dates one last kiss before house mother Margaret Walsh facing the probability of our involvement in World War II. slammed the front door. Some of us were already being drafted, others were enlistMartha Krause was an even more vigorous door slaming, and the rest knew it was only a matter of time before mer. If you were a minute late to a meal, the door banged we would be wearing khaki or navy blue. But we tried to shut in your face and you had to go down to the VI put those disturbing thoughts away and concentrate on enjoying college life for as many months as the good lord and (Varsity Inn, where Nursing is now) for a sandwich. Ma Krause was an amazing woman. She not only managed the Uncle Sam would allow us. dining hall (her husband was the only cook), but she was in charge of all student employment. In addition, she was the We found a campus not much bigger than our high schools, and much smaller than Phoenix Union or Tucson self-appointed monitor of dining room etiquette. Let a student comb his hair inside the building, or eat in a gross High. (Phoenix Union had 5,500 students then!) There were the historic buildings in the Old Quad – Old Main, the manner, and she would be on him like a hen on a June bug. Can you imagine anyone getting away with that now? Science Building, and the Auditorium (with girls’ gym in the basement -- now the site of Language and Literature). We usually took dates to the VI because you could get a The Old Quad lawn was surrounded by a black iron fence. (Why? We were told it was put there to keep farm animals Coke for a nickel and let somebody else play the record machine. Oh, those Big Band days! Glenn Miller, Tommy off the grounds years before). When we entered the war, Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Kay Kyser, Harry James – they the fence was dismantled and given to the metal drive. played real music, with instrumentation like a symphony; There was the residence quad – North, South, West and East Halls, and old Alpha Hall and Carrie Matthews Hall. and with clever arrangers who were artists of great talent. Most students lived on campus. In that Depression year we were all poor, so nobody noticed. There was a sport coat in Alpha Hall – the only The Payne Training School was behind Old Main. Later destroyed by fire, the training school was moved to the one in the dorm – that the guys borrowed whenever they had to dress up. I remember nobody who had a car, alsite of the present Nelson Art Gallery. There was Matthough there were probably a few, so we rode the Menderthews Library, which also housed the President’s office, son bus into Phoenix (25 cents round trip) for big events and the Arts Building just north of it. The dining hall, where Ma and Pa Krause ruled, fed us all. The men’s gym there. You boarded it in front of the VI. The girls seemed was next to the present Memorial Union. The new Moeur to understand. A big deal was a movie at Red Harkins’ Remember a Little College (Continued on page 11) Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 10 Spring 2016 (Continued from page 10) College Theater on Mill Avenue, and a bigger deal was “Gone with the Wind” or ”The Wizard of Oz” at the palatial Orpheum in Phoenix. chemistry was highly regarded. Ira D. Payne and Sam Burkhard in Education – whose students later taught in every school in Arizona. Then there was Millard (Dixie) Howell, the famed Alabama quarterback who coached our Bulldogs (we were not A story, and a true one: President Gammage was stand- Sun Devils until 1946), to two Sun Bowl appearances. ing near the VI with Dean J.O. Grimes and the venerable All are long gone now, but one faculty member of 1940 Fred Irish late one afternoon when a coed stepped off the still lives in Tempe: Lola Ellsworth, sharp and spry at 95bus and immediately let a bottle of some alcoholic beverage slip out of a bag and crash in bits on the sidewalk. She plus. She led the Home Ec Department for years. fled in panic, and Grimes was about to follow her when In those days, senior faculty taught freshmen (how Gammage said, “Let her go. She’ll be suffering for days, about that) and were an inspiration to all of us. We knew waiting for a summons to the President’s Office! That them personally, and they kept their doors open to any stushould be punishment enough.” dent who wanted to talk. Between the north end of the campus and what we A remarkable facet of our little college in 1940: At least called Tempe Butte was the barrio, where Hispanic fami90 percent of the housekeeping, food service, maintenance, lies cooked spicy food which perfumed the air most declerical, lawn and garden, and other such jobs were held by lightfully. Many years later, when the debate raged over students. That served two vital purposes: Students could locating the proposed Sun Devil Stadium, it was argued afford to attend ASTC with a student job who never could that nobody would take the trouble to walk all the way have done so otherwise, and it kept college operating exfrom the campus to the butte for a football game. penses within the meager legislative appropriation. My job It was my rare privilege to know, briefly, two giants of at first was in the office of Dean Grimes, but I soon moved ASU history. Arthur J. Matthews, president from 1900 to on to the News Bureau and later to jobs as editor of the 1930, lived in 1940 in Matthews Cottage, just south of the State Press (newspaper) and Sahuaro (yearbook). I profited more from my school jobs than I did from most classes, Nursing Building. He was much in evidence at college so I am grateful. events in 1940, but died in 1941. Fred Irish, first Tempe Normal football coach (1896), registrar, science teacher, A word about athletics: Our big rival in 1940 was not etc. served the college from 1896 until his death in 1941. the U of A – they were in another class, playing Minnesota Both have buildings named for them. and Notre Dame in football at that time. It was ASTC at Arizona State Teachers College was blessed with a fac- Flagstaff, an even smaller school but one that beat us with embarrassing frequency. Until 1938, Rudy Lavik had been ulty far more excellent that a little backwater school decoach of all the men’s teams. He was a graduate of simon served. Some, like Arnold Tilden in history and political pure Springfield College and was an advocate of total amascience, came here in the depth of the Depression because teurism. Lavik posted a notice each September 1 calling they could not find a job anywhere else. Dr. Tilden, who for anyone who wanted to play football should turn out for had a national reputation in his field, was one of the most the first practice. He refused to lower himself to going out gifted teachers I ever knew, and later became the founding and trying to persuade high school boys to come play for dean of our College of Liberal Arts. Others, like Ronald him. So we rarely won. When Dixie Howell came, all was Bridges, moderator of the international Congregational different. We recruited, we subsidized our players, and Church and brother of Senator Styles Bridges of New some boosters slipped them money or bought them clothes. Hampshire, came to Arizona for their health. Dr. Bridges, Overnight, Howell made the Bulldogs winners in football. One of the players Dixie got to transfer from his old who taught English, was severely crippled with arthritis. school, Alabama, was Al Onofrio, who later coached at Among the most memorable faculty: Bernard Watson in ASU and was head coach at Missouri. Al still lives here Physics, who was called to Chicago to join the Manhattan and is still a fine physical specimen. Project team. Louis Myers in English, whose textbook on Oddly enough, the first sport in which our college American grammar was used in many countries. Rufus K. achieved national prominence was track and field. A Wyllys, nationally recognized for his books on Southwest young fireball from Pennsylvania, Donn Kinzle, came on history. Charles Wexler, our first Harvard Ph.D., a genius (Continued on page 12) who taught mathematics. George Bateman, whose work in Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 11 Spring 2016 (Continued from page 11) much farther from Phoenix to Tempe than from Tempe to Phoenix.” the scene in 1941 and molded a championship team almost overnight, beating the U of A and almost upsetting the perIt was not until Dixie Howell’s football teams caused ennial national champ, USC. the Valley to look our way occasionally – until the legislature in 1945 allowed us to drop the “Teachers” from our ASTC had no national fraternities or sororities in 1940 name and placed us under a single Board of Regents with (they first came in 1946). We had four local fraternities ASTC Flagstaff and U of A – and until the Sun Angels and six or seven local sororities, none of which had their were formed in 1946 and the Sun Devil replaced the Bullown houses. They were actually social clubs, but they in- dog. spired fierce loyalty and the competition in intramural sports was all-out. Each fraternity and sorority had its anThrough all the Dark Ages of our teachers college days, nual formal dance, as did each of the residence halls. The President Grady Gammage had his eyes on the stars. He girls saved their allowances to buy formal dresses, and the would not rest in his promotional activity until 1958, when boys managed with a white cloth jacket and dark pants. he made this institution a university with its present name. Probably the best-read story in the State Press each week He was indeed a man of vision. was the guest list for the formal dance of that week. Who had invited whom? It was big news, and sometimes heartI am grateful that I was able to attend a small college breaking for the guy or gal who was hoping for an invitawhere everybody knew everybody, where a student could tion and didn’t get one. participate in almost any activity, and where the excellent faculty was able to give each of us personal attention. It Of all the have-not colleges in the nation, we were cer- has been my privilege to watch our university grow and tainly one of the have-notest. We had no private support, mature over the years, and to serve on its staff for 27 of and the Alumni Association was dormant until 1947, when those years. Jim Creasman came back to the campus and revived it. Nobody seemed to have thought of a foundation (the first ASU, you are now on the threshold correspondence about that was written in 1946) and we of greatness. With the support of the would have had a very hard time getting money from the ASU Foundation and our many thouleaders in Phoenix, most of whom were U of A graduates. sands of friends, you will soar even The movers and shakers rarely came to Tempe and hardly higher. Each upward step will continever gave us a thought. A popular saying was that “It is ue to delight me. by Dean Smith Video History Report Dave Scheatzle, Chair The process of identifying the next class of interview candidates is underway. 94 names have been brought forward for consideration. A selection committee of 18 persons from the metropolitan campuses has submitted their rankings by email for the persons whom they know. From the results, we would expect to do 15 interviews during the next 12 months. Becky Reiss has been coordinating the voting process. She also coordinates the scheduling of the interviews – finding a date and time that works for the interviewee, the interviewer and the camera crew. Video History Crew: Roger Carter, Dave Scheatzle, Linda Van Scoy, John McIntosh The completed interviews are being transferred to the Digital Repository at the ASU Library. This allows interviews to be viewed from your home computer via a website, rather than by checking out a DVD from our office. Carolyn Minner has been assisting in the upload of interviews. The website address is: http://www.repository.asu.edu/collections where it is listed as “Arizona State University Retirees Association Video History Interviews Collections”. Linda Van Scoy continues to develop YouTube clips, a 2 to 5 minute snippet from the hour long interview, that you can view on the ASURA website … https://asura.asu.edu/VideoHistoryInterviews. Here you will find a complete list of the 113 interviews to date. At the end of a person’s name, if you see the words “(video clip)” underlined and in red, you can put your curser on this red underlined phrase and left click with your mouse. The video clip will start to play. Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 12 Spring 2016 Obituaries: September 15, 2015 - January 15, 2016 by Becky Reiss (please note that all obituary notices and photos, when available, are on our website at http://asura.asu.edu/obituaries) Name Date of Death ASU Affiliation Allen, Monte R. December 15, 2015 Academic Advisor, ASU West Allison, Peter December, 2015 Professor, College of Business Apilado, Vincent Paul November 28, 2015 Professor, College of Business Baggett, Vicki J. October 3, 2015 Department/College affiliation unknown Barer, Norma Ruth October 7, 2015 Faculty, Dance Department Belok, Michael Victor December 28, 2015 Professor, College of Education Christie, James F Barer, September 26, 2015 Professor, School of Social and Family Dynamics Decker, Roxilee Farmer October 25, 2015 Wife of John Decker, ASU faculty member (deceased) Fay, Thomas F. January 1, 2016 Sr. Development Officer, Herberger College of Fine Arts Fiore, Joseph P. December 22, 2015 Director of Operations Fulton, Mary Lou October 1, 2015 Philanthropist, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College Golston, Rodger October 21, 2015 Adjunct Professor, Criminal Justice Department Hahn III, Charles C. “Chuck” December 3, 2015 Charles Hahn Endowment, W.P. Carey School of Business Henning, Eugene William October 11, 2015 Instructor, Math and Computer Information Systems Hill, James (Jim) O. November 19, 2015 Center for Executive Development, College of Business; Director, Community Relations Hurst, Lori Ann Peterson September 20, 2015 Daughter of Val Peterson, retired director of Facilities Management and ASURA President 2008-09 Injasoulian, Marge November 6, 2015 Member of ASU advisory councils Irvan, Marie Corrine December 26, 2015 Budget Office (continued on page 14) Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 13 Spring 2016 (continued from page 13) Name Date of Death ASU Affiliation Jenkins, Charles Gray October 2, 2015 Executive Development Center Johnson, Gary September 10, 2015 Adjunct Faculty, ASU West Jones, Kumen Hurst January 3, 2016 College/Department Affiliation unknown Kehrer-Emileane, Laura Jean November 22, 2015 College of Nursing Kobut-Smith, Rosemarie November 10, 2015 Data Entry Operator L’Ecuyer, Claudelle Frances Bailey September 25, 2015 Director, State Government Relations Maas, Patricia Ann January 13, 2016 Department of Family and Human Development Manera, Elizabeth (Bets) Surgis October 11, 2015 Professor Emerita, Secondary Education McBride, Mimi Robbins November 9, 2015 Founder of American Indian Library Materials Center, Hayden Library McClure, Jr., Jesse Foster February 21, 2011 Dean, School of Social Work (ASURA office recently learned of Dr. Foster’s death) McElligott, Josephine DeTomaso September 4, 2015 Secretary, College/Department affiliation unknown McElwain, Robert “Bob” August 28, 2015 Sponsored Projects McLaughlin, Patricia “Patti” November 5, 2015 Residential Life Mitchell, Michael James deRa- October 27, 2015 mus Political Science Myers, Kenneth C. September 4, 2015 ASU Library Nageotte, Frank L. October 1, 2015 Capital Campaign Chair, All Saints Newman Center Parfet, Anne Kempton September 17, 2015 Taught dance; Anne Kinnerup Parfet Dance Scholarship, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts Pedrick, Jo Ann Glotfelty January 6, 2016 Professor, School of Social Work Prigge, William Carl October 18, 2015 Professor, College affiliation unknown Provenzano, Valerie September 6, 2015 Board member, Lyric Music Theater (continued on page 15) Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 14 Spring 2016 (continued from page 14) Name Date of Death ASU Affiliation Ray, W. D. (Bill) November 22, 2015 Department of Mathematics Reig, Grace Agnes (Riechlmayr) December 10, 2015 ASU Newman Center Rhodes, Harvey Harry October 18, 2015 Computer Consultant Richardson, Barrie November 18, 2015 St. George, Vivian G. (Kohler) September 21, 2015 Staff, Computing Services Sato, Susie Ishakawa September 7, 2015 Library and Reference Assistant, Arizona Historical Foundation, Hayden Library Scanlon, Fr. Paul Edward November 19, 2015 Campus Youth Ministry Schaefer, Judy September 26, 2015 Founding member of Wings of Gold and Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy program; Benefactor of Judy and Bill Schaefer Sports Hall of Fame Sheldon, Velma Carolyn “Bonnie” October 30, 2015 ASU Library Sirkis, Murray Donald October 18, 2015 Emeritus Professor, Electrical Engineering Spinosa, Frank December 5, 2015 Professor of Music Talavera, M. Joseph September 7, 2015 Husband of Veronica Talavera, Information Technology Waldmann, Edward B., MD, FACP December 14, 2015 Instructor, Graduate School of Nursing Wharton, Dennis Earl December 10, 2015 Principal Tech Support Analyst, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts Williams, David Samuel November 24, 2015 Adjunct Professor, Department/College affiliation unknown Ziegler, John “Jack” Joseph July 22, 2015 Electrician Wood, Billy “Bill” Gene September 20, 2015 Professor, Engineering and Technology Yeater, James Willis “Jim” September 28, 2015 Professor, Department of Film, Dance and Theatre Yocum, Catherine Jean August 27, 2015 Professor, College affiliation unknown Young, Michael Cochise November 30, 2015 Associate Dean, Honors College; Director, Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Program; Director, Office of National Scholarship Advisement; Assistant VP, Flinn Foundation Scholarship Programs Arizona State University Retirees Association Prime Times 15 Spring 2016 Welcome New ASURA Members Suzanne Painter Jane Humble Guy Cardineau John Riley Wilma Walsh Bruce Fritz Betty Lombardo Gretchen Bataille Philomena Bell Jane Parkinson Frank Evans Diane Facinelli Vicky Bellendir Pierraimondo Baldini Sonia Hovet Prime Times is issued three times annually by the Arizona State University Retirees Association and may offer special editions, as needed. It is compiled and published by Jeannette Robson (designer), Wilma Mathews (editor), AlphaGraphics (printing services) and mailed through ASU Mail Services. Articles are always welcome, subject to Board approval. Mailing Address: Prime Times, ASU Retirees Association PO Box 873308 Tempe, AZ 85287-3308 Arizona State University Retirees Association: ASURA has a volunteer-staffed office in the Community Services Building, 200 E. Curry Rd., Room 201B in Tempe, Arizona. Office hours are Monday through Wednesday, 9:00a.m. - noon and 1:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.; Thursday, 9:00a.m. - noon; and CLOSED Thursday afternoons & all-day on Friday. (Best to call beforehand) Phone: Fax: Website: (480) 965-7668 (480) 965-7807 https://asura.asu.edu 16