Newsletter - January 6, 2009

Posted by Dawn MacKenzie 
 

CLUB MINUTES:  JANUARY 6th, 2009

The largest group in a long time gathered at this meeting.  Was it the presenter or have we really stepped up the guest invitations?  Either way, Kathleen Scherf, President of TRU entertained us all.

 

PRESENTATIONS

KATHLEEN SCHERF, PRESIDENT OF TRU

Kathleen presented to one of the largest crowds we've had in a while!  She comes to TRU after working in a number of post-secondary institutions, most recently from U of Calgary where she was the Dean of Communications.  In fact, since she was 5 and began school, she's never really left! 

She holds a Master of Arts and a PhD in Eng Lit & Theatre.  In Sept 2009 she'll be teaching a first year English course (but NOT marking!), hoping to reduce the 40% attrition rate of 1st Year students.  The target is 15%.  Her vision for TRU is to be an excellent small University where the focus is on teaching, not research.  New programs and a commitment to enhancing the "student experience", which she says is the core business of TRU, will both ensure that TRU realizes that vision.

Kathleen has 2 sons. Her oldest (23) graduated from UCalg and is now in Singapore teaching ESL; her youngest (14) attends Sahali Secondary.  She is currently sitting on the Board for the United Way and has time for one more volunteer activity.  Every Rotary Club in Kamloops has invited  her; now we have, too!

Kathleen invites your ideas at Kath@tru.ca

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COIN COUNTING CONTINUES:  Steve R wants to lighten your pockets / purses for Polio Plus.  Bring in your spare change to any meeting and Steve will count it and submit on your behalf to RI as your donation.  Mike F will bring his to the Jan 12thevening bowling social!

 

LELE :  Lele reports that her outdoor activities over the holidays were "good but cold" and the celebrations were "good but different".  She has moved back to the Wilkinson home so if you want to reach her, contact Darrin. 

 

STUDENT EXCHANGE UPDATES: Karin reports Weekend in the Mountains for Lele and Taylor (our outbound student) on Feb 6 -8. 

 

GOLF TOURNAMENT:  Second Wednesday in June; location TBA; Stephen K is chairing this fund raiser and invites all to an organizational meeting at Pronto's (Coast Inn) on Thursday, January 29th at 7am sharp.

 

NEXT MEETING - CLUB SOCIAL in January:   January 12th at Falcon Bowling in Valleyview, beginning with Fireside at 6pm, Lele's presentation at 7pm, and followed by pizza, bowling and general merriment!  Call Mike F for a $15.00 ticket; partners and guests are welcome.

 

NEXT EXECUTIVE MEETING - Monday, January 19th at 7pm at Duffy's: upstairs.  Current and incoming Executive are asked to attend.

 

Have a great week, everyone - Dawn