Beamer 1.15.14
Guests: Marc Burr and Jim Pascoe
Reminder: Board meeting following the weekly 7:00 p.m. meeting Wednesday at Welshfield Inn.
Dues: Annual dues are due. Any questions, please ask Tracy Jemison.
Feeding the “pig”: Effective immediately the pig will require feeding of $1.00 if a member is not wearing a Rotary pin or name badge at the regular meetings.
Announcement: Dan and Bev McClelland welcomed a new grandson last Wednesday. Congratulations!!
Program: Kent State University-Geauga campus is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Jim Dvorak introduced Denise Milhollan, Business Manager of the Burton campus of Kent State University. A 32-year resident of Geauga County, Ms. Milhollan stated that the previous Friday featured the opening ceremonies of the campus’ 50th year anniversary. Leading the 50th year celebration activities is her responsibility. KSU-Geauga is very good at academics, she said, and is doing very well at meeting the needs of the job market. Through the years KSU-Geauga has been very supportive of many county-involved groups.
Among the many activities planned for this half-century year is a golf outing that will be a scholarship fundraiser. Cost of attending KSU-Geauga is 40 percent less than attending the Kent State University main campus in Kent. “The first priority is the students, “said Ms. Milhollan. A music festival is planned for the summer and will include local talent and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. Ninth through twelfth grade Geauga County students will be invited to audition for an opportunity to play with the Orchestra. In November KSU-Geauga will host a dinner dance at the Hillbrook Club in Russell Township.
Marketing initiatives will include a Facebook presence and upgrading the campus’ web site. Added will be outdoor signage announcing county events. A Lunch & Learn monthly program will begin and one of the faculty members will be highlighted at the same time. KSU-Geauga recognized a need for a Speakers’ Bureau and plans to establish one. Speakers will be found on “Linked In”. Also new will be the “Alumni Connection’ that will give graduates the ability to share the opportunities they’ve found and their successes.
At the end of the year, in January 2015, there will be a wrap-up ceremony announcing a “Friends of the Campus” and introducing a 50 hours of community service program.
With enrollment up 50 percent in the last five years, KSU-Geauga’s future is bright with its continuing service to the community.