No lazy days for these retirees
by Ellen Gladden Jones
For 18 years, they’ve met for lunch, song, fellowship and fun.
They’ve gathered around an antique organ for holiday carols, in a history museum, on an electric boat on the Augusta Canal and in meeting halls across the CSRA. There’s usually food and there’s always conversation, smiles and laughter at MCG Retirees Association meetings.
“We typically have around 250 members and about 100 of those attend,” said Rob Graybill, the association’s president for 2006 and a Health Center Credit Union retiree. “Most people really enjoy the time to connect with their colleagues and learn about what’s new at MCG.
Established in 1988, the association has bylaws which state its purposes are to “support the mission of the Medical College of Georgia, to help keep members aware of events at MCG, and offer retirees opportunities to stay in touch.”
“It’s a good fellowship,” said Alan Campbell, who was dubbed Retirees Association Emeritus Executive Director for his seven years of leadership. “It’s good to see old friends that you’re not going to see unless you come to something like this.”
All former employees who retired under the Georgia Teachers Retirement System are eligible for membership. The annual membership fee of $10 provides entertainment at meetings, gifts for speakers, door prizes for attendees and correspondence. Lunch for meetings is typically $10.
“We’re a very informal bunch,” said Dr. Biagio Vericella, dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences from 1998-2001 and former retirees association president. “There is no attendance requirement and we follow suggestions from the group as to what we’ll do at upcoming meetings.”
This month, the association sent a letter to nearly 1,700 MCG retirees identified by the Human Resources Division asking them to participate in the 2006 activities, which are scheduled for March 14, June 13, Sept. 12 and Dec. 12.
For more information about the association, contact Mr. Graybill at robgraybill@earthlink.net.
MCG Retirees Association HistoryThe late Dr. Raymond Bard, founding dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences, was the MCG Retirees Association’s founding executive director in 1988. Alan Campbell, who retired as vice president for fiscal affairs and planning in 1992, took the helm of the association in 1993 and served for seven years. “Ray Bard was a very aggressive person when he wanted something and he set out to get this group together,” said Mr. Campbell. “He thought the fellowship that would result from (retirees gathering) would be worth the trouble, and I think it really has been.” Dr. Geraldine Rinker, Professor Emerita in the Department of Medical Technology, served as the group’s president from 2000-04. Dr. Biagio Vericella, Dean Emeritus of the School of Allied Health Sciences, led from 2004-05. Rob Graybill, a Health Center Credit Union retiree, begins his term of office this month. |