Chapter Minutes - East Tennessee Chapter
July 14, 2007
There were 25 present for the second 2007 quarterly meeting of East Tennessee Berry Alumni, which was held at noon at the home of Luther and Genny Pugh in Kingston. A delicious covered-dish luncheon was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. An extensive array of desserts, along with a birthday cake and ice cream to surprise Peggy Tillery on her 80th birthday, were highlights of the meal.
After our lunch, Luci Bell, President, called the meeting to order, thanking everyone for being there and introducing Claire Clark, a guest of Luci. Claire has a daughter who is interested in attending Berry. Minutes of the March 10 meeting were read by Mary Guthrie. They were approved as read.
Luci continued the meeting by introducing our special guests from Berry: Fred Mercer, Coordinator of Regional and Campus Events and Mike Burns, Dean of the Student Work Program. Luci asked Mike to bring our group up-to-date on current activities in the work program. He began by saying that students have changed a lot over the years, but they are still interested in work and in doing a good job.
Mike continued by saying there are eight students in the Bonner Programs. These programs help in various areas off campus-to help those in need. He said he lets the students know that they are at Berry to serve others; that they can learn that there is something good about working and to have objectives and to reach goals. Time management, problem solving and experience are central roles in a Berry education. Berry has begun an entrepreneur program where the students will form their own business. At present, they have begun a cheese and ice cream business; which, so far, is quite successful. Mike said that Dr. Briggs would like to see every student at Berry working. Luci thanked Mike for his excellent presentation!
Luci continued the meeting with comments about Work Week, which many of our members attended in June. Everyone agreed that it was a successful one and that everyone did their part to make it a success. Luci mentioned that Dr. Briggs was a devoted member of the work-week crew. He was diligent in helping at many of the work sights and his presence in general was outstanding and uplifting to those attending.
Luci reminded us of the recent death of Opal Loveday (1943C) and suggested that we send $100 to Berry as a memorial to Opal. A motion was made with everyone approving.
A collection was taken by Grace Johnson, Treasurer. $70 was collected and will be added to the current balance, making a total of $472.61 in our treasury.
Our next meeting will be in Dandridge on October 20 at Smokey's Restaurant at noon. Following our meal, everyone will go to the home of Mary Guthrie for a business meeting and dessert.
Luci thanked Luther and Genny for being such good hosts, and everyone thanked Mike for his enlightening presentation.
Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Shurling Guthrie, S