Message from the Governor......................................................... Ockle Johnson

 

It was good to be back in New Orleans for the Joint Meetings.  Although there were concerns last year over keeping the meetings in New Orleans, the meeting went very smoothly and had a record attendance.  As someone who spent a lot of time in New Orleans as a child visiting my grandmother, I was glad that we were able to contribute in a small way to the city’s revitalization.

 

The Board of Governors meeting was interesting and I would like to share some of the highlights.  Carl Cowen, who has just finished his term as MAA President, again spoke about enhancing our international involvement and cooperation. The Treasurer, John Kenelly, reported that our finances are in good order with the following approximate breakdown in millions: $10, operating budget; $6, investments; $8, buildings; and $6, grants. 

 

Congratulations to Rick Cleary who was elected to the Budget and Audit Committees.  As a member of those committees for the next five years, he will also be serving on the Board of Governors.

 

One of the lively discussions of the day was over an amendment to forego a $4 increase in dues for retirees in response to complaints over a substantial increase last year.  The amendment failed in a close vote. The Board passed an amendment to the bylaws redefining emeritus membership status, which does not include journal subscriptions.  

 

The Board received the final strategic planning reports for the first three areas: American Mathematical Competitions, Revenue and Professional Development. All were well-received.  They were very positive in tone and contained some recommendations for the Executive Committee to consider.   The second set of subcommittees, on Governance, Membership and Students, are continuing their work.  Both the governors and the section officers spent time during their meetings discussing MAA Student Activities.  The Board also voted on the issues to be addressed in the next cycle of strategic planning. They are Meetings, Sections, and STEM.

 

On the programming side, there is a lot of excitement about the newly renovated Carriage House at MAA headquarters, made possible by a generous gift from Paul and Virginia Halmos.  The facility has been in use since the fall, but the official grand opening celebration will occur April 19-21.   Highlighting this years PREP offerings is the Euler Study Tour in honor of Euler’s 300th birthday.   Two of the PREP programs will take place in the Northeastern Section and three will use the new Carriage House.  

 

Donna Beers reported on her activities as a visiting mathematician at the MAA.  While there she worked on a PREP program for departments doing self-studies, MAA activities for students, and education programs including the preparation of elementary teachers, AP Calculus and the transition to college mathematics, and K-16 algebra.  As Donna will tell you it was a busy and productive sabbatical and she highly recommends the experience.

 

I hope to see many of you at the upcoming Northeastern Section meeting here at Keene State College in Keene, NH or at one of our upcoming dinner meetings. This summer Mathfest will be in San Jose, CA. If anyone has any issues or concerns they would like me to share at the August Board of Governors meeting, please let me know.