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About the WSU Retiree Association (WSURA)

A Short History of the WSU Retiree Association

AFU logoIn the spring of 2023, Wichita State University became a member of the Age-Friendly University Global Network (AFUGN). This group is “an association of higher education institutions committed to promoting positive and healthy aging and enhancing the lives of older members of the global community through innovative educational programs, research agendas, curriculum development, online education, health and wellness activities, arts and culture programs and civic engagement opportunities." WSU was the first — and continues to be the only — institution of higher education in Kansas to make this commitment.

One of the 10 guiding principles of AFUGN is to engage actively with the university's own retired community. WSU already had many programs and services that welcome older adults, but it was important to create a program that was compelling specifically to its retirees. The goal was to increase engagement between WSU and its retirees in a way that maximizes well-being after retirement. A retiree association seemed like the best way to accomplish that.

Many universities have some type of retiree organization: some have separate organizations for faculty and staff, and some are combined, some are more formal than others. WSU started with the assumptions that an association would be for all retirees, and that it would be developed by retirees (and near-retirees) for retirees, using a user-centered approach in order to best meet the needs of the WSU retiree group. A survey was conducted by Hanover Research to identify attitudes toward the development of an association for retirees and opinions regarding what the activities of a retiree association should include. This survey found support for the establishment of an association.

With these assumptions in mind, in the summer of 2023 a group of volunteers—some retired, some approaching traditional retirement age—came together as an organizing committee to discuss what a WSU retiree association should look like, what its mission and its aims should be, and some ways to accomplish those. Those members were:

  • Denecia Angleton, Graduate School Dean’s Office
  • Elaine Bernstorf, Professor, College of Fine Arts
  • Delores Craig-Moreland, Lecturer, School of Criminal Justice
  • Randy Sessions, Police Department
  • David Soles, Professor Emeritus, Department of Philosopy
  • Mary Waters, Professor, Department of English

The new retiree association was introduced at the annual retiree breakfast in October 2023.

During the next year, the WSURA Organizing Committee was tasked with developing the mission and aims of the association and identifying short- and long-term strategies to accomplish these. The mission and aims can be found at on the WSURA Executive Committee page. The committee also discussed at length specific issues affecting retirees including email and library privileges, parking, retirement requirements awareness and knowledge, and other Human Resources-related concerns. Bylaws components were also discussed at length, including association officer elections, membership, and standing committees. In addition, a new survey was conducted to determine the activity interests of retirees to focus ongoing committee work closely on user interests and needs.

In summer 2024, the Organizing Committee transitioned to the WSURA Planning Committee. The volunteer members of this group were:

  • Nancy Bereman, Associate Professor Emerita, Barton School of Business
  • Elaine Bernstorf, Professor, College of Fine Arts
  • Lou Medvene, Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology
  • Victoria Mosack, Associate Professor and Chair Emerita, College of Health Professions
  • Julie Scherz, Associate Professor and Chair Emerita, College of Health Professions
  • David Soles, Professor Emeritus, Department of Philosopy
  • Linda Starkey, Associate Professor and Director School Performing Arts Emerita, College of Fine Arts
  • Marcia Stevens, Regional Director Emerita, Small Business Development Center

This group began to focus more closely what types of activities and events WSURA should offer based on the results of the interest survey.  In addition, this group completed work on a provisional set of bylaws which was used to guide the first election of officers and to act as a framework for development of a future official set of bylaws.

In March 2025, WSURA held its first election of officers for its Executive Board, and these new officers were introduced at WSURA’s annual meeting in April 2025. The newly elected Executive Board officers are:

  • Marcia Stevens, President
  • Julie Scherz, Vice-President
  • Dianne Coleman, member at large
  • Sue Nyberg, member at large
  • Patsy Selby, member at large
  • Secretary position vacant

The previous members of the Planning Committee remain as advisory members of the board:

  • Nancy Bereman
  • Elaine Bernstorf
  • Lou Medvene
  • Victoria Mosack
  • David Soles
  • Linda Starkey

The WSURA launched a Brown Bag series in August 2024 that continues monthly. Retirees receive a newsletter every two months, which includes information about future events. As of summer 2025, a coffee group, a book club, and a dinner club meet monthly. A Wooden Toy special interest group formed to make toys that will be donated at Christmas. The Association also schedules tours that showcase areas of WSU.

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