Board Updates

Board Updates

Board Meeting Notes

2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2015-2020 -Archives

2025

  • October 27 2025 Board Meeting Notes click here
  • August 11 2025 Board Meeting Notes click here
  • June 23 2025 Board Meeting Notes click here
  • April 9 2025 Board Meeting Notes click here.

2024

  • December 9, 2024 board meeting notes highlights below click here for full minutes
    • SUAA has started using an online interactive tool to reach out to recently lapsed members, letting them know they are lapsed and to encourage them to renew their memberships.  They are reporting a 27% increase in renewals since using this tool.
    • Efforts have continued by SUAA and our chapter to encourage members to reach out to their Senators and ask them to vote Yes on the Social Security Fairness Act, which would repeal WEP and GPO.  If the Senate doesn’t call the vote and pass this bill before the end of the year, work will have to start over in 2025.
    • We are learning that some of our newsletters are not being delivered promptly, due to downed email servers.  The most recent issue has been with Comcast, which may be blocking MailChimp as spam.  If you have not been receiving the HCAA mailings via email, you can find them on the HCAA website, or on our Facebook page.
  • September 23,2024 board meeting notes highlights below click here for full minutes
    • Treasurer’s Report:
      • Deposits: $118.38 and $142.96; Expenses: $0.
      • Current balance: $4,705.38.
      • Motion passed to purchase 150 HCAA logo pens.
    • Membership Report:
      • Current active members: 275; goal is 300+.
      • Suggested collecting names/emails from interested individuals during orientation week.
      • Proposal to host a future HCAA meeting showcasing members’ work to boost membership.
    • Social Report:
      • Book club continues to be popular
      • Next pizza night on October 24 at 5:00 PM
      • Planning a mini-golf outing named “Larry Lasko Memorial Invitational” in the spring.
      • Considering a charity event “The Greener Good” for recycled supplies.
      • Upcoming art display by Michael Nejman from October 1-31.
    • Legislative Report:
      • Legislature inactive until October; concerns about underfunding and enrollment in public colleges.
      • New budget allows pension system pre-payments, generating $7 million.
      • Social Security Fairness Act t (WEP/GPO elimination) may be voted on in the Lame Duck session.
    • Communication Report:
      • Four newsletters sent with a 75% open rate.
      • Engagement increased with calls to action.
      • Growing Facebook presence and website visits.
    • Website Report:
      • Social events and new retiree info posted regularly.
    • Old Business:
      • None.
    • New Business:
      • Preparing for the President’s campus luncheon on October 28, 2024.
      • Discussion on potential donations to the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability tabled for more information.
    • Next Meetings:
      • October 28, 2024, after the luncheon on campus.
      • December 9, 2024, via Zoom from 3-4:30 PM.
  • July 8, 2024 highlights, click here for more detail
    • Membership Report:  Continued efforts such as HCAA tables at on campus events are being made to encourage retirees to join/rejoin SUAA/HCAA
    • Social Report: The following social events are on the schedule: Ravinia, Pizza outing (Moretti’s), ZOOM Book Club: and a Mini Golf Outing.
    • Legislative Report: Linda Frank and Linda Kolbusz-Kosa A family centered state budget was passed but did not address the Tier II benefit issue. SUAA has been more vocal this year, sharing legislative updates, expressing support for Governor Pritzker’s FY 25 state budget and responding to articles in the Chicago Tribune.
    • Communication Report: There is increased interest in the Newsletter and new Face Book page. Administration of these online resources was discussed such as adding moderators and administrators.
    • A recurring question as to who we will post obituaries for was resolved; any Harper employee member, not just HCAA members, obituaries will be posted.
    • Barb Anderson and Karen Chandra both resigned due to additional family responsibilities.  Larry Lasko was voted in as a new board member.
    • President’s Report:  New SUAA leadership is emphasizing open and transparent communications with members. 
    • Next Meeting: September 23, 2024 via zoom from 3-4:30pm.
  • May 6, 2024 highlights, click here for more detail
    • Hazel had shared our membership numbers from the February report, and noted that over the past five years we had lost 25-30 members for a variety of reasons.  The group discussed a number of ways to boost our presence on campus and to reach out to current employees. 
    • Michele reported that as of that date she had sent out three newsletters in 2024, and had noticed 60-80% increase in engagement, which she attributed to the new format.  She also suggested the possibility of a Facebook page for HCAA, in order to provide another way to communicate with our members and do outreach.
    • We heard a recap of the two on-campus retirement prep seminars we’d held, one in October and one in February, and decided that in order to make these events financially feasible for us and to get more on-campus assistance, we would need to co-sponsor them with another department on campus, such as the Foundation.
    • Linda shared a number of items from the Legislative report, including information from Gov. Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address on February 21, 2024.  It was noted that the amount designated for higher education, although $12 million more than last year, is still 43% less than the FY 2000 higher education budget.
  • March 18, 2024 highlights click here for details.
    • The Board discussed the impact of declining membership, increased expenditures and the impact on our overall budget. Discussion was held to identify ways to maintain a balance of $5,000 and to reach out to lapsed members.
    • Jaci shared upcoming events and encouraged members to volunteer for a Feed My Starving Children volunteer event on April 10 at noon. A request was made for additional assistance on the Social Committee.
    • Michele shared that engagement is up to 60-80% which is the highest ‘opens’ ever, due in part to the change in format of the newsletter. Michele also offered to set up a Facebook page to potentially increase the visibility of HCAA.
    • Linda reported on Governor Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address on February 21, 2024. Overall, there is support for higher education, but noted that funding for higher education is still 43% less than the FY 2000 higher education budget.
    • Sam asked that we take a look at the myhcaa.com website to review improvements and provide feedback as to what needs to be adjusted.
    • Kathy noted that this is the 30th Anniversary of HCAA!
    • The Board reviewed the last retirement seminar, the upcoming Harper HEART Day on April 18th and ways to have a larger presence on campus.
    • Next HCAA Board meeting is Monday, May 6th, at noon on campus. Meeting will also be available on zoom.
  • January 22, 2024 HCAA Board Meeting notes click here to read details

2023

  • October 25, 2023 SUAA Fall Meeting notes click here to read details
  • October 23, 2023 HCAA Annual Luncheon Meeting
    • The HCAA annual meeting and luncheon with the President’s Executive Council was held on campus on October 23, 2023.   A sampling of the updates and accomplishments presented can be found in the notes of the meeting, posted on the HCAA website.
    • HCAA Board members provided updates from the past year on membership, finances, social activities, legislative news, and website changes, all to be found in the meeting notes, posted on the HCAA site.
    • The large group held our required election for the 2023-2025 period.  Kathy Hanahan was voted in as the new President, Carole Bomba is our Past President, President Elect to be named, Sharon Martin will continue as our Treasurer, and temporarily, Linda Frank and Carole Bomba will share the duties of Recording Secretary until a permanent volunteer is found. 
    • Kathy shared that one of the goals for HCAA in the coming two years is to re-establish a presence on campus, now that COVID is not as big of a threat to so many.
  • October 9, 2023 HCAA Board meeting notes click here to read details
    • The group discussed and finalized plans for the on-campus retirement planning seminar for current employees, set for October 12th, to be presented by Bruce Bohrer and Russ Fahrner.
    • Hazel attended the online meeting sponsored by SUAA in early September to discuss a variety of ways to boost membership. Many of the ideas presented were related to having a greater presence on campus.
    • The annual luncheon/meeting with Dr. Proctor’s Executive Board will be held on October 23rd. Invitations were sent out by Lori Eschenbaum in September, the luncheon is open to the first 100 people who RSVP.
  • July 10,2023 HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details
    • Linda Frank attended the annual SUAA meeting in June, and shared a number of highlights, including information about the decline in membership, and the need to connect with and involve Tier II employees.  A summary of the meeting is posted on the website, and SUAA recently sent out an email with highlights and a video as well. Click here to view notes.
    • The group discussed a variety of ways to boost membership, including an on-campus presentation this fall for employees considering retirement, and setting up tables during lunch time to connect with current employees.
    • The Legislative Committee provided information on a number of items, including Senate Bill 2288, which strengthens the Illinois Articulation Initiative by requiring courses that are major requirements be transferable to the receiving school (saving students time and money), and the law that Governor Pritzker signed which will withhold state funding from public schools and libraries that remove books from the shelves due to partisan and personal disapproval.
  • March 13, 2023 HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details         
    • Highlights:
      • There are quite a few social events coming up, including the performance of Lettie on campus (with an appearance by playwright Boo Killebrew), two breakfast get-togethers in late March and in May, two book club discussion meetings in early April and early June, and a volunteer opportunity at Feed my Starving Children in late April. Please see the full meeting notes, or the Upcoming Events section, on the HCAA website, and let Jaci know if you are interested in participating in any of these activities.
      • The group discussed the possibility of hosting a brown bag lunch on campus for those individuals who are considering retirement in the near future. The main topic would be things to consider or keep in mind while planning retirement, as well as ideas of what to do with the increased amount of free time.
      • Several items of interest were shared by the Legislative Committee, including information about grants being provided by ISBE to students who plan to be future educators, as well as a proposal by Governor Pritzker in the 2024 budget to create a grant program to target 170 school districts in Illinois with the greatest number of teacher shortages. For the full Legislative report, see the website under Legislation
      •  Harper HEART Day events will include a Retiree and Alumni reunion from 6-8 pm on April 20th. Please check the Harper website for more information and to register for this event.   HCAA encourages you to take advantage of the opportunity to see some of your old colleagues and students!
  • January 9, 2023 HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details
    • Highlights
      • As our chapter finances continue to remain healthy, the group voted to increase the amount of our donations to Feed my Starving Children to $365 each visit (generally two a year), which will feed a family of four for a year.  We also voted to continue to make annual donations to Harper’s Hawks Care fund.  We have made $1000 donations the past two years.  We will discuss and vote on the amount each year, and if our financial situation allows, we may increase the amount.
      • We’ve had a number of new members join us, but sadly, we have also lost several over the past year.  The group is brainstorming ways to reach out to employees currently working, and especially to those who plan to retire in the near future, in order to share the many benefits of HCAA membership.
      • A number of items of interest were shared from the newest Legislative report, including recent activities of the Illinois Policy Institute to recruit citizens to run for local school boards, information on the long-term value to taxpayers from the investment in community colleges, and follow-up information regarding the passing of Amendment 1.  The full Legislative report can be found on the HCAA webswite.

 

2022

  • View the November 14, 2022 HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details
    • Highlights
      • Results of the November 8th general election were shared and discussed.  Incumbent J.B. Pritzker was re-elected as governor, and Democrats won the top executive positions across the board.  Elizabeth Rochford and Mary Kay O’Brien were elected to the two open Supreme Court judge positions.

      • The volunteer activity at Feed my Starving Children on November 2nd went well.  The Board discussed attending the Saturday, March 25th performance of Lettie at the Performing Arts Center, with a Q and A and book signing with award-winning playwright Boo Killebrew afterward.

      • The Board discussed possible ways to recruit new members, including staffing a table at the all-campus meeting in January, as well as reaching out to current Harper employees who intend to retire in the near future.
  • View the October 4, 2022 HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details
    • Highlights
      • With the general election coming up on November 8th, there is a lot of important information to keep in mind. HCAA reminds you to make sure you’re currently registered to vote, that you keep the various registration and voting deadlines in mind, and that you educate yourself on the issues, proposals, and candidates running for office, including the candidates running for the open judge positions on the Illinois Supreme Court.  Please see the full Legislative report posted on this site to find useful tools, resources, and information to help you prepare to vote.
      • HCAA will be donating another $100 to the Feed My Starving Children organization when we have our next volunteer activity on November 2nd. We also made a $1000 donation to the Harper Hawks Care Fund last year.
      • The HCAA Board strongly encourages our members to participate in some of the social activities organized by our Social Committee, in order to stay connected to your former colleagues and have fun at the same time. We also encourage members to consider serving on our Board, as we always welcome new faces and ideas.  We are currently seeking a new President-Elect, who would work with our current President this year to prepare to step into the role of President next fall.  If interested, please contact Carole Bomba at carolehome@comcast.net.
  • View the September 12, 2022 HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details
    • Highlights
      • The SUAA annual meeting was held in Springfield from June 15 th -17 th ; Linda Frank attended as our representative. Highlights from that meeting were shared with us, and are posted on the HCAA website.
      • Michele shared some statistics on the MailChimp emails she sends out once or twice a month to approximately 263 members who are on the list. The emails contain announcements, information on upcoming social events, as well as links to the obituaries of our departed colleagues.
      • The Legislative report covered a wide variety of topics, ranging from the effects some key political events of late are having on campuses across the country, to the increase in MAP grant funding, to the effect Covid has had on community college enrollment. The full Legislative report can be found on the website.
  • View the June 15-17, 2022 SUAA Annual meeting notes here to read details
  • View the May 9, 2022 HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details
    • Highlights
      • Nine people attended the volunteer activity at Feed My Starving Children in Schaumburg on May 4th.  Afterward, Jaci presented the organization with a check for a $100 donation, on behalf of HCAA.
      • Illinois lawmakers passed a $46.5 billion dollar spending plan in early April, as well as a $1.8 billion dollar package of mostly temporary tax cuts.  The budget sets aside $12 billion for education next year, or 26% of the total operating budget.
      • The annual SUAA meeting will be taking place in Springfield June 15th-17th.  If interested, registration is $120 per attendee, and will run through May 27th.
  • View the March 14, 2022 HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details.
    • Highlights
      • Jim Edstrom has graciously agreed to serve as the Board’s new Legislative Chair, stepping in for Michael Nejman.
      • Governor Pritzker is proposing $122 million in additional funds for grants for low-income college students (MAP), as well as $25 million for community colleges to recruit and train health care and social assistance workers.
      • The first Harper HEART Day has come and gone, and was generally well received.  A number of our members attended.  Plans are already underway for a bigger and better program next year.
  • View the February 7, 2022 HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details
    • Highlights
      • There are several social activities coming up, including a brunch in mid-March at the Bread and Butter Café in Arlington Heights, the next book club discussion on April 6th, and a group volunteer activity at Feed My Starving Children on May 4th.  See the newsletter or the website for more details
      • Governor Pritzker’s proposed budget includes, among other items, an additional $500 million for the pension funds, additional monies to help pay down the bill back-log, and $106.3 million for TRIP and TRAIL funding.
      • The Foundation is sponsoring Harper HEART day(s), February 23rd and 24th, with opportunities to reconnect with other retirees, participate in classes and tours, and learn more about the many scholarship opportunities available to our students. 

2021

  • View the November 30, 2021 Annual HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details
    • Highlights
      • Highlights from the November 17th SUAA meeting were shared.  See the posted Board notes for a summary of some of the key issues that were discussed.
      • Highlights from the November 17th SUAA meeting were shared.  See the posted Board notes for a summary of some of the key issues that were discussed.
      • A primary focus of SUAA and its local chapters will need to be educating current Tier II members on the effects the changes to the system may have on their future security. 
  • View the October 18, 2021 Annual HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details
    • Highlights
      • The next HCAA lunch get-together will be held at Anna’s Red Apple on Wednesday, November 3rd, at 11:00 am.  Please let Diane know if you plan to attend.
      • The fall SUAA meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 17th, at 10:00 am.  If you’re interested in attending, whether in person (in Normal, IL) or via Zoom, please let Carole Bomba or Linda Frank know.
      • We are getting bounce-back messages for a few of our fellow members when emails are sent out.  We will be sending letters to these folks to try to get corrected info, but in the meantime, if you know you don’t receive emails from HCAA, please feel free to fill out the contact form provided on this website.
  • View the September 28, 2021 Annual HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details
    • Presentation by Harper College President, Dr. Avis Proctor, was held via Zoom. See the presentation here.
    • Highlights
      • A number of HCAA members met online prior to Dr. Proctor’s informative presentation on current Harper initiatives, and enjoyed seeing and catching up with each other.
      • A study has found that the Illinois state pensions are currently in a more stable position than they have been for years, due to a higher return on investments.  However, underfunding of the systems is still a major concern.
      • The HCAA Board voted to approve the new slate of officers for the years 2021-2023, and congratulates Carole Bomba on her new role as HCAA President.
  • View the August 16, 2021 HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details
    • Highlights
      • The Board voted to make another $1000 donation to Hawks Care; Sharon Martin presented the check to Laura Brown on behalf of HCAA.
      • A membership drive table on the first day of Orientation Week was staffed by several Board members, who reported having an active day reaching out to current employees.
      • A new law signed by Governor Pritzker in July opens the door for community colleges to have residential housing on or near campus for the first time.
      • The annual meeting with the President will be held online Tuesday, September 28th at 11:00 am. 
  • View the May 3, 2021 HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details
    • Highlights
      • We added several new members to our ranks, bringing our current total up to 293.
      • Upcoming social events include our book discussion meeting on June 2 nd at 3:00. We’ll be discussing “Not Always a Valley of Tears” by Harper retiree Pascuala Herrera. And watch for details about a breakfast at the Red Apple during the second week of June.
      • The roster of nominees for the 2021-2023 HCAA Executive Board has been created, with the new Board starting their tenure this coming September. We are looking for someone to join us as President Elect during the coming year, to prepare to step up to the role of President in fall of 2023. 
  • View the March 8, 2021 HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details.
    • Highlights
      • The SUAA letter campaign encouraging membership resulted in 320 new members for the organization, 8 of them in our chapter.
      • The co-sponsored webinar on preparing for retirement presented last month had 160 registrants, with about 60 of them Harper faculty and staff.
      • Updates have been made to the In Memoriam and New Retirees section of the website.  A new section was added called Extra Offers, which includes some added benefits to membership in SUAA/HCAA.  
  • View the January 18, 2021 HCAA Board meeting notes here to read details.
    • Highlights
      • Our list of email addresses is being updated and corrected so that all members should be able to receive our various communications.
      • Watch for a mailing from SUAA, encouraging membership in the organization, which is especially important at this time of serious budgetary concerns at the state level. A strong SUAA can fight more effectively for our pensions and benefits.
      • Our HCAA website continues to be expanded, and includes lots of useful tips and information for all. Most recent additions include helpful info for those planning to retire and/or sign up for Medicare in the near future.

2015 – 2020 Board Meeting Notes Archive