Stonehill Kicks Off New Retiree Association

May 22, 2008

The inaugural Stonehill College Retiree Association luncheon was held at Donahue Hall on May 13. Guest speaker President Mark Cregan, C.S.C. '78, addressed a full house of retired administrators, faculty, and staff.

The luncheon was the first step taken by an Advisory Committee to initiate a program that helps retirees maintain connections between the College and its former employees and surviving spouses.

The Advisory Committee is supported by the departments of Advancement, Academic Affairs, and Human Resources. Sharon Doyle, the College's Gift Planning Officer, is the coordinator of the new initiative and hosted the luncheon.

"Our goal is to help maintain connections with and among our retirees. The first step was to identify and invite the 96 retirees to the inaugural luncheon. Now the Advisory Committee is moving the initiative forward," noted Doyle.

"It is their hope," explained Doyle, "to plan an annual luncheon, as well as arrange for other activities, trips, and seminars during the year."

Members of the Committee include retirees Jack Broderick (Criminology), Rose Hanley '95 (Conference & Events), James Kenneally (History), Louise Kenneally (Archives), Elaine Melisi (Dean's Office), and Linda Sullivan '77 (Registrar's Office).

"The first event was a great success," said Doyle. "I've received many thank you notes from the retirees saying how much the enjoyed the get-together. They are looking forward to attending future events."

Stonehill also hopes to join a consortium with Boston College, Boston University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Northeastern University to provide retiree access to group trips, lectures, and seminars.

"With the larger group, we can also offer the retirees more choices of activities at a more affordable group rate," explained Doyle.

Soon a questionnaire will be sent to all retirees for their input. The questionnaire will gather contact information for a retiree's directory and ideas for upcoming events.

The Committee will meet again in late June to review the input from the questionnaire and plan for next year.

To learn more about the Retirees Association, please contact Sharon Doyle at sdoyle@stonehill.edu or call her at 508-565-1344.