Retiree Association History

​​​The formation of the Dallas College Retirees Association began in 1984 through the insight of Dr. R. Jan LeCroy, Dallas College chancellor from 1980-1988.

It was his belief that our retirees, who have made lifelong friendships, should have an organization that would enable them to continue to keep their friendships and their interest in the college current. Dr. LeCroy asked Assistant Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Affairs Bill Tucker to help in the formation of such an organization. Bill and his assistant, Jan Brobst, invited retirees to the first-ever meeting at Eastfield College that Bill chaired.

The First Meeting

At this meeting, it was decided that there was a definite interest in the formation of a retiree association, and that a luncheon would be held inviting all retirees. It was from the discretionary funds of the chancellor and the vice chancellor that this luncheon and early meetings were made possible.

A proposed date for the luncheon was posted, but one of the attendees said it would interfere with finals. Since we academics are people who have programmed our lives by terms — Fall, Spring, Summer I, Summer II — the statement seemed logical until Bob Shofner asked, “Who cares?” It was Shofner's statement that crystallized the fact that the academic calendar no longer binds retirees.

There were 80 retirees at this time, and on Sept. 13, 1984, 38 retirees met at the Lakewood Country Club for an organizational meeting.

At the luncheon, a nominating committee was named to establish the slate of officers for the association. The committee, Marguerite Camp, Bill Sherman, Rita Nall and Jim Hankerson, chose Charlene King, president; Robert Shofner, vice president; Ted Carley, treasurer; and Rita Nall, secretary.

Leadership is Formed

The first official meeting was held at Eastfield College, Thursday, Feb. 28, 1985, at which Dr. LeCroy installed the elected officers, Robert Shofner, Rita Nall, Ted Carley and Carlene King. The association set membership dues at $5 per year.

Annually, officers are elected (the slate of all officers from 1985 through the present follows this brief history). The association officers meet four times a year: two business meetings and two social meetings.

Our association fund received its initial boost when retiree Ed Stoorza contributed $250 that first year. Our funding was set up through what was then the DCCCD Foundation. Our financial year, at that time, was to run from September to August. Old habits die hard.

Initially, meetings were held on various Dallas College campuses and in the homes of members. We were a small enough organization then. The association had annual picnics and holiday parties, dinners and outings to sporting and theater events. The potluck was the menu of choice when a member had the meeting in his or her home. On some occasions, members would meet at various restaurants; a favorite was Crackers on Oak Lawn, owned by Gus Katsigris, then-head of the Food Services Program at El Centro College.

Later, the association opened a checking account for conducting financial business, and the Dallas College Foundation fund became our scholarship fund.

Over the Years

In 1991, association dues were raised to $10 a year, and the financial year changed from September-August to January-December. In 1997, the name of our newsletter was changed to Ret-Express. In 2005, the by-laws were changed so that officers serve two-year terms rather than a one-year term, and the vice president was given the responsibility of membership chair. Other minor changes were made to bring the by-laws in line with practices.

In 2009, we had accrued enough money to be able to award a $500 scholarship to an exemplary student. We have continued to award such a scholarship each year since then, and the Dallas College Foundation is of great assistance in the administration of this scholarship.

Our retirees have always retained their enthusiasm and willingness to serve. It is through these attributes that we have continued to grow. In 2011, there were over 900 retirees, and 245 were members of the Retiree Association. We have two meetings a year: a spring luncheon at El Centro Campus and a holiday luncheon at Maggiano’s in Northpark Center. There are groups of our retirees who regularly go to the theater, museums and the racetrack.

Our Gratitude

We owe a debt of thanks to former Vice Chancellor Bill Tucker and his assistant, Jan Brobst. Bill made the initial arrangements for our meetings and guided us into becoming an organization. Jan Brobst became our district liaison; she edited and printed our Dallas College Retirees Newsletter, which was, and still is, our greatest means of communicating to all retirees and members.

We wish to thank all the succeeding chancellors in their willingness to give us the solid support we have needed through the years to remain an active organization.

Human Resources was and has continued to be our primary link to the college, and without their continued support, we would not be able to operate as efficiently as we do. Also, Dorothy Pool and the Dallas College Archives team provided us with much of the information that we have included here.

Looking Toward the Future

We have grown, but our function remains constant. The Dallas College Retirees Association is the continuation of academic life to which we have dedicated ourselves. Unlike so many who retire, we are not left without the basis that has been our lives and the people who helped us live it.

We thank Jan LeCroy and the members who have lovingly and loyally served the association through the years.

Donna Gormly, April 20, 2011