2019 Annual TI Retiree Luncheon

Nov 17, 2019

The annual TI Retiree Luncheon was held at the Mesquite Convention Center on November 14, with 360 retirees and guests in attendance as TIAA celebrated it's 20th anniversary. During the program, TIAA President, Debi Heaton, recognized those who were involved in the creation of the TIAA in July 1999, including 31 charter members in attendance at the luncheon. During the luncheon a slideshow told the history of the TIAA, with photographs highlighting the many activities of the association over the past 20 years. This show may be viewed by clicking here

Many informative booths were available showing the work being done by leading nonprofits including:

  • North Texas Food Bank,
  • Visiting Nurses Association,
  • The Senior Source,
  • United Way of Metro Dallas,
  • Texas Ramps,
  • Network of Community Ministries,
  • Big Brother Big Sisters, and
  • Reading Partners.

TIAA has worked with all of these worthy non-profits over the years through its Community Involvement teams. The University of Texas at Dallas also had two booths, with information about their 50th Anniversary and students detailing some of the research being done on campus.

Three Legend Sponsors of our Charity Golf Tournament also had booths at the event:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas,
  • Steven Combest, Combest Wealth Management, and
  • Jerry Pierce, Edward Jones.

A representative of VIA Benefits was on hand to answers and Health Benefit questions, and the TI Foundation booth provided information of the matching gifts and volunteer hours program. Details of these programs may be viewed on the TIAA website.

Steven Erp, Interim CEO, of the Texans Credit Union gave a brief update on the progress and priorities for the business and thanked retirees for their support over the years.

The 50th Anniversary of the University of Texas at Dallas was highlighted at the luncheon by Dr. Hobson Wildenthal, who has served in many capacities for the university since 1992, including President  ad interim. He described the early days of the university and the importance of TI Founders and their wives in its startup and development. TI’s support over the years has also contributed to UT Dallas’ status today as a leading research university, with almost 30,000 students. Dr. Wildenthal introduced Dr. Shalini Prasad, Director of BioEngineering, who reviewed some of the exciting technologies under development in the area of biomedical devices for diabetes management. These presentations may be viewed here.

Debi then introduced Dr. Peter Balyta, who is President of TI’s Education Technology business and also serves as VP of Academic Engagement & Corporate Citizenship for TI. He joined TI in 2001 after serving in the classroom teaching math and becoming a district supervisor in math and science. He spoke with passion about the importance of TI’s support of education. He also gave a summary of TI’s recent business performance based on reported third quarter results and TI’s strategy for creating shareholder value. At the end of his presentation, Dr. Balyta presented the “Retiree Volunteer of the Year Award” to Greg Boydston, who heads Community Involvement for the TIAA. The many accomplishment of Greg were cited, not only for those with The Senior Source, but also for his help with other local non-profits and his church. As part of this award, TI will donate $10,000 to non-profits to be named by Greg. This presentation may be viewed here.

Following the program, retirees and guests were entertained by Toney Walsh, who sang a number of favorites by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, and Elvis Presley. He was joined on stage for the final number by two of the Spectacular Senior Follies ladies, who added sparkle to the event.

An added attraction this anniversary year was the photo booth set up by TI-retiree David Drake who served many years as TI’s professional photographer. The photos were a reminder that the main purpose of our annual gatherings is to renew friendships and maintain our connections to TI and the communities we serve. David has kindly offered to make the  photos available to the TIAA attendees at no charge. He enjoyed being at the event and getting to visit with friends; so, if you would like to send him a note of thanks, he can be reached at: drakedigital@gmail.com.

A slideshow of a few candid photos by Linda Stopani may be viewed here.

TI was very pleased with the donation of many school supplies and cash from the former TIers at the luncheon.  These will be used to replenish STEM backpacks. 

Our thanks for all the TIAA and TI volunteers who helped with the luncheon, including those from TIAA:

  • Marilyn Adams
  • David Drake
  • Peg Ripple
  • John Byers
  • Verdie Furgurson
  • Kate Rose
  • Tom Boedecker
  • Ed Hassler
  • Bettie Smith
  • Greg Boydston
  • Roberta Hill
  • Bill Stearns
  • Denise Boydston
  • Larry James
  • Jessica Stewart
  • Jerry Brandenburg
  • Max Post
  • Gary Stopani
  • Ronnie Brandenburg
  • Tarek Radjef
  • Linda Stopani
  • Jon Campbell
  • Debi Heaton
  • Linda Smittle

And those from TI:

  • Jeff Byers
  • Becky Layton
  • Sara Campbell
  • Martha Lloyd
  • Shaun Courtright
  • Raelyn Mendez
  • Terri Grosh
  • Lois Mueller
  • Sharon Harmon
  • Mike Padgett
  • Gretchen James
  • Leslie Padilla
  • Brian Purvis
  • Steve Russo

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