More than 500 retirees, guests, volunteers, and exhibitors attended this year’s TI Retiree Luncheon at the Mesquite Convention Center on October 1. TI Alumni Association President, Larry James, welcomed attendees and introduced special guests from TI and recognized the Legend Sponsors of the upcoming TIAA Annual Charity Golf Tournament, and thanked the Texans Credit Union and TI for their role as Underwriters for the tournament. He also thanked all the volunteers, both those from TI and from the TIAA for their work in preparing for the luncheon.
Larry commented, “I have one other recognition – which is a real treat. I believe Francis Dieter has joined us today, one of Francis’ claims to fame is that his TI employee number is 389 – Francis, will you please stand and be recognized – and I hope you won’t be upset if I tell the crowd that a couple of months ago you celebrated your 94th birthday.” Larry also pointed out that recently printed Membership Brochures were placed on the tables, and he emphasized the importance of signing up and keeping our memberships current to take advantage of all the benefits.
Following lunch, Larry introduced Kevin Durrance, CEO of the Texans Credit Union, who thanked the retirees and former TIers for their patience and support over the past few years as the credit union worked off debts and non-performing commercial loans. He briefed the audience on the encouraging progress being made to return the credit union to its members.
Steve Lyle, TI’s Director of Engineering Workforce Development and University Marketing, then gave his presentation, “Celebrating 85 Years of TI Innovation”. He stated, “ Through the years our R&D model has evolved to a decentralized model with more near-term product development happening in the business groups, while higher risk research, that looks for technology breakthroughs that advance our technology roadmaps, happen in our innovation centers, or what are called Kilby Labs. Once Kilby lab projects are proven out, they then transfer to the business units in order to advance our product roadmaps and drive revenue growth.”
Steve pointed out, TI currently engages with 44 universities in over 110 directly funded research projects, and showed the audience some videos of recent projects with leading-edge universities. TI’s University Marketing team has established over 7,500 Teaching & Innovation Labs at more than 2,600 Universities worldwide that reaches more than 600,000 students annually.
The entertainment this year was provided by the Spectacular Senior Follies. Last year they danced on stage, and this year they brought their vocal talent. They concluded with introduction of the Show Girls, and reminded the audience of their upcoming Christmas show December 4 through 6 at the Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater.
The response to our request for book donations at this year’s luncheon was very good – several large boxes were donated to help Reading Partners in their work with children and the USO also benefitted from a number of boxes of books for service personnel traveling through DFW Airport. Our thanks to all who made these gifts possible.
It was a full day of activities, visiting, food, and fun. One of our vendors commented that they didn’t know of any company who had a celebration like this for their retirees.
A slideshow of photos taken at the luncheon and Steve Lyle's presentation are available on our website. Click above the right corner expand icon to view full-screen video on the presentation.