Newsletter

Eds note:  In response to a question about his pending move to Dallas and the years as facilitator for the Discussion Interest Group, Dick Furlong submitted the following information.  In addition to his years as Discussion Interest Group chair, Furlong was president of RFSA in 2004-2005.

by Dick Furlong

Yes, the April 29 meeting is intended by me to be my last session as Chair of the RFSA Discussion Group. Helen and I are relocating in Richardson, TX to be within minutes of the three family residences of (1) our son, (2) a grandson, and (3) a granddaughter with two great granddaughters.

Even though I retired officially in 1996, I took advantage of the three-year "modified service" option until 1999.  That process seemed to eliminate any invitation to join RFSA, as departments apparently did not announce retirements until after completion of the three-year service at half-time workload.  Actually, Helen, my wife, was aware of RFSA through her friends in the Faculty Wives groups, and we became part of RFSA in 2000 so I could enter Bauer House, UT System property that was foreign to many of us on the faculty.  The Faculty Wives had had some affairs there.

Jim Stice was the Chair for the Discussion Group in 2000, and he encouraged me to attend his sessions.  He asked me to be a Co-Chair, and I could not refuse a close friend.  However, the next year, he was elected to be RFSA President, and I inherited the Discussion Group.  Consequently, I have invited about 50 people to lead discussions since 2001.  Ira Iscoe and Jim set the theme for eclectic programs by inviting UT historians, local leaders and even the Travis County Sheriff while he was Chair.

Three or four people have led two sessions, but they have changed topics each time.  Personal testimony about experiences in WWII, history lessons about Texas and beyond, Middle East geography, a locksmith, environmental specialists and even friendly politicians have participated.  Austin is rich with resource people, and the Chair of the Group has an entre into almost any campus or Austin venue when seeking speakers.  I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet and listen to many fascinating individuals.