John Deem retired in 2011 after 44 years of service at USI as assistant professor of accounting, the first basketball coach and vice president of student affairs.
He currently serves as the fourth president of the USI Retirees.
USI Retirees allows former employees, partners and spouses to stay connected to the university they helped build. It provides an important outlet for continued learning, growth and activity.
“We’ve all been involved with USI all of our lives. So it makes sense we still want to help the university reach its goals,” Deem said. “One of our major plans this year is preparing for USI’s upcoming 50th birthday celebration.”
Founded in 2011, the organization currently bolsters more than 300 members. Eligibility requires members to possess at least ten years of service from any university position and an annual due of $20.
Events include seminars on topics like healthcare or technology, Turoni’s pizza parties at the beginning of each semester, a trip to view blooming azaleas, milestones of service recognition, a summer reception hosted by USI President Linda Bennett and a tour of the Huber winery near Louisville.
Members share vacation pictures often, new hobbies and tell stories at gatherings.
Star Alumni, the organization’s next project on Friday, seeks successful alumni who would be interested in returning to USI as featured speakers in commencement ceremonies.
“I always worked with students and stayed in very close contact with many of them over the years,” Deem said. “I loved it while I was out here, but I’m ready to enjoy my retirement now and stay active in many different ways.”
Vintage Times, the semi-annual newsletter of USI Retirees, provides information on organization policy changes, upcoming event dates and stories spotlighting individual members.
Sherry Darrell and Sherrianne Standley co-edit the paper.
Standley worked at USI for almost 32 years and retired as vice president of advancement where she directed fund-raising, alumni relations, printing services, special events and marketing. A member of the organization from its inception, she has also served as USI Retirees’s secretary.
“It’s a wonderful way for people who have years of experience working together to stay in touch,” she said. “Some regularly come to events from Jeffersonville, and as far away as Arkansas.”
One of the most popular outings, an annual luncheon at the Kennel Club followed by a USI basketball game, usually attracts more than 100 members.
“USI Retirees is just a great group of people. I know everyone, and go to every event I can,” Standley said. “There’s some interest in getting retired alumni involved too, and I’d like to see that happen.”
To access the newsletters, visit http://www.usi.edu/retirees.