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A HISTORY OF A NAME CHANGE
MSU for Seniors (Minnesota State University) recently changed
its name to Mankato Area Lifelong Learners. Here’s an article,
written by the president to their members, and taken from their
Summer 2008 newsletter, about that name change.
You recently received a ballot concerning name change of the organization
from MSU for Seniors to Mankato Area Lifelong Learners and a follow-up
letter summarizing the results. The Council subsequently approved
the name change unanimously. I want to briefly examine what preceded
that ballot, what has happened since, and what will happen in
the immediate future.
Since last fall, the Council has focused on developing our current
status and expanding our services to a broader base of clientele.
Discussion centered on clarifying some misperceptions of the organization,
i.e., that it was mainly for retired Minnesota state faculty and
staff, or that it was primarily designed to assist Minnesota State
Mankato students entering their senior year. The Council believed
we needed to develop some kind of public relations program that
would help us better communicate ourselves and our programs to
seniors. Demographics suggest that the senior group will include
ever increasing numbers of those in the 55-65 age groups although
we must continue to meet the needs of the 65+ group as we have
been doing.
As we discussed these issues, the Council was made aware of the
fact that Minnesota State Mankato has an Integrated Management
Team whose services are offered to all programs within the University.
We checked into this and found that the team consists of four
members, each with his/her own specialty, and MSU for Seniors
would qualify for the assistance because we are sponsored by Minnesota
State Mankato. Council members completed a questionnaire from
the team and met with them as a group both before and after completion
of their report for discussion and reaction.
Briefly, their report consisted of the following recommendations
based on information submitted by the Council:
1. Serious consideration of a name change, with rationale for
such a change.
2. Suggestions on expanding our target audience.
3. Use of contacts within their office and the broader community
in the areas of publications, electronic media and news media
to more adequately communicate our message.
It should also be noted that the team continues to be available
for further consultation as requested by the Council.
Since that time, we have moved ahead with actions to implement
the report. It was first things first, so the name change ballot
was distributed to all members, and the results communicated.
Mankato Area Lifelong Learners has been featured in TODAY,
the Minnesota State Mankato alumni magazine. Changes will be made
in our brochures and web site, and we will be making contacts
to communicate to the community that Mankato Area Lifelong Learners
is our new name and our services are available to all persons
over 55. Over the next several months, we will also begin to actively
recruit the 55-65 age group and to offer some courses more closely
aligned with their time schedules. For those of you over 65, we
haven’t forgotten any of you as we attempt to ease your
younger brothers and sisters into retirement and show them how
enjoyable continued learning can be. Greet the newcomers as you
always have in the past, and help them feel a part of our group!
The Council has been actively discussing other ideas to continue
to improve our services, and we will be considering these as we
move ahead. The changes will not occur overnight, and will, in
fact, take place gradually over a period of time. We believe they
will work to the advantage of all members.
You will be kept informed on future directions and all members
of the Council will welcome your input and suggestions on how
we can continue to provide learning opportunities to the senior
community.
Cheers and best wishes – Joe Hogan, President
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