News, Announcements, and Events

Check here from time to time to learn about Academy news, announcements of Academy activities, and events of interest to Academy members

New Members Join Academy Board; Others Retire

New members were elected to the Governing Board of the Academy at the official Annual Meeting, in November, 2010. Each new board member will serve a two-year term, beginning January, 2011.

Karen Larsen becomes Presiding Governor, replacing Barbara McEldowney, who has set a high standard of leadership in her two terms in this position.

Patty Anderson-Dwyer and Mala Seteram-Wolfe will share the role of Events Governor, replacing retiring board members Cheryl Franklin-Rohr and Miki Reddy.

Ann Bagg takes on the responsibility of Fiscal Governor, taking over from Debbie Rothenberg.

Also retiring from the Board after two terms is Carey Eskesen. She served both ably and admirably as Communications Governor, responsible for the Academy's newsletter and directory.

One of the ways Academy members can both get and receive from membership in the Academy is to serve on the Board of Governors. There are seven named positions on the Board: Presiding Governor, Membership Governor, Fiscal Governor, Communications Governor, Events Governor, Correspondence Governor, Website Manager, and Scholarship Program Chair. Members are elected by the Board, as explained and described in the Academy By-Laws, and serve for two years.

Academy members are always encouraged to participate in the governance of the organization. Let current board members know of your interest in serving.

Academy Inducts New Members at January Luncheon

The Academy Class of 2011 was introduced and honored at the Academy's Annual Induction Celebration luncheon, Saturday, January 22, 2011, at the Mt. Vernon Country Club.

The Induction Class of 2011 is the largest single group of new members to join the Academy. New inductees included Heather Baskin, Diane Cassidy, Carol Crossley, Becky Gallagher, Jennifer Gottschalk, Pamela Keel, Betsey Krill, Melinda Ness, Lindsey Reinert, Ruth Rodgers, Robyn Tutor, Robert Seney, and Brian Michael Weaver.

Continuing with the practice started last year, this year's induction celebration was a luncheon rather than dinner in order to keep the cost reasonable and to allow more members from far away to attend without needing an overnight stay or night driving.

Dennis Higgins and Elizabeth Nielsen, who were inducted into the Academy in 2010 as Honorary Members, returned to Colorado from their home in Albuquerque, to deliver the keynote address, entitled "The Courage to Take a Stand: The Confluence of Wisdom and Ethics." Their address explored the ways wisdom and ethics can join to create the potential for positive action and the expression of compassion and justice in a world that continues to be troubled and where people still suffer.

Dennis just recently retired from the Albuquerque Public Schools, where he has pioneered strategies for working effectively with twice-exceptional students. Elizabeth continues teaching at the University of New Mexico and contributing to our knowledge of how to best work with twice-exceptional learners.

The Induction Celebration for 2012 is planned for January 21, at Mount Vernon Country Club. Put this date on your calendar and plan to join your colleagues in recognition of new members.

Advantage of Tax-Exempt Status

On September 23, 2008, the Academy received Federal tax-exempt status, under section 501(c)(3) of the Federal Tax Code. This means the Academy can accept financial gifts, bequests, and transfers, and that such contributions to the Academy are tax deductible.

Tax-exempt designation, which is based on the Academy's educational purposes and mission, provides a great boon to the Academy's Scholarship Program, as well as allowing the Academy to take in revenue from dues and Academy activities, such as the Induction Dinner, without incurring tax consequences.

Academy members who are interested in making contributions to the Academy Scholarship Program or continuing operations of the Academy should contact Karen Larsen, Presiding Governor (larsenfam@mho.net)

Scholarship Applications Available Soon

Applications for the Academy's 2011-2012 Professional Educator Scholarship Program will be available soon. If you are continuing your professional development in gifted education by actively pursuing a graduate degree or endorsement in gifted education, or if you know other professional educators who are, be sure to stay aware of the Academy Scholarship Program.

For more details about the Scholarship Program, go to the Scholarship tab on this website; or contact Ellen Honeck (ehoneck@du.edu ).

Membership Dues Due

Did you know that the Academy does have dues?? While the Academy will not hunt down members not paying dues nor will members be dropped for not paying, we do request that members voluntarily make the annual $15 dues payment by January for the calendar year to follow. These dues provide the bulk of our operating revenue.

Try a new option: Instead of $15 annually, go for Lifetime Membership at $100! Then you'll never have to remember to pay the annual dues again!

With questions, or to pay dues, contact Ann Bagg, Academy Treasurer abagguette@yahoo.com).

Directory Updates

CAEGTC members: Check your listing in the Academy Directory. Send any updated email addresses, contact numbers or new information to Ellen Honeck (ehonec@du.edu) to update the directory.

Don't have an Academy Directory?? Request one from Ellen Honeck. The cost is $5 to cover printing and postage.