The TSO officers for 2016-2017 were:

President: Edie Heppler. I am an accountant/administrator and business owner since 1977. The TELOS program has allowed me to expand my knowledge and after 4 years of attending classes I have found my tribe! I would like others to have this same opportunity. I would like to keep TELOS vibrant, engaging, available and affordable to all. The challenge will be to grow the program and still maintain the community flavor. I hope to serve as the President of the Council for a second year and maintain a collaborative atmosphere.

(Resigned) Vice President: Chuck Kimbrough. I am a semi-retired 45 yr. trial lawyer, retired Colonel, with interests in current affairs, politics and history. I have greatly enjoyed TELOS classes and events. I put my skills to use since spring of 2014, along with a small team, in negotiating a number of items, including tuition reductions with BC. We substantially improved the TSO and TELOS student relationship with the administration.. I also would like to help keep this great academic community program vibrant and grow it substantially by serving as Vice President for a second year.

(Resigned) Secretary: Jordan McCabe. I recently retired as a state-contracted appeals lawyer for indigent criminal defendants and parents facing termination of their rights. The TELOS classes, lectures and seminars are a major source of interest and enjoyment — as well as company beyond that of my pooch, Walter. I want to return the favor by supporting TELOS to keep it vibrant and strong.

Treasurer: Arlene LaTurner. The TSO council provides an opportunity to get to know great people while helping TELOS become an even better community. My experience working as a bookkeeper for a number of years gave me skills with numbers needed for the position of the TSO Treasurer, where I hope to serve for a second year.

Candidates for at-large positions included:

Steve Denison. (Serving as Secretary) Age 70, retired IT professional, married, one daughter. I would like to serve on the TSO Council to provide leadership as the TELOS program moves into its 41st year. The TELOS program provides community and educational opportunities to the people of the East Side and I would like to strengthen and expand the existing programs and community events. One goal I have is to help market the TELOS Program to the wider East Side community.

Diane Kester. I have a BA in English and Secondary Teaching Certificate from the University of Colorado. I have had several careers: Pan American stewardess, high school English teacher, and owner of the Goldworks jewelry store in Gilman Village.I was thrilled to discover the TELOS program and take several classes each session as well as serving on the curriculum committee; I am interested in the board as I want to give back to a program that I so respect and enjoy.

Bryan Leyton. I am a retired radiologist. TELOS has been great for me, and I would like to contribute something back to TELOS.

Nellie Spruch. I have an English Literature degree with over 19 years of experience at an educational seminar company. Since retiring in 2014, I have greatly enjoyed all of the TELOS courses and lectures I’ve attended. I am interested in joining the council because I want to give back to the community and help expand the program offerings so that others may enjoy the benefits of TELOS.

(Resigned) Tom Westman. I am very interested in serving on the TSO council because of my longstanding interests in education for persons of all ages. I have attended numerous TELOS courses, many often more than once (NEWS, Writer’s, Russia, TED, to name a few). I believe TELOS offers many opportunities for on-going learning and I would like to also assist in the development of new offerings such as various science courses (climate change explained, what is DNA/RNA, etc.) as well as additional courses in the arts, and other cultures/countries. We love the opera, the symphonies and the arts as examples. I have also visited 50 countries both as a tourist and on business. In expanding course offerings this gives TELOS the opportunity to attract new students as well.

My background is varied: I hold the Ph.D. in chemistry, was a university faculty member; moved into the corporate world involving new business development, world wide; more recently I held administrative functions in continuing education at the University of Washington and finally ending my work career as a backcountry (wilderness) ranger for 10 years at Mt. Rainier National Park.

TSO Council meeting minutes March 2025

Posted on March 8, 2025 by Gerald Bunce

TSO Council meeting Minutes

Mar 26, 2025 – 03:30 PM

Top of Form

Attending: Jerry Bunce, Bryan Leyton, Chris Steele, Laura Stanely,

Ted Watts, Phil Andrews, Chris Stoynov

Quick recap

The team discussed the TSO Student Organization’s activities and future plans. They also met with the new Director of Continuing Education, Esteban Maldonado. They discussed the use of BC Foundation funds for advertising and instructor recruitment. Lastly, the council considered disbanding and the need for someone to update the website with meeting minutes, as well as the usefulness of a storage booth on campus.

Next steps

Jerry to send a note to Esteban Maldonado asking for an update on Telos program status, course numbers, and future expectations.

Jerry to inquire with Esteban about the status of cross-advertising between Edmonds Creative Research Institute and Bellevue College Telos.

Jerry to visit Student Programs to find a computer science student to help update the TSO website.

TSO Council to make a decision about disbanding at the next meeting on May 28th.

Jerry to report back to the council on any feedback from Esteban Maldonado regarding Telos activities.

TSO Student Organization’s Activities and Plans

In the meeting, Jerry led the discussion about the TSO Student Organization’s activities and future plans. TELOS had 20 classes in the winter quarter, with 5 being canceled, and 325 registrations. However, there was a question about the organization’s impact and whether it should continue. The group also discussed the upcoming spring quarter, with 16 classes planned for spring quarter. Fewer classes and registrations expected in summer. The possibility of adding another session of the generative AI for daily life class was also discussed. But George Liu now has a full time job and is not teaching at this time.

As always thanks go to Donna for collecting and sharing the TELOS class and registration information.

Esteban’s Role and Program Updates

Jerry, Ted, and Phil discussed their meeting with Esteban Maldonado, the new Director of Continuing Education and IBIT. Esteban was described as honest, earnest, and interested in their work. Phil suggested asking Esteban for an update on the college’s pulse regarding their program in their next meeting. Ted emphasized the need for Esteban to focus on their mission and not just be a nice face. Jerry noted that Esteban took over Liz Hollerman’s responsibilities, including the IBIT program, and expressed satisfaction with Esteban’s support for their program. The team agreed to send a note to Esteban, asking about the decrease in course numbers and what they can expect in the future.

Advertising and Instructor Recruitment Discussion

The team discussed the use of funds for advertising and instructor recruitment. They considered donating remaining funds in the TSO Student account with Student Programs to the foundation for more advertising and instructor recruitment. The team also discussed the process of hiring instructors as contractors, which simplifies the hiring process. The treasurer’s report showed that no money had been spent since the last meeting, leaving around $5,000 in the TSO student account. The team also discussed the potential for cross-advertising between Edmonds Creative Research Institute and Bellevue College.

Council Considers Disbanding and Storage

The council discusses the possibility of disbanding and agrees to make a decision at their next meeting on May 28th. They consider holding a final general meeting if they decide to disband. Jerry mentions the need for someone to update the website with meeting minutes, suggesting they might recruit a student for this task. The group also discusses the storage booth they have on campus, questioning its usefulness and contents. No new business is brought up, and the meeting is adjourned.

TELOS Student Organization

Educational Program for Retirees. Lifelong Learning. Lifetime Friends.

The 2016-2017 TSO Council

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TSO Council meeting minutes March 2025