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.