At the HRSA conference, we had many good meetings, as well as good times. On Monday evening, we presented a special commendation to Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, whose wife graciously received this on the Senator's behalf -- click on the hyperlink in the left-hand frame to see the commendation. Following the presentation to Mrs. Reid, we also issued a special commendation to Dr. Susan M. Klein, the GEC Program Coordinator, who retired from federal service this past Friday. You may also view Sue's commendation by clicking on the appropriate hyperlink.
On Wednesday morning, we had a very productive breakfast meeting attended by almost 40 persons. In attendance was Mr. Henry Montes, the new Director of the Division of Associated, Dental, and Public Health Professions. Mr. Montes' remarks were well received and we're looking forward to a long, productive relationship with him.
See the photos below of the NAGEC Council and the (Andrea Sherman and I) presentation to our distinguished immediate past president, Dr. Sue Levkoff.
The main business points discussed were the upcoming cycle of Congressional committee meetings and markups regarding reauthorization and appropriations: Dr. Pat Blanchett, Chair of the Legislative Affairs Committee, reported on her plans to work with Scott Frey on this important task. We also discussed the relative merits of incorporating NAGEC and to organizing a separate 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt organization which could benefit from government and foundation grants. Plans for both will be discussed at the upcoming NAGEC meeting at the GSA this November in Philadelphia. Marie Leinhaas also convened a very productive meeting of the Liaison with Professions Committee, and that important group will report on progress made at the November 1998 meeting.
We are indebted to our Council-member and meeting host, Patty Swager, for putting on a great meeting and for her hospitality, especially for the dinner at Mamounia, a Moroccan restaurant, where we enjoyed both great food and the thrill of seeing Drs. Veronica Scott and Phil Clark dancing with the belly dancer: unfortunately, or fortunately, for Veronica and Phil, no photos are available to record that most memorable of events!
And lastly, in a sad note, we were informed that our good friend and former colleague, Anne Kahl, had died on June 8. Needless to say, we all spent a good amount of time reminiscing about how wonderful Anne was, and how saddened we were to learn of her death. Please see the "In Memoriam" to Anne by clicking on the hyperlink in the left-hand frame.