William Penn Life, 2007 (42. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2007-10-01 / 10. szám
36th General Convention Seizing the initiative Convention takes bold steps as it charts the WPA’s course Ralph Manning, the WPA’s general counsel, administers the oath of office to the newly-elected Board of Directors: (l-r) Dennis A. Chobody, Robert A. Ivancso, Margaret H. Boso, Anne Marie Schmidt, Barbara A. House (Vice Chairman), Stephen J. Varga (Chairman), E. E. (AI) Vargo (Vice Chairman), Andrew W. McNelis, Nickolas M. Kotik, Roger G. Nagy, Charles S. Johns, Ronald S. Balia, William J. Bern and William S. Vasvary. PITTSBURGH - With several bold strokes, the WPA's 36th General Convention confidently and unanimously outlined the direction the Association will follow over the next four years. Meeting Sept. 3 to 5 at the Hilton Pittsburgh Hotel, the Convention approved the WPA's business strategy for 2007 to 2011. Known as "The William Penn Initiative," the strategy encompasses 10 broad goals designed to make the Association "a stable, respected and financially sound fraternal life benefit society." The Convention also expanded the WPA Board of Directors to 14 members while approving the elimination of the National Auditing Committee as an independent body and establishing the Auditing Committee as a standing committee of the Board. The 94 delegates also bid farewell to several retiring Board members, approved the establishment of a new vice president position, adopted revisions to the Association's bylaws, raised thousands of dollars for the WPFA Scholarship Foundation, and received words of encouragement from none other than Teddy Roosevelt. Special Edition Keep your eyes open for a special “General Convention edition” of the William Penn Life. This special edition will contain expanded coverage of the Convention, the revised by-laws of the Association, and photographs of all delegates and banquet guests. We hope to have this special issue in your hands sometime in November. So, stayed tuned. Call to Order The Convention's schedule of events opened Sunday, Sept. 2, with a welcoming reception for delegates and their guests. The informal affair allowed delegates to renew old acquaintances and make new ones, while enjoying a delicious buffet featuring freshly-carved roasted turkey and baked ham. While the welcoming reception was taking place, a number of delegates-members of the credentials, resolutions and nominating committees—met separately to lay the groundwork for the next several days. The Convention was officially called to order Monday, Sept. 3, by Stephen J. Varga, chairman of the WPA Board of Directors and chairman of the Convention. He introduced the Rev. Dr. Daniel Borsay who offered the invocation in both English and Hungarian. In a united display of patriotism, all in attendance joined in the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," led by delegate Evelyn Bodnar of Branch 19 New Brunswick, N.J., accompanied by pianist and delegate Arlene Miller of Branch 725 Springfield, Mass. With equal fervor, the delegates voiced their love of our Association's Hungarian heritage as they joined Ms. Bodnar and Ms. Miller in singing the Magyar Himnusz. The meeting's opening session featured greetings from National President George S. (Pete) Charles, Jr. He praised the members of the WPA for their hard work, loyalty and dedication which have helped the WPA to not only survive but thrive during its 121 year history. He noted many challenges lay ahead for the Association, but concluded those challenges could be met successfully with the continued loyalty and support of our members. National Vice President-Secretary Richard W. Toth also greeted the delegates. He also read greetings from a number of dignitaries, including President George W. Bush, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendeli and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. National Vice President-Treasurer Diane M. Torma extended greetings and thanks to the delegates and offered a brief review of the financial strength of the WPA. 6 William Penn Life, October 2007
