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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville retiree Jo Gibson has been re-elected to a second term as a regional director serving on the State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA) board of directors. The action occurred at the September 30 meeting of the SUAA House of Delegates.

“My role as SUAA Director Region 3 Universities is to be sure our collective voice is heard at the state level, particularly as related to the universities in our region (SIUE, SIUC, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Eastern Illinois University),” said Gibson, who served as SIUE transfer coordinator prior to retirement. “The three regions within SUAA reflect as equally as possible the total paid chapter membership in universities and community colleges. Region 3 reaches diagonally from Joliet to SIUE and south.”

Gibson said the SUAA provides the framework for a unified message dedicated to preserving and protecting a strong public pension system, healthcare benefits, higher education, and the general well-being of its membership. “SUAA advocates on behalf of all faculty and staff of public universities and community colleges - both retired and current employees - their spouses and survivors, who are participants and beneficiaries of the State Universities Retirement System,” she stated.

Gibson acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic has provided challenges. “As with all other organizations during this unprecedented time, SUAA has continued to keep its membership connected and engaged while also reaching out to the greater SURS (State Universities Retirement System) audience,” she said. “Our executive director meets with legislators virtually and sends email mini-briefings regularly to the membership. Members and guests have been invited to participate in five separate Zoom meetings on the Graduated Income Tax amendment that is on the November ballot. Our annual and fall meetings are being delivered via Zoom. Local chapters are providing virtual relevant educational seminars. Behind the scenes, there is much discussion about reaching the needs of current employees who are most at risk of adverse legislation.”

SIUE is also represented by former Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Narbeth “Nobby” Emmanuel, who continues to serve as SUAA Foundation treasurer, securing donations to support student scholarships and emergency funds for members in financial need. Emmanuel retired as SIUE vice chancellor for student affairs in spring 2016.

The SIU System is also represented by SUAA President Pat Eckert, from the SIUC Chapter, who previously served as the association’s vice president. Eckert was SIUC’s continuing education coordinator prior to retirement.

SIUE Chapter President John Jennetten underscored the importance of the SIU System’s strong representation within SUAA. “SUAA adopted a regional delegate structure several years ago to ensure that the organization was serving the membership of the entire state,” he said. “SUAA advocates and supports funding of all higher education programs, not just retirement benefits.

“There are important regional differences in the state related to higher education opportunities and access to quality healthcare. SIU’s representation on the SUAA board helps ensure that the needs and concerns of members in southern Illinois are taken into consideration as SUAA develops advocacy policies and positions. In turn, SIU campus chapters benefit from regular communication of statewide initiatives back to their members resulting from the active participation of Jo Gibson and President Pat Eckert.”

SUAA is the only organization focused on issues affecting State Universities Retirement System (SURS) employees, retirees and beneficiaries. “Membership matters!” Gibson said. “Every employee, retiree, and their beneficiaries should be concerned about their futures by supporting the organization advocating on their behalf.” 

Photo: Jo Gibson, SIUE retiree and regional director serving on the SUAA board of directors.