OCAIR 11^th Annual Meeting Minutes

Date:      Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Time:      5:10 pm – 6:00 pm

Place:     Michigan Room B, Level 2,

              Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers

Guests:   Sandra Johnson, President

              Fred Lillibridge, Vice President

              William Knight, Forum Chair

              Mary Korfhage, Associate Forum Chair

              Terrence Russell, Executive Director

              Timothy Chow, Secretary and External Relations Chair

Minutes by:       Shu-Ling Chen

Bill Zhang, 06-07 OCAIR Chair, convened the meeting at 5:10pm.  He provided opening remarks and informed members that Kang Bai was distributing the OCAIR pin that commemorates OCAIR’s 10^th Anniversary. 

Bill Zhang then welcomed and introduced AIR officers who were guests at the meeting.  Sandy Johnson, followed by Fred Lillibridge and Bill Knight, lauded OCAIR’s accomplishments and congratulated OCAIR on its 10^th Anniversary.  Terry Russell noted AIR’s collaboration on institutional research activities in China and Mary Korfhage invited OCAIR members to participate and contribute to the AIR Forum in Kansas City next year.

Bill Zhang introduced Bai Mei next.  Bai Mei sang the song she wrote for OCAIR.  Lyrics for the song were handed out to members so they could join in the singing.  Bai Mei mentioned that she continues to work on the lyrics and would welcome any suggestions for revisions.

On behalf of Shuqin Guo (05-06 OCAIR chair) Mindy Wang read Shuqin’s prepared remarks to the membership.  Shuqin recalled OCAIR’s history and achievements over the last ten years.  Starting with 16 members in 1996, OCAIR now has 200 members of different ethnic backgrounds in the US, Canada and some countries in Asia.  OCAIR is unique in that its major functions are all on the internet.  OCAIR members communicate and share knowledge, skills, programming codes, personal and family news through the listserv and started regular features such as the SAS Salon and SPSS Tea Room.  The entire membership serves as a “emergency” resource for its members.  And the OCAIR website not only archives prior discussions, it is itself a “treasure box” (聚宝盆).  Daily communications and quick responses to requests for help make OCAIR home for its members.  Shuqin also thanked AIR, the steering committee, and all members for their support. 

Bill Zhang acknowledged members who have played significant roles in OCAIR’s growth over the 10 years: OCAIR founders, OCAIR chairs, and other OCAIR officials….  

To demonstrate our appreciation for his generous gift and sponsorship, Bill Zhang presented a plaque for Mr. Yin who donated the pins for OCAIR’s 10^th Anniversary.  Willard Hom will deliver the plaque to Mr. Yin in California. 

In recognition of their contributions to OCAIR, Bill Zhang presented Outstanding Service Awards to Michael Tamada and Meihua Zhai.  Michael Tamada has always been quick to respond to questions on the listserv and this past year, started and hosted the SPSS Tea Room.  Meihua Zhai is the only person in OCAIR’s history to have received the Outstanding Service Award twice for all that she does for OCAIR and its members. 

On behalf of Lily Hwang, Kang Bai provided the Treasurer’s report.  He outlined the year’s expenditures and announced an estimated balance of $800.

Mindy Wang, standing in for Shuqin Guo, passed the leadership of OCAIR over to Bill Zhang, OCAIR’s 2006-07 Chair.  Bill Zhang also received the wood fish, a symbol of the office, and proceeded to announce the 2006-07 Chair-Elect, Faxian Yang, Member-at-large, Hong Gao, and Coordinator, Shu-Ling Chen.

In honor of OCAIR’s 10^th Anniversary, the 2005-06 Steering Committee had organized a OCAIR history quiz.  Zhao Yang read the names of people who participated in the quiz and had a drawing for the prizes (3 gift certificates). 

Wei Huang, who coordinated local arrangements, then provided information about OCAIR’s annual dinner and provided directions and maps for getting to the restaurant. 

The meeting concluded at 6:00 pm.

[A special note:  Given this was OCAIR’s 10^th Anniversary, Bill Zhang had a banner made commemorating the occasion.  The banner hung on the wall during the meeting.  Timothy Chow, AIR’s External Relations Chair, also sent OCAIR a flower bouquet to celebrate the event.]