West Grayson Retired School Personnel Association (WGRSPA) welcomed Dr. Jeremy McMilllen at their April 7 meeting at Las Haciendas Restaurant.
After Harold Tamplen gave the opening prayer and Glenda Coulson led the group in pledges to the American and Texas flags, Sharon Lively and Carol Golden led the group in a fun purse scavenger game with prizes being Moon Pies in honor of the Artemis II space expedition.
T. R. Fletcher introduced Dr. McMillen, who spoke to the group about the new construction projects underway at Grayson College. Several projects completed during 2025 included the Center for Teaching and Creativity (CTC) Renovation, the Police Force Relocation and Public Safety and Logistics.
A new residence hall is near completion and will be ready to house students in the fall 2026 with the multi-story Health Sciences Building to open in the fall of 2027. The Health Sciences building will contain a robotics unit that will allow students to simulate actual patient care, virtual reality and grid for advanced health sciences degrees.
Grayson is currently able to award BSN degrees and is in the process of obtaining approval for other health sciences bachelor’s degrees. Dr. McMillen encouraged members and the public to drive by Grayson College to see all the changes that are currently underway on the campus as well as improvements being made at the South Campus in Van Alstyne.
In the business portion of the meeting, members heard from Mary Nan Story regarding a virtual State Convention meeting held in Frisco. Story, Sue Barker and Coulson attended as delegates from WGRSPA. Delegates voted to raise the annual dues for TRTA (Texas Retired Teachers Association) to $48 beginning July 1, 2027. New state TRTA officers announced include President Ella Gauthier, Past President Marcy Cann, 1st VP Franna Patterson, 2nd VP Terri Navrkalm and Gary Schepf Secretary/Treasurer.
Legislative chairperson Fletcher reminded members of the importance of voting in the primary elections in May as the primary winners tend to be winners in the November elections, researching the candidates and contacting candidates now as they will have more time to visit with constituents before the session begins in January. TRTA priorities remain protecting the TRS (Teacher Retirement System) fund, maintaining affordable health care and securing enhancements for retirees.
Other actions in the meeting included reports from Carol Pike on the Walk Across Texas teams, who twice a year participate in a good health project in conjunction with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and calls for scholarship applications from any junior or senior education major or current educators returning for additional certifications or degrees. Applicants may contact Coulson at [email protected] or 903-821-7854 for information and to get an application.
Several members were awarded prizes—Sharon Golden for turning in volunteer hours, and door prizes provided by Wanda Dutton to Carla Hawkins and Lively.
Forthcoming activities include concluding the book projects at the elementary schools in Tioga, S&S and Collinsville. (Whitesboro’s project was completed last month.) Each year WGRSPA provides a book chosen by the third grade team at each school to every third grader in the respective schools. In addition, a donation of $100 is given to each middle school and high school library.
May’s meeting will be May 5 and will serve as a remembrance meeting for members who have passed this last year.
All retired school personnel are encouraged to join TRTA as membership numbers count when advocating with our legislators for benefits for retirees. Meetings are the first Tuesday of the month beginning in September through May with the exception of January currently at Las Haciendas restaurant at 11:30 a.m.
