Headlines

Welcoming Toastmasters into the Fall
by Mai Lin C. Chua and Gwendolyn Y. Darden

Have you ever listened to or given a speech that was great, but you heard more “ah's” and “um's” than the actual words of the speech? It happens a lot. To most people, it is a normal way of conversation, but is it effective communication?

Financial Management has come up with a way to once again become “Knowledge Based” in this area of one's life. It's called Toastmasters and is open to everyone in Financial Management. We currently have members from most of FM including GCA, SFS, Treasury, Payables Administration, Travel, Financial Services, and Risk Management, as well as participants from other areas on campus. All you need is a current Educational Development Plan that mentions public speaking or communication skills, the will and the boldness to step out and speak in front of others, and the time to participate.

With membership on the rise, Toastmasters needs funding and resources to educate our members. For this reason, we will host our first Financial Management Toastmasters auction on October 28, 2004 to raise money for training materials and for funding public speaking activities for our members. The Toastmasters group is calling for the support and generosity of staff members throughout Financial Management to make the event a success. This includes donations as well as your support by purchasing these items. Auction items include everything from edible goods to used articles (as long as they are still in good condition). Please stay tuned for more detailed information about the auction.

Speaking of membership, FM Toastmasters would like to welcome its newest members:

Tess Domingo-Herrera, Norm Englund, and Nancy Hurja, all of SFS, Celia Durham of Payables, and Fred Pitz of University Facilities .

This fall will be a big challenge for Toastmasters, as the club has incorporated debates as one of its agenda items. It is really fun to see members express their thoughts, perceptions, and feelings on topics such as the November Presidential Election, tent cities, the Olympic Games, and skyrocketing gasoline prices. If you don't want to miss the fun, come and be our guest every Tuesday from 12pm – 1pm at Schmitz Hall, room 170.

Current Toastmasters members:

Diane Cooley – President
Teresa Crisostomo - Vice President/Membership
Pramilla Chand -Vice President/Education
Gwendolyn DarDen – Vice President/Public Relations
Mai Lin Chua – Asst. Vice President/Public Relations
Nancy Hurja - Secretary
Karem Martinez – Treasurer
Noel Bain – Past President
Denise Murillo – Member
Shawn Williams – Member
Agnes Acholonu - Member
Ping Tan - Member
Kyra Worrell - Member