PROCEEDINGS May 15, 16, 17, 18, 2005 - Casualty Actuarial Society

ADDRESS TO NEW MEMBERS–NOVEMBER 14, 2005HORIZONSRONALD L. BORNHUETTERBefore I begin my formal remarks, I would like to share abrief anecdote that occurred during my presidency. Some of youhave heard it before, but many have not.For the Annual Meeting in November 1976, which was tobe held in San Diego, California, it was decided to have a paidluncheon speaker for the first time. I asked Carl Honebein to seewhat he could develop in the way of possibilities. After sometime, there were several speakers to choose from with a varietyof fees.Our choices included Senator Ted Kennedy (who charged$10,000 plus expenses for himself and two bodyguards), GovernorJerry Brown, and a retired part-time journalist and radiocommentator (who wanted $5,000 although he lived twenty minutesfrom San Diego). We finally decided on the then seniorUnited States Senator from California, Alan Cranston, who onlycharged a fee of $2,000 and no expense money.Our choice was a good one as Senator Cranston had just returnedfrom Plains, Georgia, where he met with the newly electedpresident Jimmy Carter. His comments were very interesting ashe gave his insight on our next president. Cranston was quite agood choice for our first venture into paid speakers.(As a footnote, the retired part-time journalist and radio commentatorwho lived close by, whom I turned down, was futurepresident Ronald Reagan.)Before I begin my formal remarks about your horizons, letme congratulate each of you on your hard work that culminatedwith achieving Fellowship in our Society. It is a culmination ofa considerable amount of hard work and effort and you shouldbe very proud. Also, my compliments and congratulations to all741