Council Meeting Minutes
African American Alumni Council Meeting
VCU Alumni Activities Conference Room
Saturday, April 1, 2006
MEMBERS PRESENT: Regina Phinizey, Larry Powell, Edward Robinson, Joseph Tyner and Franklin Wallace
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 10:24 a.m.
II. WELCOME
Mr. Wallace welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes were reviewed and a motion was made for approval with the correction of changing the date from June 1st to June 3rd in the nominations committee report. Motioned. Seconded. Moved as Amended.
IV. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Calling Program
Mr. Wallace thanked Mr. Robinson for participating in the prospective student calling program. Mr. Wallace stated that there is another calling night scheduled for Wednesday, April 5 at 5:30 at the Richard T. Robertson Alumni House.
Commencement Breakfast
Mr. Wallace reported that commencement breakfast will be held on Saturday, May 20 at the 6th Street Market Place's food court and encouraged those interested in participating in either the calling program or commencement breakfast to contact Mr. Powell or Diane Stout-Brown in the alumni office.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget
Mr. Powell reported that the only addition to the budget is $250 for a deposit paid to the band scheduled for perform Friday evening during the reunion.
Professional Development
No report given.
Public Relations
Mr. Powell stated that the newsletter will be going out via e-mail on Monday, April 3.
Scholarships
Executive Scholarships
Mr. Wallace and Mr. Powell met with Ann Hoffler to review the criteria and procedures for the Executive Scholarship to ensure that proper protocol has been followed. Ms. Hoffler suggested in the future the AAAC should consider posting information on the university's scholarship website to broaden exposure. She also stated that the AAAC could use the Office of Alumni Activities to serve as the administrator of its scholarships. A selection committee consisting of one AAAC member will be formed to decide on the Executive Scholarship recipients.
Program and Events
Reunion
Mr. Powell reported on the status of the AAAC Reunion Weekend plans:
- The reunion brochures were mailed several weeks ago.
- Scott Gibbs, representing the Theta Rho chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., contacted Mr. Powell and requested celebrating their fraternity's 100th anniversary during the reunion. After consulting with the Program and Events Committee's co-chairs their request was granted.
- Former Del. Viola Baskerville has been confirmed to speak during the Friday Welcome Reception.
- Sam Jamison will coordinate the park outing and will be form a committee to assist him.
- Due to both the AAAC and RPI reunions being held on the same day, the alumni office staff duties will be split between the two events. As a result, he will need to rely more heavily on AAAC volunteers.
- B.A. Sewell and Scott Gibbs will solicit DC area contracts to help raise funds for the Executive Scholarship by offering hole sponsorships through the reunion golf outing.
- There will be an attempt to record the Saturday symposium seminars need to be recorded for documentary and historical purposes and also to put it on line.
- An AAAC business meeting will be held before Dr. McCreary's session at the Student Commons.
Nomination Committee
Mr. Powell stated that there were no new officers nominees for the existing vacancies. Nominations will be accepted until the election on June 3.
VCUAA
There were no updates. The next meeting will be held in May.
VI. Other Business
Website
Mr. Powell stated that the contract to update the AAAC's website has been revised and signed by the university lawyers. However, Mr. Atkinson of Culture Create had some liability concerns as a result of the revisions and will continue negotiations with the university representatives. Mr. Powell expects the matter to be resolved shortly.
New Members
During a discussion regarding increasing AAAC membership, Mr. Powell observed that throughout the year several new members have attended meetings but haven't returned. He mentioned that more follow-up work is needed from alumni office staff and AAAC officers to keep new attendees involved with the organization.
By-Laws
The AAAC will discuss the by-laws amendment during the April 29th business meeting during the reunion.
LGBT
The newly formed Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Alumni Council will be host a networking reception on April 27 at "Babe's" in Carytown. Mr. Robinson volunteered to attend the event representing the AAAC.
VII. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at noon.
Respectfully submitted
Regina Phinizey