Council Meeting Minutes
African American Alumni Council Meeting
VCU Alumni Activities Conference Room
Saturday, December 3, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: LaTaya Gray, Rodney Harry, Larry Powell, Regina Phinizey, Joseph Tyner, and Franklin Wallace. Black Caucus Representative: Miatta Sinayoko
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 10:22 a.m.
II. WELCOME
Mr. Wallace welcomed the members.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes were reviewed and a motion was made for approval as amended (adding January 7, 2006 meeting date). Motioned. Moved. Seconded.
IV. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Web Design
Mr. Wallace and Mr. Powell met with Eric Atkinson to discuss redesigning the AAAC's website. Mr. Atkinson prepared a proposal for the website that Mr. Wallace and Mr. Powell shared with the members. Mr. Wallace stated that the rates outlined in the proposal were very favorable to rates charged by university technology staff.
The next step is to meet with Creative Services and have them look over Mr. Atkinson's proposal to make sure there are no issues regarding the proposal. After they have meeting with Creative Services the final step will be to discuss the proposal with Mr. Chip Rossi, Executive Director of VCU Alumni Activities, to get his feedback before proceeding with the web redesign. In lieu of not having enough members to form a quorum, the proposal will be presented to the executive committee and they will make the final decision regarding the website. The website redesign will come from the AAAC checkbook funds. Mr. Wallace's goal is to have the updated website unveiled at the 2006 reunion.
Founders Day
Mr. Wallace attended the Founders Day Alumni Stars program held at the Science Museum on November 11, 2006 . He thought that it was a wonderful function and had the pleasure of meeting the lone African American alumni star this year, Ms. Anita Josey-Herring. Mr. Wallace reported that Ms. Josey-Herring is planning to renew her AAAC membership in 2006.
Commencement Breakfast
Mr. Wallace and Mr. Eddie Robinson will be representing the Council at the VCU Alumni Association's commencement breakfast which will be held Saturday, December 10, 2005 .
Sponsorship of the Council
Mr. Wallace stated he would like to attract corporate sponsorship of the AAAC and identify companies that share the general goals and mission of the Council, especially with regard to scholarships. Mr. Wallace envisions sponsors having links on the AAAC's website pending clarification from the university to find out if this is allowed.
Mr. Eddie Robinson had previously stated that his business would be interested in serving as an AAAC sponsor. for the Council. Mr. Wallace also met with Ms. Patricia Green who works for the magazine, Soul of Virginia. From the meeting it was decided that she would review a copy of the Council's business proposal and contact Mr. Wallace regarding opportunities for joint ventures that may be mutually beneficial.
Student Organizations
Mr. Wallace received an e-mail from the African -American Graduate Association. He stated that they have very similar goals to the Councils. Mr. Wallace stated that he would like to have a connection with this group and would like for someone from the Council to step up and be a contact for this group and/or represent the Council at their meetings. He would also like for the AAGA to send a representative to the Council meetings. Ms. Sinayoko said that this was a group under the Black Caucus and that she would contact them regarding their representation at the Council meetings.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget
Mr. Powell shared copies of the current AAAC budget and briefly reviewed the details.
Professional Development
Mr. Powell will be calling Ms. Walker to get the status of the mentoring program.
Program and Events
Reunion Weekend - Mr. Powell reported that the reunion "Mark Your Calendar" post cards have been mailed and he shared samples of the cards with the members. Reunion will be held on April 28 - 30 2006 . The committee is working to finalize the reunion schedule. Mr. Powell hope to have the final reunion information will be available at the January 7 meeting.
Reunion Weekend Golf - Mr. Powell met with the VCU Young Alumni Council to inquire about their interest in coordinating a joint golf outing. The Young Alumni Council was receptive to the idea and said that the Friday, April 28th date was fine. Mr. Powell said he would contact the VCU Alumni Association to see if they were also interested in participating in a golf event.
Summit - Mr. Wallace stated the faculty-alumni-student summit is coming together. The Summit will be held on Saturday morning in lieu of the seminar usually scheduled on that date. Dr. Quincy Moore has agreed to facilitate the summit. A list of prominent alumni, faculty, etc is currently being compiled. Mr. Wallace is working on a letter inviting former faculty to participate. Mr. Wallace stated that he definitely will need from the members with this event.
Homecoming - will be held the week of February 11, 2005 and the homecoming game will be played against ODU. Alumni participation in this event will consist of coordinating an alumni tailgating area during the Saturday morning "Chill & Grill" tailgate party. The School of Business and School of Engineering alumni boards, the Young Alumni Council, and the VCU Alumni Association will participate. Mr. Wallace said that he would like for the AAAC to also participate and purchase a tailgate space (the cost is $25). The tentative plan is for the VCU Alumni Association to cater a portion of the tailgate area and the alumni groups would set up tailgate areas to supplement the catered food. Mr. Harry stated that he would be interested in assisting with the cooking if help was needed.
Public Relations
The Council's newsletter will go out prior to reunion.
Scholarship
Mr. Wallace goal is to have two scholarships presented doing reunion. He stated that he had gotten an e-mail from the Black Caucus regarding the criteria for the scholarship that had previously been discussed with them. He will formalize the criteria and send the information out to the Black Caucus, alumni fraternities/sororities as well as other organizations. The AAAC will need to decide if graduate students will be eligible to apply.
Black Caucus Report by Miatta Sinayoko
The VCU Kwanzaa celebration will take place on December 8 from 6 - 9 pm in Commonwealth Ballroom A & B in the Student Commons. It is free to the public. Food will be available. The Black Caucus will begin making plans for Black History month and will keep the AAAC abreast of their activities.
VCU Alumni Association Board Representative
No report.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business to report.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:31 a.m.
Respectfully submitted
Regina Phinizey