Council Meeting Minutes
African-American Alumni Council Meeting
VCU Alumni Activities Conference Room
Saturday, February 16, 2008
(March minutes will be posted upon approval during the April meeting)
MEMBERS PRESENT: Franklin Dunn, LaToya Gray, Leslie Harper, Rodney Harry, Keith Morse, Larry Powell, Edward Robinson, Jr., B.A. Sewell, Joseph Tyner, Franklin Wallace, Monica Wiley, Faith Wilkerson
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 10:15 a.m.
II. WELCOME
Mr. Wallace welcomed everyone and led the introductions.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made to approve the January 19, 2008 minutes. Motioned. Seconded. Moved.
IV. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Mr. Wallace covered the following items in his report: 1) Reviewed the future AAAC meeting dates; 2) Encouraged all members to attend the "Black History in the Making" program at the Grace Street Theater on February 28th. The AAAC's 2008 Outstanding Alumni award will be presented during the program; 3) Thanked alumni who participated in the VCU Alumni Associations pre-game BBQ prior to the homecoming game; 4) Suggested identifying prominent alumni and sending a special reunion weekend invitation to them; 5) Encouraged alumni to visit the AAAC's web site and submit pictures to the member's photo gallery.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget.- Joseph Tyner
Mr. Tyner shared copies of the budget, pointed out several highlights and entertained questions.
Bylaws - Larry Powell
Mr. Powell indicated that a web page containing the proposed changes to the bylaws has been created and the link address has been shared with the membership. AAAC members were asked to review the amendment and vote of their approval or disapproval. Mr. Powell explained the AAAC is required to notify the membership 30 days in advance of any formal vote to be taken. Members have the option to vote on the proposal online. A formal vote will take place during the March meeting.
Nominations - Larry Powell
Mr. Powell reminded the members that the officer nomination process will begin as soon as the bylaws amendments are ratified. Mr. Powell invited members to consideration other alumni for nomination or to nominate themselves.
Programs and Events - co-chaired by Jackie Tunstall Bynum and Rumae Foddrell
Reunion
Mr. Powell shared the final reunion weekend schedule with the members. The brochures should be in the mail shortly. An email blast will be sent to alumni and an electronic version of the brochure posted to the web site as soon as the file is received from creative services.
Black History in the Making
The members reviewed nominations for the 2008 outstanding alumni award to be recognized during the African-American Studies Program's "Black History in the Making" event. After some discussion, the members selected Rebekah Pierce to receive this year's award.
The members also discussed revising the selection process for this awards. A motion was made to establish a December deadline for acception future nominations. Motioned. Seconded. Moved. The members also discussed considering nominations for additional years after being submitted and whether the process needs to be more formal to include some form of information verification. A motion was made to table the discussion until the May or June meeting. Motioned. Seconded. Moved.
Public Relations
Mr. Wallace asked the members to visit the AAAC online store at Café Press. The site can be accessed through the AAAC website to buy AAAC apparel. He commended Mr. Robinson for making us aware of Café Press and stated that the site has been up and running for over six months.
VCU Alumni Association Report - Eddie Robinson
Mr. Robinson reported on several VCU Alumni Association activities. He discussed the association's participation in the trip to Washington for the State of the Union address. Tim and Daphne Reid rode the bus with the VCUAA board along with various county government representatives. Mr. Robinson also reviewed various highlights from the most recent VCUAA board meeting including: 1) a review of the survey conducted by a research firm comparing VCU alumni association with alumni organization at various peer institutions; 2) the establishment of a Richmond area alumni chapter; and 3) Gordon McDougall's concept to develop a "volunteer symposium" to established a shared vision and common goals and objectives for VCU alumni relations.
V. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business to discuss.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 12:05. p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Larry Powell