Council Meeting Minutes
African American Alumni Council Meeting
VCU Alumni Activities Conference Room
Saturday, February 19, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: Angel Ampey, Rick Braxton, Rodney Harry, Rebekah Pierce, Larry Powell, Regina Phinizey and Frank Wallace
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 10:10 a.m.
II. WELCOME
Mr. Wallace welcomed everyone and asked for introductions.
III. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Mr. Wallace reported that a draft of the new website will be sent to him soon along with the logistics for maintaining the website. He anticipates the updated version of the website to be more user-friendly and interactive. Mr. Wallace said that he would forward the new site design link to all of the meeting attendees to solicit feedback from them.
Reunion Weekend Welcoming Reception
Mr. Wallace reported that the AAAC and the Deltas will co-host the reception and he will be hosting the former AAAC presidents during the reception. He also mentioned that he will be in contact with Rudy Faulkner to discuss having his band play at the reception. A final decision will be made pending the cost of having the band perform.
Black Caucus Summit
There was no new information on the summit. The AAAC still has not been able to schedule a meeting with the Black Caucus president. Mr. Wallace will continue to work with Office of Multicultural Student Affairs on this initiative.
Pre-Conference Event
Mr. Wallace stated that he would like the Council to host a pre-reunion conference-style event next year and invite faculty and prominent administrators who were influential in helping to shape life as a student. The conference would be designed to address issues currently impacting our campus.
IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget
A full financial disclosure of the budget-to-date was given to every to review. There were no questions.
Professional Development
VCU Works/Mentoring
Mr. Powell interviewed several students from VCU Works Program in the hopes of hiring a student worker to handle various tasks for the AAAC. He also reported that an offer for employment was made to one of the student but she declined. Mr. Powell says he has additional candidates lined up for interviews next week.
There are programs that are currently established for student development that the Council needs to get involved in, i.e. the VCU Alumni Association's externship program, prospective student call programs, activities coordinated by the admission's office, etc.
Programs and Events
Mr. Powell shared a copy of the reunion schedule with the members and review the various events planned.
Public Relations
The website was discussed during the president's report.
Fall Block Party
Mr. Wallace stated that he would love for the AAAC to somehow be involved in (or possibily co-sponsor) the student fall block show event to help promote the organization.
Marketing
The way the Council envisons marketing themselves is through action. The Council wants students, etc. to see what they are doing.
Scholarship
The Council has three scholarships, the Merit scholarship is an incoming freshman, and the Leadership scholarship is for an existing student and the AAAC scholarship. The Merit and the Leadership scholarship currently have recipients.
The AAAC scholarship has not been awarded and is contingent upon members of an organization being active with the Council. The bottom line with this scholarship is that the Council needs to find someway to advertise themselves within the things that are going on campus. The Council wants to distribute this scholarship but need to come up with procedures/guidelines for dissimulating the money.
The Council set up a meeting with the Black Caucus to discuss the AAAC scholarship. The representative for the Black Caucus missed the meeting with no legitimate reason. Students need to understand that your word is your bond, when you say you are going to do something or be somewhere doing what you say or people are not going to want to be bothered with you. If you can't do it give the person the courtesy of letting them know you can not make it.
VCU Alumni Association Board Representative
The VCU Alumni Association meeting was cancelled due to bad weather.
V. OTHER BUSINESS
Homecoming
Mr. Wallace stated that homecoming was held on February 12, 2005, he felt that the committee did a great job. It was well attended and everyone seems to enjoy themselves.
VI. ADJOURMENT
The meeting ended at approximately 11:45 a.m.