Council Meeting Minutes
AFRICAN AMERICAN ALUMNI COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 17, 1998
MEMBERS PRESENT: Marilyn Campbell, Simeon Chestnut, Mary Cosby, Trotter Collier, Kimberly Easton, Michael Greene-Russell, Nicole Lewis, Mary Smith, Todd Pilot, Larry Powell, Kristen Thompson
I. CALL TO ORDER
Marilyn Campbell called the meeting to order.
II. WELCOME
Ms. Campbell welcomed the Council members, particular two new attendees: Kimberly Easton and Kristen Thompson.
III. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 15, 1998 MINUTES
Ms. Campbell asked for a motion to approve the November 15, 1998, minutes. Moved. Seconded. Carried. Unanimous.
IV. AAAC ENDOWMENT reported by Larry Powell
Mr. Powell reported that Jane Carlson, director of development, was scheduled to attend the meeting but was called out of town unexpectedly. Ms. Carlson offered to meet with a group of Council members separately and attend the March meeting to answer any questions regarding endowments.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Nominations Committee reported by Simeon Chestnut
Mr. Chestnut, reporting on behalf of Michelle McQueen, said that the committee is in the process of soliciting nominees to fill the Council=s officer positions next year. He invited Council members to forward the names of people who may be interested in serving.
Public Relations, Publicity reported by Todd Pilot
Mr. Pilot announced that the committee is looking for a chair person and anyone who is interested should get in contact with him.
Mr. Pilot reported that the committee will concentrate on producing a two color, four page newsletter with articles written by committee members. The committee recommends sending the newsletter in October and March (the first issue will be produced October 1998) to all African-American alumni. The projected budget for each newsletter is approximately $1,875 per issue.
Some of the newsletters would include:
- "On the Move" featuring VCU graduates
- Upcoming Events
- A section for births, marriages, and memorials
- A message from the AAAC President
- Career Opportunities
- University Highlights
Mr. Pilot asked for a motion to allocate $4,000 from the 1998-99 budget to produce two newsletters beginning in Fall 1998. Moved. Seconded. Unanimous.
Ms. Campbell asked the committee to present a newsletter prototype at the next meeting. Mr. Powell also asked that the committee assume primary ownership of the newsletter with the Office of Alumni Activities merely providing administrative support.
Program and Events reported by Larry Powell
Black History Month Program
Mr. Powell reported that the Black History Month Program invitations have been mailed out to alumni. The Council will sponsor a reception in conjunction with Theatre VCU's production of "I Am A Man" and offer discounted tickets to Council members.
Mr. Collier solicited various businesses seeking financial support for the Black History reception. The Council received $200 from Ukrops and a $25 gift certificate from Farm Fresh. Mr. Collier shared a copy of the solicitation letter with the Council members. Thank you letters will be sent to the Ukrops and Farm Fresh as well as public acknowledgment during the reception.
Reunion Weekend
Reunion brochures will be mailed the week of January 19th. Mr. Powell distributed copies of the brochure to Council member present.
Career Exploration reported by Michael Greene-Russell
Ms. Greene-Russell reported that the committee decided not to sponsor a program this year. Instead, the committee will develop a student survey to solicit information regarding programs and services. This will help the committee determine the type of career assistance the students would find most beneficial. The committee should have the survey completed by the end of the month.
VI. OFFICE OF ALUMNI ACTIVITIES REPORT
No report was given.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Powell stated that the cut off date for committees to submit budgetary requests to the treasurer is June 30, 1998.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:45 am.
Respectfully Submitted
Regina Harris, Secretary-AAAC