Council Meeting Minutes
African-American Alumni Council Meeting
VCU Alumni Activities Conference Room
Saturday, January 19, 2008
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jennifer Brown, Jackie Tunstall Bynum, Leslie Harper, Rodney Harry, Angela Henderson, Tracey James, Gordon McDougall, Tonya Pleasant, Regina Phinizey, Larry Powell, Edward Robinson, Jr., Joseph Tyner, Franklin Wallace, Hattie Wiggins, Chris Williams, Teresa Yarbrough
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 10:10 a.m.
II. WELCOME
Mr. Wallace welcomed everyone and led the introductions. Mr. Wallace also introduced and welcomed Mr. McDougall, the new Assistant Vice President for University Alumni Relations.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made to approve the November 17, 2007 minutes with the inclusion of the names of attendees mistakenly omitted. Motioned. Seconded. Moved.
IV. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Black History Month
Nominees for the 2008 AAAC Black History award will be accepted until January 25, 2008.
VCU Alumni Association Activities
On January 19, at 4 p.m. the VCU Alumni Association (VCUAA) is sponsoring a pre-game social prior to the VCU vs. ODU game in Norfolk. The VCUAA will also sponsor a pre-game barbecue on February 2 at 5:30 p.m. before the VCU vs. Towson game. Mr. Wallace encouraged the AAAC to support the events.
Community Engagement
On January 21 there will be a VCU event highlighting Dr. Martin Luther King in the Richmond Salon at the Student Commons from 10 to 2 p.m. Tony Cosby will recite Dr. King's "I have a Dream" speech. The event is free to the public.
Reunion
For this year's reunion Mr. Wallace suggested having some form of a printed program listing all the reunion events and sell ads to vendors. Revenue from the ads would be used to support scholarships and AAAC initiatives. He stated that he and Ms. Harper were designers and could assist with the designing.
Mr. McDougall stated that consideration is needed regarding ad size and cost. He felt that the ad idea was okay as long as any university criteria or guidelines are adhered to.
Ms. Phinizey thought that there could be some audit issues with selling ads. She said that she will check with Ms. Diane Stout-Brown to see if she recalls any issues and will report on her findings at the next meeting.
Website
Mr. Wallace encouraged everyone to submit photos to the Council's website.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Powell passed out a brief description of the AAAC committees. Mr. Robinson is heading a sub-committee charged with taking a look at the various committees and breaking down their goals and objectives.
Budget - Joseph Tyner
Mr. Tyner shared copies of the budget, pointed out several highlights and entertained questions.
Bylaws
The Executive Committee met prior to the Christmas holiday and drafted a proposed change to the AAAC bylaws. The committee would like to stagger the terms of the officer to improve leadership continuity. Mr. Wallace noted that staggering the terms will require two existing officers to serve an additional year. Mr. Harry (parliamentarian) and Mr. Tyner (treasurer) agree to continue to serve through 2009 pending approval of the amendment to the bylaws. The amendments are as follows:
Article VI.
B. - Term of Office. An officer shall hold office for a two-year term which commences on July 1 following elections and installation. The president and secretary will serve their terms in even number years; the treasurer and parliamentarian will serve their terms in odd number years.
Article VI./G./1.
e. serve as an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee for one year after the conclusion of their term
Article VI./G./6.
a. Officer is appointed by the president in odd numbered years.
A motion was made to propose the changes to the AAAC bylaws: Motioned. Seconded. Moved. The proposed amendments to the bylaws will be posted on the AAAC web site for the membership to review and vote on.
Nominations
The process for electing new officers is as follows: solicit nominations, a nominations committee will review candidates, present a slate of eligible nominees at an AAAC meeting, once approved the slate is sent to the members and a formal election will take place at the last meeting of the school year. Mr. Powell invited all to submit nominations if they know of anyone interested in serving as an officer.
Programs and Events - co-chaired by Jackie Tunstall Bynum and Rumae Foddrell
Homecoming
Ms. Tunstall stated that all are encouraged to attend the Lupe Fiasco VCU Homecoming Concert on Friday, February 1st at the Siegel Center. Ms. Tunstall also invited all to attend the homecoming game against Towson on February 2nd and the AAAC after-game party at Pearls Restaurant and Martini Bar. A section of the club will be reserved for VCU alumni and special hospitality will be offered.
Reunion
Ms. Tunstall reviewed the 2008 AAAC reunion schedule and discussed various highlights of the weekend. She also invited suggestions for topics for Dr. McCreary to discuss during his annual seminar during the reunion. Ms. Tunstall asked the members for their thoughts on having another entrepreneur-type activity during the reunion. There was a suggestion to provide a box for business cards at each event to get more information from the alumni and for a drawing. It was also suggested that at every event there be a kiosk where people can update their information.
Ms. Tunstall invited anyone who wanted to join the program and events committee to contact Mr. Powell.
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.
Scholarship
It was suggested that the Council consider establishing an AAAC legacy scholarship.
VCU Alumni Association Report
Mr. Robinson reported that the VCUAA board meets three times per year and the next meeting will be held on February 6th. He stated that within the next couple of weeks the VCUAA will hold its committee meetings.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business to discuss.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 12:10. p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Regina Phinizey