Council Meeting Minutes
African American Alumni Council Meeting
VCU Alumni Activities
Conference Room
Saturday, March 11, 2006
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary Francis, Teresa Hairston, Joseph Tyner, Regina Phinezy, Larry Powell, Edward Robinson, and Frank Wallace.
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 10:13 a.m.
II. WELCOME
Mr. Wallace welcomed everyone and asked for introductions.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 4, 2006 minutes were reviewed and a motion was approve. Moved. Seconded. Passed.
IV. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Mr. Wallace reported various upcoming activities. He said that the alumni association needs volunteers to call perspective students on March 30th at 5:30 p.m. Calls will be made to some of the highest ranking high school students who been accepted for admission to VCU but haven't made their enrollment decision. Alumni will pass along additional information about the university, answer questions and (hopefully) motivate them to enroll. He also reported that volunteers were needed on 3/30 for a lapse donor calling program. The alumni association member will call former members who have not paid dues recently. On May 20th volunteers will be needed for commencement breakfast at 6th Street Market Place.
Mr. Wallace recognized Linnie Carter and Dr. Micah McCreary as the AAAC 2005 and 2006 alums of the year during the African-American studies program's "Black History in the Making" event last month. Photos from the event are currently posted on the website.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget
Mr. Powell reported that there were any major expenses or changes to the budget since the last meeting and that reunion related expenses will begin to surface in the coming months.
Professional development
No report given.
Public relations
No report given other than Nina Sims requested that members submit information for the AAAC newsletter as soon as possible.
Scholarships
Mr. Powell reported that he received 2 applications for AAAC's newly created Executive Scholarship. The information was distributed to alumni through the Black caucus. Mr. Powell reported that he and Mr. Wallace will meet with Ann Hoffler, VCU's director of stewardship, to review of the process and procedures developed for this scholarship. They will also review the process to generate more applicants and the parameters for forming a selection committee. There was discussion regarding race based scholarships and Mr. Powell and Mr. Wallace will discuss that with Ms. Hoffler as well.
VCU Alumni Association
Mr. Powell reported that the VCU Alumni Association has contracted with a company to begin offering VCU alumni apparel online. The VCU Alumni Associated pursued this idea as a result of finding the alumni-related items offered at the VCU Bookstore to be insufficient.
Program and Events
Mr. Powell shared a copy of the AAAC reunion weekend brochure and reported they are very close to finalizing the piece and that it will go to print very soon. He discussed the various activities planned for the weekend and reported that he is still waiting to hear from Viola Baskerville's office on whether she would be available to make remarks at the Friday Welcoming Reception. He also reported that there will be a $25 charge for vendors tables this year and that alumni would be given first priority. Mr. Powell has also contacted the VCU Welcome Center to coordinate a Saturday morning walking tour of campus.
Nominations
Mr. Powell reviewed the status of officer nomination. Currently there are 3 nominations for parliamentarian, one for treasurer, one for secretary, none for president. There are two meetings schedule prior to the elections. After reviewing the bylaws and subsequent discussion, Mr. Robinson made a motion to amend the AAAC bylaws to allow existing officers to be eligible for re-election in the event that suitable or eligible candidates have not been nominated. Moved. Seconded. Passed. Mr. Powell reported that the nomination process is still open and encouraged others to pass along nominations. He also commented that bios will probably be requested of the current nominees and in the future this information may be shared online. Elections to be held on June 1st meeting and the executive committee will discuss the slate during the AAAC meeting during the reunion.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
No other business reported.
VII. Adjournment
Motion was made to adjourn @ 11:50 a.m.
Respectfully submitted
Mary L. Francis, Secretary