Council Meeting Minutes
African-American Alumni Council Meeting
VCU Alumni Activities Conference Room
Saturday, March 15, 2008
MEMBERS PRESENT: Franklin Dunn, Stephanie Forman, Mary Francis, Rodney Harry, Angela Henderson, Regina Phinizey, Larry Powell, Eddie Robinson, Joseph Tyner, Frank Wallace, Teresa Yarbrough
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m.
II. WELCOME
Mr. Wallace welcomed everyone and led the introductions.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made to approve the February 16, 2008 minutes. Motioned. Seconded. Moved.
IV. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Mr. Wallace thanked Mr. Robinson for presenting this year's Outstanding Alumnus award to Rebekah Pierce in his absence during the "Black History in the Making" program. Mr. Robinson reported that both he and Ms. Pierce were previously acknowledged at the event when they were VCU students. Mr. Robinson reported that Ms. Pierce was very appreciative of the recognition and briefly addressed the students in attendance.
Mr. Wallace also reminded the members that the alumni reunion is coming up soon and encouraged all to participate in the activities throughout the weekend. He mentioned that the next AAAC meeting will be held April 19th, the weekend prior to the reunion.
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 bylaw amendments was created for the membership to review and vote on. He reviewed the following changes with the attendees prior to an official vote:
Proposed Bylaws Amendments
Amendment #1 (in italics)
Article XI.
A. 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.
Amendment #2 (in italics)
G. Duties of Elected Officers:
1. The President shall:
a. preside at all meetings of the Council and meetings of the Executive Committee
b. appoint all standing committee chairs with the approval of the executive committee (the nominating
committee shall be elected by a majority vote of the membership)
c. appoint special committees, as necessary, with approval of the Council
d. have general supervision of Council activities
e. serve as an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee for one year after the conclusion of their term
f. be an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee
Amendment #3 (in italics)
G. Duties of Elected Officers:
6. VCU Alumni Association Board Representative shall:
a. Officer is appointed by the President in odd numbered years.
b. Report on VCU Alumni Association board activities at the AAAC membership meetings.
c. Represent the interests and concerns of the AAAC at the VCU Alumni Association Board meetings.
A motion was made to accept the amendments as proposed. Motioned. Seconded. Moved. Vote received on-line were included in the approval of this motion.
After some discussion, Mr. Wallace appointed Mr. Harry to chair the Bylaws Committee and requested that he review the wording of the term "associate member."
Nominations - Larry Powell
Mr. Powell said an announcement will be disseminated to solicit nominations for AAAC president and secretary. He encouraged all members to submit nominations if they know of qualified alumni or if they would like to be considered.
Programs and Events - co-chaired by Jackie Tunstall Bynum and Rumae Foddrell
Reunion
Mr. Powell reported that the brochures are in the mail and an email blast has been sent to alumni with a link to an electronic version of the brochure posted to the web site. He also reported that Rev. Duane Kay from Alexandria will be the keynote speaker at the breakfast. Mr. Powell encouraged the members to help promote the reunion as much as possible and pass along any idea they might have to further publicize the event. The AAAC explored identifying sponsors for this year's reunion and will continue to do so in the future.
Black History in the Making
As Mr. Wallace reported earlier, Ms. Rebekah Pierce received this year's Outstanding Alumni award and was honored at the "Black History in the Making" program.
Public Relations
Mr. Powell reported that the P.R. committee was formerly chaired by Nina Sims and has been inactive since she has been unavailable to serve. Mr. Harry and Ms. Pleasants expressed interest in working on this committee.
VCU Alumni Association Report - Eddie Robinson
Mr. Robinson reported on several VCU Alumni Association activities. He discussed the VCU Alumni Association's new web site, the new sculpture being built in front of the Anderson Gallery recognizing R.P.I. (one of VCU's predecessor institutions), the VCU Alumni Association's Alumni Stars program.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business to discuss.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 12:07. p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Mary Francis
AAAC Secretary