Council Meeting Minutes
African American Alumni Council
Association Boardroom, University Student Commons
Saturday, March 20, 1999
Attendance: Jackie Tunstall Bynum, Marilyn Campbell, Trotter Collier, Mary Cosby, Rumae Foddrell, Regina Harris, Michelle Jones, Daikeesha Massenburg, Michelle McQueen, Larry Powell, Rose Roberson, Michael Greene-Russell, Mary Smith.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Michelle McQueen called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m.
II. WELCOME
Ms. McQueen welcomed everyone and asked for introductions.
III. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 16, 1999 MINUTES
A motion was made to approve the January 16, 1999 minutes as submitted. Moved. Seconded. Carried.
IV. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
Michelle McQueen, Larry Powell, and Mary Cosby met on March 10, 1999 to discuss the Black History Month Program. Ms. McQueen asked that the Program and Events Committee to get in touch with Dr. Jackson for information on the "Black History in the Making" award criteria. Ms. McQueen said that next year she would like for the Council to honor an alumnus at during the their Black History Month program. She also wanted to start sending the students who receive awards at the program a congratulation letter.
V. PRESIDENT-ELECT POSITION/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Ms. MsQueen reported that the president-elect is still vacant and needs to be filled. Last year the by-laws were amended to allow the president-elect to take office the year before his/her presidency. All individuals previously contacted declined the nomination. After some discussion, Linnie Carter was nomination for the president-elect position and will be contacted regarding her interest in serving. Ms. McQueen reported that if Ms. Carter declines the nomination the president-elect slot will remain vacant and the next election process will include seeking a nominee for president.
Ms. McQueen suggested that it may be necessary to amended the by-laws to address what happens when the Council cannot identify a nominee for the president-elect position. Mr. Powell reported that according to the by laws, it is possible to elect a former president as president-elect provided the terms aren't consecutive.
VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Executive Committee
Ms. McQueen stated that her report was included in previous topics already discussed.
Scholarship
Trotter Collier stated that he and Mr. Powell met with Jack Sims, Director, Capital Support, and discussed the Council's scholarship endowment and the award criteria. Mr. Sims informed them that the university supports minority based scholarships and that it would be acceptable for the Council's endowment to be targeted towards minority students. Mr. Trotter also reported that all scholarships have to first go through the financial aid office all monitary awards would taken into consideration when determining a student's financial need.
Mr. Sims discussed with Mr. Collier and Mr. Powell a fundraising challenge that is being offered to the various schools on campus that the Council may also consider participating in. The program is a merit based scholarship campaign for incoming freshman in which the VCU foundation would match the amount raised. For example, if the Council raised $10,000, the VCU Foundation would match the amount making it a $20,000 endowment. Mr. Sims also stated that the Council could transfer its current endowment into the program, however, the VCU Foundation would not match funds generated prior to the campaign. Mr. Sims offered to meet with the Council to discuss his proposal in more detail. A motion was made to invite Mr. Sims to the May Council meeting to discuss the scholarship program. Moved. Seconded. Carried.
Program and Events
Jackie Tunstall gave an overview of reunion weekend. She stated that two hundred people had signed up for the Annabel Lee Cruise, but not the money isn't due until April 16th. The committee decided to make phone call to notify people who made reservations that their tickets will be released if their money isn't received by April 16th. The committee also asked all organization who are selling tickets for reunion events to turn in their money by March 26. A motion was made to allow the Program and Events Committee to use their best descretion regarding the handling any unsold tickets for the Annabel Lee Cruise. Moved. Seconded. Carried. Mary Smith was opposed to the motion and inquired as to how other members would know how the committee decided to handle the matter. Mr. Powell stated that he would send everyone an email or call them regarding the committees decision.
Ms. Bynum made a proposal to the Council to reallocate funds originally designated to the reunion weekend hospitality suite and use the money towards decorations for the dance. She said that the Northern Virginia alumni would offer to sponsor the hospitality suite instead of the Council from their personal funds. After considerable discussion, Ms. Bynum made a motion to accept her proposal. Moved. Seconded. One vote was in favor of the motion, seven opposed, and two abstained from voting, the motion was not carried.
After additional discussion another motion was made that the hospitality suite will be hosted and sponsored by the Northern Virginia alumni. Moved. Seconded. Carried. Five was in favor of the motion, three abstained, and zero opposed.
Brotherman Retreat
Marilyn Campbell stated that the Brotherman Retreat would be held at Richmond Hill on March 26 starting at 4 p.m. and ending March 27 at 4 p.m. Thus far 18 boys have registered, six are VCU students. She also stated that the Virginia Housing Development Authority was a major contributor for the retreat.
Phonathon
Mr. Collier stated Council's phonation will be held on Thursday, May 6 at 6 p.m. Everyone should meet at the Alumni Activities Office for initial training and would be shown where to go to do the calling.
V. OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. McQueen has donated a framed Black History Month poster to be raffled during the Saturday night. Its was recommended that the Council ask the artist for permission to raffle his work before doing so. Mr. Powell reported that he has been trying to get in contact with the artist but has not spoken with him yet. Ms. McQueen said that she would send a letter to the artist if he does not respond to messages left for him previously. Ms. Bynum made a motion to offer a complimentary ticket to the dance to the vendor helped supply the afrocentric decorations for reunion weekend. Moved. Seconded. Carried.
VI. ADJOUNMENT
Ms. McQueen adjourned the meeting.