Council Meeting Minutes
African American Alumni Council Meeting
VCU Alumni Association Boardroom
University Student Commons
Saturday, March 23, 2002
(Minutes from the June 2002 meeting will be posted upon approval at the September 2002 meeting)
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 10:09 a.m.
II. WELCOME
Ms. Carter welcomed everyone and asked for introductions.
III. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 19, 2002 MINUTES
A motion was made to approve the January 19, 2002 minutes. A motion was made to approve the minutes as submitted. Moved. Seconded. Carried.
IV. COMMITTEE REPORT
Budget - reported by Larry Powell on behalf of Mary Cosby
Mr . Powell distributed a copy of the year-to-date budget for the members to review.
Bylaws Committee - No report given.
Nomination Committee - reported by Larry Powell
Mr. Powell reported he included a request for officer nominations in the last meeting announcement but did not receive any response. Presently, Debbie Holmes has been nominated as president-elect and Eddie Robinson expressed some interest in the treasurer position. The Nominations Committee has scheduled a conference call for March 23.
Professional Development Committee - No report given.
Program and Events Committee - Larry Powell reported on behalf of Jackie Tunstall Bynum and
Rumae Foddrell
Reunion
Mr. Powell reported that the reunion brochures were mailed in early February and RSVPs are beginning to come in. The Program and Events Committee wanted to spice up the Friday night social and will incorporate some form of recognition for alumni celebrating their 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, and 30th graduation anniversaries. The members discussed having one of the AAAC leaders make remarks at each of the reunion events and the idea of video taping parts of the reunion, posting the footage on the website, and producing DVDs for purchase.
Community Service Project
Ms. Sims is coordinating the Reunion Weekend Community Service Project and reported that she has received parental permission from the students participating in the activity. Ms. Carter and Mr. Alford agreed to meet with the students to discuss career and personal goals. Mr. Powell said that he would review the alumni surveys received and forward the name of people who expressed an interest in student involvement/mentoring. He also mentioned that the reunion registration allows alumni to indicate their interest in participating in the community service project.
Black History In the Making
The African-American Studies Program's "Black History in the Making" program was held on February 21 at the Grace Street Theatre. The program recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of VCU's African-American students. The AAAC honors its alumnus of the year during the event.
Ms. Sims reported that she was in awe of the students wonderful accomplishments. She mentioned that the University needs to do a better job of promoting the accomplishments of these students and wondered if the Council could assist in promoting the program.
During the "Black History in the Making" program, the Council honored Glenn Davis for his professional accomplishments and community contributions. Mr. Davis, a 1986 information systems graduate, is the president and CEO of BranCore Technologies.
Public Relations - Nina Sims
Reunion
Ms. Sims distributed a draft of the Reunion Weekend press release detailing the planned activities for the weekend.
Recruitment
Ms. Sims thought the Council should begin considering a major recruitment effort that would include promoting the accomplishments of our alumni. Mr. Thurmond stated that he could get a list of African-American men (both alumni and non-alumni) who may want to get involved in the Council.
Collage of VCU Memories
Ms. Sims envisioned preparing a collage of old photographs to display during the reunion. Unfortunately, few alumni responded to her request for pictures.
Scholarship
VCU's African-American Studies Program served as the Council's Leadership Scholarship administrator this year. The Scholarship Selection Committee will review the 41 applications received and select a scholarship recipient. The committee will consist of three African-American Studies Program faculty members and one Council member. Ms. Sims volunteered to serve on the committee.
VCU Alumni Association Board Report
Ms. Sims passed along the results of President Trani's initiative to rename the VCU campuses. A committee consisting of students, VCUAA members and university administrators reviewed various options and recommended to Dr. Trani that the university would be best served not renaming the campuses. The students didn't understand the need to change campus names, especially given the expense in doing so during a time of statewide budget cuts.
V. OTHER BUSINESS
VCU Alumni Office Report - Larry Powell
Programs
Mr. Powell reported that this year's student recruitment phonathon will take place on March 26, and the "Now We're Cooking" student block party (coordinated by the Admissions Office) is scheduled for
April 6. He invited alumni interested in participating to contract Diane Stout Brown in the alumni office.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m.