Council Meeting Minutes
African American Alumni Council Meeting
University Meeting Center
Saturday, May 20, 2000
(Minutes from the September 2000 meeting will be posted upon approval at the November 2000 meeting)
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary Cosby, Linnie Carter, Marilyn Campbell, Nina Goodwyn, Michael Greene-Russell, Regina Harris, Keashia Massenburg, Michelle McQueen, Larry Powell, Ernie Roane, and Rose Roberson
I. CALL TO ORDERThe meeting was called to order at 10:15 a.m.
II. WELCOME
Ms. McQueen welcomed everyone and led the group through introductions.
III. APPROVAL OF MARCH 18, 2000 MEETING
A motion was made to approve the March 18, 2000 minutes as submitted. Moved. Seconded. Carried.
Reunion
Ms. McQueen felt that reunion weekend went exceptionally well. From her observations the events were well attended and the alumni she spoke with seemed to enjoy the activities.
Educational Scholarships
Ms. McQueen was thrilled that the AAAC awarded its first Leadership Scholarship to Kina Harding. The scholarship recipient was introduced to the AAAC during the reunion dance. Ms. McQueen suggested that the AAAC introduce future scholarship recipients at a different function. Ms. McQueen thanked the committee for working so diligently to make his happen.
Merit Scholarship
Ms. McQueen reported that the fundraising campaign for the AAAC's Merit Scholarship is going well and she thanked the Council members who have contributed to the campaign. She mentioned that June 30th was the last day to receive matching funds from the VCU Foundation. Ms. McQueen urged the members to submit their gifts/pledges as soon as possible.
African American Graduation
Ms. McQueen said she participated in the Office of Multicultural Student Affair's Minority Graduation Ceremony. On behalf of the Council, she presented gifts to the graduates and a letter inviting them to become involved in the AAAC. The ceremony was followed by a reception and Ms. Queen commended OMSA for coordinating a very nice event.
Community Service Project
Ms. McQueen commended the Career Exploration Committee for doing such a great job with the reunion weekend community service project. The committee arranged for teenagers from the Sacred Heart Center and the William Byrd House to visit the VCU. The children toured the campus and spoke with alumni encouraging them to consider attending college in the future. Ms. Queen welcomed the attendees and was encouraged by their interest and enthusiasm. Ms. McQueen suggested that the Council consider incorporating a community service project into future reunion weekends.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Scholarships
Merit Scholarship
To date, the Council has raised $6,200 in gifts and pledges. The Council's goal is to raise $10,000. The VCU Foundation will match all funds raised by the AAAC, therefore, the Council has exceeded the minimum needed to establish an endowment. Approximately $200 was raised from the fundraising appeal in the reunion weekend brochure.
Next month the Advancement Office will initiate solicitation calls to approximately 300 African-American alumni. Mr. Powell stated that Mr. Collier will follow up with members who expressed interest in the supporting the scholarship at the March meeting.
Mr. Powell passed out a preliminary year-end budget report. He noted that the report did not include all Reunion Weekend expenses and revenue.
Program and Events
Reunion
Mr. Powell stated that Reunion Weekend went very well and the feedback thus far as been positive. Mr. Powell stated that the committee will review the weekend and explore revamping some of the events for next year (particular the picnic). Mr. Powell stated that he would keep the Council informed of future events and plans for Reunion 2001. Mr. Powell thanked everyone for their participation and assistance and invited suggestions for continuing to improve Reunion Weekend in the future.
Reunion Community Service Project
Ms. Regina Harris passed out a report explaining the format for the community project. Attached to the report was a letter from Mr. Ellis Henderson, a representative from the William Byrd House who escorted the students to VCU, and notes from several of the students who participated in the project. Ms. Harris stated that each student was given an exam survival kit bag and inside the bag was, a reunion T-shirt, a Council keychain, a pencil sharpener donated by Ms. Gail Coles, and a folder that included information about VCU and the day's activities. The alumni volunteers for the project included: Andrea Cason, Valerie Cason, Joyce Coles, Iris Eppes, Gail Johnson, Michelle McQueen, Natalie Smith and Donna Stallings.
Ms. McQueen stated that Ms. Harris and Ms. Cason used some of their own money ($88) to help with project expenses. Ms. McQueen spoke with the Executive Committee and they agreed to reimburse them for their out of pocket expenses. A motion was made for the Council reimburse Ms. Harris and Ms. Cason $88. Motioned. Seconded. Approved.
Public Relations
Scholarship Award
Ms. Carter stated that she spent last month recruiting new members to the Public Relations Committee. She has recruited Barbara Payton, Alicia Aroche, and Nina Goodwyn (all mass communications alumni). Ms. Carter also reported that Ms. Goodwyn has accepted her nominated to serve on the VCU Alumni Association's board
Community Service Project
Ms. Carter felt that the community service project was a very good idea and it needed to get as much publicity as possible to let others know that the Council is involved in more than just "partying." She also stated that she would like to see the community service project information on the website. Ms. Carter felt that it was imperative that others were aware of the Council's activities.
VI. Officer Election
Mr. Powell stated that the AAAC needed to elect officers for the following positions: president-elect, treasurer, secretary and parliamentarian. Elections were conducted and the following alumni will be installed as officers to serve from July 1, 2000 - June 30, 2002: president-elect - Ernie Roane; treasurer - Mary Cosby; secretary - Rose Roberson; parliamentarian - Keesha Massenburg. Current president-elect, Linnie Carter, will assume the presidency beginning July 1, 2000.
VII. Officer Installations & Recognition
Ms. McQueen thanked the past officers for their help and contributions during her term as president and gave each of them a personal gift as a token of her appreciation. She also gave Mr. Powell and Ms. Harris a certificate of recognition for their support of the AAAC.
Ms. McQueen led the Council through the exercise of installing the new officers and officially passed the gavel to Ms. Carter.
Ms. Carter acknowledged Ms. McQueens accomplishments as the AAAC's president during the past two years and presented Ms. McQueen with a gift of appreciation on behalf of the Council. Ms. Cosby also made a presentation to Ms. McQueen on behalf of the Executive Committee.
VIII. Other BusinessVCU Alumni Association Report
Ms. Campbell reported on the activities of the VCU Alumni Association's board. She gave some background on the board and described some of the programs they sponsored including: the "Alumni Stars" ceremony during VCU's Founder's Day week, the Perspective Student Calling Program, "Now We're Cooking", Odyssey of the Mind, and a pre-game reception in conjunction with a VCU Rams game. They also award an annual $500 student scholarship.
The VCU Alumni Association president, Hugh Keogh, will conduct an board retreat this year to discuss various issues and ideas.
Ms. Campbell also stated that two AAAC members, including Ms. Goodwyn, have been invited to serve on the VCU Alumni Association Board.
IX. AdjournmentThe meeting adjourned at approximately 12 noon.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Greene-Russell