Council Meeting Minutes
AFRICAN AMERICAN ALUMNI COUNCIL MEETING
May 30, 1998
MEMBERS PRESENT: : Mary Cosby, Marilyn Campbell, Michael Greene-Russell, Regina Harris, Debra Hill, Michelle McQueen, Larry Powell, Wanda Rollins.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Marilyn Campbell called the meeting to order.
II. WELCOME
Ms. Campbell welcomed the members to the meeting.
III. APPROVAL OF MARCH 28, 1998 MINUTES
Ms. Campbell asked for a motion to approve the March 28, 1998 minutes. Moved. Seconded. Carried. Unanimous.
IV. NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Micheal Russell-Greene agreed to accept her nomination to serve as AAAC secretary. Jackie Tunstall Bynum declined her nomination to serve as president-elect.
V. AAAC ENDOWMENT
Larry Powell distributed an endowment proposal that listed four funding options. Mr. Powell stated that the membership revenue account balance is currently $14,138. A motion was made for the Council to decide at this meeting to whether or not to establish an endowment. Moved. Seconded. Carried. Unanimous.
After considerable discussion, an alternative option was presented to the group. A motion was made to contribute $11,000 towards establishing an endowment; keep the remaining membership revenue funds in the AAAC's university account for future use; and annually contribute 50% of all future membership revenue toward the endowment. Motioned. Moved. Seconded. Unanimous.
VI. REVIEW SCHOLARSHP FUNDING REQUEST
Brotherhood Retreat for African American Males
Mary Cosby, Marilyn Campbell and Trotter Collier attended the retreat's planning meeting. During the meeting, Dr. Quincy Moore presented a tentative event schedule and program outline that will include a panel of Black men addressing the importance of mentoring. The committee is in the process of speaking with college students to determine ways the retreat can benefit them.
Ms. Cosby stated that the retreat was an excellent idea but it was still in the planning stage and nothing has been finalized. Ms. Campbell suggested that the Council table this discussion until we get an official update on the retreat. A motion was made to table a decision on the Brotherhood Retreat for African American Males until the September meeting. At that time, more information should be available on the retreat and the Council will be able to review its budget before making a decision on their funding request. Motion. Moved. Second. Unanimous.
Tony West Gray Freedom School
Mr. Powell distributed flyers about the Tony West Gray Freedom School and their request for financial support from the Council.
A Council member raised questions about VCU's position, as a state institution, on supporting religion based organizations. It was then suggested that the Council first investigate the church/state aspect as it relates to VCU and to the Council.
Debra Hill suggested that the Council consider establishing guidelines for handling future funding requests.
VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Relations, Publicity
Ms. Campbell stated that John Finn contacted her to inquire about opportunities to work with the Council to both assist the organization and help promote his business. She stated that his suggestion offered possibilities to the Council and that the organization should discuss and consider his suggestion at the next meeting.
Ms. Campbell asked that the discussion of the newsletter be tabled until the September meeting. At that time, the committee should have ideas for the newsletter format, funding, who to mail to etc.
Program and Events Committee
Mr. Powell thanked the membership for participating in the Office of Minority Student Affairs' graduation ceremony, specifically: Michael Green-Russell, Mary Cosby, Simeon Chestnut, Wanda Rollins, Michelle McQueen, and Marilyn Campbell. The Council presented gifts and membership information to the graduates who participated in the ceremony.
He also reported that Reunion Weekend '98 was a success attracting approximately 400 people to the Saturday night dance. The dance made a profit of over $1,100 that will be shared equally with the Phi Delta chapter of Omega Psi Phi.
Career Exploration
Ms. Greene-Russell reported that sample surveys were sent to student before the end of the semester to determine ways the Council can address their career development needs. The committee is in the process of reviewing the sampling of surveys and reviewing various career services offered by university departments before establishing a career development program for the Council.
VIII. OFFICE OF ALUMNI ACTIVITIES REPORT
Mr. Powell reported that the VCU Alumni Association purchased a building at 924 West Franklin Street that will serve as the new alumni house. The new alumni house should be occupied by late spring 1999.
IX. OFFICER INSTALLATION
Ms. Campbell installed the new AAAC officers. The new officers are Michelle Mcqueen, President; Eric William, Vice President; Michael Greene-Russell , secretary . The new officers will serve two-year terms beginning July 1, 1998.
X. Ms. Campbell adjourned the meeting.
Submitted by Regina Harris, Secretary