Council Meeting Minutes
AFRICAN AMERICAN ALUMNI COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 15, 1997
MEMBERS PRESENT: Torson Brown, Marilyn Campbell, Semion Chestnut, Trotter Collier, Mary Cosby, Regina Harris, Michael Greene-Russell, Michelle McQueen, Larry Powell, Mary Smith, and Kenneth White.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Marilyn Campbell called the meeting to order.
II. WELCOME
Ms. Campbell welcomed the Council members present, particularly two new attendees: Trotter Collier and Mary B. Smith.
III. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 13, 1997 MINUTES
Ms. Campbell asked for a motion to approve the September 13, 1997 minutes. Moved. Seconded. Carried. Unanimous.
IV. PROPOSED 1997-98 BUDGET
Mr. Powell reviewed the attached budget with the Council members. Total projected expenses for l997-98 are $6,253. A motion was made to accept the budget as submitted with the understanding that the Council can shift funds as needed doing the term. Moved. Seconded. Carried. Unanimous.
The Council established a deadline for committees to submit their 1998 budgets. The deadline is 30 days prior to the September 1998 meeting.
V. AAAC ENDOWMENT
Since 1987, the Council has collected more than $12,000 in membership dues. That money goes into a non interest generating university account. Mr. Powell suggested that the Council consider allocating $10,000 of the membership revenue toward establishing an endowment through the VCU Foundation. He stated that membership revenue is constantly accumulating and is not being used. Mr. Powell described basic endowment information given to him by the VCU Real Estate and Foundation Services office. One stipulation is that the funds cannot be withdrawn for a minimum of 12 months after establishing the endowment.
After much discussion, a motion was made to table a decision on endowments until January when the Council members can review more specific information. Motioned. Moved. Seconded. Unanimous.
VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Nomination Committee - reported by Michelle McQueen
Ms. McQueen reported that the committee met once and that they had not determined their next meeting date. Ms. McQueen stated that self nominations were welcomed and invited Council members to pass along the names of potential officer candidates. Ms. McQueen also stated that the bylaws do not stipulate a specific process for presenting the slate to the membership. The Council decided that the election ballot should include the names of all officer nominees.
b. Public Relations, Publicity - reported by Regina Harris.
The committee focused its attention on producing a biannual newsletter. The newsletter would contain sections announcing marriages and births, Alumni on the move, and information regarding future alumni events. The preliminary estimated cost for producing a newsletter is $2,000 per issue. The Council asked the committee to present a detailed budget for the newsletter at the January meeting. The Council will then decide if producing a newsletter is feasible. The Council will need to decide who should receive the newsletter (all African-American Alumni or just members of the Council).
c. Program and Events Committee - reported by Larry Powell
Reunions
Mr. Powell reviewed Reunion Weekend events the Council will sponsor this year.
Black History Month Program
Mr. Powell reported that he spoke with the chair of the VCU Theater Department regarding their production of "I Am A Man" during Black History Month. The chair was receptive to the idea of the Council planning an event in conjunction with one of their performances. The Theater department also offered a discounted ticket price to the Council's guests. After some discussion, a motion was made to sponsor a reception after the Sunday afternoon performance on February 15. Moved. Seconded. Carried. Unanimous. Mr. Collier offered to help Mr. Powell with the program.
d. Career Exploration Committee - reported by Michael Green-Russell
Mrs. Green-Russell reported that the Career Exploration Committee met and discussed potential activities and programs that the group could develop. The committee is considering developing a survey to learn what type of programs students are interested in and which group on campus should be targeted? Also committee members offered to talk to the staff in the admission and the career planning and placement offices for information on existing programs.
VII. OFFICE OF ALUMNI ACTIVITIES REPORT
Mr. Powell reported that the VCU Alumni Activities Office is in the process of getting a new alumni house. The Alumni Association has purchased a building on the 900 block of Franklin Street and renovations are scheduled to be completed in 1999. Mr. Powell also reported that the alumni directory is close to being completed, but there is still time for alumni to submit their questionnaires if they would like to be included.
VIII. OTHER BUSINESS
The next meeting will be January 17, 1997.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Regina Harris, Secretary-AAAC