Council Meeting Minutes
African American Alumni Council Meeting
VCU Alumni Activities Conference Room
Saturday, November 17, 2007
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary Francis, Rodney Harry, Tracey James, Keith Morse, Larry Powell, Edward Robinson, B.A. Sewell, Shelia Tapscott, Joseph Tyner, Jacqueline Wade, Franklin Wallace, Teresa Yarbrough
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 10:12 a.m.
II. WELCOME
Mr. Wallace welcomed everyone, especially the new members, and let the group through introductions.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made to approve the September 15, 2007 minutes. Motioned. Seconded. Moved.
IV. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Mr. Wallace attended the VCU Foundation's scholarship dinner and met the AAAC Merit Scholarship recipient Taylor Davis. The second recipient Rachel Toppings was not present. He also met the new VCU Alumni Association president Dan Massey. Mr. Wallace plans to arrange a meeting with Mr. Massey to discuss issues involving the AAAC and the VCUAA.
Mr. Wallace stated that he felt the AAAC's activities were driven too much by the Executive Committee and thinks the various committees should be more prominent in driving the organization. He suggested that the budget should be a Budget or Fundraising Committee responsibility versus one specific officer (the treasurer). The goal is to have more working members involved in committee activities and the majority of the work should be handled during committee meetings instead of the AAAC meetings. A summary of each committee will be reviewed at the next meeting.
The group also discussed how the newly formed Fundraising Committee should fit within the AAAC's organizational structure. One suggestion was to have it placed as a subcommittee of the Budget Committee.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget Committee - Mr. Tyner gave a brief monthly report on current finances.
Programs & Events - Mr. Powell reported that the committee is still trying to finalize the Friday night event. One suggestion being explored is a jazz reception at the Student Commons featuring the group "Plunky and the Oneness" with an after party at a local club.
Nominations - Mr. Powell reported that the officer terms will expire June 2008 and the AAAC will need to initiate a nomination/election process. The group discussed the feasibility of having the officer terms staggered so that there would always be continuity when turnover occurs. Changing the terms will require a bylaws amendment and formal membership vote. If the AAAC proceeded with this idea, Mr. Harry and Mr. Tyner agreed to serve an additional year during the transitional period. This issue will be discussed further at the January 2008 meeting.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 12:08. p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Mary Francis