Ball State University Alumni Association

Alumni Council Meeting Minutes

117th Meeting                                                                                 April 28, 2007

President Charles Green called the 117 th meeting of the Ball State University Alumni Council to order at 12:15 p.m.

MINUTES
Referring the Council to pages 3-13 in the background report, Green asked for corrections or additions.  Hearing none, Jim Andrew moved to approve the minutes as presented, Jo Ann Johnston seconded.  The motion carried by voice vote.

REPORTS
A.   Executive and Finance

President Green opened comments with the sad news that Jackie Johnston's son, Greg, had been killed the week earlier, during a robbery-homicide in Texas.  He asked that the Council keep Johnston and her family in thoughts and prayers.

Green acknowledged and welcomed back Hollis Hughes, and mentioned that Hollis has retired from his position as president of United Way of St. Joseph County.

Green stated that the week prior, he and Doug Reddington attended an event in Anderson on behalf of the Alumni Association, as part of the Education Redefined tour.  The Association is part of the multi-city plan that will take the Ball State story in the coming months to other communities in Indiana, and to places throughout the country.

At the next Council meeting, a recommendation will be presented regarding Chapter scholarships.  This is to give opportunities to prospective students in Chapter geographic areas to obtain funds to attend Ball State.

Green referred the Council to a handout regarding guidelines for the selection of Alumni Association appointees to the university's board of trustees.  Current appointments are Tom DeWeese and Hollis Hughes.  Appointments are for four-year, renewable terms, at the discretion of the Council and with the selection guidelines in mind.  Green encouraged members to let Executive Director Ed Shipley know of recommendations for trustee appointments.

May 5 is commencement, Green noted.  The Teachers College job fair will be earlier in the week.  Green plans to attend both activities.

B.  Ball State University Foundation

Referring to page 14 of the background report, Mark Ervin presented a summary, on behalf of Wayne Estopinal.  The last meeting of the Ball State University Foundation board was the weekend of February 22-23.  Hammond Associates, the Foundation's investment consultant, reported that the Foundation had an outstanding rate of return, 15.1 percent, through the first quarter of the year.  While it was a great return, it did not meet Foundation expectations, which has set a target of 17.2 percent; therefore, the Foundation is modifying its portfolio, with the hope of improving the rate of return.

Regarding operations, Ervin said assets currently are in excess of $215 million.  In the span of less than a decade, the Foundation has grown phenomenally, from assets of $120-$130 million to its current status.  Support to the university now exceeds an all-time total of $10 million, with 3.7 million provided so far in fiscal year 2006-07.

Ervin noted that other agenda items included a good report from President Gora regarding applications for admission that reflect a 24 percent increase over the previous year.  Vice President of University Advancement Ben Hancock presented an excellent report, outlining the upcoming capital campaign.

In conclusion, Ervin complimented former Alumni Association president Tony Schneider, who serves as Foundation president, for his excellent leadership of the board.  The next meeting will be June 29-30.

C.  Financial Position

Tom Farris referred to pages 15-17 of the background report for a review of the Association financial position of the event.  Page 15 details the 2007 budget, with expenses as of March 31.  Page 16 indicates the checking account budget, receipts, disbursements, and balance, while page 17 provides a listing of Alumni Association Foundation account balances, in addition to all income accounts.  Jim Andrew inquired as to how the checking account expenditures and receipts compare to previous years.  Ed Shipley responded they are very similar.  Ed Sitar asked about the line item for Chicago Area Events, page 17.  Shipley stated the funds are to be used for events scheduled in Chicago, including the annual baseball outing.  There being no further questions, the report was submitted for audit.

D.  Ball State Board of Trustees

Green asked that the minutes reflect that Rick Hall, at-large member of the Alumni Council, is a new Governor Daniels appointee to the board of trustees.

Hollis Hughes began his report by saying he's glad to be back, attending his first Council meeting in awhile.  He noted that a reception had been hosted for Richard Moake, retiring member of the board of trustees, to acknowledge Moake for his service to the board.  In addition, Hughes echoed Green's announcement, saying the board is pleased to welcome Rick Hall who, Hughes said, will do an outstanding job in the role.  The trustees have been involved with the Education Redefined tour, attending events when possible.

The only given constant in all of our lives, Hughes noted, is change. Change has come to Ball State by way, in part, of new faces. There are several new members of the staff, who have come with new ideas, which Hughes said will translate into good things for all of us, as we continue to meet the needs of a changing student body.

Security is still a factor, Hughes continued, noting that he spoke with Board President Tom DeWeese the day of the tragedy at Virginia Tech.  He added that the university continues to do everything possible to ensure the safety of the students, staff, and faculty.

The board will work with fees and tuition, Hughes said, as soon as the legislature finishes  its session, indicating what will be appropriated.  He noted that fees will likely increase, an inevitability, but one that is in the best interest of the university.

Hughes concluded by saying his office had hosted a retirement reception and several from the university had attended.  Ball State has been a blessing in his life, and he said, at the top of that list is the Ball State University Alumni Association.

Following Hughes' report, President Green mentioned that, on behalf of the Alumni Association, Shipley had sent a message of condolence to Virginia Tech in the wake of their tragedy.

E.  University Advancement

President Green introduced Vice President Ben Hancock, who began his remarks by acknowledging Hughes' personal notes and thanking the Alumni Council for all it does to promote Ball State.  He said his first year in his Ball State role had been tremendous, thus far.  Hancock thanked Shipley and the Alumni Association staff for its work and dedication, adding that the staff is "very much appreciated by all of our alumni and everyone at the university."

Giving a brief update on his efforts, Hancock said he has been busy meeting and visiting with individuals in the feasibility part of what will be the next capital campaign. He noted: "I'm finding that people really are very excited about what's going on at Ball State.  We all want to be successful at what we're doing.  It's important to know that people are behind you.  I can't think of more encouragement than we've seen through the visits."

He added that he hopes to wrap up his preliminary report this spring and announced that Oz Nelson has agreed to be chairman of the campaign.  The university has received $10-plus million in commitments so far, he continued, so the groundwork is laid for a successful launch sometime next year.

Hancock mentioned the Education Redefined tour, which is being staffed by the Alumni Association. 

He also acknowledged the resolution passed by the Council at its January meeting regarding support to the university. He concluded by acknowledging the importance of the leadership the Council will bring to the campaign.

Ed Sitar asked about the campaign goal figure. Hancock said that a tentative figure is in the $150 million range, but said the university is still evaluating. A key, he noted is to set a goal that's a stretch, but one that's realistic. Jenell Joiner inquired about the possibility of Ball State building a first-rate hotel.  Hancock responded that a first-rate hotel is something on the minds of not only the university community, but also those in leadership in the community of Muncie.

F.  Services Committee

Larry Metzing referred to pages 18-22 for a review of Alumni Association services. Cardinal Corner continues to show a healthy return. The Association received $300,000.00 from Chase Bank for the Affinity Credit Card program in April, as part of its guaranteed income for the duration of the agreement.

Page 20 offers a status report of insurance plans through American Insurance Administrators.  There are 1,358 participants in the Alumni Association insurance program to date.  With regard to the Photo ID and Cardinal Alumni Retail Discount (C.A.R.D.) program, Metzing noted that 4,607 ID cards are in circulation, with 1,683 recreation cards in circulation.  The discount program has three new additions since January, while one merchant, which is under new ownership, opted to discontinue participation.  There were 148 responses to the new graduate mailing of December 2006, with 108 responses so far to the May graduate mailing, but results are inconclusive for May, as the mailing was only recently sent.

G.  Coach of the Year Awards

Robin Sparks referred to page 23 of the background report for a listing of Coach of the Year Award recipients for winter sports.  The coaches, their high schools, and sports include: J. Agnew, Yorktown High School, girl's swimming; J. Agnew, Yorktown High School, boy's swimming; Gene Johnson, Jimtown High School, girl's basketball; Scott Schwarz, East Central High School, wrestling; Joann Borders, Connersville High School, gymnastics; Jim Gish, Northwestern High School, boy's basketball.

H.  Legacy Scholarship Committee

Mike Chisley referred the Council to pages 24-25 of the background report for a roster of 2007-08 Legacy Scholarship recipients.  Fifty students were selected, each to receive a $2,000.00 stipend.  Since the program's inception, the Alumni Association has provided more than $1 million in legacy scholarships.

Chisley thanked the committee, especially staff liaison Tracy Hendricks for organizing the materials.  Kim Stout moved to accept the report.  Tom Farris seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote.

I.  Benny Award Committee

Ed Sitar said the committee had met earlier in the day.  The Benny Award is given in four different categories.  The committee recommended the following recipients: Alumni Association service: Kevin Ervin and Steph Meyers; individual in support of the university: Richard Moake; BSU employee: Joe Hernandez.  There was no nomination for a corporation or business entity.  Mike McMillen moved to approve the recipients. John Bowles seconded, and the motion was passed by voice vote.

J.  Distinguished Alumni

Mike McMillen noted that the committee had met twice to determine nominees.  He thanked Sue Taylor for the tremendous job of getting all materials organized.  The Distinguished Alumni Award is the top award the Association presents.  The three finalists for 2007 are: Bob Browning, Matt Momper, and Mike Smith.  McMillen presented the finalists for approval in the form of a motion, Jim Andrew seconded, and the motion was approved by voice vote.

K.  G.O.L.D. Award

Holly Mahnensmith thanked Kate Webber for the staff work.  Mahnensmith presented the finalists: Jay Bieszke, Adam Holderman, Joyce Jamerson, Kelli Lawrence, Karen Mangia, Danesa Stolz, Adam Thies, and Kate Webber.  Jim Andrew moved to accept the finalists as presented.  John Bowles seconded, and the motion passed by voice vote.

L.  Bumb Scholarship Committee

Ed Shipley reported on behalf of Phil Metcalf that Casey Gentis, a junior from Geneva, Indiana is this year's Bumb Award recipient.  The honor, a $2,000.00 scholarship, is given annually to the outstanding Cardinal Corps member.

M.  Nominating Committee

Tom Farris said the committee had met earlier in the day and will present the slate at the fall Alumni Council meeting.

ALUMNI ACTIVITIES

Debbie Linegar reported for Jeri Giska.  She referred to pages 26-27 of the background report for a listing of events since the beginning of the year, and to pages 28-29 for upcoming activities.

CONSTITUENT ORGANIZATION REPORTS

A.  Professional Societies

College of Business - Sue Taylor reported for Jenny Budreau and the Miller College of Business.  WorldCom Whistleblower Cynthia Cooper spoke on campus in April.  Of the funds from the Lilly match, MCOB had garnered about 33 percent. The college sponsored its annual Dialogue Days in March and had 100 alumni speakers.  The college is working on its fourth annual alumni awards dinner, scheduled for October 5.  Carl George will be inducted into the Hall of Fame; E. Renae Conley, Jack Campbell, Mark Holden, and Jim Wainscott will be honored with Awards of Distinction; and Katherine Arbuckle, Wayne Dunham, J. Robert Haecker, Jim Micklos, and Mike Newbold will receive Awards of Achievement.

FCS - Sue Taylor reported on behalf of Jackie Johnston.  The board met March 21. Jeanine LeMaster is the new president and Tim Hill has been selected vice president.  The department is going through its accreditation process.  The department hosted a graduate recruitment reception April 25 at the Indy Center.  The board is discussing plans for a new event to be hosted in Muncie and is working on Career Mentoring Day plans.  The next meeting will be June 6.

Journalism - Sarah Maisto reported that the Journalism Alumni Society board of directors met April 3, following the annual Journalism Awards Luncheon.  Alumni Award recipients were: Rachel Allen and Scott Navarro, Outstanding Young Alumni; Bernard Kohn, Outstanding Alumnus; and Tim Andrews and Mark Popovich, Hall of Fame inductees.  Tom Gayda is a new member of the board.  Plans are underway to participate with the Indianapolis Area Alumni Chapters Symphony on the Prairie Outing, Saturday, August 11.  Other regional events are in the planning stages, one of which is a prospective outing in the fall at the Indianapolis Colts Complex, and the annual December Chicago alumni outing at Rock Bottom Brewery.  The group is planning a reunion for 2008.  The next meeting of the board will be June 23, in Indianapolis.

NREM - Terry Coleman began his report by mentioning that the new board of directors president, Amanda Smith, originally joined the board as a student, so it is nice to observe the longer-term connection with the society.  The last board meeting was January 23, following the annual Internship Day.  The annual awards banquet was April 20.  Those honored include: Award of Merit recipients: Lina Gordy and Bruce Oldham; and Award of Achievement: John Schaust.  An Award of Distinction was presented to retiring associate dean,  Donald Van Meter.  James Eflin is the new NREM department chairman.  The department is placing emphasis on engaging alumni and working on connecting in the Indianapolis area through the Indy Center.  The Adopt-a-River clean-up is June 9.  The board will meet in conjunction with the event.  Coleman thanked Sue Taylor, Laura Waldron, and Ed Shipley for their support of the society.

Nursing - Kathy Hutson reported that the last meeting of the society's board of directors was April 10.  The Nursing Alumni Award banquet is later in the day.  Reunions are being hosted for the classes of 1952 and 1957.  The Outstanding Nursing Alumni Award will be presented to Patricia Toney.  Banquet attendance is expected to be 198.  The group will present scholarships to 12 recipients.  The spring pinning ceremony is May 4, and 55 students will be pinned.  There will be a July pinning ceremony July 20, in addition to the winter ceremony.  The project with the Muncie Children's Museum has been revamped.  Starting in the fall, Ball State students will be assigned clinicals at the museum.  The board's next meeting is August 28.

Teachers College - Ernie Krug reported that Teachers College hosted the Indianapolis Children's Museum outing March 3.  More than 500 alumni and their families attended.  The next board of director's meeting is Tuesday, June 26.  The board will select outstanding alumni award and scholarship recipients.

CAP - Krug reported that Dean Bilello will step down as dean at the end of this academic year.  September 21 is the tentative date set for Alumni Day.  The group continues to work on details for a continuing education seminar, and also is in the process of selecting award recipients.  The board will meet in June.

A.  Alumni Chapters

Adams-Wells - Holly Mahnensmith reported that the Adams-Wells board of directors had hosted two events since the last Council meeting. The bowling outing was February 11, and 66 attended. Mahnensmith said the highway clean-up was April 21. Afterward, the chapter hosted a cookout for those who worked. Upcoming are the annual golf and dinner outing, June 21, and the Bluffton parade in the fall. The next meeting of the board of directors is in September.

Greater Indianapolis - Mike Shumaker reported on the chapter's past outings. Fifty-one people attended the Indianapolis Ice Outing, January 20; 90 attended the casino night, February 24; 130 were at the theatre outing, March 23, and President Gora spoke.  Upcoming events include the golf and dinner, along with the CPE seminar, June 13; the annual Indians picnic and baseball outing, June 8; Symphony on the Prairie, August 11; and horse racing, September 15.  A new event, summer cocktails at the Rathskellar, is set for July 26.  The next board of directors meeting is October 17.

Michiana - Vince Von Der Vellen said 58 attended the annual casino night April 21.  The annual golf and dinner outing is July 24 at Bent Oak Golf Club.  The 4-H Fair outing is July 21.  The group is looking at the potential of entering the demolition derby during the fair.  The board also is looking into the possibility of scheduling an event in conjunction with a South Bend Silver Hawks baseball game.  The next chapter board meeting is June 5.

Northeastern Indiana - Mike McMillen said the Northeastern Indiana Chapter board of directors met April 25.  Reporting on past events, McMillen said 71 attended the annual TGIF, February 16; and 88 attended Science Central, February 25, with special guest Charlie Cardinal.  The annual golf and dinner outing is set for Cherry Hill Golf Club, July 18. The Three Rivers Festival Parade will be July 14, and Momper Insulation will again provide a truck for the entry.  Charlie Cardinal, band members, and cheerleaders are scheduled to participate.  The chapter will award its first scholarship in the amount of $1,500.00 this year.  The Ferneau scholarship was awarded to Maureen Hire, a teacher in the area.  The chapter's next meeting is in September.

B.  Constituent Society Reports

Alumni Ambassadors - Tom Andrews said ambassadors have assisted with several events since the previous meeting.  John Rotz coordinated the March 5 Education Redefined dinner program in Phoenix, and Lucy Atkinson assisted with the April 23 event in Cincinnati.  President Gora spoke at both events.  Alumni in Terre Haute are invited to a Thirsty Thursday activity, May 31.  Tim Jarvis is assisting with the event. Craig Dunn is again coordinating the golf and dinner outing in Kokomo, June 18.

Black Alumni Society - Mike Chisley reported that the society board of directors met March 31.  Plans continue to move forward for this summer's reunion.  A new award is being instituted for outstanding young alumni who have graduated within the past decade. The award will be presented during the reunion in addition to their outstanding Black Alumni Awards.  The next meeting of the society's board of directors is May 12 on campus.

Cardinal Football Alliance - Tracy Hendricks reported that the board of directors met February 8, prior to the annual senior dinner at the Delaware Country Club.  The group is working on plans for a golf and dinner outing July 27 at the Muncie Elks Country Club.

Other Business - Charles Green expressed personal appreciation to the Council members for enduring the long day, beginning with committee and executive meetings.  He thanked the Council for the diligent work on behalf of Ball State.

Executive Director's Report - Shipley echoed Green's comments, thanking the Council and all Alumni Association staff for the preparation.  Julie Johnson is the new alumni communications assistant.  Only one staff opening exists, and that is for a graduate assistant for next year.

Referring to the strategic plan mini-version that was distributed to all Council members, Shipley noted that President Gora utilizes that piece for each Education Redefined event.

Born to be a Cardinal is a newly instituted program.  The program welcomes newborns into the Cardinal family.  In partnership with the Ball State Federal Credit Union, the Alumni Association administers the program.  New alumni parents or grandparents may join, and members receive a $10.00 custodial account, opened in the child's name, at the credit union.  Membership also includes a Ball State bib, welcome letter, and a magnetic picture frame.  The program is advertised in the Alumnus and on the Association's Web page.

Shipley noted that the Association had agreed to purchase a 12-person football stadium suite in the newly refurbished Scheumann Stadium.  Council members will all have an opportunity to be in the suite either in the 2007 or 2008 football season.  After that, a policy will be established to accommodate others.  The suite will provide an opportunity for alumni cultivation.  Meanwhile, stadium construction continues, with August 28 established for a ribbon-cutting celebration.  The first game in the stadium is set for August 30 against Miami.  Shipley said that an average of 45,000 cars pass by on McGalliard everyday, so the new stadium will serve to enhance the appearance of that entryway to the campus community.

Four new or refurbished campus facilities will open by next fall: Scheumann Stadium, Park Hall, Woodworth Dining Complex, and the communication building.

The next Alumni Council meeting is September 29, when the Cardinals host Buffalo.

Homecoming is October 13.  The 16-member Homecoming Steering Committee conducted its last spring meeting earlier in the week.  The awards dinner will be Friday evening before Homecoming.  At the dinner, all the award recipients approved earlier in the meeting will be honored.

In closing, Shipley reminded Council members of the importance of their involvement. He invited the Council to look to the university's Web site, or contact the Alumni Association staff with questions and comments.

Larry Metzing asked about the new initiatives committee the Council had discussed during the January meeting.  Shipley suggested the committee, and action from the committee, be put on hold until a Capital Campaign committee is named and begins to meet.  Metzing encouraged action by the committee even prior to the Capital Campaign committee.  President Green agreed to follow up with staff.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Edwin D. Shipley,  Executive Director

Ball State University Alumni Association

Important Dates

1.  Saturday, September 29, 2007 - Alumni Council Meeting - Ball State vs. Buffalo

          Football at 1:00 p.m.

2.  Friday, October 12, 2007 - Ball State Alumni Association Awards Dinner - 6:30 p.m.

3.  Saturday, October 13, 2007 - Homecoming - Ball State vs. Western Kentucky Football at 2:00 p.m.

Attendance

Jim Andrew

Tom Andrews

John Bowles

Julie Bradshaw

Mike Chisley

Terry Coleman

Fred Cox

Mark Ervin

Tom Farris

Charles Green

Kerry Hendel

Hollis Hughes

Kathy Hutson

Jo Ann Johnston

Jenell Joiner

Mike McMillen

Holly Mahnensmith

Sarah Maisto

Larry Metzing

Annette Munoz

Doug Reddington

Ed Shipley

Mike Shumaker

Ed Sitar

Robin Sparks

Kim Stout

Vince Von Der Vellen

Steph Walton

Lori Wean

BSUAA Staff

Steve Fulton

Tracy Hendricks

Michelle Johnson

Ernie Krug

Debbie Linegar

Charlotte Shepperd

Sue Taylor

Kate Webber

Guest

Ben Hancock