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Staff Present: Troy Burk, Debbie Linegar, Ernie Krug, Charlotte Shepperd and Maggie Study.
President Allen Williams called the 90th meeting of the Ball State University Alumni Council to order at 2:05 p.m. He welcomed the membership then mentioned three recent events he had attended on campus. Williams said he attended the Early Outreach Program on both a professional and personal level. The program recognizes achievements of high school students. Williams accompanied his son to take part in the program. The Grand Opening dinner May 2, according to Williams, was a first-class program. He was honored to represent the Association. He also found Commencement a very positive opportunity as he participated as part of the platform party.
MINUTES
President Williams referred the Council to the minutes of the last meeting, beginning on page 3 of the background report, and called for corrections or additions. There being none, John Bowles moved to accept the minutes as presented. Mark Ervin seconded the motion, and the minutes were approved by voice vote.
FINANCIAL POSITION
Bob Browning referred the Council to pages 11 and forward in the background report for a review of the Association's financial position. Browning noted that the checking account "budget vs balance" would not correspond due to the timing of when checks are written and when money is deposited. The Foundation transfers cash to our account and we write checks from the account. The Grand Opening line item, which currently has an overage, alumni golf and Greek outreach items with balances, and the Homecoming line item are examples. Browning referred to page 13 for a review of Association accounts within the Foundation and a summary of activity from accounts held outside the Foundation. He concluded by saying the Association balance available is about $1.2 million. Mary Link moved to accept the financial statement as presented, Don Rush seconded, and the report was approved by voice vote.
Browning introduced a request from the University Police for funding for special police bikes for its Bike Patrol unit. The Executive Committee had addressed the request during its earlier meeting. The recommendation from the Executive Committee was to provide $1,200 for the purchase of one bike to the University Police. Browning noted that this is a worthwhile request that benefits all organizations on campus. After Council discussion, Charles Green moved to accept the recommendation of the Executive Committee, Susan Akers seconded, and the motion passed by voice vote.
REPORTS
A. Executive and Finance
Williams stated that it has been a trend in recent years that the June Alumni Council meeting has not been well attended and asked for discussion from the membership to determine a best date for meetings. Among thoughts discussed, Tom Andrews noted that the Kentucky Derby is the first Saturday in May. It was determined that, in May, the first or third Saturday would be the likely opportunities. Commencement is the second Saturday, May 8 next year. Mike McMillen pointed out that May is still a very busy time for educators. Dick DeCraene said that any date selected with a group as large as the Council will pose some problems for attendance, especially as we approach summer. John Bowles questioned the effects a date change would have on Alumni College and Symphony on the Green activities as they relate to the Alumni Association. Ed Shipley pointed out that the Executive Committee and the long-range planning group agrees that we should continue to have Alumni College on a date corresponding to the Symphony on the Green concert. Shipley further stated that June Council attendance in 1997 was 23; the 1998 June meeting (in progress) had an attendance of 25. With discussion concluded, Williams called for a vote on three choices from the membership: May 1, May 15, or June, to correspond with Alumni College. The vote was to keep the meeting in June.
Williams presented an Executive Committee proposal to bestow Honorary Alumnus status upon Doris Georgi, a Ball State attendee, for her special contributions to Ball State and the Association. Williams commented that the Council has the power to bestow such an honor. Shipley noted that only two other individuals have been so honored: Louis E. Ingelhart, professor emeritus and first chairman of the Department of Journalism; and John J. Oliver, president and owner of U.S. Granules in Plymouth, Indiana and a major benefactor to Ball State. Shipley noted that the request was initiated by Georgi's family. Her husband, J. Paul Georgi, is an alumnus and has served as a volunteer in numerous capacities, all with Doris being integrally involved. Don Rush moved to accept the proposal, Charles Green seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote.
B. Alumni Activities
Ernie Krug referred the Council to pages 14-19 for a review of past and upcoming events on the Association calendar. Krug noted such events as the MAC tournament in Toledo, Ohio, a retirement reception for Don Shondell, numerous student tours of the Alumni Center conducted by St.A.R.T. and the various Grand Opening receptions from Mid-April through May 6. Upcoming events include various summer and fall events.
C. Ball State University Foundation
Bob Browning said the Foundation is scheduled to meet the weekend of June 19-20. Total assets continue to grow. Over the past two years, investments have been made at good times in the market. Browning mentioned that the Bracken residence has been bequeathed by Mrs. Rosemary Bracken to the university for an eventual president's home. There will be major renovation on the home.
D. Strategic Planning Committee
Mark Ervin distributed a handout that included results of committee meetings over the past year. He commended the leadership of Tony Schneider. He noted that the group has conducted surveys and has determined new and continuing initiatives. Ervin said that a February 16 meeting with representatives of Continuing Education had been positive and the group learned ways to assist in awareness opportunities for Continuing Education. Ervin said that an outgrowth of the committee meeting just conducted was that initiatives needed to address not only new programs, but also to address existing ones in an effort to strengthen them. He concluded by saying that it is time to look at the new initiatives, develop guidelines, and set those into action. Ed Shipley pointed out that the committee had made the mission statement of the Association more succinct and that the staff effort is extensive as we work to realize the goals set forth by the strategic planning committee. Ervin presented the revised BSUAA mission statement and list of goals for approval. Williams called for a motion to accept the recommendations of the committee. Dick DeCraene moved to accept, and Mike McMillen seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.
E. Alumni Services and Benefits
Debbie Linegar referred the Council to pages 20-21 of the background report for a review of Cardinal Corner, the affinity credit card, and the insurance program. She said that Cardinal Corner continues to be of service to alumni and friends outside of the Muncie area. Total revenue on the affinity credit card program exceeds $110,000. and there have been 58 policies accepted by AIA and paid by the policyholder from 120 applications. The alumnus photo ID system is in place and should be operable soon. Ed Shipley remarked that Barnes and Noble has become the bookstore for Ball State and will occupy the bookstore space in the Student Center.
F. Nominating Committee
Mary Link said that the nominating committee had met before the full Council meeting. The appointment to the Ball State University Foundation needs immediate action because the Foundation appointment begins in October. Link, on behalf of the nominating committee, recommended that Tony Schneider be reappointed for a three-year term as the Alumni Council representative. John Bowles moved to accept the recommendation, Mark Ervin seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote. Link asked that the Council continue to look for volunteers who would be good appointments to the Council. The nominating committee will present a full slate of officers and membership at the September meeting.
G. Legacy Scholarship Committee
Sally Tinkel referred the membership to page 22 of the background report for a full listing of legacy recipients, their parents, and hometowns. The group of thirty-one recipients was selected from more than sixty applicants. One recipient has declined in favor of attending another university. This year the high schools of the recipients were sent certificates to be awarded during senior honors programs. The recipients and their parents will be honored on campus September 12 with lunch and attendance at a football game.
H. Distinguished Alumni Award Committee
Cathey Boggs reported that the Distinguished Alumni committee had selected three nominees to be honored during the annual awards dinner, Friday, October 2. Nominees include: Penny Ralston, dean of the College of Human Sciences at Florida State University; John Scheumann, chairman and CEO of Crossmann Communities in Lafayette and Fort Wayne; and Janet McCarthy, director of the Center for Child and Family Studies and professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of South Florida. Charles Green moved to accept the recommendation of the committee, Don Rush seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote.
I. Benny Award Committee
Tom Andrews presented the recommendations of the committee for the annual Benny Awards. They include: Pat Jacoby, Gil McKean, and Patti Quiring, retiring Council members; Fred Cox, president of the Black Alumni Association; Tom Spangler, director of university budgets at Ball State; and Stoops Automotive, Inc. of Muncie. Mark Ervin moved to accept the nominees as presented, Julie Bradshaw seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote. The Benny Award recipients will be honored Friday, October 2 at the annual awards dinner.
J. Executive Director's Report
Ed Shipley referred to page 23 of the background report for an overview of Council membership and Alumni Association staff. He noted that Sue Taylor has been hired for the position vacated by Melisa Beeson. Taylor will begin July 6. She returns to Ball State and the Alumni Association staff, having worked from 1975-81 on the staff as editor of the Alumnus and advisor to Homecoming. Two new Alumnus assistants have been hired. Maggie Study and Holly Blair began appointments in May. Graduate assistants have been hired for the fall. Christopher Trice, an undergraduate communications assistant, will become a graduate assistant for the academic year 1998-99; Renee Suhrheinrich will be the other graduate assistant in communications; and Pavan Chayanam will assist with technology. Tina Thien will return as a graduate assistant this fall.
Shipley presented an update on the Alumnus magazine. Eight pages have been added to the magazine, effective with the July 1998 issue. Four pages will be devoted to philanthropy, while the other four will be related to alumni outreach. In the July issue, two of the four outreach pages cover Continuing Education and technology.
The Alumni Association will host a reception and dinner Friday, July 10 at the Alumni Center for all alumni leaders, current and past staff, and respective spouses or guests. Shipley also noted that the Center will be used regularly for pre-game functions during football season. At Homecoming, the President's guests and all of the groups formerly hosted in the tent will be invited to the pre-game party at the Center.
K. Coach of the Year/Technology
Troy Burk reported that six high school coaches were selected for Coach of the Year awards for their respective winter sports. They are: Lisa Bottorff, girl's swimming, Penn High School; Dan Johnson, boy's swimming, Hamilton Southeastern; Trent McCormick, wrestling, Yorktown; Vicki Wright, gymnastics, North Central; Rick Myers, girl's basketball, Jeffersonville; and Joe Bradburn, boy's basketball, Yorktown.
Burk displayed the Alumni Association web page and showed the Council the latest developments the Association has had in technology. He said that 650 alumni have signed up for the online registry. There is an online quiz about Ball State available and listserve groups continue to be established.
CONSTITUENT ORGANIZATION REPORTS
A. Alumni Clubs
Adams-Wells--Don Rush reported that the board met March 5. Officers elected included Julie Bennett, president; and Stan Kunkel, vice president. Rush said the board had acknowledged and thanked Sally Tinkel for her long-time service to the Adams-Wells board. Christy Brown and Phil Grove are new members. The annual golf and bridge outing was June 11. It rained. Forty-five attended the day's events. Ball State coaches Randy Litchfield and Bill Lynch, as well as vice president for Student Affairs Doug McConkey, also attended.
Greater Indianapolis--Julie Bradshaw reported that the group met April 23. Four summer outings are planned: two golf outings, July 14 and August 5; a picnic and Indianapolis Indians ball game, July 12; and Symphony on the Prairie, August 15. The board is beginning to plan other outings for the fall and winter. The group will meet again September 23.
Michiana--Dick DeCraene said the board has increased to 18 members. The group met May 2, prior to the annual Casino Night in Elkhart. A golf outing is planned for June 29 and there will be a shopping trip this fall to Chicago. Also in the planning stages is a casino trip to Lake Michigan and a prospective baseball outing at South Bend.
Northeastern Indiana--Mike McMillen reported that the group met April 7. Area alumni will participate in the annual golf outing, July 9 and the Three Rivers Festival parade, also in July. An August 12 baseball outing is planned for a ball game between the Fort Wayne Wizards and Beloit Snappers. The board is in the planning stages for the late-winter TGIF party. McMillen noted that Sue Taylor, just hired by the Association, had been a member of the Northeastern Indiana Alumni board, so the group will look for a new board member.
B. Professional Societies
Architecture--Ernie Krug reported that the College of Architecture and Planning Alumni Society had hosted an alumni day April 18. Three graduates were given Outstanding Alumni awards from the college. They are Craig Hartman, partner with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill; Mark Chidister, associate professor at Iowa State University; and Sheila Snider, director of the Department of Administration of Public Works Division for the State of Indiana.
Business--Mark Smith said the group met April 2 on campus. Recipients of the 1999 Award of Achievement and Award of Distinction have been selected. They are: Walter S. Catlow, Steve H. Parker, and Patti L. Quiring, Award of Achievement; and Michael L. Cox and George Sissel, Award of Distinction. The College of Business Alumni Association will host a cocktail reception Wednesday, July 15, at the Skyline Club in Indianapolis. The board will meet prior to the reception.
Family and Consumer Sciences--Jackie Johnston reported that the group met April 7. Penny Ralston was keynote speaker for an FCS conference this spring, that also included tours of the campus and community, a fashion show, and luncheon. The board plans to conduct a services and activities survey of its alumni this fall. FCS Career Day is scheduled for Friday, October 2. The next board meeting is Tuesday, June 16.
Fine Arts--Ed Shipley stated that the board met March 17 on campus. A newsletter went this spring to a mailing of 7,000. Nearly 70 attended the April 8 Jazz and Java event, which included coffee and desserts, followed by a performance in Pruis Hall. There were 105 at the luncheon before the Fine Arts commencement ceremony May 9. The next meeting is scheduled for September 23, 1998.
Journalism--Susan Akers reported that the Journalism Alumni Association board had met prior to the Council meeting. A new dean has been selected for the College of Communication, Information, and Media. Scott Olson has been selected to succeed Earl Conn. Olson will begin July 1. Pulitzer prize-winning photojournalist John Kaplan has been hired to fill the vacancy left by Bob Heintzelman's retirement. The board is planning a fall event for September 18-19 on campus, to include a seminar format of classes in addition to social gatherings. A new slate of officers will be determined by the September meeting. Officers will assume their responsibilities next January.
NREM--Ed Shipley reported that the board met April 15. The group is producing a profile booklet of the board membership, to be given to prospective students. The Clyde Hibbs Scholarship will be awarded next spring. The group will have election of officers at its next meeting, Wednesday, September 9.
Nursing--Ernie Krug said that the May pinning ceremony was May 8. The nursing banquet was April 25. Pat McCallister, former Alumni Council member, was honored as the Outstanding Nursing Alumnus.
Teachers College--Mary Link stated that the board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, June 23 to select award recipients.
TCOM--Tim Underhill reported that the group met April 16. The group is dividing into two committees: one for alumni development and one for student development. There will be a board/officer retreat July 16.
C. Constituent Societies
Alumni Ambassadors--Tom Andrews stated that there had been two zoo outings and a golf/dinner outing hosted by ambassadors since the last meeting. Lucy Atkinson coordinated the Cincinnati Zoo outing; Craig and Becky Stephens coordinated the zoo outing in Columbus, Ohio; and Doug Kuepper was in charge of the North Central Indiana golf/dinner outing.
Black Alumni--Allen Williams announced that the board had met March 21 to finalize plans for the Black Alumni reunion, July 17-19. The theme is "Takin' It To The House." The featured speaker will be David Miller, U.S. Attorney and outstanding Black alumni will be recognized. The $100,000. fund-raising goal for the new Alumni Center has been met. Williams acknowledged board member Ben Robinson for his extensive work in the fund-raising effort. The board will meet Saturday, June 27 to elect officers.
OTHER BUSINESS
Ed Shipley announced that Dennis Swackhamer, former Council member and major volunteer for the university, died June 9. His daughter, Kristin, works for the Ball State University Foundation.
Shipley reminded the Council that there will be a reception and dinner Friday, July 10 for Alumni Association volunteers and staff. The evening will be hosted in the Alumni Center.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
UPCOMING DATES
July 10, 1998 Alumni Leaders Dinner
September 11-12, 1998 Alumni Council Meeting
October 3, 1998 Homecoming
January 30, 1999 Alumni Council Meeting
