Constitution
Ben, Jenell, Keith, Fred, Linda and Anthony had discussed by phone some of the issues raised regarding the board's constitution.  They found some areas that need to be clarified or adjusted and are in the process of organizing those changes. Fred is working on an electronic version of the proposed amendments to be sent to the board prior to the next meeting. 

Ben mentioned that the board had talked about the benefits of a historian at the last meeting and that the position will be added to the constitution. The duties of the historian will be to track and organize the board's documents.   Mike suggested that the board consider a parliamentarian as well.  The board also discussed the roles of the vice presidents and considered making serving on the reunion committee at least one of the vice president's roles. Foster noted that voting on new membership should only be done when the potential member is not attending the meeting. They will be notified by mail of the election.  The board agreed and Fred and Ben said they will work it into the constitution. Ben said the constitution committee will teleconference on Saturday, June 5 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the constitution.

Elections
The positions of president and the two vice presidents were up for election this year.  The candidates included Ben for president and Phil Anderson and Keith Robinson for the vice presidencies. These terms of office will expire 12/31/05. After the floor was opened for nominations, Foster nominated Pam for vice president. The nominations were closed and the board was told to vote for 2 of 3 for the vice president. The paper ballots were tallied and Jenell reported that Keith and Pam were elected vice president. No vote was taken for president since Ben ran unopposed.

The board discussed their membership and voted to unanimously bring Anthony Head, 01MS02 and Nancy Pinkston Price, 65MAE68 on as new members. Their terms will expire (with the option to renew) on December 31, 2006. The board also used the election of new members as an opportunity to remind one another about the board's absence policy. The policy calls for termination of membership after two consecutive absences without reasonable cause.

Ben asked the board to review their notes/memory and bring names of potential board members to the next meeting in order to help expand membership.  He suggested that members talk to the person before bringing their name to the meeting in order to gauge their interest. Foster pointed out that community members could be put on a committee (i.e., reunion committee) in order to have a pool of interested members to draw from for membership.

Alumni Council
Alumni Council has not met since the last meeting but will convene at Alumni College on June 12, 2004. 

Reunion
Pam volunteered to serve as 2005 reunion co-chair. The board agreed to leave the other co-chair position open for the next members so that new or absent members would not be excluded. Suggestions were made that both vice presidents always serve as co-chairs, co-chairs always be volunteers, or to let Pam select her co-chair.

Committees. Foster suggested that members of the last reunion's committees continue to serve on the same committee but bring on at least one new person each reunion. Mike and Ben added that there should be an effort to bring at least one new member on each and every committee each and every reunion. The board agreed and it was decided that unless individuals were interested in a different committee then they would remain with the last reunion's committee set-up.   Those interested in changing committees or joining a committee should notify Sue or Ben. The 2003 reunion committees were:

            Communication: Charmaine (chair), Foster, Al, Fred, Connie and Keith.

            Entertainment: Fred (chair), Mike, Keith and Eric.

            Hospitality: Al and Foster (co-chairs).

            Awards: John (chair), Jenell, Joyce, Linda, Phil, Keith and Sue.

A suggestion to name some alumni as Greek contacts was made in 2002 in order to help publicize the Greek reunions.

Phil suggested that one of the vice presidents could chair the reunion and one could chair the communication committee. Foster said that maybe one of the vice presidents should be coordinating all of the committees. Ben noted that each committee chair should develop a log/journal so that there would be documentation for anyone else who might take on that committee for the next reunion. 

Regional Outing
Mike suggested looking into a hospitality suite from 1-4 p.m. at Expo (mid-July).  The Circle City Classic in October was also mentioned as a potential event to piggyback with.  Fred will call hotels near Expo to check on room availability for a hospitality suite. He did not think there would be much available at this date. Mike will look into availability as well.  Jenell suggested looking into non-hotel venues including the Historical Society. The Rathskeller was also suggested.  Ben asked if it would be possible to secure a spot for 2006.  The board can announce the gathering at the 2005 reunion.

Student Outreach
Foster suggested a summer picnic in various regions to bring out students and alumni. It would allow students to see board members outside of the reunion or board meetings.  Mike suggested working with Charles Haynes from Gear Up/Admissions and assist with attracting minorities to Ball State. He added that undergraduates need to see board members as visible and viable and added that working with Early Outreach can assist with that. Phil suggested creating a position on the board that interacts with Admissions/Early Outreach and the Mulitcultural Center regularly. After some discussion, the group decided that the position would be a great asset but might be too cumbersome for one individual. 

Fred noted that having students on the board or connecting with the board would be very beneficial. He suggested asking various groups to bring their calendar of events to the board so that members might attend or support them and suggested inviting the presidents of fraternities, sororities, BSA, etc. to upcoming meetings. The board agreed and will invite those student presidents to attend the September 18 meeting after official business is adjourned. The students will be asked to attend beginning at 9:30 a.m. 

Upcoming Events

• Alumni College and Symphony on the Green will be held Saturday, June 12, 2004. For more information, please visit http://www.bsu.edu/alumni/college/
• Symphony on the Prairie will be held at Conner Prairie on Saturday, August 28, 2004. For more information, please visit http://www.bsu.edu/alumni/events/symphony/
• Pre-game rally and night football game versus Boston College will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2004. For more information, please visit http://www.bsu.edu/alumni/event/0,1366,37674-4765-5481,00.html

Next Meeting
The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 a.m.  The next meeting will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2004 at 8:30 a.m. in the Alumni Center.