Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 10:35 a.m. by Vice President Pam Morris.

Alumni Council
Mike reported that Alumni Council has not met since the last Black Alumni Society Board of Directors meeting. Mike, Anthony and Fred attended the 25^th anniversary gala of the Indianapolis Center for Leadership Development. They were able to see Patzetta Trice receive the Madam CJ Walker Outstanding Woman of the Year Award. Anthony brought back ideas for encouraging young alumni involvement with the university and Alumni Association.

Reunion Updates  – "Embracing the Past – Steppin' Into the Future"

Albums. Anthony said the he could ask Derick Virgil about borrowing old albums from the Multicultural House for the Friday reception. Al said that he brings about 15 notebooks and several photo albums and clippings to the reunions. However, he would love to have more and encouraged Anthony to pursue the opportunity. 

Family. The board was presented results of the survey mailed to graduates from 1985-04. They were targeted as most likely to have younger children. The results weighed interest in reunion alternatives for children against attendance plans. In essence, it appeared that the availability of childcare has little impact on attendance plans for most of the respondents.  The board decided to make the Saturday afternoon picnic available to families but agreed not to make other accommodations for children at the 2005 reunion. The board agreed to reconsider this childcare option in the future if the need becomes apparent.

Decorations. The decorations committee will have more to report at the May 14 meeting. Preliminarily, decorations will include CDs, table decorations and balloons. It was requested that floral arrangements be used for dinner.

Programs. After a brief discussion on the program, it was decided that Fred will bring an update to the May 14 meeting.

Publicity.  Sue will bring a list of all previous reunion attendees to the next meeting so that the board can call and re-invite old friends and past participants. Fred will bring the line-up for Indianapolis market TV appearances to the May 14 meeting. This will include the shows, what time (June, July) and talking points. 

Entertainment. The board unanimously approved the contract for DJ Thomas Griffin for Saturday evening from 8:00 p.m. - midnight. After discussion about whether individuals would leave the picnic to attend dance lessons provided by Ambience.  The board decided they probably would not and decided to forego the expense. 

Food. The menu will be given to UBC and details presented at the May 14 meeting.

Wine tasting. Phil reported that there is a new contact person for Chateau Thomas Winery. He will connect with this individual and have a report for the May 14 meeting.

Awards.  After much discussion on the qualifications for the awards and the top four nominees, it was decided that the board take a mail-in vote on the nominees. Sue will send information about the candidates and it must be returned electronically or through U.S. Mail by May 6.

Hospitality. The hospitality suite will open up immediately after the dance ends at the Alumni Center (midnight). There will be snack foods of various types, a mix of music and giveaways.

T-shirts. Foster and Fred presented several t-shirt ideas with logos that could also be used on decorative CDs. It was decided that the Embracing the Past…Steppin' Into the Future! circle would be on the front of the t-shirt but in a different font and in a slightly larger size. Foster requested that the dots be changed into stars. A small Benny logo will appear centered on the back of the t-shirt a couple of inches from the neckline. Fred will bring two versions of the front of the shirt to the next meeting for a vote. The design difference involves the placement of "BSU Black Alumni Reunion 2005".

Vendors. Pam reported on Keith's behalf that 8 vendors have committed to attend on Friday.  Al will contact Keith for a list of participating vendors.

Bracken House. Sue noted that the Bracken House reception with President Gora will be from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Hors d'ouevres and a cash bar will be available at the Alumni Center reception from 7:30 – 10:00 p.m. Al will provide the music. It was decided that shuttles could take reunion participants in three separate groups of 30 minutes each to and from Bracken House. It was suggested that the board be divided among these three groups so there are always hosts at the Alumni Center for those waiting to go to or returning from Bracken House. Anthony will chair the Bracken House reception and coordinate the event with Sue.

Black 100. Anthony suggested that the board consider recognizing individuals for their level of giving (i.e., Black 100, Black 1000, Black 2500) at this or future reunions. Pam noted that other events could be held to recognize individuals as well. The board expressed interest in this opportunity. Anthony will speak in more depth about this potential recognition at the May 14^th meeting.

Next Meeting Date
The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m.  The next meeting will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. (Muncie time) in the Alumni Center Board Room.