Alumni Council
Alumni Council has not met since the last Black Alumni Society Board of Directors meeting.

University Foundation
Phil Purcell spoke to the board about their interest in creating a student scholarship.  Phil stated that the types of investments available for scholarships are Stable Value Fund Endowments, Legacy Fund Endowments and Expendable Funds. The Stable Value Fund requires a $25,000 minimum contribution, has no administrative fees and the amount and number of scholarships given away is always the same. Legacy Fund Endowments require a $50,000 total contribution, have an administrative fee (currently 1.5%) and the amount and number of awards given away may vary from year to year based on total investment returns.  Expendable Funds are not permanent and all money contributed to the fund is spendable. There is no long term growth potential with an Expendable Fund.

Phil noted that the language of the endowment agreement would establish award criteria. In addition, it is possible to change from Stable Value to Legacy when the contributions reach Legacy level if the board so chooses.  Phil is completing paperwork so that the scholarship can be created.  Phil will also help draft a pledge letter to inform alumni how they can help with this endeavor. The Joiner's have already made the first gift to a fund earmarked for the board's scholarship.  It was discussed that the board might be able to give away a small award at the 2005 reunion in order to generate more interest in the scholarship. 

There was some discussion on the title of the scholarship.  It was noted that naming the scholarship after the Black Alumni Constituent Society would readily identify the scholarship as a minority scholarship and appeal to the greatest number of alumni.  The board also discussed naming the scholarship after Harry Watkins, David Davis, or another alumnus and the possibility of inviting Watkins scholarship recipients to the reunion.

Phil responded to questions raised at a previous meeting about the Student Investment Fund. The opportunity emanated from the Miller of College of Business so that students could have experience investing a pool of funds for charitable institutions. The student committee can advise and recommend but the University Foundation Board has veto power.  The students are chosen by the dean of the MCOB and Phil indicated that they may not have been selected yet.  Jenell and Linda inquired if there would be a concentrated effort to reach out to individuals of color and females who tend to be underrepresented in this department.  Phil said he would bring their concerns to the MCOB dean and the president of the Foundation.

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

Publicity.  There were 229 individuals who have previously attended a Black Alumni Reunion. Everyone was given one page of the list of previous attendees to call this month. Sue requested that any new information be shared with the Alumni Association. Mike noted that the board could also do blanket phone messages to this same list. It was decided that after board members called the names on their list, follow up blanket messages could be sent out at the end of June and one at the end of July. One message would be from Pam and one from Ben.

T-shirts. After much discussion over the updated t-shirt design and debate over the color of t-shirts to provide, it was agreed that attendees can order either a black shirt (with white and red letters) or a white shirt (with black and red letters) on their reservation form.  The logo picture and text were reduced in size to fit over the pocket area of the shirt.  The Benny logo will appear in the middle of the back of the shirt, about two inches down from the collar.

Bracken House and Alumni Center receptions. It was decided to run two shuttles that would allow attendees to spend 45 minutes each (plus travel time) at Bracken House and with President Gora. The Alumni Center reception food will include: small sandwiches, veggie, fruit and cheese trays, oriental sweet and sour meatballs, ½ chicken satays and ½ drumettes with honey mustard and BBQ sauces, hot layered taco dip with chips, crabmeat spread, chocolate chip cookies, a cash bar, coffee and water. 

Roundtable.  After some discussion over potential topics and panelists, it was decided that Ben, Pam, Mike and Keith will work on finalizing the details via a conference call with Sue. They will report their decision to the board via e-mail.

Vendors. Keith has lined up vendors including Joyce, TIS and those selling jewelry, baskets and beauty and skin care items. Vendors will be available on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the conference and meeting rooms.  Nancy Jo has some vendor suggestions she is forwarding to Sue. Fred noted that alumnus Mike White will be there taking photos and making a CD of those photos available Sunday morning.

Outdoor Picnic. The board decided to go with the All-American Meal instead of the Ultimate BBQ in terms of cost and the abundance of food.  It was suggested by Fred that the board replace chicken with hamburgers. Linda agreed and requested turkey or veggie burgers be made available.  The updated menu will include hot dogs, veggie burgers and numerous picnic side dishes.

Post-picnic. The board asked Sue to look into the tour availability of the new, state of the art music building from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Games will be offered for adults and children at the Alumni Center until 4:00 p.m.

Wine tasting. Phil has secured Ferrins Fruit Winery (Carmel, IN) for Saturday afternoon. Ferrins specializes in 24 varieties of wine including exotic, tropical, fruit and chocolate wines.  Phil will look into the possibility that the Ferrins' can sell or take orders for the wines sampled.

Awards.  After discussion and a vote, three recipients were selected for the Outstanding Black Alumni Award. Publicity will be forthcoming.

Breakfast. It was requested that the breakfast meat available on Sunday morning be changed to turkey sausage.

Next Meeting Date
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.  The next meeting will be held on Friday, August 5, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. (Muncie time) in the Alumni Center Board Room. Lunch will be provided. All members are urged to attend. Reunion decorating will follow.