Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 12:20 p.m. by President Ben Robinson.

Minutes
The minutes from the August 26, 2006 meeting were unanimously approved following Joyce's motion and Jenell's second.

Alumni Council
The next Alumni Council meeting is scheduled for January 13, 2007.

Reunion – "Celebrate the Legacy"
Reunion Co-chairs: Pam Morris and Keith Robinson
Awards: Phil Anderson, Mike Chisley, Joyce Jamerson, Teresa Jeter and Sue Taylor
Decorations: ALL – headed up by Joyce Jamerson, Jenell Joiner, Nancy Price and Connie
Winfrey
Entertainment: Phil Anderson and Fred Cox
Hospitality: Al Williams and Foster Stephens
Menu: Fred Cox, Joyce Jamerson, Jenell Joiner, Pam Morris, Charmaine Powell, Nancy Price, Sue Taylor, Linda Wilson and Connie Winfrey
Programs: Fred will work on programs and the keynote. Mike Chisley will MC
Publicity: ALL - headed up by Fred Cox, Anthony Head, Charmaine Powell, Keith Robinson and Sue Taylor
ReunionAssistance: Ebonee Cooper

Committee meetings - Sue suggested that committees could meet before or after the council meeting on January 13 or on the 20^th or 27^th of January if they are so inclined.

Awards – Four new nominations have been received and Sue has sent the nominees a letter requesting more information from them.  The awards committee will meet in January to determine nominees for the board of directors to approve.

Decorations – Jenell, Connie and Nancy have been discussing ideas for incorporating the "Celebrate the Legacy" theme on the banquet and registration tables. Connie posed two questions, "What is our legacy? What are we celebrating?" The board suggested commitment, excellence, achievement, hope and opportunity. Jenell reported that the emphasis of the reunion could be the celebration of what alumni are leaving for those coming in behind them.   Connie suggested a small tower of small gift boxes, tied with "Celebrating the Legacy" ribbon for the tables. The lid might be off of the top box for a three balloon bouquet. The logo would be on the balloons. Going along with the theme on Saturday night, there would be confetti, balloons, blow horns, hats and other celebratory items. The committee would like to see a red banner on the doorways in the conservatory (perhaps in paper) with black writing. The balloons could be red and white with black writing.

The board was very supportive of this motif. After much discussion, it was decided that the decorations committee would look into small gift boxes for the table centerpieces. The gift boxes would be wrapped in  photos from previous reunions. The committee will also look into printing logos on balloons so that small balloon bouquets can be strategically placed around the floor of the room. 

Ed said that gray drapes and piping can be used to hang banners and other items in assembly hall. Keith suggested mystery gifts be considered with small favors inside. He also noted that a photo cube was a popular favor at an event he recently attended.

Entertainment – Phil reported that he had spoken to Fred and that DJ Thomas Griffin is available. If the board is agreeable to this, Fred will secure a contract for the DJ.  Keith said he knows some Qs who are alumni and who DJ'd his wedding. He noted that it might be beneficial to connect with some other alumni through the DJ. Ben reported that Pam also has some ideas for live entertainment and asked the committee to check with her. Ed and Ebonee reported that Terry Jackson was a very popular and winning act at Talent Search this year. Terry mimes, plays guitar and performs a dueling saxophone routine. Joyce suggested that perhaps Terry could perform at the Sunday breakfast. She and Keith suggested that Voices of Triumph or alumni musicians could perform at the breakfast as well.

Phil said he will take this info to Fred for discussion. Ben said that the committee can have an agreement in principle until the board ratifies. He stated that the board needs to have made a commitment for the entertainment before the next meeting.

Hospitality – Ben has not spoken to Foster or Al but said that they have been doing this for awhile and everything should be taken care of.

Food – Sue asked the board to let her know if they would like to try something new for a main entrée. She said that the board can give a main entrée suggestion and a budget to UBC and UBC will arrange the meal. Jenell stated that last year's dinner on Saturday was not tasty.  She asked if there would be an opportunity to sample some items and have a meeting with UBC.  Ben added Connie, Teresa, Jenell and Joyce to the food committee. Sue will work on setting up a meeting with UBC.

Program – Mike will be the MC and Fred will work on the paper program. Connie requested that the program have photos in the background like the holiday card.  Keith agreed and suggested a slideshow play in Assembly Hall.

Panel – Ben noted that he would like to record the panel discussion and speakers at the reunion. Joyce said that TCOM students might be able to digitally record the discussion and post it online. It was suggested that 5-6 individuals would comprise the panel.

There was much discussion about the type of panel that would be appropriate for the reunion. One suggestion was to have coaches, current players and alumni discuss the role of athletes in society and as role models and the legacy of athletes. Do current athletes understand the legacy and the struggle? What are the expectations of sports involvement – then and now? Concerns were raised that this topic might not have the broad appeal or the timeliness of the Bill Cosby topic at the last reunion. Another panel suggestion involved "Celebrate the Legacy" – what is the legacy in the eyes of those from different generations and occupations?  Joyce suggested that this could be like the play, "Having Our Say." 

The issue was also raised of bringing a national speaker to the reunion. Jenell noted that it may be economically prohibitive but that it is worth pursuing.

Publicity – The board would like to create radio announcements as were done for the previous reunion. Ben noted that he would like to start "Save the Date" phone calls to alumni earlier this year either by phone system or by board members. Ben will look into using the phone system again for auto messages. Keith suggested that the board ask fraternities, sororities, the Black Student Association, etc. to make scripted calls on behalf of the alumni society. Joyce said she can talk to Derick Virgil about this opportunity.  Sue said that pizza could be provided for callers, as motivation for their participation. 

T-Shirts – Ben asked Sue for information about the cost of t-shirts with the local vendor. Sue said she would forward the information to board members electronically. She noted that a local vendor is sometimes more appealing because we do not have shipping costs, etc.  Ben has an outside bidder who may be interested in printing the t-shirts and will compare costs.  Jenell noted that she liked a small image in the pocket area on the front and the small Benny on the back.   Keith said he will bring in some designs made by his students to the next board meeting. Ebonee said that she will also speak with some current students and recent graduates for some t-shirt design ideas.

Special Invites – Ben talked about bringing back previous speakers and award winners via a special invitation to the reunion. There was discussion on recognizing award winning attendees at the reunion. Keith suggested that pictures of previous speakers and award winners could be displayed at the reunion.

New Business
Ben congratulated Joyce on all of her accomplishments. The feature article about Joyce appeared in the Muncie Star Press in late 2006.

Next Meeting
The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at noon (Muncie time) in the Ball State University Alumni Center.