Minutes
The minutes from the February 24, 2007 meeting were emailed and extra copies distributed to those present. No changes were suggested.

Alumni Council
Alumni Council has not met since the last Black Alumni Society Meeting. The next Alumni Council meeting will be Saturday, April 28, 2007.

University Banquet and Catering
Bill Kimes, General Manager of University Banquet and Catering (UBC), brought in samples of three entrées requested by the society to sample, including filets of salmon, turkey and pork. The turkey and pork were both wrapped in bacon, and all were served with a choice of five sauces. All three cuts were well received by the board. In an effort to choose the favorite two, it was decided that the pork might stay juicy longer than turkey. In terms of cost and eliminating waste, it was decided that reunion attendees must select between the salmon, pork or vegetarian options on their reservation forms. In some fashion, seating must be assigned to ensure that table cards indicating entrée selection are used. 

Bill presented side options for each of the entrées. The board decided that salmon would be served with a honey Dijon sauce, bamboo rice and mini root vegetables. The pork filet will be served with a sun-dried tomato sauce, smashed potatoes and mini root vegetables. Vegetarian options will be comparable and will be determined by UBC closer to the reunion.

The board tried two desserts – a pistachio strawberry parfait and a chocolate cake with hazelnut.  The members decided to serve both desserts by having them placed every other one on the table. This way, individuals would have a choice and could trade or share with someone if they desire.

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: 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

Tentative schedule:  Friday's reception: or 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. At that point, everyone may go to the hospitality area at the Holiday Inn Express. Saturday: Golf (optional) at 6:30 a.m.   Vendors: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Panel discussion at 10:00 a.m. and the Career Development Session from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  The evening reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a group photo at 6:00 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Programming and music will follow.

Friday reception. Nancy checked with "Big Time Music," a 3-piece combo. For three hours of music, the group would charge $125 per person (a total of $375). She also checked with a group of five vocalists who would charge $850. The board decided to go with "Big Time Music" and requested soft music and an atmosphere for networking/talking. It was suggested that the trio play in the pre-event area and perhaps a dance floor be available.  Nancy will get a contract for "Big Time Music" to Sue.

Saturday
Vendors. Charmaine has six vendors lined up and is working on more. It was decided that vendors will set up at 9:00 a.m. and be available from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. when the Career Development session begins.

Career Development. Dori and a small group of HR professionals are working on a name for the session at 1:00 p.m. and on a list of contacts for the event. One potential title is "Developing Your Career Plan." The Ball State Career Center will participate and make a brief "success plan" presentation, as well as be available to help individuals freshen up their resumes. Dori envisions the two-hour session as follows: Welcome, Career Center "Success Plan" by Larry Beck (30 minutes), breakout sessions with facilitators to lead discussions in seven identified disciplines: education, journalism, TCOM/PR, business/entrepreneurship/finance/sales, legal/government, HR and information technology/graphics, and a Q&A session to wrap up.

Connie suggested that facilitators tie the reunion theme into their discussion and the board agreed. Dori noted that this session will be a great way to make a connection with young alumni She anticipates that the outputs from it will include mentoring and a business network for individuals. If interested, alumni may provide and collect business cards from other attendees.

Linda suggested that Dori's story about how she was mentored would be great PR for the society and this reunion session. Sue asked if Dori would compose a letter about her experience. Linda requested that Dori, her experience with mentoring and the reunion session be featured in the Alumnus magazine. Teresa suggested that the Black Alumni Society create an e-newsletter and that the story be featured in it. The board was very agreeable to beginning an e-newsletter, and Sue said the BSUAA would push it out to alumni. Dori suggested that the board's e-newsletter be a quarterly activity. Sue will submit Dori's letter to Steve Fulton (BSUAA) for an Alumni Spotlight in NEWS from the Cardinal's Nest. Fred has created a letter to invite past award winners to the Friday evening reception and to the career panel on Saturday, which will be mailed the week of April 2.

Wine tasting. The board agreed to eliminate a wine tasting activity for this reunion, due to a full schedule on Saturday and new laws and legislation regarding the sale and transport of wine from Indiana.

Saturday evening. The board would like to start the evening 30 minutes earlier than in 2005, which means the reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., a group photo will be taken at 6:00 p.m. and dinner served at 6:30 p.m.

Voices of Triumph (VOT) is not available until 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. The board believes this pushes the day too long and there may not be much audience still here. Connie suggested that VOT open the banquet on Saturday with a couple of songs and by leading "Lift Every Voice." The board agreed that VOT will attract a lot of alumni and that the group will be a welcome addition to the dinner program. Sue will ask Joyce to check into the Saturday availability of the group.

Keynote. Sue reported that President Gora may be unavailable for Saturday evening. She will follow-up. Fred noted that his letter to previous award recipients might be an opportunity to find a keynote speaker from past award recipients, and tie it to the theme. Dori suggested Lynda Van Davis '93 be contacted. Van Davis is a criminal district court judge in Louisiana and had been very active at as a student on campus. Dori noted that this may bring in younger alumni who know Van Davis. The board was agreeable to contacting Van Davis.  Names of several other young alumni were also thrown out for consideration.

Linda suggested that if Van Davis is unable to attend, a couple past officers of the board could make brief comments that tie into the theme. Officers could provide some background on the society, encourage participation of alumni with the group and discuss what is needed to move forward.  

Awards. Phil reported that the Outstanding Alumni Award criteria make it difficult for younger alumni to receive the award. The Awards Committee proposed creating an "Up and Coming Award" for younger alumni who have been out of the university for 15 years or less. This was unanimously approved. The board also selected three recipients for the 2007 Outstanding Alumni Award.

DJ. Fred will obtain a contract for DJ Thomas Griffin for Saturday night. It will include his fee, dinner Saturday night, a hotel room and the Sunday brunch. The board agreed. In addition, it was requested that everyone bring a list of favorite songs to the May 12^th meeting. This will be given to Thomas Griffin for Saturday night entertainment.

Sunday brunch. Due to Voices of Triumphs (VOT) lack of availability early on Sunday morning, the board will pursue a performance on Saturday evening.

Decorations. Nancy brought in festive box wrapped in "celebrate" paper with a fountain of red stars coming out the top. The cost of this decoration was approximately $3.50 per table. The board liked the festive look and Jenell suggested adding confetti around the table. Jenell and Connie also brought a sample design for around $20 a table. Their centerpiece included a bottle of sparkling grape juice with a reunion logo label and a Ball State gift bag with souvenirs that would go to the table guest with a birthday closest to the evening. Two champagne glasses containing candy and nuts for the table guests to enjoy would complete the centerpiece.  There was also discussion regarding looking into engraving champagne glasses for reunion guests.

However, the members decided to go with a centerpiece similar to what Bill Kimes had used for the food sampling. The centerpiece was light green and plant-like and approximately $12 per table. There will be additional fees for adding the red cardinal to the piece and for placing the floral piece on top of a glass cube, with a budget of no more than $20 each. Linens and table cloths will be white.

Nancy requested that board nametags at the reunion include something special, such as a ribbon, to indicate their participation on the board.

The decorations committee suggested that one or two helium balloon trees (red and white) be placed on the floor at the entrance of the conservatory before the dinner.

Sue will check with Ernie about obtaining a banner for the reunion. Dori suggested checking with Skyline Displays as well. The banner would be white with the reunion theme in bold black letters. Celebrate the Legacy key words would be smaller and in red. At the December 16 meeting, board members suggested keywords such as commitment, excellence, achievement, hope and opportunity could be included.

Shirts. There was much discussion regarding offering a t-shirt, polo shirt or a choice. Jenell, Connie and Linda suggested that a polo shirt might have more appeal and be worn more after the reunion. Dori suggested that young alumni might prefer a different style of t-shirt. The group agreed on polos, and a choice of either white or black shirts with a small logo on the left chest was confirmed. It was suggested that the Benny logo appear under the reunion theme. Prices will be provided by email from the local vendor.

United Way Breakfast at Expo
Pam indicated by phone that she will obtain pricing for a breakfast table, and the board agreed that this event is good exposure and marketing for the reunion.

Next meeting
The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m.  The next meeting will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at the Ball State University Alumni Center at 10:00 a.m.