Present: Layne Cameron, Jim Grim, David Knott, Sarah Maisto, Pamela Records, Deborah Robinson, Charlotte Shepperd, Dan Waechter, Marilyn Weaver, and Diane Williams.

President Sarah Maisto called the meeting to order at 1:40 p.m.  She asked for corrections or additions to the minutes of the January 31, 2004 meeting.  It was mentioned that the letter to the Board of Trustees regarding the Presidential Search should be attached to the minutes.  Jim Grim moved to accept the minutes, as amended.

David Knott seconded, and they were approved by voice vote.

Congratulations and appreciation was expressed to Marilyn Weaver for the excellent Awards Luncheon program.

Business

Award Nominee Files—A list of active and inactive award nominees was distributed for the board's review.  The following nominees were renominated for another three-year consideration:

Hall of Fame—Tim Andrews, '84; Fred Blevens, '74MA80; Walter Brasch, MA69 (Also Journalism Alumnus Award); Dennis Cripe, '71MA74; Hank Nuwer, Friend; Jim Yunker, '69MA72.

Journalism Alumnus Award—John Ketzenberger, '86; Patrick McKeand, MA83; John Dye, '73; Paul Nussbaum, '74; James Parham, '79; Anthony DeCristofaro, '82.

Outstanding Young Alumnus Award—Rachel Allen, '98; Shawn Malayter, '95; Scott Navarro, '97; Stephanie Walton, '92; Jason Whitlock, '90.

Those nominees will be placed within active nominee file and nominees will be contacted to submit any updated information and materials they would like.

2004 Board—Charlotte Shepperd reported that board vacancies still exist.  Two recommendations made earlier have not accepted appointment.

Outings—The Watch Party in conjunction with the BSUAA Indianapolis Area alumni was cancelled.  The board agreed to do something in conjunction with another alumni group event.  The following future BSUAA events were discussed for consideration: Symphony on the Prairie, Saturday, August 28, 2004; Indianapolis Art Walk and Reception, in conjunction with the College of Fine Arts Alumni Society, Thursday, September 16.  The cost last year was $15 per person.  Publicity and mailing can include information that journalism alumni are participating; Hoosier Park Racing, in conjunction with the Indianapolis Area Alumni Club; Chicago Area Alumni Reception, Monday, December 13, 2004, in conjunction with the annual Alumni Association reception.  Following discussion Layne Cameron made a motion to have a journalism gathering in conjunction with the Indianapolis Art Walk, Thursday, September 16; and to participate in the Chicago outing, Monday, December 13.  Jim Grim seconded the motion and it was approved by voice vote.  Deborah Robinson suggested corresponding with journalism alumni in those areas about the future events and requesting feedback for other future events.

Department Update

Marilyn Weaver reported that Thursday, April 1, a presentation entitled, "Breach of Trust," will be given on campus, co-sponsored by the department and the J-IDEAS program.  Gene Policinski is spearheading it and Margaret Holt will speak.  Weaver stated that the topic of media accuracy is especially timely, given recent events of dismissal of journalists from national media entities for fabricating stories.

The annual spring student awards banquet is Sunday, April 25.  Ball State is the location for a regional public relations conference the second week of May.  Sheryl Swingley is coordinating a Watch Dog Workshop, May 3.  In June there will be journalism workshops.

Other spring activities include bringing speakers to campus, including Forrest Carr, who is news director for a Tampa, Florida television station.

Weaver will attend a professional meeting in California, and the department has numerous other receptions, dinners, and cultivational opportunities throughout the remainder of the semester.

The department experienced a very successful accreditation visit and is now ready to explore some pressing issues. One of the most important, Weaver said, is that of enrollment management. She also said that a task force will evaluate "life after I-Comm," assessing ways to maintain programs and people once the communications grant expires. One example is that, at least, seven graduate assistantship slots may be lost, all of which have been funded by the grant.

Alumni Council

Jim Grim reported that the next Council meeting will be Saturday, June 12, 2004 in conjunction with Alumni College activities.  The June meeting will include committee meetings that will address awards, services, and other Association responsibilities.

Future Meetings

• Saturday, June 12, 2004, 9:30 a.m., in conjunction with Alumni College, Alumni Center, Board Room
• The meeting for Saturday, September 25, 2004 has been changed to Thursday, September 16, 2004, 3:00 p.m., prior to the Indianapolis Art Walk.  Deborah Robinson will coordinate details.  The location and directions will be determined.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.