Members Present: Layne Cameron, Jim Grim, Brian Hayes, Bob Jonason, David Knott, Sarah Maisto, Heather Perry, Deborah Robinson, Charlotte Shepperd, Dan Waechter, Marilyn Weaver, and Diane Blankenship.

The meeting was called to order by President Sarah Maisto at 7:00 p.m. Referring to the minutes of the June 26, 2004 meeting, she asked for corrections or additions.  There being none, Heather Perry moved to accept the minutes as presented, Deborah Robinson seconded, and they were passed by voice vote.

Business

Upcoming Events—A postcard mailing and e-mail will be sent to journalism alumni in the Chicago area for December 13, 2004 Chicago outing at the Rock Bottom Brewery, sponsored by the Ball State Alumni Association.  Members of the CCIM faculty will attend, including Marilyn Weaver and Dan Waechter.  Other journalism faculty will also be encouraged to attend.

Perry suggested a pre-game reception for a BSU basketball home game.  A committee was appointed to work on this event, including David Knott, Heather Perry, Charlotte Shepperd, and Marilyn Weaver.

Journalism Awards—Award lists were distributed.  Nominations are due by Friday, November 26, 2004.  It was suggested to send an e-mail to journalism alumni and also put it on the journalism Web site.  There was discussion about an editorial change on the criteria for the Hall of Fame.  Dan Waechter will let Shepperd know.  Shepperd and Weaver will work on a nomination acknowledgement letter to send to those who submit nominations for the awards.  The following volunteered to serve as the Award Recommendation Committee:  Brian Hayes, Sarah Maisto, Deborah Robinson, Charlotte Shepperd, Dan Waechter, and Marilyn Weaver.  The committee will meet prior to the January 2005 board of directors meeting.

2005 Journalism Alumni Board of Directors—Nominations were made for 2005 officers.  They are:  Brian Hayes, president; Layne Cameron, vice president; and Sarah Maisto, Alumni Council representative.  Heather Perry made a motion to approve the officers as nominated, Jim Grim seconded, and the motion was approved by voice vote.  There is one opening on the board.  Names were recommended and Shepperd will make contact to discern membership interest.

Long-Range Planning—An initiatives committee was formed to evaluate goals and initiatives of the Journalism Alumni Association.  Committee members are:  Stephanie Berry, Brian Hayes, Bob Jonason, Heather Perry, Charlotte Shepperd, Dan Waechter, and Marilyn Weaver.

Department Update

Dan Waechter stated that a business panel will be convened for a Webcast later in September.  Members include professional journalists John Ketzenberger, Vicki Ulmer, Dan Lee, and Andrew Lechey.   Warren Watson, who heads Ball State's J-IDEAS initiative, will moderate.  The discussion, geared toward high school students, will be titled, "Follow the Money—The Importance of Business Journalism."  A push e-mail to alumni may be sent to inform them of the opportunity.

Marilyn Weaver reported that the department is in the midst of evaluation and planning.  Three task forces are in place and plan to complete their findings by February 2005.  The task forces are discussing curriculum and enrollment management, department operations and culture, and how to continue to fund programs when the I-Comm grants expire. 

Other department news included that journalism professor Mark Masse has completed his book on social activism.  Newspapers, including from Indianapolis, St. Petersburg, and Tampa, will have representatives on campus to visit with students for prospective employment. 

Alumni Council

Jim Grim reported that the Alumni Council would meet Saturday, September 25, on campus.  It will be Grim's last meeting to serve as journalism's representative.  Sarah Maisto will begin in January 2005 as the new representative.  Grim thanked the board for the opportunity to serve and mentioned that this is a good way to learn about the involvement and activities of other alumni groups.

The next meeting will be in January 2005.  The board will be sent an e-mail notification.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.