Members Present: Diane Blankenship, Corine Carr, Tim Hill, Suzie Huber, Bonnie Johnston, Jackie Johnston, Jama Kirby Montgomery, Marla Kurtz, Jeanine LeMaster, Barbara Norrick, Joe Oliver, Alice Spangler, Sharon Stephen, Sue Taylor, and Linda Wallace.

President Suzie Huber called the meeting to order at 5:58 p.m. She announced that Trish Bowerman has accepted our invitation to board membership. Trish, BS80, is partner/merchandiser with B Wear in Fort Wayne. Huber also announced the birth of a daughter to Angela Abbott and her husband on January 26. Sharon Stephen circulated a card of congratulations to send.

Following a motion by Jackie Johnston to approve the October 28, 2005 meeting minutes, the motion was seconded by Linda Wallace, and the minutes were unanimously approved as written.

OLD BUSINESS
Communique Newsletter—Marla reported that the first FCS e-newsletter will go out in early spring.

FCS History Committee—Alice reported that ideas continue to be reviewed, and that the main concepts for the printed timeline have been outlined. The next committee meeting will be Wednesday, March 22.

Sue reported that the FCS Alumni Society Fund, #3905 in the BSU Foundation, has $613. Anticipated expenses will include 2006 Career Mentoring Day and 2007 FCS Alumni Awards Day. Contributions are welcome.

NEW BUSINESS
FCS Summer Alumni Events— A planning committee has been formed to coordinate a summer 2006 alumni event: Jeanine LeMaster, Chairman; Angela Abbott, Suzie Huber, Bonnie Johnston, and Sue Taylor. Materials on several potential venues were distributed for the board's review, as follows: Indianapolis Museum of Art (Textile Exhibit)/Puck's Restaurant; Tea in the Country, Yorktown; Ghyslain Chocolate Factory, Union City; Lincoln Museum (The Constitution/Civil War, Bridal Features), Fort Wayne. It was suggested to plan three venues throughout the summer and to perhaps make one an evening event. Other suggestions and discussion included that the events could consist of a tour, meal, and/or an FCS department featured speaker; print and mail one flyer for all events; and each board member bring someone as a guest. A poll of the board suggested:

• Ghyslain Chocolate Factory, Union City—Week of June 5
• Lincoln Museum (The Constitution/Civil War, Bridal Features), Fort Wayne—Week of July 10
• Indianapolis Museum of Art (Textile Exhibit)/Puck's Restaurant—Week of August 7
  

Sue will gather more specific information and when dates are confirmed, we will move forward.

Career Mentoring Day— The tentative date for 2006 is Thursday, October 26. The date was changed back to Thursday to increase student participation. Last year's "Friday date" resulted in our lowest-ever attendance, because some students left early for the weekend, and others were scheduled into non-FCS classes on Fridays.

Sue reported that the BSUAA will reimburse long distance phone charges to those who request it for their efforts to recruit alumni speakers for CMD. A copy of the phone bill should be given to her for the request.

It was noted that the areas of apparel design and fashion merchandising were most difficult to recruit presenters, and that the board may need to assist more with expenses of those who travel a great distance. Ideas discussed included provision of lodging for those who travel more than two hours; utilizing technology, perhaps video conferencing options, rather than in-person presentations. Sue will contact BSU Teleplex for information.

Another possible consideration for the future might be to alternate CMD every other year with something such as an FCS Internship Day, similar to that of NREM. It was agreed that a committee could explore and develop ideas. Barbara Norrick expressed interest in serving on the future committee. 

DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Alice Spangler reported on department updates:

• AAFCS accreditation is in process. The council meets in March 2006 and the potential site visit will be in the fall. The board's assistance may be requested. The 1,600-page Self-Study was distributed for the board's review.
• The FCS assignment for the BSU five-year Strategic Plan is to develop three to five goals and objectives in the immersion experience. Current plans include expanding on-line distance learning programs; increasing graduate program enrollment; and promoting/working with healthcare.
• The Child Study Center will be expanded by turning its garage into an office. Funding will be provided from the College of Applied Sciences and Technology and a grant.
• Chocolate Extravaganza 2006 was Sunday, February 19. It was a sold-out event, serving 100 persons, with proceeds to the Hospitality and Food Management student organization.
• FCS department enrollment figures were distributed. Fall 2005 enrollment was 975 for undergraduate programs and 42 for graduate programs. Spring 2006 enrollment is 940 for undergraduate programs and 39 for graduate programs.
• FCS alumni and faculty have been featured or quoted in various publications: Rebecca Adams, Angela Ahrendts, Valerie Birk, Heidi Clark, Jama Kirby Montgomery, Kim Pike, and Diana Saiki.
• The Spring 2006 student awards program will be Friday, April 21, 3:00 p.m. at the Art and Journalism Building. The FCS Alumni Society Outstanding Senior Award will be presented. FCS faculty have nominated 10 candidates, from which one will be selected.

ALUMNI COUNCIL UPDATE
Jackie Johnston reported the following from the January 21, 2006 Council meeting:

• The 2006 BSU Alumni Association budget was approved. Funding is through three sources: Ball State University, which pays salaries and budgeted office expenditures, the BSU Foundation, including gifts to Association accounts, and the BSUAA entrepreneurial efforts, which include revenues from the Association's services-- affinity credit cards, license plates and insurance programs.
• A new auto/home insurance program is being considered through AIA and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
• The Association will assist with MAC Golf Tournament events hosted at the Brickyard course in Indianapolis.
• A new basketball arena seating program takes effect next season, utilizing donor gifts totals for priority seating preferences. It was explained that most schools have had plans long in place related to quality of seating and contributions to their athletics program or university. Essentially, a benefactor will be given priority in obtaining and keeping particular arena seats. (This in no way affects student seating).
• The state of the Greek system at Ball State is being discussed by the Board of Trustees. They agree that the Greek system is certainly worth saving, but each group needs to set itself up to succeed.
• The Miller College of Business Alumni Society reported that 63 alumni returned to speak to classes during 2005 Dialogue Days.
• The Natural Resources and Environmental Management Alumni Society hosted its annual Internship Day on January 24, where businesses and organizations provide summer internships, part- or full-time employment opportunities to our students.
• The next Council meeting is Saturday, April 29.

The next FCS Alumni Board of Directors meeting will be Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at the Alumni Center. Food will be provided at 5:00 p.m., and the meeting will follow at 5:30 p.m.

There being no further business Linda Wallace motioned to adjourn, Bonnie Johnston seconded the motion and the meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.