Board Members Present: Susan Alvis, Diane Blankenship, Mary Buckley, DeLisa Flynn, Kathy Hutson, Doreen Johnson, Jo Ann Johnston, Ernie Krug, Jan Noel, Nadia Paul, Brandy Renz, Linda Siktberg,
Ruth Ann Tolle.

President Mary Buckley called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m. and asked for any corrections or additions to the minutes of the April 11, 2006 Nursing Alumni board of directors meeting.  Kathy Hutson made a motion to approve the minutes as presented.  Jo Ann Johnston seconded the motion and the minutes were approved by voice vote.

Old Business

2006 Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Friday, May 5-Overview
The Ceremony went very well.  At this time there are no changes that need to be made for the future.

2006 Nursing Alumni Banquet, Saturday, April 29-Overview
It was agreed that the format for presenting the Roll Call of Classes by year (through the 50-Year Class) and then by decade works well and will be used again for 2007.  The food presentation could have been better.  Overall the event was a success.

New Business

Nursing Alumni Association title change-Ernie Krug explained that alumni groups have changed their group names from Association to Society.  Following discussion, Doreen Johnson made a motion to change the group name to Nursing Alumni Society.  Jo Ann Johnston seconded the motion and it was approved by voice vote.

2006-2007 Board Slate-Mary Buckley will serve a two-year term as president; Kathy Hutson will serve as vice president and Alumni Council Representative; Mario Contreraz will serve as Secretary; and Connie McIntosh will serve as past president.  Doreen Johnson made a motion to accept the slate as presented.  Jo Ann Johnston seconded and the motion was approved by voice vote.

2006-2007 Nursing Alumni Budget-Following review and discussion of the proposed budget, it was agreed to delete the Homecoming line item of $500.00 and replace it with a Ball State Student Nurses Society line item of $500.00.  Kathy Hutson made a motion to approve the 2006-2007 budget as presented.  The motion was seconded by Doreen Johnson and the motion was approved by voice vote.

Nursing Alumni Society President's Hand Book-Ernie Krug stated that a hand book needs to be compiled as an overview and timeline checklist for the office of president.  The following past presidents, and current president, Mary Buckley, are requested to assist with this task and to send Ernie information from their presidency:  Kathy Hutson, Jo Ann Johnston, Connie McIntosh, and Jan Noel.  The hand book is targeted for completion by July 2007.

Department Update
Linda Siktberg reported that department renovations are to be completed sometime during the month of October.  The university is requesting a new building to be considered by the next legislative session.

The department participated in Ball State University Day at the Indiana State Fair on August 15, 2006.

Beginning Fall Semester 2006, as part of the university's student retention effort, a housing cluster has been established for pre-nursing freshmen.  There are 226 pre-nursing freshmen residing together and taking courses together as a nursing learning community. There are 213 female students in Woodworth Residence Hall and 13 male students in DeHority Residence Hall.  The Miller College of Business also has pre-business freshmen residing in residence halls that are designated for the university's housing cluster opportunity.

In an effort to facilitate an increase in admission, the department is evaluating the feasibility of adding a summer class with a smaller class size of 40 students.  If the class is approved, it may begin with the summer of 2007 or 2008.

PDAs are being used in nursing classes to engage students in a classroom setting.  The PDA programs include clinicals, drug guides, diagnostic labs, and quiz questions, to name a few.  They will be updated every three months.  The PDA method is planned to be used for the graduate program Spring Semester 2007.

Alumni Association/Alumni Council Update
The last Alumni Council meeting was held on April 29, 2006.  The next Council meeting will be September 9, 2006.

Dr. Don Park retired in June as Vice President of University Advancement.  He continues to work part-time with President Jo Ann Gora.  Dr. Ben Hancock replaces Park as Vice President of University Advancement.

The Alumni Association has hired two new staff members.  Michelle Johnson is Director of Special Events.  She previously was assistant director, Athletics Communications.  Steven Fulton is Director of New Media.

The Alumni Association will host Ball State University football rallies on August 31 (BSU vs. Eastern Michigan); September 9 (BSU vs. Indiana); September 23 (BSU vs. North Dakota State); September 30 (BSU vs. Northern Illinois); October 21, Homecoming Day (BSU vs. Western Michigan); and November 24 (BSU vs. Kent State).

The Alumni Association is gearing up for Homecoming with a week of events October 16-21, culminating Homecoming Day, October 21.

Other Business

Fall 2006 Nursing Pinning Ceremony-Saturday, December 16, 7:00 p.m., Emens Auditorium.  Rehearsal will be ride, December 15, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Emends Auditorium.  There will be 38 graduates.

A graduating student has inquired about whether the option of a family member to pin the graduating student also applies if the family member has a master's degree.  Following discussion, the board agreed that this option also includes family members with a master's degree.

Susan Alvis, Kathy Hutson, and Nadia Paul volunteered to serve as board representatives to the graduating students.  Kathy agreed to coordinate this effort and Linda will contact Kathy with the graduating class meeting details.

Homecoming 2006-The board participated in the 2005 Homecoming Parade as a float entry.  There was discussion regarding interest in the board participating in the Parade this year.  Connie McIntosh has last year's float materials in storage.  It was reported that this effort is time-consuming and needs more commitment to participate.  Following discussion, Susan Alvis made a motion not to participate in the Homecoming 2006 Parade, but perhaps participate in the Homecoming 2007 Parade.  The motion was seconded by Nadia Paul and approved by voice vote.

Community Project-Mary Buckley reported that Connie McIntosh received a notice from the Muncie Children's Museum that they no longer need our service.  Kathy Hutson volunteered to serve as the liaison to work with the Museum regarding our project.  It was noted that all materials and supplies for the project are currently stored at the Museum.

Jo Ann Johnston shared her experience with her presentation in Florida to Helen Borman, a recipient of the 2006 Outstanding Nursing Alumni Award.  Helen, age 92, is a special joy and Jo Ann had photos taken and will share them with the board.

Kathy Hutson expressed appreciation for Connie McIntosh who met with a prospective Ball State University student and made a very positive impact.

Future Nursing Alumni board of directors meetings:

Tuesday, October 24, 2006, 5:30 p.m.
Location to be determined (School of Nursing, Alumni Center).  

Agenda items will include the following:

• December 2006 Nursing Pinning Ceremony Arrangements
• 2006 Class meeting report
• Nursing historical project update
• 2007 Nursing Alumni Scholarships
• 2007 Nursing Alumni Banquet
• Alumni Council/Alumni Association report  
    

 Tuesday, December 12, 2006, 5:00 p.m., Dinner following at 6:00 p.m.
 Meeting will be held at the Alumni Center, Dinner location to be determined.

There being no further business, Doreen Johnson made a motion to adjourn, Kathy Hutson seconded the motion, and the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.