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Monday, February 5, 2007
Conseco Field House Founders Room
Guests: Tammy Estep, Ernie Krug, Carl Davis
Heeter called the meeting to order at 4:50 p.m.The Board unanimously approved minutes from the August 16, 2006 meeting.
Alumni Council Report
Taylor gave brief highlights of the recent Alumni Council meeting, and said that minutes would include more details, which Budreau has furnished:
The Ball State University Alumni Council met Saturday, January 13, 2007, at the Alumni Center. Newly installed President Charles Green welcomed everyone including two new Council members, Mike Shumaker, ‘73MAE77, representing the Indianapolis Alumni Chapter, and Vince Von Der Vellen, '87, representing the Michiana Alumni Chapter. Committee assignments were reviewed, and Budreau will be serving on the G.O.L.D. Award and Distinguished Alumni Award committees as well as the Services committee.
A financial overview of the Alumni Association was provided for 2006, and the 2007 budget was then reviewed in great detail, resulting in a unanimous final vote of approval. Additional details are available for anyone who wishes by contacting the Alumni Association.
A discussion was held regarding the value of the Ball State Alumni Association to the University and the level of alumni participation with regard to giving. Currently only 14% of alumni donate to Ball State, a downward trend from emphasis on major giving. Ball State will embark on a pride and image campaign aimed at increasing giving and the percentage of alumni who contribute. A resolution was drafted and approved stating that the Alumni Association and Alumni Council would strongly encourage successful and increased alumni involvement and giving participation while maintaining its current successful events, programs, and communications. The Council will continue to fully support the concept and direction of a capital campaign by Ball State University and will fully endorse the proactive steps the University is taking to increase pride and participation from its alumni.
Tom DeWeese provided a report on behalf of the Ball State Board of Trustees. Of interest, he noted that applications are up 23.7%; the Indianapolis Center has officially opened, and currently 125 students are attending classes there; Park Hall will be completed in 2007 as will the communications building, the remodel of Woodruff dining hall and Schumann stadium. A rec center and another new residence hall are in the works –Lafollette Hall which will most likely be demolished and replaced.
Wayne Estopinal gave an update on the Ball State University Foundation, highlighting the fact that Tony Schneider is the new chair of the Foundation, and that the Foundation continues to rank among the nation's highest on three-year investment returns.
Representatives of Alumni Council committees, alumni chapters, constituent societies, and professional societies provided reports on their numerous alumni activities. The next meeting of the Alumni Council will be Saturday, April 28, 2007. The full minutes may be viewed at
http://www.bsu.edu/alumni/article/0,1384,29263-4480-46560,00.html
Dean's Report
Richardson reported on the recent bus trip that Montagno had taken with 46 students to New York City. While there they attended a panel discussion at Ernest & Young featuring Ken White '71 and Kate Endress '05, a financial analyst with Citigroup, and two others. They were also guests at the NY Stock Exchange and viewed gold bars at the Federal Reserve Bank.
An e-newsletter was launched in January, and will be emailed monthly to all business alumni. Immediately following the first email, the dean received messages from eight alumni that she had not previously met.
Four study abroad trips are planned for 2006-2007. One trip is set for spring break and one after commencement so that students will not miss classes. Destinations include
Ball State University is considering the addition of a "fiscal wellness" requirement for all students. MCOB will deliver a course on personal finances when the core curriculum is modified.
MCOB has raised $1,148,383 in fiscal year 2007, and expects $450,000 in matching gifts in support of the freshman scholarship initiative (December 2006 gift matches have not been included yet).
Richardson said that the Entrepreneurship program has identified 10 top entrepreneurs in the
Action plans are being written for the University's strategic plan. MCOB is creating more immersive learning programs for its students, as are many areas on campus. Immersive learning opportunities include the following characteristics:
- Carry academic credit
- Engage participants in an active learning process that is student-driven, yet guided by a faculty mentor
- Produce a tangible outcome or product, such as a business plan, policy recommendation book, play or DVD
- Involve a team of students, often working on a project that is interdisciplinary in nature
- Include a community partner and create an impact on the larger community, as well as on the student participants
- Focus on student learning outcomes
- Help students define a career path or make connections to a profession or industry
Board Business and Initiatives
Alumni Board Meetings
Low attendance at Alumni Board meetings was discussed. Members who have missed meetings will be contacted by the president, to determine their continued interest in serving. The low turnout at this meeting resulted in discussion about a quorum and what business might be conducted. Krug said that other boards conduct business with those who are present, regardless of the numbers. Richardson moved that the quorum be suspended and Taylor seconded the motion, which was passed unanimously.
Richardson then presented a slate of 10 alumni who have been successful in their professions and supportive of the college to be recognized at the October 2007 Business Alumni Awards Dinner. Following discussion, the board approved the slate. The dean will contact each person. (Board members will receive the list in a separate document).
Alumni Awards Dinner
Westfall will emcee the event and chair the committee to obtain its underwriting. Richardson suggested that some of the sponsorship levels be increased, and that perhaps some new ones be added. A conference call with Westfall, Downey and Earley will work out details. Richardson said that contacting businesses this time of year will assist them in putting this expenditure in their budgets.
Dialogue Days
Estep reported that she and Ittenbach are nearing the goal of 100 speakers for the March 6-7 event. Ittenbach is surveying students to learn about their areas of interest and topics they would like to see covered.
Alumni Connections
Walbridge, Earley, and Klee will arrange events primarily geared to seniors and young alumni in different geographical areas of the state. Networking with alumni in businesses in these locations will be the major objective: Elkhart, Fort Wayne, Evansville/New Albany and Terre Haute. Northwest Indiana and Kokomo were also suggested. Carl Davis (University Development) will assist in planning.
Palomba Fund
A copy of the Ball State University Foundation Fund agreement was distributed. The fund's balance is $44,616.39. Walbridge asked about a Speakers Bureau and rates, which Estep will investigate. Heeter said that the five College departments be polled for suggestions, as well as alumni. The purpose of the fund: "Monies are to be used in conjunction with the College of Business Alumni Board and the Dean of the College of Business to honor retired Dean Neil Palomba. Potential activities include the cost of a guest lecturer to Ball State (Neil Palomba Lecture Series), expense of a plaque or picture to honor Neil Palomba, which will be permanently displayed in the College of Business building, and other expenses related to a special event approved by the College of Business Alumni Board in conjunction with the College of Business Dean, to honor Neil Palomba."
Board Membership
Heeter presented a list of 13 potential new members for this board. Additional names may be sent to him for future consideration. Discussion will continue at the next meeting, and the names will be provided to members in a separate document.
Next Meeting
The MCOB Alumni Board of Directors will meet at 3:30 p.m. April 18, in the Whitinger Building before attending Cynthia Cooper's presentation in Emens Auditorium.
Important Dates
MCOB Speaker Series—3 p.m., Whitinger Bldg. Room 144
- Feb. 7 Jim Marcuccilli, CEO, Star Financial Bank, Fort Wayne
- Feb. 21 Steve Walker, CEO, Walker Information, Indianapolis
- Mar. 21 Niel Ellerbrook, ‘70, CEO, Vectren, Evansville
MCOB Speaker Series—6 p.m., Emens Auditorium
- Apr. 18 Cynthia Cooper, WorldCom whistleblower
- Dialogue Days, March 6-7, 2007, Whitinger Building
- 4th Annual Business Alumni Awards Dinner, October 5, 2007, Alumni Center
- Homecoming Alumni Awards Dinner, October 12, 2207, Alumni Center
- Homecoming Day Parade, Lunch, Football, etc. October 13, 2007
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Taylor, secretary
