Journalism Alumni Society Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, April 3, 2007 Pittenger Student Center, Founders
Room Minutes

Present: Tom Gayda, Brian Hayes, Julie Johnson, Bob Jonason, Deb Robinson, Jennifer Ross, Charlotte Shepperd, Sarah Swan, Dan Waechter, Marilyn Weaver.

The meeting was called to order by President Brian Hayes at 2:05 p.m. Referring to the minutes of the January 27, 2007 meeting, he asked for corrections or additions. There being none, Dan Waechter moved to accept the minutes as presented, Deb Robinson seconded, and they were passed by voice vote.

New member of the board of directors, Tom Gayda, was introduced as was Julie Johnson, the new Communications Assistant.

Business

Awards: The 2007 Journalism Awards Luncheon was hosted in Cardinal Hall prior to the board meeting.  There was some discussion about how to improve the award selection process. A suggestion was made that the board might personally contact those nominees in the active files to learn current and additional information. Another suggestion was to reach out to PRSA for nominees and also ask former award winning recipients for recommendations. Charlotte Shepperd can do push-email to the alumni database. It was mentioned that a description of the awards might be beneficial so that people have a better understanding of what each award is about.   Marilyn Weaver suggested we prepare a message or letter to past recipients for recommendations.

The board reviewed documents of active and inactive nominees.   Those moved to the inactive file may be placed back into the active file if someone nominates them. 

Committees

Outreach: Hayes reported that he continues to compile information for the bios.  He will need a bio and photo of new board member, Tom Gayda. The Web site will enable alumni to post comments such as their favorite memories during their years in the journalism department.  The site is still under construction. Hayes said that the outreach effort will help others understand what the Journalism Alumni Society offers and who the board members are.

Mentoring: Hayes reported that the mentoring program is at a stand still for now.  There was discussion of ideas for the Indianapolis area such as alumni pairing up with students to form a mentorship. This would be a good way to connect our alumni with current students.  Deb Robinson agreed to review the draft and revise it.  Sheryl Swingley will help on the department side.

Reunions/Outings: The board participated in February's TGIF outing in Ft. Wayne. It was discussed whether to take part in the Symphony on the Prairie with the Indianapolis alumni chapter in August.  The board decided to participate.  We will move forward with promoting the event.

The Indianapolis Colts Complex outing planning is in progress with a date mentioned for the fall. Robinson said a fall event would be timely with all the excitement of the new season. The best time for the event would be in the evening, after work, with the possibility of a Colts guest speaker.  Bob Jonason agreed to make contacts.  A decision will need to be made by the next scheduled meeting.

The board is making plans for a reunion the summer of 2008 for the Journalism Alumni Society, to include all journalism graduates. Charlotte Shepperd, Dave Knott, and Sarah Maisto have agreed to work on planning.

Department Update

Weaver stated that funds need to be raised for the Ingelhart News Scholars program.

It will be similar to that of the Honors College experience, but with journalism students. Plans are underway to raise $25,000 to endow the program.

The department is going forward with the Higher Education Commission to formalize a PR program in Fishers. When enacted, there would be courses taught in Fishers, Indianapolis, and on campus.

Several faculty have been involved in the Building Better Communities.  Examples include one project with St. Lawrence school in Muncie; another is a project with a minority business in Ft. Wayne.

BSU approved a five-year strategic plan to include initiatives within each department to increase student enrollment, diversity, and immersive learning. Each department is devising an action plan to comply with the university's plan.

The Daily News recently won four Gold Crown awards and 57 individual awards, a record for any publication from CSPA.

Pat Mills will retire effective in May.  A search is underway to fill a tenure-line graphics position.

Alumni Council Update

Shepperd reported that the Homecoming date has been set for October 13.  Many spring activities are on the schedule for the Alumni Association.

Other Business/Future Dates

The university is in the planning stages for a new capital campaign.  It will likely be launched sometime in 2008.

The board has two vacancies. Weaver stated it would be good to have a balance of diverse age groups when considering new members.

The next meeting will be Saturday, June 23, with Brian Hayes hosting the meeting at his home.

Tom Gayda will join the Reunion sub-committee.  Jennifer Ross expressed interest in the Mentorship sub-committee and Sarah Swan stated she would help out wherever needed. 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Charlotte Shepperd, Secretary Journalism Alumni Liason

Julie Johnson, Alumni Staff Assistant