Conseco Fieldhouse Members Present: David Abernathy, Rebecca Baer, Bernie Boldt, Carl Davis, Rod Davis, Jacquie Downey, Michael Earley, Ray Ferguson, Dave Heeter, Jim Ittenbach, Michelle Johnson, Jeff Klee, Karen Mangia, Clarice McCauley, Ray Montagno, Sue Taylor, Kevin Walbridge and Tiffany Westfall. Guest: Tammy Estep.

Call to Order: President Walbridge called the meeting to order at 3:40 p.m.

Approval of the November 13, 2007 meeting minutes was unanimous following a motion by Early and a second by Heeter.

Alumni Council Report
Ittenbach explained the new format of the February 2 Alumni Council meeting which included an "immersive event" on Friday evening. The evening started with a tour of the Letterman Communications Building, which is classified as a green building with numerous environmentally friendly materials. Council members gathered at the Fine Arts Building for a reception and dinner. Coach Brady Hoke spoke about the 2008 football recruiting class and Vice President Ben Hancock spoke about the university's capital campaign.

On Saturday morning the Alumni Council meeting involved a presentation about the Alumni Association's electronic communications initiatives, including use of facebook.com, linkedin.com and secondlife.com as new ways to communicate with Ball State alumni. Following the Constituent Society and chapter reports, the meeting was adjourned.

Miller College of Business Report
Interim Dean R. Davis spoke of the new Miller Scholars initiative. Twenty-three incoming freshman met the standard for both the Miller Scholars program and the Presidential Scholarship. The college is looking to fill 10 scholarships out of those 23 students. The scholarship includes full tuition and perks and is primarily set up to generate a larger honors curriculum. On Feb. 23, the 23 eligible students were hosted at Ball State to learn about the Miller College of Business, participate in interviews, and speak with the Honors College, Admissions, current MCOB students and faculty. 

R. Davis commented that there is still a need for presenters at the annual Dialogue Days on March 4 and 5. 

He mentioned that alumnus Niel Ellerbrook will be the commencement speaker this spring, and will receive an honorary degree from Ball State. 

The monthly MCOB e-news is continues to be sent to all MCOB alumni in hopes to provide updates and keep an open line of communications.

R. Davis mentioned a $1.8 million dollar gift from the Robert Hoffer estate. Hoffer was an accounting graduate in 1948 and received the Ball State Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1969. The other half of his estate was given to the University of Michigan where Hofer received his graduate degree. 

MCOB study abroad trips are scheduled for India, Germany, England and France.  The college will have 30 students participate. The goal is to engage 100 students in this program by 2012. Currently, the college can give $15,000 in study abroad scholarships. 

A gift of $1 million dollars was given to the freshman scholarships program from the estate of Michael "Greg"   Johnston.  Greg's parents, Mike and Jackie are longtime alumni benefactors, and his brother Todd sits on this alumni board.

R. Davis indicated that the Dean's search committee had interviewed four candidates and will soon give the Provost their recommendations.  The candidates included Wayne Meyer (Univ. of Alaska at Fairbanks), Jim Payne (Illinois State Univ.), David Berry (Western Michigan Univ.) and Charles Cronkey (multiple universities).

2008 Alumni Award Nominations

Names of the nominees for the MCOB Award of Achievement, Award of Distinction and Hall of Fame were distributed. Ittenbach chaired the discussion and commented on purpose and criteria of each award. Following an overview of each candidate, Heeter moved to approve the nominees and Ferguson gave the second. The 10 candidates were approved unanimously. Baer applauded the diversity in majors of the nominees.

Alumni Awards Dinner
Estep mentioned that the next step in the Alumni Awards Dinner is to notify the award winners. The date has not been confirmed because the MAC has not yet set Homecoming and the fall football schedule. Westfall will chair the sponsorship committee for the second year, and board members are asked to have their companies participate. R. Davis mentioned that President Gora complimented the board by stating that the awards dinner is a model for all other colleges at the university.

C.Davis suggested promoting the winners via the Indianapolis Business Journal, pod casts and other media outlets. 

Dialogue Days
Estep asked the board to send any recommendations on speakers her way. The event will take place March 4-5, 2008.

Palomba Fund
Ittenbach spoke of the original purpose of the Palomba fund in that it is to be used for hosting speakers on campus. He said that the first initiative the board needs to undertake is creating a plaque for former Dean Neal Palomba to be displayed in the Miller College. Ittenbach moved to obtain the plaque and Earley followed with a second. Ittenbach also suggested bringing Palomba to the next alumni board meeting or event and to present him with the plaque.

Professionalism Certificate
Estep explained that the Advanced Professionalism Certificate has been modified to require the students to complete more programs and events, and has a more flexible schedule (shorter timeframe) for students to earn the credits.  There was a suggestion for the alumni board members to host lunch and get acquainted with these students after they finish the certificate requirements. 

Miscellaneous

President Walbridge mentioned one of the main goals of the board is to reach out and engage more alumni. Today's reception is the first of more events to help accomplish this goal.
 
Next Meeting Date and Location
The next meeting is Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Alumni Center. (Free parking in the lot north of the Alumni Center).

Meeting adjourned to reception at Finish Line Court and Pacers Basketball game.