Present: Tom Gayda, Jim Grim, Brian Hayes, Julie Johnson, Bob Jonason, Sam Keyes, David Knott, Juli Metzger, Gene Policinski, Deb Robinson, Jennifer Ross, Emily Schilling, Charlotte Shepperd, Sarah Swan, Dan Waechter, Greg Weaver, and Marilyn Weaver.

The meeting was called to order by President Brian Hayes at 9:40 a.m. New board members Sam Keyes, Emily Schilling, and Greg Weaver were introduced and welcomed.  Hayes announced that other new member, Savanna Tate, was unable to attend.  He asked all board members to introduce themselves.

Minutes

Referring to the minutes of the October 6, 2007 meeting, Hayes asked for corrections or additions. There being none, Jim Grim moved to accept the minutes as presented, Deb Robinson seconded, and they were passed by voice vote.

Business

Awards: An awards committee meeting was conducted Wednesday, January 9. Hayes led discussion on the nominees of the annual Journalism awards nominations. He explained that there were more than 40 nominations for the three categories: Hall of Fame, Outstanding Journalism Alumnus Award, and Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.  Nominees remain in active files for three years.  Marilyn Weaver stated the Hall of Fame pool of nominees was small and encouraged more nominations in that category. Juli Metzger reported on the recommendations made from the committee. The board discussed the process and candidates.   Gene Policinski moved to accept the Hall of Fame nominee, Deb Robinson seconded, and it was approved by voice vote. David Knott moved to accept the recommendation for Outstanding Journalism Alumnus. Bob Jonason seconded, and the motion was approved by voice vote. Tom Gayda moved to accept the nominees for Outstanding Young Alumnus awards. The motion was seconded by Gene Policinski and approved by voice vote.  All recommendations will be presented to the faculty for acceptance. The awards will be presented during the Journalism Awards Luncheon, Wednesday, April 2, at the Alumni Center.

Reunion: The reunion is scheduled for Saturday, June 21. There is a Block Party theme for the event. Tom Gayda has designed the logo and a save-the-date postcard.  Publicity for the reunion will be through the Web, E-mail, Phoenix, and the Alumnus. A save-the-date postcard and a reservation flier will be sent to Alumni. Charlotte Shepperd reported that a block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn Express. Jennifer Ross suggested that memorabilia be set out for alumni to view.  Hayes asked for entertainment suggestions.  A reunion committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 23.

Department Update

Referring to a handout, Weaver highlighted the spring semester Professional-in-Residence programs.  Eight programs are currently scheduled, the first of which will be Thursday, January 17, "Newsrooms in Transition—Making the Move to Multimedia."  Another of particular interest is "International Scholars Look at Media," set for Thursday, February 28.  For that program, the department will utilize three current international students, from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Iraq.  One is a Fulbright student whose film production on emerging conditions on Iraq is scheduled to be aired on HBO.  Weaver noted that all P-in-Rs are taped, catalogued, and available for review. The department is in the process of updating and relaunching its Web site.  Journalism will be the second relaunch at the university, following TCOM, which has already launched.

The department has three new named scholarships, one for Fred and Charlene Blevens; the Black-Chaney Scholarship, established through funding from Amy Black and named to honor former faculty member Jerry Chaney; and a scholarship honoring former adjunct faculty member John Robinson, the DRG John Robinson Memorial Scholarship.

Regarding faculty, Weaver reported that the department was saddened with the death of longtime faculty member, Fred Woodress.  He died Christmas Day.  Mark Popovich will retire at the end of this academic year.  A search to fill Popovich's position will begin within the next few weeks.

Jeff Newton has been hired for the Indianapolis program.  Newton will teach both on campus and in Indianapolis.  The department has been approved by the Indiana Higher Education Commission to offer courses in Indianapolis and Fishers.

Alumni Council Update

Shepperd reported that Tom Farris is the 2008 Alumni Association president. She said the Alumni Association organized five charter buses that took more than 250 alumni to the International Bowl in Toronto, Canada in January. The pre-game event was successful with more than 500 in attendance.  Plans for the Capital Campaign are underway, but there has been no announcement yet to publicly kickoff the campaign.  Shepperd reminded the board that each member should consider a gift to the university, designated to journalism or to any program of their choice. Matt Momper has replaced board of trustee member Greg Fehribach, whose term ended December 31, 2007.

The next meeting of the Alumni Council will be Friday and Saturday, February 1-2, 2008.

Other Business/Future Dates

Reunion Committee meeting—Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Next Board meeting—Wednesday, April 2, 2008, following the Awards Luncheon

Journalism Reunion—Saturday, June 21, 2008

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Charlotte Shepperd, Secretary

Journalism Alumni Liaison

Julie Johnson

Alumni Staff Assistant