Present: Tom Gayda, Brian Hayes, Julie Johnson, Bob Jonason, Sam Keyes, David Knott, Juli Metzger, Charlotte Shepperd, Dan Waechter, and Marilyn Weaver.

The meeting was called to order by President Brian Hayes at 2:06 p.m.

Minutes

Referring to the minutes of the January 12, 2008 meeting, Hayes asked for corrections or additions. There being none, Juli Metzger moved to accept the minutes as presented, Marilyn Weaver seconded, and they were passed by voice vote.

Business

Awards: The Journalism Awards Luncheon 2008 was held today at the Alumni Center in Assembly Hall prior to the boarding meeting.  The board agreed that all went well and it was enjoyable hosting it at the Alumni Center.  There was discussion about adjusting the date and/or time for next year due to some recipients, who are involved in sports careers that the NCAA always coincides with the awards luncheon making them unable to attend.  The board is leaning toward keeping it as a luncheon.  David Knott spoke about the power and inspiration among the recipients in the room and how to involve more students so they can be a part of  that and have a better understanding of what their future can hold.  Sam Keyes suggested taking video taped portions of the alumni recipients receiving their awards and posting it on the Journalism Department Website so that students may view.

The board reviewed a roster of active and inactive nominees.  Charlotte Shepperd suggested creating a pre-screening procedure to help the committee with time during nomination process.  Juli Metzger suggested re-creating the nomination letter to seek out better responses.  By voice vote, it was decided to keep everyone on the active and inactive roster at this time, with the exception of one nominee who requested to not be considered and placed inactive.

Reunion: The reunion date is approaching and is scheduled for Saturday, June 21. The theme will be: Block Party.  Hayes contacted Justin Gilbert, 2008 Journalism Alumni Award recipient, for entertainment during the reunion.  Justin is a stand-up comedian.  A D.J. was ruled out and the board felt background music with possible dance music toward the end of the evening would be better as well as cut costs.  Equipment will need to be requested, as will any other items to be used for the reunion.  The charge of $35 per person was approved.  Any costs above and beyond that will be underwritten by both the BSUAA and Journalism Departments.  It was agreed that the charge for shirts will be $5 for those attending the reunion and $10 for those who do not attend the event.

Department Update

Dan Waechter reported that the department would be busy throughout April with a host of awards programs. He said that budget cutbacks continue to create challenges for the department. A very positive opportunity will come through Newslink Indiana. Beginning in the summer, the Department of Journalism will take the lead with Newslink Indiana and Waechter noted that the program is a great example of an immersion learning experience. The department continues to work with the TCOM department to explore meshing print and broadcast opportunities.

Marilyn Weaver noted that the public relations and advertising sequences have been meeting to evaluate their curricula. Regarding staffing, Weaver stated that Vince Filak and Scott Rinardi are both leaving the university, so searches will be underway for those positions, though Rinardi's vacancy may not be filled until a year from now. The search for Mark Popovich's replacement has been extended.

Alumni Council Update

Charlotte Shepperd reported that the Alumni Council met February 2 on campus. She noted that the university will begin the public phase of the Capital Campaign this fall. The goal will be $200 million.

Shepperd reviewed the significance of the Alumni Involvement Index. A way to measure participation in alumni programs, events, and activities, the index continues to increase in percentage of participation. Shepperd said that for 2007, there were 58,977 alumni involved in one or more Alumni Association-related activity. As of April this year, more than 46,000 alumni have an e-mail contact included in their alumni records.

The Ball State Alumnus magazine is in the midst of a redesign. The new-look magazine is expected to debut in the fall.

Shepperd stated that Sarah Maisto continues to represent the Journalism Alumni Society very well on the Alumni Council.

The next meeting of the Alumni Council will be Saturday, April 26, 2008.

Other Business/Future Dates

Next Board meeting—TBA

Journalism Reunion—Saturday, June 21, 2008

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:42 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Charlotte Shepperd, Secretary

Journalism Alumni Liaison

Julie Johnson

Alumni Staff Assistant