Meeting Minutes

Ball State University Alumni Association
Michiana Area Alumni Chapter
Board of Directors Meeting
J.C. Rice Educational Services Center
Monday, January 28, 2013

Members Present: Samantha Adamczewski, Jenn Crist, Scott Franko, Gail Jaskowiak, Phil Panzica, Steve Schafer, Jane Simmons, Wes Steffen, Kim Stout, Kim Strowig, Vince Von Der Vellen, Ron Wiseman, Bob Woods and Michelle Johnson (via conference call)

Review of Wine & Beer Tasting Recap – Sixty-eight alumni and friends attended the event on October 27 at Houlihan’s in Mishawaka. Locations are being discussed for this year’s event. The hope is to move it to the Elkhart or Goshen area. Samantha Adamczewski will chair the event, with Scott Franko’s assistance.

Bus/Shopping Trip Recap – Jenn Crist and Gail Jaskowiak once again chaired the event to Woodfield Shopping Mall in Schaumburg, Ill. on November 10. A save the date card was given to all of those who attended so they could reserve their spot for this year early. The date for 2013 is Saturday, November 9. One 57-passenger will be reserved. It is a first-come, first-served reservation, once again.

Casino Night – The decision was made to host Casino Night on Saturday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Elkhart Elks. Stephanie Markley and Amy Richardson will once again chair the event. Set-up will begin around 6:00 p.m. It was recommended to list that it is faux gambling on the flyer. Each board member is reminded to bring three to five door prizes and at least three friends to the outing. All board members are invited to help with set-up and to take a turn dealing black jack or poker.
Summer Golf & Dinner Outing – Proposed dates for the outing are June 24, July 8 or July 29. Michelle Johnson will inquire about a coach attending and/or the athletic director. Morris Park and Christiana Creek are the two potential locations. Kim Stout and Vince Von Der Vellen will start finalizing details once the best date is determined.

4-H Fair Outing – The outing at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair will be Saturday, July 20. Charlie Cardinal will make an appearance from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and there will be an evening concert (TBD). Kristy Ambrosen has already secured the same Charlie Cardinal volunteer from last year to assist again.

List of What Other Chapters are Hosting – Scott Franko was curious as to what events the other BSU Alumni Chapters host. A list was provided and discussion took place on potentially adding a Trivia Night, a special appearance by the University Singers, an athletic event potentially at Western Michigan when they play BSU, or piggy-backing with another department on campus who may come to the Michiana area for an event. Johnson will relay the board’s interest to the necessary BSU staff and departments in the case that an event is planned in the Michiana area. More discussion will take place at the next board meeting.

Alumni Council and Alumni Association Reports – The Alumni Council has not met since the last board meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for February 9. The university is branching out in new ways to get more involvement. A new travel program has been implemented by the Alumni Association to include destinations overseas. Regional engagement is also being highlighted. Currently, President Gora and other university administration are touring Florida to engage with alumni and friends and discuss the university’s new strategic plan.

Next Board Meeting
The next meeting will be Monday, June 3, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. Restaurant location is TBD. Bob Woods and Vince Von Der Vellen are looking into a restaurant.