Meeting Minutes

Ball State University Alumni Association
Alumni Council Meeting Minutes
132nd Meeting
April 21, 2012

Chairman Kim Stout called the meeting to order by at 10:37 a.m.

Referring the Council to pages 3-11 in the background report, Stout asked for corrections or additions to the minutes from the 131

st meeting on January 14, 2012. Hearing none, John Bowles moved to approve the minutes as presented, Larry Metzing seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.

Introduction:

Blair Kramer graduated in 2005 as a finance major and was a four-year football letterman. He joined the Chicago Bold Campaign when the campaign was initiated a few years ago. The committee has now evolved into the Ball State Club of Chicago. He has actively participated in alumni events in the Chicago area since graduation. He is a sales representative for DePuy and is the Alumni Council representative for the Ball State Club of Chicago.

Introduction:

Celeste Booth hails from Santa Fe, New Mexico and graduated from Smith College in Massachusetts in 2009. After graduating, she worked at a private K-12 school in Santa Fe, as an administrative and development assistant, where she spent the majority of her time designing marketing and PR materials, working with the school on its social media plans, and assisting with online advertising to affect student enrollment. Wanting to further pursue graphic design, she spent a five-month intensive internship at a design studio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Returning stateside last summer, Celeste wanted a fresh start outside New Mexico, and headed to Indiana, where she has family ties on her father's side. She joined the alumni communications staff as managing editor of the Alumnus last August.

BALL STATE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Hollis Hughes welcomed Kramer to the Alumni Council. He reported the university is completing a new five-year strategic plan. They will take formal action to accept the new strategic plan at the July board meeting.

Hughes stated that Ball State is currently preparing for the Higher Learning Commission accreditation. Numerous faculty and staff personnel have been appointed to committees to help with the process and he is profoundly impressed with the members serving on the committees. Hughes and Barbara Phillips are the two Board of Trustees representative on the university steering committee. He said that the accreditation is critical to the university and will have a significant impact on the future of the institution.

Wayne Estopinal reported that the trustees retreat on April 20 at the Indy Center was very fruitful. There are some interesting things coming that are game changers for the university. The trustees will have another opportunity for the board to be together, share information, and celebrate another class on commencement weekend on May 5. Much discussion at the April 20 retreat was about alumni engagement. The alumni we have connected with are intensely engaged, but a broader and larger base is needed.

BALL STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

Wayne Estopinal said that the next meeting for the Ball State University Foundation is scheduled for June 21-22 on campus. Estopinal announced that a search process has been initiated to find a foundation president to succeed Dave Bahlmann, who will be retiring December 31, 2012. Overall, the foundation is experiencing a good year following three years of difficult economic conditions.

FINANCIAL POSITION

Larry Metzing presented the Alumni Association’s financial statements found on pages 13-17 of the background report. The balance sheet indicates a total equity of $2,730,402 which provides the association with a very solid foundation. The 2012 budget overview indicates that the association is well under budget for the first quarter of the year. The negative expense item under Alumni Pre-Game Outings is the result of reimbursement for the IU/Ball

State football game expenses incurred during 2011, but reimbursed to the association in 2012. The affinity license plate fund reflects an increase of 25% after the first two months of the year compared to 2011.

The Alumni Association Investment Fund #407 in the Ball State Foundation received an increase as the result of a matching gift challenge in the amount of $10,000 during the BOLD Campaign. A second matching gift in the amount of $50,000 is due to be paid to the fund at the end of the fiscal year. The Robert Linson Fund #458 will receive an increase in principal. The funds are coming from the Alumni Association Fund #401. The transfer will increase the endowed principal of the Linson Fund which will help the fund continue to support the $1,500 annual scholarship.

The Lemler Group LLC has been retained to conduct an audit of the Alumni Association financial records for 2011.

They will be on site April 24, 25, and 26 to begin the review.

SERVICES COMMITTEE

Vince Von Der Vellen reported the following highlights from the reports found on pages 19 and 20 of the background report.

1. Cardinal Corner received 144 orders through the first quarter of 2012. The operating balance for the corporation is $123,633.

2. INTRUST Bank continues to be very satisfied with the affinity VISA card program. They have received nearly 1,000 applications to date.

3. Photo ID/C.A.R.D. Program - 54 Alumni IDs have been issued since the January meeting of the Alumni Council.

4. The Alumni Association entered into an agreement with AIA, our insurance program provider in 2006. The relationship has been on-going, but the latest agreement expired on June 30, 2011. Our insurance partners are pleased with the program and its relationship with the association and proposed renewing the relationship for another five-year period. The minimum guarantee to the association over the five-year period is $150,000. The $150,000 minimum is $30,000 more than for the previous five-years. The services committee recommended the renewal of the contract.

John Bowles moved to accept the proposal from AIA for an additional five-year period with a minimum guarantee to the Alumni Association of $150,000. The motion was seconded by Terry Coleman and carried by a voice vote.

COACH OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Nick Zuniga announced the six alumni coaches at Indiana high schools who received the awards for the winter sports season.

Chris John, ’88, Boys Basketball, Homestead High School

Eric Thornton, ’91, Girls Basketball, Norwell High School

Joe Keller, ’91, Girls Swimming and Diving, Northridge High School

Jeff Eddy, ’86, Boys Swimming and Diving, Anderson High School

Terry O’Neill, ’99, Wrestling, Westfield High School

Kim Dykes, ’92, Gymnastics, Franklin Central High School

A discussion was held relative to recognizing high school coaches outside of the State of Indiana who have experienced outstanding and exceptional seasons. Suggestions included utilizing the

Alumnus magazine to encourage nominations of outstanding high school coaches from outside of Indiana. It was suggested that high school sports that are offered in other states, but not Indiana also be included for recognition. Since no voting base of coaches familiar with programs or coaches outside of Indiana is available to vote on nominees, the Alumni Association will look into developing a set of criteria to review and select alumni high school coaches from throughout the country to be recognized by the Ball State University Alumni Association. No action was taken relative to the discussion, but the staff will continue to study the issue.

NEW MEDIA/TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

Doug Reddington thanked Steve Fulton for his efforts in developing technology and new media programs and providing support for their utilization with other alumni programs.

1. The Cardinal Network for High Education has recruited more than 200 alumni to participate in the program since it was introduced last December. Members received four update reports during the recent 90 day short session of the Indiana General Assembly. The goal is to increase the number of advocates to 300 during the summer months.

2. The electronic version of the

Alumnus produced in March garnered 8,783 views compared to 4,693 for the electronic-version distributed last November. The increase represented a 53 percent increase in views. Consideration is being given to printing four editions of the Alumnus during the 2012-13 fiscal year. All alumni would receive the print version. In addition, those alumni with valid e-mail addresses would receive both the electronic and print editions.

3. Push e-mails for the first three months of 2012 totaled 105.

4. The online event credit card registration system is receiving positive results and increased utilization by alumni. Ten events have been conducted since February 1, and which 570 alumni have utilized the online process.

5. The social networking programs, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter have increased members and followers during the past few months. LinkedIn has experienced a 35 percent increase since November 2012.

ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Nick Zuniga presented the Engagement Committee report (copy of the report is attached to the minutes). A staff committee of five members prepared a report identifying programs to engage undergraduate students with alumni programs. The eleven proposed initiatives were discussed at the meeting of the Engagement Committee and presented as a group to the council membership with a recommendation that they be implemented during the next year. The major components included implementation of a student alumni association, expanded collaboration with the Office of Student Life to sponsor events and programs for undergraduates on the campus, and to facilitate meetings with undergraduate affinity groups to help them establish alumni relations programs. It was moved by Jim Ittenbach to accept the report and move that staff begin implementing as many of the proposed programs as possible and to report back to the council on the progress. Vince Von Der Vellen seconded the motion, which was carried by a voice vote.

ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIPS

Oliver Bumb Scholarship

– Terry Coleman reported the Oliver Bumb Committee met on April 18 to select the outstanding member of Cardinal Corps. Two outstanding and exceptional Cardinal Corps members were considered for the 2012 scholarship award. The endowment of the Bumb Scholarship Fund accumulated a significant expendable earnings balance in recent years and so it was agreed that $1,500 scholarships would be awarded to both candidates. Juniors Samantha Lee and Alyssa Bennett will receive 2012 Oliver Bumb Scholarships in recognition of their contributions to Cardinal Corps during the 2011-12 year.

Alumni Legacy Scholarships

– The Alumni Legacy Scholarship Committee met on March 3 to review the 165 applications for 2012-13 Alumni Legacy Scholarships. Fifty applicants were selected to receive scholarships of $2,500. Twenty-four of the legacy student recipients were currently enrolled students at Ball State. Twenty-six scholarships were awarded to legacy students who will be entering the university fall semester, 2012. The $125,000 awarded to the 50 legacy students is the largest amount ever awarded by the Alumni Association.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS

Tom Farris thanked the committee for their dedicated effort in the review and selection process. He reported that after several months of deliberation and review, the committee selected three candidates and one alternate from the alumni nominated. Ken Briner, ’69, Kirk Ray, ’92, and Angela Ahrendts, ’93, were recommended by the committee to receive 2012 Distinguished Alumni Awards, however, if Angela Ahrendts is unable to travel from London to receive the award in October, her recognition will be deferred to 2013 and alternate James Wainscott, ’79, will

become the third individual to receive the award in 2012. John Bowles moved to accept the recommendation of the committee. Vince Von Der Vellen seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a voice vote.

BENNY ALUMNI AWARDS

Steve Fulton recommended the following nominees to receive Benny Awards for 2012: Jerilyn K. Giska, ’84, Amy Gregg, associate professor of NREM; Calvin C. Lee, ’60, Philip L. Metcalf, ’70, Ed Sitar, ’94, and Stephanie Walton, ’92.

Terry Coleman moved for approval and Doug Reddington seconded the motion. The motion carried by voice vote.

G.O.L.D. AWARDS

Mike McMillen reported the committee had finalized its selections and recommended eight outstanding candidates for approval by the council. He said that 67 young alumni were nominated for the 2012 awards and the selection process was very difficult. Recommendations are: Nathan Boyd, ’02, Brian Geislehart, ’08MBA09, Christopher Kurtz, ’06, Jenny Shea, ’08, Ebony Strong, ’09, Benjamin Tietz, ’06, Scott Wenclewicz, ’06, and Joshua Wilson, ’03MBA07.

Kerry Hendel moved approve the eight recommended alumni. Doug Reddington seconded the motion. The motion carried by a voice vote.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Fred Cox reported the committee met earlier in the morning and is not ready to present a slate at this time. Several council member’s terms are expiring and nominations are still being received for possible at- large members. The committee will contact individuals to determine their interest in running for additional terms of office and their interest in serving on the executive committee.

The committee discussed the issue of establishing term limits for council members and council representatives from chapters and societies. The council needs to provide greater opportunities for alumni to serve in the governance of the association. The nominating committee appointed John Bowles to chair an ad hoc committee to review the pros and cons of implementing term limits for council members and representatives and to report to the Nominating Committee at its next meeting. Kim Stout will appoint members to serve on the committee.

ALUMNI ACTIVITIES

Sam DeWeese reported that more than 2,500 alumni participated in events and activities since the January meeting. New activities included the monthly Cardinal Coffee Club, Arizona Alumni Reception with President Gora, NREM Alumni Reception in Indianapolis, Atlanta Alumni Reception with President Gora, Indianapolis Pacers Outing, and Women’s Basketball Reunion. A complete list of the 51 association events conducted since the January meeting of the council are listed in the background report on page 25.

CONSTITUENT ORGANIZATION REPORTS

Alumni Chapters

Adams-Wells -- The Adams-Wells alumni board of directors will meet following the annual spring Adopt-A-Highway Clean-up on Saturday, May 5.

Greater Chicago – Blair Kramer reported the first official chapter meeting since being approved by the Alumni Council was held Tuesday, March 12. Chapter officers for the group include: Shawn Malayter, president; Jim Fields, vice president; and Blair Kramer, Alumni Council representative. The board plans to add 4 more members. The club is planning a Chicago Cubs outing on Thursday, May 17. A pre-game event will take place at the Cubby Bear followed by the Cubs vs. Phillies game at Wrigley Field. Upcoming events being planned are a summer event at Ravinia Outdoor Music Festival, a volunteer night at the

Chicago Food Depository to be held in the fall of 2012, the 3rd annual Chicago Cardinal Business Forum in October, and the annual alumni holiday reception in December.

Greater Indianapolis – Mike Shumaker reported the last chapter meeting was held on Saturday, March 3 followed by the annual Indianapolis Casino Night at the Knights of Columbus. Eighty-four alumni and friends attended. Russ Lawrence will chair the event again next year. Mike Shumaker chaired the Pacers event on Tuesday, April 3. One hundred and nine guests met at Scotty’s Brewhouse in downtown Indianapolis for a reception, followed by the Pacers vs. Knicks game at Banker’s Life Fieldhouse. Summer outings planned include the annual Indianapolis Indians Baseball and Picnic Outing on June 2, Golf outing and the Accountant’s Continuing Professional Education Seminar on June 28 at a new location (Wood Wind Golf Club in Westfield), and the annual Symphony on the Prairie evening on August 18 (Tribute to the Beatles). The next meeting will be held Tuesday, October 2 at 6:00 p.m. A special thank you to Kate Webber for stepping in and making a great transition following Ernie Krug’s retirement.

Michiana – Vince Von Der Vellen reported the Michiana Alumni Chapter held its annual Casino Night at the Elkhart Elks, April 14. The board is currently planning several upcoming events including the annual Golf & Dinner Outing, Monday, July 16 at Blackthorn Golf Club in South Bend. The Elkhart County 4-H Fair Outing will take place Saturday, July 21 with a visit from Charlie Cardinal and an evening concert with Styx. Also in the planning stages is the annual Wine & Beer Tasting that is slated for Saturday, October 27. The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 4.

Northeastern Indiana – Mike McMillen reported the chapter board of directors met on Tuesday, April 17. Recent events include the Mad Ants Pregame Reception and game where 47 attended on February 3, the annual TGIF party on February 24 at Columbia Street West, and the Science Central Family Outing on March 4. Upcoming events include the TinCaps Baseball Outing on June 22 chaired by Michele Musson, the Three Rivers Festival Parade on July 14 chaired by Russ Hire, and the Cardinal Classic Golf and Dinner Outing on July 18 chaired by Matt Momper.

The scholarship committee met and awarded two scholarships to local students Nikki Butler and Carly Park. Both are seniors at Leo Jr/Sr. High School. The scholarships will be awarded at the golf outing. They also awarded the Edna Ferneau English Scholarship to Linda Hamrick, a teacher in the Fort Wayne Community Schools. The next board meeting is being planned in conjunction with a possible football watch party this fall.

Constituent Chapters

Alumni Ambassadors/Alumni Leaders/ Cardinal Network -- Tom Andrews reported the Cardinal Network for Higher Education membership has increased to 215 participants. Several Alumni Council members have forwarded prospects for membership and all have been contacted. We will continue the search for advocates in all counties of Indiana that do not have representation in the network.

Currently, the association is represented by 28 Alumni Ambassadors in areas where there are concentrations of Ball State alumni. There are 49 Indiana counties and out-of-state locations for which it is desirable to recruit ambassadors to work with the university and association in serving alumni. Jeff Malloy, ’03, is a new Alumni Ambassador serving Vigo County.

Ambassador Ric Study, along with Tim Passmore and Eric Mikels are planning the Eastern Indiana Golf and Dinner outing at the Winchester Golf Club for Wednesday, July 18. Ambassadors Craig Dunn and Marilyn Skinner are coordinating the Kokomo Golf and Dinner Outing scheduled for June 18.

Black Alumni Constituent Society – Michael Chisley indicated the society is reviewing applications for BACS Book Scholarships for the 2012-13 year. As future alumni, recipients from precious years are attending the luncheon today to help engage them as future alumni. The next board meeting will be on Saturday, May 19.

Cardinal Football Alliance – Don Park reported the board of the CFA is meeting in another room of the Alumni Center. Coach Lembo is meeting with the group to discuss changes in the name and structure of the alliance. Football lettermen were invited to attend the meeting today. It is anticipated that the name of the constituent organization will be changed to Football Letterman’s Association and the responsibilities of the organization will be expanded and restructured. The alliance is hosting a tailgate at 1:30 p.m. today before the Spring Game for all letterman and their families.

Professional Societies

College of Architecture and Planning – Kate Webber reported the CAP board met February 9 and April 20. Four new board members joined the group: Catherine Baker is a principal architect with Landon Bone Baker Architects in Chicago, IL; Craig Farnsworth is a landscape architecture graduate working for Hitchcock Design Group in Chicago, IL; Karl Sonnenberg is a partner at Zimmer, Gunsul, Frasca in Portland, OR; and Larry Roan is vice president of business development for Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf in Indianapolis, IN. The following goals were set for the year: increase participation in awards submissions, increase awareness about the society among CAP alumni to generate interest in membership, and increase alumni donations. The awards committee is reviewing 26 submissions and will make recommendations for recipients in June. CAP Alumni Day and Symposium will be held in October.

Family and Consumer Sciences - Jacqueline Johnston reported the next board meeting will be April 24 and the board is currently seeking nominations for the FCS Alumni Awards Dinner set for Friday, November 2. The society surveyed young alumni to identify interests and ways to engage them.

Journalism - Don Park indicated the board met on April 11 following the Eugene S. Pulliam Awards Luncheon. The society recognized Beth Harris with the Journalism Alumnus Award; Matthew Perry, Jonathan Seidel, and Irvington Washington, III, with Young Alumnus Awards; and Douglas Toney was inducted into the Journalism Hall of Fame. The board is planning a 2013 fall reunion. The next meeting is scheduled for October 6.

Miller College of Business – Jim Ittenbach reported the college has added 13 new professors and are revamping the MBA program. The college is capping classes at 30 students next fall semester. Dialogue Days were conducted February 23-24 with over 70 alumni participating. The society is preparing for its June 7 ―ardinal Business Forum‖at the Ritz Charles in Carmel. Business alumni are also being recruited to serve as mentors to students in the business honors program. The next meeting will be April 30 and the board will also be attending the Accounting Awards Dinner.

NOTE: The agenda was suspended at this point for the introduction of special guests.

Hudson Akin, vice president for University Advancement introduced the new director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Bill Scholl. He will start his new responsibilities May 30. Scholl has spent the past 22 years at Notre Dame and his most recent position was associate athletic director. He indicated that he was excited about the opportunity at Ball State and looking forward to meeting more alumni and working with the Alumni Association. He indicated he want to help engage Ball State alumni.

President Gora reported there were 96 applicants for the AD position. Everyone on the committee was impressed with him and his professional experiences. The president also invited everyone to take time to visit the new Briner Sports Complex which was dedicated today. It provides first class facilities for soccer, field hockey, and track and field.

Meeting returned to the agenda.

Natural Resources and Environmental Management -- John Bergman reported the NREM Alumni Reception held in Indianapolis on March 15 was a success. They hope to make it an annual event. The society hosted its annual Alumni Awards Dinner on April 20 and was pleased to have had some council

 

members in attendance. The White River clean-up will be held on Saturday, August 25. The next meeting will be held at Strawtown (Koteewi Park) on Thursday, June 21.

Nursing – Kathy Thomas reported the board met on April 17. The society is in the process of selecting new officers and potential new board members. They are preparing for 2012 Nursing Alumni Banquet and reunions set for April 28. The Scholarship committee awarded scholarships to six nursing students. May Commencement will include10 graduates and July will have 20-30. Sixteen new students will be admitted to the nursing program in summer and 70 in fall semester. The next meeting is scheduled for August.

Teachers College – The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 14 during which the board will select scholarship and award recipients.

Alumni Student Organizations

Homecoming – Michelle Johnson reported 15 students were selected for the 2012 Homecoming Steering Committee in February. The group has been meeting weekly, planning the events surrounding Homecoming week, slated for October 8-13. They chose a Vegas theme of ―lay Your Cards Right.‖Traditional events will include the Bed Race, Air Jam, Talent Search and the Parade. New this year will be a ―omecoming Village‖with a zip-line and Vegas style attractions, plus a Charity Clothing Drive Mile Run. The football game will round out the week’s events on Saturday, October 13 when the Cardinals take on the Western Michigan Broncos.

 St.A.R.T. - Kate Webber indicated St.A.R.T. met on Wednesday, April 11. Following the meeting, students attended our new monthly Cardinal Coffee Club - a social event for retired alumni in Delaware County. Forty-six guests enjoyed coffee, pastries, Ball State trivia, and interaction with St.A.R.T. students. The group elected new officers for the 2012-13 year. Elizabeth Hibbler, senior public relations major from Indianapolis was elected president. The 28th Annual Ball State Graduation Celebration will be held on Friday, May 4 at the Alumni Center from 4:00-7:00 p.m. The event is open to all Ball State seniors who graduate in May, July, or December 2012. Attendees will receive free food, beverages, DJ entertainment, door prizes, and their first alumni t-shirt. All Alumni Council members are invited to attend and congratulate our newest class of alumni. The final meeting of St.A.R.T. this the semester will be on Wednesday, April 25. Students will assemble 94 Finals Survival Kits and deliver them.

NEW BUSINESS

Interim Executive director Don Park reported a new travel policy has been developed for alumni volunteers

who travel for association events and meetings. The proposal outlines what is reimbursable, what is not, and the process for claiming reimbursement. The policy will be resubmitted to the executive committee for one more review before it goes into effect. The goal is to have it completed within a month.

OTHER BUSINESS FROM THE MEMBERSHIP

Hudson Akin reported on the status of the searches for an executive director of alumni programs and the director of alumni activities. The executive director position was re-advertised in late January and 25 additional applications have been received, increasing the number of applicants to approximately 80. Those applications are now being reviewed by the committee. Following reduction of the pool to a smaller number by the committee, Hudson will again conduct video interviews and a few will be invited to the campus. The director of alumni activities position has also been advertised and several applications have been received. Those applications are in the process of being reviewed.

Chairman Stout adjourned the meeting at 1:01 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Don L. Park, Interim Executive Director
Ball State University Alumni Association

IMPORTANT DATES

1. Saturday, September 22, 2012—Fall Alumni Council Meeting with Legacy Scholarship recipients and the 2012 Homecoming Steering Committee as lunch guests.
2. Saturday, September 22, 2012—Ball State vs. South Florida Football
3. Friday, October 12, 2012—Homecoming Awards Dinner
4. Saturday, October 13, 2012—Homecoming

ATTENDANCE

Executive Committee Constituent Society Representatives

Kimberley Stout
Thomas Andrews
Frederick Cox
Michael Chisley
Terry Coleman
Greg Jacoby
Larry Metzing
Jim Ittenbach
Robin Sparks
Jacqueline Johnston
John Bergman
Kathryn Thomas

At-Large Members

John Bowles

Board of Trustees
Julie Bradshaw
Wayne Estopinal
Christopher Courtney
Hollis Hughes
Sam DeWeese
Thomas Farris

Staff
Kerry Hendel
Don Park
Lana Manikowski
Sue Taylor
Pamela Morris
Kate Webber
Annette Munoz
Steve Fulton
Douglas Reddington
Michelle Johnson
Ebony Strong
Tracy Hendricks
Nicholas Zuniga
Celeste Booth

Alumni Chapter Representatives Guests

Blair Kramer Hudson Akin
Michael Shumaker
Vincent Von Der Vellen

Special Guests
Michael McMillen
Jo Ann Gora
Roy Budd
Bill Scholl