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CommCrew meeting minutes
September 26, 2008
Members present: Michael Aho, Brent Anderson, Nancy Ball, Mary Jane Gaddis, Cyndee Mueller, Dr. Larry Auld and Dr. Linda Kean
The meeting was opened by Michael Aho just after 2pm.
Report from the School of Communication—Dr. Kean
• There were two new administrative and four new faculty hires for the School of Communication (SOC) this year.
• Our conference room, 102 Joyner East, has been updated as well as some of the classrooms and computer labs. Additional money from ITCS will help us to continue to upgrade our computer labs.
• The SOC is in the process of working on an interdisciplinary minor program in film studies with the English Department. We hope this program will be available next fall.
• The GPA for new COMM students has been raised to manage enrollment. For High School students the GPA was raised to 3.0 and for transfers it was raised to 2.5.
• Dr. Kean also discussed our upcoming High School Media Workshop event on October 28. The possibility of a Journalism Summer Camp was discussed for the future.
• There have been some budget cuts that have taken place. We have had to give up some funds used to hire part time instructors and increase some class sizes.
• SOC gave out ten $950 special talent tuition waivers as well as four $1000 scholarships for 2008-2009.
• The letter for CommCrew membership went out and we have had solid response so far. Michael Aho discussed some changes for all CommCrew letters in the future. The board agreed that “CommCrew” was going to be one word and future letters sent by CommCrew should include the alumni’s graduation year. Aho also talked about continuing to work with the ECU Alumni Association to obtain current contact information, including email addresses.
Alumni Relations/Foundation Report
• Nancy Ball and Mary Jane Gaddis discussed various major gifts they have as possibilities.
• The Annual Fund letters have just gone out.
• Also, as a reminder, November 7th is the Annual College of Fine arts and Communication Scholarship Banquet.
Spring CommCrew Banquet
• The Spring CommCrew Banquet is tentatively scheduled for April 25, 2009.
• We will tie the banquet to the SOC film festival that will take place that same day.
• The group talked about making it a weekend with several things for alumni, parents and friends to do.
• Mary Jane Gaddis and Dr. Kean will work on securing Mendenhall for the location for the banquet.
• The idea was also discussed to showcase student work. Dr. Kean will ask Dr. Fraley to work on this.
Other Business—Michael Aho
• Engaging with SOC student groups
The group discussed as a group becoming more involved with SOC student organizations (PRSSA, NBS, Toastmasters, etc.) and speaking opportunities for the alumni.
• Speaking opportunities for alumni
The group discussed the idea of reaching out to alumni to generate a list of alumni expertise and interests in speaking/presenting at various ECU/SOC/CommCrew events
• Solidifying our networking/web presence
We want to continue to work on this. The group will consider ways to bring people together on the myspace site.
• Board elections
Board elections will be held in the spring at the banquet. We will look at reaching out to new members to serve on the board and/or run for officer positions.
Michael Aho will be in touch with everyone regarding our next meeting time, probably sometime in mid-November.
The meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.
MINUTES
COMMCREW MEETING
June 30, 2008
Members present: Aho (phone), Anderson, Auld, Bullington, Collier (phone), Gaddis, Kean
The meeting was opened by Aho and moved to a report from the School of Communication. Kean covered topics of curriculum changes, scholarships and a fall membership invitation letter to be sent.
• Because of the growth in the number of undergraduates interested in the communication major, the school has instituted enrollment management plans, which include raising the GPA entrance requirements for freshmen and current ECU students changing/declaring their major. This should take effect in the fall of 2008 but is awaiting final approval from the Chancellor.
• The SOC gave out seven $1,000 scholarships for the 2008-2009 school year including the first freshman CommCrew scholarship. The group discussed ways to enhance the visibility of scholarship availability and information about the recipients. There will be a separate link on the School's web page (www.ecu.edu/comm) for scholarship information. Also, scholarships will be announced in freshman orientation and information will be emailed to all COMM majors.
• Aho and Kean will work together to write a letter to alumni and friends encouraging membership in CommCrew and inviting them to the fall reunion banquet. The letter will also be sent to current students’ parents to their home address.
Mary Jane Gaddis from the College of Fine Arts and Communication office mentioned that the college had a new major gifts officer, Nancy Ball. Ball has been working in the college for about one month.
The next topic of focus was the fall reunion banquet. The group settled on a dinner event on Friday, September 26. This date coincides with parents’ weekend. The likely location for the event will be Mendenhall. Kean and Gaddis will check on availability of the great rooms. Possible speakers were discussed for the event as well. The group discussed the importance of inviting parents of current students as well as alumni and friends. Gaddis indicated she had a new mailing list of 3,200 alumni and recommended a post card follow up to remind people about the banquet after the initial membership letter goes out. CommCrew will also work with the parents’ group to help publicize the banquet.
Anderson brought up the idea of encouraging local businesses to join CommCrew. Anderson also initiated discussion on the possibility of a life time membership in CommCrew. Gaddis will explore how this works at ECU and in other units.
The meeting adjourned at 1:50 p.m.
MINUTES
COMMCREW MEETING
August 11, 2007
Attendees: Dr. Larry Auld, Barbara Bullington, Olivia Collier, Sharon Smith, Michael Aho (via phone), Brent Anderson
Location: ECU School of Communication, Joyner East
Review of Minutes
• Minutes from June 16th meeting were reviewed and no revisions were requested
School Happenings
• Barbara Bullington informed the group that Tim Hudson has resigned as the director of the school . Dr. Linda Kean has been named interim director of the school (2 year term). More information on a search committee will be discussed at a later date.
• Sharon Smith was introduced to the group for the first time. Sharon works for the School of Communication and will play an active role within the COMM Crew
Comm Crew Brunch
• The Comm Crew Brunch will take place on Saturday, October 27, beginning at 10:30am. This event will be held in Mendenhall Great Room
• The invitation for the brunch was reviewed and approved by the group. Mike Worley mentioned that he had funds to help pay for the printing of the invite
o The invites would be mailed out at the end of August
o Only requested change was to switch the word “brunch” to “reunion”
• The “Save the Date” email that was sent out by Olivia was a success. Many people expressed interest in the event and also wanted additional information on the COMM Crew.
• Olivia hoped to have final costs for the event and a final menu by next meeting
• Sharon will work with Mendenhall to finalize event details
• The group approved the idea of providing COMM Crew mugs to the attendees of the event. Final decision on the amount of mugs to be ordered will be made by 8/17.
• Olivia requested that the group take a closer look during the next meeting how elections should be conducted at the event. With the increased awareness of the COMM Crew there should be a better turnout for elections and there must be a better system implemented.
• Program specifics will be finalized this week and Olivia will work with Brent to secure a printer
• Brent requested to have 2-3 weeks for the printer to have enough time to print the programs.
Freshman Scholarship
• Olivia stressed to the group that Carl Davis is seeking direction regarding the scholarship committee. Sharon to work with Dr. Kean to arrange a meeting with Carl so things can get back on track since we are fast approaching the time where students begin to look for scholarships.
Membership Update and Alumni Networking Website
• The group decided that it would be a good idea to create a webpage on one of the social networking sites (i.e. MySpace and FaceBook). Michael and Sharon will work together to create a page and connect it with other ECU networking sites.
• Group will work with Mike Worley to secure an updated email list so we can keep students informed on the latest news and other events.
Next meeting was tentatively scheduled for September 15, 2007
MINUTES
COMMCREW MEETING
June 16, 2007
Attendees: Tim Hudson, Barbara Bullington, Olivia Collier, Michael Aho (via phone), Brent Anderson
Location: ECU School of Communication, Joyner East
Review of Minutes
• Minutes from April 14th meeting were reviewed and no revisions were requested
School Happenings
• Tim Hudson provided a School update and provided the 2006-07 Unit Annual Progress Report for the School of Communication as well as a copy of the School of Communication Foundation Account Budget for 2006-2007.
• This year has been another year of growth, maturation, change and productivity for the School
• Current balance of $1,231.35 for the Foundation account
• Broadcast Journalism and Print Journalism are now combined into one sound “Journalism” major which will prepare students for careers across the various media of delivery
• First year of the new graduate program was a big success. Three students graduated in May
• Plans are being made to hire a third full-time Office Associate. The job description will have this individual serve as a liaison to the Comm Crew. Possible hire date will be July 1st In addition, the School is searching for a third Communication advisor.
• Faculty searches will soon be re-started in order to fill a few needed positions
• Tim Hudson mentioned that the Comm Crew foundation account would soon be separated from the main SOC foundation account. He briefly discussed the possibility of creating yet another separate account for Comm Crew scholarships. The attendees decided to monitor this situation closely and will confer with Mike Worley to see if his fundraising efforts will warrant this.
Secretary Position
• The Secretary Position has been filled by Brent Anderson (’99). Brent serves as Vice President of Evolve, Inc. and resides in Winterville
Comm Crew Brunch
• The Comm Crew Brunch will take place on Saturday, October 27, beginning at 10:30am. This event will be held in Mendenhall Great Room
• Mike Worley secured the guest speaker for the event—Mary Schulken ’79, Associate Editor, Charlotte Observer
• The attendees decided to have a buffet breakfast at the event that will include eggs, home fried potatoes, muffins, pancakes, ham/bacon, fruit, coffee and juice
• Olivia will work with Mike Worley, the Alumni Office and Donor Office to secure the database of names/addresses. Save the Date email is expected to go out in mid-July while the actual invitation will go out the beginning of September
• Olivia mentioned the idea of providing some sort of token at the brunch for paid members of the Comm Crew. The officers will follow-up on this idea once an exact count of members can be determined
• The agenda for this year’s event will follow closely to last year’s agenda and will provide an update on the Freshman Scholarship
• The Comm Crew officers will work over the next couple months to finalize details on pricing, costs, etc.
Comm Crew Logo
• Rather than establish a logo, the attendees decided to use the “anchor” artwork for the time being, and begin to look into having additional artwork concepts created
• Brent will look into getting mugs created for the Comm Crew with the Comm Crew anchor artwork on one side and the ECU column logo on the other. Olivia will provide Brent with the necessary files needed to print and will provide him with a ballpark number of how many mugs to print
Freshman Scholarship
• The first $1,000 scholarship will be rewarded Spring 2008
• A scholarship committee has been formed. The following people have agreed to serve on this committee:
o Carl Davis
o Carrie Banks
o Laura Brinn
o Jennifer Angevine
o Jim Matheny
• Carl Davis is chairing the committee and has requested feedback from the Comm Crew officers
• The attendees decided to have the scholarship committee decide on a name. A possible idea that was mentioned by Tim was “The Comm Crew Freshman Scholarship”
• The attendees reviewed the suggested requirements of the scholarship and wanted to open it up to high school students from all states, just not North Carolina. It was also mentioned that extra-curricular activities should be a requirement and that the scholarship should be a combination of merit-based and need-based. The attendees also liked the idea of having the scholarship candidates write an essay that would address; background, goals, leadership and how the student will take advantage of the scholarship if he/she is chosen.
• Point person from the School will be Tim Hudson until the Chair of the Scholarship Committee is elected
• Beginning in the Fall, freshmen students can declare for the School of Communication so they should be aware of the scholarship, through the website or other correspondence
• The application for the scholarship should be posted on the School of Communication website
• The scholarship should also be included on the list at the Financial Aid office
• Tim mentioned the idea of having the winners of these scholarships attend future Comm Crew banquets to be honored
Alumni Networking Website
• Barbara to look into the idea of making the site more interactive by having a “Members Only” section that would include a blog feature or message board
• The next edition of the C-Current is being printed and should be out in the next couple of weeks
• Tim mentioned the idea of possibly having a Comm Crew officer manage the website since it takes up much of Barbara’s time during the week
Other
• Michael attended the graduation ceremony and actually spoke at the event. He expressed the need for a Comm Crew officer to attend this ceremony each semester
Next meeting was tentatively scheduled for August 11, 2007
MINUTES COMMCREW MEETING April 14, 2007 Attendees: Tim Hudson, Larry Auld, Olivia Collier, Michael Aho, Michael Worley
Location: ECU School of Communication, Joyner East
• Tim Hudson provided a School update. Festus Eribo will be a special guest editor for the Journal of Global Communication. Eric Green was awarded a grant from ECU to produce a documentary on family doctors. The School’s new curriculum was approved this week.
• Mike Worley provided a development and College update. He will begin, almost fully, this summer focusing on major gifts for the College. Mike will attend an upcoming Comm faculty meeting to discuss development and the faculty’s role. Mike also shared his view of the alumni continuum—from student until the end of one’s life. This continuum represents a shift in thinking and will be used in soliciting gifts for the College.
• The attendees discussed creating a Comm Crew speakers bureau (an idea also discussed previously). Further details will be fleshed out once a new staff member is hired in the School’s front office.
• Olivia Collier discussed the vacancy for the secretary position on Comm Crew — one person has expressed interest and likely will be named the interim secretary.
• Preparations for the 2nd annual banquet—scheduled for October 27, 2007—continue. Olivia will work with the School front office to secure a venue. We will need to think of someone to speak at the banquet.
• Carl Davis has started the scholarship committee for the Comm Crew’s new scholarship. He will work with the School and Mike Worley to formulate guidelines and a timeline.
• The School of Communication’s departmental graduation is May 4, 2007 at 7 p.m. Michael Aho tentatively agreed to attend on behalf of the Crew.
• As discussed at the last meeting, Barbara Bullington provided logos and certificates designed by her students for a Comm Crew logo and certificate to be given to graduating seniors. The Crew picked a winner and runner up in both categories. Mike Worley will work with Michael Crane in the College to help professionalize the mark. The Crew will employ the logo’s use in upcoming marketing pieces.
• Michael mentioned using a marketing campaign centered around the School’s new motto: “Scholarship, Leadership, Creativity, and Service.” Tim will use the motto in his letter for the next newsletter to begin the campaign. Michael and Olivia will work on a contribution for the newsletter and also an email to last year’s graduating class reminding them it is time to renew their Comm Crew membership.
• The Comm Crew Spring/Summer 2007 Newsletter will be out in June; membership information will be included.
Next meeting was tentatively scheduled for June 16, 2007.
MINUTES COMMCREW MEETING March 3, 2007 Attendees: Tim Hudson, Larry Auld, Olivia Collier, Michael Aho, Barbara Bullington, Michael Worley
Location: ECU School of Communication, Joyner East
• Professor Bernard Timberg briefed the group of on upcoming presentation by Hal Gurnee, an alumni and former Director of the David Letterman Show. The presentation will be on March 21, 2007 at 7 p.m. Comm Crew members were invited to attend.
• Comm Crew Secretary Chris Tutino resigned his position effective immediately. Olivia Collier will send an email out to the Comm Crew membership for nominations for a new Secretary.
• Tim Hudson gave an update on personnel searches.
• Mike Worley talked to the group about database issues. The issues with the database are 90% solved. Annual fund calls for the School will be made in the Spring. Comm Crew members can help with the database by encouraging other alumni to make sure their information in the database is correct.
• Carl Davis agreed to serve as the Chair for the Scholarship Committee. He is in the process of getting members for the committee. The committee will report at the next meeting.
• The group discussed the possible dates of the next Comm Crew Banquet. The group would prefer that the event take place during Homecoming Weekend (10-27-07). Olivia Collier is going to contact Paul Clifford regarding the alumni office’s support. Olivia Collier and Tim Hudson will work to get a location on campus to host the event. A save the date card will be e-mailed and/or mailed six months from the event, and be followed by a formal invitation two months prior to the event. The group also discussed giving away an award at the banquet. The group will discuss this topic more at the next meeting. Members were asked to think of possible banquet speakers. The group also agreed to give a gift to each person attending the banquet. A possible idea was a coffee mug with the Comm Crew logo.
• The School of Communication Graduation will be May 11, 2007. Olivia Collier will be present to address the group and remind them about the Comm Crew.
• Michael Aho gave a report from the Membership Committee. Michael suggested that graduates be given something at graduation with the information about the Comm Crew’s benefits. Michael suggested that one way to help with increasing the group’s membership would be to establish a Comm Crew logo. Barbara Bullington is going to work with her classes to create a logo. The logo will then be used on all Comm Crew printed items. The group also discussed having a Comm Crew Member Since 20XX certificate generated for members to display at their offices. An email reminding members to rejoin will need to be sent out early summer.
• The Comm Crew Spring/Summer 2007 Newsletter will be out in June.
Next meeting was tentatively scheduled for April 14, 2007. MINUTES
COMMCREW INAUGURAL MEETING
January 20, 2007
Attendees: Tim Hudson, Larry Auld, Olivia Collier, Michael Aho, Chris Tutino, Barbara Bullington, Brooke Banson
Location: ECU School of Communication, Joyner East
• This was the first meeting of the COMM CREW officers (CC) since their election in October 2006.
• The video playing in the lobby of the SOC was produced by “Scurvy Dog Productions” (an advanced Video Production class in the School) and is a Jazz production in 40’s film noir style. It was discussed that the likelihood of having a television channel run by the SOC is high.
Tim Hudson gave a history of how the CC was formed
1. There are two types of ECU alumni groups:
A. Alumni Association Chapters based on geography (i.e. the D.C. chapter) or major field, and
B. “Friends” organizations that are not exclusive to ECU alumni
The CC is a group of alumni and friends together (professionals that may consist of ECU grads or other professionals that are primarily located in Eastern N.C. and alumni who either majored or minored in Communication or worked in student media). Steering committee was crucial in the formation.
Possible goals of the CC include, but are not limited to:
1. Planning the annual banquet
2. Membership Drive
3. Scholarship development and funding activities
4. Securing panel discussion members and entertainers for presentation at various CC functions
• On Oct. 7, 2006 there were roughly 100 attendees at the first annual banquet. Executive officers were elected (Olivia Collier, president; Michael Aho, president-elect; Chris Tutino, secretary)
• The next planned annual banquet will occur on the Saturday of Homecoming Weekend 2007 (TBD once football schedule is released)
• Timeline for 2007 annual banquet is as follows:
1. Save the Date mailer to be sent 4–6 months out (~April)
2. Invitation to be sent 2 months out (~August)
Challenges of the CC and the various goals of the organization include:
1. Funding
2. Database manipulation
A. The 2006 banquet only included COMM majors since 1988
B. The developing database should include COMM majors and minors since inception of School; those who specifically majored/minored in COMM- related fields prior to the SOC formation, plus “friends” of the School who join the Comm Crew.
• There were challenges in booking Mendenhall in 2006. It was discussed that Dr. Hudson book the hall for the Saturday evening(?) of Homecoming weekend as it is already booked on Friday for the Alumni Dinner.
Scholarships
• It was resolved by consensus that the CC would establish and fund at least one (1) $1,000 freshman scholarship beginning with Fall 2008 semester.
• There are two scholarships currently, but no freshman scholarships
• There are two ways to develop scholarships:
1. Donors – Endowment ($25K minimum)
2. Year to year funding
• Endowed scholarships are preferred however there are many challenges w/ endowment that will prevent us from having one for 2008.
• It was recommended that Carl Davis from UNC-TV head a Scholarship Committee. Olivia will confirm his acceptance of said position. The Scholarship Committee will determine the process for awarding freshman scholarships and the name of the scholarship(s). The SOC Faculty Scholarship and Awards Committee will assist in awarding the scholarship(s).
Discussion included a high-level look at Foundation accounts
• It was recommended that a Faculty Recruitment Fund be established, based on approval from the CC, once the funding agreement details become available.
Membership Drive
• It was determined that President-Elect Michael Aho and Secretary Chris Tutino would serve as the Membership Drive Committee
• Ideas included in the initial discussion included:
1. Free membership for one year for recent grads of SOC
2. Determine motivations/benefits of membership
A. Fund scholarships
B. Further the goal of the SOC
C. Networking
D. Name recognition for donors (PR, newsletter, TEC, The Review, etc)
E. Determine # of members desired based on 3,000-4,000 database pool
3. Lifetime membership/cost?
Next meeting was tentatively scheduled for March 3, 2007
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