Charlie Carter questioned whether the ongoing activity to review the Chapter bylaws was necessary. Phil Gresh reported that the bylaws need review from time to time, so that there is minimal controversy when interpreting the intent of the bylaw. Clarification of the bylaws will be an on going process. In the past, there was some concern regarding how officers election to the board. This section of the bylaws dealing with the selection of Board Members will be updated. Phil will contact Marty Egna about the information he has on the bylaws. The Chapter bylaws were originally formed by using the Washington, D.C. Chapter as a model. Phil Gresh will report further at the next Board meeting.

Gina Razum reported that she has been quite busy with organizing the Garden Party, and has not made much progress on Chapter clothing. She still intends to contact a few additional vendors about monogrammed clothing for the Chapter. Charlie mentioned that a draft logo has been developed by Keith Grubb, however, the graphics in the draft logo may be difficult to monogram. A less graphically intense logo may be easier to transmit on clothing apparel. Phil mentioned that his neighbor, Mary, is involved with making fashion apparel with computer aided sewing machines. Phil will talk to his neighbor and see what it all entails. At the next meeting, Phil will share his findings. Charlie will provide Phil with a copy of the draft logo. The Board will need to develop a system to handle the ordering and mailing of the PSU clothing for the chapter. The Garden Party could possibly be use to launch the clothing line for the chapter.

Phil Gresh provided a historical overview of the raffle. The chapter is off to a late start this year if we intend to do the raffle. The raffle has been a very profitable adventure and involves a lot of work. The last raffle was conducted two years ago. The raffle involves the following: football game tickets, lodging, air flight, and processing the mailings and then holding the drawing. Phil suggested that, since the Chapter is off to a late start, the Chapter should postpone the raffle until next year and use the Nebraska game. The group was receptive to the idea and thought that a quality team either a Big Ten school or another conference school or even an independent school would be an ideal drawing card. Sally Anderson inquired about the possibility of pursuing seats in a sky box. She mentioned that she could follow up on a lead to someone that could possibly provide access to a skybox, perhaps in exchange for a donation to a charity of the donor’s choice. Phil explained the raffle ticket process. Charlie asked that Phil, John Wenaas, and Marie Andriola will coordinate the raffle. The raffle will be in 2002 for the Nebraska game.

Charlie proposed to the board members that the following committees: Young Alums, Community Service, and Social Activity be combined. The consolidation of these committees would be co-chaired by Robyn Young and Sally Anderson. Robyn would still handle the Social Activities. She has done a lot in organizing and promoting the social activities and has done a great job. Sally will approach new members about actively participating in chapter functions. This approach will hopefully get people involve and willing to work on committees and run for office. Charlie will contact Robyn about the new set up.

Phil Gresh provided an overview of the Young Alum Committee. Back in the 90's, the demographics showed that recent graduates, 5-7 years, would be interested in getting involved with alumni activities. At that time, there was a focus on recruiting these individuals to participate in chapter functions and developing leadership roles. The recent graduates lived in the downtown area of Chicago and the focus was to get these graduates interested.

Sally Anderson shared what the D.C. Chapter had done with the young alums in the D.C. area to get them interested in activities. Charlie believed that combining the three committees that were related could help in recruiting people. It appeared to be a logical grouping.

The Board needs to encourage alums to participate in committees. The committees have to be structured to use volunteers. The volunteers have to feel that they are a meaningful part of the planning and implementation of the activity. The Board has to recognize the volunteers and encourage them to participate in other projects. Any time a board member receives a query from any chapter member. We need to follow up as quickly as possible. Let them know the Chapter can only improve with individuals getting involved and committing to help out on activities.

John Wenaas reported that he will contact the individual who won the 1993 raffle prize. He will try to resolve the matter with him.

Charlie reported that no new board member have been added yet. The vacancies need to be filled, including Members-at-Large, which can be 3-5 people. Charlie mentioned that he may have a few candidates for the openings. There have been a few individuals you have shown interested in assisting the Board. Charlie expressed hope that the positions will be filled. He will be contacting those individuals and asking if they would like to help. The Chapter bylaws permit up to 5 Members-at-Large and this may be a way to recruit future leaders. The flexibility in the number of Members-at-Large can work to the Chapter’s advantage. It will enable prospective individuals to get a feel for what goes on within the Chapter.

Gina Razum stated for the long-term health of the Chapter, Members-at-Large could be an asset. They will provide input at meetings, assist the chairs, do special assignments and offer opportunities to gain additional responsibilities. The Chapter needs to reach out to the younger alums. Charlie mentioned that the entire Board has to be active in recruiting new people who have express an interest.

On behalf of Keith Grubb, Charlie reported that the newsletter will be finished this week. Some of the articles deal with upcoming events, Air and Water Show, Garden Party, Illinois football tickets and bus trip and Northwestern football tickets. Other articles deal with updating our membership, promoting the scholarship fund, words of wisdom from our President, and ongoing planning of activities by the Chapter. Those on the Board who wish to submit an article please e-mail them to Charlie as soon as possible. The newsletter will also include a request for e-mail addresses so that Chapter activities can be e-mailed to the members. Those who would prefer to receive a hard copy in the mail will have to indicate on the membership form.

Sally Anderson reported that the first Happy Hour at Governor’s Pub was successful. There were ten people in attendance. The next happy hour is planned for Wednesday, July 25. Governor’s Pub is located at State and Lake Streets in the city.

On behalf of Raj Gopalaswarmy, Charlie reported the Chapter is still working on the Web site. In the future, the Board contact list and the Board Meeting Minutes will be posted

On behalf of Robyn Young, Charlie reported that August 18 is set for the Air and Water Show. The boat will be smaller than last year. Charlie will check with Robyn about the number of reservations received.

Gina Razum reported that the annual Garden Party will be at Rolling Knolls Country Club on Saturday, August 11 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.. If a golf tee time is needed, Gina has a few starting times reserved and those who are interested should contact Gina. She stated that 13 reservations have been made so far. Gina will be e-mailing the Garden Party Invitation to Emmett Moore so that he can forward it to the appropriate people at Allstate.

There was some confusion about the scholarships to be awarded at the Garden Party. Emmett Moore thought that $500 remained from the unawarded 2000 Chapter minority scholarship (derived from Allstate funding at the 2000 Garden Party). Charlie Carter stated that the Chapter allocated that money to the Chapter endowment at the University when it went unawarded. The result of this misunderstanding is that the full $1500 support from Allstate for the 2001 Garden Party has been promised to one $500 minority scholarship and two $500 Allstate intern scholarships. The Board was concerned that this left no support for the Garden Party, which resulted in the Chapter being able to award scholarships through the Scholarship Committee in previous years.

On behalf of Jill Siegel, Gina Razum reported that Alumni Admission Volunteer Training will be held on September 16 at Jerry Utt house. A PSU Admission Representative will be there. Also, in the Fall there will an information session on College Fairs. This event has been scheduled for September 17, a Monday evening. The time and location will be announced later.

Emmett Moore reported on the events that have occurred this year at Penn State. Cultural diversity has not been effectively addressed by the University. Although the President has made commitments, they appear to fall short of what was mandated by the Federal government. Education is an integral part to resolving these concerns. The key players need to come together and work on solutions. In the past, concerns from the university community have occurred but they were not effectively handled. It appears that the concerns are much larger and need practical solutions. Training in diversity must be done for everyone, students, faculty, and staff.

Tauffaui Wilkes spoke about the events that occurred at Penn State in April. She was a student at that time. She provided a very disturbing account of what occurred on the April 24 weekend. Students had received death threats and hate mail. The University has to develop a framework to foster diversity. The cultural climate has to change. Again it was stated that education is needed for everyone, University staff, faculty, and students.

The President requested that the Chapter be kept informed if there is a role for the Chapter to play in helping to resolve the matters.

On behalf of Pete Tully, Charlie reported that Pete had created an interest in career networking and has received monies for sponsorship funds.

Sally Anderson has been looking into a number of different activities, such as, the American Cancer Society or possibly the Chicago Cares Projects. The Chicago Cares Projects does provide a training section for volunteers. Possibly in the near future the Chapter can get members interested attending this training so that the Chapter could do a number of projects. Food for Wheels could be one that the Chapter would be interested in. There are a variety of programs sponsored by the Chicago Cares Project. The President requested the Chapter support the American Heart Walk. The Board Members agreed.

On behalf of Keith Grubb, Charlie reported that the newsletter will be out soon. Charlie reminded everyone about getting news articles to him as soon as possible, this weekend. In the future there will be a scheduled time frame in which mailings would go out to Chapter members.

No report

Charlie reported that the newsletter will contain information on the Chapter’s endowment for scholarships.

Sally Anderson spoke about doing a bar tour in Wrigleyville for the young alums. She is further investigating the idea of a dance / band activity to support a charity. She has been looking into free events sponsor by the City of Chicago. The City of Chicago is sponsoring Outdoor Film Festival 2001. A number of the Chicago area museums have a designated day for free admission. In the future, Sally would like to propose events that would include dining-out around Chicago and some cultural events. She inquired about the Chapter’s past practice of watching the football game at a local bar. Historically, there has been a designated bar in the city and one in the suburbs to view the football game. This year nothing has been planned yet. She will be checking out possible sites to see what is available for the Chapter members for viewing the football game.

Gina Razum suggested sponsoring a bowling night. Charlie mentioned that he has points of contacts for the other Big Ten Schools if the Chapter would like to do an event with them.

On behalf of Dave Hart, John Wenaas reported that Dave has reserved two buses for the Illinois football game in November. The Chapter has 100 football tickets for the Illinois game and 150 football tickets for the Northwestern game. Anyone interested in football tickets to either game, please see Dave or John. The University has approached the Chapter about being the host for the Northwestern game. The members of Executive Board inquired to what does that mean and what responsibilities would the Chapter have. The Board will further discuss the options the Chapter has with the University in hosting the event.

John Wenaas provided copies of the Chapter’s Balance Sheet to the Board. An itemized treasury report was provided by John. John mentioned that anyone interested in football tickets to any game please contact him for the home games and contact Dave Hart for the away games.

A. The Newsletter will contain information on how members can donate to the Chapter’s scholarship fund.

B. Next Meeting

The Board decided that the next meeting will be held on September 15, the third Saturday of the odd month. The meeting will be held at the Federal Reserve Bank in downtown Chicago. The time will be determined.