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October 3, 2011

Alumni Board Meeting, W.B. George Building, University of Guelph, Kemptville Campus

Meeting called to order at 6:30 PM.

Present: Tony Desnoo, Audrey Baker, Liz Forbes, Mac Johnston, Cathy Baldwin, Sue Johnston, Isabel Kinnear, Cathy Stockdale, Hans Vink, Ron Burgess, Don Kinnear, Sharon Blanchard and Kim Link.

Regrets: Norm Blodgett, Paul Henderson, Joe McGahey, and Heather Stewart.

Thank you letters were received from Niki Moffit, Chantal Forsyth, Ashley Good for their awards.

Introductions were made around the table and a welcome for Cathy Stockdale.

Motion to accept the minutes of May 3, 2011 by Hans Vink. Seconded by Ron Burgess.

New Busines

Next years' meetings are Nov. 8, Feb. 6, 2012, Apr. 2, Grad Day, May 25 at 5 PM, AGM Aug. 25, Sept. 10.

Dave Morrow is the Foundation President.

Kim will book the room and food for the above meetings.

We will need volunteers to visit the classes in the spring. Mac, Paul, Joe and Tony will do this.

Motion by Liz that these four members do the visits. Seconded by Isabel. Liz will set up the dates for mid March 2012.

Campus Updates

Liz has spoken with the Royal President, Bethany Weir and the Student Council President Nathan Stracef. Both very interested to speak to the Alumni at our next meeting Dec. 6, at 8 PM. The Royal will be March 9 and 10, 2012.

Over the summer Rouke Hall received new windows. The bricks have been repointed at Purvis Hall. There are computer upgrades. Course Link is now available so marks will feed to Guelph and students can see course outlines and class downloads with quiz on line. News postings and getting in touch with students to register on line. Requests can be sent through this as well. The Campus has been re-organized. The departments have received new photocopiers that copy, fax, scan and print, there by eliminating the need for individual machines.

The finances of the Campus are looking good. Students have increased 6%. Liz did not know the exact number. A question around the table was asked as to how they turned this around. It was by a number of things. OMAFRA has not given an increase in their budget for years and there was a plan for a three year correction. The organization was top heavy so they are doing more with less and seeing the results.

There is a lot happening at the College and there have been many moves among the staff. Mary Grammatikakis, M.Sc., MBA, ACIM is the new Associate Director Academic. Patty Goodman is auditing Agriculture, Agr Leadership, Equine and the Foods (no students next Sept) Program. There will be a complete re-branding of the courses for the students interest.

Treasurer’s Report

Motion to review the handed out statement by Mac Johnston. Seconded by Ron Burgess. Carried. Kim did very well. Contact II Campus portion has been paid.

Questions regarding the investment policy. The committee is proposing to keep one year of operating expenses in cash. 75% of assets are in cash or one year GIC which needs to be guaranteed. The remainder is in a balanced portfolio and can be re-balanced as needed. No more than 25% in any one place.

Motion by Mac Johnston to accept the proposal. Seconded by Isabel Kinnear. Carried.

Motion to receive the treasurer’s report by Sue Johnston. Seconded by Ron Burgess. Carried.

Voting of Board Positions

President is Hans Vink. Past President is Tony Desnoo.

Motion to nominate and vote for Vice President and Secretary by secret ballot by Isabel Kinnear. Seconded by Kim Link.

Nominated for vice president are Ron Burgess, Mac Johnston, Cathy Baldwin and Isabel Kinnear. Declined by Cathy and Isabel. Ron Burgess is elected Vice President./p>

Nominated for Secretary are Audrey Baker, Cathy Stockdale, Isabel Kinnear, Mac Johnston and Sharon Blanchard. Declined by Mac Johnston, Cathy Baldwin and Isabel Kinnear. Cathy Stockdale is elected Secretary.

Motion to destroy the ballots by Isabel Kinnear. Seconded by Kim Link. Carried. Hans will look after destroying the ballots.

Isabel and Tony thanked Sharon for the many years of service.

Ron and Cathy were welcomed as new Board members by Hans.

New Presidents Report

Hans reported on the meeting with Dr Naud after graduation. The Campus is being digitalized and would like to see more home students in the grad program. They are working on the reconstruction of the Campus website. Will honour sponsors of fall awards, November 17 at a luncheon. Revamping an area in the cafeteria alcove to highlight the Alumni. Dr. Naud had a broad vision for change and will work closely with the Alumni and Foundation. He wants to see more courses directed to women and immigrants under government funded courses.

Working Groups

Board Issues

We will need to request a print out every year from the database for the Honour years and the year reps. The one Mac has is three years old.

Ellen sent word that Staples in Kemptville is holding a Farming display Oct 17-20 with a discount.

Foundation Harvest Fest is October 22, 2012. Tickets are $40.00 each. Mac has tickets.

Motion to adjourn at 9:40 PM by Tony Desnoo. Seconded by Cathy Baldwin. Carried