Ø  Present:  Andrea Evans, DJ Wells, Juanita McCary, Michelle Hinton, Gopi Engineer, Brandon Appleton, Katherine Acles, Beverly Harris, Tonya Sanders, Albany Devers, Darrell Cole, Sheryl Blackwell, George Blackwell, Deborah Umrani, Kathyy Battee-Freeman, Michelle Morrow

Ø  Meeting called to order by Andrea Evans, President of BAAC at 6:15 pm

Ø  Welcome and introductions of attendees

Ø  Discussion about the Maywood Park event on August 21, 2009:   A round of applause was given to Albany for bringing the possibility of the event to the attention of BAAC and taking the lead in coordinating the planning.  Given the short turn around for planning, the activity and the amount of tickets that we sold, the event was a success.

Ø  There was a total of $2,000 collected for the event.  Juanita gave the treasurer’s report. (see Juanita’s printed report)

Ø  It was suggested by George Blackwell that we keep in mind events for our younger alumni.  Also, remember to make sure that the younger graduates aren’t priced out of our events (i.e. bowling party, pub crawl).  The Maywood Park event was needed in order to raise funds for our group so that we can have money to do other events.  Gopi chimed in that she was concerned that we would not be able to pull this off in such a short time, but she congratulated BAAC on the success of the event.  We should make this an annual event.

Ø  A report was given by Juanita on upcoming Black History Month events at UIC.  The African American Academic Network (AAAN) is planning two events, "Hooping it Up," which pits faculty members against students on February 6^th.   Tentatively February 18 is the scholarship fundraiser in the East Terrace Room of Student Center East.  They're still in the planning stage; it’s up in the air as to whether or not they’ll do the silent auction portion of the event as was done in the past.  Juanita will work with Alumni Affairs in getting the word out to alums.  Andrea asked if AAAN wants BAAC to serve a role in the fundraiser.  As details become more solid, Juanita will be able to share more information.  Gopi suggested that perhaps in the future a member of BAAC either from the Programming or the University Relations Committee should serve on UIC’s Black History Month Committee.  Andrea asked Michelle Hinton, Programming Chair to contact Vance who works in AAAN regarding what’s going on with the committee and how BAAC can be involved.  Brandon Appleton recommended that we remember to coordinate our efforts with other groups such as the UIC Black History Month Committee rather then operating solo.  Tonya Sanders inquired about the Black sororities and fraternities.

Ø  George Blackwell mentioned that we should think about showcasing what we do in terms of visuals.  We need to market BAAC (i.e. a banner, t-shirts).  Gopi offered to work with Michelle H. on obtaining the logo and weaving that with how to tie in BAAC’s affiliation with UIAA.

Ø  Gopi reminded the group about the fundraiser where Ramsey Lewis will be the headliner on Friday, December 4 at the UIC Forum.  This event is sponsored by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.  Andrea mentioned that we should have a BAAC table there.    Gopi will put Bill Nalley, Director of Development for Student Affairs in contact with Andrea.  The Alumni Five Gala is Friday, October 23.  Donald Dew one of the honorees, is someone that BAAC should develop a relationship with per Gopi.  October 29 is UIC night at the Bulls game.  Nov. 14 is the UIS vs. UIC and there will be special alumni tickets.

Ø  DJ Wells gave an overview of Illinois African American and Latino Higher Education Alliance and the documentary film, Storming the Gates that the group produced, which looks at the history of Black and Latino struggles and achievements in acquiring access to higher education in Illinois. The film also demonstrates the role that Illinois has played in influencing what happens in the nation pertaining to higher education.  At a future meeting DJ will show the film to the group.  Additionally DJ gave a presentation about UIC’s Urban Health Program (UHP).  As alumni of UIC DJ expressed that we should be aware of the program and proud of the achievements of UHP, which has existed for over 30 years.  The program includes an early outreach program to pre-college students that Deborah Umrani directs. The focus is also on encouraging students to consider the health fields.  The program has rededicated itself to serving African American, Latino, and Native American students.  This program is considered the premier program in the U.S. graduating students of color from the medical school and the other health fields.  DJ encouraged members of BAAC to become involved in UHP’s Community Advisory Council.  UHP is interested in partnering with BAAC.  In response to DJ’s presentation, Andrea would like to have info on our website about UHP with a link to their webpage.

Ø  Executive Board elections are upcoming.   Michelle M. suggested that a nominating committee be put in place to spearhead the elections and that it be established at today’s meeting.  It was decided to send out a call for nominations to the e-mail group.  A candidate forum will be held at the December meeting with an election to follow.  All statements of intent must be received before the December meeting.  Candidates must be present at the meeting.  The tentative date is Thursday, December 10^th.  Gopi will look into whether or not active members, who are unable to attend the December meeting, can submit absentee ballots.

Ø  Andrea and Kathyy presented the new BAAC website that is a work in progress.  www.uicbaac.org is the website address.  The target deadline to advertise and release it is mid-November.  Andrea asked for members on their own take a closer look (with special attention to the proposed BAAC member application) at the website and give feedback by October 25.  Kathyy and Andrea were congratulated for their hard work on the website.  It was proposed that 2009 graduates’ first year will be free, current students are free, and everyone else will have a $20 fee for membership.  Gopi reminded the group that there is a fee for Alumni Magnet to maintain the website if BAAC charges membership fees.  This raises the question of whether or not we want to go ahead and make membership to BAAC free for this first year.  Gopi will double check to confirm the issue of the fee.

Ø  Albany and Tonya presented ideas about 2 events, attendance at a Bulls game and the Spirit of Chicago.  Albany wants to capitalize on the group that attended the Maywood Park event.  For the Bulls game event, perhaps we can have access to a room for a reception with food and cocktails.  Andrea stressed that the Fundraising Committee work with Michelle H. and the Programming Committee and to keep in mind that we center the event on our alumni.  Gopi also recommended that we not bill it as a fundraising event, but rather a social get together. 

Ø  Meeting closed at 8:25pm.

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