WRUC, Union’s radio station, lays claim to being the oldest college radio station in the country.
WRUC, Union’s radio station, lays claim to being the oldest college radio station in the country.
www.union.edu/Alumni
President Danziger welcomed Council members. He highlighted the purpose and mission of the Council and asked members to remember that meetings shall follow Robert's Rules of Order. He asked members to state their name and class year after the Chair has recognized them.
There was a moment of silence for Gerard Neumann '36, Thomas Palmatier '36 and William Wetterau '43
The minutes of the October 6, 2001 meeting stand approved as written.
President Roger Hull welcome address
President Hull opened his remarks by asking for a moment of silence for a friend and alumnus Stanley Peschel '52, who passed away on March 29, 2002. President Hull spoke to the Council about many of the latest successes of the College since the October 6, 2001 Council meeting. Areas highlighted were academics, residential, athletics, fundraising, admissions and community outreach. Alumni were excited to learn of the new Alumni Center that is scheduled to open late next spring. Questions from Council members centered on international programs, Seward/Park neighborhood and admissions. Roger was happy to report Union was recently ranked 10th in the nation for undergraduate students studying abroad.
Admissions
Dan Lundquist opened his remarks by highlighting this year was Union's 3rd best year in history for total applications received. Acceptance letters were mailed the end of March. Objective figures showed a GPA of 93 and SAT 1300 for accepted students. The top academic band continues to grow which is something all members of the Union family should be proud of. On another note, the College received a bronze medal at the recent CASE Conference for its Web site.
Annual Fund
John Moses '53 shared his enthusiasm for all alumni to support this year's 90th Annual Fund. John highlighted the message, structure and process that he has been working on closely with the Annual Fund staff. He stressed for Council members to set an example by supporting the College and volunteering.
College Relations
Tom Gutenberger, Vice President for College Relations, opened his remarks by thanking everyone for their contribution to Union. The time and effort of alumni is significant and essential to the success of Union. As of today, there are nearly $18 million of gifts and commitments to the Plan for Union. Tom also highlighted the efforts of the Alumni Relations Office. There were 57 events and activities sponsored which turns out to be 4.75 events per month and more than 1 event per week. Homecoming and Family Weekend turned out to be a huge success with 2,000 alumni, parents and friends returning to campus. Furthermore, we now have Union's first Student Alumni Association, which will be a wonderful resource during alumni activities on campus. Tom pointed out the great strides the College has made in regards to alumni club development. Thus far, we have gone from two to eleven active clubs. Questions and comments centered on Alumni Council giving participation, outreach to alumni widows and ReUnion. Alumni applauded the ReUnion program and encourage more alumni to return.
Treasurer's Report
Treasurer of the Council, Mike Newell '74, presented the Income and Balance Sheet financial statement for the 2001-2002 budget. Mike pointed out the savings from not having to conduct an alumni trustee election. Alumni expressed an interest to invest this savings into club and young alumni development.
Board of Trustees Report
Senior Alumni Trustee, Karen Huggins '77, conducted a power point presentation. The presentation centered on the Board of Trustees and the structure of committees. Karen highlighted committee representatives and campus liaisons.
Report of Alumni Trustee Nominating Committee
The Trustee Nominating Committee this year included Jason Oshins, Esq. '87, Chair, Brendon Clifford '92, Daimee Stadler-Isralowitz '96, and Joseph Sawyer '66. They have recommended that Mark Webster '88 serve a second term. There were no petition candidates. President Danziger '89 announced that in accordance with the Official Regulations of the Alumni Council of Union College, Inc., 'If one candidate only shall have been nominated to fill a vacancy, no ballots shall be distributed to those eligible to vote and the Secretary of the Alumni Council is authorized to cast one ballot for that candidate who shall thereupon be declared elected. Secretary of the Alumni Council, Nick Famulare '92, submitted one ballot for Mark Webster '88 to serve as an Alumni Trustee for a second four-year term, expiring in June 2006.
Report of Medals and Awards Nominating Committee
The Medals and Awards Nominating Committee this year included Sigmund Giambruno '51, Chair, Louise Dunn, Esq. '76, Richard Romer '88, Jean Collin '76, and Bill Fox, Esq. '72. Sig reported the nomination for Alumni Gold Medals - Fred Brandt, Jr. '47, 'Bo' Van Voast '52, and James Tedisco '72. The nomination for the Faculty Meritorious Service Award was Professor James Underwood. There was a motion to accept the nominations. The motion was seconded and approved.
Report of the Officers and Members-at-Large Nominating Committee
The Officers and Members-at-Large Nominating Committee this year included J. Michael Bruhn, Esq. '91, Chair, Jessica Newell Sanderson '98, Arthur Salvatore '62, and Kathleen Perregaux '84. Mike was pleased to present the following slate to the Alumni Council for approval:
For Members-at-Large, the Committee recommended:
There was a motion to accept the nominations. The motion was seconded and approved.
Officers:
| President | Robert Danziger '89 |
| 1st Vice President | Jason Oshins, Esq. '87 |
| 2nd Vice President | Patricia Seftel '80 |
| Secretary | Nick Famulare '92 |
| Treasurer | Mike Newell '74 |
There was a motion to accept the nominations. The motion was seconded and approved.
New Business
President Danizger '89 introduced Tom McEvoy, Dean of Residential and Campus Life. Dean McEvoy expressed his excitement to be part of the opportunities that exist at Union. President Danziger mentioned that Dean McEvoy might be the featured speaker at the Fall Council meeting.
Feature Speaker-Professor Carol Weisse, Director of Health Profession Program
Professor Weisse provided an overview of the Health Profession Program at Union and the latest national trends in comparison to Union College. She highlighted the decline in the national applicant pool since 1996 but an increase in the academic qualifications. She did point out Union's increased acceptance rates to MD schools.
In 2001-2002 Union students were accepted into a diverse group of MD programs which includes, Albany Medical College, Boston University, Cornell, Georgetown, New York Medical, Tufts and Yale.
She pointed out the strengths of Union's program:
Over the years alumni have played a major role in the success of the program. Alumni have participated in the annual Pre-Health Society Trip, which rotates between Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. Plus, alumni have helped with mock interviews, sponsored internships and been a resource for current students to reach out to.
Professor Weisse thanked the over 300 alumni who provide terrific support to the Health Profession Program.
Ad Hoc Committee
Following Professor Weisse presentation, President Danziger '89 appointed members to a committee to review the structure and policies of the Alumni Council. Members asked that they be provided information in regards to size, attendance and election of membership from other peer schools. 1st Vice President, Jason Oshins, Esq. '87, was appointed chair.
The meeting was adjourned at noon. The Alma Mater was sung.
Respectfully submitted,
Nick Famulare '92,
Secretary