Alumni Council of Union College

Meeting Minutes
April 3, 2004

President Jason Oshins`87 called the meeting to order at 9:10 A.M.

President Oshins`87 welcomed Council members. After a few opening remarks Oshins recognized the following deceased Council members:

Kenneth Mathes ‘35
Martha Ladd – wife of F.V. Ladd ‘38
Loretta Jackson – mother of LeAta Jackson ‘88

Oshins shared with the Council what he has been doing as President of the Council. Highlights included:

    Regional alumni events

      You Are Union project

        Correspondence with Council members

          Meetings with campus leaders


          The minutes from the October 14, 2003 meeting stand approved as written.

          President Roger Hull Welcome Address

          President Hull updated the Council on College news since the October 14, 2003 meeting. Areas mentioned were re-accreditation, liberal arts and engineering curriculum, converging technology, terms aboard and community service. Hull also discussed Union’s efforts to help revitalize Schenectady. He highlighted the current capital projects – Ramada, Seward and Park Place, and the new athletic field west of the campus. Questions from Council members centered on campus life/student activities, house system, alcohol policy and terms aboard.

          Admissions Report

          Dan Lundquist, Vice President of Admissions, opened his remarks that admissions had another banner year. The College had its second highest application pool in history. 29% of applicants were early decision. The admitted pool profile: 91 GPA and 1300 SAT. 52% of applicants applied for financial aid and the College is committed to meet 100% of family need. Lundquist also discussed developments in the communication area. Recent initiatives include logo, College image, feedback from current parents and internet outreach. Questions from Council members centered on diversity, retention and graduation rate.


          Annual Fund Report

          John Moses ’53, National Chairperson of the Annual Fund, thanked everyone who had already contributed to the 92nd Annual Fund. Moses highlighted current Annual Fund figures. As of March 31, 2004 participation was up 3.3%. Moses cited four reasons:
          1. alumni view of College
          2. message to alumni
          3. increase in volunteers
          4. Affiliates Program (student callers)


          College Relations Report

          Tom Gutenberger, Vice President for College Relations, opened his remarks by thanking everyone for their support to Union. Gutenberger recognized John Moses ’53 for his loyalty and commitment to Union. Gutenberger centered his comments on the campaign, Eliphalet Nott Society, Converging Technology Board, and alumni communications. Questions from Council members centered on CT outreach, campaign and reunion.

          Standing Committee Reports

          Treasurer’s Report

          Treasurer of the Council, Mike Newell '74, presented the Income and Balance Sheet financial statement for the 2003-2004 budgets. Newell thanked Stu Cohen ‘61for auditing the Alumni Council books and taxes.


          Board of Trustees Report

          Senior Alumni Trustee Karen Huggins ’77 conducted a power point presentation. The presentation covered the agenda of a recent Board meeting, committee structure and calendar. Questions from Council members were on student involvement with the Board, Trustee support for administration and Graduate College of Union University.


          Nominating Committee

          Chair Sonia Pearson ’75 thanked her committee members for their involvement. The committee presented the following slate to the Alumni Council for approval:

          Officers:
          President: Jason Oshins ’87
          1st Vice President: Pat Seftel ’80
          2nd Vice President: Charles Roden ’60
          Secretary: Catherine Hedgeman ‘96
          Treasurer: Mike Newell ‘74

          Members-at-Large:
          Brendan Clifford ’92
          Sonia Pearson ’75
          Whit Merrill ‘94
          Joe Sawyer ‘66
          John Sciortino ‘81
          Horace Van Voast ‘52

          Alumni Medals
          William Burns ‘54
          Dr. Estelle Cooke-Sampson ‘74
          James Lippman ‘79

          Faculty Meritorious Award
          Prof. George Gmelch

          Alumni Trustee Nominations
          Peter Meola ‘77
          Mike Newell ‘74

          There was a motion to accept the nominations. The motion was seconded and approved.

          Guest Speaker

          Oshins introduced the new Dean of Students, Steve Leavitt. Leavitt earned his bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College. He went to earn his Ph.D. at the University of California at San Diego. He has been at Union for 10 years. Dean Leavitt’s remarks centered on student services at Union.


          New Business

          Oshins introduced the Alumni Council Scholarship recipient Crystal Bottieri ’04. Ms. Bottieri was awarded $19,626 in scholarship for her senior year. Oshins introduced Chair of the Student Alumni Association, Theresa Finney ’04. The SAA is a student run organization that allows current students to work closely with alumni.

          The meeting was adjourned at 12:07 pm

          The alma mater was sung.

          Respectfully submitted,
          Kate Hedgeman ‘96
          Alumni Council Secretary