Chapter Minutes - East Tennessee Chapter
October 20, 2007
There were 16 members and guests present for the quarterly meeting held on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Dandridge. All met at noon at Smoky's BBQ Restaurant in town, where a delicious meal and joyful fellowship were enjoyed by everyone. Afterwards everyone proceeded to the home of Mary Guthrie at the Dandridge Golf Course.
After settling in at the Guthrie home, Luci Bell, Chapter President, proceeded with the business meeting. The minutes of the July meeting were read and approved. Lucy had attended the September Council meeting at Verry and related much of those discussions to us. Attending was the new Director of Alumni Affairs, Chris Waters, who has an MBA in Business. Dr. Briggs was also present and made some impressive comments about the future of Berry and what we can do as alumni to help Berry; for example, we can take prospective students to visit the campus; we can donate monetarily (24% of alumni contribute, but at least 30% is needed.) The higher the percentage, the more support Berry gets from corporations and foundations.
Luci stated that chapter presidents might have had lesser roles on the Alumni Council in the past, but Dr. Briggs informed them that he wants more involvement. He wants each chapter to have people on call; for example, to help with registration at Mountain Day, etc. Several attendees volunteered. Dr. Briggs stated that as alumni we should aim to live lives of noble purpose. He highlighted some goals for Berry: bring in more Arts and Literary figures; emphasize Marketing; re-accreditation; new Provost, and ALL students working. He said Berry was rated this year in the first tier nationally, not just the Southeast. 560 incoming enrollment goal, higher retention rate, and new dorms. Another goal is to tie both campuses together - at the Emory Barns, by adding new residential and student centers there.
Luci emphasized the success of Mountain Day this year - one of the largest! Frances Barnett and Betty Pugh assisted with registration.
A total of $47 was donated today and brings the current balance in our chapter funds to $419.61. Since our last meeting, Grace Johnson, Treasurer, had sent a $100 donation to Berry in memory of Opal Loveday, who was a long-time member of our chapter.
A chapter Christmas party was discussed, possibly at Whitestone Inn in Kingson. Luci will handle arrangements for this. Luci recognized those members who were unable to be present due to illness or accident: Jim Miller, Theronne Singletary, and Fran Scheidt.
The meeting was adjourned and everyone remained for fun and desserts.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Guthrie, Secretary