Graduate English Society
Meeting Minutes
March 3, 2016
Present:
Next meeting:
I.
Joya Mannan (President), Kerry Manzo (Secretary), Leah Heilig (Vice
President-Elect), Brandy Bippes (Grant Writer), Bernadette Russo
(Historian), Kate Simonian, Connor Campbell, MaryAnn Widerburg,
Robin Blanchard
TBA
Discussion
Diversity Week Events:
 For Diversity Week, the GES will share a table at the Free Speech Area with the STC. At
the table, we will have posters reading “We Read Diverse Books.” Students and others
will be encouraged to write their name and the title of a book by a minority or nonWestern author on the posters. Those who contribute will receive Diversity Bookmarks.
Bookmarks will have quotes by minority or non-Western authors. Joya volunteered to
make the posters and she will check with the Letterpress Studio about making the
bookmarks. Suggested quotes by appropriate authors are needed. Bernadette
suggested talking to the Women’s Studies program about possibly using their button
maker. Bernadette will get back with us on that.
Marathon Reading:
 New in social media: We have a Facebook page! The page is public and will be used to
advertise GES events. The Facebook group will continue to be used for planning and
GES announcements. Also, We have a PayPal account! The PayPal is linked to the
Facebook page, so non-local supporters of the Marathon can donate online.
 T-shirt committee: Based on our current budget, we can afford to buy 50 white t-shirts
with two colors on one side. Kate has found a local printer, Vantage prints that will handle
printing. (Thanks, Kate!) There is a possibility that additional funding will come our way,
pending a response on Brandy’s application for the TTU Core Values grant. If we receive
more money, we can revise the t-shirt plan at that time.
 The question came up as to how we will decide who gets t-shirts. Leah suggested that
we do a “House Cup” competition. Each reader can sign up for a Hogwarts House when
they register. Teams will win points for their houses as they compete in various activities
throughout the day. The team with the most points will receive the House Cup, and each
member will receive a t-shirt. This motion was passed.
 Connor also suggested that we obtain 5 Harry Potter books and have each reader sign
each copy as s/he arrives to read. At the end of the day, the five books will be raffled off.
 House Cup Activities: Some ideas for activities that were suggested include: a trivia
contest, extra point for team if reader dresses up, and a Quidditch demonstration.
Bernadette offered to get in touch with the TTU Quidditch team for us.
 Decorations: It was suggested that we decorate four parts of the room in different colors,
each color corresponding to a Hogwarts House. Since we (as of yet) have no budget for
decorations, we will need to ask for donations of decorations. (Remember to check with
Campus Life about helium tank.)
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Technology: Kerry will get in contact with Dr. Farris and/or Brandon Sires about
technology for the event.
Advertising: It is proposed that we try to get our flyer on the advertising screen at the
SUB. Also, it was suggested that we check with First Friday organizers about advertising
with them and/or cross-listing the event.
Food: Luke, Bernadette, and Kerry are working on food donations. We are not planning
to sell food, but would like to provide food at several points throughout the event.
Recruitment materials were distributed at today’s meeting. If you need copies of the Read
Invitation letter, or if you would like to be a reader, stop by room 462. The Reader
Invitation Letter is also posted on the Facebook group. Readers will need to sign up for a
reading time. The sign up list is posted on the Facebook page and group. If readers don’t
have access to one or the other, they may email the GES at
graduate.english.society@ttu.edu and we will send the link and instructions for signing
up. Readers’ sponsorship monies will be turned it at the event, not including donations
made online.
Upcoming Dates:
 Marathon Reading, April 1-2
 Student Government Association Roundtable, March 10th at 6:00pm, Holden 129
 Diversity Week, March 21-25
 Fall Meet-and-Greet, September 15th
 South Plains Food Bank Volunteer Event, October 1st
Meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m.