UDM Alumni Association Board
General Board Meeting, March 12, 2015
Participants:
Dan Assenmacher (remote), Tamara Gravelle, Trevor Pawl (remote), Thomas
Sanday, Pamela Lowe, Marlena Taylor, Hank Durkin (remote), Kate McCarroll,
Jim Sarcheck, Lauren Shoemaker, Eileen Pawlowski
Guests:
Fr. Gary Wright, SJ and Barbara Milbauer
1.
Welcome / Call to Order
2.
Fr. Gary Wright, SJ introduced. Invitation to be a part of JAFD Events (Jesuit Alumni
and Friends of Detroit) and spread the word among fellow alums. JAFD has had 4
events, each has drawn 200-225 people. Events are usually a lunch and speaker. Next
event is lunch on May 6, 11:30 to 1:30 pm at the Atheneum Suite Hotel in Detroit. Fr.
Joe Daoust, SJ will be the speaker. Sign up online.
3.
Barbara Milbauer, Vice President for University Advancement, introduced. Alums are
the most important constituency of the college, and are promoted more and more as part
of the recruitment message.
a.
b.
4.
University Advancement – 3 goals and a Department to address each
i.
Promote UDM, internally and externally
 Marketing and Public Affairs
ii.
Engage alums of UDM
 Alumni Relations
iii.
Philanthropic (financial support)
 Development Office, which is divided into Annual Giving and
Major Gift. Annual Giving handles approximately $2 million
annually from 7000 alums. Major Gift handles approximately $7
million annually, in amounts of $25K and above. Gifts by alums
from Dental/Law school go to that school, even if not earmarked.
New fundraising campaign (nameless) – aims to raise $100 million over 7 years
i.
3 goals
 Student financial support
 Academic/student support
 Facility renovation
ii.
Divided into 3 stages over 7 years
 2 years preparing (done)
 2 years soliciting large gifts (currently in first year)
 3 years public phase (tentatively December 2016)
Committee Updates
a.
Admission and Retention (Dan and Laura)
i.
Accepted Students Day – March 28, 10:30 to 11:30. Alums will talk one
on one to students and parents to answer questions
ii.
Other possible projects
 College fairs (outside of Detroit)



5.
Small alum/prospective student gatherings
Develop list of alums who can give testimonials (email
suggestions to Eileen)
Networking event for alums and students right after graduation
(group discussed, committee to begin plans)
b.
Alumni Activities (Trevor, Tamara, Thomas)
i.
Service project for alums April 25, as part of AJCU network (Alumni of
Jesuit Colleges & Universities). Meet at 8:15 on campus for breakfast.
Volunteers to work at 2 sites in the UDM area: Gesu and west side
neighborhood. No limit to number of volunteers. Electronic invites to be
sent.
c.
Career and Professional Development (Pam and Marlena)
i.
Met and brainstormed with representative from Career Development
Office. Discussed ways to assist students with interview skills, etiquette,
starting new jobs, relocating. Possible development of video snipits to
address these issues, using alums, to be posted on website.
d.
Executive Board (Jim, Hank and Kate)
i.
Met with Ann Fisher to discuss messages/materials being sent to alums
as part of development efforts. Important to show and know where the
money is going. Get current students involved with thank you notes to
donors. Eileen explained Philanthropy Day. If group has
ideas/suggestions or receives development materials they think effective,
forward to Eileen.
Alumni Relations Update (Eileen Pawlowski)
i.
Office has 3 positions, one of them is currently open
ii.
Important Events
 March 28:
Accepted Students Day
 April 17:
Spirit of UDM Awards
 April 25:
Day of Service
 May 8:
Law School/Dental School Commencement
 May 9:
McNichols Commencment/50th Reunion
Next Board Meeting:
June 11, 2015 (Committee meetings to be held before then)