ISU Greek Alumni Alliance
Minutes of the May 17, 2014 Meeting
The May 17, 2014 meeting of the ISU Greek Alumni Alliance was called to order by President Ellen
Chesnut at 9:04 a.m. The meeting was held at the ISU Alumni Association.
President Chesnut opened the meeting with a welcome, introduction of attendees, and a request to
sign-in with updated contact information.
Secretary Davis presented the minutes of the February 15, 2014 ISU GAA meeting. Motion for approval
by Jon Flemming, 2nd by Brian Clark. Approved.
President Chesnut provided the President’s Report:
-Pre-Vespers Event review. The GAA presented 2 grants to chapters to strengthen alumni
programming efforts and also named an “alumnus of the year”.
-Several sorority chapter alumni representatives held a meeting over the winter to discuss
facility needs and how increased membership is affecting the chapter houses.
Treasurer Hallenbeck presented the Treasurer’s Report. The report included the updated GAA Dues
process (reduction to $750 maximum per chapter and $10/member). Motion to approve by Jami
Larson, 2nd by Jon Flemming. Approved.
The Office of Greek Affairs Report was presented by Billy Bolden (Assistant Dean of Students and
Director of Greek Affairs) and Katy Cran (Assistant Director of Greek Affairs):
-Two new Grad Assistants will be joining the staff for the upcoming year.
-Greek Community Growth:
-Lambda Theta Nu (MGC sorority with 10 women has been established).
-Delta Upsilon and Delta Chi received their charters.
-It is likely there will be two new sororities joining the ISU Greek Community. Expansion
process is underway.
-The Fall 2014 Sorority membership will likely be between 145 and 155.
-Residence Hall contract break-fee policy will remain the same for the 2014-15 year.
-The Chapter Advisor Institute will be on August 2, 2014.
Old Business:
Jeremy Davis provided an update regarding the parking situation with the City of Ames. An
initial meeting with City staff has been held and discussion has focused on the need to preserve
the Greek community in its existing area. To accommodate re-development, modifications to
current parking requirements will be necessary. GAA Exec will meet with City Staff again in the
coming months and will work to advocate for a reasonable solution to be presented to Ames
City Council for approval in the Fall.
New Business:
President Chesnut proposed modifying the current GAA bylaws to implement a 3-year maximum
term of service on GAA Exec. After discussion, Jon Flemming moved to amend the GAA bylaws with the
following statement: “A Board Member cannot serve in the same officer position for more than 3
consecutive years.” This was seconded by Katy Harbach. Approved.
The proposal to align the ISU GAA within the organizational structure of the ISU Alumni
Association was discussed. After discussion with ISU Alumni Association staff, to integrate the GAA
within the ISU Alumni Association, the annual cost would be $10,000. This would allow the GAA to be a
designated “society”, alleviate the financial reporting burden, enhance administrative services (including
web-presence, meeting spaces, etc), and enhanced communications. Moved by Wayne Sechrist, 2nd by
Mary Kay Gillam to direct the GAA Exec to work with ISU Alumni Association to integrate the GAA into
the ISU Alumni Association operational structure. Approved.
Facility Comments:
A discussion regarding internet speeds/bandwidth was held. Each representative expressed
concerns that internet speeds and bandwidth remains a concern for many chapter facilities. Will
continue looking at viable solutions.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeremy Davis, Secretary