Alumni Association - Full Board
Meeting Minutes:
From Monday, September 22, 2014
Meeting called to order: 6:50 pm

Attending: John Anastasio, Ken Baumann, Nicole Bullock, Kendra Bussey, William Cahill, Mike
Curry, Barbara DiMarco, Megan Flanagan, Rebecca Gentile, Carol Harnett, Jeanette Hoffman,
David Mauer, Steve Piccininni, Ian Ruderman, Justin Saponara, Jeff Tamburrino, Amy Wallace,
Tracy Zarodnansky
Guests: Dr. Barbara Gitenstein, John P. Donohue, Lisa McCarthy, Deborah Davies, Guilange
Nelson, Brian Garsh, Kruthika
Excused: Jance Rein, Hillary Hewitt, Rosie Hymerling
Absent: Ed Gamboa, Paul DaSilva,

President, Dr. Gitenstein provided the following updates:
o Thanked all members of the Alumni Association for their commitment to TCNJ
o There were 10,950 applications to TCNJ last year. Second highest in school history
o Incoming class of 1436 (right on target)
o Included 280 transfer students, 120 international students. Average SAT scores of 1237
and top 11% class ranking. The class includes 20% of minority students (Hispanic,
Puerto Rican, Black)
o TCNJ has maintained and improved upon its national reputation in US World News and
Report.
o TCNJ has successfully recruited 12 new faculty for the upcoming year. This includes four
alums of TCNJ.
o Academic areas are raising money to fit the institutional needs
o Nursing has created a partnership with local hospitals

VP for College Advancement, John Donohue - provided the following updates:
o Congratulated the Alumni Association and the Executive Board for their continued work
and dedication to advancing the mission and vision of TCNJ.
o Raised 5.8 million dollars last year (second highest in history)
o Secured a one million dollar donation from Barbara Pelson

Megan Flanagan - President
o Introduced the newest members of the Alumni Association Board:
 Carol Harnett ‘89
 Amy Wallace ‘11
 Tracy Zarodnansky ‘03
o Motion to approve June 2014 minutes (motion approved)
o Senior Class Representatives: Meet-n-Greet
 Brian Garsh
 Kruthika
o Reviewed Strategic Plan for FY 14
o Discussed the need for a board secretary - any interest contact Megan
o Reviewed 2014-15 Alumni Association Meeting Dates and Committee Assignments

Dave Maurer - Financials
o Reviewed the Financials and the budget was approved
o Discussion on supporting the seven Dean’s with $1,000 to be used for alumni
engagement events and programming. Motion was made to support the Dean’s with
$1,000. Motion passed 15-0-2.
o Discussion on the Alumni Association purchasing meals for their meetings. This topic
was tabled. The Alumni Affairs Office will continue to cover this expense.
o Discussion on the Alumni Association paying for the bartender fee at the Alumni
Affairs/Education Sponsorship NJEA gathering in Atlantic City. Motion was made and
passed 11-3-2.
o Discussion on the Alumni Association paying for the alcohol permit for Homecoming.
Motion was made and failed 12-3-1.

Justin Saponara- Parliamentarian
o Presented changes to the Chapters Section of the bylaws for the addition of “networks.”
Mike Curry second this motion. Motion passed unanimously.
o Discussion on the bylaws regarding the status of the Immediate Past President term to
be changed 1 year to 2 years. Motion passed unanimously.
o Discussion on awards regarding section in the bylaws to enable the addition of new
awards. Bylaws should be written to eliminate names of the awards.
o In light of the 65% alumni board giving rate in 2013-14, down from 73% in 2012-2013 a
discussion on requiring placing in the bylaws a statement indicating that all members
must donate to the college. Motion failed passed unanimously.

John Castaldo – Executive Director of Alumni Affairs
o Discussed the goal of TRIO of having 100% participation giving by the Foundation, the
Board of Trustees and the Alumni Association.
o Will seek ways to improve communication during the appeal process.
o Individuals that did not give were sent a friendly reminder (this was not public).

Megan Flanagan – President
o Anyone with interest in becoming the next board President? Megan’s term ends at the
end of this year.

Rebecca Gentile – Chapters Committee Chair
o Four new chapters that are being considered. Applications will be sent to the board via
email for review.
 Wrestling
 Health and Exercise Science
 Nursing
 Education

Bill Cahill - Homecoming Chair
o Discussed the efforts of the college to create a steering committee which included
members from the following areas: Student Affairs, Alumni Affairs, Alumni Association,
Athletics, Campus Police, Student Government, Student Leaders, Residential Education
and Housing
o Homecoming is no longer an Alumni Event. It is a campus event.
o Promoting safety and following guidelines on alcohol consumption.
o Alumni feel disenfranchised
o Megan, Ken and Bill were involved in the Steering Committee

John Castaldo – Executive Director of Alumni Affairs
o Discussed the purpose and value of the Homecoming Steering Committee and that the
group consisted of a wide range of campus constituents and that invites to the Alumni
Association Executive Board was extended. The Steering Committee worked extremely
hard beginning last Spring in reviewing and vetting the many concerns and voices. ….not
an easy task.
o The changes were centered-around creating a safe and enjoyable time for everyone.
o Alumni are very important to the college and some of these changes have been
accepted and applauded and some have expressed disappointment. Pleasing everyone
is not an easy task.
o Reviewed the mission of Alumni Reunion Weekend and seeking input and attendance
from the Full Alumni Association. Distributed copy of the Task Force and mentioned the
launch of the Capital Campaign.
o Indicated that Brick sales for seniors will be discussed at next meeting.
o Mentioned the awards and board interest forms - need to be pro-active.

Review of the Consent Calendaro NR= no report
- Affinity (NR), Business (Salt Creek Grille, Golf Outing), Bylaws (reviewed previously),
Eastern Wind Symphony(NR) , EOF (NR), Events (conducted three successful events:
The Legacy Luncheon had 88 attendees and provided a good-feel atmosphere,
Trenton Thunder Game, and a Winery Trip to Hopewell Valley Winery, Old York
Cellars and dinner at Marsililo’s Restaurant. The event had 55 attendees and was
sold-out. All had a terrific time), Finance (reviewed previously), Foundation (Alumni
Association at 65% giving rate), Hall of Fame (June 2015), Homecoming (reviewed
previously), Law and Justice (NR), Music (Metro Grille, Alumni Reunion Event,
Awards), Nominating Committee (interested individuals should send their
information to the Alumni Office), Scholarship (NR), Sponsorship (NR), Strategic
Planning (NR), Social Media (NR), Recognition & Awards (NR), Rugby (NR),
Swimming & Diving (putting together strategic/mentoring plan), TALANT (NR)

Good and Welfareo Megan reported some very sad news:
= Alumni Association Board member Peggy Lauricella passed away. She had reached out
to TCNJ prior to her passing with interest of creating an endowment.
= Janice Rein son’s passed away while at College.
Meeting adjourned: 8:53 pm