FVCC Foundation Board Meeting

Thursday, March 27, 2008

3:30 p.m.

Arts and Technology Building, Rooms 144 A and B

~ Meeting Minutes ~

Present: FVCC Foundation Board of Directors - Carol Blake, John Bowdish, Nancy Gordley,

Pat LaTourelle, Jim Lehner, Leslie Mercord, Diane Morton, Jarrod Shew, Margie

Simpson, Ralene Sliter, Dan Vogel, Stephanie Wallace, Suzy Williams, and Pat Winkel;

FVCC Foundation Associate Members - Mary Gibson and Carol Larson; Ex-Officio

Members - John Engebretson, and Jane Karas; and Staff and Administration –

Ruth Ackroyd, Chuck Jensen, and Tara Roth, serving as secretary to the Foundation.

Excused: Russ Barnes, Kathy Barkus, Lynn Bauer, Donna Lawson, Andy Miller, Aaron Mower, and

Sue Evans.

In the absence of Chair, Russ Barnes, Margie Simpson called the meeting to order at 3:38 p.m.

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JANUARY 17, 2008

Nancy Gordley motioned to approve the minutes of the January 17, 2008. Pat Winkel seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

II. TREASURER’S REPORT

Leslie Mercord presented the treasurer’s report. She reported that Clint McGarvin, Portfolio Manager at First Interstate Bank/Billings, has reported that current economic conditions will continue the next several months if not longer, and the market is expected to remain volatile through the summer. From a long-term perspective, the FED is working with the economy, and the outcome will be good. Clint recommends large capital stocks over small capital stocks, as well as international over domestic. The Foundation’s portfolio currently consists of 51 percent stocks and 49 percent fixed income. In 2007, the portfolio return was 10 percent compared to the 6.6 percent benchmark, and year-to-date, the portfolio is down 1.8 percent compared to the -2.4 percent benchmark. Overall, things are going well. Clint recommends not making any changes and to hold steady with the Foundation’s investment plan.

III. COMMITTEE UPDATES

Executive Committee

Ruth Ackroyd reported that a request from Hillary Ginepra, Culinary Arts Instructor, has been received for a donation of $4,000 from the proceeds of the Christmas Tree Excellence fundraiser. Funds would be used for travel experiences for the second-year students. Ruth noted she will make a request to have the second-year students present to the Board a report on their travels. The Executive Committee recommends the full Foundation consider this request. Nancy Gordley noted that since the Foundation covered the food costs for the event (approximately $2,500), she recommends that instead of awarding the program such a significant amount of the Christmas Tree Excellence proceeds, the Foundation should provide the culinary arts students a percentage between 20-25 percent of the food sales as a “tip” or gratuity for their services. Nancy recommended that the Board table the request and that the request go to the Events and Projects Committee for discussion at their next meeting and that the committee will bring a recommendation to the Board at the next meeting. Margie Simpson acknowledged Nancy’s recommendation. Nancy noted that the Christmas Tree Excellence event was never intended to fund one program more than any other and was primarily to fund scholarships and open for all students.

Events and Projects Committee

Ruth Ackroyd presented the Events and Projects Committees report. Ruth presented the Festival of Flavors save-the-date postcard. The grand wine tasting event will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn on Friday, October 4, 2008. The committee will be working toward attracting more young professionals to attend the event. Ruth thanked Jarrod Shew and First Interstate Bank for hosting the committee meetings. Stephanie Wallace reported that the committee is beginning to plan, make contacts and make silent auction contacts. The next meeting is scheduled for April 8^th at 4:00 p.m. at First Interstate Bank’s Kalispell North branch.

Jane Karas introduced the college’s new Vice President, Administration and Finance, Chuck Jensen. The Board members took turns introducing themselves to Chuck.

IV. ENHANCEMENT GRANT REPORT

Math Instructors Karen and Fred Longhart presented the Board with a report on the mathematics colloquium. They thanked the Foundation Board for approving their 2008 Enhancement Grant which funded their project. In an effort to increase retention, the grant provided funding for the math department to offer online components to the textbooks and free online support to the students. This initiative has proven to be successful among students in Math 78 and Math 103.

V. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Jane Karas presented the president’s report. The FVCC Art Faculty Art exhibit is now up and can be viewed in the FVCC Student Art Gallery in the Arts and Technology Building. Enrollments are up nearly 9 percent from this time last year, both in FTE and head count. The college hopes to launch its new Web site by April 1 or shortly thereafter. The Honors Symposium will continue tonight with a presentation by FVCC’s Dr. David Scott and Dr. E.B. Eiselein. FVCC hosted Seussville University March 5, and the event was attended by nearly 300 area third graders. FVCC hosted its first College for a Day on February 19, and the highly successful event was attended by between 300-400 local high school students. FVCC will hold spring commencement May 16 and the annual Donor Dinner is scheduled following the Annual Board Meeting on May 15. FVCC alumna Jean Adams who is currently serving as a 1st Year Trustee for the State Bar of Montana will serve as commencement speaker. Senior Institute brought in record participation this spring with nearly 200 seniors enrolled in the program. FVCC is in the process of applying for a Title III grant; the proposal is for $2 million to be distributed over a five year period. The college has hired a new IT specialist to help work with faculty on online classes and teaching methodologies. The college is currently conducting a search for a physics faculty member. FVCC will conclude its second study abroad program this weekend with students returning from Nepal after spending six weeks abroad. FVCC will launch its first semester abroad program next spring in Venice, Italy; the program is already full and has a waiting list. The college has received a federal appropriation of $268,231 to develop the FVCC Center for Community Entrepreneurship Education. College Council has recommended the college move forward with a smoke-free campus policy. The college will be reviewing its master plan and a committee has been appointed to assist in this effort.

VI. DEVELOPMENT REPORT

Suzy Williams reported that the Ambassadors and Alumni group met this morning in the new Early Childhood Center. They were the first group to tour the Early Childhood Center, and they heard presentations from Jane Karas and Center Director Laurie Peiffer. She noted that the Center is collecting proofs of purchase from various Campbell’s products as part of the Campbell’s Labels for Education program.  The purpose of the program is to help the Early Childhood Center earn points that can be redeemed for free educational merchandise. Suzy asked for the Foundation’s help in supporting the program.

Ruth Ackroyd reported that scholarship judging took place March 20. Twenty-three volunteers read, ranked and rated 154 scholarship applications.

Pat Winkel presented information on First Descents. She asked the Board to support the program by approving funding for two local cancer patients to attend the camp, as well as approve funding for a needed raft and frame.

Nancy Gordley motioned to approve the funding up to $5,000 from the available funds from the FREE program to support two scholarships, a raft and a frame to benefit the First Descents program. Pat LaTourelle seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Ruth Ackroyd presented information on the upcoming tours of the Bibler Home and Gardens. She announced that the Foundation is introducing a kick-of reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres on May 8, highlighting the newly enhanced Inuit Art exhibit and an exclusive tour of the rug rooms with Carol Bibler to kick-off the spring tour. The Foundation also will introduce a special “Tour of the Roses” that will take place in August. Ruth announced that the Foundation is still in need of volunteers to assist with the tours.

Ruth Ackroyd presented the Building for Success campaign report. She reported that the committee has not been active in the last two months. There have been so many people gone and traveling it has been difficult to schedule appointments. Ruth said the campaign committee is in the process of setting up 40 appointments and she asked the Board to provide any names of new residents in the Valley to meet with about the college and campaign.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

Ruth Ackroyd announced that Kippy Redman has resigned from the Foundation Board after 12 years of service. Kippy will continue to be a supporter of the Foundation and has found her experience rewarding.

Nancy Gordley recommended that the Foundation nominate an individual other than a faculty member for this year’s Eagle Award since the last three were awarded to faculty members. She noted a common concern among Foundation members that a perception has been created that individuals have been awarded for doing their jobs and that the award should be presented to someone that has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Pat LaTourelle suggested that the college consider awarding the Eagle Award to a volunteer or community member who has made a difference for FVCC, etc., and a separate award for a faculty member. Leslie Mercord noted she will be serving on the Eagle Award selection committee on behalf of the Foundation.

There being no further business to discuss, Margie Simpson adjourned the meeting at 5:13 p.m.