Minutes of Northern Star Alumni, May 6, 1999, at The Northern Star office

Present: Tom Collins, Sabryna Cornish, Jack Goldberg, Mike Korcek, Tim O'Malley, Dave Statis, Jerry Smith, Tim Smith.
Ex-officio members: Maria Krull, Jim Killam.

The meeting was called to order at 5 p.m.

Financial report: The Northern Star Alumni account has $4,181.59.

Kathy Orr fund: Maria Krull reported that the Kathy Orr scholarship fund contains $7,173 after the past weekend's bowling fund-raiser in Chicago. $10,000 is needed to endow a $400-a-year scholarship; $12,500 is needed for a $500-a-year scholarship. Maria suggested transferring part of the NSA general fund to the Kathy Orr fund in order to reach the $10,000 goal.

The board unanimously approved transferring the necessary money to bring the Kathy Orr fund to the $10,000 endowment level.

Mike Korcek suggested that fund-raising efforts next be directed toward establishing more Northern Star scholarships, including some for non-newsroom employees. Board members agreed, but no formal plan was undertaken.

Northern Star Hall of Fame: Korcek, NIU's sports information director, described the athletic department's hall of fame. He wondered if the Star could establish a similar hall of fame to recognize accomplishments both at the Northern Star and in a subsequent career. Board members responded enthusiastically to the idea. Jerry Smith said this would be a way for NSA to build some tradition and have a built-in reason for the February alumni dinner each year.

The board formed a committee to pursue this idea, with a goal of having an inaugural induction class in February 2000. Committee members are Mike Korcek, Jerry Smith, Sabryna Cornish, Tom Collins, Tim O'Malley, Ed Underhill, Maria Krull and Jim Killam. Jerry Thompson also will be invited to join the committee. The committee will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, at the Star.

Public relations: Tim O'Malley suggested that NSA develop a public relations effort to tell potential employers about the Star, to help attract potential students and to spread the word among alumni about NSA . Early effort will go toward placing stories about the existence of NSA into Northern Now, Editor & Publisher and the Illinois Press Association's Presslines.

Bylaws: Sabryna Cornish will review and propose any necessary updates or additions for the NSA constitution and bylaws.

Officers: The following officers were elected to serve two-year terms:
President: Sabryna Cornish
Vice President: Tom Collins
Treasurer: Dave Statis
Past President: Tim O'Malley

In addition, the following new board members were welcomed: Greg Rivara, Joelle McGinnis, Laura McHale, Jean Volz-Corsini and Mark Bonne. It was noted that any Star alumni may become board members simply by attending meetings; there currently is no numerical limit.

The board thanked Tim O'Malley for his three years as president, and noted the group's many accomplishments under his leadership: expansion of the mentoring program, scholarship fund-raising and two annual dinners. Maria Krull said the group has been a tremendous support system for herself and Jim Killam as advisers.

The board charged Maria and Jim with arranging a social event for October, possibly at the Billy Goat in Chicago.

Meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

Submitted by Jim Killam, 5-10-99

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