Minutes of the Parents Meeting
December 10, 2008
6:30 PM

Present:  Mary Ellen Dickinson, Kevin Owens, Patti Owens, Frank Sayers, Admiral Rick Gurnon, David Farnham, Whitney Farnham, John Sheehan, Barbara Sheehan, Marie L. Birchfield, Gerard Murphy, Natalie Murphy, Juhi Creuer-Smith, Tricia Topoulos, Andrew Topoulos, Leo Braley, Lynda Braley, Kathleen Cuddy, Daniel Cuddy, Rory Deegan-3rd Co. Officer, Wayne Magee-7th Co. Officer, Rance Gillespie, Captain Ed Rozak, Matthew Duggan-Regimental Commander of Cadets, Chinh Nguyen-Regimental Executive Officer, Carol Doherty, Kathy Lyons, Captain Brad Lima, Beth Sobiloff, Ann Kenny, Bill Yalen, Karen A. Nahigian

There were many other parents who joined the meeting via teleconference.

Guest Presentations:

Academy Overview:Admiral Rick Gurnon addressed the overall financial state of the Academy in light of the country’s financial crisis.  He stated that the Academy has been very conservative in funding over the last 5-6 years, saving funds for a “rainy day account.”  The Academy was able to save $350,000 this year on fuel prices to fill the ship for Sea Term.  The Academy is saving funds on gas and electric utilities due to the renewable energy sources on the campus. All new “hires" have been frozen, “only mission critical jobs will be filled.”  The Admiral said overall, “We’re fine, plan in place.”

Admiral Gurnon also mentioned that the annual “Viking Bath” was held this morning and it was the warmest ever.

Dean of Academics:  Captain Brad Lima addressed the Academic concerns of the parents.  He stated that grades are not sent home and that freshmen must pass Intermediate Algebra with a grade of 75 and they must also pass Vessel Familiarization and Basic Safety in order to participate on Sea Term.  There will be a full series of courses offered for the Winter Term and that roughly 250 students would be taking classes at the Academy.

Commandant of Cadets:  Captain Ed Rozak answered questions from parents in regards to Sea Term.  Chinh Nguyen, Regimental Executive Officer, would be the Sea Term Commander, whereas Commander of Cadets, Matthew Duggan would be participating in a CO-op with FEMA.  The Sea Term schedule will be mailed home with the emergency notification system.  Captain Rozak stressed the importance of the cadets having their passports and billet cards with them.

Treasurer’s Report:  Ann Kenny reported that the MMAPA account had a balance of $7,448.22 as of September 12, 2008.  Income:  MMAPA Product Sales=$9874.00 (Recognition Day=$352.00 and Sea Term Raffle=$9522.00).  Reimbursement from the Carnival cruise was $1,182.22.  Sea Bag Fundraiser was $4,038.75.  Sub -total =$15,094.97.  Expenses:  Postage for the Sea Term Raffle= $(285.80).  Balance as of bank statement close November 30, 2008=$22,257.38.

Not reflected in the report is additional Sea Term Raffle income of $2,013.

Upcoming expenses:  $150 room deposit for ship return dinner.  $500 setup fee for Sun catcher recasting.  Sea Term Tee Shirt redesign and production at $6.00 per shirt.  Sea Term Mug production.  Postage for 4th class Cadet Family mailing for Sea Term Certificate/Mug and ship return dinner flyers.

Admissions Liaison:  Karen Nahigian reported that MMA hosted four Open Houses this fall.  All were very successful with an average of 100 or more prospective students visiting the Academy at each event.  The Academy was well represented at all of these Open Houses by many cadets representing their particular major, club, or organization.  There will be an Open House on February 22nd, to coincide with the return of the T.S. Kennedy, and another Open House on May 9th.  The Academy’s “Welcome Aboard Day” will be held on Saturday, April 4th.  Parent volunteers are needed for all three of these events.

2009 Sea Term Dinner:  Presented by Ann Prete via teleconference call.  Ann explained the details of the 4th Annual Sea Term Return Celebration dinner to be held this year on February 21, 2009 at the Holiday Inn in Falmouth.  The buffet dinner will cost $25.00 per person and will begin with a social hour beginning at 6:00PM, followed by a buffet dinner at 7:00PM.  The Holiday Inn Falmouth will also offer a room rate of $99 per room per night plus 9.7% tax.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00PM.

Respectfully submitted

Karen Nahigian
Admissions Liaison/Acting Secretary