|
|||||||||||||||
|
Minutes of the Parents Meeting Present: Frank Condino, Pam Condino, Kevin Griffin, Admiral Rick Gurnon, Ann Kenny, Karen Nahigian, Bill Nedderman, Donna Nedderman, Kevin Owens, Ann Prete, Pat Proctor, Captain Ed Rozak, Beth Sobiloff, David Stoica, Ann Marie Stoica,. There were many other parents who joined the meeting via teleconference. Guest Presentations: Members of the National Society of Pershing Rifles gave a presentation of what their organization is all about. Members were Chen Nguyen, Amy Biddle, Alex Ricciardi and Greg Walsh with their faculty advisor, Colonel Dilliplane. Secretary's Report. The minutes of the December, 2007 meeting were unanimously approved. Treasurer's Report Harry Wood reported that we raised a total of $37,000 last year. Expenses came to $35,000 including $6,000 in regular scholarships and $12,000 in sea term scholarships. We raised $10,500 with the cruise raffle. Right now we have $13,000 so we should be able to give out $8,000 in the fall. Next year's cruise has been purchased. The only big expense coming up will be the purchase of t-shirts. Ann Prete mentioned that we should be selling cruise raffle tickets starting in September until the day sea term begins in January. The last sea term drop off day, we raised $8,800 from the sale of certificates, mugs and t-shirts. Admiral Gurnon sent us a letter thanking us for funding 3 sea term scholarships for students who would not have been able to go otherwise. This year, there will be eight $1,000 scholarships. They give the cadets $500 in the fall and $500 in the spring. Letters will go to the students informing them of their awards. Ann proposed that the scholarships be given in honor of: ADM President Gurnon, for his wisdom and vision in striving to make Massachusetts Maritime Academy the best maritime school in the country; CAPT Bushy and the Marine Ops team, for their commitment and dedication to our cdets during Sea term; CAPT Rozak, COMCAD, Regimental Command and the Class of 2008 for their outstanding leadership throughout the year; CAPT Lima and the entire Academic department for maintaining the highest level of education excellence; Admissions Team in their embrace of MMAPA in working together assisting new parents and cadet candidates, or just spreading the good word about the Academy; Health Services, for their personal care and well-being of our cadets; CAPT Hansen, MMAPA former Advisor, who provided years of guidance and support to our Association; and finally, a special thanks to the members of the Board of Trustees, for including MMAPA in their business meeting discussions. Cruise Raffle: The 2008 cruise is from Miami to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Martin, 7 days, for two people. The tickets cost $1,182.22. We also pay the air fare. Sea Bag Fundraiser: We need a parent who will organize the fundraiser, keep track of parent volunteers, etc. Claire Powers volunteered. Last year, we raised $2800 with 50 parents volunteering. Sea Term DVD: James Watkins in Admissions gave us a DVD of pictures from the day the ship left for sea term, for us to sell if we so desired. It would cost $275 to make 100 DVD's , with a label and jewel case. We could sell them for $15. Ann said she would post a message on the listserve to see if there is enough interest in purchasing the DVD. If we feel that we can sell enough to make a profit, we will go ahead with the purchase. T.S. Enterprise Request for Funding: Admiral Gurnon reported that yesterday he was in Washington, D.C. to try to get the rest of the funding we need to finish converting the ship. We are looking for $12 million to add 20 state rooms for professionals and crew, and bunks for 100 students. We are still working through the budget process. Gurnon is fairly confident, but the funds may be disbursed over two years. Graduation: The keynote speaker will be Astronaut Senita Williams. Captain Al
Wilson will be receiving an honorary degree. Senator John Olver is
also receiving an honorary degree, but he cannot attend graduation. There is a sea term committee which gets together and decides what the destinations will be. There is usually a rotating schedule of going to the Caribbean every other year, and in between going to Europe or through the Panama Canal. The 2009 cruise will be to the Caribbean. Job Prospects: In the 2008 graduating class, almost everyone who wants a job is getting one. Retention was better than last year. We have the highest percentage of retention in New England, and the highest percentage graduation rate. Emergency Management graduates - this is the first year of placement. Compared to deckies and engineers they are having a harder time being placed, but compared to other college grads, they will do well. The staff is working with some of the students to help them find jobs. Admissions Liaison: Karen Nahigian reported that there were 5 Open Houses this year, all well attended. The final one will be May 10th. They are expecting 140 people. We need volunteers. Welcome Aboard was the largest crowd we've ever had. There were 12 parent volunteers. Karen thanked all of the parents who have helped out at college fairs and open houses this year. Parent Regional Reps: Karen asked that anyone who is interested in being a regional rep give us their contact information. Fuji will let parents of new students in their areas know about the regional reps so that they can assist in whatever way is necessary. So far we have 18 parents in Western MA, RI, NY, CT, NJ, CA, FL and PA. There is some effort being made to get MMA alumnae to make themselves available to new and potential students in their areas as well. Health Services and Parent Packet: Kathleen Shine O'Brien has done a terrific job of getting information out to students. She would like to come to a future MMAPA meeting to explain the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) program and other health services. Ann Fredericks also offered to do a 1-1/2 hour workshop some evening to train people to identify levels of stress among the cadets. Parent Handbook: Bill Yalen reported that he will have a parent handbook ready for review by the MMA staff in a few weeks. He used previous versions, plus the handbook from King's Point Naval Academy to start with. He tried to focus on what families need to do during the summer to get ready for orientation. By-Laws: Ann Marie Stoica reported that the by-laws committee started with a one-page document. They met once and thereafter communicated by email. They did research into by-laws and looked at those of other parent organizations. By-laws set forth the structure and purpose of an organization. Ann Marie thanked Trustee Paul Kelly for his help and input. After going through the by-law articles, Ann Marie made a motion to approve the by-laws as amended, which motion was seconded. There was discussion about doing an inventory of what MMAPA has on hand. Membership: discussion of changing "staff" to "employees", and whether Board of Trustees are eligible for membership. There is a distinction between membership in MMAPA, and participation on the parents' listserve. Amendments to proposed by-laws: Article
3. MMAPA membership is open to parents, guardians, and family members of
current, incoming and accepted cadets. Ann Marie called the question, and the "School Year 2007-08 Amended By Laws" were accepted unanimously as amended. Election of Officers: The slate of candidates for the 2008-2009 Academic School Year is: President: Beth Sobiloff The full slate was unanimously voted into office. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:00. Respectfully submitted, Beth Sobiloff
|
||||||||||||||
Copyright © 2004-10 | MMAPA logo designed by Susan Petersen | Web Design by Birchwood Enterprises |
|||||||||||||||
