WEST POINT SOCIETY OF DENVER
Board
of Directors Meeting
MINUTES
OF MEETING – Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Meeting
conducted remotely via MS Teams
1.
Call to Order - Joel Martin at 11:35 AM
a. Ten voting
board members in attendance, making a quorum.
b. Board
members attending: Dave Jackson, Steve Best, Joel Martin, Brian MacDonald
(Immediate Past President), Chad Dalton, Bob Walcott, Deb Case, Mike Euperio, Corey Wroblewski,
Katie Wilson, Sam Thiessen
c. Guests:
Guy Higgins, USNA; Jace Johnson, Colorado Field Force
2.
Review/Approval of Minutes (Thiessen acting
for Griesmer)
a.
President Joel Martin noted that Gen Casey was
approved as a Friend of West Point.
b.
Dave Jackson moved to approve May 6, 2020
minutes with change/add that “Our recommendation/nomination of General Casey as
a Friend of West Point has been approved by AOG.”
c.
Motion seconded and passed unanimously with the
change
3.
Treasurer Report
a.
Treasurer Brian MacDonald reviewed report via
a ppt slide
b.
Dave Jackson moved to approve. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
4.
Society Membership Update
a.
Brian MacDonald reported that we have 153 paid
members, 81 members whose dues expired, one new life member.
b.
To increase revenues, Brian asked whether we
should consider raising the Life Membership fee early (now) from $350 to a
proposed $500 fee, or if we should wait until the currently planned later
timeframe. It was decided to wait, but
to send a membership dues reminder out to those with expired memberships.
5.
Distinguished Society (Griesmer).
a.
Joel reported that it looks like there are no
problems with last month’s submission and we should have no problem maintaining
our Distinguished Society status.
6.
Admissions
a.
Jace Johnson reviewed Field Force Leads in the
state and what Congressional Districts they support. He supports the 2nd District
(PowerPoint slide presented)
i.
The annual averages for the past three years
are: 344 files opened, 138 total nominations to 114 candidates, with 23
accepted, 2 declined
ii.
Beast started late because of COVID-19. It started this week on three separated days to
allow distancing.
iii.
All Cows & Firsties are there for
cadre and other details
iv.
Field force or another grad must now interview
a candidate.
v.
College Fairs and Academy Days (in the spring)
coming up. Jace questioned the
effectiveness of College Fairs, but he recognized some value in waving the USMA
flag.
b.
Bob Walcott reported an article on this year’s
R-Day was in WSJ yesterday (14 July).
c.
Dave Jackson suggests that Jace be placed on
board. Sam Thiessen presented a motion nominating
Jace Johnson to assume Keven Miller’s vacated board position as the Vice
President for Admissions. Bob Walcott
said he believed that this would be a temporary position until the next General
Meeting during our Founders Day Celebration next year. (Bob clarified after the meeting that the
bylaws say the appointment should go to the end of the term of the BM being
replaced)
d.
The nomination was seconded and Jace was elected
to the board as VP for Admissions with a unanimous vote.
7.
Candidates Send-Off
a.
Joel Martin reported that the Parents Club held
its Cadets Send-Off in Castle Rock on 30 May.
The Pikes Peak Society played a significant role in sponsoring the
Send-Off.
8.
Founders Day Committee Update
a.
President Joel Martin is considering a site
other than the University Club for our Founders Day Dinner next year. Bob Walcott concurred, observing that the
University Club might not be available or fit our budget.
9.
Summer Picnic Date
a.
Joel suggested possibly holding this event in August. He pointed out that there has been good
turnout in the past. Dave Jackson suggested
sending out an email blast to the membership to solicit interest. Mike Euperio suggested possible locations. With Mark Frank no longer chairing this
event, holding it is left open to discussion with others interested in the
event.
10.
Tri-Service Golf Tournament: Chad Dalton reported that the tournament to be
hosted by the AFA at a USAFA course in August of this year is cancelled. The Navy
Association wants to canvas for interest later in the year, with no firm date
and at a course to be determined. We
will canvas our membership as well. This
would not be a “trophy event”
11.
Air Force & Navy Game watch parties – Joel
reports that no firm WPSD plans to be made for the events scheduled,
respectively, for November 7 and December 12, 2020 have been made because of uncertainty resulting from COVID-19.
12.
Young Grad Engagement: Mike Euperio and Corey
Wroblewski reported that no plans had been made for any events at this point,
but they have been discussing possibilities.
Chad Dalton mentioned that Washington
Park fire pits are available where we might have an event. Joel mentioned that Leavitt Pavilion recently
announced it is available for outside concerts.
13.
Helping Transitioning Grads: Katie Wilson opened discussion on the
Sallyport website with an overview of development progress and asking for suggestions/recommendations
for application improvements. Joel
commented that the site is growing quickly.
Katie agreed that it is gaining acceptance and increasing number of transitioning
grads are becoming familiar with it. Brian
MacDonald reminded that we are one of the few societies who are involved in
what is still a beta site. Brian
commented that perhaps we provide guidance to get WPSD grads more involved and
fully complete the spreadsheet.
14.
WPSD Website – Joel reported that our Go Daddy
account will be renewed.
15.
Other Business:
a.
A virtual Leadership Conference at West Point is
scheduled for 13 August in lieu of the regularly planned in-person Conference. Joel Martin and Steve Best will participate. All board members are eligible but must notify
Joel or Steve to be registered by 3 August.
Steve will forward the invitation with agenda and registration info.
(Which he has)
b.
Dave Jackson brought up an “investigation”
into race letter signed by 21 grads recently.
Joel asks, should we “engage” as a Society? Deb recommends that we read it (she was asked
to sign it), but also that we gather more information before we proceed. Katie reported that she had been asked as
well. Steve pointed out the recent Washington
Post article on this and said he would forward the article. Joel said he will bring it up on his upcoming
regional call with AOG, but nothing to do right now except review article, etc.
Next Board Meeting – October 7th
Meeting Adjourned at 1242
