Board of Directors Meeting: Wednesday, July 14, 2021

 

WEST POINT SOCIETY OF DENVER

Board of Directors Meeting

MINUTES OF MEETING – Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Meeting conducted remotely via Zoom

 

1.      Call to order – Joel Martin at 11:30 AM

a.      Nine voting board members in attendance, making a quorum.

b.      Board members attending: Dave Jackson, Steve Best, Cory Wroblewski, Bob Walcott, Jace Johnson, Joel Martin, Tim Griesmer, Tyler Roden, Sam Thiessen

 

2.      Secretary’s Report/Approval of Minutes – Tim Griesmer

a.      Approval of the minutes from the May 5, 2021 board of directors meeting was tabled until the next meeting.

 

3.      Founders Day AAR – Joel Martin

a.      The event received positive feedback overall

b.      There were more attendees than anticipated for the candidate meetings. Jace Johnson and a representative of the Parents’ Club addressed the candidates.

c.      Round tables were preferable to long tables.

 

4.      Admissions – Jace Johnson

a.      1213 new cadets reported for R-Day this year

b.      Academy Days are still the best events for recruiting. Jace Johnson is working on creating some “mini” academy days while the Air Force Academy is working on a virtual Academy Day.

c.      LEAD Program discussion: West Point will send local cadets out to help with the event, potentially scheduled for Nov 11-12 or Nov 22-23. Volunteers will be needed for this event.

 

5.      Distinguished Society Application – Tim Griesmer

a.      The Society once again earned the Distinguished Society Award for 2020-2021.

b.      Tim Griesmer will fill out the DSA application for 2021-2022.

 

6.      Summer Picnic – Cory Wroblewski

a.      The picnic will be held on July 17, 2021.

b.      Currently 28 registered.

 

7.      Golf Tournament – Joel Martin

a.      The tournament will be held on August 13, 2021.

b.      No registration page yet, it will be coming from Navy.

 

8.      Other Business – Joel Martin

a.      The Affirmation Ceremony for AFA exchange cadets will be held Aug 24. Sam Thiessen and Steve Best will attend.

b.      Steve Best shared photos of Lindy Blackburn’s headstone and shared that Lindy was honored at the Parker Memorial Day ceremony.

c.      The Board of Directors welcomed the newest member, Tyler Roden.

d.      Tyler Roden agreed to plan this year’s watch party for the Army-Air Force game.

 

9.      Officer Elections: the following slate of officers was approved unanimously.

a.      President: Joel Martin

b.      Vice President: Steve Best

c.      Vice President for Admissions: Jace Johnson

d.      Treasurer: Brian MacDonald

e.      Secretary: Tim Griesmer

 

The next board meeting will be held October 6, 2021.

The meeting adjourned at 12:28 PM.

Submitted by: Tim Griesmer ‘02

General Membership Meeting: Saturday, May 22, 2021

WEST POINT SOCIETY OF DENVER

Minutes of General Membership Meeting

Saturday, May 22, 2021

 

The West Point Society of Denver held its Annual General Membership Meeting during the Founders Day dinner at the Denver University Club on May 22, 2021.

Joel Martin called the meeting to order at approximately 2000 hours.

The only order of business was to elect new board members and confirm existing board memberships and terms of service. The following listing was provided:

 

Nominations for Board of Directors

West Point Society of Denver

 

 

Serve to 2022                         Serve to 2023                   Serve to 2024

 

Lou Schroeder ’59                  Sam Thiessen ’73           Dave Jackson ’73             

Bob Walcott ‘78                      Chad Dalton ’89               Steve Best ’76                  

Jace Johnson ‘81                    Joel Martin ’02                  Andy Benson ‘00    

Mike Euperio ‘03                     Tim Griesmer ’02             Cory Wroblewski ’06                                                     Katie Wilson ’16               Brian MacDonald ‘83

                                                                          

                                                                                                                                            

Immediate Past President:  Brian MacDonald ‘83

 

 

 

Board Member Emeritus                                Year Inducted

 

Jim Harrington ’62                                                     2010

Robby Robinson ‘68                                                     2016

 

 

The nominations were approved through a voice vote.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 2010 hours.

 

Submitted by Tim Griesmer ‘02 

Board of Directors Meeting: Wednesday, May 5, 2021

 

WEST POINT SOCIETY OF DENVER

Board of Directors Meeting

MINUTES OF MEETING – Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Meeting conducted remotely via Zoom

 

1.      Call to order – Joel Martin at 11:34 AM

a.      Eleven voting board members in attendance, making a quorum.

b.      Board members attending: Chad Dalton, Joel Martin, Sam Thiessen, Jace Johnson, Andy Benson, Steve Best, Bob Walcott, Cory Wroblewski, Lou Schroeder, David Jackson, Mike Euperio

 

2.      Secretary’s Report/Approval of Minutes

a.      Minutes from the March 3, 2021 board of directors meeting were approved 11-0.

 

3.      2021 Programs & Events

a.      Admissions-Jace expects to fill 2-3 tables at Founder's Day, 6 declines this year (highest in a long time)

b.      Distinguished Society Award-As soon as we host Founders Day, the Society should meet requirements for Distinguished Society

c.      Young Grad Engagement-Cory looking to host HH in 1st /2nd week of June

d.      Golf Tournament-August 13 at 0800; want to change name of trophy to Hickland-Rendall-Blumberg Cup

e.      Lindy Blackburn's Memorial Service will be 5/21/21

4.      Founders Day 2021

a.      3 donated meals for cadet candidates, round tables vs. rectangle tables

b.      Jace donated some swag, MG St Onge potentially could be keynote (10 min talk), menu selection same as years past (flank steak, salmon), no door prizes, dessert at the table

c.      GM asked for email of videos so they can be loaded on U Club laptop

d.      Toasts - Steve Best (Commander in Chief), Bob Walcott (Army), Lou Schroeder, Chad Dalton (The Corps), Mary St Onge (Loved Ones)

e.      Need approval on the official program

f.       Bill Petty - Oldest Grad Speaker, Katie Wilson - Youngest Grad Speaker

g.      46 registered as of 5/5

 

The next board meeting will be held July 14, 2021.

The meeting adjourned at 12:22 PM.

Submitted by: Mike Euperio ‘03

Board of Directors Meeting: Wednesday, March 3, 2021

 

WEST POINT SOCIETY OF DENVER

Board of Directors Meeting

MINUTES OF MEETING – Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Meeting conducted remotely via Zoom

 

1.       Call to order – Joel Martin at 1:00 PM

a.       The board observed a moment of silence for Lindy Blackburn ‘69

b.       Eleven voting board members in attendance, making a quorum.

c.       Board members attending: Dave Jackson, Steve Best, Andy Benson, Cory Wroblewski, Lou Schroeder, Bob Walcott, Jace Johnson, Joel Martin, Tim Griesmer, Katie Wilson, Sam Thiessen

d.       Brian MacDonald joined the meeting while in progress, bringing the total voting members to twelve.

e.       Guest: Guy Higgins, USNA

 

2.       Secretary’s Report/Approval of Minutes – Tim Griesmer

a.       Minutes from the December 2, 2020 board of directors meeting were approved 11-0.

 

3.       AOG Virtual Founders Day – Joel Martin

a.       25 individuals registered for the March 16 Virtual Founder’s Day.

b.       The event offers localized break-out rooms. Steve Best will lead the break-out room for the society.

 

4.       Board Member Roster- Bob Walcott

a.       The board is currently 14 members.

b.       The board reviewed terms that are set to expire in 2021 and possible new candidates for membership.

c.       Officer elections will be held after Founder’s Day.

 

5.       Admissions – Jace Johnson

a.       There are 350 open files with 11 offers made and 3 offers accepted.

b.       The quality of the candidates this year is great.

 

6.       Ethics and Leadership Seminar – Joel Martin

a.       The seminar is cancelled this year due to the COVID pandemic.

 

7.       Distinguished Society Application – Tim Griesmer

a.       Tim Griesmer is working on the DSA and will provide an update to the board.

b.       Company H2 Class of 1973 has been holding a monthly zoom meeting, which can be counted for DSA points.

c.       The board discussed holding a young grad event or a picnic sometime in May or June.

 

8.       Founder’s Day – Andy Benson

a.       The Board discussed several possible iterations for a 2021 Founder’s Day event, including a joint event with the Pike’s Peak chapter, possibly two events, an outdoor event, or an indoor event.

b.       Andy Benson and Katie Wilson will assess possible venues and options and report back to the board.

 

9.       Treasurer’s Report & Budget Review – Brian MacDonald

a.       Treasurer’s report was approved 12-0.

b.       The board reviewed the updated society budget and updated several line items. The budget was approved 12-0.

 

10.   Membership Update – Brian MacDonald

a.       Total paid memberships increased by 2.

b.       Total lifetime memberships increased by 4.

 

11.   2019 & 2020 Society Financial Review

a.       Tim Griesmer will conduct the financial reviews.

 

The next board meeting will be held May 5, 2021.

The meeting adjourned at 2:28 PM.

Submitted by: Tim Griesmer ‘02

Board of Directors Meeting: December 2, 2020

 

WEST POINT SOCIETY OF DENVER

Board of Directors Meeting

MINUTES OF MEETING – Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Meeting conducted remotely via Zoom

 

1.       Call to order – Joel Martin at 11:33 AM

a.       Twelve voting board members in attendance, making a quorum.

b.       Board members attending: Dave Jackson, Steve Best, Brian MacDonald, Andy Benson, Cory Wroblewski, Lou Schroeder, Jace Johnson, Mike Euperio, Joel Martin, Katie Wilson, Bob Walcott, Sam Thiessen

 

2.       Secretary’s Report/Approval of Minutes

a.       Minutes from the October 2020 board of directors meeting were approved 12-0.

b.       Dave Jackson will take the minutes for this meeting.

 

3.       Treasurer’s Report – Brian MacDonald

a.       The society has seen in increase in funds of about $700 due to new registrations.

b.       Treasurer’s report was approved 12-0.

 

4.       Membership Update – Brian MacDonald

a.       There are currently 154 paid members of the society with an increase of one additional lifetime membership.

 

5.       Admission – Jace Johnson submitted the following report for the board:

a.       There were 331 applications for Admissions this year.

b.       Of those, 40% have been closed by Admissions due to incompleteness or non-competitive files.

c.       Candidates are interviewing at congressional boards and Field Force final interviews. The congressional nominations slates were due by the end of November, but most have been delayed and expected to be submitted by the end of December.

d.       Candidates are working on DODMERS exams and CFAs.

 

6.       Founder’s Day – Andy Benson

a.       Results of Founders Day survey (total of 109 responses)

                                                               i.      In person - 41

                                                             ii.      Hybrid - 14

                                                           iii.      Virtual - 26

                                                           iv.      No preference - 28

b.       WP has stated that there will be no speakers attending FD at societies in person this year.  The Superintendent will present via video recording.  There is some consideration to have other speakers attend virtually, but nothing is solid so far.

c.       The Board discussed doing a “Founder’s Day” virtual to present the Supe’s video and conduct the annual general membership meeting.

d.       The general preference of the Board and President is for an in-person celebration but delaying it until May/June/spring. If this option proves untenable due to COVID, option C (above) will be re-visited.

e.       A motion was made and seconded to delay FD until the Spring 2021. Motion approved 12-0

f.        The Board will defer further discussions until next board meeting.

g.       The Board agree that members should be informed of the “NO March Founders Days” via FB & Sally port

 

7.       Tri-Academy Golf Tournament - Joel Martin

a.       Reservations have been made for Aug 13, 2021, 0800 shotgun at Colorado Springs.

 

8.       Leadership and Ethics Seminar – Joel Martin

a.       No update. If this will occur, it will probably be a virtual event.  Joel will get with the committee and further develop this for discussion at the next meeting.

 

9.       Other Business

a.       Dave Jackson wondered that since there will be no L&E Seminar in-person speakers and since the GEN Casey Friend-of-West Point award was approved, we might consider some type of virtual or other presentation, just so that GEN Casey can acknowledge the award. Joel will contact him & consider alternatives for presentations.

b.       The Board agreed to cancel the annual planning meeting scheduled for January, there being little expectation for events to plan for during 2021. The Budget will be developed for approval at the next normal board meeting.

c.       Brian MacDonald will solicit inputs and send out a draft budget proposal prior to the next meeting.

d.       Steve Best reported “for the good of the order” that Stover James’ (of WPSPP) wife is doing significantly better; also gave updates on AN game, A-AFA game & Army bowl game.

The next board meeting will be held March 3, 2021 at 11:30 AM. The board would like to return to an in-person meeting but anticipates doing another virtual meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 12:37 PM.

Submitted by: D Jackson, ‘73