Texas Christian University

Addison & Randolph Clark Society Board of Directors

Clark Society Committee Meeting

Friday, November 18, 2011

Brown-Lupton University Union

Zeidman

Julie Whitt, Presiding

(Filling in for Chris Curtin ’86)

MINUTES

Present

DD Alexander ‘82

Jim Barber ‘54

Cindy Buschman ‘73

Wiley Curtis ‘78

Terry Debo ‘81

Curtis Fortinberry ‘79

Janice Huffman ‘74

Ellen Klepacki ‘82

Mike Mullins ‘69

Jay Schiedeman ‘78

Jon Sparks ‘71

Marilyn Tanner ‘83

Cheryl Wilson ‘83

TCU Staff

Janine Kraus

Samantha Suttle ‘06

Julie Whitt

I.  Chair Report

Julie called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. She explained that she was filling in for Chris Curtin, who was absent because his father had just passed away. Those present introduced themselves. Julie reviewed the committee’s responsibilities and announced that flash cards would be handed out later in the meeting.

II.  Review Minutes from February 2011 Meeting

The committee reviewed the minutes and made a motion to approve.

III.  End of Fiscal Year 2011 Clark Society Membership Report

The current total Clark membership is 3,026. There are 225 permanent members not giving at the annual Clark level, which brings the total Clark Society membership for Fiscal Year 2011 to 3,251. The committee discussed how 2012 Football Season seating may increase membership. It was brought up that many Frog Club supporters do not know they are members of the Clark Society.

IV.  Annual Fund Report

Janine Kraus discussed the current year’s renewal letter and stewardship pieces and noted the recent changes to those documents. The committee was fond of the new thank-you card signed by the Clark Scholars. Janine discussed aspects of the Student Philanthropy Education program, which include Senior Class Legacy, Student Foundation, Frogs for Life and educational awareness geared towards each class. She also said that Annual Fund utilizes Phonathon and staff members to solicit donors. It was suggested by a committee member that Annual Fund should provide a pledge agreement to new graduates who don’t have the money to join the society but who want to eventually give back to the university.

V.  Review new VIP Reception invitation for those recognized for reaching a new lifetime or consecutive giving level

The committee members gave positive feedback on the invitation.

VI.  Discuss new lifetime giving awards

The artist who used to create the Clark brothers statue is unable to provide TCU with those pieces in the future, so the group was asked to brainstorm new ideas for the Centurion gift. It was suggested we contact the artist who made the Horned Frog statue outside Sadler Hall. Cindy Buschman suggested an artist from the Austin area who designs TCU themed items. Jim Barber suggested a Horned Frog pen set to be displayed on an office desk and Cheryl Wilson said she preferred a desktop item over a wall hanging. Mike Mullins suggested crystal, others suggested carved wood or a paper weight medallion. Another pitched the idea we commission a competition among artist alumni, one person suggested we give donors a choice of award, while another said we should get an advisory committee together of people from the Kimbell Art Museum.

VII.  Marketing Plan

The group discussed revising the Clark Society Mission Statement to say “support” instead of “give.” The committee reviewed a proposed values statement and proposed taglines. The tagline to receive the most votes was “Investing today for tomorrow’s leaders.” It was mentioned that the group does not like to repeat the word “society.” They would also like to incorporate the “leadership donors” into the existing tagline. Julie said TCU staff would work on the incorporation and present the outcome to the committee in a conference call that would include “next steps” in the marketing plan.

VIII.  Review Clark Society Flash Cards

Every member received a set of flash cards, which contained quick facts about TCU and Clark Society. The committee liked the packaging of the cards and thought they were a great idea. Julie reminded them that I originated in the Clark Committee by former board member, Sara Donaldson. Julie asked the committee to review the cards and email her at should they have recommendations for additions to the cards. She also stated that the final version would be presented to the full board during Leadership Weekend.

IX.  Clark Weekend Update

We had nearly 400 people RSVP for the Dancing With the Frogs event. For the VIP Reception, there were 120 people coming. About 200 people RSVPed for the pre-game event on Saturday. Julie solicited ideas for the theme of Clark Weekend 2012. She asked that people call or email her at with ideas. Time was short for this topic, but some suggestions were moving the event off campus, having a black tie event to celebrate the end of The Campaign for TCU, and having a dinner and dance.

While discussing events, Jay Schiedeman also recommended that the full Clark Society be invited to events such as facility dedications. He also recommended that the invitations state they are invited because of their Clark Society membership.

X.  Review Strategic Plan

We are on schedule to complete this; however, we ran out of time to discuss it in depth.

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.