Presentations made to the Parent Presidents August 31, 2006

USMMA (VADM Stewart)

Parents Club presentation Admissions 31Aug2006.pdf (Capt Johnson)

Powerpoint Presentation (Capt Allee)

USMMA Engineering Programs (Jose Femenia)

Department of marine transportation (Captain George Sandberg's Power Point as presented by Professor Muller)

PowerPoint Presentation (National Co-Chairs - Peter and Stephanie Meyers)

United States Merchant Marine Academy Parents’ Association
Presidents’ Conference
August 31, 2006
Minutes 

Parents' Coordinator Shirley Anthony opened the meeting of Association Presidents and Regional Vice Presidents at 0830 in Room 227 of Samuels Hall. Mrs. Anthony noted that a majority of Regional Vice Presidents and many state presidents were in attendance. She thanked them for their dedication and "all work, no pay" in support of the Academy.

 Mrs. Anthony introduced CAPT Robert Larsen (KP '72), Director Office of Public Affairs who will celebrate his 30^th anniversary on USMMA Staff in January.  CAPT Larsen welcomed the group and thanked Ensign Ty Barrion for his assistance in coordinating the event. He also thanked LT Colton Heaps (our one month Air force Intern), Laura Anderson, Joan Alvarez, Marva Morris and Richard Anthony.  He noted that Shirley began her work at USMMA in 1999. At that time there were 15 Local Chapters. Today there are 36 in attendance. CAPT Larsen introduced CAPT Eric Wallischeck, Assistant Superintendent for Plans, Assessment and Public Affairs.

 

CAPT Wallischeck reviewed the Divisions of the Academy Administration- Academic managed by the Dean, Regimental managed by the Commandant, Administration with John Jochins managing the infrastructure, and the newest division Plans, Assessment and Public Affairs.

CAPT Wallischeck then explained the duties of the division.

Plans: Work on Strategic Planning and reworking the existing Mission and Values into an Action Plan.

Assessment: Evaluation, Feedback and Continual Goal setting. A Performance Management System will be used to support the process and assist in budget allocations.

Public Affairs: Improve the specific message distribution to target groups of constituents. Continue to provide press releases to parents for local publication.

 

CAPT Wallischeck entertained questions.

Gary and Terrie Hamtak (Nebraska/Matthew '08) expressed thanks for the Class of 2006 Graduation. Captain Wallischeck noted that a great deal of attention to detail was required and that the entire staff and all Midshipmen had been instrumental in the success of the event.

Region 2 Vice Presidents Anthony and Marla Vignocchi (Clayton ’07, Danielle ‘10) asked if an increase in applications is anticipated because of President Bush's attendance at graduation. CAPT Wallischeck noted that the trends would be studied and an update could be expected.

Region 11 Vice Presidents Jerry and Judy Gilmore (Scott '07) requested information on trends in hiring and opportunities for KP Graduates. They would like Academy Representatives to conduct "Regional Meetings" to work with local parents who represent KP at College Nights and All Academy Days.

 

In response CAPT Wallischeck noted that work is in progress on a photo essay wall to depict opportunities in transportation. His division is also working to develop a Speakers' Bureau and to encourage alumni to visit and update the recruitment message. CAPT Wallischeck introduced Vice Admiral Joseph Stewart, Superintendent.

 

VADM Stewart welcomed the group and expressed his appreciation of their work and presence.

He made a Power Point presentation about current issues and concerns of interest to parents.

Topics reviewed included: Sexual Harassment, Student Mentors and Women's Events, the successful campaign for inclusion of USMMA Midshipmen in Presidential Funerals, Class of 2010 Statistics, New Personnel Assignments, Budget, Capital improvements, Accreditation, progress on establishing the Landmark Conference, and Alumni Foundation support. The Power Point presentation is available on line at the Parent's Page of the Academy's web site. VADM Stewart entertained questions.

Topics included statistics on total graduates from the Uniformed Academies, the new Masters Marine Engineering program, Alumni Support, effective gifting to the academy, the recent ratings and associated article in the Princeton Review. He extended an invitation to the group to attend the reception at Quarters A prior to dinner at Melville Hall.

 

Author Elliot Lumbard spoke about his work on "A Place in History: A Journey Commemorated". The history of the Academy is complete. Work on the history of the Maritime Experience continues with an anticipated completion in the fall of 2007. Mr. Lumbard requested the group's assistance in promoting the books and educating the public,

 

Following a brief break, CAPT Robert Allee, Commandant, was introduced and reviewed the busy schedule of events at the academy since Graduation. He outlined the changes of assignment of Company Officers and the recent decision to eliminate the winter work uniform. Khaki will be worn year round with the addition of a sweater when needed. He reviewed the predominant challenges faced by his division related to MIDN. They are scheduling, Honor Code and Discipline. CAPT Allee reviewed the steps of intervention that are implemented when underage drinking occurs.

 

National Co-Chair Peter Meyers led an introduction period for the attendees. He encouraged Regional Vice Presidents to stay in touch with their Local Chapter Presidents. He noted that Parents' Association Presidents are still needed in Alaska, Alabama, Iowa. Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Oregon, Republic of Panama, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Mr. Meyers led a discussion of recruitment tactics.

The meeting recessed at 1100 for a group photo, viewing the March-in of the Regiment and lunch at Delano Hall.

 

Peter Meyers reconvened the meeting at 1300. He introduced CAPT Robert Johnson, Director of Admissions. CAPT Johnson presented “We Deliver”, a program detailing the contributions of USMMA to the economic and military interests of the USA. He shared information about the admissions process, the importance of the athletic program to recruitment, statistics for the class of 2010.  He also acknowledged the key roles played by Parents' Association members as force multipliers who enhance admissions effectiveness, add credibility at the local level, serve as role models and increase access to local schools. He recognized them for their participation and influence as representatives at College Fairs and Academy Day.  He also thanked them for their work as liaisons with parents of candidates.

He noted that parents may become Field Representatives. CAPT Johnson's Power Point presentation is posted on the Parents' Page of the USMMA web site.

 

Professor Jose Femenia, Engineering Department Head introduced his program as the "most balanced engineering program" because of the inclusion of both academic and practical learning. He reviewed the Engineering majors and the Engineering Masters. There are currently 14 Masters program students. The maximum allowed will be 25. American citizenship is required for admission to the program. The Engineering Department has 23 full time faculty members. The students participate in 12 terms- 9 on campus and 3 at see. Their training includes shipboard and leadership skills as well as academics.

 

Dr. Jane Brickman, Humanities Department Head began her presentation with a plea: "Tell your students that Humanities Count!" She reviewed the requirements for Humanities in the curriculum including the Sea Duty project. Dr. Brickman also explained the Academic Honor Society and the department's efforts to encourage "Writing Across the Curriculum".

 

Following a break, The Alumni Foundation Panel was introduced and made a presentation about their efforts to support the Academy, Midshipmen and Alumni through their networking, fundraising and allocation of donations.

 

Gene McCormick (’64), President of the Alumni Association, Pete Rackett (’61), Executive Vice President, Nick Vendikos, Vice President for Development, and Cathy Feeny, Chief Financial Officer presented information about the Activities and Achievements of the Alumni Association. 

Mr. Rackett described his position as being a “Friendraiser”. He detailed the resources made available to midshipmen and alumni through the association for career direction, seeking internships and housing during internships, awareness speakers, resume` writing coaching and free career services for the five year commitment period. Additionally, Project Acta currently funds 2 lobbyists. Mr. Rackett encouraged Local Chapters to communicate with their Local Alumni and to encourage their involvement with Parents' Associations.

 

The panel explained the avenues available for giving to Kings Point, including the Phone-a-Thon, direct mail and Internet campaigns, and planned giving. Giving is reported in the Kings Pointer and the Annual Donor Report publication.  The Panel entertained questions about billing and reminders, the allocation of unrestricted funds, and the current efforts to raise the funds needed for capitol improvements such as a new ceremonial center/band facility and athletic building.

 

Professor Gerhardt Muller, Acting Head of Marine Transportation reviewed the curriculum and graduation requirements for Midshipmen on the "deck side". Majors fall into the categories of Maritime Business, Logistics & Intermodal Transportation and Nautical Science.  He noted that his department is being called on to "think outside the box, reshape the box and think globally."

 

CAPT M.J. Sweeney USN (Ret) of USAA (US Automobile Association) provided information about the programs of the association available to midshipmen and alumni. Contact information and brochures were shared.

 

Co-President of the New York Metro Association, Sonia Codling (Aldean '08) spoke to the group about the ways that chapter serves the MIDN throughout the year. Activities include providing treats such as ice cream, donuts and home cooked meals, a holiday party and Plebe Treats at Halloween, and acting as unofficial sponsors. She requested that other chapters share in these activities through financial gifts to the NY Metro Chapter and also by sending decorations for the Christmas Tree in Land Hall.

 

Minutes from the 2005 Presidents Meeting were reviewed and approved as printed.

 

Bylaws changes were presented. Judy Tumblin (Colorado/Dylan '08) made a motion to approve the proposed changes. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The changes approved included defining the term for local chapter Presidents as 12 months, beginning in June with elections in February or March. Notification of new officers will be due to the National Parents' Program Coordinator by May 1 each year. Other changes involve editorially changing any reference in the Bylaws to Director of External Affairs to Public and any reference to Chief of Staff to Deputy Superintendent.

The group discussed defining the boundaries of North New England and South New England Chapters. North will include all areas north of the southern Massachusetts border. South will include Connecticut and Rhode Island. Marla Vignocchi made a motion that the entire state of New York will be included in the NY Metro/LI Chapter. The motion was seconded and carried. Beth Johnston (Virginia-Tidewater/Spencer '08) made a motion to change the name of the Virginia-Tidewater Chapter to Southern Virginia. The motion was seconded and carried. Motion was made by Sylvana Mery (Texas-Southeast/Ross '08) to change their Chapter's name from Texas-Southeast to South Texas Chapter. Motion seconded and carried. Motion was made by Linda Budesa (Vice President for the Tri-State PA) to include the entire state of Pennsylvania in the Tri-State Association. The motion was seconded and carried.

 

Judy Tumblin (Colorado) made a motion to adjourn it was seconded and carried. The meeting recessed for the evening activities which included a reception at Quarters A, the home of the Superintendent, followed by dinner at Melville Hall. The program included musical selections by the choir and presentation of certificates to all of the Distinguished Chapters, including

 

Friday morning, September 1, 2006, National Co-Chair Peter Meyers called the meeting to order at 0848.

Judy Tumblin (Colorado) made a motion to join the Nevada Association to the Northern California Area Association. Motion was seconded and carried.

 

Optional workshops were presented by Judy Tumblin and Ann Hall on Holiday Balls and Fund-Raising, Bob Rossi on Web Design and Stephanie and Peter Meyers on Keeping Clubs Active.  Victoria Gigante presented information on the A.C.E. program  (Academic Center for Excellence), breakfasts and other plans for encouraging academic excellence. She encouraged local chapters and individuals to support the program with their financial gifts. Power Point Presentations from the workshops are posted on the Parents' Page of the USMMA web site.

 

Peter closed the meeting at 1115 with a reminder to send feedback about the conference by email to Shirley Anthony.

 

Respectfully submitted

Lynne Grandstaff (Gulf Region VP/Robert '08, Hugh '04)