Annual Alumni Association Meeting re-cap
Sue Snaman Edwards (MRP '84)

A dozen loyal alumni came out for the DCRP Alumni
Association meeting on Sunday morning, September 24, 2006. 
Great representation by the classes '62 to '72.  Everyone was
greatly energized by keynote speaker Martin Eakes as well as
the concurrent panel presentations on Hurricane Katrina and
predatory lending.

Department Chair Emil Malizia provided an informal "state of the
department" report including efforts and challenges for faculty
recruitment and retention (it's a good time to have a PhD in
Planning); student recruitment; status of all accounts under the
DCRP Trust Fund(s) and the historically correct paint color for
New East.


I will leave it to Emil to identify the amount held in the departmental trust funds - suffice it to say than the two graduating
classes to follow the exceptional Class of 1978 were not as responsive in their fund-raising at 25 years post-graduation. 
Emil did enumerate that the Department has between 1700-1800 alumni (115 PhDs) over the course of its 60 year history.  
Student enrollment has been steady at about 100 Masters students and 20-25 doctoral students.  The new Planning
undergraduate major has resulted in a few additional graduate students.  Emil reports that the quality of students remains
very high.  Harvey Goldstein manages the application process including the Open House for prospective students to be held
March 24-25, 2007.  In past years, the Planner Forum leadership requested alumni to participate in a panel discussion with
prospective and current students.  Ever favorite topics: the job search, what skills employers look for, how DCRP experience
is viewed in the workplace. (if you would like to volunteer, please contact Carolyn Turner)

The Alumni Association President reported on the dismal turnout to the UNC Alumni reception at the San Antonio APA
conference (April 2006).  The current DCRP Alumni President should be removed from office for poor social event planning
which, unfortunately, cost the Association $$.  The Association remains solvent with approximately $4,100 in the treasury. 
Treasurer Lane Sarver recommended transferring the Association's checking account to the Durham Self-Help Credit Union
founded by Martin Eakes and his organization.

For the upcoming APA conference in Philadelphia (alumni reception on Monday, April 16, 2007), UNC will share space with
the NC-APA so as not to compete with the many other DCRP-linked receptions.  We will send out post card reminders to
Mid-Atlantic alumni encouraging them to attend the reception regardless of whether they register for the conference.  Posters
of student work will be displayed to establish the link to UNC.  NC-APA shares an off-site reception location (to be determined)
with the Texas APA.

The greatest discussion ensued concerning reconnecting the Alumni Association with Carolina Planning.  NC-APA members
receive Carolina Planning (2x year) as part of their state chapter membership.  Treasurer Lane Sarver will explore the costs of
partial support of Carolina Planning in exchange for DCRP Alumni Association members receiving the publication.  This will
mean reinstating a formal dues solicitation ($25 year).

The final topic was election of officers.  As no one stepped forward for the job, Sue Edwards agreed to continue as President. 
The 2007 annual meeting, as required by Association By-laws will take place the weekend of March 24-25.

Submitted by Sue Snaman Edwards
sue.edwards@mncppc.org
301-495-4518