SAAHJ
General Meeting
Feb. 18, 2006
St. Mary’s
University – Host: Francisco Vara-Orta
Members and guests in attendance, per
sign-in sheet: Luis
Mercado, Ernie Villarreal, Alison Beshur, Javier Rodriguez, Jason Olivarri,
Tiffany Hunt, Anais Biera, Nora Frost, Elaine Rodriguez, Angelique
Chavarria, Francisco Vara-Orta, Joe Sandoval, Rafael Saenz, Mary Anthony,
David Tijerina, Lorraine Pulido-Ramirez, Javier Flores, Ed Tijerina, Ed
Leal, Carol Schliesinger.
Call to Order/Welcome/Introductions
Joe Sandoval called the meeting to order at 10:34 a.m.
Introductions by all present followed.
Approval
of the November minutes/Secretary’s Report
Carol Schliesinger asked if there were any corrections
or additions to the January minutes.
Lorraine Ramirez-Pulido made a motion to accept the January minutes
as submitted; Ernie Villarreal seconded.
Treasurer’s Report
Nora Lopez was not
able to attend the meeting. Ed Tijerina brought the treasurer’s
report and Carol Schliesinger reported the following account balances on
her behalf: Operating fund--
$6,521.66, Scholarship Fund--
$68,913.96.
Old Business
Distinguished
Speakers Series Update
Joe described the speaker
series to the members present. Ernie mentioned the SAAHJ would partner with
the World Affairs Council for a media panel to take place in September as
one of the series’ quarterly events. Ernie added he is trying to
recruit Dallas Morning News’ Mexico correspondent Alfredo Corchado to
speak about the Mexican presidential elections. Another possible topic for
late march or early April is the growing tendency in Latin America to elect left-wing leaders in
Latin America. Ernie said the
speaker series for the third second quarter would be skipped because of the
gala taking place in July. He also asked members for additional topic
suggestions or for members interested in helping out with the speaker
series or the gala to contact him directly. Ernie's email is ernie@tpr.org
Javier Rodriguez
asked about past attendance, format and history of the speaker series.
Ernie explained the series is relatively new since there has only been one
speaker series. He described the event and mentioned parking has been a
problem, since the event is held at the Westin Riverwalk. He also said
Teresa Niño had suggested in the past to do a panel of speakers. Ernie
added he can use extra help from members interested in this committee.
Donation Request from The
Rattler
Joe gave a brief summary
of the donation made to The Rattler. Francisco Vara-Orta gave Carol the
check to reimburse the organization for the camera donation. Francisco gave
a brief background of the growth the student newspaper had experienced in
the past 4 years. Angelique Chavarria, photo editor for The Rattler, talked
about their camera needs and the difference the donation is going to make
for the newspaper.
2006 Scholarship Gala
Ernie announced
that the Scholarship Gala Committee is complete. Rafael Saenz will be in
charge of silent auction and Javier Flores will be in charge of
registration. Maclovio Perez will be producing the video about honoree
Lionel Sosa. Henry Brune from the Latin Players will play during the
reception and gala. Ernie said he would like to have someone interested in
serving as a co-chair.
Carol mentioned
that the scholarship application required applicants to be a minority. Ed
said he was concerned about the perception the organization gives by
limiting applications only to minority students. Members raised several concerns that led
to a discussion about legal requirements and community perceptions. Ed made
a motion to keep this year's application the same way and create a
committee to review the application for next year.
Luis
asked about the eligibility for members. Carol read the bylaws on
memberships. Javier Rodriguez asked how many scholarships we give out every
year. Carol said the Association gives between $10,000-12,000 to a
different number of students depending on the quality of each application.
Media Mixer
Ed said the second
mixer at Piatti had a great turnout. Guests paid for their own drinks and
the Association sponsors the appetizers. Next mixer is scheduled for April
6 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Aldaco's.
New business
High School Essay Writing Contest
Lorraine
volunteered to coordinate this year’s contest. Elaine Rodriguez said
she would help. Mary suggested creating an application form for the
contest.
MATT (Mexicans and Americans
Thinking Together)
Joe
said that Lionel Sosa is trying to get a group together to work to improve
Mexico- U.S. relations. They are looking for people to write stories about
it. If you want more information contact Joe Sandoval, his email is
joesandoval@la prensa.com Luis asked if there was a website for the
organization. Joe said they are in the initial stages and are not online
yet.
Announcements
PRSA - Lorraine
invited members to the local chapter’s speaker luncheon to be held
March 2 at 11:30 at the Bright Shawl. Ed Tijerina will be the featured
speaker.
Latino Breakfast
Club – Lorraine invited members to also attend this new
organization’s meeting on Feb. 27 at 7:30 a.m. at Cha-Cha's
Restaurant on Babcock Rd. Ed mentioned Conexión sponsors the
breakfast. Victoria Varela from The Cartel Group will be the speaker for
the March breakfast.
Proliner
Awards - Mary announced the deadline
was extended until Feb. 28.
Next meeting
Our next meeting
is scheduled for Saturday, March 18 at Big Brothers, Big Sisters
of South Texas.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at
11:25 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol
Schliesinger
SAAHJ
Secretary
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