FXW Inaugural Alumni Organizational Meeting September 18, 2013 Meeting Minutes Attendees: Lana Buseman ’02, Michele Cahill (Development Associate), Terrance Chatman ’02, Michael Gillot ’00, Kyle Gordon ‘01, Rob Gordon ’00, Margaret Hermanek ‘01, Kenzie Hunt ’12, Monica Jones ’10, PJ Jones ’03, Morgan Mellske ’03 I
Review of Alumni Relations Objectives a. Re-connect: Keep alumni informed of FXW activities, programs and alumni news b. Community & Camaraderie: Promote a strong sense of community among alumni through targeted programming and communications c. FUTURE: Mentorship and Networking
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FY 12-13: Review of Initiatives, Events and Activities a. Alumni Database Project i. Sent Welcome/Introduction Mailing (February) ii. Continuing 1. Class reps/committee to browse high school/college databases for updated contact info 2. Word of Mouth b. Online Platforms i. Website: www.fxw.org/alumni ii. Facebook Page: Spread the word about the page and ask people to become a fan iii. Quarterly eNewsletter c. Volunteer/Service Opportunities i. Ultimate Family Playdate 1. Had 10 Alumni Volunteers help at UFP. Worked at different activity stations 2. Good volunteer opportunity for high school students looking to complete community service hours 3. Also promoted interaction with current students and families ii. CATC Scholarship Dinner 1. Volunteers: 4 2. Alumni Attendees: 10 iii. OSP World’s Largest Block Party 1. 5 Alumni Volunteers & 2 Friends 2. Really fun event working Beer Station 3. Looks like will continue for future years d. Graduation i. Alumni Association Welcome & Gift at Friday Luncheon ii. Alumni Parent/Graduating Family Recognition
e. FXW Day & Young Professionals Happy Hour i. 1 Attendee at FXW Day March ii. 5 Attendees at YP Happy Hour III FY 13-14: What’s Ahead a. Summer i. Classes of 2008 & 2009 Reunion 1. Over 30 in attendance across both grades 2. Continue to do reunions on a 5 year cycle 3. Other ideas for event locations/types of activities for this group (note under 21)? ii. Summer Baseball Outing 1. Only 10 tickets purchased 2. For future years consider Cubs outing as more appealing and might be cheaper 3. Also perhaps a rooftop option iii. College & High School Send-Off Mailing b. Fall i. High School Fair (October 2nd) 1. We are looking for alumni volunteers to come and represent their high schools and speak to prospective students and families 2. If you are interested in attending please contact cahillm@fxw.org or 312.268.2569 ii. Alumni Tailgate for FXW Football Game/Playoffs 1. Schedule of games attached 2. Will let alumni community know if reach playoffs and what game we will be at iii. Young Professionals MNF Event & Food Drive (November 4) 1. Details: a. Location: Ignatius Alumni House b. Cost: $10 – includes food, beer, wine, soft drinks c. Must be 21 and Over to attend d. Will also be collecting canned food for OSP/FXW thanksgiving food drive 2. Fundraising for CATC a. Squares: prizes for 1st thru 3rd quarter and 50/50 split for final score 3. Class Reps/Committee Members to contact classmates directly about event a. Michele will send class lists to class reps/active committee members to reach out c. Winter i. Alumni Holiday Basketball Game (December 19) 1. Change to Dodgeball if school admin is okay with concept 2. Have it be teams of In School vs. Out of School 3. Light refreshments and perhaps post-party for 21+ alumni ii. Young Professionals Holiday Party/Happy Hour (early January) 1. Explore locations with FXW tie (i.e. LUXE Bar, Quartinos, Carmicheals) d. Spring/Summer Events i. Young Professionals Fundraiser benefitting CATC (May/June)
1. Casino Night vs. Young Professionals Ticket Pricing for Gala or CATC Scholarship Dinner a. Casino Night (PREFERRED OPTION) i. A stand-alone young professionals event benefitting CATC ii. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and open bar (beer, wine, soft drinks) iii. Include small auction iv. Michele Cahill to begin to inquire logistics for this type of event v. Committee to reach out to classmates and friends to see if this is of interest b. Young Professionals Ticket Pricing for Gala and/or CATC Scholarship Dinner i. Committee had more nostalgia for Gala than Scholarship Dinner ii. For either event, pricing at around $95-100 seemed reasonable iii. Michele Cahill to touch base with special events director regarding this option ii. OSP Block Party – Beer Station Volunteers (June) 1. Will once again reserve slots for FXW Alumni e. 25th Anniversary (academic year 2014-2015) i. Begin to think about what the weekend looks like. ii. Weekend Event Ideas 1. Young Professionals Boat Cruise 2. Playground/Sports Activities & Picnic f.
Other Event Ideas i. Service Event Ideas 1. OSP and Blessed Sacrament Youth Center Tutoring Opportunity (South Lawndale) a. Past program 15-20 students who needed tutoring i. Tutoring 4 times per month on Saturdays and alternated 1 week at youth center and 1 week at sponsoring church/org ii. 90 minute sessions iii. Connect with teachers for areas of need iv. Provided lunch/snack v. Can be flexible in terms of timing etc. b. Opportunity seemed to better suited for High School Aged Students as they need service hours. i. Michele to discuss with OSP whether we can just direct volunteers to them and/or how best to coordinate ii. Marathon Team for CATC (Run for Scholarship) 1. Marathon seemed too daunting 2. Perhaps start with a shorter distance (8K/5K) and/or a race with two distance options (i.e. Rock and Roll Half Marathon and Mini Marathon/5K or Hot Chocolate 5/15K)
3. Michele to reach out to current FXW parent who proposed idea for more details and committee preference for shorter distances IV Open Brainstorming/Ideas a. Blackhawks Game i. Group tickets are more expensive/difficult to get but perhaps could work with a donor to acquire ii. Perhaps Blackhawks Watch in conjunction with holiday happy hour/party b. Bags Tournament (Summer) c. Welcome Recent College Grads Happy Hour/Networking Event (August)