ESR Student Meeting For Business Minutes

Friday, March 7, 03

Meeting began at 12:20 with open worship, with Steve Clever, Karen Yeager-Stiver, David Ashcraft, Jeff Wolfe, John Todd, Joanne Afshar, Steve Ackley, April Vanlonden Degner, Peter Buck, Jessica Bucciarelli, Margaret Hawthorn, Aaron Nell, and Keith Sellers in attendance.

1. After making minor spelling corrections, the meeting approved minutes of January 31.

2. Karen Yeager-Stiver read a letter that has been sent to clerks of all committees, asking for descriptions of committee responsibilities.

3. Pastoral Care Committee: Keith Sellers reported that the committee meets every Wednesday to talk about pastoral concerns and to hold the community in prayer.

4. Nominating Committee: Joanne Afshar brought a list of names forward. She will put the names in students’ mailboxes so that anyone interested in adding a name or bringing a concern will be able to do so by contacting the committee. With the exception of a clerk or co-clerks, the nominating slate is basically full, although anyone wishing to join a committee in the fall would be welcome.

5. Common Meal Committee: Aaron Nell reported that between the loss of committee member Nancy Michaels and uncertainty over whether Landrum Bolling would be able to speak, this semester has been hectic. The committee honored Nancy with a gift certificate for the work she’s done on Common Meal. Lots of weeks for the fall semester are already filled, and the program looks diverse.

6. Spring Banquet Committee: Jessica Bucciarelli reported that the committee is focusing on how to fashion the event to fit this particular class. Suggestions are welcome. Jessica will visit the senior class meeting to ask if they have particular wishes for the banquet.

7. Board of Trustees meeting: Aaron Nell reported that resources are tight at Earlham, although not at crisis level. In ESR’s fundraising, the major gifts aspect needs to be developed. ESR currently has 100 students enrolled.

8. Medieval Dinner Committee: April Vanlonden Degner reported that the dinner will be Saturday, April 12 at 5:30 in the ESR Student Center. The early start is to make it a family friendly evening. The meal will feature vocal and instrumental music. Vegetarian and meat dishes will both be served. Jamie Risser is in charge of food. Anyone interested in contributing a dish can ask April about a website for medieval recipes.

9. The meeting moved into a discussion about the purpose and nature of SMB. Steve Clever described SMB as having a “hinge” feeling at the moment. Nominations and discussions about the function of SMB have us looking forward to next year, while details for this term remain to be taken care of.

Does a description of what SMB is exist? How can we move into next year feeling strong? The group agreed to plan a barbecue (veggie & meat) at the rise of SMB on Friday, April 4 for fellowship and to discuss how we might strengthen SMB. All ESR students are encouraged to participate.

10. Meeting closed with a few moments of silent worship.

Respectfully submitted by Margaret Hawthorn