EPSILON BETA OF ALPHA TAU OMEGA
BUILDING COMPANY
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Membership on November 3, 2007:
The Annual General Membership Meeting of the Epsilon Beta of Alpha Tau Omega Building Company (an Arizona nonprofit corporation), at the University of Arizona was called to order at 9:12 a.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2007. The meeting was held at the home of Brother David Alspach at 2108 East Third Street, Tucson, Arizona. Approximately 20 members were present. Board President Rick Rupkey presided. He noted the presence of a quorum.
Treasurer Dwight Eller presented a financial report indicating a total of $3,101.52 in assets in alumni and operational accounts. He is collecting dues for the upcoming year.
Brother Bill Malcomb briefed the membership on our investment portfolio. He indicated it is $390,943 as of October 31, 2007..
Brother Bob Richardson briefed the membership on the status of the UofA Greek System. He indicated that the system is stronger than in previous years with fewer houses on suspension or probation. And the system seems to be in an expansion mode. Brother Jay Richardson briefed the Members on a proposal by Arizona State University to demolish Greek houses on Alpha Drive and replace them with a dorm-style facility which allows privacy between groups. Negotiations are underway to make it happen.
Secretary Richardson placed the following names in nomination for membership for 2007-2008 on the Building Company Board of Directors: Rick Rupkey, Sr., Scott Warren, Dwight Eller, Bill Malcomb, Anthony Marrs, Robert Ruikka, Tom Sanders, David Alspach, Lee Esch, Rusty Buss, Lee Cox, Jay Richardson and Vern Myers. On a motion by Brother Eller and a second by Brother Malcomb, nominations were closed and the Board was elected unanimously.
Under Old Business, President Rupkey briefed the Membership on an exchange of letters between ATW CEO Wynn Smiley and President Rupkey. President Rupkey's letter offered a response to CEO Smiley's concern about a court case on the books in Arizona which he feels puts National Fraternities at a higher risk of liability for actions of its chapters than exists in other states. President Rupkey read his letter to the Members and the response from CEO Smiley. In the response, Brother Smiley expressed his appreciation for the letter but stated statements by an appealate judge in the case are concerning. He also said there were other reasons ATW would not consider rechartering at the University of Arizona. Included was a quote from another Fraternity executive calling the Greek system at UA "troubling" and "toxic".
After discussion, by concensus, the Members showed their support for the motion at the September Board meeting instructing President Rupkey to respond to CEO Smiley's letter and to also reach out to the University of Arizona student affairs office to get their reaction to CEO Smiley's characterization.
On a motion by Brother Malcomb and a second by Brother Sanders, the Members instructed the Board to explore alternative methods of Epsilon Beta returning to the University of Arizona campus as an undergraduate organization without involving Alpha Tau Omega. It passed unanimously.
The members expressed their appreciation to Brother Alspach and his wife Denny for their willingness to host the Membership Meeting and Homecoming festivities at their home.
Being no further business, on a motion by Brother Sanders and second by Brother Myers, the meeting adjourned at 10:17 a.m.
These minutes were approved by the Board of Directors at it's Regular Meeting:__November 17, 2007_______________.
ROBERT A. RICHARDSON/Secretary of the Board