Minutes of CTCAAi Business Session Meeting
held Saturday July 23, 2011
The meeting started with the president's, Michael Andrews' apology for the late start..He introduced Pearline Williams- Batch 1, who welcomed friends, colleagues. She stated that the association had been birthed, died and re-birthed since 1996 when she was elected president. She mentioned overseas attendants and the growth of the college. Mike Andrews, president of the overseas attendants confirmed the welcome that we feel, the good food fed to us etc. Prayer was offered by Rev. Dervent Wiltshire.
Clover then chaired the Rally of the Batches amidst Mike's declaration that the focus is not on batches but we just like to know where are in terms of batch representation. He acknowledged that for sometime some of us wanted to do something but it seemed that the stars are just now aligned. Coupled with the alignment of the stars, the college is now headed by an alumnus. Here, he introduced, the principal-- Garth Anderson, who respectfully “recognized” presidents and super-super seniors.
Mr. Anderson thanked us for what we did so he and others could inherit the place.
He mentioned four decades of history, Spathodia taking Jones Hall out of commission, the staff being highly qualified with 98% holding MA/doctoral degrees, about 700 full time students with all programs up to secondary level. Additionally, he mentioned that the college, as well as Ms. Radway, has received the prestigious JJ Mills award. The college also received an award this year. It is known for Math and Science. More than a 1/3rd of the staff is alumni and that the Government had moved away from financing tertiary institutions, with salaries being the only funds received. He also stated that with the line item being cut every year new and returning students face a challenge with tuition at J$170K and J$60K for housing. Mr Anderson went on to express his hopes that we can do something in the line of scholarships, bursaries, the increased need for buildings, the library's need for new books/equipment to the tune of J3M. The pool is currently out of commission, and solar-powered hot water is being explored to remedy the lack of hot water on the resident halls.
Principal Anderson reported also that as of September 1, 2011, the first batch of degree students, approximately 120 persons, will be enrolled. The campus will receive a visit from the Accreditation Committee. This committee will look at Labs, lecturers, housing, governance & structure etc. The Ministry of Education has asked the college to be the premier science-teacher training facility in the island consequently the need has arisen for an up to date science center. He hopes that we will get contributions to break ground in August for a state of the art facility consisting of 3-floors. He also identified the need for a block of 10 classrooms to house the college and the continuation of discussions to become a University, where nursing and hospitality degrees will be offered.. He also stated that plans are afoot to establish sites outside of the parish and that the Anglican Church had been approached for lease of lands owned by them. After his address, the principal then allowed questions from the audience which ranged from :
1. Has the college thought of forming a “friends of CTC” group to reach out to businesses in the area? -Resp: No but could be done
2. What is his vision on alumni help? -Resp: Scholarships for needy students, fundraising, decision making, financial help and grant writing.
3. Online Education? -Has been considered but we still need space conventional teacher training.
4. Have business partnerships been considered? -The Ministry has not done so but the Board is open to this.
5. Is there an office specifically set up for fundraising only? -Resp: this has been thought about and a past student has been identified but an assistant is needed.
Mention was also made about the collaboration with Temple University, past students participation in the orientation of new students and the suggestion of growing food to cut down on food expenses at the college. The response to this latter suggestion was that space is an issue. The principal's address culminated and Hepburn Davis took to the dais to explain the CTCAAi Concept. After noting his elation at seeing old friends and meeting new ones, he explained that we could either be about something or nothing. Since we are choosing to be about something, we have to be clear about what we are about. We have united with passion on the concept of R2R —return to reciprocate- This launch is first in the history of CTC-- all batches have come together. In order to achieve our goal we must be involved in the students’ institutional life from orientation to graduation. Hepburn went to talk about the need for a liaison to report back to us. We want to survive and b e the best we can be and of our kind. We have to step up to fill the gaps left by government to make the college be a premier university.
After Hepburn's explanation Mike thanked him and gave a summary of the forming of the “CTCaluminiassociationusainc”. He made reference to Alejandro Wilson-- the grandfather of the movement, ET-Errol Tomlinson-- the financial backer, who paid the food tab after the meetings at China Buffet, The Kettle's residence where we met and decided to form a corporation to protect members from litigation. He went to explain that we formed a non-profit organization which we registered in the state of Florida. We operate under Articles of Incorporation with attendant By Laws (copies available on website and at the college.). Additionally, our focus is the college, our theme is R2R—Return to Reciprocate. He reiterated his appreciation of everyone who had come to join us from overseas as well as those who live here (Jamaica). He urged each of us to read the By Laws and then opened to floor questions.
At this point, members of the Mandeville-Jamaica Chapter voiced their disagreement with the USA delegation being referred to as the “first” alumni association. It was pointed out that a search was done and no such prior organization found. Discussions became agitated and the tension in the theatre was noted by Pearline Williams who spoke next. She then explained the history of the group of which she had been elected president and difficulties involved in keeping active. She also highlighted the positve accomplishments of her group as: The honoring of Principals (Dr. Ken Thaxter being the first person to move through the ranks as principal), guest speaker Prof, A Glaze in Home Coming 1997. Ms. Williams then identified non-participation of Churchites at events like Founder Week-- Alumni Day and immigration as contributing to the “death” of the first group. She opined that we need more time before we can decide on the Head of the Association being overseas. Here Principal Garth Anderson suggested that we pull aide members from both boards to discuss the matter, hence a motion to have a nucleus group of both sides to find a resolution was made by Alejandro Wilson and seconded by Peter Webster to adjourn the general meeting.
Nucleus Meeting: co-chaired by Mike Andrews and Peter Webster. Peter opened in a brief prayer for guidance and observed that we need people with heart and commitment. There were vibrant discussions back and forth with some members taking exception to a comment made by Hepburn. Concerns like where would the Annual General Meetings be held, should we call this meeting today an annual meeting. After some back and forth the By Laws were accepted and the general meeting reconvened at 3:10 p.m.
Mike reported that the boards had accepted the By Laws and asked for a vote after giving clarification on “term limits”. A vote was then taken and the laws were accepted with the pertinent changes discussed. Mike opined that we had violated our constitution by taking a vote with all non-paid up members. However, ET Tomlinson reminded us that once 12 or more of the voters were fully paid up we were not in fact in violation.
Alejandro then gave a brief report on membership. He cited the main tool as networking via the internet, yahoo, facebook and graduates.com. To date we have 140 members on the website. Tony Norman stated issues with facebook. He said that Mr Beadle has cell phones listed in the database of the college. Judy stated that outgoing batches can be informed. Dwight Kettle then report on the state of the Chapel Appeal – the ceiling has been completed but floors and chairs needed J$2M for completion, we currently have J$50K of that. Crouse Campbell then gave a summary of the refurbishing of the chapel. He said the work can be done in 3-weeks. He mentioned tile fundraising and gave his cell phone, 876-450-2340. Mention was then made of the fact that the finances/dues of the local chapters would be handled by the treasurer at J$3K per year. An account has been opened at (NCB) Bank in Mandeville. Tony Norman ventured to state that the concept of registration fees is new to the Jamaican culture. Barry Farquharson, treasurer of CTCAAi then cited pages of the By Laws specifically relating to dues etc: that is, Pages 11, 12 item 11-1, 11-3. Mike then talked about the auditing schedule in place and Heather Kettle ended by talking about the way forward. She opined that basically the way forward is Unity-- the input from everyone. The meeting was then adjourned.
Submitted by C. Hughie-Scott
held Saturday July 23, 2011
The meeting started with the president's, Michael Andrews' apology for the late start..He introduced Pearline Williams- Batch 1, who welcomed friends, colleagues. She stated that the association had been birthed, died and re-birthed since 1996 when she was elected president. She mentioned overseas attendants and the growth of the college. Mike Andrews, president of the overseas attendants confirmed the welcome that we feel, the good food fed to us etc. Prayer was offered by Rev. Dervent Wiltshire.
Clover then chaired the Rally of the Batches amidst Mike's declaration that the focus is not on batches but we just like to know where are in terms of batch representation. He acknowledged that for sometime some of us wanted to do something but it seemed that the stars are just now aligned. Coupled with the alignment of the stars, the college is now headed by an alumnus. Here, he introduced, the principal-- Garth Anderson, who respectfully “recognized” presidents and super-super seniors.
Mr. Anderson thanked us for what we did so he and others could inherit the place.
He mentioned four decades of history, Spathodia taking Jones Hall out of commission, the staff being highly qualified with 98% holding MA/doctoral degrees, about 700 full time students with all programs up to secondary level. Additionally, he mentioned that the college, as well as Ms. Radway, has received the prestigious JJ Mills award. The college also received an award this year. It is known for Math and Science. More than a 1/3rd of the staff is alumni and that the Government had moved away from financing tertiary institutions, with salaries being the only funds received. He also stated that with the line item being cut every year new and returning students face a challenge with tuition at J$170K and J$60K for housing. Mr Anderson went on to express his hopes that we can do something in the line of scholarships, bursaries, the increased need for buildings, the library's need for new books/equipment to the tune of J3M. The pool is currently out of commission, and solar-powered hot water is being explored to remedy the lack of hot water on the resident halls.
Principal Anderson reported also that as of September 1, 2011, the first batch of degree students, approximately 120 persons, will be enrolled. The campus will receive a visit from the Accreditation Committee. This committee will look at Labs, lecturers, housing, governance & structure etc. The Ministry of Education has asked the college to be the premier science-teacher training facility in the island consequently the need has arisen for an up to date science center. He hopes that we will get contributions to break ground in August for a state of the art facility consisting of 3-floors. He also identified the need for a block of 10 classrooms to house the college and the continuation of discussions to become a University, where nursing and hospitality degrees will be offered.. He also stated that plans are afoot to establish sites outside of the parish and that the Anglican Church had been approached for lease of lands owned by them. After his address, the principal then allowed questions from the audience which ranged from :
1. Has the college thought of forming a “friends of CTC” group to reach out to businesses in the area? -Resp: No but could be done
2. What is his vision on alumni help? -Resp: Scholarships for needy students, fundraising, decision making, financial help and grant writing.
3. Online Education? -Has been considered but we still need space conventional teacher training.
4. Have business partnerships been considered? -The Ministry has not done so but the Board is open to this.
5. Is there an office specifically set up for fundraising only? -Resp: this has been thought about and a past student has been identified but an assistant is needed.
Mention was also made about the collaboration with Temple University, past students participation in the orientation of new students and the suggestion of growing food to cut down on food expenses at the college. The response to this latter suggestion was that space is an issue. The principal's address culminated and Hepburn Davis took to the dais to explain the CTCAAi Concept. After noting his elation at seeing old friends and meeting new ones, he explained that we could either be about something or nothing. Since we are choosing to be about something, we have to be clear about what we are about. We have united with passion on the concept of R2R —return to reciprocate- This launch is first in the history of CTC-- all batches have come together. In order to achieve our goal we must be involved in the students’ institutional life from orientation to graduation. Hepburn went to talk about the need for a liaison to report back to us. We want to survive and b e the best we can be and of our kind. We have to step up to fill the gaps left by government to make the college be a premier university.
After Hepburn's explanation Mike thanked him and gave a summary of the forming of the “CTCaluminiassociationusainc”. He made reference to Alejandro Wilson-- the grandfather of the movement, ET-Errol Tomlinson-- the financial backer, who paid the food tab after the meetings at China Buffet, The Kettle's residence where we met and decided to form a corporation to protect members from litigation. He went to explain that we formed a non-profit organization which we registered in the state of Florida. We operate under Articles of Incorporation with attendant By Laws (copies available on website and at the college.). Additionally, our focus is the college, our theme is R2R—Return to Reciprocate. He reiterated his appreciation of everyone who had come to join us from overseas as well as those who live here (Jamaica). He urged each of us to read the By Laws and then opened to floor questions.
At this point, members of the Mandeville-Jamaica Chapter voiced their disagreement with the USA delegation being referred to as the “first” alumni association. It was pointed out that a search was done and no such prior organization found. Discussions became agitated and the tension in the theatre was noted by Pearline Williams who spoke next. She then explained the history of the group of which she had been elected president and difficulties involved in keeping active. She also highlighted the positve accomplishments of her group as: The honoring of Principals (Dr. Ken Thaxter being the first person to move through the ranks as principal), guest speaker Prof, A Glaze in Home Coming 1997. Ms. Williams then identified non-participation of Churchites at events like Founder Week-- Alumni Day and immigration as contributing to the “death” of the first group. She opined that we need more time before we can decide on the Head of the Association being overseas. Here Principal Garth Anderson suggested that we pull aide members from both boards to discuss the matter, hence a motion to have a nucleus group of both sides to find a resolution was made by Alejandro Wilson and seconded by Peter Webster to adjourn the general meeting.
Nucleus Meeting: co-chaired by Mike Andrews and Peter Webster. Peter opened in a brief prayer for guidance and observed that we need people with heart and commitment. There were vibrant discussions back and forth with some members taking exception to a comment made by Hepburn. Concerns like where would the Annual General Meetings be held, should we call this meeting today an annual meeting. After some back and forth the By Laws were accepted and the general meeting reconvened at 3:10 p.m.
Mike reported that the boards had accepted the By Laws and asked for a vote after giving clarification on “term limits”. A vote was then taken and the laws were accepted with the pertinent changes discussed. Mike opined that we had violated our constitution by taking a vote with all non-paid up members. However, ET Tomlinson reminded us that once 12 or more of the voters were fully paid up we were not in fact in violation.
Alejandro then gave a brief report on membership. He cited the main tool as networking via the internet, yahoo, facebook and graduates.com. To date we have 140 members on the website. Tony Norman stated issues with facebook. He said that Mr Beadle has cell phones listed in the database of the college. Judy stated that outgoing batches can be informed. Dwight Kettle then report on the state of the Chapel Appeal – the ceiling has been completed but floors and chairs needed J$2M for completion, we currently have J$50K of that. Crouse Campbell then gave a summary of the refurbishing of the chapel. He said the work can be done in 3-weeks. He mentioned tile fundraising and gave his cell phone, 876-450-2340. Mention was then made of the fact that the finances/dues of the local chapters would be handled by the treasurer at J$3K per year. An account has been opened at (NCB) Bank in Mandeville. Tony Norman ventured to state that the concept of registration fees is new to the Jamaican culture. Barry Farquharson, treasurer of CTCAAi then cited pages of the By Laws specifically relating to dues etc: that is, Pages 11, 12 item 11-1, 11-3. Mike then talked about the auditing schedule in place and Heather Kettle ended by talking about the way forward. She opined that basically the way forward is Unity-- the input from everyone. The meeting was then adjourned.
Submitted by C. Hughie-Scott