The official minutes of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees are maintained by the Secretary of the Board. Certified copies of minutes may be requested by contacting the Board of Trustees’ Office. Electronic or other copies of original minutes are not official Board of Trustees' documents.

The Ad Hoc Committee on Advancement of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees met Thursday, February 13, 2003, at 10:05 a.m. in the Carolina Plaza Board Room.

Members present were: Mr. Herbert C. Adams, Chairman; Mrs. Helen C. Harvey; Mr. Toney J. Lister; Mr. Miles Loadholt; Mr. M. Wayne Staton; and Mr. Mack I. Whittle, Jr., Board Chairman. Mr. William C. Hubbard was absent. Other Trustees present were: Mr. Arthur S. Bahnmuller; Mr. James Bradley; Mr. Samuel R. Foster, II; Mr. Michael J. Mungo; Mr. Robert N. McLellan; Mr. James A. Shufford, III; and Mr. Othniel H. Wienges, Jr.

Others present were: President Andrew A. Sorensen; Secretary Thomas L. Stepp; Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Jerome D. Odom; Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer William F. Hogue; Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Richard W. Kelly; Vice President for Human Resources Jane M. Jameson; Vice President for Student and Alumni Services and Interim Vice President for Development Dennis A. Pruitt; Vice Provost and Executive Dean for Regional Campuses and Continuing Education Chris P. Plyler; General Counsel Walter (Terry) H. Parham; Senior Director of Development J. Cantey Heath, Jr.; Director of the Department of Athletics Michael B. McGee; Senior Director of Planned Giving and Legal Liaison to the Foundations Harriette D. Wunder; Dean of USC Lancaster John Catalano; President of the Letterman's Association Clyde Jones; Director of the Office of Public Affairs Russell McKinney; and members of the media. Chairman Adams called the meeting to order and invited those present to introduce themselves. Mr. McKinney introduced members of the media who were in attendance. Chairman Adams stated that notice of the meeting had been posted and the press notified as required by the Freedom of Information Act; the agenda and supporting materials had been circulated; and a quorum was present to conduct business.

1. Final Report from Bicentennial Campaign: Mr. Heath reported that the initial Bicentennial Campaign kick off had been held on July 1, 1995 with an initial goal of $200 million; in 1996, that goal had increased to $250 million, to $300 million in 1998, and, finally to $500 million in September 2000.

   Mr. Heath stated that three broad areas of funding sources during the seven-year campaign had been the expendable or current operations segment, the endowment funds segment, and the capital or building funds segment.

   The University's seven-year Bicentennial Capital Campaign had concluded on June 30, 2002. Private gifts and pledges had totaled $432.5 million including the discounted gift value on deferred commitments. The full face value was $506.7 million.

   Mr. Adams stated that this report was received for information.

2. Post Campaign Review and Plans for Next Campaign: Dr. Pruitt reported that he had prepared an extensive transition report for the incoming Vice President for Advancement. In the interest of time, his report for the board meeting had been condensed and would focus on the important priorities for the next campaign. Three priorities included a continued focus on fund-raising with a minimum goal of $50 million per year; an increased involvement of development officers engaged in mini campaigns for separate facilities; (i.e., the Law Center, Alumni Association and the School of Business) and the identification of donor research. Dr. Pruitt stated that the University had not been able to contact every donor in the last campaign, some of whom had USC connections and the capacity to assist with the campaign. Prior to the next campaign, the University should revisit gift naming opportunities, explore endowment levels, and adopt on-line technology which would provide opportunities for solicitation and on-line contributions. In addition, the revitalization of the University's family/parent fund, which had done very well in the past could be a major contributor to the next campaign.

   Another step in the preparation process had been President Sorensen's introduction to potential donors, media, local legislature officials and officials in Washington, DC. Of prime importance was a clear articulated vision and mission statement for the University which would provide the guidelines for the campaign and establish various needs. Funding for Scholarships would be a major effort in the next campaign.

   Dr. Pruitt believed that the University had developed a communication strategy which effectively promoted the image, stature and reputation and progress of this institution. Dr. Pruitt stressed the importance of creating stewardship opportunities, identifying new leaders and new volunteers for the upcoming campaign, and increasing University contributors. More than 93,000 individuals had contributed to the last campaign. Within the next eighteen months, the University will announce a new campaign; develop campaign transition strategies; bring a new Vice-President for University Advancement on board; complete feasibility studies; identify new leadership; and procure new leadership gifts.

   Chairman Adams stated that this report was received for information.

3. Report on Fund-Raising (first two quarters of FY 2002-2003): Ms. Wunder had reported that during fiscal year July 1, 2002 - December 31, 2002, the University had raised a total of $22,749,000 in present value or $24,516,000 in face value. The fund raising totals for the fiscal year had indicated a decline from the same time period the previous year. Based on present value, $22.75 million had been raised as compared to $27.48 million during the previous year or approximately $4.73 million less. It was noted that December 2002 was the second best on record with $9.256 million being recorded in that month alone; the highest record was $9.3 million in 1998.

   Chairman Adams stated that this report was received for information.

4. Carolina Bow Tie Bus Tour: Mr. Cantey Heath commented that Mr. Larry Pearson of USC Publications had coined the phrase "Carolina Bow Tie Bus Tour." Dr. Sorensen's goal was to visit every corner of the state to meet alumni, donors, business and community leaders, citizens from all walks of life, and USC prospective students, and to learn how the University could better serve the Palmetto State. Currently, plans for the "Bow Tie Sky Tour" were underway to provide introductions and establish effective communications with out-of-state constituencies. In December, this tour was launched in New York City; in January, Dr. Sorensen had traveled to Atlanta and later this year he planned to travel to Florida, Texas and Washington. In addition, the "2004 Bow Tie Bus Tour II" was being planned if Dr. Sorensen's schedule permitted. Mr. Heath noted that the University had received many positive comments from alumni regarding Dr. Sorensen including the following:

   "He has been touching base with places we've needed to touch base with and I'm glad to see him expending the energy and trying to make himself known and available in the community."

   "It was brilliant for him to get into the community at the local levels to find out what's on our minds, ask questions, and share with us."

   Dr. Sorensen thanked Mr. Loadholt and Mr. Adams for attending a majority of the Bow Tie Bus Tour events with him. He also thanked all board members for their support and participation as he traveled to the forty-six counties in the state.

   Chairman Adams stated that this report was received for information.

5. Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Awards: Dr. Pruitt stated that recently the Alumni Association had won an award of excellence for its overall program. The application process was extensive and was based on various criteria including membership gains, contributions to the institution, and program and services to the members. Currently, the Alumni Association was ranked 38th nationally in terms of the percentage of contributing alumni and 8th among public institutions. Dr. Pruitt commended the USC Publications department and the Alumni Association for their excellent job.

   Chairman Adams stated that this report was received for information.

6. Report on United Way, Heart Walk, Martin Luther King Day and Other Community Services and Outreach Programs: Dr. Pruitt reported that the Sorensen administration was making a special effort in expanding outreach and community service programs. The University was currently involved in several outreach programs including United Way, Heart Walk, and Martin Luther King Day which was making positively impacting the institution's public image.

   In an effort to increase University publicity, Dr. Sorensen had recently chaired a panel on homeland defense as part of a national meeting of college presidents and provosts. In addition, since his arrival in July Dr. Sorensen had spoken to several Chambers of Commerce; the 2003 Economic Development Conference hosted by the SC Banquet Association; delivered papers on quality improvement; and hosted round tables to discuss common issues and problems. Dr. Sorensen had also connected USC with the community by visiting various churches, civic groups, and organizations; chaired the Heart Walk campaign; attended Mayors Conference on Technology; and participated in the annual Martin Luther King Day of Service. He further invited the faculty and staff to engage in similar activities.

   President Sorensen had requested that the University put together a publication of all of the national press which it had received from May to December 2002. A variety of stories about USC had been published in various newspapers including the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Los Angles Times, Charlotte Observer, Baltimore Sun, Salt Lake Tribune, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Chicago Times, New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer. Another area of focus was increasing the visibility of faculty, students and staff in the national news media, including television and radio. This exposure would positively impact the University's image and reputation.

   Chairman Adams stated that this report was received for information.

   There were no other matters to come before the Committee and Chairman Adams declared the meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Thomas L. Stepp
Secretary