Members present (5): President Lonny Cain, 1st Vice President Jan Larsen, Executive Secretary Lois Self, Treasurer Jim Slonoff, 2nd Vice President Kim Kubiak.

Members absent (2): Past President Rick Nagel, Member-at-Large Pam Lannom.

Guests present: Dana Kunkel, communication dept. secretary; Jim Killam, communications coordinator.

Cain called the meeting to order at 9:20 a.m.

Slonoff distributed a budget recap for 2001, and said NINA should have about $500 in its account by year's end. Dues revenue held steady this year. He also has cut checks for winners of October's Best Clip and Best Photo contests.

Scholarship funding was discussed. In recent years, NINA has given NIU $3,000 annually to fund scholarships for NIU journalism students. Slonoff asked if the board might want to consider decreasing that amount by $500 or $1,000, because of a potential for less revenue as more and more NINA newspapers consolidate. Self said the department has had success in growing more scholarships recently, and that a slight decrease in NINA funding would not make a big impact. For instance, she said, a new scholarship in memory of journalism and Northern Star alum David Onak already has become endowed, thanks to a $17,500 donation from the Professional Golf Association. The matter will be discussed at the full board meeting.

Tentative committee assignments were made, contingent on approval by the full board. See full board minutes.

Slonoff relayed a suggestion from Lannom that committee meetings take place at 9 a.m. prior to all regular, quarterly board meetings at 10 a.m. (possibly with a short executive board meeting sandwiched between). The idea will be discussed at the full board meeting.

The board will recommend the following new members, to fill vacant seats: Randy Swikle, journalism teacher at Johnsburg High School; and Wally Haas, editorial page editor of the Rockford Register Star.

Meeting adjourned at 10 a.m.

Minutes submitted by Jim Killam, communications coordinator