First, the bad news,
There was absolutely no public access. Not on the agenda. And not anytime during the 20 minute meeting. Not unexpected, however.
It became apparent, however, that speaking in front of the entire board may not have been the best arena to air our concerns and ask our questions
Now the good news.
The only avenue to raise concerns and ask questions to the board was to email the board secretary. An hour after I sent that email, the secretary of the board, Michael Gebhardt, responded. He was impressed with our articulate and accurate concerns and questions. He suggested we meet after the meeting.
And meet with him we did. Tannhauser, myself and Michael met in front of Saxby's on Park Mall for 3.5 hours. A lot was discussed. It was apparent that no one have ever attempted to engage the Board with an accurate list of concerns and questions.
And because of those conversations, we have a way forward..
Michael suggested we create a team of 15-20 like minded alumni. If we can create such a group (and we will), Michael with present a proposal to board chair, Michell Morgan, for an audience with selected Trustees, Michael is confident that Chairman Morgan will enthusiastically approve.
What this means is that, possible for the first time in Temple's history, a cadre of concerned alumni with have an audience with members of the Board of Trustees.
We are looking to have this meeting within the next three weeks,. As all of you know, we lack the luxury of time. We need action right now. We would like to have the list of alumni by next Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
There are some ground rules for participation
First, no employees of Temple University. For obvious reasons..
Second, you must be an investor in Temple. Which means monetary donations to the Owl Club, Tuff Fund, General Alumni Association and/or individual school's alumni associations. And participation on various alumni boards or other Temple related associations. In other words, an investment of time.
Basically, You must have skin in the game.
Lastly, when we meet with the Board, we must be act as one unit. Of course, there are concerns and questions will have different priorities with each person. But we will present as one group, one unit..
We are looking for alumni from the entire university. And that alum does not have to be all about athletics. As you all have read the concerns and question, you know that two out off three sections, were not about athletics.
We have close to 10 alums already.
If any of you would like to join, please do not hesitate to contact me at:
davidjgoldberg@icloud.com
215-450-4955
One last point, the proposed audience with the Board of one of several paths we are taking to engage with them. We are not "putting all of our eggs" in this particular basket.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge to following people:
Michael Gebhardt. For his time. For his listening. For his constructive responses. And for providing a way forward.
Tannhauser, I hope I spelled that right. He was with me from the BOT public meeting and the subsequent meeting with Michael. His presence and his insight were beyond helpful. This does not get done without him.
Andy Carl. For the TUFF Fund. For his rolodex. For his assistance with every step in this process.
There was absolutely no public access. Not on the agenda. And not anytime during the 20 minute meeting. Not unexpected, however.
It became apparent, however, that speaking in front of the entire board may not have been the best arena to air our concerns and ask our questions
Now the good news.
The only avenue to raise concerns and ask questions to the board was to email the board secretary. An hour after I sent that email, the secretary of the board, Michael Gebhardt, responded. He was impressed with our articulate and accurate concerns and questions. He suggested we meet after the meeting.
And meet with him we did. Tannhauser, myself and Michael met in front of Saxby's on Park Mall for 3.5 hours. A lot was discussed. It was apparent that no one have ever attempted to engage the Board with an accurate list of concerns and questions.
And because of those conversations, we have a way forward..
Michael suggested we create a team of 15-20 like minded alumni. If we can create such a group (and we will), Michael with present a proposal to board chair, Michell Morgan, for an audience with selected Trustees, Michael is confident that Chairman Morgan will enthusiastically approve.
What this means is that, possible for the first time in Temple's history, a cadre of concerned alumni with have an audience with members of the Board of Trustees.
We are looking to have this meeting within the next three weeks,. As all of you know, we lack the luxury of time. We need action right now. We would like to have the list of alumni by next Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
There are some ground rules for participation
First, no employees of Temple University. For obvious reasons..
Second, you must be an investor in Temple. Which means monetary donations to the Owl Club, Tuff Fund, General Alumni Association and/or individual school's alumni associations. And participation on various alumni boards or other Temple related associations. In other words, an investment of time.
Basically, You must have skin in the game.
Lastly, when we meet with the Board, we must be act as one unit. Of course, there are concerns and questions will have different priorities with each person. But we will present as one group, one unit..
We are looking for alumni from the entire university. And that alum does not have to be all about athletics. As you all have read the concerns and question, you know that two out off three sections, were not about athletics.
We have close to 10 alums already.
If any of you would like to join, please do not hesitate to contact me at:
davidjgoldberg@icloud.com
215-450-4955
One last point, the proposed audience with the Board of one of several paths we are taking to engage with them. We are not "putting all of our eggs" in this particular basket.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge to following people:
Michael Gebhardt. For his time. For his listening. For his constructive responses. And for providing a way forward.
Tannhauser, I hope I spelled that right. He was with me from the BOT public meeting and the subsequent meeting with Michael. His presence and his insight were beyond helpful. This does not get done without him.
Andy Carl. For the TUFF Fund. For his rolodex. For his assistance with every step in this process.
