GLBTAA board meeting discusses new scholarships, elections

For the first time in its history, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Alumni Association is financially sound.

The GLBTAA met Saturday for its annual board meeting and discussed financial development, membership and their celebration weekend.

The organization, established in 1997, is now 1,600 members strong, according to its website.

Its mission, the website states, is to improve the quality of life for GLBT students across all eight of IU’s campuses.

The GLBTAA announced  at the board meeting that it has generated an operating fund of more than $13,500 since its newly-launched, University-sanctioned scholarship campaign.

The group also has more than $630,000 in scholarship funds.

Mike Shumate, president of GLBTAA, said there’s more to come.

“It’s the first time our knees haven’t been knocking,” Shumate said.

The group said it expects to receive more donations with rising membership, and may even make a profit from a silent auction it had this weekend at Grazie
Italian Eatery.

Because of the growth, the group said it is considering being more active with its money.

“I think we should consider to bring money from our distribution account and use it to fund more scholarships,” said Deanna Lahre, treasurer-elect and fundraising committee chair.

The group also celebrated the 26 new members who joined at the reception the night before.

Board member Steve Bretthauer emphasized the importance of social media in membership recruitment.

“I know I haven’t been the best at posting on Facebook, but I think it’s a place we need to be more present at,” Bretthauer said.

Since the group ended direct mail marketing, Shumate said social media is not just good to use — it’s essential to the group.

Rob Decleene, current member and secretary-elect, was appointed to manage all social media for the group.

The board approved the new officers for the next two years, beginning July 1, 2014.

A unanimous vote elected Bretthauer as president, Tim Lemper as vice president, Decleene as secretary and Lahre as treasurer.

The next GLBTAA Board meeting will take place in April at the DeVault Alumni Center.

The exact date is yet to be announced, but the meeting will be open to the public. 

Follow reporter Suzanne Grossman on Twitter @suzannepaige6.