Whitney Benefield

This document outlines the Investment, Spending, and Endowment Policy Statement (ISEPS) for the University of West Georgia Foundation, Inc. It establishes clear investment objectives and policies for the Foundation's long-term investments, focusing on supporting charitable purposes, preserving purchasing power, and achieving long-term asset growth. The policy details roles and responsibilities of the Investment Committee and advisors, investment objectives, portfolio composition and asset allocation guidelines for Risk Assets and Risk Control Assets, performance objectives, communication, spending, and endowment policies. It aims to ensure prudent management of assets in accordance with applicable laws.

The Alumni Board Retreat included a new board member orientation, a visioning session to determine accomplishments for the upcoming year, and a Q&A session with the University President. Task force breakouts and reports were conducted. Upcoming events were reviewed, bylaw changes were voted in, upcoming Alumni Engagement staff changes were reviewed, and the Gwinnett Gladiators game was presented.

The meeting included a student reflection from a UWG soccer goalkeeper, an athletics update including post-season achievements, recognition of student athletes, and upcoming events. Task force breakouts covered digital wolves, athletics, student connections, fundraising, homecoming, and Greek connections. The treasurer's report included current board giving statistics. The meeting also involved recognition of service for outgoing board members, acknowledgement of new board candidates, gratitude to the 2022-23 Executive Committee, and recognition for the outgoing chair.

The meeting included updates on Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, highlighting the shift to online student attraction methods and the introduction of the Momentum Center. The university's strategic plan, focusing on Relevance, Competitiveness, and Placemaking, was presented. The Awards Committee report introduced new alumni awards. There were discussions around the alumni app, mentoring signups, and welcoming the Black Alumni Network. New and returning board members were approved, and a slate of Executive Committee officers was proposed for approval at the May meeting. Bylaw changes were approved, and additional language was added to the board commitment form regarding promoting the university and refraining from negative public comments.

The meeting included updates from the Interim President regarding the Presidential search, enrollment trends, and financial impacts. There were discussions on Homecoming, facilities updates including the NPHC Garden and the Roy Richards, Sr. College of Business, and the baseball field. The Board Chairperson reported on committee work and the Legacy Scholarship. The Executive Director discussed alumni engagement and strategic communications. Committee reports covered Alumni Awards, Alumni Engagement, and Board Development. A brand presentation was given, and upcoming board photos were announced.