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Members present:  Joe Nordgren, Kate Downing, Dean Terrebonne, Buddy Low, Grayson Meek, Shelly Vitanza, Juan Zabala, Berna Tokgoz, Trina Nolen, Pat Heintzelman, Mark Mengerink, Marleen Swerdlow, Ashley Dockens, Edward Doan, Heather Reading, Robert Spina, and Freddie Titus

Members absent: Jim Westgate (out of town)

Introductions and a brief discussion followed about terms and President Evans’ desire to have a Lecture in Spring 2020.  A list of prior Speakers was read for a historical perspective.

Then reviewed a printed listing of possible candidates provided by Suzanne Manzi, The Harry Walker Agency (HWA). All candidates were within the budget for fee and travel, $90K or under.  The budget for the event is $104,819.90. 

Of the list provided, the committee selected the following for consideration (in no particular order):

1.      Sully Sullenberger, Captain, “Miracle on the Hudson” ($90K incl. travel)
2.      Ron Chernow, Writer of ‘Alexander Hamilton’ ($75K + air travel)
3.      Bob Schieffer, Anchor ($78,750 incl. travel)
4.      Cokie Roberts, Journalist/Commentator ($40K + air travel)
 
In addition, the following names were recommended for consideration, should they be within budget (in order as mentioned):

1.      Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., US Ambassador to Russia
2.      Warren Buffett, CEO Berkshire Hathaway
3.      Lynn Good, CEO Duke University
4.      Thomas Mangelsen, Wildlife Photographer
5.      John Dickerson, Journalist
6.      Abigail Johnson, CEO Fidelity Investments
7.      Alan Greenspan, Former Chair Federal Reserve
8.      Sarah Bloom Raskin, American Attorney & Regulator
9.      Kevin Mitnick, American computer security consultant, author, and convicted hacker

Buddy Low will contact Peter Huntsman to determine the possibility of Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. and/or Warren Buffett being considered as candidates.  Dean Terrebonne will reach out to Suzanne Manzi (HWA) for the additional names recommended, to determine their accessibility.  Once a list of potential candidates (within our budget) is comprised, Dean will send that list to the Committee Members to prioritize for contact - in the event one is not available, we can proceed to the next without a meeting. 

The committee agreed the focus should be on the “most appealing” candidate who would draw the best crowd.  A brief discussion was held regarding the pros and cons of holding the event at either the University Theatre or Montagne Center.  It is desired to have an afternoon presentation to the Students, in the Setzer, and a dinner (invitation only) following the evening event.