UA-R-GC-1914-01-01-1983-09-21_Page-001

~ . HINUfES PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 21, 1983 Present: Messrs. MacDonald, Dutton, Devine, Winder, Lamont, Hayes Mmes. Thorne, Horse, Yost Chaired by Mr. HacDonald Minutes by Mrs. Yost Mr. MacDonald opened the meeting with a discussion of the main objectives of th~ ~ommittee. It was agreed that the committee's major job is to get AUC better known in the U.S. The committee must set goals which would be some combination of image-building and fundraising. The committee discussed what image/aspect of the university should be highlighted; what angle do we want to take, what image project? Mr. Hayes suggested one attention getter: that "one of the finest American universities is not located in the United States." The committee agreed that this is a good approach. Other ideas discussed were: I)The surprising fact that in the midst of all the trouble in the M.E. Aue has been doing so many worthwhile things, 2)This institution has managed to accomplish things governments have not-­AUe's role in promoting goodwill and understanding between Egypt and the U.S., 3) AUC teaches in English, teaches communications and has one of the largest English language programs in the world. The committee agreed to brainstorm the q"uestion of what is unique about Aue that can be effectively portrayed in the media. The co.mmittee discussed the idea presented in a memo from Mr. Dutton of putting on a Washington media event that would probably be held in early 1985. It was generally agreed that a Washington event would be a good idea but that there should be a series of smaller prQjects first that would lead up to a large affair in washl.ngton. Discu~~.i.uh Luu(:i.i:J 0 •• A:J:: I.:; !.~b:: vis-a-vis AUB; that somehow AUe is considered a "poor relation" of AUB. The committee questioned how much the thrust of its efforts should be focused on establishing Aue as a first rate institution in the eyes of the American public. The committee agreed that the first messages/projects should be aimed at a broad spectrum audience and that specific groups would be targeted at a later date • . The committee agreed to start on several projects immediately: 1) Dr. Pedersen should be tested at Mobil the next time he is in the U.S.(Nov.) to see how he comes across on television. If Dr. Pedersen is "good" in tha