UA-R-GC-1914-01-01-1988-11_Page-047

Monday November 21, 1988 MINUTES PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO Present: Mrs. Driscoll, Mr. Mac Donald, Dr. Pedersen, Mrs. Thorne Also Attending: Ms. Avallone, Mrs. Bennett, Mr. Bruce, Mrs. Desforges, Dr. Pelowski 1 . The agenda was approved. 2 . The minutes of the previous meeting were approved. 3 . Decision Issues. River Club New York A. Public Relations Policy. Mr. Mac Donald, Chairman of the Committee, opened the meeting by suggesting some changes in emphasis in the proposed policy. Regarding the United States as the first priority area for public relations, he thought it best not to emphasize political backing for AUC as stated in Point 1, Section A. He also asked for opinions on the gradation of importance of the public relations priorities in the U.S. Dr. Pedersen suggested grouping Points 1 and 3 under "top priority" and Points 4 and 5 at the second level of priority. Mr. Mac Donald and Dr. Pedersen were in agreement on these suggestions. Regarding Public Relations Policy in Egypt: Mr. Mac Donald thought that Point 2 (to disseminate information to target audiences ... pointing out contributions of AUC to Egypt...) should be Point 1 (highest priority). Dr. Pedersen suggested that all mention of "Points" in publicity should be deleted. Mr. Mac Donald agreed, stating that, in a program of constructive image building, the best ways of limiting damage is to educate (under the control of the University); to enhance and build understanding and view of AUC -- to explain, enhance and ultimately defend the institution. There was general agreement on this discussion. Regarding Action Plans to achieve Public Relations objectives: Mr. Mac Donald stated that they were well done. Referring to the section concerning staffing the PR program, Mr. Mac Doriald asked that Mobil's name not be mentioned. Dr. Pedersen stated that his own objective was to have a staffed-out program in place by May 1989. B. Washington Dinner/Middle East Joyrnalism Award. Mr. Mac Donald recommended that the University present a stewardship report to 30 Washington D.C.-based individuals with a peer group commonality during a 2 -1/2 hour program in the Spring of 1989. Mr. Mac Donald read his suggestions for topics to be covered in such a report from a prepared Mobil position paper (attached). The highlight of the luncheon (rather than a dinner) following such a gathering would be the presentation of an award to a selected journalist for his distinguished coverage of Middle East events. Mobil had already identified four potentia