APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

OCTOBER 24, 2016, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

VOTED that the Governance and Nominating Committee recommends the election by the 

Board of Regents of David M. Rubenstein as Chair of the Smithsonian Institution’s Board of 

Regents for a one-year term effective January 31, 2017. [2016.10.01]

VOTED that the Governance and Nominating Committee recommends the election by the 

Board of Regents of Steve Case as Vice Chair of the Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents 

for a one-year term effective January 31, 2017. [2016.10.02]

VOTED that the Governance and Nominating Committee recommends the election by the 

Board of Regents of Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey as a member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents’ 

Executive Committee for a one-year term effective January 31, 2017. [2016.10.03]

VOTED that the Board of Regents expresses its profound appreciation to the memory of the 

Honorable Steven C. LaTourette, former Regent, esteemed statesman, and friend of the 

Smithsonian Institution, and extends its heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Jennifer, and family. 

[2016.10.04]

VOTED that the Board of Regents expresses its profound appreciation to the memory of 

William G. Bowen, former Regent, distinguished and influential educator, and friend of the 

Smithsonian Institution, and extends its heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Mary Ellen, and family. 

[2016.10.05]

VOTED that the Board of Regents presents the Joseph Henry Medal to the proposed candidate. 

At the request of the Board and the Secretary, the action is being treated as confidential until

the candidate is publicly announced. [2016.10.06]

VOTED that the Board of Regents adopts the Consent Agenda, which constitutes the approval 

of all action items listed therein. [2016.10.07]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the June 13, 2016, Meeting 

of the Board of Regents.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed slate of candidates for 

appointment or reappointment to 12 Smithsonian advisory boards.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed amendments to the bylaws of 

the Advisory Board of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.
2

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Peter and Linda Claussen 

to the National Museum of American History and names the Linda and Pete Claussen 

Hall of American Democracy for 20 years or until the next major renovation, whichever 

occurs later; and creates an endowment, named the Linda and Pete Claussen Fund for 

Democracy. 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Emily and Carl W. 

Knobloch, Jr. to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and names two galleries each 

the Carl and Emily Knobloch Gallery until the next comprehensive building renovation. 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Marie Halff to the 

Smithsonian American Art Museum and names the Marie and Hugh Halff Gallery until 

the next comprehensive building renovation. 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the change of location for the Enid and 

Lester Morse Gallery and the Usdan Family Gallery naming recognition for the 

remainder of the 40-year naming term.

VOTED that the Board of Regents creates a quasi-endowment for the benefit of the 

Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery to support exhibitions associated with 

the art, culture, and history of Asia. Further, the Board authorizes the transfer of the 

funds identified for this purpose.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed amendments to the bylaws of the 

Board of Trustees of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. [2016.10.08]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed Arts Challenge and directs that it be 

incorporated into the Smithsonian Institution’s Strategic Plan, which expires in December 2017. 

[2016.10.09]