The below bylaws were formally adopted at the March 4, 2026 alumni association meeting.

 

Bylaws for Louis E Dieruff High School Alumni Association

Article I — Name

• The name of the organization shall be the Louis E Dieruff High School Alumni Association, Allentown, PA.

 

Article II — Purpose

The purpose of the Alumni Association is to:

• Foster lifelong relationships among alumni.
• Support the mission, values, and strategic goals of Louis E Dieruff High School.
• Promote networking, mentorship, and professional development.
• Organize social, educational, and philanthropic activities.
• Strengthen ties between alumni, students, faculty, and the broader community.

 

Article III — Membership

Section 1. Eligibility

• General membership is open to all graduates, faculty, and honorary alumni of Louis E Dieruff High School.
• Active membership requires participation in at least two events over prior 12 months.

Section 2. Rights and Responsibilities

Members may:

• Serve on committees.
• Attend meetings and events.

Members are expected to:

• Uphold the values of the Alumni Association.
• Support Alumni Association activities and initiatives.

 

Article IV — Officers

Section 1. Officer Titles

The Executive Board of Officers hereby referred to as “Officers” shall be one with good character and reputation.  Officers of the Alumni Association shall include:

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer

Section 2. Officer Duties

President

• Provides leadership and direction.
• Sets meeting agenda and presides over meetings.
  • In the event of a tie vote, the President will cast the deciding vote.
• Oversee committees.
• Serves as primary liaison with the school office and community outreach programs.
• Two-year term ending on even year.

Vice President

• Assists the President.
• Chairperson of the Membership Committee and shall conduct an annual membership campaign.
  • Keep a correct and full roll of all members.
• Acts as President in their absence.
• Two-year term ending on odd year.

Secretary

• Maintains meeting minutes and records. 
• Responsible for custody of Bylaws and all Amendments.
• Manages official correspondence.
• Two-year term ending on even year.

Treasurer

• Receive and collect all monies; maintain official receipts; deposit all monies received  and keep careful and correct records of same.
• Give financial reporting at each regular meeting.
• Annual Report due on or before 60 days past end of fiscal year (July-June).
• Two-year term ending on odd year.

The Officers shall have the right to appoint and dissolve standing committees and all temporary committees.

Any voting/decision shall require the majority of the Officers.

Officers shall attend meetings.  If absent three times in succession, without a legitimate excuse, a warning will be issued.  Should Officer fail to heed warning, their position will be considered vacated.  Officers shall appoint replacement by majority vote by members in attendance.

The Officers shall have power to interpret these Bylaws and any decisions are final.

Such activities as solicitation of monies, large socials, contracts with outside organizations or persons and acceptance of outside invitations shall be done only with the full knowledge and approval of the Officers.

All records maintained by the Officers are considered the property of the Louis E Dieruff High School Alumni Association and must be turned over to successor in office.

Section 3. Officer Terms

• Officers serve two‑year terms with no term limits.  (See article VII for Elections).

 

Article V — Meetings

Section 1. Regular Meetings

• The alumni association shall hold at least four meetings per year.
• Roberts Rules of Order shall be observed for every meeting.

• Copy of Roberts Rules of Order attached as a reference document.

Section 2. Special Meetings

• May be called by the President or by a majority of the Officers.

 

Section 3. Quorum

• A quorum shall consist of at least two officers and five members.

Article VI — Committees

Standing committees may include:

• Events Committee
• Membership/Communications/Marketing Committee
• Philanthropy/Scholarship Committee
• Wall of Distinction Committee
• Governance Committee

Article VII — Elections

• Nominations and/or officer intention to vacate position at end of term shall be submitted to Alumni Association Secretary in writing 30 days prior to annual meeting.
• Uncontested positions will automatically renew for two-year term.
• Elections, if needed, shall be held at the meeting in January for open positions.
• Voting shall occur in person at January meeting with quorum and majority rule.
• Only Active Members are eligible to be nominated and vote.

Article VIII — Finances

• The fiscal year shall run from July to June.
• Dues (if any) shall be set by the membership.
• All expenditures must be approved by the Treasurer and one additional officer.

Article IX — Amendments

• These bylaws may be amended by a two‑thirds vote of members present at a regular meeting, provided notice was given at least 30 days in advance.

Article X — Dissolution

• Upon dissolution, any remaining funds shall be donated to Louis E Dieruff High School or a related scholarship fund.

 

Attachment :  Robert's Rules of Order

Provides a structured framework for conducting meetings, ensuring 

fairness, order, and the rights of all members.

 

Key Principles

1. One Thing at a Time: Only one topic or motion can be discussed at a 

time, ensuring clarity and focus during meetings.

2. Equal Rights: Every member has the same rights to speak, vote, and 

participate in discussions, promoting inclusivity.

3. Majority Rules: Decisions are made when more than half of the members 

vote in favor, ensuring that the majority opinion prevails while still 

respecting minority rights.

4. Protect the Minority: Even if outvoted, every member has the right to 

express their views and be heard.

5. Discussion Before Deciding: Every motion should be open to fair 

discussion before a vote is taken, allowing for thorough consideration 

of all viewpoints.

 

Common Motions

• Main Motion: A proposal to take action or express an opinion. It must 

be seconded before discussion can begin.

• Amendment: A change to the wording of a motion under discussion. It 

requires a second and is voted on before returning to the main motion.

• Motion to Table: To temporarily set aside a motion for later discussion, 

allowing the group to focus on more urgent matters.

• Motion to Close Debate: Also known as "calling the question," this motion 

ends discussion and brings the assembly to a vote on the pending question.

• Motion to Refer: To send a motion to a committee for further study or 

investigation before making a decision.

 

Meeting Structure

A typical meeting following Robert's Rules includes the following steps:

1. Call to Order: The presiding officer opens the meeting.
2. Roll Call: Attendance is taken to ensure a quorum is present.
3. Pledge of Allegience
4. Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting are 

reviewed and approved.

5. Reports: Officers and committees provide updates on their activities.
6. Old Business: Discussion of unresolved issues from previous meeting.
7. New Business: Introduction of new motions and topics for discussion.
8. Announcements: Any additional information or reminders are shared.

Adjournment: The meeting is formally closed.