independent · 2014-07-01 · july/august 2014 & universities of florida independent colleges...

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ED H. MOORE, PhD PRESIDENT (850) 681-3188 July/August 2014 & UNIVERSITIES OF FLORIDA INDEPENDENT COLLEGES ICUF Institutions Receive Top-Rankings The Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) announced that seven member institutions received a top-15 or better ranking, including two number-one rankings, by U.S. News & World Report in the categories for Best Colleges for Veterans, Best Regional Universities and Best Regional Colleges in the South. “Congratulations to these institutions for being recognized as some of the best colleges and universities in the South,” said Dr. Ed Moore, President of the Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida. “These top-rankings reflect the level of excellence that ICUF institutions strive for every day.” The categories and results are outlined below. Best Colleges for Veterans in the South #1 – Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach #6 – Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach Best Regional Universities in the South #1 – Rollins College, Winter Park (*Tied for first with Elon University in North Carolina) #5 – Stetson University, DeLand #11 – Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach Best Regional Colleges in the South #5 – Florida Southern College, Lakeland #8 – Flagler College, St. Augustine “Our colleges and universities continue to be a great choice for students, families and veterans looking for the best academic value for their money,” added Moore. “Higher education is the best pathway to a brighter future. ICUF institutions are proud to offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, first- time professional and continuing education programs to help individuals achieve their dreams.” ICUF Institutions Receive Top Rankings 4 ICUF Schools Recognized The CCCS Beacon College Receives Grant EWC Names Four Scholar Teams ERAU STEM Program Flagler Freshman Introduces President Obama Barry’s Moot Court Team FIT’s College of Business ADU Announces Doctoral Level Webber Coach Makes Noise JU Selected for NSF Grant RCAD Student Named 2014 Zankel Scholar Rollins’ Alfond Inn Exceeds Expectations STU Offering Online Degrees Under COMPLETE FLORIDA FL College’s Labor Camp Webber Names Director Moore Meets with Business and Local Trade Associations Hodges Receives Major Grant from Complete Florida KU Student Selected for Advisory Board PBAU Business Students on Prague Trip Florida College Commencement

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Page 1: INDEPENDENT · 2014-07-01 · July/August 2014 & UNIVERSITIES OF FLORIDA INDEPENDENT COLLEGES ... campus ethos, we celebrate these values and applaud our colleagues who model them

ED H . M OORE , PhD

PRES I DENT

( 850 ) 6 81 -31 88

July/August 2014

& UNIVERSITIES OF FLORIDA

INDEPENDENT

COLLEGES

ICUF Institutions Receive Top-Rankings

The Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF)

announced that seven member institutions received a top-15 or better ranking,

including two number-one rankings, by U.S. News & World Report in the

categories for Best Colleges for Veterans, Best Regional Universities and Best

Regional Colleges in the South. “Congratulations to these institutions for being

recognized as some of the best colleges and universities in the South,” said Dr.

Ed Moore, President of the Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida.

“These top-rankings reflect the level of excellence that ICUF institutions strive

for every day.”

The categories and results are outlined below.

Best Colleges for Veterans in the South

#1 – Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach

#6 – Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach

Best Regional Universities in the South

#1 – Rollins College, Winter Park (*Tied for first with Elon University

in North Carolina)

#5 – Stetson University, DeLand

#11 – Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach

Best Regional Colleges in the South

#5 – Florida Southern College, Lakeland

#8 – Flagler College, St. Augustine

“Our colleges and universities continue to be a great choice for students,

families and veterans looking for the best academic value for their money,”

added Moore. “Higher education is the best pathway to a brighter future. ICUF

institutions are proud to offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, first-

time professional and continuing education programs to help individuals

achieve their dreams.”

ICUF Institutions Receive Top

Rankings

4 ICUF Schools Recognized

The CCCS

Beacon College Receives

Grant

EWC Names Four Scholar

Teams

ERAU STEM Program

Flagler Freshman Introduces

President Obama

Barry’s Moot Court Team

FIT’s College of Business

ADU Announces Doctoral

Level

Webber Coach Makes Noise

JU Selected for NSF Grant

RCAD Student Named 2014

Zankel Scholar

Rollins’ Alfond Inn Exceeds

Expectations

STU Offering Online Degrees

Under COMPLETE FLORIDA

FL College’s Labor Camp

Webber Names Director

Moore Meets with Business

and Local Trade Associations

Hodges Receives Major Grant

from Complete Florida

KU Student Selected for

Advisory Board

PBAU Business Students on

Prague Trip

Florida College

Commencement

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Page 2 July/August 2014

Four ICUF Schools Recognized

A recent survey, Great Colleges to Work For 2014, was released in an article found in The Chronical of

Higher Education, July 21, 2014. Of the 92 schools recognized in this 7th annual survey, four of the six Florida

schools recognized were ICUF schools; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Lynn University, Rollins College,

and Saint Leo University. Two other Florida institutions, Miami-Dade College and University of West Florida, were

also included.

Twelve categories were reviewed in this survey: Collaborative Governance, Compensation and Benefits,

Confidence in Senior Leadership, Diversity, Facilities, Workspace and Security, Job Satisfaction, Professional,

Career-Development Programs, Respect and Appreciation, Supervisor or Department-Chair Relationship,

Teaching Environment, Tenure Clarity and Process, and Work/Life Balance. Here are some reflections about

those institutions recognized:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - values all of the people who work at this fine institution. We try very

hard to make this a wonderful place to work that's productive, cares for its people, and provides excellent benefits.

Lynn University - “We are a community that values the needs and contributions of every individual,” said Lynn

University President Kevin M. Ross. “Our small size, merit-based structure and highly engaged people enable

Lynn University to constantly improve and adapt. Our breadth of student and employee services, nationally praised

core curriculum and successful iPad initiative are due to the hard work and dedication of our employees. Their

unrelenting commitment to student achievement truly makes Lynn a great place to work.” From their innovative

core curriculum, the "Dialogues of Learning," to hosting the final 2012 presidential debate, important conversations

happen at Lynn University.

Rollins College - is a great place to work because of our community's shared service-excellence commitment to

providing an experience that is responsive, respectful, collaborative, and competent. Through our extended family

campus ethos, we celebrate these values and applaud our colleagues who model them. The much admired beauty

of our campus offers a welcoming environment for faculty and staff as well as students. Our common focus on our

students and their success unites us in our work.

Saint Leo University - “We have been very intentional in our efforts to create a great work environment for all Saint

Leo University faculty and staff, so this recognition means a great deal to us,” said Saint Leo University President

Art Kirk. “It reflects faithfulness to our mission and the consistent practice of our core values in all of our work and

offers an important example for our students as well. We regard our organizational culture as an important

component of our overall success as an institution. Sound finances, growing enrollments, impressive graduates and

new buildings are important but are made possible by the commitment and enthusiasm of our faculty and staff when

they come to work every day.” Saint Leo University is a place where they emphasize a student-centered mission

and six core values: community, respect, responsible stewardship, personal development, excellence, and integrity

in recruiting, hiring, employee development, and evaluations; each value clearly defined as a behavioral expectation

for every student, faculty member, and staff member. Each community member can develop personally and

professionally in an environment that both encourages and expects every individual to live up to the core values.

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Page 3 July/August 2014

Beacon College has received a grant of $30,000 from the Shire Foundation to continue funding of its

successful Education for Educators program, now about to enter its third year. The College has completed

outreach in the community to promote an understanding of learning disabilities, ADHD, and other associated

learning differences through interactive workshops designed for schoolteachers. Established in January 2012

through a grant received from the Shire Foundation, the Education for Educators program initially provided

training for 65 teachers working in private schools in Lake County. The program expanded in its second year to

include public schools and after school programs, training a total of 370 school employees in 2013.

The new Shire Foundation grant will allow Beacon College to continue outreach efforts. The trainings are

specifically focused on one area of learning difficulties, such as ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and autism

spectrum disorders. These presentations help teachers better understand how to accommodate their students

with these specific issues. Even veteran teachers can benefit from the training provided as the latest research is

presented along with effective teaching strategies and helpful resources. Dr.

Shelly Chandler, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Beacon College, states,

“The grant will enable us to continue to support teacher training and allow us to

spread understanding of learning disabilities and ADHD. We are proud to be

providing this service to the community and advancing the knowledge of learning disabilities.”

Beacon College Receives Shire Grant

The Coalition for College Cost Savings

In May 2014, ICUF announced its contract with the national Coalition for College Cost Savings (CCCS).

ICUF institutions’ buying power through CCCS contracts will get the highest value of goods and services at the

lowest prices.

The average private, independent college or university is often under-served in the purchasing

marketplace because its total consumption of supplies, equipment and services, as a single institution, is not

sufficiently large to result in consistently competitive pricing. By combining a single institution’s purchase volume

with hundreds of similar institutions throughout the country, the collective market strength of private colleges

enables competitive leverage rivaled only by the largest of corporations.

From the earliest conceptual discussions of its structure in 2004, The Coalition has grown to 32 member

organizations in 29 states that collectively serve about 784 private colleges and over 2 million students across

the United States. The Coalition offers 15 programs representing over 120 contracts. For a complete list of the

Coalition’s current programs, please see its website at www.thecoalition.us/programs. Membership is

comprised of Higher Education Member Organizations (HEMO) and each member’s President serves on the

Board of Directors. The mission of The Coalition is to support Higher Education Member Organizations by

creating collaborative opportunities to transform processes, reduce costs, and increase efficiencies for their

member colleges and universities.

Our ICUF CFOs will enjoy a presentation of the CCCS contract, logistics and benefits at the upcoming

annual ICUF CFO meeting this September in Sarasota, FL.

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Page 4 July/August 2014

EWC Names Four NAIA Scholar Teams

The Edward Waters College Athletic Department is pleased to report that four of the institution's athletic

programs have earned the distinction of NAIA Scholar. Every school year the National Association of

Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) offers the academic award based on a team's grade

point average rather than individual classroom performance. A minimum 3.0 grade point

average is required for a team to be considered. This year’s distinctive honors go to

women’s volleyball with a 3.11 GPA; women’s track and field, with a 3.17 GPA;

women’s cross-country, with a 3.28 GPA; and men’s baseball, with a 3.06 GPA.

ERAU STEM Program Helps Teachers Lead the Way

Thirty-five high school teachers from across the country are taking engineering classes at Embry-Riddle

Aeronautical University this summer. Engineers are needed worldwide, and teachers are now gearing

elementary and high school students toward that career field through a program called Project Lead the Way.

The program is designed to educate high school and middle school students about science, technology,

engineering and math (STEM) in the classrooms. There are an estimated 150 schools in Florida offering the

program.

New Smyrna Beach High School is offering the classes as an elective, said Dennis Humphrey, director

of the school’s engineering academy, and includes introduction to engineering, aerospace engineering and

more. Humphrey is teaching classes to other engineering educators involved in Project Lead the Way. They will

take what they learn back to their students next school year. Humphrey said Project Lead the Way classes are

important because they introduce students to engineering before they get to college. There is a shortage of

engineers nationwide, he said. “Companies are having to bring them in from other countries,” Humphrey said.

“We want to have our own people doing those jobs, and the more we can get, the better.”

A 2012 report by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology said economic

projections point to a need for about one million more STEM professionals over the next decade if the country is

to retain its historical pre-eminence in science and technology. Another report by the U.S. Department of

Commerce estimates that by 2018, the U.S. will have more than 1.2 million unfilled STEM jobs because there

Flagler Freshman Introduces President Obama

Victoria Bellucci spent much of her life as a star on the soccer field, but after five concussions, the

incoming Flagler freshman was forced to hang up her cleats. While her story is not uncommon, it was Bellucci

who caught the eye of the White House, earning the chance to introduce

President Obama at a recent summit on sports concussions. The event

brought together representatives of professional and college sports

associations, coaches, parents, young athletes, doctors and others to try

and jumpstart a national conversation to teach parents, coaches and

young athletes about concussions. "It was honestly the most awesome

thing that could have happened for me," said Bellucci. "Normally I'm

terrified speaking in front of other people. But now I feel like I could handle

anything."

Victoria Bellucci & Pres. Obama

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Page 5 July/August 2014

For the first time in school history, the Barry

Law Moot Court team advanced to the Final Four at

the Robert Orseck Memorial Moot Court Competition.

The Orseck Competition is a major event at the

Florida Bar’s Annual Convention, culminating in the

final round before all the Florida Supreme Court

justices. Because Florida boasts some of the nation's

top moot court programs, advancing to the final four is

a major accomplishment. Barry Law’s team – Jami

Millhouse, David Angley, and Charles Hamilton –

made the cut from 12 to 4 teams. Barry Law's Moot

Court Team is coached by Jonathon Blevins.

Fr left: Jami Millhouse, Charles Hamilton, Faculty Advisor and Professor Terri Day, David Angley, and

coach Jonathon Blevins.

Barry’s Moot Court Team Makes Final Four

FIT’s College of Business Gets New Home

Florida Institute of Technology’s Nathan Bisk College of Business is moving up—both in physical space

and program prestige. Home to some of the university’s fastest-growing academic offerings, the Bisk College of

Business is expanding from its 5,800 square-foot location on campus to a 22,000 square-foot office building.

The purchase of the building was made possible by a new, generous gift from Nathan Bisk. The two-story, brick

Babcock Oaks will become the headquarters for all business education programs and related community

outreach beginning this fall, said Anthony J. Catanese, Florida Tech president and chief executive officer. “This

move would not have become a reality without the ongoing support of Nathan Bisk,” Catanese said. “Finding a

more suitable home for our growing Bisk College of Business has been one of the priorities of our $100 million

Create the Future campaign, and we are grateful to

Mr. Bisk for making that future a reality. His vision

and leadership serve as an inspiration to others.”

Bisk, the founder and chairman of Florida-

based Bisk Education, is a national leader in

continuing education and online learning and a

member of the Florida Tech Board of Trustees. He

presented Florida Tech with a $5 million gift in 2009

designed to enhance business offerings and

strengthen online education, and the college was

named in his honor at that time.

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Page 6 July/August 2014

ADU Announces Doctoral Level Approval

Adventist University of Health Sciences, Florida Hospital’s University, recently announced that it has

been granted Level V status by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Board of Trustees, moving the institution from Level III. By moving from a Level III to a Level V, ADU can now

offer up to three doctoral degrees. “Developing our first doctoral level degree is one way in which ADU is

continuing to grow and evolve to meet the healthcare needs of Central Florida,” said Dr. David Greenlaw,

president of Adventist University of Health Sciences. “Our plan is to develop more advanced degree healthcare

programs and continue our overall mission of healthcare as ministry.” ADU currently offers associates,

bachelors, and master’s degree programs. The level change to offer doctoral degrees will be effective fall 2015.

JU Selected for National Science Foundation Grant

Jacksonville University has been awarded a nationally coveted $625,273 grant from the National

Science Foundation that will cement the University’s status as a premier institution of higher education offering

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Degree Programs. The NSF is an independent federal

agency created by Congress in 1950 “to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health,

prosperity, and welfare; (and) to secure the national defense.” It accounts for about 20 % of federal support to

academic institutions for research. “NSF grants are prestigious and highly competitive,” said JU Provost/Chief

Academic Officer Dr. Wenying Xu. “Our faculty’s success in obtaining an NSF STEM grant thrusts JU into the

national scene of STEM education.”

A portion of the grant creates 14 annual scholarships of up to $10,000 each for qualified students, and

also will be used to build a comprehensive support system that sets them up for lifelong success as leaders in

the community and beyond.

Webber Coach Makes Noise in the NFL

First year Webber Football Defensive Backs Coach Roosevelt

Williams accepted an internship this summer in the Bill Walsh NFL

Minority Coaching Fellowship. The picture right features Coach Williams

(left), sitting next to Safety's coach Roy Anderson, and Defensive Line

coach Greg Emmanuel of the Indianapolis Colts. The Bill Walsh NFL

Minority Coaching Fellowship has an objective to use training camps,

workout programs, and minicamps, giving minority coaches the

opportunity to observe, participate, and gain experience to further their

coaching careers. "I was able to gain experience by being around some

great minds of football, from the coaches, players, GM, owner, and the

great colts organization," Coach Williams said. The famous words of

George Addair, "Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of

fear" has helped Coach Williams in deriving success throughout his

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Page 7 July/August 2014

RCAD Student Named 2014 Zankel Scholar

Ringling College of Art and Design Illustration Student Brenna Thummler has been

named The Society of Illustrators' 2014 Zankel Scholar. For the fourth time since the

inception of the The Society of Illustrators Zankel Scholarship in 2007, a Ringling College

student illustrator has been awarded the most prestigious scholarship in the discipline. The

Zankel Scholar has his/her senior year supported. “The winner of the Zankel Scholarship is

someone who is not only very talented and academically successful, but has the fervent

objective of a career in illustration,” said Judy Francis Zankel, Past President of the Society

of Illustrators. “It is a very difficult choice for the jury because the three finalists are all

terrific. This year was especially tough, but Brenna was spectacular; she is like a

Renaissance person, she is artistically creative, musically talented and academically excellent. But first and

foremost, she has a great future as an illustrator, and we were thrilled to give her the boost of being a Zankel

Scholar.”

"I never expected that 24 hours in New York City could be so life changing,” said 2014 Zankel Scholar

Brenna Thummler, who is also a 2014-2015 Ringling College Trustee Scholar. “What an honor it was to be

surrounded by such wonderful people, diverse gallery art and illustration history. Along with meeting two

incredibly talented nominees, who I hope will remain lifelong friends, I had the privilege of dining and

conversing with the judges and Society’s board of directors. They are so filled with kindness and inspiration,

Brenna

Thummler

Approaching its one-year anniversary, The Alfond Inn at Rollins College is exceeding expectations

from a hospitality, philanthropic and cultural standpoint. High occupancy rates at the 112-room boutique hotel

have resulted in $3.2 million in projected net operating income for 2014, which will fund full scholarships for

students at the nationally ranked liberal arts school. The Inn, which is owned by Rollins, cost $32.5 million to

build and was funded in part by a $12.5

-million lead gift from the Harold Alfond

Foundation; the additional $20 million

was financed by the school’s cash

reserve. Net operating income from the

Inn will be directed to the scholarship

fund for the next 25 years or until the

endowment principal reaches $50

million, whichever comes later.

Rollins’ Alfond Inn Exceeds Expectations

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FL College’s Labor Camp Hosts Record Numbers

Florida College’s summer Labor Camp, which

convened for its 10th consecutive year, hosted a

record number of total volunteers and first-time

campers. The camp is comprised of alumni and friends

of Florida College who come together every summer to

volunteer sweat and toil in exchange for home-cooked

food provided by staff, on-campus lodging and daily

Bible studies. This year’s camp hosted a record 96

campers, who completed a combined 1,951 hours of

volunteer labor, totaling $62, 000 for the College.

Page 8 July/August 2014

STU Offering Online Degrees Under COMPLETE FLORIDA

St. Thomas University now offers four unique online programs in its partnership with Complete Florida,

helping adults who have earned some college credits but stopped out before earning a degree. In Florida,

approximately 2.2 million adults have earned some college credit without completing a degree. By 2018,

approximately 59 % of the jobs in Florida will require postsecondary credentials beyond a high school diploma.

With this in mind, the State University System of Florida, the Florida College System and the Florida Legislature

have made it a priority to increase the percentage of Floridians with a postsecondary credential. Complete

Florida addresses this critical gap in our postsecondary landscape, with priority given to veterans and active

duty military.

Led by the University of West Florida’s Innovation Institute and funded by the Florida Legislature,

Complete Florida offers more than 50 fully online, flexible and accelerated degree programs and certificates.

Currently, 11 state and private institutions in Florida are partnering in Complete Florida. The coaching and

extensive support systems are hallmarks of the program. Personal coaches act as student advocates working

to integrate students’ existing college credit and prior learning experiences into their program of study. Personal

learning coaches also help students fit courses into busy schedules, align skills and interests to programs and

jobs, putting them on a personalized path to a college degree.

Webber Names Director of Career Services and Community Outreach

Dr. Keith Wade, the President of Webber International University, has announced that Stephanie Leone

has been promoted to the positon of Director of Career Services and Community Outreach. Ms. Leone has

served as the Administrative Assistant to the Chief Academic Officer, and, by extension, the faculty, since

2009. During this time Leone’s role expanded to coordinating the MBA program, assisting and teaching in the

ESL program, and leading Webber’s grant funded Highlands County public high schools tutoring program.

Leone received her Bachelor of Science degree and her MBA from Webber International University. “Stephanie

has spent the better part of the last five years building relations in our local communities,” said President Wade.

“I have every confidence that she will use these to match our well educated graduates with local businesses

that are eager for well trained and highly motivated employees.”

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Page 9 July/August 2014

Moore Meets with Business and Local Trade Associations

Hodges Receives Major Grant from Complete Florida

Hodges University has been selected to participate in Complete Florida, a statewide legislative initiative

designed to help adult learners, veterans and active duty military personnel complete a college degree. Hodges

University is one of only 11 colleges and universities state-wide that have been invited to participate in the

initiative. Hodges University will contribute 10 associates and bachelor’s degree programs to the effort spanning

the fields of Business Administration, Marketing and Branding, Interdisciplinary Studies, Computer Information

Technology and Digital Design and Graphics. Each program will be offered online with most courses taught by

full-time Hodges University faculty. Each program also will feature accelerated classes which will be available

on a year-round basis.

Hodges University has received a $100,000 grant from Complete Florida to support the development of

two competency-based undergraduate degree programs in the STEM field of information technology. Hodges

University will begin offering a competency-based version of its highly successful programs in Computer

Information Technology and Digital Design and Graphics this fall.

Dr. Ed Moore joined Congressman Steve

Southerland, Tallahassee-area small business

owners and community leaders last week for a

roundtable discussion on pro-growth and pro-

business policies. The event was hosted by the

Main Street Growth & Opportunity Coalition -

Florida, which Moore serves on as a member of the

coalition's steering committee. Attendees, including

Leon County Commissioner Bryan Desloge,

gathered to address the challenges they face as

small business owners and leaders, and the need

for Congress to support policies that help, rather

than hinder, Florida businesses. "I truly appreciate

the opportunity to meet with Congressman

Southerland and share our thoughts and ideas on how Washington can better support higher education and

small businesses as well as spur economic growth and job creation," said Moore.

The Main Street Growth & Opportunity Coalition - Florida is an alliance of businesses, local trade

associations and concerned individuals committed to supporting a common sense, pro-growth agenda for

America that will help small businesses expand and create jobs, which will lead to a healthier, more secure

Left: Commissioner Brian Desloge, Congressman

Steve Southerland and ICUF President Ed Moore

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Page 10 July/August 2014

Sarai Peraza, a student from Keiser University’s Miami campus earning a

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree was recently one of 12 students selected

nationally to serve on Pearson’s Student Advisory Board for the 2014-2015 term.

She was selected for this position based on her outstanding background and

impressive skills, including being the President of her Phi Theta Kappa chapter and

a member of the Psychology Club.

Pearson's Student Advisory Board is comprised of students who are

pursuing undergraduate degrees in diverse fields from the United States. Sarai is

part of a group of 12 students from North America who will work with Pearson

executives and student board members to advance education and learning by

reviewing and commenting on current textbooks and technology in the classroom.

Sarai recently attended her first board meeting in New York City to jump-start her

term by participating in Pearson’s Student Leadership Summit.

KU Student Selected for Pearson’s Student Advisory Board

Sarai Peraza

PBAU Business Students Observe Economic Progress on Prague Trip

Graduate and undergraduate students in PBA’s Rinker School of Business spent nine days in Prague

during the school’s annual global business trip. The group visited six businesses, ranging from international

database software developer Oracle to Beneš a Lát, a family-owned commercial foundry, and World Class

Gym, a fitness center chain. Their first visit was to the Civic Institute, an organization formed after the fall of

communism in the former Czechoslovakia. Many of the visiting students were still schoolchildren when the

Czech Republic became an independent country in 1993 and joined the European Union a year later, said

Professor of Business Dr. Ann Langlois, one of four faculty members who went on the trip. “This was for

students the first time they could see the legacy of communism and socialism,” Langlois said.

That legacy could be seen in both business and personal interactions, the travelers said. For instance,

Czech people tend to be more reserved than

Americans about talking about their personal

lives, they said. Also, business dealings

generally are conducted in a more indirect

manner than Americans are accustomed to,

the students said. Several students said they

found the trip to be eye-opening. “Overall I

learned much more on this trip than I ever

could have in a classroom setting or merely

reading a book,” said senior international

business major David Denton. “I feel like I

have a better understanding not only of

Czech culture but of eastern and western

European culture as well.”

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Page 11 July/August 2014

Florida College’s 2013-2014 commencement ceremony will forever be remembered as

unique, thanks to the debut of the Senior Legacy Scholarship and a bout of inclement weather.

The ceremony had to be relocated to Hutchinson Auditorium , a much smaller venue, due to

flooding on the campus, resulting in two separate ceremonies, one for associate candidates and

a second for bachelor’s candidates.

What Hutchinson Auditorium lacked in capacity it made up for in its symbolic value, as it

is home to the storied Hutchinson Bell, which calls students and faculty together for the

College’s daily chapel services. During the associate ceremony, the College’s first Senior

Legacy Scholarship was presented to Antonio Ruggiero and Cody

Slamans. The fund exists to complement the College’s recent

growth by providing financial support for students pursuing their

bachelor’s degree at Florida College. The presentation of the

Senior Legacy Scholarships was timely, as Florida College

graduated an all-time record 68 bachelor’s degree students.

Cody Slamans (left) and

Antonio Ruggiero (right)

Florida College Commencement

Florida College’s Commencement article was erroneously omitted from the ICUF June

Commencement Newsletter. We are including it in this month’s edition with apologies.

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of Independent Colleges

and Universities

Florida

Page 12 July/August 2014

S P OT L I G H T

on this month’s Preferred Vendor

Akerman LLP

420 South Orange Avenue, Suite 1200

Orlando, FL 32801

www.akerman.com

Akerman LLP is a leading transactions and trial law firm with core strength in the financial services industry. With more than 550 lawyers and government affairs professionals and a network of 19 offices, we are ranked among the top 100 law firms in the U.S. by the National Law Journal NLJ 350 (2013). We are intensely focused on innovating pragmatic, customized

solutions to our clients’ most complex legal challenges.

Primary Contact:

Mr. Steve Katz, Partner

407-419-8519

[email protected]

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