col legemat t e rsn Interview with Michael Gyurnekn Black Advisory Committee Stepping Up Presencen Valencia Receives Favorable Review from SACSn Poet Michael McFee Speaks at Valencian Valencia Names New Administrative VP

2 alumnima t t e rsn Alumnus Enjoys First Year in Legislaturen Alumni Wins Regional Awardn Alumni Reception on Tapn Paralegal Grads join Alumni Organizationn Alumni Arena

4 givingmat t e rsn Student Viewsn Your Giving Mattersn RIDE for Scholars a Success

6What’s Inside:

mattersMatters

mattersvalencia

mattersvalencia

matters

A publication of Valencia Foundation and

the Valencia Alumni Association

SPRING 2004

by the presidents of manyof the state’s community colleges, FloridaGovernor Jeb Bush visited Valencia onJanuary 15 to announce a historicproposed increase for community collegefunding. The proposal calls for $104.5 million in new operating funds forthe state’s 28 community colleges, a 7.6 percent increase from the currentbudget and the largest proposed increasein 14 years.

Calling it a “different day” from previousyears, in which funding for communitycolleges has failed to keep pace withtremendous enrollment growth, Bush tolda large crowd at Valencia’s West Campusthat Florida’s community colleges are“doors of opportunities opening forthousands upon thousands of Floridians.”His proposal will not only fully fundenrollment growth but will also provideincreased funding for the state’s matching

programs for community collegefoundations and facilities.

“I’ve said this in the past and I’ll say itagain,” Bush said. “I think of all the publicinstitutions in the state, our communitycolleges are the most citizen-focused, cost-effective and where we get the biggestbang for the buck.”

Valencia president Sanford Shugart wasjubilant, noting that the money invested inValencia and the other community collegeswill help them offer more degrees andclasses and build additional facilities toserve the more than 800,000 studentscurrently enrolled in the system.

“I can’t thank Governor Bush enough forfunding us and our mission. His responseto our fiscal challenges means more thanjust dollars and cents. It means that we’llbe able to expand our programs critical totraining the state’s workforce and help todiversify our economy.”

In laying out his proposal, Bush praisedthe system’s role in job training andeconomic development as well as itsarticulation agreements with the state’sfour-year universities and colleges. Morethan 50 percent of upper-divisionuniversity students in Florida started at acommunity college in the state.

Valencia has been one of the fastest-growing colleges in the state for morethan a decade and is ranked as the second-largest producer of Associate degrees inthe nation.

“The Governor has a clear grasp of theimportant role the nation’s bestcommunity college system will play in thefuture of Florida’s economy,” Shugart said.“Investing in community colleges is aninvestment in Florida’s future. It is part ofthe infrastructure that leads to economicprosperity.”

The proposal is part of Bush’s $55billion state budget, which legislators willtackle when they meet for their annualsession in Tallahassee in March.

Governor Bush announceshistoric proposed funding

increase during visit to Valencia

continued on page 7

Anyone who lives in Central Floridaeventually encounters ample evidence thatC.T. Hsu lives here, too. The Orlandoarchitect has made his mark designingfunctional structures cloaked in eye-catching appeal.

“My interest in architecture has been inthe more modern type of design” says Hsu.His company, C.T. Hsu + Associates,created such striking Orlando landmarks asthe new Orange County Convention Center,the recent Citrus Bowl expansion, theFlorida Turnpike headquarters complex, thehuge Universal Studios transportationcenter, the Florida Splendid China themepark, Ming Court restaurant, and theFestival Bay retail-entertainment complex—as well as city halls for Kissimmee, Ocoee,Casselberry and Clermont. Travelingthrough downtown Orlando on Interstate4, you get a close-up view of the graceful

C.T. Hsu: helping designValencia’s futureGovernor Jeb Bush at Valencia

FLANKED

col legemat t e rs

has a rich history ofsuccess with non-traditional students—those who begin their studies here after anextended absence from school. Theexperience is often a two-way street,enabling many non-traditional students toovercome previous problematic academicefforts while sharing life experience withclassmates recently graduated from highschool.

After a long-ago beginning at aMichigan community college, MichaelGyurnek has made the most of hisopportunities for excellence at Valencia,earning a 3.97 grade-point average whilefinishing his A.A. degree. He is currentlystudying for an A.S. in Office SystemsTechnology Management while working asan orientation specialist, an academicadvisor and an assistant in the WestCampus Student Development Office. Aspresident of the Chi Epsilon Chapter of PhiTheta Kappa, he also uses the leadershipand management skills he developed overa 22-year career in the food serviceindustry to encourage Valencia students tohelp make Central Florida a better place.

Gyurnek graduated from high school in1981 near Detroit, and two semesters ofcommunity college in Dearborn convincedhim that work was preferable to school.He began working as an assistant

restaurant manager, and after stints atMcDonald’s restaurants in three states andstudies at two more schools along the way,he found his dream job in Orlando in 1997after a visit to Walt Disney World.

“I worked as a guest service manager atthe American Adventure in Epcot,” he says.“It was the greatest job I ever had. I had agood rapport with the college students, sothey promoted me to manage the collegeprogram, working 70 hours a weektraining and scheduling people. I won thePartners in Excellence Award, and ourLiberty Inn restaurant won the Gold PlateAward.”

When his roommate began attendingValencia’s Criminal Justice Institute,Michael began thinking about his owninterrupted education. “I had been told byseveral people that Valencia was one of thebetter schools in the area, and I realizedthat the best thing for me to do was toleave something I love in order to pursuemy education.”

After hearing a presentation by VictorCollazo, West Campus StudentDevelopment coordinator, he applied towork on the Campus Welcome Team,which he considered a great opportunityto meet people. “I got the orientation jobbecause I wasn’t afraid to talk to people orconduct campus tours. On the Welcome

Team, we supported a lot of the clubs andorganizations on campus, including PhiTheta Kappa.”

He joined the Chi Epsilon Chapter lastyear and became its Inter-Club Councilrepresentative. Since being elected chapterpresident in April, he is most proud ofdeveloping ties among PTK and theValencia Nurses Association, theRespiratory Care Student Association,Valencia Ultra Sound Association, ValenciaDental Hygiene Students Association andValencia Volunteers. The groups joinedtogether this year for a drive that provided$1,500 in school supplies for Ivy LaneElementary School in Orlando. Drawing onhis management experience, he timed thedrive to coincide with inventory reductionat the West Campus Bookstore, where hesolicited donations of large numbers ofpens, pencils and teachers’ supplies. Asecond drive delivered 4,400 pounds ofclothing to Orlando’s Lisa Merlin House forbattered women and children.

“At Disney I learned the value ofpartnering. Several of our PTK officershave been officers for other campusgroups. Our ability to partner with thesedifferent groups benefits the community alot more than having just one club tryingto do something.”

In 2004, Michael plans to run forinternational president of Phi Theta Kappa,which may temporarily slow his academicpace. “Every time I make long-range goals,life has a way of stepping up and changingthem, but eventually I want to get a

master’s degree in astrophysics orastronomy, then a Ph.D. in cosmology orplanetary atmospheres,” he explains.

“I’ve benefited immensely frominteracting with my professors, fellowstudents and the staff at Valencia. Theprofessors make you feel comfortable inclass so you can excel at what you’redoing, and I don’t think I’ve everencountered a friendlier staff. I canhonestly say I’ve not had a bad professor.All have been good or very good—like Dr.Lewis, who teaches humanities and makesyou think out of the box, and Dr. Morales,who teaches earth science and wants youto put your own words behind what you’relearning.”

Michael Gyurnek: Continuingthe non-traditional legacy

Growth and change. They are not always comfortable and theyordinarily require us to stretch ourselves, sometimes beyond whatwe thought we could accomplish. Our students tell me about

themselves – how they got here,what obstacles they’veovercome, and where they planto go next. Through their lifestories, I am witness to thestruggle and the exquisite joythat come from growing andchanging to achieve yourdreams.

Over the past 37 years,Valencia has evolved to

meet the dynamicneeds of

Central

Floridians. As a learning community, Valencia too must grow andchange. And much like individuals, we sometimes find theseprocesses challenging and yet rewarding.

You have joined us in this journey–as a student, a professor,college staff, an economic partner, a donor, an advocate or afriend.

I suspect that whatever it is you believe you know aboutValencia, it is different now. We have changed as the collegecontinues to grow. Today I’d like to share with you just a few factsabout Valencia that you might find surprising or at leastinteresting.n Valencia serves some 60,000 students annually through credit

programs, Valencia Institute and workforce development andtraining.

n We have four full-service comprehensive campuses, and within10 years will add two more.

n The college has one of the highest graduation rates among1,200 community colleges nationwide.

n More than 90 percent of all allied health professionals receivetheir training through community colleges, including Valencia.

n All Central Florida hospitals are funding expansion of thenursing program to meet critical workforce needs. Valencianursing graduates had a 94 percent pass rate on state boards.

n Valencia’s engineering graduates are recruited by the nation’sfinest university engineering schools.

n The Winter Park Campus has a student enrollment as large asRollins’ traditional undergraduate population.

n About half of Orange and Osceola high school graduatesattend Valencia within four years of graduation.

n 96 percent of Valencia A.S. graduates are placed in jobsearning more than $34,000 a year.

n Our Honors Program attracts students with SAT scores of1,400 plus. In fact, UF designated Valencia as Florida’s besttwo-year honors program. Our honors graduates have theirpick of prestigious universities and full scholarships to UF,Duke, Emory, Vanderbilt and Georgetown.Valencia is quite a remarkable place. I hope that you’ll consider

renewing your relationship with us to help the college continueto grow and change to meet the increasing needs of our studentsand our community.

A Word from the President

Sanford C. Shugart, President

2

valenciamatters

VALENCIA

Michael Gyurnek

valenciamatters

SPRING 2004

Michael McFee, one of North Carolina’smost famous poets regaled Valenciaaudiences in late November. He read hisworks and interacted with students, faculty,donors and community leaders. McFee’sappearance was part of the College’s newpoet and artist series, Visions and Voices.

His poetry has appeared in SouthernPoetry Review, Paris Review, American PoetryReview, The New Yorker, Poetry, The Nationand The Atlantic Monthly. He has published

six collections of poetry, edited ananthology of contemporary North Carolinapoetry in 1994 and compiled an anthologyof short stories by North Carolina writersin 2000. His most recent collection ofpoetry is called “Earthly.” He has wonnumerous awards and fellowships forteaching and writing, including aDiscovery/The Nation Award, a PushcartPrize and a National Endowment for theArts fellowship in creative writing.

North Carolina poet Michael McFeespeaks at Valencia

Valencia’s Black Advisory Committee isbeginning the new year with a newpurpose. Born a number of years ago tohelp identify and recruit African Americanstudents to Valencia, the committee wasinitially an advising body to the collegepresident.

“Recently we’ve learned that the collegedoesn’t have much of a problemidentifying and recruiting,” CommitteePresident Vickie Brooks says. In fact,14.3 percent of Valencia’s 2002-2003student body was African American. “Ourfocus now is on retention and financial aid.We also want to play a stronger role insupporting the college. We want to be pro-

active and seek students who need ourassistance. Some of us plan to speak atvarious forums and serve as mentors tostudents. We also plan to participate inCollege Night and become involved withthe Valencia Foundation. We are a talentedgroup, and it would be a shame to wastethat talent when we have so much togive.”

Brooks credits Dr. Stan Stone, whoserves as the committee’s advisor, withhelping the members redefine their rolewith the college.

“Dr. Stone has been excellent inidentifying resources for us so we couldmake better decisions. He also helped us

connect with the African American CulturalSociety. Now we have two studentrepresentatives from that organization onour committee, and we’re collaborating onways we can provide support. He hasopened those doors and we will be able totake a more significant role in the life ofthe college.”

“This committee is going to create asignature project that we can adopt as ourown,” she adds.

One other action item for thecommittee during 2004 will be updatingits own membership. “We want to create amore balanced mix of members who havea vested interest in secondary and highereducation,” says Brooks, a formerelementary school principal who hasenjoyed a 26-year career with OrangeCounty Public Schools.

Black Advisory Committee stepping up its campus presence

Valencia earns favorable review from SouthernAssociation of Colleges and Schools

More than three years of preparationconcluded with the announcement ofValencia’s reaffirmation of accreditation atthe December annual meeting of theSouthern Association of Colleges andSchools (SACS) in Nashville, TN.

The SACS accreditation process isbelieved by many to be the mostcomprehensive and objective form ofvalidation of standards that a highereducation institution can receive. Thisyear’s successful SACS review representsValencia’s third reaffirmation since thecollege’s initial accreditation in 1969.

This year, for the first time, theaccreditation process involved analternative, non-traditional self-studytitled, “Becoming a More Learning-Centered College: A Systems Approach tothe Design, Implementation and Evaluationof Institutional Change Strategies.” The

study, which included a majority of facultyand staff in the process, addressedsignificant long-range challenges critical tothe college’s central focus on studentlearning, such as strategic planning,curriculum that emphasizes basiccompetencies like critical thinking andcommunication skills, Valencia’s “LifeMap”student advising system, and the use oftechnology to enhance learning. Thecollege anticipates that the outcomes ofthe study will result in more effectiveteaching and learning, with a greatercorrelation between the college’sresources and its purpose.

continued on back cover

KEITH HOUCK, former executive directorfor Gray Harris & Robinson P.A., has joinedValencia Community College as Vice Presidentfor Administrative Services. Houck formerlyserved on the Valencia Board of Trustees from1997 to 1999 and has served on ValenciaFoundation’s Board for two years.

The Vice President of Administrative Servicesfunctions as chief business officer overseeingthe college’s business, financial and informationresources, as well as facilities management.Houck brings considerable experience to hisnew role as a former administrator, fiscal

manager andconsultant for GrayHarris and ArthurYoung (now Ernst &Young), and as anaccountant andgrants manager forFlorida StateUniversity. Houckhas also been anactive advocate forchildren’s issuesacross the state.

Houck holds both a bachelors degree inbusiness administration and a master’s degreein public administration from Florida StateUniversity.

Valencia Community College is againwelcoming Australian guitar virtuosoTommy Emmanuel for a special performanceat 8 p.m. on March 6 at the Plaza Theatreon North Bumby Avenue in Orlando. Aportion of the concert proceeds will benefitthe Valencia Foundation, which providesscholarships and support for the college’sstudents. Tickets are $20 in advance, $15for students, and $25 at the door. For ticketinformation, please call the Plaza Box Officeat 407-228-1220.

Tommy Emmanuel is known throughoutAustralia and Europe for his extraordinaryacoustic style, and has performed forhundreds of thousands of fans worldwide.Heralded for his amazing finger style guitarby artists such as Jerry Reed and the lateChet Atkins, Emmanuel has worked withsome of the world's best musicians,including Eric Clapton, Bill Wyman, StevieWonder, The Chieftans, and many others.He performed for an estimated 2.5 billionviewers at the closing ceremonies of XXVIIOlympiad, Summer Olympic Games, held inSydney, Australia in 2000.

Emmanuel’s accolades are numerous, andinclude selection as “Best Guitarist” byRolling Stone magazine in 1990, a Grammynomination in 1998 for his collaborationwith Chet Atkins on “The Day FingerpickersTook Over the World,” and 1998’s BestCountry Instrumental Album award from theNashville Music Awards.

Concert to benefit Valencia

3

Valencia names newadministrative leader

4

valenciamatters

alumnima t t e rs

AMONG the freshman lawmakers inthe Florida Legislature this year is Rep.John Quinones from Osceola County’s 49thDistrict. Quinones, who earned his A.A.degree from Valencia in 1986, was electedin November 2002 after his first campaignfor statewide office.

“I’ve watched our community grow, andliving here has been good for me. I felt itwas time to give something back,”explained Quinones, who has built a

successful Central Florida law practice overthe past decade. He graduated fromMiami’s St. Thomas University Law Schoolin the top 20 percent of his class.

His father, a practicing attorney inPuerto Rico, moved the family to CentralFlorida in 1979. After graduating from highschool, Quinones worked at Walt Disney

World to finance his classes at Valencia andthe University of Central Florida. Heearned a bachelor’s degree in marketingfrom UCF before heading to law school.

Quinones reports that his first year as alegislator has been both a challenge andan education: “There’s so much to learn.You have to educate yourself constantly onthe changes in the law. That’s what keepsme so fascinated with the process.”

As chairman of the House Subcommitteeon Workforce and Economic Development,Representative Quinones states he wouldwelcome an expanded role for thecommunity colleges to improve Florida’sworkforce. “I would like to see apartnership developed betweencommunity colleges and the businesscommunity,” he says. “For example, UCFhas a business incubator, and I would liketo see that on the community college level.”

Quinones has sponsored five bills duringthe latest legislative session, including

legislation that would allow students whoare not proficient in English to take atranslated version of a portion of the FCAT.

“I will cherish my experience at Valenciaall my life because coming out of highschool I had really experienced somelanguage barriers having recently arrivedfrom Puerto Rico,” he says. “Valencia gaveme the opportunity to hone my English,reading and writing skills when I neededremediation, and also gave me theadvantage of small classes and one-on-oneattention from my instructors. I’m thankfulfor the opportunity I had and wouldrecommend Valencia to anyone looking fora good education.”

Valencia alumnus enjoys first year in Legislature

Valencia Alum Dick Batchelor, Class of1970, was recently recognized as theRegion 3 Winner of the Florida Associationof Community College’s LeRoy CollinsDistinguished Alumni Award. This is thefourth year in a row that Valencia’s alumnihas been chosen for this prestigiousstatewide awards program. Walt DisneyWorld President Al Weiss won in 2002,Orange County Chairman Richard T. Crotty

won in 2001 and Miami Dolphinsplacekicker Olindo Mare won in 2000.Mary Collier, Collier Jaquar, also receivedthe regional award in 1997.

Batchelor is currently a member of theValencia Foundation Board of Directors andis the President of Dick BatchelorManagement Group, an Orlando firm thatspecializes in corporate relations, publicaffairs and governmental relations.

Dick Batchelor receives award at annual FACCconvention.

Alum wins regional award

Why not get reacquainted with oldfriends on Saturday, March 6, at a freereception prior to the Tommy Emmanuelconcert. (See page 3 for more info on thisamazing artist.)

The Valencia Community College AlumniAssociation and the Valencia Foundationare sponsoring a reception beginning at 7 p.m. on March 6 at the Plaza Theatre,425 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando. It’s theperfect opportunity to meet and greet oldfriends and make new ones, and learn

about the latest developments at your almamater!

Don’t miss this chance to say hello, andcatch an amazing show all in the sameevening. Tommy Emmanuel promises to bea sell-out, so get your tickets today, andplan to attend the pre-show reception atthe Plaza Theatre. No r.s.v.p. is necessary,just plan to be there!

For more information on the TommyEmmanuel show, please contact the PlazaTheatre Box Office, at 407-228-1220.

Student scholarshipsawarded for spring term

Congratulations to the following Valenciastudents who were awarded alumnischolarships for the 2003-2004 Spring Term:

Lawrence Kiang, Kathleen A. Klein andJimmy D. Lee were recipients of the ValenciaAlumni Association Endowed ScholarshipProgram.

Patricia Heck, Thanh Nguyen andGeorgeann M. Tabb were recipients of theAkerman, Senterfitt & Eidson Scholarship.

Each student will receive $350 to assistwith tuition and books.

“I've watched our community

grow, and living here has been

good for me. I felt it was time to

give something back.”

Valencia Community Collegerecently founded the first alumniorganization targeted to graduatesof the Paralegal Studies program.

The Ken Bevan Paralegal Chapterwill meet at a local restaurant everyother month on an informal basis tonetwork and exchange ideas and warstories. This is a great opportunity tocatch up with former classmates andold friends, along with making newacquaintances and reconnecting withValencia Community College.

Call today to sign up.If you are interested in joining as

members of the Valencia AlumniAssociation Ken Bevan ParalegalChapter, please contact Susie Andrewat sandrew@valenciacc.edu or call 407-582-3124.

AttentionValenciaParalegalgrads!

Representative John Quinones

Valencia alumni can meet, greetand hear sweet music on March 6

5

valenciamatters

SPRING 2004Alumni Arena

1970sDEBRA L. HOLLISTER, A.A. ’73, subsequently earned herB.A., M.S., and Ed.D. from the University of Central Florida.She is a familiar figure to students on Valencia’s EastCampus, where she serves as a psychology professor.

DANA J. WRIGHT, A.A. ’73, A.S. in nursing ’73, is retiredfollowing a rewarding career in the nursing field thatfocused on education and critical care, primarily respiratorytrauma. Dr. Wright’s career took her from Orlando toclinical and academic settings up and down the East Coast.After earning a B.S. from the University of Central Florida in1975, she received a Master of Educational Administrationdegree in 1979 from Auburn University and earned aDoctorate in Nursing from Case Western Reserve Universityin 1982. She was named to Who’s Who Among AmericanWomen in both 1995-1996 and 2003-2004. A member of theNew York State Commission on the Status of Women, shelooks forward to volunteer opportunities through herassociation with the American Association of UniversityWomen and the International Federation of UniversityWomen. She and her husband live in Amherst, NY.

1990sPAUL R. CHAPMAN, A.A. ’91, shares his academic expertisewith Valencia students as a professor of humanities on theOsceola Campus. Paul received both his B.A. in Humanitiesand his M.A. in International Affairs from Florida StateUniversity.

PETER CROSS, A.S. in Engineering Technology ’92, hasadvanced in the computer software field to become anexpert in factory automation for 300mm wafermanufacturing. After earning a B.S. in computer sciencefrom the University of Central Florida, he began workingfor Intel Corp. in Phoenix, AZ, where he now serves as alead software automation and standards technologist. Theco-author of many software standards in his field, he has

written articles for publications including SemiconductorManufacturing magazine. He is studying for his M.S. inIndustrial Engineering at Arizona State University andrecently wrote to one of his former Valencia instructors,“The encouragement I received early on in that A.S.program from you and the other faculty members made aworld of difference in my future career path.”

SHAWN L. DEMERS, A.A. ’98, writes, “I am a slightly olderstudent who went back to school to pursue a law degree. Istarted at Valencia in 1997, went on to FSU and graduatedin 2000, and finally finished law school at FSU in May of2003. Valencia was one of my best academic experiences!”Shawn lives in Orlando.

MARLENE KLINGEMAN, A.S. ’95, is continuing hereducation at the University of Central Florida, where shehas earned a B.S. in Molecular Biology/Microbiology and isstudying for her M.S. in Psychology.

2000sDIANE FAHR, A.A. ’01, recently graduated from theUniversity of Phoenix with a B.S. in Business, majoring inManagement. An accounting clerk at Valencia’s DowntownCenter, she is also a board member of the Valencia CareerStaff Council.

TANGELA ROBINSON, A.A. ’03, works at Valencia’s AtlasOutpost Center as an Atlas Outpost Specialist II. She residesin Clermont.

MARGARET D. ROTH, A.S. in Paralegal Studies ’00, isemployed as a paralegal with Sigman & Sigman, PA, inAltamonte Springs. Maggie and her husband, David, residein Winter Springs.

BRANDON E. SHOLAR-FETHERLIN, A.A. ’03, is a former dual-enrollment student who actually earned his associate’sdegree from Valencia five weeks before he graduated asvaledictorian of El Shaddai Christian School. Brandonmaintained a 3.75 grade-point average at Valencia whileearning the Florida Academic Scholars Award and beingnamed to the National Dean’s List for 2003. He plans tocontinue his college education in the Central Florida area.

MICHEL SOEURETTE, A.A. ‘03, is currently a senior workingon requirements for a bachelor’s degree at the University ofCentral Florida. Michel writes, “I enjoyed my membershipwith PTK West and hope to do the same with the AlumniAssociation.”

Alumni Board of Directors

2003-2004

Kyle M. LublinPresident

Roger G. KeyesVice President

Patricia E. CalhounSecretary

Alumni Relations Board

James D. AllenMary S. AllenSue Ann BouchardCynthia "CJ" Jo BurtGeorgia Claire CaldwellDeborah A. DonohueIlona F. EdwardsSuzi E. SpencerTeresa GallagherJudith A. GalloMary A. GriederPamela J. JennelleJoshua C. KeckTamara K. LammJennifer M. LaudaSharon L. LewisLinda I. MarciaBetty H. PalmerConnie M. ParrishMargaret D. RothEileen B. Stana

Alumni Relations Staff

Susie AndrewFiona Baxter

THIS SECTION is by, for and about our Valenciaalumni. Please share your good news about any ofyour professional, educational or personalachievements. Call the Alumni Relations Office at(407) 299-5000, extension 3125; write to us at P.O. Box 3028, Orlando, FL 32802-3028; or e-mailalumni@valenciacc.edu.

6

valenciamatters

givingmat t e rs

Independent labelemerges from musicproduction classesNon-profit company builds students’ productionexperience.

“To have a record label, I think, is verypioneering for a community college,” saysRich Wright, president of Valencia’s recordlabel, Flat Foot Records.

That’s right. Valencia has its own recordlabel. Flat Foot Records, a division of FlatFoot Entertainment, is its own entity; aseparate company altogether from Valencia.However, it has everything to do with thecollege’s students.

Raul Valery, the Program Director forMusic Production Technology and Chairmanof the Board of Directors for Flat FootEntertainment, has been involved indeveloping this label every step of the way.

In the fall of 2002, Valery asked the MusicProduction Advisory Committee for Valenciaif they had any ideas for his MusicProduction program. “One idea was tocreate a course that mimics a record label,”Valery says. “We had one band that weworked with to create a music video. It wasa good experiment, but it didn’t really goanywhere.”

Soon after, Valencia Community CollegePresident, Dr. Sanford C. Shugart, came in

THE FOLLOWING article waswritten by Rachel Potter, who is acurrent student at the college and is acopy editor for the school newspaper,Valencia Source. Potter enjoys writingand plans to graduate from Valencia in2004 with her Associate in Arts degree.

my birthday I was given a lovelybook called the “The Songs of Joy,” areflection on the Book of Psalms. In it, Iran across a thought the author attributesto Nelson Henderson: “The true meaningof life is to plant trees under whose shadeyou do not expect to sit.”

That struck me as perhaps not just themeaning of life, but also a poignant way todescribe the core of generosity: to planttrees under whose shade you don’t expectto sit. It is an unselfish gift.

Such is the spirit of our Valencia donors.Your generosity humbles me.

In the foundation’s history, some 6,000people and organizations have contributedto the success of our students. About 225of those have donated more than $10,000over time; several have given more than $1 million each. But it isn’t solely ourmajor donors who make a difference. Ittook the other 5,000-plus philanthropiststo raise the foundation’s total net assets tomore than $30 million. Both the enormousgifts and the more modest donations worktogether to make a remarkable differencefor our students.

As we enter a bright new year, I’d like toshare with you a bit of exceptional news,which is especially extraordinary givenmarket conditions, the local economy,state-matching uncertainty and increasedcompetition for charitable dollars.

n At the same time that theendowment of foundations nationwidedropped 16 percent, Valencia’s endowmentgrew by 20 percent because of your newgifts and investment performance recovery

n Our investment portfolio is up about18 percent this year, bringing us muchcloser to a total portfolio recovery.

n Your private giving increased by 10 percent a year and your average giftsize grew by fourfold.

n Over the past few years, thefoundation has awarded some $3 million inscholarships. We were able to do this byraising new dollars and in partnership withthe college, so we did not invade principle.

n The Valencia Foundation endowmentis about 12 times the size of the averagecommunity college foundation.

n Your foundation – in an era of ever-increasing, much-needed scrutiny of non-profits – earned an unqualified auditwithout exception. There was not a single

unacceptable or questionable issue in theexpert opinion of our auditors.

These are victories worthy of note.Charitable foundations tend to focus onnumbers. I suppose it’s an occupationalhazard of sorts.

It is how we are evaluated by grantingagencies. It is how our auditors ensure ourstewardship of your donations. It is howwe measure our own performance. It is

how we are benchmarked against other501(c)(3) non-profits.

But it’s not what we’re all about. At our annual meeting I noted that

Stephen Covey has the right idea: “Themain thing is to keep the main thing themain thing.” Our main thing is not a bunchof numbers. Our main thing is ensuring ourstudents have the opportunity to learn.The numbers simply support that.

Thanks to our donors, Valencia – nomatter what else occurred locally,nationally or philanthropically – has beenable to continue to support studentscholarships and to ensure the long-termgrowth of our endowment so that we willprovide scholarships forever.

That is the main thing. We have servedthousands of students. Their stories areunique and yet with so many commonthreads: individuals facing incredible odds,overcoming challenges, eyeing acrossroads, and dreaming of a future thatbuilds better lives for themselves and theirfamilies.

Our students demonstrate our mainthing.

Their stories speak of hope: n of making a difference,n of defying those odds and obstacles,n of overcoming a history that

predicted they wouldn’t succeed, n of being a first-generation college

graduate,n of becoming a role model for their

children, n of achieving an education despite

limited financial means, n of making the seemingly impossible

possible.I am reminded of a favorite childhood

book, Lewis Carroll’s “Alice inWonderland.”

To the Queen, Alice laments: “There isno use trying. One can’t believe impossiblethings.”

In response, the Queen explains: “I daresay you haven’t had much practice. When Iwas your age, I always did it for half anhour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believedas many as six impossible things beforebreakfast.”

Your gifts allow our students to knowthat what they once believed wasimpossible is actually within their reach.Please celebrate the brilliant realities theycreate thanks to your generosity.

As a donor, you have planted a treewhose shade will provide opportunities forcountless generations.

continued on back cover Geraldine Gallagher, President and CEOValencia Foundation

“The true meaning of lifeis to plant trees underwhose shade you do notexpect to sit.”

StudentViews

FOR

Your giving mattersValencia Community College Foundation is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education andemployment. We value the richness of diversity in its many forms and respect the dignity of each individual. Wedo not practice unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religious creed,disabiling condition, age or marital status. Our focus is to support Valencia Community College’s mission, as westrive to unlock access to learning for students of all backgrounds.

ValenciaFoundation Staff

Geraldine Gallagher, CFREPresident, Valencia Foundationggallagher@valenciacc.edu(407) 582-3155

Pamela DornAdministrative Assistant, Valencia Foundationpdorn@valenciacc.edu(407) 582-3150

Michelle D. LightcapController, Valencia Foundationmlightcap@valenciacc.edu(407) 582-3130

Johanna M. McElrathDonor Relations Manager, Valencia Foundationjmcelrath@valenciacc.edu(407) 582-3154

190 S. Orange AvenueOrlando, FL 32801Phone: (407) 582-3150Fax: (407) 582-3156foundation@valenciacc.eduwww.valencia.org

OfficersLarry K. Walker, ChairAlan C. Helman, Vice ChairJess D. Bailes, SecretaryHelen Von Dolteren-Fournier, TreasurerThomas Yochum, Immediate Past PresidentRaymer F. Maguire, III, Past President

Directors

Avie N. AbramowitzMarie N. CarusoJ. Robert CrowellJulian K. DominickPaul J. HalyardAllan E. Keen

Raymer F. Maguire, Jr.Edward J. ManningAndrew N. SerrosRobert M. VickeryThomas Yochum

Jean-Marc D. AllardDick J. BatchelorPatrick J. BuffaPeter L. Chamberlain,

MBA, PhD Mary Smedley CollierRoger DuryeaOrlando L. Evora, Esq.Carolyn M. FennellJames W. FerberK. Sue Foreman Dr. Paul C. Gianini, Jr.Keith W. HouckC. T. Hsu Jay L. IveyLinda Landman-GonzalezKyle M. LublinRichard J. Maladecki

Leticia J. MarquesJacinta M. Mathis, Esq.Mercedes F. McCallRichard McCree, Jr.Kevin MyersRobert M. Rich, Jr.Charles A. RogersChris SchmidtWayne SchoolfieldJoanne C. SerrosSanford C. Shugart, PhDLawrence D. Slocum John P. Stilwell, IIJan StrattonPaul TangTeresa L. Tobin, RN, BSNJeanne L. Van MeterLex Veech

7

valenciamatters

SPRING 2004

Directors Emeriti

RIDE forScholars aride forsuccess

Members of the Blue Knights, a localorganization of retired and active lawenforcement officers, were some of themany participants who helped the ValenciaAlumni Association RIDE for Scholars inNovember. The RIDE for Scholars helpedthe Alumni Association raise over $7,000in support of Valencia students. Thanks toall who supported this year’s ride!

C. T. Hsu from front page

rainbow curve that highlights the newLynx intermodal transportation andoperations centers—both qualities basedon preliminary designs by Hsu +Associates.

“My Asian cultural background has beenvery helpful here in the United States,”says Hsu. “I’ve been able to use an ‘Eastmeets West’ approach on a lot of projects.I’ve found that I can see things quitedifferently from architects who come froma strictly Western culture.”

Hsu’s 25-member firm enjoys thefreedom to limit their projects to thosethey feel they can do well, often usingmodern design concepts but also dealingwith clients who want an historicalinterpretation. Over the years they haveemployed both approaches to design atValencia. They have renovated the college’shistoric Downtown Center, are creating thenew design for the Osceola Campus’ firstbuilding, and are updating the EastCampus Master Plan, designing newfacilities that blend into the campusarchitecture.

Aside from his professional history withthe college, Hsu’s interest in Valencia ispersonal. He has gained a high regard forcommunity colleges through firsthandexperience.

After earning his bachelor’s degree inhis native Taiwan, Hsu immigrated to theUnited States to study for his Master ofArchitecture degree at MIT. When hegraduated during the 1970s, he took a jobwith an architectural firm in Casper, WY,where the oil industry was a bright spot inan otherwise weak economy.

“When I went to school in Asia, therewas no such thing there as the communitycollege concept, although it is nowbecoming more common, even in China,”he explains. “When I graduated from MIT,

my wife was studying at Simmons Collegein Boston. When we moved to Wyoming,she was forced to stop her studies until wediscovered Casper College, a communitycollege that also has a “two-plus-two”program with the University of Wyoming.She was able to finish her college degreethrough an extension of the university. Ican still remember our first interview atCasper College because the faculty andstaff were so very friendly to us andhelped us a lot.”

“When we arrived in Orlando, my wifeand I knew from our experience inWyoming that community college studentsare often in greatest need of financialassistance, and we felt that the communitycollege concept here was deserving of ourefforts and our resources.”

Hsu, who came to Orlando in 1981 towork for a local architectural company,started his own firm two years later. TodayC.T. Hsu + Associates has since grown intowhat he calls a “medium-sized company”whose design portfolio now includes themeparks and other entertainment projects forclients in 16 countries on five continents.

“I worked out of our home for sixmonths until I felt comfortable with theflow of work, then I incorporated in 1984and hired my first employee, TimMcNicholas, who’s now my partner. AfterTim had worked with me for a while, Iencouraged him to go to MIT or Harvardto study architecture. He graduated fromHarvard, then worked in Boston for awhile, and finally rejoined our firm in1989. He’s been able to take on a lot ofour projects, though I’m usually involvedin them at least at the concept level.Recently we had a second person in thecompany leave to study at Harvard andthen return to us. Since I’m in my 50s, Timis in his 40s and our third person is in his

30s, I feel like I’m part of an ongoinglegacy here.”

Hsu is one of Valencia’s strongestadvocates and over the years hasemployed two Valencia Graphic Designgraduates, including one who recently leftto start his own company. A leader in manycivic and community organizations, Hsuserves on the Valencia Foundation Board ofDirectors and has helped raise thousandsof dollars from the business community tocreate scholarships for Valencia students.He and his wife, Jean, established theneed-based Hsu Family EndowedScholarship at the college several yearsago. And he has made substantialcontributions to support the generalscholarship fund. Not content with simplyfunding a scholarship, he has beeninstrumental in convincing others to followsuit.

“I’ve been fortunate to be involved indifferent Orlando organizations. I’ve beenable to influence the Taiwanese Chamberof Commerce of Greater Orlando to start ascholarship fund at Valencia,” he says.

“With our AIA (American Institute ofArchitects) chapter, I made the suggestionthat we partner with the foundation toincrease the size of our golf tournamentand use the extra revenue to benefitValencia. We were able to raise $26,000 in2002 and $21,000 in 2003 in spite ofslower business this year.”

He adds “I’m very proud that mycolleagues at the AIA have agreed tocontinue the tournament next year andhopefully make it a tradition. This year oneof our firm’s associates, Nathan Butler, ispresident of the Orlando chapter and wasinstrumental in our success. Naturally I’malso very proud of our staff members whotake a leadership role in our communityand benefit an institution like Valencia.”

valenciamatters

mattersMatters

mattersvalencia

mattersvalencia

matters

A publication of Valencia Foundation and

the Valencia Alumni Association

with his band, Shugart and Friends, torecord an album in Valencia’s studio.

Flat Foot Records is different from mostrecord companies because it is a non-profitorganization. All the work for the companyis done by students in the musicproduction classes or by the interns withinthe company. Grants will be solicited bythe company in order to awardscholarships to the interns and providemoney for the business activities.

“It’s cool because the company isintertwining with the school’s actual musicproduction,” Wright explains. “Theeducational value of real life experiences isproviding an extraordinary opportunity forcurrent and future students.”

When one of Flat Foot’s projects hits thebig time, royalties will be reinvested in theventure. “If we get a multi-platinum recordfrom one of our artists, we’ll be gettinglots of scholarships,” says Valery.

Flat Foot Records is recording materialby Anna Eschbach, a 16-year-old operasoprano, a metal band called 9-Pints shY,and Shugart and Friends.

“We’re getting the attention of majorrecord labels and some local radio stationswant to get involved,” Valery says. “Lots ofpeople want to help us.”

Flat Foot Records’ staff includes studentsin Music Production I and II courses aswell as graphic arts and film production.

For anyone who would like to auditionfor the label, e-mail:FlatFootAnR@hotmail.com or demos canbe left with the music production andtechnology department.“Dr. Shugartsuggested that we make a real companyfor students to intern in,” explains Valery.

And so, in the spring of 2003, Flat FootEntertainment was launched. The namewas creatively derived from an unofficialpoll taken by the Audio EngineeringSociety. The results say that adisproportionate number of soundengineers have flat feet.

Student Viewsfrom page 6

Poet McFee Speaks at Valencia from page 3

McFee was born in Asheville, N.C., andgraduated from the University of NorthCarolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Englishand a M.A. in English. McFee has taught atUNC-Chapel Hill since 1984 and is currentlythe Bowman and Gordon GrayDistinguished Professor of poetry andwriting.

The Visions and Voices series continueswith two April appearances. On April 1,Campbell McGrath will appear on the WestCampus. McGrath is the author of fivebooks, including his latest titled “FloridaPoems.” His awards, in addition to afellowship from the MacArthur Foundation,include the Kingsley Tufts Prize, the Cohen

Prize, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and aWitter-Bynner Fellowship from the Libraryof Congress. He teaches for the FloridaInternational University MFA program andlives in Miami.

On April 29, Clyde Edgerton willentertain audiences on East Campus. Awell known southern fiction writer,Edgerton’s latest novel, “Lunch at thePicadilly” was released in September 2003.He is also the author of “Walking AcrossEgypt” and “Raney.”

For more information on Valencia’s PoetArtist series, please contact Tina Schuler attschuler@valenciacc.edu or call (407) 582-3219.

Calendar of Events

Valencia Community CollegePost Office Box 3028Orlando, FL 32802-3028an equal opportunity institution

MarchMarch 6 Tommy Emmanuel Concert

8:00 p.m. - The Plaza Theater407-228-1220

Alumni Reception - 7:15 p.m.

March Spring Break 15–19 Valencia Closed

April April 7 Valencia Alumni Association

Board of Directors Meeting5:30 p.m.Valencia’s Downtown Center

April 8 President’s Reception - 5 p.m.Valencia Downtown Center407-582-3122

April 28 Foundation Board Meeting 12 noon - Valencia Osceola 407-582-3150

April 30 Spring classes endValencia Community College 407-299-5000

MayMay 8 Commencement

9 a.m. - Honors ProgramGraduate Reception & Ceremony11:30 a.m. & 4:30 p.m.

May 26 Foundation Board Workshop 12 noon - Valencia Downtown Center407-582-3150

JuneJune 23 Foundation Board Meeting

12 noon - Valencia East 407-582-3150

Michael McFee

Calendar of Events is often subject to change. For the latest information and listings,call the Office of College and Community Relations at 407-582-3122.

©2004 Valencia Community College/CCR111003-01 30M