J A C K S O N V I L L E
U N I V E R S I T Y
ALUMNI IN PUBLIC OFFICE STEREOFAME: A MUSICAL REVOLUTION
SPRING 2009
Cover
VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 2 www.ju.edu
Publisher Kerry D. Romesburg
Editor Traci Mysliwiec
4 Football Breaks Records in Championship Season
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Hall ART DIRECTOR Taryn Hannah
6 M en’s Basketball Wins First
ASSISTANT EDITOR Kristi Mace
Publications Manager Robin Bangert-Lenard
Greetings JU Alumni & Friends, One word best describes this year: CHAMPIONS. It is an amazing time to be at Jacksonville University. I want to first congratulate the football, basketball, soccer, crew and indoor track teams for winning their respective conference titles. What amazing accomplishments for these fine student-athletes and coaches! JU Champions are not limited to athletics. Recently, Seniors Harley Ferris and Bradley Woodrum were honored by the Florida Collegiate Honors Council for their writing (page 23), aviation was named best in the nation (page 19) and more JU students are headed to the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research in Wisconsin. I would also like to mention our outstanding alumni, many of whom are serving their communities and our country in public office (page 8). Our alum are not only making positive differences in government but are also influencing the entertainment industry, revolutionizing music by enabling a free market, direct-to-consumer solution for artists and listeners (page 14). I am also thrilled to announce our dream of building the Marine Science Research Institute is becoming reality (page 16). The University broke ground on the site earlier this year and I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity it will bring to expand our educational programs and further research the St. Johns River. We also welcome our new Director of Alumni Relations, Matt Kampfe ’06 and MBA ’08 (page 18). Matt will be reaching out to many of you about new events and programs. It has been another year of excitement – another year of records – and I invite you to review our web site and visit campus to learn more about the incredible progress that we are making. Sincerely,
Kerry D. Romesburg President
Atlantic Sun Championship
Contributing Writer Joel Lamp Class Notes Patricia Reeves
For the first time, both the football
Main Number (904) 256-8000
and men’s basketball teams have won
Admissions (904) 256-7000 admissions@ju.edu
their conference championships. Each
Alumni (904) 256-7201 alumni@ju.edu
program has improved dramatically in the past few seasons, turning into
University Marketing (904) 256-7042 & Communications media@ju.edu
forces to be reckoned with on the
Registrar (904) 256-7091 cbarret@ju.edu
field and on the court.
Institutional (904) 256-7021 Advancement dyazbec@ju.edu
published University Marketing & semi-annually by Communications Office Change of Address to
Institutional Advancement Jacksonville University 2800 University Blvd. N. Jacksonville, FL 32211-3394
FEATURES
JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ron A. Autrey ’01 Margaret Black-Scott ‘85 Walter P. Bussells Adrienne Conrad Kevin F. Delaney Buck Fowler Wayne A. Galloway J. Phillip Garcia ’90 John M. Godfrey Y. E. Hall, Jr. John G. Harrison ’67 David C. Hodges, Jr. ’03 Michael Howland ’76 Cyrus M. Jollivette Matthew Kane ’01 Jack Keigwin Bruce Kern Raymond K. Mason, Jr. ’78
Michael J. McKenny F. Andrew Moran ’78 Victoria M. Mussallem ’98 Elizabeth Anne P. Nimnicht Frank Pace ’73 Timothy D. Payne Gilbert J. Pomar, Jr. Fred G. Pruitt ’69, ’85 Kerry D. Romesburg John A. “Sandy” Semanik ’72 H.W. Shad (Mike) ’85 Linda Berry Stein ’69 Mary Virginia Terry Gordon Keith Watson ’71 Lisa Strange Weatherby Terry L. Wilcox Carolyn Munro Wilson ’69, ’77, ’89
All contents © COPYRIGHT 2009 Jacksonville University. All rights reserved.
8 S erving Community
and Country Alumni Working to Make a Difference
12 Q&A: John Ricci
ward-Winning A Jazz Professor
14 Stereofame
lumnus Creates A Revolutionary Music Site
DEPARTMENTS
16 NEWS 24 SPORTS 26 ALUMNI NEWS 28 ALUMNI EVENTS 32 CLASS NOTES
After dropping three straight games in September, it looked like the Dolphins were doomed for another losing season. But JU’s season rose from the ashes as the Dolphins won their last eight regular season games to claim their first Pioneer Football League (PFL) championship. “When we hired Kerwin, we knew we had the right person to lead our program in a new direction,” said JU Director of Athletics Alan Verlander. “He has transformed our program and changed the mindset of our student-athletes to expect success. What this team accomplished last season was phenomenal, but we also have bigger expectations as this program continues to grow.” The longest winning streak in the history of the program didn’t come without some
4 The Wave
they’ve accomplished this year is very special.”
great moments. There was Donovan Curry’s 50-yard field goal to beat San Diego, a brave performance in frigid temperatures at Valparaiso and two great defensive performances against Drake and Dayton.
The record book was rewritten during the historic campaign. Freshman quarterback Josh McGregor threw for more than 2,300 yards and 24 touchdowns – both single-season school records. McGregor’s outstanding play earned him national offensive “Freshman of the Year” honors, while being named PFL Offensive “Freshman of the Year.”
“This was a very special group of guys who came together as a family to reach this goal,” said JU head coach Kerwin Bell. “There were a lot of chances for these guys to give up, but they continued to fight for every inch. What
“Josh was one of the last guys we invited to camp,” Bell said. “Once he got into camp, he developed into a leader for us. He’s a tremendous talent and has some even better years ahead of him.”
Rudell Small had an impressive sophomore campaign, rushing for more than 1,300 yards for the second highest total in JU history.
who led the team with three interceptions and scored three touchdowns – two on interception returns and one fumble recovery.
“Rudell was a great compliment to our passing attack,” said Bell. “When you have a running back of Rudell’s character, it makes your team tough to defend.”
“Whenever we needed a big play from our secondary, Tremaine was there to provide it for us,” Bell said. “Having ball-hawkers like him on defense allowed us to be more aggressive with our schemes and throw other teams out of rhythm.”
While the offense was piling up video game-like numbers, the defense proved to be remarkable as well. The Dolphins defense held six opponents to less than 10 points and was ranked among the top 25 defenses in the country. Aiding the defensive effort was defensive back Tremaine Mack,
Special teams were also critical to JU’s run to the title. Sophomore Elliott Finkley returned three punts for a touchdown, including a 60-yarder against No. 1 ranked Appalachian State. Finkley was named first team all-PFL and earned honorable mention All-America recognition.
For the upcoming season, JU will continue its new tradition of playing scholarship programs, as they travel to face Samford of the Southern Conference on September 12. “This year’s schedule is going to be difficult, but it will give our team the opportunity to evolve as a championship caliber team,” said Bell. “We’re excited about being able to play a team in the Southern Conference again. That is the type of program we are building here and this game will be a good gauge as to how far we’ve come.” The Dolphins PFL-title defense will begin on October 3 as they host Davidson, the only team that beat JU in the league this past season.
PHOTO BY SIDELINE SPORTS
JUST FOUR YEARS AGO,
Marcus Allen was the first recruit of JU head coach Cliff Warren. Together, they endured the worst season in the history of the program, winning just one game during the 2005-06 season. Persevering through all the trials and tribulations paid off when Allen’s 3-pointer with 32 seconds left in overtime lifted the Dolphins past three-time defending champion Belmont, 84-82, giving JU its first-ever regular season conference championship. In doing so, the Dolphins became the first team in the modern history of Division I college basketball to win a conference championship in three years after winning just one game.
to earn conference all-freshman team honors, starting a trend that produced three all-freshman team selections in the next two seasons.
After JU rolled through A-Sun play with a 15-5 record, the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena will be home to two new banners next season. Jacksonville also ended a 22-year postseason drought by receiving an automatic bid to the National Invitation Tournament – the school’s fifth appearance in the event and first since 1987.
While Warren was stockpiling talent, he was also developing what he had. After his first season, the Dolphins underwent the biggest turnaround in the country, winning 15 games and were led by senior point guard Jesse Kimbrough who earned first team all-conference honors. Kimbrough took freshman Ben Smith under his wing and taught him the ropes that season.
“This group accomplished a lot this season,” said Warren. “But, we wouldn’t be here without the commitment and support of the administration. It has been a complete team effort, from Dr. Romesburg, Alan Verlander to the professors to our coaching staff, to raise this program into contention for championships.” The championship campaign continues the Dolphins return to prominence under Warren’s watch. JU has produced three straight winning seasons and sports a 51-40 record during that time. The Dolphins have played in the A-Sun Tournament championship game the past two seasons after having advanced to the semifinals just once in the first eight years in the league. Only four other times in the program’s history has JU put together three straight winning seasons – the last coming from 1993-96.
6 The Wave
PHOTOS BY SIDELINE SPORTS
“Cliff has done a remarkable job of turning this program around and generating excitement about JU basketball,” said Director of Athletics Alan Verlander. “In a short amount of time, he has rebuilt it and brought the program back to prominence.” The turnaround started with the signing of Allen. He was the first of Warren’s signees
As a sophomore, Smith became a leader in the locker room, as well as on the court. He had a breakout season as JU won 18 games and advanced to the A-Sun Tournament championship, falling to Belmont. This season’s success was built around 12 players playing as one – using a “mob” mentality, meaning that everyone had to play well to win. Smith was assisted by a breakthrough season by sophomore Ayron Hardy, who was named A-Sun “Defensive Player of the Year” after finishing the season ranked in the top 10 in steals and blocks. But it was also the stellar play of junior Lehmon Colbert and the rest of the Dolphins that led to the success. Colbert, Allen and Smith each have more than 1,000 points in their career, the first time in the history of the program that JU has three 1,000-point scorers on the same team. Having turned the Dolphins into champions, Warren was long overdue for winning the A-Sun “Coach of the Year” honor that came after JU’s first title.
Spring 2009 7
SERVING COMMUNITY & COUNTRY Alumni Working in Public Service By Traci Mysliwiec
In the wake of a historic election year in the United States and the evolution of the Student Government Association into the JU Student Alliance, we’ve spotlighted many of the alumni who serve their communities and our country in public office. Some have been elected, some appointed, but all of them, from local to national levels, strive to improve the lives of the people they represent. Elected as a state representative in 2006, Will Weatherford ‘03 was and still is the youngest member of the Florida Legislature. In line to become Speaker of the House in 2012, he currently serves as chairman of the State Colleges and Workforce Appropriations Committee. “My hope is to run government the way that people expect it to be run,” said Weatherford. “I try to be a statesman and not a politician and make the right decisions for the people I represent.” His biggest challenge is finding a way to balance the budget, now the primary goal for his current term. “The economy in Florida has been struggling,” he said. “Trying to find ways to pay for education, health care and public safety has not been easy.” “Another goal I have is to help create more jobs,” Weatherford said. “Whether that is through investing in education, infrastructure, or tax incentives, we have to get more people employed.” Aaron Bean ’89, was elected to the Fernandina Beach City Council in 1996 8 The Wave
and served two terms as mayor of Fernandina, the youngest in the city’s history. In 2000, Bean was elected to the Florida House of Representatives and chaired various committees. As a freshman legislator, he successfully created the Self-Directed Care program, which challenged the way Florida spent money for mental health. For much of 2008, Bean felt at odds with Governor Charlie Crist on healthcare legislation and spending. “We negotiated our differences and created Cover Florida and the Florida Healthy Choices Corporation to help bring insurance to those without it or with limited access,” said Bean. Bean is running for Florida State Senate in 2010. “If elected, I’ll continue to work for a smaller and more efficient state government,” said Bean. From 1998 through 2008, David Walker ’73, served as the U.S. Comptroller General and the head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO). He also served as a public trustee for Social Security and Medicare from 1990 to 1995 and assistant secretary of Labor for Pension and Employee Benefit Programs from1987 to 1989. Walker currently serves as president and chief executive officer of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. Walker looks at transforming the GAO into a much more effective, results-based and respected organization; helping to modernize the accountability profession and championing the need for more fiscal responsibility in the federal government as his biggest accomplishments in office.
He faced many challenges, but points to suing former Vice President Dick Cheney for access to records associated with the National Energy Policy Development Group as the biggest.
In his current term, he plans to help the Navy achieve a prominent position within the Department of Defense and U.S. Intelligence Community in the areas of intelligence and cyber warfare.
His motivation to serve runs deep, even beyond working in student government in high school and on JU’s campus. “I have always been a public service-oriented individual and believe that everyone should do some significant public service at some point,” said Walker.
Thomas Barker ’81, served as general counsel for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services until, as a political appointee, he had to resign at the end of former President Bush’s term in 2008. Deputy general counsel from 2003 to 2005, he served as counselor to the administrator of the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare from 2001 to 2003.
The recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award (page 20), Vice Admiral David Dorsett ’78, faces different challenges in his role. Serving as the director of Naval Intelligence as of last year, he was previously the director of Intelligence, Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2005 to 2008 and the director of Intelligence, U.S. Pacific Command from 2003 to 2005. “Helping lead change within the Navy as we transition from industrial age structures and processes to information and cyber age capabilities has been a challenge,” said Dorsett. “The paradigm shift is of greater significance than the organizational upheavals that occurred when the Navy introduced dreadnaughts in the late 19th-century, carrier aviation in the inter-war years, or nuclear power in the early 1950s.”
He sees the implementation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit as his most significant accomplishment. Now teaching about Medicaid and Medicare at Suffolk University Law School, Barker believes the U.S. healthcare system could be improved by reducing the role of government. He recalls the impact certain faculty had on the course that his life took. “My
political science classes with professors Joan Carver and John Sullivan made me realize my untapped appreciation for the American political system,” said Barker. Paul Perez ’76, was appointed by former President Bush in January 2002 to be the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. Out of 93 U.S.
John Drew ’96 and MBA ‘02, is the Nassau county tax collector and Chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Committee. The City of Fernandina Beach has also appointed him to the Police and Fire Pension Board for the past two years. Drew looks back at JU as a place where he gleaned invaluable insight into how to get things accomplished, while he worked in the president’s office. “The knowledge that I received through a liberal arts education and the Davis College of Business permanently emblazoned in me the reasons I should make my community a better place,” said Drew.
Attorneys across the nation, Perez was one of 18 who served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee. As a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s office from 1989 to 1992, he successfully pursued international forfeitures and money-laundering cases. He returned to the U.S. Attorney’s office in 2002 after a 10-year civil and criminal trial career. Early in 2007, Perez left the U.S. Attorney’s office to serve as chief compliance officer of Fidelity National Financial.
Serving on the Jacksonville city council since 2003, Glorious Johnson ’78, has also worked on many local political campaigns. JU’s community service requirement is something that made an impression on her. “It offers you a great opportunity to work with people of all races, nationalities and religions,” said Johnson. “It gives you the touch of reality students need, especially if their career paths are leaning toward public service.” Other alumni have also been a part of Jacksonville’s city council. Sharon Copeland ’00, served from 2003 to 2007.
Council president in 2000, Alberta Hipps MBA ’86, served from 1995 until 2003. John Crescimbeni ’81, served on the City Council from 1991 to 1999 and was elected again in 2008. While they have taken different paths to get there, three alumni, W.C. Gentry ’69, Tommy Hazouri ’66 and Stan Jordan ’60 and ’67, were sworn in as members of the current Duval County School Board (DCSB) in November of 2008. Gentry, founding director and chair of the Shultz Center for Teaching and Leadership, originally taught high school civics and history. After finishing law school at the University of Florida in 1971, he practiced law for more than 30 years, most notably as part of the trial team who won a $13.1 billion verdict against the tobacco industry in 1997. Appointed to the state’s Council on Education policy, Research and Improvement in 2002, Gentry has previously provided pro bono counsel to the DCSB and Florida School Board Association. He also serves on the boards of the Early Learning Coalition of Duval and the Alliance for World Class Education. Chairman of the DCSB, Hazouri initially joined the school board in 2004. Mayor of Jacksonville from 1987 to 1991, he served as a member of the Florida
House of Representatives from 1974 to 1986. He chaired the House Committee on Education, K-12 and served on the committees on Retirement, Personnel and Collective Bargaining, as well as Appropriations. Jordan served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2008 and on the DCSB for the 16 years prior. He believes schools can better prepare students to succeed. “Schools need to press upon students the importance of self motivation and realize through their hard work, they can enjoy a higher quality of life,” said Jordan. Crediting JU with giving him “a solid education and a strong self concept,” his daughters also attended the University, with one obtaining her master’s degree. * As many alumni serving in public roles as are featured here, there are likely more who haven’t been mentioned. If you are or you know of an alum in a similar position, please e-mail media@ju.edu.
DREW
PEREZ
WALKER
WEATHERFORD
CRESCIMBENI
GENTRY
BEAN
HAZOURI
BARKER
DORSETT
JORDAN
JOHNSON
PHOTOS BY INGRID HERTFELDER
JOHN RICCI An Extraordinary Talent Balancing hard driving swing and traditional elements with a modern approach
How would you describe your musical style?
to harmony, Professor John Ricci is becoming a nationally recognized talent.
Definitely eclectic. My family is from
Ricci was announced the winner in the jazz song category of the 8th Annual
Argentina, so there is everything from
Independent Music Awards (IMA) with his composition entitled “Mode Time” from his CD “Holding Time” released in 2007.
opera, tango and Brazilian music in my upbringing. Some of that gets into my composing. From the standpoint of jazz immersion, I try to balance and embrace
And, he is also busy transforming the jazz program at JU. Since his arrival at JU, the program has gone from humble beginnings to a full jazz faculty and host of jazz specific courses, as well as talented jazz combos.
traditional elements of some of the great saxophonists, jazz composers and melody makers of the past and frame
instrument more closely associated with
by some things that happened on one
that in the harmonically and rhythmically
performing jazz.
of Branford Marsalis' albums entitled
modern way of current great performers
Ricci has an extensive background, having been educated at the
and influences.
exclusive jazz program at the University of Tennessee and mentored by world-renown jazz pedagogue and saxophonist Jerry Coker and internationally recognized pianist-composer and former jazz messenger Donald Brown.
What brought you to JU?
Also, putting oneself in the market place by releasing a CD as a saxophonist immediately places focus on your standing among the greatest modern
Do you think musicians need to become more versatile these days to keep up with their competition?
The challenge of building a unique jazz
performers on that instrument, which
program that is set apart from a typical
leads to practicing even more diligently
For many of the reasons I've stated
state school jazz program.
and therefore proving the point that
already....most definitely! Especially
you never completely master the
jazz musicians are expected – at least by
instrument...it's an ever changing
their peers – to perform with a virtuosity
and evolving process.
and consistency that far exceeds what
What is it like working with your professional quartet?
has been the norm. Jazz also now pulls
Great, and constantly challenging. We outside of special concerts and festivals.
What do you believe has been the best moment of your musical career?
The rest of the time, we play in different
Being asked by Donald Brown to perform
groups, or with different leaders locally.
with him on a major concert when Ravi
When we do play together, we try to
Coltrane couldn't make the gig.
rarely perform as the John Ricci Quartet,
challenge each other like we did at my CD release party, where we played a new piece of mine and attempted some very different approaches to the music from my CD. It's at its best when it evolves and
Where did your inspiration for the song “Mode Time” come from? I was suddenly hearing ideas for a very
in a more eclectic palate of tonalities and cultural sounds from a compositional standpoint. Influences can range from World musics (Klesmer, middle eastern/ Indian etc.) to that of modern pop. Electronics have also gotten back to the stage.
Who has influenced your life the most?
hard driving and swinging piece that
Recently, I would have to say my wife,
involved some tricky time changes,
Paige. She's helped me realize my
resulting from the frustration and
potential well beyond where I had set
difficulty of teaching students how to
limits. I would not have recorded my
improvise with a more flexible sense of
CD and made the conscious decision
Creating a personal and unique tone or
where to place the beat without losing
to continue writing and performing my
voice. Also developing an approach as a
their place in the music. I wrote it to
own music without her insisting that I
modern improviser that sets you apart
challenge myself with the very same
should. Also, one of my former teachers
from any other performer out there,
thing (still trying to master this technique
and mentors, jazz pianist/composer
especially since the saxophone is the
myself)...mostly, however, I was inspired
Donald Brown.
takes on a new level.
What is the most difficult aspect of mastering the saxophone?
12 The Wave
"Crazy People Music."
Spring 2009 13
UNDERWOOD ROCKS MUSIC WORLD WITH REVOLUTIONARY SITE Launched in 2008, the web site is an exciting new social networking site where music lovers are in charge of their own record labels and independent musical artists provide their music. Not only is the site becoming a hit with the general public, JU students are loving its emerging artists. One of these artists, Natasha Komis, entertained a huge crowd in February at a men’s basketball post-game concert at the Veterans Memorial Arena.
by providing their music and merchandise directly to the consumer.” Underwood noted that, for years, traditional music labels held a virtual monopoly on music by controlling distribution channels. Artists had little chance of “getting discovered,” and had a better chance, statistically speaking, of becoming an astronaut. “Stereofame is the world’s anti-label,” Underwood said. “Our mission is to reshape the music industry by enabling a free-market, direct-to-consumer solution for artists and listeners. We think artists and listeners should be able to deal with each other directly – one on one – without the middleman.” More than 8,000 artists are now registered on the site with 25,000 tracks of music, half of which are available to download at no charge.
Combining the social networking aspects of the popular MySpace and Facebook web sites with the auction functions of eBay, the site creates a game where both listeners and artists compete for points that can lead to valuable rewards ranging from mountain bikes to iPhones to surfboards. “Stereofame is part of the biggest thing to hit music since Thomas Edison invented the phonograph,” said entrepreneur Ken Underwood ’81, the founder and driving force behind Stereofame. Underwood says that the music industry is going through a revolution that he compares to the collapse of the Soviet Union. “Free-market capitalism is rapidly destroying barriers to entry that were established by traditional record label companies.” Underwood, a former Navy pilot who served during the Cold War, likens these labels to the Soviet Union and characterizes artists and listeners as the oppressed people living under the Soviet regime. “For the labels, it’s like 1989 in East Berlin. Walls are coming down and independent artists are taking advantage of this new found freedom
This breakthrough model allows artists to gain recognition for great songs through listener voting, while rewarding listeners for finding great talent. The object of the Stereofame game is to get as many points as you can and cash them in on great rewards. Listeners can establish their own label by selecting the artists he or she thinks will be most successful. Just like major record labels in the music industry, the goal is to discover great talent early and “sign” these artists, receiving points based upon their success. The more popular artists’ songs become, the more points they get. Points can be cashed in at the Stereofame auction house by bidding for valuable rewards. “It’s the game within the game,” Underwood said of the eBay-style reward process. When asked how Stereofame differs from other social networks, Underwood said, “MySpace is about lifestyle, Facebook is about communication and Stereofame is about music. We’ve come up with some great features to make the site really engaging, and we have many more in the pipeline, but the context that will compel people to hang out on our site is great music.” Underwood added, “If Stereofame had existed in 1964, I believe the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Supremes would have been on the site competing for points, rewards and exposure. The music idols of the future are uploading their music today on Stereofame.” Spring 2009 15
WAVE |
NEWS
Marine Science Research Institute Broke Ground in February
Cascone Family Donates $1 million for Aid and Scholarships
U.S. Congressional Representatives
The Cascone Family Foundation,
Corrine Brown and Ander Crenshaw,
chaired by Michael Cascone Jr. ‘65,
and Mayor John Peyton were on
gave JU a $1 million donation to fund
hand as Jacksonville University
student aid and merit scholarships.
broke ground for the new $10 million
“This is an incredible gift,” said President Kerry Romesburg. “More than 80 percent of JU students rely on loans to pay tuition. This will give many of them the opportunity to get a quality education even in today’s current economic climate. The Cascone family has shown such generosity and love toward JU, and we can’t thank them enough.”
Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI) in February. Various other city leaders and members of the JU Board of Trustees gathered to mark this milestone for the University and the community. Under the leadership of Dr. Quinton White, executive director of the MSRI, JU is creating this unique, 30,000-square-foot facility on the riverfront campus to serve as a premiere research institute in the Southeast. “This has been a long time dream of the biology and marine science faculty,” said White. “This facility will enable the University to expand our educational programs and to continue our research into understanding the St. Johns River and other marine environments.”
Cascone, chairman emeritus of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and chairman of JU’s Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2005, said that JU is a great asset to the city. L to R: White, Crenshaw, Peyton, Mike Shad, Brown, Clay Yarborough and President Romesburg.
JU is partnering with several agencies to accomplish this, including the St. Johns Riverkeeper and the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission, who will each have offices within the energy-efficient building.
Davis College of Business Accepted into Principles for Responsible Management Education Initiative Presently the only university in
Inspired by internationally accepted values
Florida formally involved, the Davis
such as the principles of the compact, it
College of Business (DCOB) joins
seeks to establish a process of continu-
more than 160 of the world’s leading
ous improvement among institutions of
business schools and organizations
management education to develop a new
as members of the Principles for
generation of business leaders capable
Responsible Management Education
of managing the challenges faced by
(PRME) initiative.
business and society in the 21st-century.
Launched by the United Nations Global
“This is an important and distinctive
Compact and business school accrediting
honor for JU to become a PRME
bodies from around the world, the mis-
member,” said Dr. Joseph E. McCann,
sion of the PRME initiative is to champion
dean of the DCOB. “In the current
responsible management education,
academic environment, responsible
research and thought leadership globally.
global leadership, corporate social
16 The Wave
responsibility and economic and environmental sustainability have not yet become embedded in the mainstream of business education.” The PRME are a timely call for business schools and universities worldwide to adapt its curricula, research, teaching methodologies and institutional strategies to the new business challenges and opportunities of globalization. “Joining PRME means being committed to a journey of inquiry, experimentation and, most importantly, of sharing best practices with each other on a global scale,” said McCann.
“There are no other universities like JU,” said Cascone. “It has small class sizes, a diverse population, outstanding aviation, nursing and NROTC programs and so much more. There are many things going on at JU and a lot of things that need to go on. History shows that problems can be solved through education. Education is more important than ever right now.” Cascone began his career at BCBSF in 1968 and served as president and COO, executive vice president and in a senior
L to R: Kathy Cascone Kilbane, Elizabeth and Michael Cascone and Juliette Cascone Gredenhag.
officer role over each of the BCBSF divisions before being named CEO and president in 1998. While at BCBSF, Cascone served on the Board of Directors of the national Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA). He was also chairman of the BCBSA's Federal Employees Program, one of the largest health plans in the world. Cascone also served on several key committees for the national BCBSA,
including finance, mediation, health policy, legislative and operations. He served as chairman of The Caucus, an organization of non-profit Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. Truly a group effort by the family, the Foundation includes Cascone Jr., his wife Elizabeth Belyea Cascone, and their six children, Michael, Steven, Brian, Beth (Higgs), Juliette (Gredenhag) and Kathy (Kilbane).
“Ragtime” Most Ambitious Musical Ever Produced on Campus There was a packed house in Swisher Theatre last fall as JU’s Division of Theatre presented the Northeast Florida premiere of “Ragtime,” the award-winning musical sponsored by Winn-Dixie. “This was one of the largest and most ambitious productions ever created by JU,” said Director Deborah Jordan, assistant
professor of theatre arts. “The show excited your senses and took you on a special journey of the epic struggle for justice and social reform. We even had a working Henry Ford Model-T car included in the set.” The show featured 44 student-actors and one actor from the Jacksonville community. It was musically directed by Robert Tudor, chair of the division of music.
Adapted from E.L. Doctorow’s awardwinning novel “Ragtime,” the musical chronicles the lives of three American families in 1906 on the outbreak of social revolution – a mother fighting to find balance with a new found autonomy; an immigrant father seeking the American lifestyle he dreamt of; and a man seeking justice and retribution for his inequity.
Spring 2009 17
WAVE |
NEWS
Florida CFO Sink Kicks off Leadership Speaker Series Sink opened the “Davis Thought Leaders Speakers Series” hosted by the Davis Leadership Center. The series focuses on how leaders cannot only manage current conditions but must also lead transformational change. “Clearly we’re in difficult economic times,” Sink said. “The bust is far longer and deeper than any of the past cycles.” Improving Florida’s economy will largely depend on diversifying industries, providing more funding for education and attracting higher wage jobs, said Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink at Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business (DCOB) in January.
However, Sink said that Northeast Florida was less affected by the downturn than almost any area in Florida, partly because of the area’s diversified economy, which will be helped by having a new nuclear carrier coming to Mayport Naval Station. “I think Alex was the perfect person to lead off the series,” said Joseph
Aviation Celebrates 25 Years of Progress and Growth
McCann, dean of DCOB. “She not only spoke about the state budget, but rather Florida’s place in the global economy.” And with a prediction that the housing market will not return until early 2010, it’s going to mean cutting into more programs and tapping other revenue sources in future fiscal years, she said. In terms of Florida fitting into the global economy, Sink advocated focusing on two other industries that provided jobs in the state for the first half of 2007: foreign tourism and exports.
Flight team members with advisers Jeff Harrison and Dr. Rhett Yates.
Sink ended by saying that community leaders need to get involved with the area legislatures to help them set priorities when future cuts are coming.
JU’s Aeronautics program celebrated
As CFO of Florida, Sink manages the state’s $24 billion in Treasury funds, oversees workers’ compensation and the state’s risk management programs, serves as State Fire Marshal, licenses all insurance agents and investigates insurance fraud. Prior to her election in 2006, she had a 30-year career in the private financial sector, including seven years as president of Bank of America Florida.
initial members of the program.
its 25th anniversary during homecoming. The festivities included the awarding of the Loening Trophy and a presentation with stories from the
Since 1983, the division of aeronautics has been preparing students for business careers in the aviation industry. In 1996, JU established a one-of-a-kind training partnership with Delta Airlines’ training
18 The Wave
Kampfe is also the 2009 President-
Alumni Board of Governors.
young professional organization created
A former JU football, basketball and tennis athlete, he previously served as assistant director of undergraduate admissions and a liaison for athletics.
by Leadership Florida and a member of
Graham and Clement
elect for the Arlington Council of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Northeast Regional Chair for Connect Florida, a state-wide
IMPACTJax, a professional organization dedicated to volunteerism, networking and economic development.
Dr. Juan Merkt, director of aeronautics, talked about the amazing journey it has been for the program. “We are now one of the largest undergraduate programs at JU and are on path to become one of the top collegiate aviation programs in the nation,” said Merkt. “In addition to achieving accreditation and gaining government recognition, we’ve established an Aviation Advisory Board of industry leaders and alumni experienced in all facets of the industry.” Curtis Truver, the founder of the program, recalled the first group of 28 students and reminded the current team there was still a lot of work to do.
Kampfe Named New Director of Alumni Relations Matthew Kampfe ’06 and MBA ’08, is the new director of alumni relations for JU. In this role, he will manage and oversee all aspects of Alumni Relations events and programs, including the
center, Delta Connection Academy, to educate and train future airline pilots.
Merkt, Capt. Matt Touhy and Truver
“When we started the program, we wrote the book ourselves,” said Truver. “It’s great to see how far we’ve come. There are still lots of mountains to climb and much research to do. Now go out and defend that trophy!” The Flight Team competed at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference in May and earned the most prestigious award of the competition – The Loening Trophy.
The trophy is presented annually to the college program that displays the most outstanding competition performance, academics, aviation safety and active participation in aviation in its local community. Housed in the Smithsonian Institute, the trophy was brought to campus by Robert Clement, president and executive director of NIFA. Clement and Capt. Jim Graham, director of flight operations at Delta Airlines (sponsor of the Loening Trophy), presented the trophy to the Flight Team. “The Loening Trophy is to collegiate aviation what the Heisman is to collegiate football,” said Clement. “JU’s aviation program has set the benchmark.” As part of the qualifying procedures, Brent Knoblauch (captain) and Kevin Burmaster (member) made the winning presentation to a panel of judges. Clement explained what the judges look for in the competing teams. “As judges, we think about our gut instinct and use the criteria, would I want to send my child there to get the best aviation education?” explained Clement. “The answer was a yes when considering the program at JU.” Spring 2009 19
WAVE |
NEWS
Dorsett and DePeri Receive Distinguished Alumni Awards Vice Admiral David J. Dorsett ‘78, director of naval intelligence, and Elizabeth R. DePeri, MD ‘88, assistant professor of radiology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Jacksonville, received Jacksonville University’s 2008 Distinguished Alumni awards at halftime during the homecoming football game. Dorsett and DePeri were each honored for their professional success and dedication to the community and the University. "We’re proud to recognize alumni who are such committed and distinguished leaders in their fields,” said President Kerry Romesburg. “They have both reached great
L to R: Romesburg, Dorsett and DePeri
milestones, and we are privileged to have them as part of the JU family.” Originally from North Carolina, Dorsett (also featured on page 10) was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the director of naval intelligence. As the head of the office of naval intelligence, he is directly responsible for carrying out their mission of, “Producing meaningful maritime intelligence, and moving that intelligence rapidly to key strategic operational and tactical decision-makers.” Dorsett possesses significant experience in national security affairs (Europe, the Middle East) and in strategic planning. He graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval War College and Armed Forces Staff College, and was awarded a master’s degree from the Defense Intelligence College. DePeri graduated from JU with a bachelor’s degree in biology and from the University of Florida’s College of Medicine in 1993. From 2001 to 2006, she served as an instructor of radiology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. In addition to her current position, she is a consultant to Mayo Clinic’s department of radiology and is board certified from the American Board of Radiology and the National Board of Medical Examiners.
Georgia Alums Help Rebuild Intramural Softball Field Due to the generosity of the Atlanta
start the reconstruction. With the help
institutional advancement. “We’re
Alumni Chapter, JU’s intramural
of Glenn Ross ’67, who matched each
proud of our Georgia alumni and hope
softball field is up and running again.
contribution, the chapter was able to
this will inspire other groups to get
The field had not been in operation
provide the necessary amount in only
involved in giving back and improving
for the past two years due to drainage
five months.
student experiences.”
“This was a huge feat for such a
Each member who donated $100 or
Though the University budgeted for the
short time period,” said Kimberly
more has their name displayed on a
project, $13,000 was still needed to
Hernandez, assistant vice president for
plaque near the field.
and construction issues.
20 The Wave
Boylan Shares Experiences Abroad with Students During Homecoming Receives Scott Amos Recent Alumnus Award of Distinction International-adventurist Alex Boylan ’99, came back to campus during homecoming to speak to students about life after winning CBS’s “The Amazing Race II” and his travels abroad as host and producer of “Around the World for Free” (ATWFF). “A smile and a wave get you farther than anything else,” said Boylan as he spoke about his ATWFF trip that took him to 60 countries, spanning 45,000 miles. “You hear so much in the media these days about how everyone is mad and just hates one another. I think that’s sad because it’s just not true.” Boylan also discussed his thoughts about winning ‘The Amazing Race’
Meet Board of Trustee Vice Chair Ronald Autrey
with Chris Lukc, his longtime friend from Boston. “Chris and I had more stamina than some of the other pairs, but I believe it came down to us not turning our frustrations toward each other when things got challenging and just focusing on staying ahead,” said Boylan. Boylan was also honored with Jacksonville University’s Scott Amos Recent Alumnus Award of Distinction. The award, named in memory of 2002 graduate Amos, recognizes an individual who graduated from JU within the last 10 years and demonstrated professional success, generosity and involvement in the community and the University. The award was presented to Boylan at halftime during the JU football game on October 9.
Autrey ‘01, is the vice chair of JU’s Board of Trustees and president and C.O.O. of Miller Electric Company. He was also the 2008 chairman of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce. Autrey received a Bachelor of General Studies degree from the Davis College of Business. In 2004, he joined the BOT and became president of the JU Council, as well as serving on the Davis College of Business Advisory Board. “Autrey has been a true ambassador for the University, helping rebuild the track and field facility, provide lighting to several areas around campus and much more. His leadership, counsel and support have been vital to JU,” said President Kerry Romesburg. A Jacksonville native, Autry currently resides in Ponte Vedra Beach with his wife, Hilah Hillyer Autrey. He has three children and three grandchildren. Spring 2009 21
WAVE |
NEWS
Ozguzer Earns Accolades in the Digital Art World Media Design last fall in Istanbul, Turkey.Created as the interactive version of a classwork assignment given in ART 252 Introduction to Typography, the piece is a game of constructing letters from shuffled pieces. It was also discussed in the 6th International Symposium of Interactive Media Design program.
Assistant Professor of Computer Art and Design Selin Ozguzer is making a name for herself in the digital art world. Ozguzer’s interactive prototype called “Letter Puzzle” was exhibited in the Digital Art Exhibition of the 6th International Symposium of Interactive
In addition, Ozguzer published an article in “Digital Visual Culture: Intersections and Interactions in the 21st -century Art Education” for the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The article, “Educational Applications of Flash in Graphic Design Education,” incorporates innovative ways that interactive games, lectures and study materials can be used as instructional
aides to improve student interaction with course content during class, as well as outside of the classroom. Ozguzer also received two design awards in different categories of the 2008 Winter Semi-Annual Contest of
Ferris Receives Triple Honor in FCHC Writing Contest Senior Harley Ferris was a triple award winner in the Critical Thinking, Poetry and Fiction categories of the 2009 Florida Collegiate Honors Council (FCHC) Writing Contest.
the American Design Awards. She was
Ferris, also JU's webmaster, placed
awarded first place in the Poster Design
first in poetry with his piece "Christmas
category for her JU theatre poster
1983," first in fiction with "Wearing the
“Heartbreak House” and received
Badge" and third in critical thinking with
second place in the Web Design
"Who Made Who? Romanticism Versus
(portfolio) category for her web site
Modernism in British Literature."
www.selins-inn.com. In addition, she was awarded a Merit Prize for her entries in the Self Promotion and Graphic Communication categories of the 2008 Create Awards competition.
"It is almost unheard of that a student would win in all three categories," said Dr. Janet Haavisto, professor of English. In addition, Senior Bradley Woodrum placed second in poetry for his poem, "The Finer Groves."
Employee Giving Reaches New Heights A record-setting 62 percent of employees made personal gifts to the University during the Campus Campaign, a yearly initiative to support the JU Fund as well as employee-designated programs. In tough economic times, JU’s faculty, staff and administration again dem-
and the highest average contributions. In another outstanding development, nine departments out of the 25 teams on campus reached 100 percent participation.
"Harley and Brad are excellent writers," said Haavisto. "This competition is very most important,” said Grady Jones, vice president of Institutional Advancement. "All of us are proud to be part of such a giving educational community.”
“JU faculty, staff and administration are truly concerned about the excellence of the University; they are willing to help fund the programs they deem
onstrated their level of commitment to our students and our University. JU employees not only give their time, guidance and support to the institution, but also generously share their financial resources. The payroll deduction option continues to increase in popularity because employees find this to be an affordable way to participate. The Athletic department was again recognized for having the highest percentage of employee participation 22 The Wave
INCREASED EMPLOYEE GIVING THROUGH PAYROLL DEDUCTION
Ferris (left) with Woodrum after receiving their prizes.
stiff. What a great accomplishment for these two gentlemen." Ferris and Woodrum received free registration to the 2009 FCHC conference, themed "The Art of
Honors: Innovation and Excellence" in February at the Orlando Marriott. There, Ferris received a $400 prize for his first place awards and Woodrum received $150.
Entries for the contest were judged for creativity, style and correct standard English by individuals from a variety of academic disciplines in community colleges and universities.
Division of Music Earns Reaccreditation from NASM The College of Fine Arts’ Division of Music was reaccredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Current and future students can again be assured that the program is engaged in continuous review and improvement of its quality, that it meets nationally endorsed standards in the profession, and that it is accountable for achieving what it sets out to do.
“We have such incredible talent in our music department,” said Bill Hill, dean of the College of Fine Arts. “Their integrity and level of teaching keeps our program thriving, and I am convinced that this would not have occurred without their leadership.” The Division of Music offers the following baccalaureate degrees: Bachelor of Arts in music, Bachelor of Music in performance, Bachelor of Music in composition and
theory, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre and a Bachelor of Science in music business. NASM is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges and universities with approximately 615 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials. For more information, visit www.nasm.arts-accredit.org/.
Spring 2009 23
WAVE |
SPORTS
Soccer Wins First Championship
Softball Makes Strides in 2009 Amanda Lehotak returned for her third season as head coach with 13 players from a 2008 squad that saw a six-win improvement against teams like Florida State, Minnesota and Georgia Southern. Leading the crop are sophomore second basemen Katie Kelly and junior shortstop Shannon Monahan. Kelly earned Atlantic Sun all-freshman honors by leading the Dolphins in batting average (.317), hits (53), RBI (24) and
on-base-percentage (.386). Despite being injured for most of 2008, Monahan came back with a vengeance by batting .500 (15-30) with seven doubles, three triples, 10 RBI and six runs scored to lead the Dolphins to their first perfect fall tally in program history with an 8-0 mark. In the circle, the Dolphins are more experienced than they have been the last few seasons with three of four pitchers returning.
Junior Ashley Iveson is the top returner, having posted three wins while allowing no earned runs in 19.1 innings during the fall. For the third straight year they will face an unforgiving schedule, including nine 2008 NCAA Tournament participants, six teams ranked or receiving votes in the final USA Today/National Fastpitch Coaches Association Top 25 poll last season and five defending conference champions.
Baseball to Bounce Back from Injury-Plagued 2008 Season The Dolphins had an amazing start in 2008, going 13-1 while receiving votes in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Top 25 poll. But injuries became too great to overcome as JU failed to reach the A-Sun Tournament for the first time since 2006. “Our senior leadership was decimated and it’s hard to be a presence when you aren’t on the field,” said JU head coach Terry Alexander, who reached 600 career wins in March. “When you lose your rotation starters and your closer, not many teams can bounce back.” Despite the disappointing end, the Dolphins defeated Florida State and Florida for the second consecutive season. JU won at FSU for the first time since 1991, defeating the Seminoles in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1993-94. Catcher Jeremy Gillan (second team) and pitcher Matt Loosen (freshman team) each earned A-Sun accolades. Gillan led the Dolphins in nearly every offensive category, while Loosen ended the year with team-lows in ERA (3.52) and opponent batting average (.235).
24 The Wave
On the plus side, several young players were thrown into the fire and the experience will help them hit the ground running in 2009. Add another talented recruiting class (five freshmen and three junior college transfers) and JU has an opportunity to bounce back, while solidifying its talent for the next few years. “Our goal was to create more age diversity,” said Alexander. “We have talented freshmen, creating competition at every single position. Our focus for the offseason was not only to improve our physical talent but also our mental approach.” Although the Dolphins are entering the year with many new faces, Alexander believes that the team is falling into place. “You can feel things coming together,” Alexander said. “These guys come to work and get after each other. It will all come down to who works the hardest.”
Scores an Upset in the NCAA Tournament Down 3-1 at halftime during the Atlantic Sun Conference championship, the JU men’s soccer team seemed doomed to repeat the previous season’s painful loss to Campbell in the championship match.
a free kick to force overtime and then Nedim Hrustic scored the game-winner just over a minute into the extra period.
Scoring three goals in the second half, with Ramak Niakan Safi scoring the game-winning goal with less than two minutes left, the team stunned the crowd and sent the Dolphins to the NCAA Tournament.
In the second round, JU faced No. 13 North Carolina but came up short in a 1-0 loss to the Tar Heels – who eventually played for the national title.
Head coach Mike Johnson’s squad wasn’t satisfied with just making the tournament and once again, they found a miracle late in the game.
“This group never gave up until the final whistle, no matter what the score was or the odds against them,” Johnson said. “This is a very special group of young men that set the foundation for us to build upon in the coming years.”
Against Louisville in the first round, on the Cardinals’ home field, the Dolphins trailed 2-1 with less than two minutes left in regulation. Stefan Runeman booted home
TAYLOR
RUNEMAN
Taylor Represents USA in International Competition After enduring two separate tryouts, sophomore forward Tony Taylor secured a spot on the USA U-20 men’s soccer national team for the summer. Taylor trained with Team USA for a week in South Florida as the squad prepared for the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship in Macoya, Trinidad and Bacolet, Tobago in March. The CONCACAF U-20 Championship is a qualifying tournament for the U-20 World Cup, which will take place in Egypt this summer.
Taylor first hooked up with the national team on its trip to Trinidad & Tobago in January. Despite not having played since November, Taylor scored a goal in both exhibitions prompting an invite to the final camp. His success there got him invited to Team USA final tryout camp, where he continued to score en route to earning a spot on the team. “We’re proud of Tony,” said JU head coach Mike Johnson. “He has done well for us this year and I am happy he is getting this opportunity. I look forward to him putting up some good numbers for Team USA.”
Taylor returned to his hometown Dolphins for the 2008 season after spending his freshman campaign at University of South Florida. Despite playing in only 13 matches due to an injury, Taylor managed to rank second in goals (six) and points (16) to earn second team all-conference honors and help the Dolphins win the Atlantic Sun Championship. He also scored a goal and recorded an assist in JU’s 4-3 overtime win over Louisville in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Spring 2009 25
WAVE |
ALUMNI NEWS
Former Foster Kid Turned Advocate Makes a Difference Dunlavy became active with FCF during his senior year at JU with the encouragement of Brian Cabrey, vice president of FCF who became a sponsor parent to Mike and his younger brother Derrick. He and his wife later became foster parents to Derrick.
After spending 11 years in the foster care system, Mike Dunlavy ‘04, is making a name for himself as a passionate advocate for foster kids. Dunlavy is the statewide chairman of Youth Shine, an advocacy group made up of current and former foster children ages 13 to 26, which Florida’s Children First (FCF) established in 2005.
FCF awarded Dunlavy a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. The award is given to foster kids who have taken an interest in community service and give back to current foster care youth. In addition, he was appointed as a member of the state’s Task Force for Child Protection. Through volunteering, Dunlavy found that giving back gave him a sense of fulfillment. “There is no feeling like helping and giving back to the youth,” said Dunlavy. And, even though he will soon age out of his role with Youth Shine, he plans to
continue to speak out about flaws in the system. “I’ve told the kids I’m not going anywhere.” Dunlavy entered the foster care system at age 7 and began living at the Boys Home in Arlington at 11. As a kid, he described himself as a “little out of control” but discipline was something that he learned at the Boys Home. Twenty-six year old Jacksonville resident Justin Taylor, who met Dunlavy when both were 12 and living at the Boys Home, said it was evident that Dunlavy was a born leader. “Just knowing where he comes from, he is a huge inspiration,” Taylor said. When he’s not doing advocacy work or helping organize foster kids in the Jacksonville area, Dunlavy is busy putting his degree in computer art and design into use with his firm called Mpact Marketing. Currently, the firm provides marketing materials and photography, as well as print and e-newsletters for nonprofit and government agencies.
Novitsky Finds Success on Web with Two Companies In college, entrepreneurs Brian Novitsky ’06, and childhood friend David Luber started creating and selling t-shirts. Now, the duo travels across the country hosting events with the nation’s favorite college girls. Founders of CollegeSlogans.com and CollegeMansion.com, Novitsky and Luber had dreams to start a business together and saw a niche market opportunity. “We were social in college and often went out to the local bars by the beach,” said Novitsky. “We decided to create original, funny t-shirts for our friends to
26 The Wave
wear and strike up conversation with the ladies. This turned into our first venture, CollegeSlogans.com.” After the t-shirts were an instant success, Novitsky and Luber decided their next endeavor would be to provide online access to the hottest college girls by state, school and class. “Our initial goal for CollegeMansion was to be a resource that organizes college entertainment. We’re able to regionalize and channel all forms of entertainment pertaining to the 18-28 demographic at an exclusive destination,” says Novitsky.
Cupaiuolo Helps Feed Community Through Student-run Campus Kitchens Thanks to a new community service project at JU, about 80 individuals at Fort Caroline Apartment Complex are enjoying free nutritional meals every Tuesday and Thursday. The food is provided by Campus Kitchens, a program run by AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). Students prepare the meals in JU’s kitchen using surplus food from the cafeteria and Episcopal High School. JU is now one of 14 schools in the United States participating in the project, receiving $600 per month for paper plates, supplies and additional food needs. Heading the program is Ashley Cupaiuolo ‘07, from St. Cloud who graduated with degrees in psychology and sociology.
education. At that point, she hopes the project will be student-run. Since launching the program, the goal has not only been to feed the hungry, but to create a warm, friendly atmosphere for people to eat together. To provide this, the students transformed a four-bedroom apartment at Fort Caroline into a dining hall with painted and decorated walls. “Residents get off work, they’re tired, and it’s a wonderful asset to the community to get two free meals, especially in these economic times,” said property manager Debra Townsend.
“I was book smart, but it was my first year out of college, and I wanted to get experience,” she said.
In addition to the meals, Cupaiuolo obtained a $2,000 Martin Luther King Jr. grant to put on events during the spring semester. On January 19, King’s birthday commemoration, children gathered on the complex playground to jump rope, swing, toss a football or shake a hula hoop while JU students and a couple of faculty grilled hot dogs and dished up pork and beans and popcorn.
As a volunteer, Cupaiuolo gets a modest living stipend and at the end of the year, will receive almost $5,000 toward her
For more information or to volunteer, contact Cupaiuolo at 256-7235 or e-mail campuskitchen@ju.edu.
Instead of jumping into the job market, Cupaiuolo decided to join AmeriCorps.
The Beta Gamma Chapter of Delta Delta Delta celebrated 40 years at JU with a reunion August 1-3. Fifty-four attendees participated in the festivities, which included dinner parties and a campus tour ending with lunch by the river. Some had traveled from as far as California and the group included four members of the 1968 charter initiation class. L to R: Elisa Cox Mills ’01, Stephanie Castro ’01, Elizabeth Friel ’03, Jane Chadbourne former advisor, Staci Smith ’03, Jennifer Concordia ’05 and Jeanette Bohall O'Connor ’71, chairman of reunion committee
Buccaneers Reunite for Weekend of Fun The third annual Buccaneer Reunion brought more than 25 alumni back to campus last fall. A fraternity of graduates from the 1960s, the Bucs enjoyed a weekend of activities, including a reception at Cecil’s Place, owned by fellow Buc Charlie Logsdon ’63. They kicked off the weekend with an open
With t-shirt sales, they raised enough capital to set up their parent company, Mansion Minds Inc., which included both subsidiaries, College Slogans LLC and College Mansion LLC.
house and lunch in the Buccaneer Room in the Davis Student Commons on campus. The group was also recognized during the Dolphins basketball home opener against Florida State on November 15.
Their first contest was an instant hit. It broke CollegeMansion’s server from a surplus of traffic in their second day of business; compiling more than 40 million views and 17 million hits in its first month. Since the launch, they’ve hosted two large “Absolute 52” parties in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and “Paradise Weekend” at the Atlantis, Bahamas.
Delta Delta Delta Reunion
“The highlight was seeing how popular the Buccaneer room is with the students” said Chairman Glenn Ross ’67. The room also features plaques with the names of Bucs who donated $100 or more to create it. Donations can still be made to Institutional Advancement, 2800 University Cupaiuolo (center) with residents at the “Celebration of Non-violence” barbecue in February at Caroline Arms.
Blvd. North, Jacksonville, FL 32211.
Spring 2009 27
WAVE |
ALUMNI EVENTS
For the most up-to-date alumni events schedule, visit www.ju.edu/alumni
August 1
Atlanta Happy Hour at Houston's
September 2 Women's Panel Breakfast 3
4
Cantina Laredo Recent Alumni Happy Hour
October 5
8
9
6
The Grotto Recent Alumni Happy Hour
7
Orlando Alumni Happy Hour at Stonewood
1
2
9
11
10
10 Celebrity Alumni Golf Tournament
November 11
Scholarship Competition Night at the Jacksonville Fair
3
12
4
13
12 Bonefish Grill Recent Alumni Happy Hour
Buccaneer Reception at Cecil’s place
13 Buccaneer Reunion JU v. FSU Basketball
14
15 Washington DC Alumni event JU basketball vs. Georgetown
5
16 Alumni Holiday Party
6
14
15
January St. Augustine Happy Hour A1A Ale Works
February Atlanta Chapter Events South Florida Area Events 28 The Wave
7
8
16
Pictured: 1) Sheryl Penny '74, Mark Raymond '85, Wes Shannon '74 2) Rebecca Barry '05, Dea Sims '89, Adrienne Conrad 3) Stephanie Potts '02, Gary Rettinger '92, Rena Rettinger 4) Matt Eckler '96, Jennifer Concordia '05, Melissa Holland '05, Marc Sanden '03 5) Megan England '02, Liz Dore, Matt Eckler '96, Stephanie Potts '02, Melissa Holland '05 6) Jen Bradstreet, Eric Bradstreet '00 7) Robert Riddle '62, Mark Novak '97, Andy Moran '78, Artis Gilmore '71, John Petrakis '73, Don Vella '71 8) Basketball coaches Joe Williams, Tom Wasdin, Cliff Warren 9) Andy Moran, Ken Griffey, Sr., Don Morehouse 10) Michael Gasdick, Gilmore ‘71, Frank Casey ‘71, Don Rutledge 11) Casey Hampton '07, Brian Dudley '96, '06 12) Ben Bowerman '05, Pamela Shelley '05 13) Len Worley '69, Rich Curley '70, Paul McNulty '68, Gregg Miller '71, Walter Carr '68, Glenn Ross '67, Tommy Entenza '70 14) Mike Schall '78, Hank Jones '77, Cricket Williams '79 15) Guy Rhodes '77, Anne Herbster '77 16) Joe Foy '71, Frances Bartlett Kinne, Bob Price '67
Spring 2009 29
ALUMNI EVENTS
H O M E C O M I N G 2008
WAVE  |
30 The Wave
Homecoming 2008 was a blast! Mark your calendars for Homecoming 2009, October 16-18.
A
D
A
A
B
B
D
D
D
B
E
D
F Homecoming Events: A) Alumni Baseball Game B) Alumni BBQ & Homecoming Game C) Mock Rock D) President's Welcome Reception E) Rowing Boat Dedication
B
C
F
F
F) Rat Party
Spring 2009 31
WAVE |
Class Notes is compiled by your friends in the Alumni Relations Office. If you’ve got news to share, let us know! We want to stay connected with you so e-mail your information and photos to alumni@ju.edu. Please do not send hard copy photos.
CLASS NOTES
1980s
1970s
2000s
James B. Kinchen ’73, lives in
John A. Capizzi ’80, was recently
Pat Bronsard MAT ’98, lives in
Wisconsin and is president of the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association, an affiliate of American Choral Directors Association. He has performed twice at Carnegie Hall.
Knighted into the Dynastic Order of Savoy by Prince Victor Emanual at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. The Order dates back to 1572 and is recognized by the Vatican.
Jacksonville and has been named the new superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of St. Augustine. Prior to this appointment, she was the associate superintendent.
Robert Brown ’73, and Janith Huffman ’72, were married in
Joseph W. Pallot ’81, lives in Miami
Wilmington, N.C., after originally dating in college years ago.
David M. Walker, ’73, CPA, former comptroller general of the United States, was a 2008 recipient of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' (AICPA) Gold Medal Award for Distinguished Service. The highest award granted by the AICPA, Walker received it at the fall meeting of their governing Council. (also featured on page 9)
Allen Reid ’77, lives in Jacksonville and has been named First Guaranty Bank’s senior trust officer and vice president. He will help develop the strategic plan, which includes expanding estate administration services.
Charles (Chuck) Adams ’78, CPA, is an advanced financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services in Richmond, Va.
32 The Wave
and has been named general counsel of HEICO Corporation and its subsidiaries. He has been a member of HEICO’s Board of Directors since 2004. His legal career has been recognized by several peer review publications, including The Best Lawyers in America.
John A. Luciano ’83, ’85, ’91, lives in Jacksonville and attended a leadership conference in Arizona. Even on his leisure time, Luciano is always promoting JU!
Frank “Rocky” Martello ’87, was recognized by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards as a National Board Certified teacher in Volusia County. Martello is in his 20th year of education. He and his wife, Mary, live in DeBary, Fla. with their two children, Frankie and Gianna.
David Doney ’87, lives in Tampa and appeared in The Best Lawyers in America, 2009 edition, which recognized 68 Fowler White Boggs Banker lawyers.
1990s Paul Welty ’91, is president and owner of Synaxis, an Atlanta-based strategic marking, branding and technology firm. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy from Emory University and lives in Atlanta with his wife Cristina Montesinos ’93 and their daughter Lydia.
continued
Elisa Cox Mills ’05, graduated from Loyola Law school in New Orleans. She and her husband Wesley welcomed their daughter Caroline in January, 2008.
2000s Michele LeGuillou Vannoni ’00, married her husband Keith on October 1, 2006 and gave birth to their first child Lindsay Helen on February 20, 2008.
Tiger Taygun Tari ’00, opened a Papa John’s Pizza in Turkey.
Dawn Adin ’01, and her husband John Buchner graduated in August, 2008 with their Doctorate of Philosophy degrees in microbiology at the University of Georgia. They are working at the University of California-San Diego with cyanobacteria, researching its use in biofuel production and to understand the functions of the bacterial circadian clock.
Josh Troy ’02, lives in Stuttgart, Ark. and is the sports editor for the Stuttgart Daily Leader. He joined the staff in October, 2006 and has won three awards for his columns.
Martin Persson ’08, was admitted to the London School of Economics. He was awarded a scholarship and will begin work toward a Master of Science in accounting, organizations and institutions in September.
Weddings
Caitlin Johnson ’05, married Trygve Bjornstad on September 27, 2008. Several JU alumni were in attendance.
L to R: Audrey Koecher ’05, Robyn Bismarck ’05, Caitlin Johnson Bjornstad ’05, Meg Seigle ’07, Joanna Christopher ’05, Juliet Pocali ’05 and Ashley May ’05.
New Arrivals Cammie Bennett Sanders ’90, and husband Kevin became the proud parents of Kayden Schaun on September 10, 2008. Kayden joins big sister Clara.
Christopher Matt ’91, and his wife Bety Andrea Lee ’99, married Sean Maxson on July 12, 2008. They live in Long Island, N.Y.
are the proud parents of Gwendolen Emily born October 16, 2007.
Susan Cody ’92, and her husband Steve became the proud parents of Steven William on August 17, 2008.
Robin Nowotny Hardeman ’00, and husband Matthew became proud parents of Joshua Matthew on September 26, 2008.
Dwayne ’94, and Casey Corrigan Rogers ’96, ’99, became the proud parents of Gabriella Grace on March 1, 2008. Gabriella joins big brother Riley.
Seana Delaney McAfee ’97, and husband Matthew became the proud parents of Robert Patrick on April 28, 2008. Big brothers are Stuart and Kevin.
In Memoriam Brian E. Michaels ’65, October 28, 2008.
Kathie Janca Felton ’72, August 22, 2008.
Jennifer Posey Koury ’77, September 13, 2008.
Sang T. Jun ’94,
October 22, 2008
Memorial Fund Created to Honor Former Dean of Students Corbin Former Dean of Students O. Wayne Corbin passed away on November 28, 2008. Corbin joined the faculty at JU as a part-time science instructor in 1957 and became a full-time faculty member the next year. He was appointed acting dean of men in 1961 and became dean of student affairs in 1962. Serving as dean until he retired from JU in 1987, he went on to work on the Jacksonville Planning Commission until 1991. A memorial service was held on January 10 in Sam Marks Chapel. Michael Howland ’76, officiated the service. Among the nearly 200 attending to honor Corbin’s memory were his wife of 39 years, Kitty, Cheryl Doro Wilder ’82, Tommy Hazouri ’66 and Dr. Marvin Wells ’73. Dr. Duane Bork, former team physician and Judd Harris, former Athletic Director, also spoke. The Wayne Corbin Memorial Fund has been established to benefit the Biology Department. Donations may be sent to Institutional Advancement, 2800 University Blvd. North, Jacksonville, FL 32211.
Spring 2009 33
MASTER OF EDUCATION IN LEADERSHIP & LEARNING
MASTER OF ARTS IN MATHEMATICS There’s no better place to MASTER MATHEMATICS! Enhance your number-quotient, learn the latest teaching strategies and begin a great career in teaching others.
visit
www.ju.edu
for MORE INFORMATION
Take care of your family create a legacy at JU.
&
A Planned Gift can do BOTH!
To start the conversation, please contact: Donna Morrow, Director of Planned Giving Ph: 904.256.7928 • Email: dmorrow1@ju.edu
Every gift matters. Make yours today & support JU tomorrow.
www.ju.edu
Our exciting program tracks in EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP,
INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT and SPORT MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP will prepare you for the next level in your career.
To learn more, visit www.ju.edu
D?
W O R C E H T N I D E T T WERE YOU SPO
y ar to support JU b ye r u yo 09 20 e k a r! If not, m e Dolphin Membe th f o r e rd O n a g  becomin uting $1,000 nizations contrib ga or d an s al du vi olphin Indi for Order of the D ify al qu ly al nu an vel. or more ciated at each le so as s fit ne be ith membership w ing t www.ju.edu/giv si vi n, io at rm fo in For more 21 or call 904.256.70
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID 2800 University Boulevard North Jacksonville, FL 32211-3394
Permit No. 3160 Jacksonville, FL