FINE ARTS
AMBITION &
EXPANSION
DCOB EARNS AACSB ACCREDITATION REPEAT TITLES IN TRACK & MEN’S HOOPS
SPRING 2010
VOLUME 13 • NUMBER 2 www.ju.edu
Publisher Kerry D. Romesburg Editor Traci Mysliwiec-Johnson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Hall ART DIRECTOR Taryn Hannah ASSISTANT EDITOR Kristi Mace
Publications Manager Robin Bangert-Lenard
Greetings JU Alumni & Friends, Excitement is the best word to describe the feeling on campus today. So many wonderful things are in progress that it was hard to fit them all into one magazine. The most visible change has been the construction of the Marine Science Research Institute, which is set to open at the end of summer (page 18). The resources that will be available to students in this facility will be another reason why this University is like none other. Also adding to JU’s uniqueness is the recent accreditation of our Davis College of Business (page 8). I am proud to say that we now offer the only private, AACSB-accredited business program in North Florida. Another college taking on ambitious projects is the College of Fine Arts, who for the first time took its students downtown to the Florida Theatre to showcase the musical “Chess” (page 4). The show is set to rival the Broadway touring version. There was also a new series developed: The Dolphin Alumni Speaker Series (page 24). So far, we have featured three outstanding alumni who have shared stories of their lives after JU. Let me again congratulate the Track and Field team, who won their fifth consecutive Atlantic Sun title (page 23). This is a result of our dedicated athletes, coaches and instructors who are determined to be the best. Many more great things are in store for our University. I want to again encourage each of you to get in contact with us and plan your next visit to see what all the buzz is about! Sincerely,
Contributing Writer Joel Lamp Class Notes Patricia Reeves
Main Number 904.256.8000
Admissions 904.256.7000 admissions@ju.edu Alumni 904.256.7201 alumni@ju.edu University Marketing 904.256.7042 & Communications media@ju.edu Registrar 904.256.7091 cbarret@ju.edu 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
JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ron A. Autrey ’01 Margaret Black-Scott ‘85 Walter P. Bussells Michael Cascone Jr. ‘65 Adrienne Conrad Timothy P. Cost ‘81 Kevin F. Delaney Brian Dudley ‘96, ‘05 Wayne A. Galloway J. Phillip Garcia ’90 John G. Harrison ’67 Michael Howland ’76 Cyrus M. Jollivette Matthew Kane ’01 Jack Keigwin Bruce Kern Lawrence E. Kurzius 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 Carole J. Poindexter ’77 Gilbert J. Pomar, Jr. Fred G. Pruitt ’69, ’85 Kerry D. Romesburg H.W. Shad (Mike) ’85 Linda Berry Stein ’69 Chris A. Verlander Gordon Keith Watson ’71 Terry L. Wilcox Carolyn Munro Wilson ’69, ’77, ’89 Charles J.O. Wodehouse
Kerry D. Romesburg President
All contents © COPYRIGHT 2010 Jacksonville University. All rights reserved.
Cover
4 AMBITION & EXPANSION Fine Arts Students Are Reaching New Levels BY KRISTI MACE With an elaborate new production and upgraded facilities and equipment, Fine Arts students are achieving higher levels of performance experience. The latest production of “Chess” at the Florida Theatre downtown is the most challenging by JU yet. The improvements in the recording studio are already being used to produce new music and students are enjoying many of the newly donated pianos, too.
FEATURES
8 D avis College of
20 SPORTS
E arns AACSB Accreditation
24 ALUMNI NEWS
12 Q&A: KEN OELRICH A Soldier & A Student
20 MEN’S BASKETBALL
14 NEWS
Business Joins Elite Company
BY TRACI MYSLIWIEC-JOHNSON
DEPARTMENTS
Repeats A-Sun Championship
28 ALUMNI EVENTS 32 CLASS NOTES
N O I T I B AM
&
EXPANSION FINE ARTS STUDENTS ARE REACHING
4 The Wave
NEW LEVELS BY KRISTI MACE
WITH an elaborate new production and upgraded facilities and equipment, Fine Arts students are achieving higher levels of performance experience to further broaden their marketability after graduation. The latest production, “Chess” at the Florida Theatre downtown, is the College’s most challenging yet for its scope, style and use of multiple performance venues. The improvements that have been made in the recording studio are already being used to produce new music and students are busy practicing on many of the newly donated pianos, including a one-of a-kind grand master piano only a few colleges have the privilege to own.
CHESS A MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA FOR THE SENSES
By the time they graduate, most
musical theatre students will have performed in a variety of shows featuring a range of music such as opera, pop, orchestral, disco and rock, among others. However, try and fit all of those styles into one and you’ve got the musical “Chess.” Taking on the task this spring of producing a show of such grandeur are 18 JU students, many of whom are being pushed beyond their comfort zone. “Out of all my performances, this one has challenged me the most,” said Senior Greg Bosworth, who has been preparing for his lead role in what has been coined as JU’s most ambitious musical theatre venture. “It was written in the 80s and has some touches of pop belting, which is hard to do for two hours in a show, let alone three months of rehearsal. I’ve got to belt some really high notes and hold them for a really long time.” Piece by piece, “Chess” the musical with lyrics by Tim Rice (“The Lion King”) and music by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (ABBA, “Mamma Mia!”) is taking shape. Not only is the show a vocal challenge, students have also been adjusting to some unfamiliar territory, as the musical premieres in downtown Jacksonville at the Florida Theatre on April 9. “We’re approaching taking this show to the Florida Theatre like a touring production,” said the director, Dr. Rob Tudor, assistant professor of music. “This means, our students will experience moving in the set, costumes, and props; setting the lights and band; walking through the show on a cue-to-cue shortened rehearsal; and opening all in the same day. It’s new for all of us, but we are excited about the challenge, and have been preparing for it since its inception.”
“It was important for us to take our musical theatre team to
Freddie’s manager who falls in love with Anatoly. Senior Lukas
a bigger venue as a way to help them grow,” said Bill Hill,
Cyr plays Ivan Molokov, Anatoly’s manager; and Senior Vincent
dean of The College of Fine Arts. “They have to be able to
Teschel appears as Walter Anderson, a secret CIA agent.
adapt to a different stage and become aware of the angles of the audience and how to properly fit in the set design. The
“The show is a melodic, daring, witty and ambitious musical.
experience will be as real-world as it gets for them.”
I have loved seeing what was once believed as too challenging of a show for JU to produce now come to fruition,”
The show was such a challenge that many of the lead roles
said Tudor, who has directed musically some of JU’s largest
had to be double-casted.
productions like “Ragtime,” “Oklahoma!” and “Company.”
“The lead roles are very challenging for young voices to
“Dr. Tudor is a phenomenal director,” said Winter. “He has
sing,” said Tudor. “Rock-style musical theatre is very taxing on
definitely challenged me to connect with my character in an area
the voice, and all of our students are learning and practicing
of my life that I have been skeptical to tap. His constant push
healthy singing habits. They were a bit suspicious of being
in finding the best objective for every scene has been a key
double cast at first, but are understanding why I did it now
component to the passion that is coming through in this show.”
that we’re running acts back to back.” The show is set to not only dazzle the ears but the eyes as Bosworth along with Sophomore Stephen Johns play
it will include chess pieces that double as usable furniture
Anatoly Sergievsky, a Russian who is the current World Chess
pieces. There will also be two-dimensional artwork shown in
Champion about to challenge American Freddie Trumper
the background.
(played by Sophomores Erick Crow and Dean Winter); all in the context of a Cold War struggle between the United States and
“This is truly going to be a spectacular collaborative and
the Soviet Union, during which both countries wanted to win
comprehensive production,” said Hill.
international chess tournaments for propaganda purposes. The show will also be held at JU’s Swisher The show also includes Senior Nina
Theatre on April 16 and 17. To order tickets
Waters and Sophomore Taylor
for the Swisher Theatre showing, call
Anderson who play Florence Vassy,
904.256.7370.
TESCHEL WATERS
BOSWORTH
CYR
NEW ADDITIONS STIR UP ENTHUSIASM It began last spring, a project to replace more than two dozen
their “thank you” gift to the University. In addition, two new
pianos that sparked excitement and renewed a sense of pride
grand pianos and two vertical (upright) pianos have been
in the JU music department.
installed in practice rooms. The Sam Marks Chapel, where the choir rehearses, also has a new medium-sized grand
It was during a concert as Assistant Professor of Piano Scott
piano. Professors Marguerite Richardson and John Ricci also
Watkins led his music students through their first class recital
have new studio verticals.
that he got the surprise of a lifetime. “This has been one of the most targeted quality improvements “Carolyn Munro Wilson ’69, ’77, ’89, was so impressed with
for our facilities,” said Ricci. “I’m already enjoying having
the students that she came up to me immediately following
an excellent piano for illustrating harmonies/concepts and
the concert and offered to purchase a new concert piano,”
accompanying my students, who are already playing better
said Watkins. “That was followed with a matching donation
because of it.”
by former Board of Trustee member Mary Virginia Terry, as well as a few other donations.”
As more donations are made, more pianos (about 28 in all) will be replaced.
As a result, the Steinway Concert Grand Piano was replaced with a Shigeru-Kawai EX Concert Grand Piano that now sits proudly
The new pianos feature carbon-fiber technology in much
in Terry Concert Hall. According to Watkins, this is the only piano
of the operating mechanism (action) of the instruments.
of its kind in Florida, and one of only a very few in the country.
According to Watkins, that will help to reduce the amount of maintenance and repair on the pianos which will be heavily
For purchasing the piano, the Kawai Company is installing a
used and fight the negative effects humidity and temperature
completely new suite of electronic keyboard instruments as
fluctuation have on wooden parts.
RECORDING STUDIO RENOVATED A lot of hard work goes into producing a record, and the
students the ability to create more accurate mixes
renovations made to the P-19 studio theatre in the Fine Arts
and translate them to a lot of different environments such
Hall have been making it easier for students this spring.
as Ipods.
Equipped with a new booth, the studio now serves as a professional recording studio.
With the goal of introducing a new CD and a new artist each year, Dolphinium Records, the student-run, campus based
According to Assistant Professor of Music Business and
record label for JU, is already using the upgraded studio to
Dolphinium Records Adviser Dr. Thomas Harrison, the quality
produce three CDs from the bands “Inside the Target Car,”
of the sound in the room has increased significantly, giving
“Dancell” and “Newborn Thriller.”
Davis College of B usiness Joins E lite Company Accreditation is Good for Students, Good for JU and Good for Jacksonville
BY TRACI MYSLIWIEC-JOHNSON
In January,
Jacksonville
adds to their degrees. Accreditation assures
University’s Davis College of Business (DCOB)
students, parents and the public that a school
joined the elite company of the five percent
adheres to the highest-quality standards
of institutions worldwide that have earned
based on the latest research and professional
accreditation from the Association to Advance
practices. An accredited school must continue
Collegiate Schools of Business International
to demonstrate that it is growing, not just
(AACSB). After a long arduous process, the
maintaining existing standards during regular
DCOB now offers the only private, AACSB-
review cycles.
accredited business program in North Florida. Exemplifying that growth, accreditation isn’t This impressive accomplishment resonated
the only new development in DCOB. They’ve
even more when the November evaluation
also reconfigured the Accelerated and Flex
yielded a clean report. Most schools expect
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
there to be stipulations about areas that need
programs, added the Mayo Clinic Executive
to be improved to earn the official accreditation
Health Program to the Executive MBA (EMBA),
and the DCOB had none.
brought in three new Executives-in-Residence
WE WERE ALL A BIT SHOCKED WHEN WE REALIZED THAT WE HAD A CLEAN REVIEW WITH FOUR OF OUR CURRENT PRACTICES ALSO RECOGNIZED AS ‘BEST PRACTICES’ BY AACSB,” SAID DR. JOSEPH MCCANN, DEAN OF THE DCOB. “WE’VE LEARNED THAT ABOUT ONE IN 10 SCHOOLS HAVE THAT OCCUR WHILE EARNING INITIAL ACCREDITATION. THAT SAYS A LOT ABOUT THE LEVEL OF FACULTY, STAFF, STUDENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT PROVIDED IN THE EFFORT.
Officially announced by AACSB Jan. 7, the
(see sidebar on page 11), started a blog (http://
University celebrated the achievement with
judaviscollegeofbusinessblog.ju.edu/),
a reception on Feb. 4 in the DCOB. Alumni,
hosted the Political Leadership Institute (PLI)
faculty and trustees gathered to mark the
and joined the Partnership for Responsible
occasion and reminisce in a crowd that
Management Education (PRME), which is
included Dan Davis and Chairman of the Board
sponsored by the UN Global Compact.
of Trustees, Ron Autrey, along with former presidents Dr. James Brady and Dr. Frances
“All business schools today have to continu-
Bartlett Kinne.
ously change as much and as fast — preferably faster — than world conditions change. This
“With much thanks to donors, trustees, faculty
means staying in touch with those conditions
and our students, we met all 20 standards
and their implications for businesses and our
of evaluation,” said McCann. “This is good
graduates so that they are best prepared,” said
for our students, good for us and good for
McCann. “We systematically benchmark our
Jacksonville. It’s not just a transitional event,
programs against those of the top business
but a transformative event.”
schools in the world, not just locally, to be sure that we are responsive. To our pleasant surprise,
Current students and alumni alike will reap
we’ve also innovated in terms of content and
the benefits of the value the accreditation
program design beyond many of those.”
Spring 2010 9
DAN DAVIS WITH DEAN MCCANN IN FRONT OF THE NEW AACSB PLAQUE IN THE DCOB LOBBY
The MBA programs have adapted to
presentations, articles and teasers into
in the world, all of whom are dedicated to
today’s student needs, offering the Davis
recent developments in the field.
creating sustainable economies and ethical professional practices. PRME makes us
Accelerated and Flex MBA options along with the EMBA. The full-time, Accelerated
“‘Relevance’ and ‘academic-business
smarter and engages students in the larger
day program includes 12 months of
linkages’ are the key themes. We blog
world in which they must function.”
continuous study designed to help launch
about topics that are relevant to our
a professional career as many undergrads
business community and to our students,”
Everyone involved is feeling a renewed
move right into this program. Tailored for
said McCann, the initial force behind the
enthusiasm with the new developments
experienced, working professionals, the
project. “Similarly, part of our mission is to
and are all energized by the new begin-
Flex program is paced in conveniently-
link business academic developments to
ning and the chance to build on it. Now,
scheduled evening courses.
our scholarship.”
with accreditation already earned, the DCOB looks forward to future innovation
As part of the Mayo initiative, EMBA
The relationships that the DCOB has been
students will receive a preventative medi-
cultivating have already grown and started
cal examination by specialists in the Mayo
to reap the benefits for students.
and growth.
The Aviation Program, for example, is nationally recognized and has tremendous
Clinic Executive Health Program designed for top-level executives, including a
“Our hosting of the PLI through the Davis
opportunities ahead of it. The Davis
complete checkup and comprehensive
Leadership Center is also helping identify
Leadership Center will also respond
lifestyle assessment. Mayo Clinic and the
and prepare North Florida’s next genera-
to very significant opportunities in
DCOB will jointly design a series of short
tion of public leaders, some of whom are
developing talent management programs
seminars, briefings and workshops to be
our alumni. And, of course, there is our
for companies, as well as capitalizing
delivered by Mayo Clinic staff focusing on
early joining of the PRME,” explained
on growing competence in developing
the connections between mind, body and
McCann. “PRME has connected us with the
leaders who understand the power of
human performance and will be woven
leading business schools and companies
public-private partnerships.
into the Davis EMBA curriculum.
Started at the beginning of the last
THE DCOB IS FAR FROM FINISHED IN ITS EVOLUTION, AND WHILE CHANGE IS SOME-
academic term with contributions by
TIMES UNCOMFORTABLE THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE. WE HAVE TO MAKE OUR CURRENT
faculty and administrators providing content for readers interested in business
PROGRAMS WORK EVEN BETTER AND GROW THEM SUBSTANTIALLY MORE,” SAID
and leadership issues, the blog highlights
MCCANN. “WE PROMISE TO DO OUR BEST TO MAKE CURRENT AND FUTURE CHANGE
discussions of newly-released studies,
AS SMOOTH AS POSSIBLE, BUT THE WORLD IS MOVING FAST AND SO MUST ALL OF US.
D COB We l co m e s T hre e Ne w E x e c u t iv e s - in - Re s iden c e Alvin Brown, an expert in
business experience to a new focus
public policy and public-private partner-
on teaching. His recent role at BCBSF
ships, R. John Kaegi, former chief strategy
included facilitation of the processes
officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
and meetings of the corporate strategy
Florida (BCBSF), and Glenn Hansen, a
committee and he was deeply involved in
former senior vice president of the Federal
shaping health care reform. He also pro-
Reserve Bank of Chicago, have joined JU’s
vided corporate leadership over solutions
Davis College of Business as Executives-
innovation to identify new opportunities in
in-Residence.
the marketplace.
Brown, president and CEO of the Willie Gary
Kaegi holds a Bachelor of Science from
Classic Foundation, served as the executive
the University of Oregon and a Master
director of the Bush/Clinton Katrina Fund’s
of Business Administration from the
Interfaith Fund. As former Vice President Al
University of Memphis.
Gore’s Senior Advisor for Urban Policy and Vice Chair of the White House Community
Hansen was responsible for the Detroit
Empowerment Board, Brown advised
branch of the Federal Reserve Bank
both Gore and President Clinton. He held a
and served on the Bank’s Management
number of other key positions, including as a
Committee as well as System committees.
senior advisor in the Commerce and Housing
He has more than 35 years of managerial
and Urban Development departments.
experience. Currently, Hansen is the president and founder of STRATEGIC
Brown graduated from JU with a Bachelor
INTEGRATION, INC., which specializes in
of Science and a Master of Business
executive consulting, business acumen
Administration. He has also completed
training and financial literacy efforts.
post graduate work at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree
has served on the JU Board of Trustees
and a Master of Business Administration
and Board of Directors of the Jacksonville
degree from Loyola University of Chicago.
Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Hansen also attended the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard
Kaegi applies 40 years of corporate
LEFT TO RIGHT: KAEGI, BROWN & HANSEN AT THE ACCREDITATION RECEPTION
Business School.
Spring 2010 11
he nor my mother ever told me to reconsider. I appreciate that and love and respect them very much for the support they have given me.
YOU SERVED TWO TOURS. WHAT WERE THE EXPERIENCES LIKE? I did two deployments during my second enlistment while I was serving with the 2nd Batallion, 5th Marine Regiment, or 2/5 as we call it. The first was a deployment to South East Asia where we trained in Okinawa, South Korea and Thailand. We conducted landslide relief for a village in the Philippines that
KEN OELRICH A SOLDIER & A STUDENT
had been hit hard by the natural disaster. We also visited Iwo Jima, which is the site of the famous flag raising photo and the Marine Corps’ most famous battle. The second deployment was to the Al Anbar Providence in Iraq. Our first three months, we
AFTER BEING INSPIRED BY THE
were in Ramadi conducting counter-insurgency
Marine Corps, Ken Oelrich decided to join the
operations. Iraq is an eye-opening experience. The
many brave soldiers who are traveling across
extreme poverty and living conditions make you
the globe to fight in the “war on terror.” The
understand just how blessed we all are to live in
Wave had the opportunity to learn more about
America. Getting to know and talk to the people
his unique journeys abroad, as well as having a
and hearing their stories firsthand was remarkable.
father who serves in the state senate, and how he
The majority of Americans get their information
now helps lead the JU football team to victory.
from a very politically-biased media and to be able to see the changes and improvements unfiltered, for myself, made it all worth it. Did bad things happen in Iraq? Absolutely. But much worse things
WHAT DID YOUR DAD (FLORIDA STATE SENATOR STEVE OELRICH) THINK ABOUT YOU GOING INTO THE MILITARY DURING A TIME OF WAR?
were happening before America ever showed up
My dad has always been supportive of my
DO YOU THINK YOUR EXPERIENCES HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR DAD’S POLITICAL DECISIONS?
decisions and this one was no different. I had impeccable timing and shipped off for boot camp
and now, Iraq and its people are more free than they have ever been before and I’m proud of that.
in July of 2001. The terrorist attacks occurred about
12 The Wave
a month before I graduated boot camp and I didn’t
Well, my dad doesn’t have much say on U.S.
learn of the extent of the damage until I left Parris
foreign policy but I doubt the fact that his son
Island. When I decided to re-enlist, for the sole
was serving overseas would sway him to make
purpose of doing a combat deployment, neither
a decision other than what is best for the people
he represents. He’s a strong leader with strong
right now, as a new member of this team, my job is
principles so I have faith in the decisions he makes.
to follow our senior leaders and to help the team in any way I can to achieve another championship.
WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING EXPERIENCE YOU HAD IN IRAQ?
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?
Probably the boredom. Even in the infantry, it’s
I’d like to work in the NFL one day. I love business
not like you walk outside everyday and step into
and I love football, so I can think of no better
a “Rambo” movie. A vast majority of the time on
combination. It is a hard business to get into but I
patrol or on post, you are just bored out of your
have no doubt that I can succeed.
mind. So you just had to do your best to stay focused on your mission and on your down time, keep yourself entertained.
WOULD YOU EVER GO BACK TO IRAQ? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO ATTEND JU?
WITHOUT A DOUBT.
After being away for eight years, I wanted to move back somewhere close to my family in Gainesville and I wanted to play football. JU offered that combination of a small-school environment with a quality football program. The fact that Coach Bell was here also let me know this was the right place for me.
TEAMMATES CALL YOU SARGE (SHORT FOR SERGEANT) ON THE JU FOOTBALL TEAM. DO YOU THINK OTHER STUDENTS LOOK UP TO YOU KNOWING HOW MUCH YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED? I just try to carry myself with confidence and conduct my business like a professional and if that rubs off on my teammates then that’s great. Good leadership is not to tell people you’re a leader, it’s to show them. While in the Marine Corps, I tried to give my Marines a good example to follow and if they ever made a mistake or needed a correction then I was there to make sure that mistake didn’t happen again, and that’s no different than on a football team. I have been the “new guy” enough to know that you don’t just barge your way onto a new team and start demanding respect. In order to be a great leader you have to be a good follower and
Spring 2010 13
WAVE |
NEWS
HASKELL ENCOURAGES GRADUATES TO IMPROVE JACKSONVILLE COMMUNITY
DEJESUS
GIBBONS
THE RAIN DIDN’T DAMPEN THE
of you into Jacksonville than sending
engineering in 1960. He earned a Master
enthusiasm and cheer of the friends and
from it.”
of Business Administration with distinction from Harvard Business School in 1962. He
family of the more than 300 students who received their degrees at the annual fall com-
He closed with a directive for students
also attended Massachusetts Institute of
mencement ceremony in December. Keynote
to push themselves to create change to
Technology for graduate study in building
speaker Preston H. Haskell, III, founder and
enhance their world.
engineering and construction. In Jacksonville and nationally, Haskell has been involved in
chairman of The Haskell Company, spoke about how the world has changed since they
“I HOPE I’VE GIVEN YOU A SMALL
entered the University.
GLIMPSE OF THE COMPLICATED
community, civic and industry leadership.
WORLD YOU ARE ENTERING THAT
The graduates included 272 undergraduates
“You’re entering a world which is quite dif-
HAS CHANGED SO MUCH,” HASKELL
receiving bachelor’s degrees. Of those, 139
ferent from when you matriculated,” Haskell
SAID. “I CHALLENGE YOU TO USE YOUR
were nursing students. Master’s degrees
said. “All of you will have opportunities and
TALENTS, INSIGHT AND INTELLECT TO
were bestowed on 35 graduate students,
challenges on the global, national and local
MAKE A BETTER WORLD, A BETTER
including 25 in business administration, six in
levels to respond to the complexities these
NATION AND A BETTER CITY.”
nursing and two in education.
changes represent.” An honorary doctor of humane letters was
Fanya Sabrina DeJesus received a standing
He talked to graduates and their families
conferred on Haskell. “When I arrived in
ovation when Romesburg brought her back
about the changes that need to be made
Jacksonville, I was told there were four or
up to the stage to acknowledge that she had
to fix the current state of the economy
five people I had to meet,” said President
not only earned her Master’s of Nursing degree,
and the environment on both the global
Kerry D. Romesburg. “Preston Haskell was
but also her Master of Business Administration.
and local stages.
one of them. He is such a leader — for art, for education, for business — it is an honor to
The University’s Navy ROTC Program
“I hope many of you will stay in this com-
have him with us today.”
commissioned one officer, Patrick Gibbons. JU’s NROTC program also serves students
munity and think of ways to improve the city and commit your resources,” Haskell
Haskell graduated with honors from Princeton
at the University of North Florida and Florida
said. “JU has a history of bringing more
University with a Bachelor of Science in civil
Community College at Jacksonville.
14 The Wave
POINDEXTER, VERLANDER AND KURZIUS JOIN BOARD OF TRUSTEES JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY
in 2008 and JU’s Distinguished Alumna
Industries of Florida (AIF). Verlander joined
welcomes Carole J. Poindexter ’77, Chris A.
award in 2009.
AIF from American Heritage Life Insurance Company and American Heritage Life
Verlander and Lawrence E. Kurzius to the University’s Board of Trustees.
After JU, Poindexter went on to become a
Investment Corporation in Jacksonville.
Florida CPA in 1980 and earn a Master of
Verlander retired after 29 years with
“NEW BOARD MEMBERS BRING
Business Administration from the University
American Heritage to join the AIF staff.
FRESH PERSPECTIVES AND
of North Florida in 1981. He is a past president of both the Florida
ENTHUSIASM,” SAID PRESIDENT KERRY D. ROMESBURG. “WE’RE
Kurzius is president — International Business
Insurance Council and the Gator Bowl
THRILLED THAT CAROL, LAWRENCE
for McCormick & Company, Inc. He is
Association. Verlander serves on the board
AND CHRIS ARE JOINING THE BOARD
responsible for McCormick’s consumer and
of directors of SunTrust Bank of North Florida
BECAUSE EACH INDIVIDUAL BRINGS
industrial businesses in Europe, the Middle
and Baptist South Hospital. He is a member
WITH THEM A UNIQUE BACKGROUND
East and Africa, Canada, Asia, Australia and
of the Rotary Club of Jacksonville and a
AND INNOVATIVE IDEAS THAT WILL
emerging markets. Previously, he served as
board member of Baptist Towers Retirement
HELP US GROW THE UNIVERSITY.”
the company’s president for Europe, Middle
Home. He also participates on the Florida
East and Africa starting in 2007 and president
Insurance Council Board, the Management
Poindexter is the president and CEO of Baker
of U.S. Consumer Foods in 2005 and 2006.
School Advisory Board at Georgia Tech and
Distributing Company. She started as a staff
Kurzius joined McCormick’s in 2005 as vice
the Executive Committee of Boy Scouts of
accountant at Baker Distribution and rose to
president and general manager of sales
America, North Florida Chapter.
treasurer, CFO and CEO. She is a Chamber
and marketing following the acquisition of
of Commerce Trustee, a governing body
Zatarain’s in 2003. He joined Zatarain’s in
Verlander graduated from the Georgia
member of the Athena Power Link, as well as
1991 and became president and CEO in 1997.
Institute of Technology in 1970 with a
a member of the Davis College of Business’
Kurzius graduated from Princeton Univer-sity,
Bachelor of Science in industrial manage-
advisory board.
Magna Cum Laude in economics.
ment. In 1971, he received a Master of
Poindexter was honored with the Jacksonville
Verlander is senior vice president of
of Florida. He spent a year as Second
Business Journal Woman of Influence award
Corporate Development for Associated
Lieutenant in the U. S. Army.
Business Administration from the University
POINDEXTER
VERLANDER
KURZIUS
WAVE |
NEWS
HUCKABEE TALKS ABOUT PROBLEMS IN U.S. POLITICAL SYSTEM FORMER GOVERNOR & PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE VISITED JU DURING MEDIA FIRESTORM AS HE WAS FACING A MEDIA
it was up to the parole board to authorize
JU students asked him about the tax system,
frenzy due to a decision he made in 2000
Clemmons’ release.
student loans and whether young people should go into politics. They laughed at
while he was the governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee spoke to JU students and
“I’D GIVE ANYTHING IF I COULD
his jokes like the one about how “being a
the community on Dec. 2 in a packed
ROLL THE CLOCK BACK AND MAKE A
Republican in Arkansas is like being a fire
Swisher Theatre.
DECISION ON WHAT WAS GOING TO
hydrant in a neighborhood full of big dogs.”
HAPPEN,” HUCKABEE SAID. “I DON’T A prospective 2012 GOP presidential candi-
KNOW HOW I WAS SUPPOSED TO
He mentioned faculty should give any
date, Huckabee came under fire because of
KNOW THE FUTURE. THERE WAS NO
student attended a full letter grade bonus for
the clemency order he signed for Maurice
FUTURE. NOBODY AT THAT POINT WAS
showing up, bringing cheers from the crowd.
Clemmons. At the time, he thought 108 years
SAYING HE’S A COP KILLER.”
Then he joked, “That’ll make the faculty mad, but on most campuses, the faculty doesn’t
was excessive for a burglary and robbery
like me anyway.”
committed when Clemmons was a 16-year-
Huckabee finished second to John McCain in
old. The week before his visit, nine years
his 2008 run for the Republican nomination.
later, Clemmons is thought to have shot and
When asked about the possibility of running
He spoke of the problems with the current
killed four Seattle-area police officers.
for president in 2012, Huckabee said he
political system, not particularly praising his
thought it was too early to decide.
own party or criticizing the other. Talking about the problems facing the economy, he
After a reception with student leadership in the Terry Concert Hall, local media questioned
“That political race is three years from now.
said, “I’m not blaming Barack Obama, I’m
him along with CNN before his speech.
Barack Obama hasn’t even been president for
blaming it on the system.”
He said his order cut Clemmons’ sentence
a year yet. We haven’t had the 2010 elections,
down to 47 years. Nobody involved with the
let’s get those behind us,” he said. “Right
Referring to what is being called the health
case — the law enforcement, prosecutors or
now, it’s a bit offensive to the families of those
care crisis, he said, “We don’t have a health
judges — protested the action, he said. And
police officers to talk about it at this point.”
care crisis as much as we have a health crisis.”
HUCKABEE SPEAKS TO THE PRESS
16 The Wave
DUNN ENTERTAINS STUDENTS WITH AWARD-WINNING POETRY PULITZER PRIZE AND ACADEMY
people abuse the English language but were
that made any underlying turmoil seem
Award-winning poet Stephen Dunn was both
never given over to pessimism or excess.”
nonexistent. His poems “Criminal,” “Scapegoat” and “Language of Love” had a much
personable and mysterious as he sat quietly signing books and glancing from face to face
Dunn began by stating that he usually tries
more serious tone but still maintained a
on Jan. 29 in Usen Auditorium. His winter
to read a poem that is “pertinent to where
demure reflection.
visit brought both laughter and intrigue to the
he finds himself.” Therefore, being in Florida
students, staff and faculty in attendance.
he started with “The Girl in the Neon Tank
He ended with “On the Airplane” which
Top.” The poem followed a young girl and her
seemed to express his previous statement
“STEPHEN’S POETRY READING
encounter with a young man. This meeting
that “because language is indiscriminate, it is
SKILLS ARE STILL SUPERIOR AND
marked a new day in the girl’s life. She saw
very hard to be brave enough to make sense.”
MASTERFUL,” SAID DR. PETE
that she no longer required the bright colors
MOBERG, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF
and flamboyant styles to find her place in
COMMUNICATIONS.
the world, but could instead embrace simply growing and being.
“His poems are concerned with anxieties, fears, joys and problems common to the
Dunn followed with poems that addressed
average person attempting to make sense of
social, emotional and intellectual issues.
21st-century American life. What he called his
He referred to these poems as “complaint
grumpy complaint poems were about how
poems.” He delivered them with a calmness
NURSING STUDENTS LEARN WITH ELECTRONIC MEDICAL FILES AT THE BEGINNING OF THE
Cerner system used at Baptist South. When
Showing support for the initiative was
spring semester, School of Nursing students
the Jacksonville hospital opened in 2005, it
House of Representatives member Ander
began using a new program known as the
was the hospital operator’s first to become
Crenshaw who represents Florida’s Fourth
Cerner Academic Education Solution.
all-electronic. Today, three of Baptist’s five
Congressional District.
hospitals use electronic records. “WE ARE EXTREMELY
The program, developed by Cerner Corp., simulates the kinds of electronic medical
The JU student program does virtually
APPRECIATIVE OF THE EFFORT
records that are being adopted by hospitals
everything that the professional version
THAT ANDER HAS PUT FORTH
and physicians’ offices across the country.
does, Fry said. Among other things, it keeps
IN SECURING THIS IDEA,”
Each nursing student received a log-in
patients’ medical histories, allows nurses
SAID PRESIDENT KERRY D.
identification and a password to use the
to create a care plan and warns caretakers
ROMESBURG. “THIS WILL BE
system, which runs on the Internet and can
whenever a patient is prescribed a drug that
ENORMOUSLY BENEFICIAL TO NOT
be accessed from any computer.
interacts with another.
ONLY OUR UNIVERSITY BUT THE
“It will speed up their training and hopefully
The educational software is part of an
make our JU grads more attractive for hiring,”
overhaul of the nursing school’s practice facil-
Supporters say that electronic records
said Carla Fry, an assistant nursing professor.
ity. Congress included $250,000 under the
improve efficiency and reduce the risk of
JU-Baptist Health of Northeast Florida Health
medical errors, leading to hopes that they will
As the education manager for Baptist Health,
Information Technology Initiative, which was a
help reduce America’s $2.2 trillion in annual
Fry trained nurses, doctors and others on the
part of a 2010 appropriations bill.
health care spending.
ENTIRE COMMUNITY.”
Spring 2010 17
WAVE |
NEWS
MARINE SCIENCE RESEARCH INSTITUTE SET TO OPEN THIS SUMMER opportunities for JU students, visiting high school and college students, scholars, scientists and engineers engaged in research involving local, state and national ecosystems. The building will be LEED certified with rain water harvesting capabilities, a solar hot water heater and have natural lighting in regular occupied space. The marine science department is developing a master’s degree program as well. “THIS IS GOING TO BE AN AWEINSPIRING NEW VENUE FOR MARINE SCIENCE CLASSES, OFFERING A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY SETTING, STATE RESEARCH AND CHEMISTRY LABS WHITE AT THE MSRI CONSTRUCTION SITE
WITH PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS,” SAID WHITE. “THE MSRI AND ITS EXPANDED RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CAPACITY
THE MARINE SCIENCE RESEARCH
facility will open its doors in July and classes
IS AN EXCITING STEP FOR JU, THE CITY
Institute (MSRI) is scheduled to open “on
will begin in the fall.
AND THE ST. JOHNS RIVER.”
time and on budget,” according to Dr. Quinton White, executive director of the
The Institute will serve as an on-campus
To see the current progress of the construc-
MSRI. Faculty and staff will move in as the
learning community providing research
tion of the MSRI, visit www.ju.edu/msri.
CARLSON TO RETIRE AFTER MORE THAN THREE DECADES THE JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY
During his tenure as chair, he increased
community would like to thank Dr. Jon O.
enrollment for music majors from 64
Carlson for his many years of dedicated service
to 97 from 1991 to 1995; initiated JU’s
to the University’s Division of Music and wish
annual Music Day; created the first recital
him success in his future endeavors. Carlson will
handbook for music students; initiated the
officially retire after the spring 2010 semester.
music division’s web site and converted the acoustic piano lab in the Philips Fine Arts
As the director of choral activities and profes-
Hall to a digital lab/music technology lab,
sor of music, Carlson has led more than 300
among other achievements.
performances by the Concert Choir, Chamber
18 The Wave
Singers and Men’s and Women’s Choruses
Also retiring this year are Julia Ann Andrae,
of JU. Carlson joined the music faculty in
assistant professor of nursing, Carole Cayer,
1978 and from 1991 to 2001 served as chair
associate professor of nursing and CAPT.
of the Division.
Jerry Terrell, professor of Aeronautics.
PORDELI PRESENTS NATIONAL STUDY OF WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS and
Pordeli. “The rate of women entrepreneurs
Finance Dr. Hassan Pordeli, co-authored a study
starting a new business has grown rapidly in
country, they would have the fifth largest
last fall entitled “The Economic Impact of Women-
recent years, and most of these firms do not
Gross Domestic Product in the world, ahead
Owned Businesses in the United States.”
yet have employees — just 20% of women-
of France, the United Kingdom and Italy.
• If women-owned businesses were their own
owned businesses have employees. Our Pordeli presented the results at the 2009
research indicated that once a firm has grown
• Industries where women-owned
National Economic Summit for Women
enough to hire employees, what has followed
businesses have the highest revenues
Business Owners in October, which revealed
has been substantial growth. This indicates
include Professional and technical
that women-owned firms are responsible for
a vast, untapped potential for greater growth
services, Retail and wholesale, Business
more than $2 trillion in total economic output
and makes a compelling case for increased
services and Communications and
and create some 11 million jobs.
funding, training and procurement dollars for
Administrative support.
women-owned businesses.” The study was commissioned by Walmart,
“We believe the findings from this research will provide critical knowledge that will help
OTHER MAJOR FINDINGS INCLUDE:
the National Women’s Business Council and
to propel women-owned businesses toward
• Approximately 8% of the total labor force
the Center for Women’s Business Research in
further growth and greater profitability,” said
work directly for a woman-owned firm.
Washington D.C.
EMPLOYEE GIVING CONTINUES TO IMPROVE IN TOUGH TIMES DURING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY
EDUCATION THAT IS PROVIDED BY JU,”
Nine departments were recognized for 100
celebrations, our employees, like our alumni
SAID GRADY JONES, VICE PRESIDENT
percent participation. To make a donation, visit
and friends, were proud to celebrate and
OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT.
www.ju.edu/giving
honor Jacksonville University’s past and rich history. Numbers continued to rise, bringing in 65 percent participation, beating last year’s high of 62 percent. Many used the anniversary as an opportunity to make their gift in honor of a coworker or beloved faculty member. This year, there were incentives provided for all levels of contribu-
INCREASED EMPLOYEE GIVING THROUGH PAYROLL DEDUCTION
tions to The JU Fund. In a difficult economy, the University was pleased to see how important supporting the school was to employees. “OUR EMPLOYEES REALIZE THAT DURING THESE TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES, IT IS AS IMPORTANT AS EVER TO GIVE BACK TO JU TO ENSURE THAT STUDENTS CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE THE QUALITY, PRIVATE
Spring 2010 19
WAVE |
SPORTS
BACK-TO-BACK: JU REPEATS AS A-SUN CHAMPIONS WINNING YOUR FIRST
championship is easy. Repeating as
champions is harder.
Over the next five weeks, JU focused on getting better — a mantra that fifth-year head coach Cliff Warren preached every day. Once
Nothing came easy for the 2009-10 JU men’s basketball team, but in the end, they battled through the ups and down to come away with their second straight Atlantic Sun Conference title and a
they set their sights on improving, the team took off, winning 10 straight games to retake its spot atop the league standings.
berth in the NIT. Entering its final two home games of the Picked in the preseason to repeat as conference champi-
season, JU controlled its own destiny — and
ons, hopes were high at the start of the year. But what
won its share of the league title by dispatch-
happened at the start was nothing short of a nightmare.
ing Campbell, 65-52, becoming the first back-to-back league champion in almost a
Jacksonville opened its season by winning one of its first
decade. While JU came up short of its goal
eight games, with a close loss at South Carolina, 97-93, and
of a spot in the NCAA Tournament, the
dropping a home game to #13 Florida, 85-67. Topping it off
Dolphins made the most of their postseason
were two blowout losses on the road to start conference play. Going into the Christmas break, JU sported a 1-7 record and was 0-2 in the conference.
trip. The NIT sent the Dolphins out to Arizona State for a first-round matchup on ESPN2 that saw Ben Smith bank home a 3-pointer with 1.6 seconds left to give JU its first
Then, something happened over the break — and when the Dolphins
postseason win in 36 years with a 67-66 victory over the Sun Devils.
returned, it was a whole new team with a different attitude. That attitude was on full display at the UCF Holiday Classic as JU
For Smith and Lehmon Colbert, it was a senior moment — becoming the first four-year seniors in program history to never
won the event by beating
endure a losing season and will walk away
in-state rival UCF on its home
with two championship rings and most
floor in the championship
important, a degree.
game — the Dolphins’ first win over UCF since 2001.
When they came to JU, the Dolphins were coming off the worst season in
And just when it looked like
program history — having won just one
the Dolphins were going to
game. They knew playing time was available
roll, the rug got pulled out from
and that this new coach had a vision of
under them. A controversial loss
winning titles.
to Mercer on a 3-pointer that came
COLBERT
after the buzzer was the last wake up call the Dolphins needed. They were sitting in 11th place three games into conference play — the preseason pick looking up at the entire league.
SMITH
Little did they know then what they would be able to do together for four years. The duo became the all-time leading scoring 1,000-point duo in JU history, scoring more than 3,400 points during their careers. Smith
JU BASKETBALL CELEBRATED WITH REUNION OF 1970 TEAM
is third on the all-time scoring list at JU with more than 1,900 points while Colbert is 14th
ON FEBRUARY 12,
with more than 1,400 points.
the JU basketball family was
reunited with a celebration of JU Basketball at the While he put up a ton of points, Smith’s
Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. More than 500
name is already littered throughout the JU
people were in attendance as JU recognized all of
record books.
the former players, coaches and staff that made JU
He leaves
basketball a staple in the city of Jacksonville.
JU as the
The highlight of the evening was the reunion of the
all-time
1970 team on the 40th anniversary of its epic run to the
leader
national title game. Each member of the team was given
in steals,
a championship ring in honor of this achievement, with
assists,
former director of athletics Dr. Judson Harris handing
games played
them out to the players and coaches.
and minutes played along with
Former head coach Joe Williams talked about the run
being second on the
the Dolphins made in 1970, with highlights from their
all-time 3-pointers made list.
wins over Kentucky and St. Bonaventure in the NCAA Tournament being shown.
Colbert meanwhile has grabbed more than 700 rebounds in his career and ranks
A host of JU basketball legends attended the event, includ-
11th on the JU all-time list.
ing Roger Strickland, Rex Morgan and Artis Gilmore.
“YOU LOOK AT THE BODY OF WORK
“To have so many former Dolphins back together
THAT THESE TWO YOUNG MEN HAVE
brought back a lot of good memories for everyone who
ACCOMPLISHED DURING THEIR
came,” said JU Director of Athletics Alan Verlander. “To
CAREERS AND YOU HAVE TO BE
honor a group as accomplished as the 1970 team was
AMAZED,” SAID WARREN. “I’M
long overdue and that was a special moment for me.”
FOREVER INDEBTED TO THESE YOUNG MEN FOR TAKING A CHANCE ON OUR PROGRAM FOUR YEARS AGO.” While the ultimate goal was a trip to the NCAA Tournament, this year’s team broke through in the postseason and accomplished a great deal to rebuild the foundation of JU basketball, creating excitement and anticipation of bigger and better things in the future.
WARREN
WILLIAMS
WAVE |
SPORTS
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S LACROSSE EACH EARN FIRST VICTORY SIX DAYS AFTER MEN POST FIRST WIN, WOMEN FOLLOW WITH THEIR OWN WHEN THE JU DIRECTOR OF
completed a six-goal comeback to win in a
was saved. Freshman midfielder Cameron
lacrosse, Mindy McCord, began putting
triple overtime thriller, 13-12.
Mann was in the right place at the right time, however, to scoop up the ground ball
the wheels in motion to bring lacrosse to Jacksonville, she never imagined that it
The Dolphins dominated faceoffs all game,
and complete a quick pass to freshman
would be successful so quickly.
while the home side assisted eight of its
attackman Nick Scalzo who pushed the ball
13 goals in front of more than 700 fans.
past goalie Butex Zander for the program’s first win.
A program two years in the making grabbed the attention of the first coast on
JU was led by freshman attackman Ryan
a sunny saturday when the dolphins took
Serville, who entered the game leading the
The Dolphin bench cleared and dog piled
the field for the first time for a men’s and
country in goals and points. Serville netted
near midfield as the celebrations began.
women’s double-header.
three goals and three assists, while four
The new team has a challenging schedule
Dolphins also tallied two goals each.
with games still to be played at Duke, Bucknell and Hofstra but the sky is the limit.
More than 4,500 fans came to D.B. Milne Field to witness the action of the first
“I’M SO PROUD OF THEIR EFFORT
university in Florida to offer both men’s and
AFTER GOING DOWN SIX GOALS
Six days later, the women’s team clinched
women’s Division I lacrosse.
TO A STRONG, WELL-COACHED
their first victory as well. Campasano led
TEAM,” SAID JU HEAD COACH
the Dolphins in points for the second time,
MATT KERWICK.
scoring the program’s first hat trick and
For the men’s team, a scrappy loss to No.
adding an assist for four points while eight
4 North Carolina showed signs of good things to come and two weeks later, all
In the third overtime, the Dolphins gained
Dolphins scored goals with six scoring more
the hard work paid off.
possession and pushed for a winner when
than one. Freshman goalie Karli Tobin also
sophomore Jeremy Tissenbaum fired a
turned in an inspired performance, making
Facing No. 18 Denver and legendary
shot from five yards out with 34 seconds
12 saves, turning away several point-blank
coach Bill Tierney, the Dolphins
shots in the dying minutes of the game.
22 The Wave
remaining but the ball
PHOTO COURTESY OF BLUEPRINT LACROSSE
TRACK & FIELD LOCKS UP FIFTH CONSECUTIVE A-SUN CHAMPIONSHIP DOLPHINS WIN FIRST SIX EVENTS OF THE DAY TO SECURE LATEST TITLE THE JU TRACK AND FIELD
“Most Outstanding Field Performer”
Other championship performances
team again saved its best performances
and “Most Outstanding Freshman
included junior Danielle Davenport
for the final day as the Dolphins won
Performer.” Pierre was the “Most
winning the 400-meter title with a time
the first six events on Feb. 27 to secure
Outstanding Track Performer,” while
of 55.73 and sophomore Stacey Y oung’s
their fifth consecutive Atlantic Sun
Grigg was named “Coach of the Year”
conference record
Indoor Championship. JU posted 23 all-
for the fifth consecutive time.
3,431 points to win the pentathlon.
conference performances, 10 individual titles, two conference records and one
Pierre earned her honors after winning
new school record.
the 800-meter with a conference record time of 2:14.66 and took first in the mile
“THE A-SUN CONFERENCE
with a time of 5:03.63. She also ran a
CONTINUES TO IMPROVE EACH
leg of the distance medley relay that
YEAR SO WINNING AGAINST
finished first with a time of 12:14.57.
STRONG COMPETITION IS REWARDING,” SAID HEAD COACH
Charles finished second in the
RON GRIGG. “TO WIN AS MANY
60-meter (7.66) and fourth in
EVENTS AS WE DID AND TO HAVE
the 200-meter (25.00) on
AS MANY ALL CONFERENCE
the final day of the meet.
PERFORMERS AS WE DID WAS
She also took third in
PRETTY STAGGERING.”
the pentathlon (3,431 points) and first
After taking second on the first day, the
in the long jump
Dolphins took the top four spots in the
(19’8”) on the first
mile and 200-meter and the top three
day of the meet
spots in the 60-meter hurdles, while
to help secure
getting the top two spots in 60-meter
her accolades.
and 400-meter on the final day to finish with a personal-best 211 points for
Junior sprinter Louise
the title. Kennesaw State, the day one
Kiernan won the
leader, finished second with 154 points,
200-meter with a school
while cross-town rival UNF took third
record time of 24.16
with 98 points.
and ran a time of 7.55 to win the 60-meter, while
Freshmen Charlene Charles and Joane
junior Hillary Crook
Pierre each had a solid meet to sweep
tossed a life-time best
individual honors for JU. Charles was
46’10.25” to win the
named the “Most Valuable Performer,”
shot put title.
PIERRE
KIERNAN
WAVE |
ALUMNI NEWS
SIMENDINGER TELLS STUDENTS ‘BEING POSITIVE IS A CHOICE’ NEW ALUMNI SPEAKER SERIES GIVES STUDENTS A GLIMPSE INTO LIFE AFTER GRADUATION HE CAUTIONED THE AUDIENCE THAT WE SHOULD ALL CHOOSE TO BE GOOD TO OTHER PEOPLE, BECAUSE “WE ALL TAKE TURNS IN THE BARREL AND THE NUMBER OF HANDS PULLING YOU OUT WILL EQUAL THE ONES YOU’VE HELPED ALONG THE WAY.” After graduating with a major in business and triple minors in marketing, economics and psychology, he went to work for a daily newspaper. He decided to pursue a
SIMENDINGER IN ROSS THEATHER
corporate career instead and returned to Florida to join Xerox Corporation. Since he
THEODORE SIMENDINGER III
Circle.” Three of his 10 books have been
left Xerox in 2000, Simendinger has coached,
optioned for movie development.
taught and lectured on four continents.
as part of the Dolphin Alumni Speaker Series
Among other life lessons, he told the crowd to
Dr. Pam Mullarkey’69 ’72, founder and
on Feb. 10 in the Ross Theater. Much of his
realize that time is short and we can all choose
director of Project SOS, Inc. (Strengthening
presentation focused on what he learned
to live the life we want. “Manage your time
Our Students) kicked off the new series
during and after his time at JU.
with urgency,” he said. “A full life is not lived
in January (see below). Channel 4’s
on the sofa. The couch will make you older.”
Meteorologist Rebecca Barry ’05, appeared
’76,
author and international sales leadership coach, entertained students, alumni and staff
on Tuesday, March 2 (see top right).
Also published under the name Ocean Palmer, Simendinger has written novels,
Advising the students to travel alone
such as “The Rise and Fall of Piggy Church”
somewhere they do not speak the language
For more information on the Dolphin Alumni
and “Jurassic Trout,” as well as business
to learn more about themselves, he said a
Speaker Series, contact Alumni Relations at
books, including “Managing the Worry
“battered suitcase can be your best friend.”
904.256.7201.
MULLARKEY SPOKE ABOUT
OF THEIR POTENTIAL, INNER
the 2009 Kiwanian of the Year given by the
creating SOS and said that young people
STRENGTH AND IMMEASURABLE
Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville.
today live in an incredibly challenging environ-
WORTH,” SAID MULLARKEY.
ment. “We can get so unfocused with the stresses of technology these days,” she said.
Since she left JU, Mullarkey became a health and physical education teacher and created The
She also spoke about the voices of hope
Foundation of Infant Awareness, Inc., Tumbling
and character that are being drowned out
for Tots, Inc. and SOS. She also served on the
today by the alluring cries of negative cultural
St. Johns County School Board from 1984
forces like drugs, alcohol, peer pressure and
to 1994 and was an International Abstinence
sexual activity among our youth.
Speaker and Trainer from 1999 until 2008.
“WE AT PROJECT SOS HAVE MADE
Mullarkey has also authored the book “All
IT OUR MISSION TO REMIND TEENS
Teens Destined for Greatness” and was
24 The Wave MULLARKEY
BARRY, ONE OF ONLY TWO
While at Mississippi State, Barry got a
current Jacksonville female meteorologists,
call from WJXT’s Chief Meteorologist John
spoke about the challenges and rewards of
Gaughan, who asked her to come in for an
her career on TV. “You’re going to face some
interview the next day. Barry drove 10 hours
challenges that could be derailing,” said
to interview and got to be on air for the first
Barry. One of the challenges Barry faced was
time that weekend.
is that she has had to learn to deal with criticism gracefully.
hearing that she had to take Calculus I and II before being accepted into the master’s
“They never actually offered me an official
program for meteorology at Mississippi
position,” said Barry. “That weekend, I was
State University.
just filling in for someone else. However, that weekend turned into two then three and the
She decided to move to Tampa for the
rest is history.”
summer to take accelerated classes before the fall term began. After hours each day with
Barry was able to finish her master’s
a tutor, she completed the classes in time.
degree online and is now working 35-hour
“The things that you think you can’t do, a lot
weekends at Ch. 4. Barry says that the only
of the time you can,” said Barry.
reason she has survived in the business BARRY
EXPLORE YOUR NEW ALUMNI HOUSE IN PERSON OR ONLINE MOVING INTO THE OLD PRESIDENTS’ HOUSE ON THE NORTH END OF CAMPUS, ALUMNI RELATIONS HAS CREATED A WELCOMING AND IMPRESSIVE NEW SPACE FOR ALUMNI EVENTS WITH GOOD TIMING AND GENEROUS HELP FROM A GOOD FRIEND. “We do plan to have events here going forward including Alumni Board and other group meetings, barbecues, low-country boils, welcome receptions and Presidential dinners among other types,” said Kimberly Mariani-Hernandez, assistant vice president of Institutional Advancement. “Carolyn Munro Wilson once again stepped in as a friend to the University and furnished the entire space! We’re lucky to work in such a warm, welcoming environment.” To see more of the new space and learn more about upcoming events, visit www. ju.edu/alumnihouse or call 904.256.7201.
Spring 2010 25
WAVE |
ALUMNI NEWS
GREEN GLASS ‘RIVER OF DOLPHINS’ GIFTED BY CLASS OF 2009 “THE UNIFYING THEME FROM the discussion at the Green Key meeting was that the campus needed more dolphins,” said Dr. Karen Jackson ’89, the faculty adviser. ACCORDING TO JACKSON, THE 2009 CLASS RAISED MORE MONEY THAN ANY PREVIOUS CLASS AT $2,500 AND HAD THE MOST GRADUATE PARTICIPATION AT 102 STUDENTS. Each year the Green Key organization sponsors the Graduating Class Gift, a way for graduates to say thank you and to help make the University a better place for current and
2009 CLASS GIFT - A RIVER OF DOLPHINS
future students by supporting a gift of their class’ choice. “We looked at buying statues and foun-
was more than willing to develop our ‘River
This year, that choice was a ‘River of Dolphins’
tains — way too costly,” said Jackson. “So we
of Dolphins.’ He created an artistic rendering
featuring six green dolphins made out of glass
went back to the art department who created
we could use to advertise and promote the
placed behind the Gooding Building.
the fountain the year before and Mark Hursty
idea and now they are finally real.”
NELLIE’S DECK REDEDICATED TO CLASS OF ’59 IN HONOR OF THE CLASS OF ’59’s
and tradition to campus like never
50-year reunion, Jacksonville University
before,” said Matthew Kampfe, director of
rededicated Nellie’s deck at the Davis Student
Alumni Relations.
Commons on Oct. 17 as the Senior Plaza. The Senior Plaza was first created by the
NEW SENIOR PLAZA IN FRONT OF NELLIE’S
26 The Wave
“The rededication of the Senior Plaza
class who started the tradition of the senior
during our historic 75th anniversary has
glass gift. The plaza stood in front of the
helped to bring a renewed sense of history
Wolfson Student Center back then.
MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF ’59 AT THE GREEN AND GOLD GUARD INDUCTION CEREMONY
INAUGURAL GROUP OF 75 “DISTINGUISHED DOLPHINS” HONORED TO CELEBRATE OUR 75TH
To be recognized at future commence-
Anniversary, Jacksonville University announced
ment ceremonies, nominees must have
the inaugural group of 75 “Distinguished
added significant value to the brand
Dolphins” at a press conference in February
statewide, nationally or internationally
at the new Alumni House. The honorees
and demonstrated a high level of
must have at one time either matriculated at
professional success and personal
JU or be a former or current faculty or staff
integrity. To nominate a Distinguished
member. Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton
Dolphin, send an e-mail to media@
issued a proclamation to honor them and the
ju.edu. For more information, please
University’s contribution to Jacksonville.
visit www.ju.edu.
PRESIDENT ROMESBURG AND MAYOR PEYTON
GARCIA TAPS AND TEACHES IN THE BIG APPLE Not only is Garcia busy teaching, she also found the time to complete a master’s in dance education at New York University and is dancing professionally as a company member of Les Femmes, Sasberg’s tap dance company, and Folktap, Carlos Donan’s tap dance company. “I BELIEVE THAT ARTISTIC DANCE ENGAGES EXPRESSIVE CAPABILITIES OF THE SELF THROUGH THE INSTRUMENT OF THE BODY,” SAYS GARCIA. “Dancing expressively plays creatively dynamic
THEY SAY NEW YORK CITY IS
the
chords with one’s individualistic tune of expression.
PEP BAND INVITES ALUMNI TO PLAY JU boasts having a Pep Band for a fourth consecutive year. If you have an instrument and feel like playing, just sit down and join the fun. Pep Band includes 20 paid university students and is student-run. To request a song for the band to play or contribute via old or new instrument donations, e-mail the current student director, Thomas Urbanek at turbane@ jacksonville.edu.
DISCOVER THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
place to be for any aspiring artist looking for
As an advocate for academic achievement and
an abundance of opportunity to grow in their
creative inquiry, I would like to one day assist college
field. And, taking full advantage of those
students in reaching their full potential as professional
Members of the JU community are
opportunities is Julie Garcia ’06.
dancers, profound thinkers and imaginative artists.”
taking a trip to the Galapagos Islands at
Garcia received her Bachelor of Arts in
Garcia says her biggest challenge for now is the
Aug. 8) and there is room for more! The
communications with minors in dance and
time commitment, explaining that in dance you are
estimated cost is $4200 - 4500, inclusive
Spanish. After graduation, she decided
always pushing yourself to be better and you always
depending on airfare. JU faculty have lead
to pursue her love of teaching dance and
want to put your best foot forward no matter where
numerous study trips to these enchanted
became the assistant director of dance at
you find yourself.
isles and each one has been an interest-
the end of July (approximately July 28 -
ing and exciting opportunity to see this
Episcopal High School in Jacksonville. She is now a teaching assistant for one of the
“You never want to burn any bridges,” said Garcia.
unique set of islands. If you’re interested,
most influential tap dance teachers in New
“Every day in New York is like an audition because
please contact Dr. Quinton White at the
York City, Germaine Salsberg at the famous
it is such a small community here even though it
Marine Science Research Institute at
Broadway Dance Center.
seems so large.”
904.256.7766.
Spring 2010 27
WAVE |
ALUMNI EVENTS
L to R
NYC ORDER OF THE DOLPHIN 1 Bill Ash ‘69 & Judy Romesburg 2 Alan Verlander, Cindy Barquist Chomiak ‘83 & President Kerry Romesburg
SAN DIEGO HAPPY HOUR 3 Betsey Patton Johnson ‘73 & Mark Johnson ‘73, Tom Whitehouse ‘64 & Carol & John Garger ‘74
1 2
4 Omar Sanchez ‘01, Charles Armstrong ‘00, Matthew Ward ‘03, Lauren Asp ‘04 & Janet Wolf Eisler ‘69
JU VS. SAN DIEGO PRE-GAME GATHERING 5 Tanya & Steven Modregon ’98 & Family
RECENT DOLPHIN NETWORK HAPPY HOUR AT THE BRICK 6 Josh Gordon ‘09, Ben Bowerman ‘05 & Andrew Murphy ‘06 7 Kevin Vucinich ‘05, Matthew Kampfe ’06 ‘08 & Adeyemi Mason ’09
COLLEGE NIGHT AT THE JACKSONVILLE FAIR
5 6
8 Alumni Team on Scholarship Night
2009 ALUMNI HOLIDAY PARTY 9 Constance Doss Hutton ‘73, Joseph Foy ‘71 & Colleen Foy 10 Robert Price ‘67, Matt Tuohy ‘75 ‘03 11 Stephanie Potts Wholey ‘02, David Wholey ‘08 12 Pamela Shelley ‘05 (far left), Matt Eckler ‘96 (far right) and guests
ATLANTA OUTING TO THE BRAVES GAME
9 10
13 Nancy Whitman Duncan ‘77 & Royce Duncan ‘75, Vernon ‘00 & Mary Catron
NEW YORK CITY ALUMNI HAPPY HOUR 14 Paulina Battaglia ‘08, Shana Grossman ‘08, Julie Garcia ‘06 & Emily Townes ‘05
JU AT THE JACKSONVILLE SUNS 15 Robert ‘86 & Julie Leverock & Family 16 Kimberly Grigsby Matthews ’83 & Family
RECENT DOLPHIN NETWORK & BEACHES ALUMNI EVENT AT RAGTIME 17 Richard Billings ‘73 & Rich Gerrity ‘73
14 ORLANDO ALUMNI LUNCHEON AT THE RAVENOUS PIG 18 Lisa Boger Sheppard ’84, Susan Gordon Lindsay ‘83 & Judith Bashian Chiusano ’83 19 Frank Casey ‘71 & Artis Gilmore ‘71 20 Marshall Reeves ‘51
STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRESIDENTS’ REUNION 21 Former SGA Presidents at their Reunion
IMPORTANT NOTICE
18 19
3 4
7
8
11 12
13
15 16
17
20 21 ALUMNI RELATIONS IS GOING GREEN! NO MORE PRINTED INVITATIONS In an effort to promote sustainability, the Alumni Relations department is no longer going to use printed invitations for most events. There are many ways you can keep up-to-date about upcoming events: Friend Dunk’n Dolphin on Facebook and follow JU on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dolphinnetwork to stay connected and learn about events and speakers.
ALUMNI EVENTS
PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION
WAVE |
GREEN KEY BREAKFAST
HOMECOMING
30 The Wave
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS
GREEN & GOLD GUARD INDUCTION FOOTBALL PREGAME TAILGATE
2009
PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION GREEN & GOLD GUARD INDUCTION CEREMONY – CLASS OF 1959 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS – FOOTBALL HALFTIME GREEN KEY BREAKFAST FOOTBALL PREGAME TAILGATE
Spring 2010 31
WAVE |
CLASS NOTES
1970s
1980s Artis
Annette Fudge Jacobs ’80, was
Cindy Waltrip Hagat
Gilmore
recognized as an honored recipient of
’97, earned a nursing
’71, paid a
the Puget Sound Business Journal’s
degree in 2009 from
visit to Dr.
prestigious Women of Influence Award
Akron Institute of Herzing
Tom Long,
this past October. Jacobs is president
University. A former
retired
and CEO of Door to Door Storage, Inc.
professor
in Kent, Wash.
JU employee as well, she is an oncology nurse with Robinson
of psychology, at his diner “Toots” in
Memorial Hospital in Ravenna, Ohio.
Baldwin this past fall.
Debbie Jo Roberts
Alan Deichler ’73,
Grell ’82
is the new president of
and Andy
CPAmerica International,
Hart ’91
one of the world’s largest
coordinated the first alumni event, “JU
associations of indepen-
Night at the Tides,” for Dolphins in the
The sisters of Alpha Delta Pi celebrated
dent CPA firms. Deichler
Hampton Roads, Va. area.
the 40th anniversary of their sorority
took over leadership of the association Jan. 1. John R. “Jay” Slosar, PH.D. ‘74,
at JU during Homecoming this past The Honorable Gary Flower ’82, was
October. Sisters with 10, 25 and 50 years
elected to serve as president of the Con-
of membership to the organization were
ference of County Court Judges of Florida.
recognized.
is the author of “The Culture of Excess:
2000s
How Americans Lost Self-Control and
Ronald V. Walters
Why We Need to Redefine Success.”
’86, was recently
Published in Nov., 2009, the book dis-
accepted into the Master
cusses that the country’s fast-and-loose
of Divinity Program at the
Rachel
approach to money was symptomatic of
Samuel DeWitt Proctor
Thompson
a more widespread pattern of excessive
School of Theology at
’04, Eliz-
behavior. To learn more, visit www.
Virginia Union University in Richmond,
thecultureofexcess.com.
Va. He also recently celebrated his fifth
Raymond “Smoke” Laval ’77, will take over as the new head baseball coach for the UNF Ospreys at the end of the 2010 season.
abeth Healy
year as senior pastor of Olivet Missionary
Sweeney ‘05, Nicole Keiser ’05,
Baptist Church in Lake City, Fla.
Kassandra Gove ’05 and Amanda McGranahan ’06 met in Boston this
1990s
past fall to discuss creating a Boston Alumni Chapter.
| WEDDINGS
Capt. John M. Landon II, ’78 ’86, was
Steve
awarded the Defense Superior Service
Wisniewski
Medal for his role as the Director of
’91, Kevin
Readiness, Office of the Assistant
Haga ’92,
Kelly Fuller
Secretary of Defense for Reserve
Brooks
’89, married David
Affairs, upon his retirement in Sept.
Tomlin ’91 and Dennis Turcotte
Brannon ’86, on
2009 after 30 years of active duty with
’93, reunited at The Greenbrier Resort, in
June 13, 2009. They
the Navy.
White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. this past fall.
reside in Virginia.
32 The 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.
JOHN SESSIONS ’59, BASEBALL’S TOP FAN AND SUPPORTER Patti Jenkins ’05, married Jeremy Reams on March 28, 2009 in Orlando, Fla. where they reside. Kate Burke ’06 ’07, and Bryan Brown ’05 ’06, were married on Aug. 7, 2009 in Atlantic City, N.J. They now live in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jeff Coggins ’09, married Jessica McKinsey ’09, on Dec. 27, 2009 in Mississippi. Neil Armingeon of the St. Johns Riverkeeper was the officiant. The couple lives in Dallas.
| NEW ARRIVALS
John Sessions ’59, passed away on Nov. 14, 2009, after a long courageous fight against a brain tumor. Sessions was a constant presence at JU sporting events through the years. On May 4, 2007, JU honored Sessions by naming the baseball stadium after him — forever linking him together with one of his great passions, JU baseball. “Mr. Sessions was a true gentleman and friend,” said JU Director of Athletics Alan Verlander. “He had a great passion for JU and everyone here knew Mr. Sessions and had a great love and respect for him. We have lost a true champion for JU and an ambassador for life.” A member of JU’s first graduating class with a degree in business administration, he served his country honorably in the U.S. Army for two years. Sessions taught math at both Terry Parker and Ribault High Schools before joining Arlington Fuel Oil Co., later becoming its vice-president. He then bought a small pest control division of Arlington Fuel (Bug Out Service) which he successfully operated until 1998 when he retired. His accomplishments and accolades include: Small Businessman of the Year, Colonel Harry L. Kinne Free Enterprise Award and the Pest Control Technology Leadership Award. He was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Optimist Club, as well as a past president of the JU Alumni Association, among others. He is survived by his wife of more than 52 years, Elizabeth Carson, two children and three grandchildren.
Ellen Rowe Brown ’93, and Brian Brown ’92, welcomed their second child, Bolton Robert Brown, this past March. Christy Hendry Alexander ’95, and her husband Jon, are the proud parents of Pierce Eliott, born Sept. 26, 2007 and Aubrey Hale, born May 1, 2009. Jessica Windell Ryals ’01, and Jason Ryals ’02, are pleased to announce the addition of Kailyn Paige Ryals to their family. Kailyn was born on June 17, 2009.
LONG-TIME ADMINISTRATOR AND PROFESSOR DAN THOMAS Dan Anderson Thomas, a physicist who became JU’s vice president and dean of faculties, died Sept. 19, 2009. He was 86 and had been in declining health for several years. His tenure at JU spanned a quarter-century. Thomas was named dean of faculties at JU in 1963 and became a vice president in 1967. After 17 years as an administrator, he returned to the classroom as a trustee professor of physics at JU. Thomas was active in the community, serving as president of the Jacksonville Museum of Arts and Science in 1979. He was president of the Meninak Club in 1973. After retiring from JU in 1987, he traveled to 29 countries, hiked the Swiss Alps and explored the Florida and Georgia wilderness by boat. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Glaze; a daughter, a son, two grandchildren and his sister. His son, Roger, also taught at JU.
Spring 2010 33
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 • E-mail: dmorrow1@ju.edu
Every gift matters. Make yours today & support JU tomorrow.
www.ju.edu/plannedgiving
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Discover Marine Science at JU! Explore the
natural laboratory provided by the St. Johns River and conduct extensive fieldwork as
a JU marine biology student in the new 30,000 square-foot Marine Science Research Institute. You’ll be
diverse marine environments with your professors and classmates. Our faculty have active, grant-funded research projects that provide ample opportunities for students to get involved.
wading through
To learn more about earning your degree in marine science, call 904.256.7000 or visit www.ju.edu
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
2800 University Boulevard North Jacksonville, FL 32211-3394
Permit No. 3160 Jacksonville, FL
www.ju.edu
HONORING OUR
history... LOOKING TO OUR future...
CELEBRATE JU’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY by making
•
Gifts of $75+ to The JU Fund receive a commemorative gift
your gift to The JU Fund. Commemorate your years at
•
$1,000+ qualifies for Order of the Dolphin membership
•
$ 7,500+ (or pledges of $2,500 over 3 years) qualifies for an exclusive private reception
JU and honor your favorite member of the JU family.
VISIT www.ju.edu/giving OR CALL 904.256.7612 TO MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY!