University of Central Florida
Division of Community Relations
Community connections
Connecting the University and the Community
In This Issue: Page 1
• Donegan: A Legacy of Leadership • College of Medicine 10th Anniversary Page 2 • Bersia Joins Global Ties U.S. Board • Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon • State of the University Address • Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund Awards Page 3 • Chamber of Commerce Political Hob Nobs • University Innovation Alliance • GP Students Learn Business Etiquette • 4th Annual Interfaith Forum Page 4 • ULI Urban Innovation Grant • Metro Center Outlook Schedule • Around the Community • Announcements
Letter from helen Helen Donegan, Vice President, Division of Community Relations
Winter 2016
Helen Donegan: A Legacy of Leadership
On November 17, Vice President of Community Relations Helen Donegan was honored at the 2016 Athena Orlando Women’s Leadership Luncheon where she was named the 2016 Athena Leadership Legacy Award Recipient. In front of an audience of more than 600 community leaders at the Rosen Centre Hotel, Vice President for Medical Affairs and College of Medicine Dean Deborah German introduced Donegan and recalled how Helen took her under her wing when she first arrived in Central Florida, helping German meet all the “right” people. German described Donegan as one of the “most connected people in Orlando” and credited Helen’s community connections and leadership with helping her take the UCF College of Medicine from concept to reality. Many other community leaders attested to Donegan’s legacy of bold leadership in a tribute video. Upon receiving the award, Donegan remarked, “I have worked for the University of Central Florida for over 21 years and it has been both an honor and a pleasure to have been a part of its history and to have witnessed its incredible growth—not only in size, but in quality and prestige. One of the great pleasures associated with my job has been the opportunity to work with outside organizations, serving on boards and committees and chairing fabulous activities that have been significant to our community. And the opportunity to work with organizations like Athena, who mentor, encourage and inspire women to reach their full potential is especially gratifying. As I think of the women in our community who have been recipients of this award, I am humbled to be included in their midst.”
College of Medicine 10th Anniversary Celebration 2016 has been a challenging year for our city, and our country, to say the least. But just as our community came together in the face of tragedy, so must we continue to work together for the greater good in the future. At UCF, that means strengthening our relationships with our public, private and nonprofit community partners and collaborating on exciting new ventures such as UCF Downtown and the proposed UCF College of Medicine Teaching Hospital— two projects that have the potential to not only transform the lives of our students and the surrounding neighborhoods, but that will also enhance the overall quality of life for all Central Floridians. In this way, we will continue to make Orlando an exceptional place to live, work and play—now and in the years to come. Yours in partnership,
Helen
Approximately 600 Central Florida community members and leaders gathered to celebrate the UCF College of Medicine’s 10th Anniversary in Lake Nona on November 5. Guests experienced live entertainment and interactive demonstrations from UCF students and faculty and enjoyed a progressive dinner throughout the state-of-the art facility. All experiences were designed to commemorate the college’s past, celebrate its present, and provide a glimpse into its future. The evening concluded with remarks from Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the College of Medicine Deborah German, President John C. Hitt, and a celebratory test tube champagne toast by Tavistock Group Senior Managing Director Rasesh Thakkar. The UCF Symphony Orchestra accompanied a grand finale fireworks show above the Medical Education Building. The event raised more than $200,000 for the College of Medicine. The UCF College of Medicine was established in 2006 by the Florida Board of Governors, the Florida Legislature, and Governor Jeb Bush to increase opportunities for medical education in Florida, address the state’s physician shortage, and enhance Central Florida’s economy. The M.D. program began with 40 students in 2009 and reached full enrollment in 2016 with 480 students.
GP’s Bersia Joins Global Ties U.S. National Board During the past year, Global Perspectives Director John C. Bersia has worked to expand UCF partnerships in the area of international, professional exchanges. The number of international professional visitors coming to the Orlando area and UCF has quadrupled in the last year. Regionally, the effort has led to greater engagement with the World Affairs Council of Central Florida, which Bersia chairs. Nationally, the effort has focused on Global Ties U.S., the signature organization that has facilitated professional exchanges across the world in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State for more than 50 years. Bersia has been heavily involved with the Global Ties U.S. leadership in several capacities and was recently elected to the organization’s national board of directors where he will join others from the senior ranks of business, academic and nonprofit organizations. His board term will begin in February 2017. “The emerging leaders who visit through the program and the communities that host them benefit,” said Bersia, who has worked with international visitors for more than 30 years. “Now that the Global Ties board has offered me the privilege of a seat at the national level, the opportunities are virtually unlimited – including for UCF as it strives to expand its international experience and affiliations. More potential partners will be introduced to us through Global Ties,” he added.
State of the University Address
Hundreds of Central Florida business and community leaders gathered at the Ballroom at Church Street on November 10 to hear from UCF President John C. Hitt at the 2016 State of the University Address. Vice President of Community Relations Helen Donegan provided opening remarks and introduced a video highlighting recent university successes, including the smart sensor project in Osceola County and being designated an “emerging preeminent university” in Florida. UCF Trustee Emeritus Rick Walsh then interviewed President Hitt about current university affairs and future plans for UCF. Following a discussion of topics ranging from the symbiotic relationship between UCF and the Orlando city-state, to the impact of UCF Downtown on the central business district, to an update on the proposed teaching hospital at Lake Nona, President Hitt was greeted with a standing ovation by the audience. Additional event photos are available here.
HHSFMO Awards UCF Scholars
Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon Rasies $50,000 for Student-Athletes
More than 1,000 university and community Knight fans gathered at the CFE Arena for the 2016 Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon on August 19. This was the first UCF Kickoff Luncheon for Head Football Coach Scott Frost and Vice President and Director of Athletics Danny White. Athletics Director White welcomed guests and emceed the event, while President John C. Hitt and Bright House Networks representative Austin Lyon addressed the crowd and thanked sponsors. Coach Frost discussed plans for the upcoming season and engaged in a live Q&A session with guests. Attendees also got an up-close look at the team’s new uniforms which can be combined to create 64 different looks. This year’s luncheon, overseen by the Office of Constituent Relations, raised $50,000 for UCF Everyday Champions Scholarships. The annual event has raised more than $320,000 for UCF student-athletes to date. UCF Athletics’ overall graduation success rate (GSR) is 93%—first in the nation among Football Bowl Subdivision public institutions. UCF Football is ranked second in the nation among public institutions, with a 91% GSR. Additional event photos can be found here.
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
On October 28, the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando (HHSFMO) awarded a total of $160,000 in scholarships to 22 students, including 12 UCF students who received a total of $60,000 in scholarships. Associate Vice President of Community Relations Maritza Martinez currently serves as the 2016 board chair for HHSFMO, the largest non-profit organization in Central Florida dedicated to providing scholarships to Hispanic students pursuing an undergraduate college or university degree. Scholarships are awarded by a volunteer committee made up of business and community leaders and past alumni who understand the link between education and success. Students are selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership and community involvement, and financial need. Since its inception in 2000, HHSFMO has provided over $1.3 million in scholarships to help more than 290 students pursue a college education. UCF students have been awarded approximately 55% of HHSFMO’s scholarships, bolstering the university’s efforts towards becoming designated a Hispanic-serving institution.
Community Relations, Chambers Partner on Hob Nobs The Division of Community Relations works closely with area chambers of commerce by participating, guiding, sponsoring and hosting events, and this year, the division leant staff support to three chambers by way of chairing their respective political hob nobs. In June, Community Relations Manager Dawn Ofodile chaired the Oviedo-Winter Springs Chamber’s East Side Regional Hob Nob, which was held at the UCF Fairwinds Alumni Center, emceed by Senior Associate Vice President and Director of State and Local Government Affairs Fred Kittinger and featured a unique twocounty straw poll. In addition, Assistant Vice President of Constituent Relations Ana Petkov, Associate Director of Constituent Relations Shannon O’Donoghue, and then-Alumni Center Assistant Director Ann Allen provided logistical support for the event. In July, Associate Vice President of Community Relations Maritza Martinez chaired the Hispanic Chamber Hob Nob, held at Acacia Banquet Hall, which featured a voter education session on the proposed state and county charter amendments. And in August, Metro Center Director Dr. Diane Trees chaired the West Orange Chamber Hob Nob, held at Manheim Orlando and emceed by News 13’s Ybeth Bruzual. Oviedo-Winter Springs Chamber President Todd Sykes remarked, “Having UCF’s input and support throughout the planning process is a valuable resource and helps us ensure the successful execution of an important event such as this.” Political hob nobs are a unique, non-partisan educational opportunity for the voting public to engage with candidates vying for elected office and also serve as major revenue generators for the chambers. The three hob nobs had a combined attendance of more than 1,700 and featured candidates from high-profile local, state and federal races.
University Innovation Alliance
In October, approximately 75 representatives from the University Innovation Alliance (UIA) universities met on the UCF campus to share ideas, innovations, and best practice examples from their institutions that lead to increased access, excellence, and success for students of all backgrounds. President John C. Hitt gave a welcome address and then participated in a fireside chat with Valencia College President Sandy Shugart where they discussed cross-college partnerships and cooperation. In several of the two-day meeting sessions and presentations, UCF highlighted student success innovations including DirectConnect, LEAD Scholars Academy, and UCF Online. The University Innovation Alliance is a coalition of 11 public research universities dedicated to improving higher education outcomes for all students. It was founded on the notion that when universities collaborate, students win. Other UIA members are: Oregon State University, University of California Riverside, Arizona State University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Kansas, Iowa State University, Purdue University, Michigan State University, Ohio State University, and Georgia State University.
GP Students Learn Business Etiquette
On October, the UCF Global Perspectives Office staff, students and alumni participated in a unique workshop presented by Fannie Allen, director of The Allen Protocol and Leadership Institute. The workshop, “Strengthening Professional Skills: Dining Savvy and Business Entertaining,” provided those in attendance with a hands-on learning experience. Allen’s workshop at UCF covered elements of intercultural professional interaction, dining and entertaining. The session was very interactive, with students assigned to play roles as hosts and guests of honor. Participants enjoyed a three-course meal while learning specific protocols for lunch and dinner. Guests were encouraged to ask questions, even those which would expose a participant’s lack of know-how. Allen answered each question thoughtfully, and then had the group practice through what was just taught. Allen’s visit was hosted by the UCF Global Perspectives Office. In addition to this student session, she engaged in campus and community meetings and was interviewed by John Bersia on WUCF TV’s Global Perspectives.
UCF Hosts 4th Annual Interfaith Forum In October, the Global Perspectives Office hosted the fourth annual Interfaith Forum, connecting students and community members with representatives of several religions. Held in the Pegasus Ballroom, the forum included a panel discussion with local religious leaders and a luncheon keynote presentation by Donisha Rita Claire Prendergast, Bob and Rita Marley’s granddaughter, on Rastafari. The Reverend Bryan Fulwider and Imam Muhammad Musri, known from the popular local radio show, “Friends Talking Faith,” discussed how we interact with unknown, or lesser-known religions. Musri discussed Muslims in America, and how tensions rise over misconceptions about or unfamiliarity with Islam. Musri noted that Muslims make up about 1% of the U.S. population, but media coverage leading up to the recent election sometimes portrayed Islam as taking over America. Fulwider lamented over the role that the media plays in spreading misconceptions of faiths. “It is most disheartening to see journalists, with no training on the nuances of faith, trying to explain ideas to the public,” he commented. Prendergast, whose roots ground her career as a filmmaker and activist, reminded the audience to love each other as people first, in order to stand up for what is right. She encouraged the young people in the room to make their voices heard. “It is not easy to be brave in this world—as a matter of fact, it is not recommended to be brave in this world. Use your voice defiantly . . . use it to defend your brothers and sisters. It is necessary.” In addition to the Interfaith Forum, Prendergast also appeared in a recent episode of the Global Perspectives show on WUCF TV.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
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Metro Center Director Helps Obtain Grant for Statewide ULI Initiative The Urban Land Institute (ULI) announced that the Central Florida District Council has been awarded a $15,000 Urban Innovation Grant, one of only ten awarded nationally this year. The Central Florida Council, on behalf of the Florida District Councils, will plan and execute an initiative particularly relevant to Florida demographics. The project seeks to determine the impact of Florida’s growing 55+ population in terms of entrepreneurial interest and the built environment’s role in strengthening social fabric and providing support for physical spaces, resources, education and incentives. “We are honored to receive this funding from the ULI Foundation and plan to work closely with leaders and groups across the state,” said Dr. Diane Trees, co-chair of the project and director of the UCF Metropolitan Center for Regional Studies. “Given Florida’s longstanding appeal as a retirement destination with more than 25% of the state’s current population over the age of 55, this proposal offers an opportunity to explore and begin to recognize changing economic and lifestyle trends for a huge segment of Florida’s population.”
Join host Diane Trees on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. as she tackles issues of regional and national significance on Metro Center Outlook. Don’t miss her exclusive, in-depth interviews with Central Florida’s business leaders and elected officials. Check local listings for encores and additional information: http://wucftv.org/. And keep up with the latest Metro Center Outlook episodes and news by following the show on Facebook and Twitter.
January 29
February 12 Medical Marijuana
In Florida’s November election, Amendment 2 passed overwhelmingly. This means that thousands of people will be able to purchase marijuana from sanctioned stateapproved shops. However, according to federal law, the drug is still illegal. What happens next? How will the regulations unfold, and what does this mean to you—the local citizen?
Sports Tourism In 2014, Citrus Bowl Stadium—now known as Camping World Stadium— underwent major demolition and enormous reconstruction designed to modernize the facility and allow it to draw new high-profile events like neutral-site college football games, NFL preseason matchups, and concerts. How has the $207.7 million project fared, and what’s the economic impact of sports tourism across Central Florida?
Around the Community
Announcements
Tiffany Hughes, Helen Donegan, Deborah German and Jennifer Johnson accept a $100,000 check that was presented to the UCF Foundation at the 2016 Athena Women’s Leadership Luncheon in November. Since its inception, proceeds from the luncheon have been contributed toward a five-year endowed scholarship that was established to support female graduate students at UCF.
Metro Center Director Dr. Diane Trees was named chair-elect of the Seminole Regional Chamber of Commerce. Her term began in July 2016.
Thirty-one UCF teams comprised of 461 walkers helped raise more than $28,000 for the 2016 Greater Orlando Heart Walk. This year’s event brought more than 18,000 participants to UCF’s main campus and raised over $915,000 for cardiovascular education and research.
University of Central Florida Division of Community Relations
UCF Downtown | 36 West Pine Street | Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407.235.3935 | Fax: 407.317.7744 | Email: communityrelations@ucf.edu
Community Relations Director Maritza Martinez was named chair-elect of the Downtown Orlando Partnership. Her term will begin in January 2017.
Community Relations Manager Dawn Ofodile was named chair-elect of the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce. Her term will begin in January 2017.
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