DIVISION OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Community Connections Volume IV, Issue 3
Summer 2013
Letter from Helen
UCF 50th Anniversary Celebration
2
College of Medicine Charter Class Graduation
2
Clinton Addresses 2013 Graduates
3
Founders’ Day Honorees
3
Your hometown university has had a festive atmosphere in 2013. And we have had much to celebrate— from UCF’s 50th anniversary, to the College of Medicine’s charter class graduation, to our own 10th anniversary here in the Division of Community Relations. More than just a commemorative occasion, our 50th anniversary celebrations were an opportunity for so many of our valued community partners to witness first-hand the true impact their investments of time and resources have made in the lives of our students as they strive to “reach for the stars.” We are proud of the world-class
WOCC Mayor, Commissioners Luncheon
4
UCF Community Council
2013 Central Florida Global Economic Forum
4
Upcoming Events
5
Around the Community...
6
Inside this issue:
VP Letter
1
UCF Community 1 Council
educational and research opportunities here at UCF and of the contributions our students, faculty and staff make to this community. Our inaugural commencement ceremony for the College of Medicine was in many ways a tribute to an unprecedented community partnership which resulted in the creation of one of the first new medical schools in the U.S. in decades. From its inception, UCF’s medical school has benefitted from generous supporters who believed in our innovative vision and understood the tremendous growth opportunities presented by such an undertaking. It is with great pride that my team and I celebrated
During the UCF Community Council’s June 12 meeting, members learned how UCF Career Services is connecting local businesses with highly-qualified students to fill their full- and parttime positions. Lynne Hansen, Career Services executive Lynn Hansen, UCF Career Services director, gave attendees a executive director, gives Community tour of the state-of-the-art Council members a tour of Career facility and an overview of Services’ state-of the-art facility. the resources available to both large corporations and cluding private interview sole proprietors looking to rooms, distance conferencrecruit UCF students, ining and job fairs.
Helen Donegan Vice President Division of Community Relations
the 10th anniversary of our division, which was established to advance UCF’s goal of becoming America’s leading partnership university.
Career Services provides extensive services to students as well, including skill assessment and development, recorded practice interviews, networking workshops, and career guidance. Most of the center’s services are free to local employers. For more information on how your company can recruit UCF students for professional opportunities, please contact Career Services. Additional meeting photos can be found here.
Page 2
Community Connections
UCF celebrates 50th anniversary in historic fashion Nearly 1,000 supporters came out to celebrate UCF’s 50th anniversary at “A Knight to Remember” on June 8. The gala was the university’s signature anniversary celebration, the highlight of months of 50th–themed events, spearheaded by Vice President of Community Relations Helen Donegan and coordinated by the Office of Constituent Relations. Held in the newly-renamed CFE Arena, it featured many of Central Florida’s finest restaurants offering samples at dining stations throughout the arena, which was transformed for the evening by ice sculptures, chandeliers, theme park characters and more. Event sponsorships, tickets sales and silent auction revenues amounted to more than $350,000, which will be matched by state dollars. In all, more than $700,000 will UCF President John C. Hitt announces that over $350,000 go towards scholarships for first-generation students, was raised at “A Knight to Remember,” UCF’s 50th annivermaking the gala the most successful single-event fundsary celebration. The funds will be matched by state dollars, raiser in UCF history. for a total of more than $700,000 in scholarships. (photo courtesy of Courtney Shapiro Photography) Thanking audience members for their continued support of the university, UCF President John C. Hitt said, “Friends, Florida’s largest university is just getting Vice President Donegan added, “This event is a celebrawarmed up for the next 50 years, and beyond! Ahead are tion not only of our growth as a university, but of the tremore research discoveries, more alumni triumphs to apmendous impact UCF has made on this community in the plaud, more well-paying jobs to create, and more opporpast 50 years.” tunities to improve the lives of Central Floridians.” Additional event photos can be found here.
College of Medicine charter class crosses finish line The 36 men and women in UCF College of Medicine’s charter class made history on May 17 when they officially became the first medical doctors to graduate from the university. Addressing the audience of 900 guests, UCF President John C. Hitt said, “Less than a decade ago, UCF College of Medicine charter class graduates. we at UCF dreamed of creating a (photos courtesy of UCF College of Medicine) research-based medical college that would become the gold standard for inevitable.” medical education. Our bold idea had Initial supporters included the no state authorization, no funding Tavistock Group, which donated and no friends on Facebook. Accord- $12.5 million and the land on which ing to many skeptics, we also had no to build the college, followed by combusiness proposing such a thing. munity investments to help build the Some people called us crazy, and that state-of-the art facility. Another $6.5 was putting it politely.” million was raised to provide the So what was America’s leading charter class full-ride scholarships partnership university to do? Hitt which covered tuition, fees, and living went on to explain, “We joined forces expenses. The scholarships were the with others in this community and brainchild of Dr. Deborah Gerelsewhere with vision and common man, founding dean of the College of cause. Together, we fought hard for Medicine, and marked the first time our dream and refused to give up. in the U.S. that an entire class reEventually, the impossible – a new ceived full, four-year scholarships. As medical college for UCF – became the a result of the scholarships, valued at
$160,000 per student, the members of the charter class will graduate with no medical school student loan debt. The graduates are now doing their part to give back to the university and community that supported them; the class has established a $50,000 scholarship at the college and committed to funding a $300,000 endowment to make the scholarship permanent, paving the way for future students to follow in their footsteps. For their final assignment, Dean German instructed the class, “Take with you the memories of the good times, the friendships, the role models, the education. Take all of those memories with you. And remember the hardships and failures. Leave them behind, but take the lessons learned from these mistakes. Keep these lessons close to your heart so you won’t have to learn them again. This is the greatest gift of all.” Event photos are available here.
Volume IV, Issue 3
Page 3
President Clinton addresses UCF grads President Bill Clinton bePresident Clinton received came the second U.S. presian honorary Doctor of Hudent to speak at a UCF commane Letters, recognizing his mencement ceremony when service as president and his he addressed graduates from humanitarian work with the the College of Health and PubWilliam J. Clinton Foundation. lic Affairs and the Burnett The visit marked Clinton’s School of Biomedical Sciences third appearance at UCF. In on May 2. 1973 Richard M. Nixon was “Do what makes you happy,” the first U.S. president to adClinton advised grads. “Most dress graduates, and in 1978 people are happiest doing then-Senator Joe Biden what they’re best at. Most peoserved as commencement ple are happiest doing well speaker (UCF was known as and doing good, doing someFlorida Technological Univerthing for someone else. I hope sity at the time). Former U.S. president Bill Clinton addresses graduates you will do well. I hope you The Office of Constituent from the College of Health and Public Affairs and the Burwill do good. I hope you will Relations works closely with nett School of Biomedical Sciences at the UCF Arena in May, have a good time doing it.” the Registrar’s Office to marking Clinton’s third visit to UCF. (photo courtesy of UCF News & Information) In recent years, President coordinate UCF’s commenceClinton has highlighted UCF ment ceremonies. More than and the Central Florida region as a of UCF are all a testimony to the fact 7,800 students crossed the stage this prime example of public-private part- that no matter how smart we are, how spring, and UCF has awarded more nerships as a catalyst for economic righteous we are, how close to the than 240,000 degrees in its 50-year growth. Clinton echoed those sentitruth we are, we all do better when we history. Additional commencement ments again, saying, “The successes work together.” photos can be found here.
Faculty, student achievements honored at Founders’ Day UCF’s annual Founders’ Day Honors Convocation took place on April 3, honoring the accomplishments of distinguished university faculty and students. President John C. Hitt congratulated the honorees, saying, “The achievements we recognize today confirm the merit of the past efforts of our founders and demonstrate that our dedication to excellence continues in this the 50th anniversary year of our great university.” Seven UCF faculty members received the university’s most prestigious award, being named Pegasus Professors: Deborah Beidel, Humberto Campins, Demetrios Christodoulides, Lisa Dieker, Kien Hua, Robin W. Roberts, and James D. Wright.
The recipients also received $5,000, a UCF Pegasus statue, and a gold Pegasus Professor medallion. Emeritus status was conferred on five faculty and staff members, granting them a lifetime link to the university: Penelope Canan, Mourad E. Ismail, Julia Pet-Armacost, Consuelo E. Stebbins, and Wilfred Wienke. Numerous retired and retiring faculty and staff members were recognized for their contributions to UCF, as were those celebrating milestone anniversaries of 20, 30, 40, and 45 years of service to the university. In addition, the following students from UCF’s 10 colleges were honored for their leadership, communi-
James D. Wright, Deborah C. Beidel, Lisa Dieker, Humberto Campins, Robin W. Roberts, Demetrios Christodoulides and Kien A. Hua (not pictured) were named Pegasus Professors, the most prestigious recognition a faculty member can receive. (photo courtesy of Courtney Shapiro Photography)
ty service and academic excellence: Rachel Brill, Caitie Corrigan, Jessica Fears, Samuel Foarde, Robert Gottfried, Ariel Horner, Allison Muniz,
Heardley Moses Murdock, Jessica Marie Ortega, and Dunia Villaverde. Additional information on the winners can be found here.
Page 4
Community Connections
Orange County mayor, commissioners serve on West Orange panel More than 170 chamber members and guests were in attendance as the West Orange Chamber of Commerce held its 13th annual Mayor and Commissioners Luncheon on May 1. The event featured a panel of elected officials from across the metro area: Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, District 1 Commissioner Scott Boyd, District 2 Commissioner Fred Brummer, District 3 Commissioner PeUCF Associate Vice President of University Relations ter Clarke, District 4 ComFred Kittinger, far left, is joined by West Orange Chamber staff, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, missioner Jennifer Thompand members of the Orange County Board of County son, and District 6 CommisCommissioners. sioner Tiffany Moore Rus(photo courtesy of McLean Alley, West Orange Chamber of Commerce)
sell. Dr. Diane Trees, host of WUCF TV’s Metro Center Outlook, served as moderator for the panel discussion which covered a wide range of topics, including the next phase of development in Horizon West Village in southwest Orange County, a new drop -in homeless shelter in East Orlando, business investment and revitalization in Pine Hills through the BANC program, and eco-tourism opportunities in the Lake Apopka area. Attendees were also able to ask Mayor Jacobs and the commissioners questions about initiatives in each district. Additional luncheon photos may be found here.
Economic summit focuses on global economic trends and policies Business leaders and policy experts in global economics gathered at UCF on April 9 for the 2013 Central Florida Global Economic Forum. This year’s event focused on key markets and trends, and the impact they have on Central Florida’s economy. Organized by the UCF Global Perspectives Office, the half-day event drew an audience of about 150 students, faculty, administrators, business professionals and community members from throughout Florida. The Florida Practitioner Panel, moderated by Global Connections Foundation President Sibille Pritchard, included top business leaders who spoke specifically to Central Florida’s role in the global economy. Lawrence J. Chastang, the Managing Partner of International Services for CliftonLarsonAllen, opened the Forum by focusing on South America, and also commented on prospects in
the Middle East. J. Brock Panel provided an overview McClane, Principal at of economic trends and the McClane Partners and Hon- policies that support them. orary Consul of Germany, David Dumke, the Associdiscussed Europe’s econoate Director of the Prince my and suggested that inMohammad Bin Fahd Provestment gram for efforts Strateshould be gic Regeared to search those and countries Studies with low at UCF, employspoke ment about rates. ecoLeft to right: Lawrence J. Chastang, J. Lastly, nomic Brock McClane, and Dave Woodward Florida’s participate in the Florida Practitioner trends relation- Panel at the 2013 Central Florida Global in Egypt Economic Forum. ships and (photo courtesy of UCF Global Perspectives Office) with Saudi countries in Asia were cov- Arabia. Terry McCoy, the ered by David WoodDirector of the Latin Ameriward, Executive Director of can Business Environment the Southeast/U.S. Japan Program at the University of (Florida delegation), the Florida, provided an inFlorida-Korea and the Flori- depth overview of economic da-China associations. He development in Latin Amerpointed out that, along with ica. The panel was moderatJapan, China and Korea are ed by John C. Bersia, Spethe "export players" for cial Assistant to the PresiFlorida. dent for Global Perspectives Next, the Global Policy at UCF.
Xiang Lu, the visiting fellow with the Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, gave the keynote address on China’s history, economic growth and the country’s relationship with the United States. Lu has strong ties to China as the chief researcher at the Beijing-based Institute of American Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the most renowned think tank in China, and has extensively studied the United States’ role in the Asia-Pacific. He commented that China’s economic growth in upcoming years will transition from an export-oriented economy to an inwardlooking one that will focus on the import of goods and greater urbanization. Full details about the event, including partners and sponsors, as well as bios of speakers, can be found here.
Volume IV, Issue 3
Page 5
Upcoming Events Join host Dr. Diane Trees 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 show times 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. June 21
Andrae Bailey, Executive Director, The Community Food & Outreach Center: From food to job placement services to mental and physical health care, The Community Food & Outreach Center is coming to the aid of Central Floridians rocked by the recession. Join us as we talk about the changing reality of poverty.
June 28
Flora Maria Garcia, President & CEO, United Arts of Central Florida: By working with businesses, foundations, governments and organizations, United Arts of Central Florida is supporting cultural endeavors across four counties. Join us as we discuss the role of the arts in the community.
July 7
Diana Bolivar, President, The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando: With more than $9 billion in bilateral trade between Colombia and Florida each year, leaders are eager to increase the nation’s business profile here. Join us as we discuss how Central Florida is helping to build the Colombian brand in the United States.
July 14
Hollis Wilder, Author and Entrepreneur: Hollis Wilder is the face of her own brand, Sweet! By Good Golly Miss Holly. She joins us to talk about her path to Sweet!, the inspiration behind her 30 cupcake flavors, and her new book, Savory Bites.
July 21
Mike Cooney, World Traveler and Entrepreneur: Business consultant Mike Cooney sold his house and all of his possessions to embark on a worldwide adventure with his family. He joins us to share his love for travel as co-owner of the travel agency Cooney World Adventures.
July 28
Steve Mona, CEO, World Golf Foundation: With more than 30 years’ experience in the golf industry, Steve Mona knows firsthand about the sport’s economic impact. He joins us to talk about golf as an economic driver as well as the sport’s societal and charitable benefits.
August 4
Pre-empted for WUCF pledge week
August 11
Pre-empted for WUCF pledge week
August 18
Ben Brotemarkle, Executive Director, Florida Historical Society: As Florida celebrates its 500th birthday, we’ll learn more about the state’s history, as well as the industries that make it thrive and the qualities that make it unique. Ben Brotemarkle joins us to talk about the history and culture of the Sunshine State.
August 25
Ryan Blair, Author and Enterpreneur: With mentorship and support, Ryan Blair emerged from a tough upbringing to create several multi-million dollar companies. Blair joins us to talk about how he turned his street smarts into business savvy and to offer tips from his book, Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain.
This year, the Greater Orlando Heart Walk will be held at our UCF Main Campus! Please mark your calendars, as we look forward to welcoming an estimated 18,000 Heart Walk participants to UCF. To register as a UCF team captain, go to the 2013 Greater Orlando Heart Walk website to register and start your team. Be sure to select University of Central Florida in the company name drop down box. Please join us! For more information, please contact Maritza Martinez at Maritza.Martinez@ucf.edu.
Connecting the university and the community. DIVISION OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Around the Community…
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
UCF Downtown 36 West Pine Street Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407-235-3935 Fax: 407-317-7744 E-mail: community relations@ucf.edu
Former President Bill Clinton, center, with UCF President John C. Hitt, second from right, at UCF’s spring commencement. (photo courtesy of DKplus9)
Left to right: College of Medicine dean Deborah German, President Hitt, Martha Hitt, Vice President of Community Relations Helen Donegan, and Orange County Pubic Schools board member Kathleen “Kat” Gordon at “A Knight to Remember” in June. (photo courtesy of Courtney Shapiro Photography)
Check out our new website: communityrelations.ucf.edu For more photos and the latest updates:
UCF Metro Center director Dr. Diane Trees is joined by District 2 commissioner Fred Brummer at the West Orange Chamber Mayor & Commissioners Luncheon in May. (photo courtesy of McLean Alley, West Orange Chamber of Commerce)
Dean Deborah German, far left, and Associate Vice President of Community Relations Maritza Martinez, far right, present a member of the College of Medicine charter class her degree.
Community relations is the art and science of generating and
(photo courtesy UCF College of Medicine)
enhancing constructive relationships with groups of individuals on whom the university depends for support. Left to right: Associate Vice President of University Relations Fred Kittinger and Provost Tony Waldrop are presented the Presidential Volunteer Service Award by Junior Achievement (JA) President Gary Blanchette in May, in recognition of UCF’s partnership with JA. UCF students provided more than 28,000 service hours in school year 2012-2013. (photo courtesy of Junior Achievement of Central Florida)
Vice President Donegan, center, and the Constituent Relations team conceptualized and coordinated UCF’s 50th anniversary celebration.