A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS J A C K S O N V I L L E
U N I V E R S I T Y
Summer 2012
VOLUME 15 • NUMBER 3 www.ju.edu JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Ron A. Autrey ’01 Margaret Black-Scott ’85
Hello JU Alumni and Friends, As I begin (slowly) to look back at my journey in education, I can’t help but also look forward, with Jacksonville University’s own journey starting to soar to even greater heights.
Michael Cascone, Jr. ’6 Adrienne L. Conrad Timothy P. Cost ’81 Margaret Widman Dees ‘86 Thaddeus Foster Mark Frisch
My retirement next summer from a more than four-decade career has my sights set more clearly than ever on the hopes and aspirations for this institution to expand its breadth and depth of impact. Great things are in store; how we got to this exciting place is a result of the vision and hard work of so many people in the great JU family. Take a look at just how far we’ve come since 2004, as our cover story details the challenges we faced together and successes won by an accomplished leadership team, dedicated faculty and committed staff during my tenure here (page 4).
J. Phillip Garcia, M.D., F.A.C.S. ’90 John G. Harrison ’67 Robert E. Hill, Jr. Cyrus M. Jollivette Matthew Kane ’01 Henry J. Keigwin Bruce Kern Lawrence E. Kurzius
Accomplishments of the many talented people this university has guided and educated are
F. Andrew Moran ’78
detailed in this issue as well, with alumni who’ve made strides in education, volunteerism,
Greg A. Nelson ‘71
entrepreneurship, the law and community outreach, among other areas (pages 28-35).
E. Michael O’Malley
Ongoing projects especially near and dear to my heart, including those encompassing the rebirth of our riverfront into Dolphin Green as a gathering place, are also outlined (page 16), and we discuss other unveilings, too, including the restructuring of our colleges (page 21) and introduction of Northeast Florida’s first Sustainability degree (page 22).
Frank Pace ’73 Timothy D. Payne Carole J. Poindexter ’77 Gilbert J. Pomar, Jr. Fred G. Pruitt ’69/’85
You’ll also find compelling features on our memorable Spring 2012 Commencement (page 18),
Kerry D. Romesburg, Ph.D.
our Professor of the Year (page 22) and even a current JU student who made headlines with his
William C. Rupp, M.D.
prowess at predicting NCAA basketball tournament winners (page 23). I’m sure you’ll enjoy these stories and take pride in the jewel that JU has become to our community and beyond.
George Scanlon Linda Berry Stein ’69 E. Monique Tubbs ‘03 Matthew W. Tuohy ‘75/’03 Chris A. Verlander Gordon Keith Watson ’71
Sincerely,
Marvin C. Wells, D.M.D., P.A. ‘73 John F. Wilbanks, FACHE Terry L. Wilcox Charles J. O. Wodehouse
Kerry D. Romesburg President
All contents © COPYRIGHT 2012 Jacksonville University. All rights reserved.
Cover
4 President Kerry
Romesburg Looks back on career, forward to ju's future By Phillip Milano
After rescuing JU from financial lows,
retiring president can now relish the soaring
heights of stronger funding, signature
programs and esteemed personnel.
4
FEATURES
15 Homecoming Sept. 28-30 A chance to show off JU's new additions of people and places
DEPARTMENTS
15
16 Down by the river,
18 NEWS 24 SPORTS 28 ALUMNI NEWS 32 ALUMNI EVENTS
Dolphin Green Takes Shape
34 CLASS NOTES
18 Mayor Alvin Brown
Urges JU Graduates to take Action
16
After my first campus visit to JU as a high school senior, I was sold! From the beautiful riverside campus to all the wonderfully friendly people I met, I knew JU was the place for me. The University Honors Program provided me not only excellent academic resources, but also a home away from home. I feel like the people I have met at JU during my four years have become my family. As an alumna, I am excited to use the tools I learned at JU as a biology student to further my education in the medical field. I’m so thankful I chose JU and I’m proud to be a Dolphin!
ABBIE BEATES ’12 BIOLOGY
Summer 2012
Romesburg reflects on successful career—and looks forward to hitting the highway By Phillip Milano
e looks each student in the eye and gives a gleaming smile, conferring upon them the scroll they’ve earned with their hard work before stretching his arms out to hug them one last time. “This is such a fine day for me that I look forward to all year,” Jacksonville University President Kerry Romesburg tells the student body gathered before him. “I just want to tell you how proud we are of all of you. “And I want you to know how much we all love your pictures on our lobby walls. It makes us all feel good and happy to see your beautiful artwork and finger-paintings.” Not every commencement Romesburg oversees involves 20- or 30-somethings receiving BAs, MFAs or MBAs. On this day in mid-May, it’s the formal “Leaving” for the four-year-olds of JU’s Wilma’s Little People’s School. It’s an event Romesburg makes all the more special by attending in his flowing university robes and reading individual notes about each child as they coyly walk up and stand beside him. Cameras click and tears flow as moms, dads, grandparents, staff and others watch the ceremony unfold. For Romesburg, 67, who retires in summer 2013 after 9 years at JU’s helm, it’s always been about the students. No matter who they may be, or how old.
5
It’s why he came here. Why he left his beloved West and a comfortable reputation as an accomplished leader nearing elder-statesman status in public higher education. Why he relished the challenge of taking on what he termed a “very tenuous” financial picture at a small, private university that other candidates might have swiftly backed away from. Make no mistake, his thoughts do occasionally drift to his post-JU plans to tour the country by RV with his wife and closest confidant, Judy (“No plans, no schedules, no direction” he gloats to a Florida Times-Union reporter asking him about retirement outside the Howard administration building). But, perhaps as a result of his own tough upbringing and schooling challenges as a youth, his mind always comes sharply back into focus on the passions of his 45-year
JU President Kerry Romesburg reads a note aloud about a young student at the annual formal
higher education career:
"Leaving" ceremony for four-year-olds of Wilma's Little People's School.
“In the end, it’s all about the success of the students. That’s why I absolutely live for
The university was roiling in, and reeling from,
What he did, in stark terms, was akin to rolling
commencement. When they start playing
controversy: seven years of deficit spending.
in a crash cart and jump-starting the institution’s
‘Pomp and Circumstance,’ I get goose bumps
Forced retirement of the former president
vitals, putting JU on track for long-term financial
and chills,” he said, leaning forward in his chair
and chief financial officer. Fiscal probation
stability, say trustees and community members.
at the end of a long meeting table in his third-
from accreditors. Troubled loans from banks.
Among other things, Romesburg:
floor office.
Program budgets cut and layoffs doled out. Some buildings neglected (even JU’s prized
• Restructured the organizational chart and
“We’re dealing with people’s hopes and
theater program had no signature performance
made key top-level hires in finance, facilities
dreams, and it’s special to have a hand in it.
venue, with Swisher Theatre mothballed for
and academics;
It’s helping move humanity forward as best we
six years).
• Asked for and received temporary salary
can. Education can do that.” “I’ve watched him over the years,” said Frances
freezes from faculty and staff to ensure enough
HILLS TO CLIMB FROM THE START
Bartlett Kinne, JU past president and chancellor
money for critical student scholarships. “They
emeritus. “When things were bleak financially,
understood that we couldn’t put this financial
In July 2004, however, those with a keen
I appreciate that he did what he did to turn
problem on the backs of the students,” he said.
interest in moving JU’s own hopes and dreams
things around. What he did was remarkable and
“It’s a neat place to work where faculty will
forward could cling to only a troubled version
very timely. To say that is an understatement.”
work with you like that.”
of anxious optimism upon Romesburg’s arrival. Newly sworn in as president, he began interviewing university personnel and touring the institution in his trademark impeccable suit and tie—perhaps he’d rolled up his sleeves underneath—as he took on the daunting challenge of keeping the institution afloat.
He is unusually focused and disciplined, yet he was extremely adaptable under circumstances that were even more difficult than he originally thought coming in. —JU Trustee and ’81 alumnus Timothy Cost
Summer 2012
• Made a self-described “lucky, amazingly
the latter a brand-new institution he oversaw
timed but painful” sale of 62 acres of JU
from the ground up.
riverfront property in 2006 just before the real
academic and physical transformation of JU. New programs and advanced degrees in
estate plunge, for $31.5 million—well more
“Kerry brought us extraordinary clarity to the
Education, Business, Marine Science, Fine
than double its appraised value;
thinking around what has to happen on a great
Arts, Nursing and Public Policy were added,
university campus,” said JU Trustee and ’81
as were new facilities like Davis Student
• Convinced lenders of the wisdom of letting
alumnus Timothy Cost, now an executive vice
Commons, the Negaard Rowing Center,
JU “crawl out” of their troubled accounts
president for Pepsico Inc. “He is unusually
Oak Hall dormitory, Larry Strom Amphitheatre,
departments;
focused and disciplined, yet he was extremely
Swisher Golf Practice Facility and, perhaps the crown jewel along the campus’ St.
even more difficult than he originally thought
Johns River shoreline, the Marine Science
to ease donors’ and trustees’ minds;
coming in.”
Research Institute.
• Won accreditation from the Southern
Adapt he did, and it was paramount to getting
Association of Colleges and Schools and the
faculty members behind him, said Quinton
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of
White, executive director of JU’s Marine
Business, among other entities; and
Science Research Institute, who counts himself
at first as a very buttoned-down academic,
while constructing or renovating numerous
always with that suit on, but he’s actually really
buildings. Even the long-dormant Swisher
down to earth and knows how to make you
Theatre was reopened to fanfare in 2007.
comfortable in a discussion,” White said. “He’s not micro-managing, sitting on your shoulder
How he accomplished all that is a testament
and questioning every decision. He was the
to leadership skills learned during a more
right person at the right time.”
than three-decade career in public university systems, those who know him well say. Stints included being executive director of the Arizona and Alaska commissions for postsecondary
AFTER THE STORM, NEW DIRECTION AND GROWTH After doing the necessary triage and stabilizing
Valley State College and Nevada State College,
the University, Romesburg began a dynamic
of Business
• Completed the renovation
• Completed the sale of
of the Swisher Theater
the 62 acres on the north
end of campus for $31.5
million
2007
education, respectively, then president of Utah
2006
“He’s a very genuine person—he comes across
campus toward the river (more on that later)
• Dedicated new Davis College
2005
the “student experience” by re-orienting the
2004
now as not only a colleague but a friend-for-life.
• Perhaps foremost on his mind, revitalized
Points of Progress
adaptable under circumstances that were
• Replenished capital project funding ledgers
• The Davis Student
Commons opened to a
very successful reception
by the students
• The new Watson Family
Tennis Complex was
dedicated
• The new Negaard Rowing
JU President Kerry Romesburg visits with students in 2004.
Center was completed,
providing our athletes with
one of the finest rowing
facilities in the Southeast
7
2008
Points of Progress
“When I came here, we were oriented away
and the power of education, and parlayed it into
from the riverfront … We weren’t taking
scholarships and college degrees, he said.
• Artis Gilmore was appointed
advantage of it,” Romesburg said. “Now, with
the institute, a jogging path, intramural fields,
His rough start almost ensured his intensity
volleyball areas, a performance venue and more,
of focus on success, in school and as a leader,
Dolphin Green has become a place for students
Romesburg noted.
Special Assistant to the
President
• The JU Athletic Hall of
Fame was revitalized after
a ten-year hiatus
• JU’s Aviation program
won recognition as the
most outstanding collegiate
aviation program in the
nation and awarded the
Loening Trophy by NIFA
to gravitate to. And there’s that beautiful view to the Jacksonville cityscape, where once there
“Because of my past, I recognized what I didn’t
was swamp and a thicket of trees.”
want to do with my life, and that the only way out was education. I was almost obsessively
Those in a position of power in the city have
competitive in my education and career. That
taken note of JU’s transformation as well.
helped me to know that we could turn this
Jacksonville Mayor and JU alumnus Alvin
place around.”
Brown, a member of the search committee that found Romesburg, proudly ticks off a few of
Mix into that background a decidedly non-
the fruits of Romesburg’s labors since arriving:
traditional current immediate family—son
• Oak Hall was completed
student enrollment up more than 25 percent,
Rod, an English teacher in North Carolina, is
to 3,715; JU’s first Ph.D., in nursing; growth in
a quadriplegic as a result of a broken neck
student-body diversity, to 31 percent minority;
suffered in a diving accident in Mexico, while
hundreds more graduates annually; and a 44
son Don and his partner in California have an
percent rise in full-time faculty.
adopted African-American daughter—and you
and opened
could say Romesburg was destined to handle “He has a great passion for higher education,
varied viewpoints and people as he confronted
and his personal background gives us a
the rigors facing him at JU.
great example of a man who did not let his circumstances dictate his direction in life,”
“The impacts of having a non-traditional family
Brown noted. “He kept his focus and now lives
have made me more accepting,” he said. “To
as an example that it’s not where you start but
have a gay son, with my tough background,
where you finish.”
some would say it’s out of the question. But he’s my son, and I love him, and his partner. It
2009
Indeed, Romesburg was one of few people
impacts you in your personal and professional
from his hometown of South Phoenix to go
life in every way. You are made aware of what it
• Won an amazing
to college. A poor and violent area, it lured
really means to be inclusive.”
seven championships in
him into a young life of gang membership
our athletic programs
and “activities of which I’m not proud.” Yet
Being inclusive is so high on his list of priorities
somehow, despite consistent troubles in high
that Romesburg makes it a point to try to get
school, he recognized his talent for numbers
as many viewpoints as possible before making
• Completion of the campus
wireless system in the fall
• Approval to add men’s
and women’s lacrosse to
our NCAA Division I sports
program, and hiring the
head coaches
2010
Points of Progress
Summer 2012
• Completion of the new
main entrance to the
campus and fence
• Completion of the Marine
Science Research Institute
• Installation of the new
turf field for lacrosse and
football
• Installation of the new track • Attainment of AACSB
Accreditation for the Davis
College of Business
• Acquired new state-of-art
piano for Music Program
• Began offering an online
Masters in Nursing
Judy Romesburg is ready for husband Kerry to officially take off his tie and enjoy the retirement road in their RV. Missing those commencements, though, that
wife of 47 years.
will be tough for Romesburg.
“He really likes to get everyone’s opinion in
“He’ll miss the graduation ceremony the
order to formulate what to do and accomplish,”
most,” she said, standing outside their RV on a
she said. “He is focused on doing what needs
recent sunny day. “It’s where he sees the fruits
to be done so the students are rewarded.
of his labors. It really does give him goose
People sense that in him.”
bumps. It’s the day he’s always most excited about. He loves it.”
The opinion that can often matter most, though, is Judy’s, who Romesburg makes clear is the one person with whom he has always been able to be most open and upfront.
THE ROAD AHEAD FOR JU With an eye beyond the present to the future, Romesburg said he sees new opportunities
Being together in their RV, hitting the open
and challenges for JU’s next president.
highway after retirement and meeting all kinds
2011
the “big” decisions, said Judy Romesburg, his
• Completed new pavilion,
bathrooms and riverfront
beach on Dolphin Green
• Completed construction of
the indoor baseball hitting
and practice facility
• Initiated the Doctor of
Nursing Practice, DNP, for
the fall of 2011 and
enrolled the first cohort
• Increased the academic
profile of the entering
class from an SAT average
of new people is a dream both have long
One is continuing to build the university
• Enrolled second cohort of
envisioned and looked forward to—particularly
endowment, which has fallen and risen with
Judy, who is an avid RV-er in her own right.
the skittish financial markets in recent years
new MFA in Choreography
• Enrolled the first cohort
in the Masters in Marine
Science
9
Points of Progress
2012
• Sponsored and held the
“53” Campaign, an event
honoring Artis Gilmore
and his induction into
the Hall of Fame, and
raising funds for
scholarships
• Completed construction
of new intramural playing
fields on Dolphin Green
and in the Valley
• Created the Public
Policy Institute and hired
the director
• Approved creation of
a Marching Band, Varsity
Shooting Club, and Varsity
Sailing Club for 2012-13
academic year
Romesburg helps officially open JU's Marine Science Research Institute in 2010.
• Approved Sand Volleyball
as an intercollegiate sport
and which Romesburg rates now as a “4 out of
Ultimately, the future of JU lies in its people—
10” in terms of size. “It has been hard to build.
the relationships students have with each
Donors want to give to specific projects and not
other and with faculty on a small campus,
give general gifts. Building an endowment is for
Romesburg added. Creating a memorable,
the future and less about an immediate legacy,
invigorating experience for them is the key.
but the importance of it can’t be overstated.” “When I’m with parents, I tell them that their
A job like this takes integrity, and honesty, and ethics. He brought all three, and there was also a stability in him that was important. —JU Past President and Chancellor Emeritus Frances Bartlett Kinne
Another is to continue to build a larger base
son or daughter can get a fine education just
of undergraduate students, perhaps to about
about anywhere. It’s up to them and their
3,500 from the current 3,200. “It will really
effort,” he said. “But JU can give them a
make for a campus synergy,” he said. “You’ve
different type of education experience, where
got to increase that growth without sacrificing
you can meet others and foster relationships
academic quality.”
with faculty members. Here, if you miss class, odds are that you’ll be getting a text message
In academics, adding more advanced degrees,
from your teacher asking if you’re OK.
including doctoral degrees, will keep JU competitive, as will robust alternative delivery
“Our faculty consistently show they know you
methods for classes, particularly online, he said.
and care that you’re there.”
“You’ve got to meet that challenge. Today’s
Chances are that during his tenure, students,
students demand that flexibility to access
faculty, staff, alumni and all those affected by
their coursework on their schedule, not the
JU’s presence in the community have known
university’s. That’s just how it is. If we don’t
Kerry Romesburg was there. And that he cared.
expand on it, others will.”
Q&A
Summer 2012
Wave Magazine asked some of the people who’ve worked most closely with retiring Jacksonville University President Kerry Romesburg to give their thoughts about him and his tenure at JU.
Those responding included Board of Trustees Chairman Ron A. Autrey; Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown; Board of Trustees member Timothy P. Cost; JU Past President and Chancellor Emeritus Frances Bartlett Kinne; Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Timothy D. Payne; and JU Marine Science Research Institute Executive Director Quinton White.
Trustees Create Kerry and Judy Romesburg Consecutive Giving Society The Jacksonville University Board of Trustees has approved creation of the Kerry and Judy Romesburg Consecutive Giving Society to
What was your first impression of Kerry Romesburg? Autrey: He presented himself in a relaxed but professional way. He appeared to have assessed the challenges that JU presented and was ready to get to work. Brown: President Romesburg epitomizes what being a CEO means. He’s a “make it happen” kind of leader, someone who
of the important role a private liberal
recognize Dr. Kerry Romesburg and wife, Judy,
arts university like JU could play in the
for their extraordinary leadership of the University
Jacksonville community. You could tell he
and generosity in giving back to JU.
was very experienced in higher education and had a passion for it.
“While there will be other honors coming for President and Judy Romesburg, we would be
White: I wondered why a public university
remiss if we failed to recognize how generous
president from “out West” wanted to be
they have been with their lead by example,
President of JU.
giving campus-wide appeal after appeal,” said Michael Howland, Vice President for University
What later surprised you about him?
remains focused at all times and knows how to bring together the right stakeholders. He
Autrey: After my wife and I got to know
understood the challenges of taking over
Kerry and Judy, he shared stories about his
a university like JU and looked at it as an
family and his adolescent years. He was
opportunity to use his talents to develop a
very comfortable with who he had become
clear vision for success.
and with his past. As a (May 2012) Florida Times-Union article suggested, Kerry’s
Kinne: I liked him immediately. I felt, this
ability to overcome the challenges in his
is a very solid executive with an ability in
younger years in Phoenix was not simply
finances. That pleased me. It was a very
a result of his superior mathematical skills.
good appointment. To say it was timely is an
He has an overarching set of values that
understatement. And his charm struck me.
would have prevailed in any case.
Here he was at various welcoming dinner parties, this new person in the room, and
White: His genuine appreciation and
it was fascinating to see how he adapted
affection for JU.
to complete strangers. He had an ability to adjust to any situation.
Why was he the right person for this job?
Payne: I met Kerry at a business event
Autrey: Kerry’s acute understanding of
prior to becoming a trustee. He seemed
complex mathematical relationships
very smart, and he had a very clear picture
apparently provided him with a core
11
Advancement. The Kerry and Judy Romesburg Consecutive Giving Society, approved at the Trustee meeting May 4, will accrue to all JU donors who give to JU at the Order of the Dolphin level ($1,000 or more) for at least three consecutive years. The inaugural society recognition will take place at the April 11, 2013, Order of the Dolphin Celebration. In addition, JU is conducting a special appeal focused on the nine years of leadership the Romesburgs have given to JU. See the ad on Page 14 and the special appeal envelope insert to participate. For more information, call Robyn Reeves, Director of Stewardship and Campaign Support, at (904) 256-7014, or email her at rreeves3@ju.edu.
Total JU graduates from 2004 to 2012
Total increase in Faculty from 2004 to 2011
Most enrollment growth of any presidential tenure
competency in accounting and finance for institutional management. His confidence in his abilities to lead and manage people in adverse conditions made him a first choice for the job at Jacksonville University. Brown: He is an excellent communicator and a top-notch leader. Kinne: A job like this takes integrity, and honesty, and ethics. He brought all three, and there was also a stability in him that was important. At the same time, he had this background that he brought … He was a pioneer in Alaska, then in Utah, then in Las Vegas, starting a new school. Payne: When Kerry came in to the president's role, the university required a leader who could both advance the school's mission and instill the fiscal discipline that was badly needed at the time. He was the right person because he was able to maintain this balance while moving the university forward. White: JU needed a steady hand with the ability to see beyond next week.
What is the most important thing he did to help turn around JU? Autrey: Kerry reestablished confidence in the university. The faculty, alumnae and long-time supporters had lost sight of what JU was and what it could become. Kerry’s leadership style immediately changed that perception. His ability to lead the administration and the Trustees through a virtual minefield of financial turmoil gave everyone the confidence to believe in who we were, and where we could take the university. This gave new life and vibrancy to the history of JU. His financial management skills and his placement of accomplished professionals in key roles in the administration gave the Trustees the freedom to focus on the building blocks of building a new future for Jacksonville University. Also, JU has received some attention and criticism for selling 62 acres of unimproved land on the north side of the campus. History will show that it was a strategic and necessary move that will be unparalleled in the future. We sold land at
Brown: He worked hard to stabilize JU and even raise the endowment after years of deficit spending. He also went to great ends to brand the university by relying on the talent and energy of people he knew wanted to see the university become more successful. He did an excellent job reaching out to alumni to serve on the Board of Trustees. He built bridges with the business community and reached out to people like former presidents Fran Kinne and James Brady—people who understood the lay of the land and were willing to help. Cost: He had a more enlightening worldview of what JU could be than anyone else, going back in a similar way to Fran Kinne. They took a global approach that was about all the stakeholders together—students, faculty, staff. It’s a shared governance model. White: He let people do their job and didn’t micro-manage.
What is his single greatest skill?
more than twice the fair market value, and now have the opportunity to purchase large
Autrey: Like most great leaders, there is
adjacent parcels at one-third of their previous
not a single competency that brings him
value. With or without new land purchases, JU
success. Kerry has a suitcase of skills that
has adequate space for long-term expansion
allow him to lead the diverse constituencies
of the campus facilities.
that make up JU’s composite body. He is
Summer 2012
well-respected in circles of business leaders,
the community. That was classic Kerry, not
accomplished Fellows in education, as well
thinking about how to get someone’s name
as students and friends of the university.
on a better-looking building, but how to
His sense of humor is a thin mask on the
enrich students’ lives.
complex makeup of Dr. Kerry Romesburg. Kinne: He recognized it was important to get things back to the way they were. You can’t keep growing if you’re going down. He had an eagerness to restore confidence in JU. White: He listens and remembers. You feel like he understands what you are saying. He may not agree with you, and you can have a great discussion, but you know he heard you.
If you could bottle something about Kerry Romesburg and sell it, what would it be?
What kind of shoes is the next JU president going to have to fill? Autrey: The new president of JU will be required to maintain the conservative fiscal policies Kerry has established. He or she will also have to be an accomplished fundraiser for JU—not a servant who holds up a “give money” sign. Like Kerry, the new leader must instill confidence and build excitement for what JU provides and what it can become. Brown: Higher education is a competitive business, but it’s also a vital service to
Autrey: His ability to articulate the
produce our next generation of leaders.
numerous accomplishments at JU over
Our next JU president is going to have to
the last nine years builds the listener’s
be able to raise funds and bring people
confidence and creates excitement about
together just like President Romesburg
where we are heading as a private and
has done. To become more competitive as
successful university.
an institution, JU also is going to have to expand academic programs for even more
Cost: The guy is unfailingly optimistic.
in-depth training, and Ph.D. programs in subjects like business, education, urban
Payne: His card-playing skill.
policy and transportation/logistics.
White: His smile and quick laugh.
Cost: We are going to be looking for someone who recognizes what Kerry
Tell us a story that exemplifies his passion for leading JU. Cost: I remember Kerry one day telling me that the most important thing we could do for students is give them a campus experience. He started talking passionately about what we could do down by the water—an amphitheatre, a running track, a beach, lights—and he saw that these weren’t frivolous things. Now look what we have there. It used to be an absolute wall of trees and gnarly grasses and swamp. The campus ended right there. But he saw something I didn’t see. He’s unlocked something there, opened up JU to the students and
has helped build. They can’t be a headdown, day-to-day grinder. We will need a leader who can get their head up and make connections outside the university. To Kerry’s credit, the internal infrastructure is solid, and we can now look at growth opportunities in things like nursing, business, aviation and marine science. Kerry’s shoes to fill will be large. With Fran Kinne leaving in 1989, and Kerry starting in 2004, I look at those as the uprights on the goalposts of the leadership that’s been here. Because of him, the next person is not inheriting a desperate, dire, broken place. There are no burning platforms here, and it’s because of his work. The next leader has
13
an opportunity to take us to a growth stage
deal with the firefighting that often comes
where we can invest and make partnerships
with following an unsuccessful leader.
in exciting ways. White: Kerry will be a hard act to follow. The Kinne: The next president will now have great
next president will need to be able to articulate
potential to work with. I’m happy about that.
his or her vision and create the friendships and
There was a time when I wasn’t. Kerry has
fundraising to make it happen.
brought strength and fiscal responsibility. Now, it’s time for someone to come forward with new inspirations and new challenges. The latest challenge is the economy. When the economy is weak, the legislatures don’t support public education and the corporations don’t give as much to private schools. So maintaining our quality will be crucial. Payne: It is always difficult to fill the shoes of a successful leader. However, the next president of JU should feel blessed that he or she will be able to focus on the longterm mission of the university and the needs of the students without having to
What will you most miss about him?
What will be Kerry Romesburg’s enduring legacy at JU? Brown: President Romesburg started by regaining the university’s financial footing, and he will be leaving behind a strong root system for future growth. Kinne: Kerry synced up his vision with our mission and made JU grow. We had to keep
Autrey: I will miss Kerry’s leadership at JU.
moving, and because of what he did, I like
We were a good team. We rarely disagreed
what I see. I’m comfortable now. As a past
on topics of JU strategy and planning. We
president, I can be proud of what I see now
shared a common sense of humor that
and what JU has done.
smoothed the way through some of the more challenging workouts. I may be losing
Payne: I believe Kerry will be remembered
a university president, but my wife and I
as the president who got the university
now have new lifelong friends in Kerry and
back on track and positioned it for the great
Judy Romesburg.
things that will surely come in the future.
White: How easy he is to talk to about a
White: A beautiful campus with a stronger
wide variety of topics.
financial position.
9 Years 6,748 JU Graduates
1 President Join Alumni, Parents, Faculty & Staff, Fans and the JU Community as we commemorate the leadership and achievements of President Kerry Romesburg. We invite you to make a gift honoring these dedicated years of service to continue to support the future of our students so dearly loved by President Kerry and Mrs. Judy Romesburg.
To give, visit mydolphin.ju.edu, call 904.256.7095, or mail back the enclosed envelope today.
Summer 2012
It may be the last Homecoming
back to campus to see all the wonderful
gone for many years, my feeling of pride
for JU President Kerry Romesburg, but
developments, to reflect and remember
at such a beautiful and welcoming campus
this year’s events Sept. 28-30 will give him
their experience as a student,” Brenick said.
environment and my thoughts of my
a chance to show off some new places
“It’s also a chance for them to re-connect
wonderful private educational opportunity
on campus to alumni: The Larry Strom
with their old friends as well.
came back to me and touched my heart. That
Amphitheatre, Swisher Golf Practice Facility
helped guide me to get involved to make the
and Susan and W.C. Gentry Nature Preserve
“From my own perspective as an alumna,
and Boardwalk, among others.
when I came back to campus after being
JU experience possible for others.”
There will also be new additions to the JU family making their first appearances to
Here are events scheduled so far for Homecoming Sept. 28-30. For a complete,
alumni at the 78th Homecoming, among them
up-to-date list, visit www.ju.edu/alumni.
members of JU’s new Marching Band and JU’s new Athletic Director, Brad Edwards. “Homecoming is always exciting, but it’s even more so this year with all the new additions to showcase to our alumni,” said Shirin Brenick ’79, Director of Alumni Relations. “President Romesburg will have much to be proud of at this year’s events.”
JU 78th HOMECOMING EVENTS Friday, Sept. 28 Campus Tours
Howard Building Lobby
3–5 p.m.
President’s Reception TBD 5:30–7 p.m. Women’s Volleyball
Swisher Gym
7–9 p.m.
Women’s Soccer UNF 7–9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 29 Scheduled events include Homecoming’s
Alumni Crew Regatta
Negaard Rowing Center
8–10 a.m.
kickoff event on Friday, the President’s
Green Key Leadership
Kinne Center
9–10:30 a.m.
Reception, which is always well-attended,
Breakfast ($15)
followed on Saturday with the traditional
Tailgate (BBQ $10)
Behind Davis College
10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Alumni Crew Regatta, Green Key Leadership
of Business
Breakfast, Student-Alumni Tailgate, football
Football vs. Marist College ($12)
D.B. Milne Field
1–4 p.m.
game against Marist College, a fun Low
Victory Celebration (free)
Behind Davis College
4–5:30 p.m.
Country Boil following the game and finally
of Business
wrapping up with a Decadent Desserts &
50th Reunion Marine Science 5:30–7 p.m.
Dancing event at the Alumni House.
Research Institute Low Country Boil ($15)
Marine Science
“Especially for so many alumni who
Research Institute
haven’t been connected with JU since
Alumni Decadent Desserts ($15)
their graduation, we want them to come
Alumni House
5:30–7:30 p.m. 8–11 p.m.
15
Dolphin Green takes shape on river The stage is set. The grass keeps getting greener. The walls have tumbled down. Here’s what’s been going on lately near
taken down and the area returned to a
Pops Orchestra. Its lawn features casual
the St. Johns River on the campus of
more natural state, according to JU Director
seating, and the stage opens to the water.
Jacksonville University:
of Purchasing Mike Bobbin. Strom, 77, of Tallahassee, who played basketball
•
The Larry Strom Amphitheatre, built with
“I am so pleased with how Dolphin Green
for JU in 1955 and 1956 when it was still
funds donated by former JU student Larry
has come together,” said JU President Kerry
Jacksonville Junior College, said it dawned on
Strom, now graces the heart of Dolphin
Romesburg. “We wanted to create a place where
him that he would not have gone on to Florida
Green. Design is by Glenn Dasher (Dasher
people could gather and gravitate to on campus.
State University and the success he’s had in business had he not first attended JU.
Hurst Architects), and the general contractor
It’s been very gratifying to see how we’ve
is KBT Builders.
become oriented toward the river, with attractive
•
The adjacent Swisher Golf Practice Facility
is the new practice home for the Dolphin
The new facilities are in addition to the Cost
who owns two GM dealerships in Tallahassee
men’s and women’s teams and features a
Trail for joggers and walkers, and the Kurzius
and one in Key West. “The main thing is it will
practice putting green of 10,000 square
Beach and Pavilion, which were added to the
provide a place for students to see concerts in
feet and 10,000-square-foot chipping green.
green earlier.
a safe environment.”
•
Last but not least, demolition of the nearby
The 50-foot-wide, 38-foot-deep, 30-foot-tall
Strom is excited to attend the facility’s
outdoor racquetball courts was completed in
amphitheatre, built with a generous donation
dedication in the fall, and said his sister, a
April. The courts’ cement surfaces were
from Strom, is big enough for medium-sized
Jacksonville resident, has already described
splitting and cracking, so the facility was
bands on up to the Jacksonville Symphony
to him “how beautiful it is, with the brick,
venues for the students and community.”
“It hit me like a blast of light, this is part of my life, and I wanted to give back,” said Strom,
Summer 2012
“We wanted to create a place where people could gather and gravitate to on campus. It’s been very gratifying to see how we’ve become oriented toward the river, with attractive venues for the students and community.” —JU President Kerry Romesburg and the pine ceiling. It’s going to be a pretty venue.” The Swisher Golf Practice Facility, meanwhile, will also include two target greens that can accommodate up to 180-yard shots, as well as several greenside and fairway bunkers. “The practice facility is a great addition to the campus riverfront and will enable our studentathletes the opportunity to work on their short game at any time,” said Associate Athletic Director Joel Lamp. “With our partnerships with the TPC at Sawgrass, Marsh Landing Country Club and Hidden Hills Country Club, we now have access to facilities that rivals anyone in the country. Thanks to the support of Swisher International, we can continue the rich golf tradition at JU and take it to a higher level in the next few years.”
“Thanks to the support of Swisher International, we can continue the rich golf tradition at JU and take it to a higher level in the next few years.” —Associate Athletic Director Joel Lamp
17
WAVE NEWS Turn passions to reality, Mayor Alvin Brown urges JU graduates
Mayor Brown
President Romesburg and Kohler
Take action in the face of
two-year-old master’s program in dance
Calif.; Reynold Chia Ly of Orange Park; Johnna
adversity. Go beyond the nurturing environment
choreography. Graduates hailed from 41
L. Sands of Ohio; and Kaysley Fussell Thornton
of college to turn passions into reality. Above all,
states plus Washington, D.C., and the Virgin
of Yulee.
stand tall to lead rather than follow.
Islands, as well as nine foreign countries. The most popular bachelor majors this year were
Brown, a JU ’85 and ’89 alum who took office
Just a few pieces of advice Jacksonville Mayor
nursing, with 279 graduates, followed by social
July 1, 2011, looked back fondly to 27 years
Alvin Brown offered more than 800 graduates
science, 40, and management, 27, according
ago, when he sat at a similar ceremony at JU
May 5 as he delivered the keynote address
to the JU Registrar’s Office.
with “the whole world in front of me.”
Commencement and accepted an Honorary
The President’s Award for Outstanding
“When others walk, remember that JU taught
Doctorate of Humane Letters.
Leadership went to political science and
us to run. The world needs leaders — visionary
economic major Fidele Ishimwe, originally of
leaders who make things happen,” he said.
“Martin Luther King Jr. once
Rwanda, who co-founded Hatua International,
“And remember: You must never surrender
said, ‘A genuine leader is not a
a non-profit that focuses on bringing immediate
your hopes, dreams and aspirations. Never,
searcher for consensus but a
relief to the malnourished and starving.
never, never let up.”
told the graduates. “Getting
The University Award for Outstanding Service
Brown also noted how much it meant to him
here today means that each of
was given to Ashley Lauren Kohler, who
to receive his honorary degree, conferred by
us stood tall over obstacles.
served as a Big Dolphin mentor, orientation
JU President Kerry Romesburg and Trustee
The question is, How can we
education program coordinator for Student Life
Lawrence Kurzius.
make sure that today is just
and volunteer at St. Francis Soup Kitchen, and
the beginning of something
is co-captain of JU’s Sporting Clays, Skeet and
“I don’t take it lightly that this honorary doctorate
even greater?”
Trap Club.
places me on a list of highly accomplished
at Jacksonville University’s 2012 Spring
molder of consensus,’” Brown
individuals who each have helped to define not On a hot, sunny day under the campus’
The Noble Award for highest GPA, given on
just this university, but our city and our nation,”
sweeping oaks, the university bestowed
behalf of the late Fred B. Noble, who earned
he said.
degrees on more than 800 students, including
a JU bachelor’s degree at age 91, went to
the first graduates of its much-lauded
students William Joseph Luce of Riverside,
Summer 2012
Navy veteran overcomes homelessness, despair to graduate from JU with honors When Jacksonville University
Kicked out of her home in her teen years, she
student Patricia Tracey walked from one side
found herself on the streets and homeless by
of the stage to the other May 5 to receive her
17, living with family on and off and scrounging
diploma, she did it not only for herself, but for
for food.
her siblings and everyone else who’s strived to make it to the other side of homelessness
Tracey later joined the Navy, then received a
and despair.
scholarship to Jacksonville University, and also benefited from the G.I. Bill.
Tracey
She described Tracey as a “born leader who is very other-centered.”
Tracey, 31, a Navy veteran, took home a B.B.A. in Accounting and a 4.0 GPA, but also the much-
“You get to know the other
earned respect of her peers and teachers for
students (at JU), and the
Tracey is in several academic honor societies,
overcoming many obstacles, snaring numerous
teachers really care to help
did business tutoring at the Tutoring and
honors and volunteering to help others.
you succeed, whatever your
Learning Center at JU and spent many hours
learning style is. Everyone
performing community volunteer work.
“When I was 14, I didn’t see how I’d make
had my back.” Her message for youths?
it to adulthood, and never saw myself getting to age 30,” she said. “Now I tell folks who
One of those who did was Dr. Ruth O’Keefe,
are going through hard times that it does
professor of accounting in the Davis College of
“In the end, you have to have hope for the
get better.”
Business, who taught Tracey in four classes.
future—and perseverance for now.”
JU graduates first class in lauded MFA in Choreography program These Jacksonville University graduates snared a piece of history May 5 when they received their diplomas. They were part of the first graduating class of JU’s prestigious MFA in Choreography program, one of only a handful nationwide whose low-residency approach lets mid-career artists continue their professional lives while advancing their knowledge in performance and choreography. “This program expanded my mind and
have acknowledged the value of JU’s approach
“It’s going to be great to see dancers of this
perspective in terms of thinking about my career
to instruction. Among other things, it features
caliber with an advanced degree go out and
and potential,” said an excited Michelle Grant
an immersive 10-day residency at the exclusive
educate the next generation,” Coble said.
Murray, one of 10 graduates of the program.
White Oak Plantation in North Florida. 2012 graduates were Alexia Adcock-Stanford,
Indeed, the program’s mantra is “Where
The goal is to offer anything that gives artists-
Ella Ben-Aharon, Dara Swisher Carman, Tiffany
Professionals are Reborn.” Even students in it
in-transition a chance to breathe new life into
Sullivan Fish, Lana Carroll Heylock, Jamie
as esteemed as performer and choreographer
their creative processe, according to MFA
Sue McGreevy, Michelle Grant Murray, David
David Parsons, called “one of the great movers
Coordinator Cari Coble and JU College of Fine
Parsons, Amy Colleen Schwiethale and JoAnna
of modern dance” by The New York Times,
Arts Dean Bill Hill.
M. Ursal.
19
WAVE NEWS “CFA Soiree” celebrating 50 years of fine arts on tap for Nov. 16 A celebration of past successes
the event is 1,200, with a base ticket price of
Continuing the celebration into next year, a
and a look into the future are on tap as
$100. For more on the event and tickets, visit
collaborative student project is being planned
Jacksonville University’s College of Fine
http://cfasoiree.ju.edu.
for the downtown area March 6-8, 2013, in which an “immersive” production of opera,
Arts holds its 50th anniversary “CFA Soiree” Friday, Nov. 16, at The Museum at 160
“This is really a chance to
theater, dance and more will allow audience
Boulevard Center Drive.
celebrate the rich history
members to interact within the setting of the
of the college founded by
performance, Hill added.
The event, co-chaired by Irene Lazarra and
Frances Bartlett Kinne, which
JU alumnus Linda Stein, will showcase a
has brought so much culture
“Fine arts has evolved from an emphasis
comprehensive display of arts with special
to the community,” Hill said.
on mainly technical performance into social
guest, renowned urban studies theorist
“It’s impressive with the size
engagement, in which the arts build the
Richard Florida.
of JU to have a College of Fine
participation, dialogue and expression of the
Arts that is so comprehensive
community,” he said. “So this will be a peek
"So amid the evening of art, drinking and
and thriving in its art, music,
into a process in which audience members can
dancing, Richard will deliver his message on
dance and other programs.”
see themselves in the work. They aren’t just digesting the performance, they take part in it.”
the creative class and its connection to urban/ economic development, which we hope can
Starting with Kinne, now JU chancellor
be leverage to advance our whole city," said
emeritus and past president, and continuing
Wrapping up the events March 9 will be a
CFA Dean Bill Hill.
through to Hill, the college has hosted
performance by Grammy-nominated jazz
numerous notaries such as Duke Ellington,
saxophonist Chris Potter, whose 1998 CD
Live and electronic dance music will be served
Linus Pauling and Bob Hope in the ‘70s, and
“Vertigo” was named one of the year's top
up, and the gala will offer valet parking, as well
more recently choreographer David Parsons,
10 jazz CDs by The New York Times. Potter
as several specialty bars and food stations
called “one of the great movers of modern
will play in Terry Theater at the Times-Union
by local restaurants. Maximum capacity for
dance” by The New York Times.
Center for the Performing Arts.
Summer 2012
New JU colleges emerging to meet national trends
By Deric Ford
Expansion. That is the word on everyone’s mind as Jacksonville University introduces two new colleges for fall 2012: The College of Health Sciences (CHS) and College of Interdisciplinary and Professional Studies (CIPS). In a move mirroring trends affecting universities nationwide, both colleges plan to increase the number of degrees offered at JU, allowing students more options to study fields in growing areas of demand, said Dr. Lois Becker, senior vice president for academic affairs. Additional courses are being developed and faculty will be hired to accommodate the growth of the degrees, she added. With passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010, health care systems are transforming, both in the way care is delivered and in how health professionals are educated. As the law adds millions of insured people to the health care delivery system, workforce demand for all health disciplines is increasing dramatically. “To align itself strategically
beyond,” she said. “This allows us to position
Universities across the nation are increasingly
with these national trends,
ourselves well by offering more degrees,
developing interdisciplinary degrees, Dr.
the School of Nursing has
such as in Speech Pathology and Health
Becker noted. JU is offering or considering
developed a 10-year plan for
Information Technology.”
at least two interdisciplinary degrees. Interdisciplinary courses in the Sustainability
program growth in nursing, as well as new degree
Another area seeing a surge of national
program include various subject areas taught
programs in other health
interest is interdisciplinary studies.
by JU faculty, in Sociology, Mathematics, Statistics, Business, Philosophy, Economics,
disciplines,” Dr. Becker said. “JU’s expansion to offer new
In response, JU is launching a new
Management, Law, Ethics and more.
degrees in the field of health
interdisciplinary degree in Sustainability and
Meanwhile, a Public Policy degree proposal is
coincides with creation of the
working toward approval of one in Public Policy.
being developed as well, with a target of the
College of Health Sciences.”
Sustainability degrees will start in the fall of 2012,
fall of 2013.
and a proposal for Florida’s first full master’s Dr. Judith Erickson, dean of the School
degree in Public Policy is being developed.
The College of Interdisciplinary and Professional Studies will provide an administrative home
of Nursing, called the expansion a natural progression to meet the demands of health
The College of Interdisciplinary and
to these degrees, plus a dean to coordinate
care organizations serving a changing and
Professional Studies is designed to provide an
efforts. It will be located on the first floor of
aging population.
administrative home to these degrees, as well
the Davis College of Business. Its dean is
as to house the Accelerated Degree Program
Dr. William Crosby, professor of accounting,
“We are seeing more and more students
and existing stand-alone M.Ed. degrees in
who has served as interim dean of the Davis
greatly interested in these fields as demands
Curriculum and Instruction and Instructional
College of Business for the last two years.
grow and change in Northeast Florida and
Leadership and Organizational Development.
21
WAVE NEWS Jacksonville University approves first Sustainability Degree in city Jacksonville now has its first
will develop students’ abilities to make
we stay competitive and think outside the box
“green” college degree. JU has approved
decisions that let complex social, economic
to produce more efficiently and reduce costs?”
one of the few comprehensive Sustainability
and environmental systems work together to
majors in the Southeast, part of a small but
ensure each will flourish, said JU Sustainability
Whether something as simple as using
growing number of programs nationwide that
Coordinator Marcel Dulay.
recycled products on production lines to putting in place more complicated sustainable
encourage students to see how their personal choices can affect larger societal issues to help
According to the Association for the
efforts, the Sustainability degree will take
the environment and economy both thrive.
Advancement of Sustainability in Higher
students beyond the “nuts and bolts” of
Education, only about a fifth of all educational
traditional degrees and professions, he added.
“We are going to get even busier guiding
training programs in Sustainability offer a full
students to be prepared for the new economy,”
Bachelor’s degree, and of those, only about 40
“Employers are asking for this and know they
said JU President Kerry Romesburg. “Our
percent are at small colleges, offering a crucial
can affect their bottom lines in a positive way.
region has been hit hard by the recession, and
niche for Jacksonville University.
The Googles of the world? This is the kind of prepared student they’re looking for,” Dulay said.
novel approaches spurred by this Sustainability program are going to be needed so that
“It’s preparing students so that they realize
businesses continue to grow.”
how in their daily lives they can behave,
Interdisciplinary courses offered will include
interact and work together to see how personal
various subject areas taught by JU faculty, in
The new Bachelors of Science, Bachelors of
choices affect the greater world,” Dulay said.
sociology, mathematics, statistics, business,
Arts and Bachelors of Business Administration
“Strictly from a business perspective, other
philosophy, economics, management, law,
in Sustainability, which begin in fall 2012,
countries are eating our lunch on this. How do
ethics and more.
Crosby Honored as Jacksonville University Professor of the Year JU celebrated faculty members
of mechanical engineering. Dr. John Sullivan,
for their longevity of service at the 54th-annual
professor emeritus of political science, was
Faculty Recognition Event March 30, while also
honored as professor emeritus for his years
honoring three retiring professors, granting
of service.
emeritus status to one and presenting four with Awards for Excellence. Dr. Bill Crosby, JU’s Professor of the Year.
Faculty members recognized for their longevity of service were:
Faculty members were presented with Awards
Dr. Barbara Doyle, professor of computing
for Excellence in the following areas: Teaching
sciences, 20 years
associate professor of accounting, was named
– Dr. Ruth O’Keefe, professor of accounting; Scholarship and Professional Activities – Dr.
Dr. Raymond Clines, professor of English,
Rose Borkowski, assistant professor of biology/
25 years
marine science; University Service – Dr. Julius Demps, assistant professor of management;
Professor Eric Thomas, associate professor
and Community Service – Dr. Raymond
of history, 25 years
Oldakowski, professor of geography. Dr. Dennis Dormady, professor of computing Retiring JU faculty members recognized
sciences, 30 years
were Dr. Richard Gibson, professor of English;
Dr. Becker and Dr. Crosby
Capt. Jeff Harrison, associate professor of
Dr. Ruth O’Keefe, professor of accounting,
aeronautics; and Dr. Bashir Sayar, professor
30 years
Summer 2012
JU student earns four-way tie for first among 6.5 million ESPN NCAA Tournament bracket entries The team his heart wanted
Kansas was coming back. But when I found out
to win “choked,” but the team he picked to
Kentucky won I was pretty excited.”
win triumphed. Excited for his bracket entry, yes, but not excited Because of that, Jacksonville University
for sentimental favorite Ohio State, which lost in
freshman Jordan Linder ended up in a
the semifinals to Kansas on Saturday.
four-way tie for first place in ESPN.com’s Tournament Challenge NCAA bracket contest
Linder lived in Ohio until age 5 and then in
this spring, beating out 6.5 million other entries
Germany after his mother transferred there as
after Kentucky won the NCAA Basketball
part of her Department of Defense job. He left
Championship April 2.
Europe for JU last year, picking the university things about its aviation program in the Davis
bracket submissions tied for the high score
College of Business.
going into the Final Four, two of the four final
Times-Union
“on a wing and a prayer” after hearing good After a whirlwind of media attention when his
Linder
winning entries in the contest wound up being
“Only a few schools in Florida offer aviation,
Linder’s, giving him a special place at the top.
and I liked JU because I knew it would have
in a random drawing for the contest’s grand
small classes. It seemed the best. I really
prize (a $10,000 Best Buy gift card), that hasn’t
“I watched the first half but couldn’t watch
love my professors. They’re inspirational and
stopped him from thinking about next year.
the rest, it was too nerve-wracking,” said the
knowledgeable and know how to teach.”
18-year-old air traffic control major, whose ESPN
“Oh I’ll definitely do it again. I don’t think I can
screen name is CincyFan007. “I was actually
Even though ESPN’s rules meant Linder was
make a bracket as good as this again, but I can
surprised because I kept checking online and
lumped in with the top 1 percent of finishers
always try.”
Brown hires Verlander and Gilmore to Take Jacksonville Sports to the Next Level Jacksonville Mayor Alvin
it was held as a sub-responsibility by the
Joel Lamp, a seven-year veteran of the athletics
Brown appointed former JU Athletics
Jacksonville Economic Development Authority.
department and the associate athletics director for external operations, served as Interim
Director Alan Verlander as the city's new director of sports and entertainment in April.
His job will be to make the city a destination
Director upon Verlander’s departure. Former NFL
Joining Verlander was NBA Hall of Famer
for sporting events, with the mayor mentioning
player Brad Edwards, who was Athletic Director
Artis Gilmore ’71, who was appointed as an
ideas like the NCAA’s Final Four and large
at Newberry College, was named JU’s new
ambassador for sports, entertainment and
swim meets now held in Orlando.
Director of Athletics July 25 (see story, Page 25).
physical fitness. During Verlander’s time with JU the school
Gilmore will also work to attract more sporting
Verlander, who reports directly to the Mayor,
won 36 conference or state championships and
events to the city and serve as a public health
heads a department with a broader portfolio
hosted early rounds of the NCAA basketball
advocate. He will also remain as a special
than it has had in past administrations, when
tournament in 2006 and 2010.
assistant to JU President Kerry Romesburg.
23
WAVE SPORTS Athletics Hall of Fame adds five of JU’s best Four former Jacksonville University athletes and one benefactor were inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in the spring. Tara Burton, Marit Foss, Paul Runge, Hurley Haywood and Pembrook Burrows, the 2012 class of inductees, were honored at the Negaard Rowing Center. The honorees along with their friends and family, other members of the Hall of Fame, JU President Kerry Romesburg and members of the school’s Board of Trustees were part of the standing-room-only crowd. Here’s a look at this year’s inductees:
Tara Burton:
Hurley Haywood:
A volleyball star from 1997-1998,
A benefactor to the university, he
she was the Trans America Athletic
was inducted into the Motorsports
Conference Player of the Year in
Hall of Fame of America in 2005.
1998 while being named to first
Haywood has excelled on the race
team all-conference and achieving
track as the winningest driver at
academic All-Conference honors.
the 24 Hours of Daytona, with five,
Tara played professionally on the
and is a three-time winner at the 24
beach volleyball circuit and is
Hours of Le Mans. He also is one
coaching high school volleyball.
of the leaders behind the Brumos Automotive dealerships.
Marit Foss: An offensive leader for the
Pembrook Burrows:
Dolphins from 1997-2000, she was
He played basketball from 1969-71
a collegesoccer.com third team
and was a starter on the legendary
All-America (2000), on the NSCAA
1970 team that finished as the
Regional 2nd Team All-America twice
national runner-up to UCLA, going
and on the Soccer Buzz Regional All-
27-2. Burrows formed one half of
America—first team and third team
the 7-foot duo with Artis Gilmore.
in 2000 and 1999, respectively.
He holds the season (.670) and career (.646) marks for field goal
Paul Runge:
percentage.
A three-year member of the program (1977-79), he led the Dolphins in
Meanwhile, Gilmore, who played his
batting average (.365), runs (55), hits
senior year of high school in Dothan,
(65) and home runs (5) his senior
Ala., was inducted into the Alabama
season. He played eight seasons with
Sports Hall of Fame in May.
the Atlanta Braves (1981-88) and spent 10 seasons as a manager in the minor leagues. He is now a minor league field coordinator for the Houston Astros.
Former NFL player Brad Edwards named new JU Director of Athletics By Jim Nasella The Jacksonville University
“I love his focus, and he’s an energetic
earning second team All-American honors
athletic department began a new era July 25
guy,” Romesburg said. “He has a strong
after the 1987 season.
when Brad Edwards was named Director
background and brings a lot of what
of Athletics.
we need.”
Edwards, 46, a former player in the National
Edwards went to Newberry in 2009, leading
the on-site curriculum at the University
Football League, comes to the Dolphins from
the athletics program that consisted of
of Michigan and the University of Texas-
Newberry College, where he was Athletic
more than 560 student-athletes competing
Austin. He also has a Master of Business
Director, and has an array of experience to
in 16 NCAA Division II sports plus
Administration from the University of
move the Dolphins’ athletic program forward.
competitive cheerleading.
Phoenix and is in the Massachusetts
He is the ninth Director of Athletics in school
During the 2010-11 academic year, Edwards
Management and Leadership Program. He
history and replaces Alan Verlander, who
took on the added responsibility of
is also completing a second master’s degree
resigned earlier this summer to take a position
overseeing restructuring the Department of
at Michigan State University.
with the city of Jacksonville. Associate Athletic
Institutional Advancement. During this time,
Director Joel Lamp worked in the interim.
total giving to the College rose 92 percent
Edwards played free safety in the NFL for
over the same period from the previous year.
nine seasons after being drafted in the
He also is a graduate of the Sports Management Institute, having completed
Institute of Technology's (MIT) Executive
“I am excited, deeply
second round of the 1988 draft by the
humbled and honored to
Edwards began working in higher education
Minnesota Vikings. He also played with
be joining Jacksonville
in 1999, joining the University of South
the Washington Redskins and Atlanta
University,” Edwards said.
Carolina Athletics Department as Director of
Falcons and was a defensive co-captain and
“I feel like a basketball
Development, and eventually rose to Senior
runner-up MVP with the Redskins Super
player coming into the
Associate Athletics Director/CFO. Following
Bowl XXVI Championship team.
game with a 20-point lead
South Carolina he joined IMI Resort
and five seconds to play;
Holdings in Greenville, S.C., where he was
Edwards, 46, was born in Lumberton, N.C.,
I’m in a great position.”
responsible for the recruiting and training.
and grew up in nearby Fayetteville. He is
JU President Kerry Romesburg, who
Edwards earned his Bachelor of Science in
couple was married in April 2010. He has
introduced Edwards to the media, fans and
business management from the University
three sons—Jackson, Thomas and Colton.
school personnel, said the announcement
of South Carolina and was a standout
ended a thorough, national search.
athlete for the Gamecock football team,
married to the former Marlana Brown. The
WAVE SPORTS
More balance expected as football celebrates 15th year A more balanced look on
Sept. 29 against Marist. Homecoming
With record-setting quarterback Josh
offense and a very stingy defense will
weekend will be the gala 15th-year
McGregor having graduated, Coach
highlight the 2012 Dolphin football team’s
celebration, with several events scheduled
Kerwin Bell expects the JU offense to be
effort to nab another Pioneer Football
around the big day.
spread among several players, instead of relying on one.
League title as JU celebrates its 15th year of football.
Fans are invited to all festivities beginning Friday, Sept. 28, with a meet-and-greet
A great four-way battle to replace McGregor
Five home games and a season-opening
and hors d'oeuvres at a site to be
started in spring drills, with Kade Bell,
road trip to powerful Georgia Southern
determined. Following the game, dinner
Trevius Folston, Steven Hughes and Ryan
highlight this year’s schedule.
is scheduled near the St. Johns River at
Walker in the mix. That battle continues in
the new Larry Strom Amphitheatre on
the preseason.
The Dolphins, 7-4 overall last season,
Dolphin Green, among other events that
begin the campaign with a Sept. 1 road
will be publicized as Homecoming nears.
Whoever wins the quarterback job will direct an offense that probably will be
trip to Statesboro, Ga., to meet the Eagles, who were 11-3 in 2011. GSU made it to
Trips to Morehead State and Davidson
more balanced than in the McGregor days,
the NCAA FCS semifinals before losing to
begin in October, followed by a home
when passing was the rule. A healthy
fourth-ranked North Dakota State.
game Oct. 20 against 2011 PFL co-cham-
stable of running backs and sure-handed
pion San Diego.
receivers will keep the Dolphins in plenty of games this season.
JU then travels to Division I Charleston Southern Sept. 8 and plays the first home
The Dolphins have a bye week Oct. 27
game of the season Sept. 15 against
and have their final stretch run beginning
The big improvement will be on the defense.
Webber International.
in Indianapolis at Butler Nov. 3, the final
The unit was decimated by injuries last
road game. The Dolphins end the regular
season, and should it stay healthy this time
The team begins its Pioneer Football
season with games against Campbell
around, it will be one of the best in FCS.
League schedule Sept. 22 with a game
Nov. 10 and Drake Nov. 17. Drake was co-
at Dayton and follows with homecoming
champ last season with San Diego.
2012 JU Football Schedule Sept. 1 @ Ga. Southern 6 p.m. Sept. 8 @ Charleston Southern 1:30 p.m. Sept. 15 WEBBER INTERNATIONAL 1 p.m. Sept. 22 @ Dayton 1 p.m. Sept. 29 MARIST (Homecoming) 1 p.m. Oct. 6 @Morehead State 1 p.m. Oct. 13 @ Davidson 1 p.m. Oct. 20 SAN DIEGO 1 p.m. Oct. 27 Open Nov. 3 @ Butler 1 p.m. Nov. 10 CAMPBELL Noon Nov. 17 DRAKE Noon HOME GAMES IN CAPS
Summer 2012
McGregor named football MVP, others honored at 20th JU All-Sports Banquet average, while participating in his or her respective sport for at least two years, was awarded to Matthew Hansen (men’s tennis) with a 4.0 GPA and Ellyn Spangenberg (women’s lacrosse), 3.974 GPA. The Douglas B. Milne Sportsmanship Award, given annually to the top studentHead Women’s Soccer Coach Brian Copham, Alexa Rooney, Liz Fink, and Kelli Brougham
athlete who has represented the highest standard of sportsmanship and has demonstrated excellence in athletics, academics and leadership, was presented to Andrew Soloway (men’s rowing). The Dr. James Brady Senior Award, given annually to the top senior student-athlete who has finished with a GPA of 3.5 or
Josh McGregor and Head Football Coach Kerwin Bell
Ashley August, Head Volleyball Coach Michelle Collier, and Kathryn Kane
higher, ranked “outstanding” by his or her coach while serving to benefit the community, was awarded to Amanda
Twenty athletes and one
Fantova, men’s tennis; Natalie Schmett,
team received special recognition at the
women’s golf; Jamey Salmon, men’s
20th All-Sports Banquet held on campus
golf; Rachel Hannon, women’s lacrosse;
The Outstanding Senior Student-Athlete
to wrap up the 2011-12 sports seasons.
Esteban Mendez, men’s cross country;
Award, presented annually to a senior
and Adam Brett Walker, baseball.
with a GPA of 3.2 or higher, ranked
Thirteen players were honored as Most
Schmidt (softball).
“outstanding” by his or her coach while
Valuable Players of their teams, headed
The Team GPA Award, given annually to
serving to benefit the community, was
by JU quarterback Josh McGregor, who
the JU athletic program that has recorded
awarded to Jessica Hotchkiss (women’s
holds virtually all JU passing records
the highest cumulative grade point
lacrosse) and Chris Ottie (men’s rowing).
and attended Jacksonville Jaguars’ and
average during the prior academic year,
Seattle Seahawks’ mini-camps last spring.
was presented to the women’s track and
With student-athletes, coaches and staff
field team, with a 3.411 GPA.
in attendance, the banquet featured Fox
Other individual honors went to Liz Fink
30/CBS 47’s Brent Martineau as emcee for
and Tobias Hottner, who were MVPs in
The John Sessions Spirit Award, given
the event. Other special guests included
women’s and men’s soccer; and Crystal
annually to a student-athlete or program
several members of the JUAA and JU
Bell, in women’s basketball. Bell led her
that has been an inspiration to teammates
Board of Trustees.
team in points, blocks and steals this year.
and the athletic department as a whole, was awarded to Sarah Sigrest (softball).
Other honorees were Katie Keyes,
MVPs in men’s basketball, softball, outdoor track and field, men’s lacrosse
cheerleading; Kathryn Kane, volleyball;
The Department of Athletics Academic
and men’s and women’s rowing will be
Courtney Walker, indoor track and field;
Excellence Award, presented annually to
determined at a later date.
Joane Pierre, women’s cross country;
the senior male and female student-athlete
Aline Staudt, women’s tennis; Jose
with the highest cumulative grade point
27
WAVE   ALUMNI NEWS Two JU Grads earn Florida Times-Union EVE Award honors Two Jacksonville University alumni, both with connections to the arts community and with backgrounds in education, were honored this spring with 2012 EVE Awards by The Florida Times-Union. Bolles School art history teacher Cindy Edelman, who received her master's degree in teaching from JU in 1997, won the EVE Award in Volunteer Service. Cummer Museum Director Hope McMath, who earned a bachelor teaching in 1996, both from JU, received the EVE Award in Employment. The awards, created by the Times-Union in 1969, honor achievements of women in education, volunteer service and employment during the previous year.
Woody Huband/Jacksonville.com
of fine arts in 1992 and master's degree in
Edelman
Edelman, who helped create and now chairs the nonprofit Jacksonville Public Education Fund, was honored for working to boost public schools. According to a story published in the Times-Union, she worked with the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens to create the "One which highlights the fact that one in three Jacksonville students don't graduate on time or at all. Edelman worked on the project with McMath, who told the newspaper that "It was ultimately (Edelman's) idea that the arts could change the conversation about education."
Woody Huband/Jacksonville.com
in Three: Solve Our Dropout Crisis" exhibit,
McMath
Philanthropist and former Jacksonville Jaguars co-owner Delores Barr Weaver nominated
specifically by shifting the notion that the
for patient, caregiver and family programs, the
Edelman, telling the Times-Union she's been
museum is "only for the elite," according to a
Times-Union said. The Cummer has had a run
impressed with her commitment to education.
Times-Union article. She's also guided a new
of three years of fiscal stability as well.
"It's something that I feel is so important to the
strategic plan and put in place programs for
community," Weaver told Times-Union reporter
more than 120,000 children and adults annually.
Sandy Strickland.
"She is truly a visionary. McMath has taken the Cummer to a new level in terms of leadership
Among other things, McMath created a
and opening it up to everyone," Cindy Edelman
Meanwhile, McMath was honored for the
partnership with the Mayo Clinic that places
was quoted in the newspaper.
change she's brought to the Cummer,
artists in residence there and provides lecturers
Summer 2012
It's Crunch-Time for JU grad's "Gourmet Granola" at Sports Emmys All the mixing,
Marathon Endurance Mix, specially designed
Nate & Sassy’s was born out of necessity in
blending and baking is
for athletes.
2009, when Graves, a divorced mother of two, was laid off twice in six months due to the
starting to pay off for a Jacksonville University
“The production went off without a hitch,” Pam
grad and her husband,
Graves said. “The duffel was full of goodies and
whose Texas-based
got a very positive reaction from the athletes
“I remembered a granola recipe that I had
company’s granola
and their guests. We were honored to have
developed a few years before when I owned a
was included in “swag
been selected and very excited for this new
bakery. The timing just never seemed right to do
bags” for celebrities
venture. We feel it will open many doors for us.”
anything with it, until now,” she said in the news release. “The doors of opportunity just started
and guests at the 2012 Graves
slow economy.
Sports Emmy Awards
The pair knew each other as teens, working
flying open and one blessing has led to another
this past spring.
together at The Crab Trap in Fernandina Beach,
and here we are....going to the Emmys.”
then reconnected on Facebook after 25 years Pam Graves, a 2003 JU communications/public
and were recently married at The Ritz- Carlton,
The National Academy of Television Arts &
relations major, and her husband, Bobby, a
Amelia Island. Both are graduates of Fernandina
Sciences presented the 33rd annual Sports
UF graduate, were elated that their Nate &
Beach High School.
Emmy Awards at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Sassy’s Gourmet Granola was one of only 30 products included in goodie bags for hundreds
Since the launch of their website in 2011,
of influential people in sports broadcasting,
high-end grocery store chains Central Market
“To think that Shaquille O'Neal was there and
celebrities, athletes and media at the event
and Whole Foods have included their granola
took home a bag of Nate & Sassy's Granola …
April 30 in New York.
as a stocking item on their store shelves. The
woo-hoo!” Pam Graves said.
all-natural product online retailer Abe’s Market The couple said they packaged 800 bags of
also added them to their list of premium
For more information on Pam and Bobby Graves’
their most popular and signature granola,
gourmet natural products.
story, visit www.nateandsassys.com.
Former lacrosse player Corey Lovrich succumbs to cancer Jacksonville University men’s
Lovrich, a defenseman, was named captain
lacrosse player Corey Lovrich lost his valiant
and played in six games his sophomore
fight against colon cancer and passed away
season (2011) before being diagnosed. During
May 31 in New York.
the stretch, he collected 16 ground balls and forced six turnovers and set a season high
Lovrich, 21, from Long Beach, N.Y., played two
five ground balls against Robert Morris. As
seasons with the Dolphins before being diag-
a freshman, he finished that season strong
nosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in spring 2011.
by collecting 16 ground balls in the final five games.
After being diagnosed and treated, Lovrich’s cancer went into remission. Earlier this year,
“He came in and wasn’t supposed to play
he was given permission to resume athletic
because he was recovering from knee
training. However, he became ill again.
surgery,” Kerwick said. “But he worked hard, got a chance to play and was one of our top
“This is a sad day and a terrible loss,” said
players. He was a great leader and a great
former JU coach Matt Kerwick.
young man.”
Lovrich
29
WAVE ALUMNI NEWS JU Alum ShootS 10 Rounds of Golf in Single Day for Charity There are long days on the
Times-Union; Golf Today, Europe’s leading
It’s also where his passion for helping others
course. Then there are record-breaking
online golf resource; the Edinburgh Evening
melded with his golf fixation, he said.
long days.
News; and Mediatrust.org, among others.
Jacksonville University alumnus Jamie Kennedy
A self-described golf fanatic since childhood,
back through our community service hours or
played an unheard-of 10 rounds of golf June
Kennedy worked in Gainesville, Fla., after
simply teaching groups of kids with the First
27 in his hometown of Edinburgh, Scotland,
graduating from JU, then moved back home
Tee nonprofit (based at the World Golf Village
and by early July had raised more than
for a job at Golfalot.com, the UK's largest golf
in St. Augustine) each year when The Players
£14,000 (about $21,700) for the Make-A-Wish
equipment website.
was in town,” he said. “That type of activity
“As part of the team, we would often give
Foundation UK.
is so rewarding and certainly gives you a “JU certainly cemented my
stark indication of how lucky we are to be
The scratch golfer, 27, played four years on the
passion and love for golf,”
able to play golf, be healthy and attend
JU golf team, helping it win conference and
said Kennedy, who graduated in
university. Especially for an international
gain a near NCAA tournament berth in 2006.
2007 with a degree in marketing.
student like myself.”
He got the “marathon golf day” idea after
“I had a great experience
hearing of others who’d tallied four rounds in a
traveling the country and
Kennedy’s donation page is at www.justgiving.
single day for charity.
competing as a Dolphin. I was
com/onedaytenrounds, and his blog is at
very close with my teammates
http://10roundsinaday.blogspot.co.uk.
“I thought to myself, four rounds? I used to
and had great relationships
play two or three a day on a regular basis
with coaches and assistants.”
growing up, so needless to say, I wasn't impressed,” he said by email. He finished with 765 shots on 180 holes at the hilly, par-72 Mortonhall Golf Club in Edinburgh, tweeting afterward: “I think I've developed golfer’s heel/foot/toe/shin/calve/knees/groin/ back/hands” and “Any recommendations on a sports massage in Edinburgh?” “A massive thanks to everyone who helped out and cheered me on the day,” he wrote later on his blog. “I never dreamt it would be the success it was and I am deeply grateful for all the support. Someone challenged me to play 1 round in 10 days next year, so that sounds quite appealing...” To trek the more than 52 miles over nearly 19 hours, he prepped by playing five or six rounds a day and hauling a 10-kg backpack around with him everywhere. His dedication and determination attracted media attention, with write-ups in The Florida Kennedy
Summer 2012
31
Q&A with Jacksonville Business Journal 2012 “40 Under 40” honoree and ’96 JU grad Cynthia L. (Liebtag) Scavelli JU Class of ’96 graduate
professionals from all different types of industries
Cynthia L. (Liebtag) Scavelli, Esquire, was
who were selected from 175 nominees.
named to the Jacksonville Business Journal’s list of 2012 “40 Under 40” Winners this past
What was the biggest challenge you faced
spring, being honored among a variety of
as you moved up in your career?
professionals “succeeding in business and
For me it was to find a specific area of law I truly
making a contribution to the community
love. I have found it in my current role.
around them.” What’s the most challenging part of your We asked Scavelli, a Corporate Compliance &
job now?
Ethics Counsel for FIS, about her career and
One of the biggest challenges is staying abreast
being recognized by the JBJ.
of the huge myriad of legislation and regulations that are being passed every day.
Tell us about your job. FIS is the world’s largest global provider
What trends have affected the way you do
dedicated to banking and payments
your work?
technologies and received the top ranking in
Our industry is highly regulated. New legislation
the 2011 FinTech 100. I am responsible for
such as the Dodd-Frank Act and the U.K. Bribery
ethics awareness, ethics training, ethics hotline
Act has significantly affected my work.
Scavelli
What should younger people looking to get into your line of work be working on now?
investigations, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCCPA) third-party due diligence, global anti-
How did JU help prepare you for your future
Compliance professionals have varied back-
bribery training, compliance of the company’s
and career?
grounds. Law, accounting or risk management
Document Retention and Management
I have many fond memories of my experience
are good backgrounds to have.
Policy for domestic business and monitoring
at JU. The professors were supportive, inspiring
legislative/regulatory changes for selected
and amazing … especially Prof. Walker Blanton.
Any advice for them?
business units.
I believe JU provided me with a solid, top-notch
Network, network, network! Take every chance
education. With this foundation, I was able to
you can to get out there and meet people in
How did it feel to win this honor?
further my education at Florida Coastal School of
the industry in which you are interested. Utilize
I felt very excited, blessed and fortunate to
Law and become an attorney, which led me to
resources such as LinkedIn and join industry-spe-
be recognized among 40 incredibly talented
the position I have today.
cific groups or societies to make further contacts.
Purchase Your MSRI Paver Today! Leave your mark on JU and the Marine Science Research Institute by joining the Paver program. By purchasing an MSRI English Grey Paver, you are building a legacy as well as showing your Dolphin Pride. Pavers, which line the main entrance of the MSRI, can be purchased for $250 and engraved with up to three lines, 14 characters per line. There are a limited number of pavers available, so call soon to ensure your participation in supporting the MSRI research programs.
Contact us at (904) 256-7766 or pkalait@ju.edu.
WAVE ALUMNI EVENTS
L to R
Winter Alumni Gathering 1 Mary Lou and Peter Van Note ’68 2 Pamala and Wesley Shannon ’74 3 Karen (Steere) Martin ’80, Shirin (Firouzabadian) Brenick ’79, Pamela (Burroughs) Rein ’81, Helen Fretwell ’81
4 President Kerry Romesburg, Carolyn Munro Wilson ’69, ’77, ’89, Jim Yarborough
1
2
5 David Cameron ’66, Michael Boudreaux ’04 6 Caroline Geoghegan ’10, Jeff Giannone
Order of the Dolphin 2012 7 John Harrison ’67 and wife, Gail and Patty and John Donahoo 8 Bob ’64 and Lynn Turknett 9 Carol and Scott Romero ’78
5
6
9
10
The Moe’s Southwest Classic: JU vs. Navy 9 Karen Kelczewski Hike ’76, Bob Whitkop ’77
Senior Reception 10 Abbie Beates ’12, Carolyne Scott ’12, Jenna Knight ’12 11 Susan Broderson ’12, Lucas Meers ’11, Jennifer Wawra ’12 12 Alfred Meneses ’12, Stephen Johns ’12, Nikki Spies ’12, Erick Crow ’12, Ross Frontz ’12
Alumni Board of Governors Barbeque 13 Matt Tuohy ’75/’03, Brian Dudley ’96/’05, Michael Howland ’76, Jennifer (Corbin) Yudow ’90/’92, Patty Parrish ’67
JU Night at the Sharks 14 Danielle ’10 and Anthony Bennett ’10
Spring 2012 Commencement 15 Shirin Brenick '79, Pat Reeves, Robert Whitkop '77, Karen Hike '76, Michelle (Murray) Miller '80, Amy Cavanaugh '79, Scott Romero '78
I M P OR T A N T
13 N O T I CE
If you’ve gotten together with other Dolphin alumni, send us a picture! Please send a high-resolution digital file to media@ju.edu and include the event and names of each person shown. Not all pictures will be used.
Summer 2012
33
Upcoming Alumni Events
3
4
Braves vs. Dodgers Baseball Game Friday, August 17 Turner Field – Atlanta, Ga
Afternoon BBQ Saturday, August 18 Worleys' – Atlanta, Ga
The Georgia Aquarium
7
9
8
Sunday, August 19 Atlanta, Ga
JU Night at the Suns Thursday, August 23 Jacksonville Baseball Grounds Jacksonville, Fla.
Homecoming 2012
11
12
Friday-Sunday, September 28-30 Jacksonville University Jacksonville, Fla. (See page 15 for complete schedule)
JU Alumni Tailgate (with UNF and FSCJ) Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New York Jets Sunday, December 9, 2012 Everbank Field Jacksonville, Fla.
14
15 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.
WAVE CLASS NOTES
1960s David Cameron ’66 took a scuba trip
this year in Portland, Ore., is accused of
execute their participation at trade shows.
to Truk Lagoon in Micronesia in May,
stealing up to $2 million from Ohioans
She began her career in the music world
spending a week making 19 dives on
who thought they were helping U.S.
in New York City, promoting bands and
13 different wrecks that were sunk by
Navy veterans, according to the Attorney
concert tours for many internationally
the United States in 1944. While diving
General’s Office. He was featured on
known and respected artists. She moved
as deep as 183 feet, Cameron also saw
"America's Most Wanted.”
on to television, where she worked in
human skulls and bones, porcelain rice
the marketing divisions of such brands
bowls, ammunition, guns and more. There
Alice Copeland Boito '77 recently
as Showtime Networks and Playboy TV.
were tanks, Japanese airplanes (including
moved backed to Jacksonville after being
Aside from this, Roberts is most proud of
a few Zeroes), trucks, a bulldozer, a
gone for 18 years. She has transferred
her involvement with the Humane Society
tractor, etc. in the holds and on the decks.
her LPN nursing license to Florida and
of Broward County. As a passionate
is working in Jacksonville for Welcome
animal activist, she spends one day a
Homecare. “I love my new job and love
week in the shelter to find loving homes
Jacksonville,” she said.
for animals in need. Kevin Lutz ’92 is the new vice
1980s 1970s
president of surgery and anesthesia at Grant Medical Center, a care site with OhioHealth. His responsibilities include
Linda Milboer Pittenger ’80,
business planning and development,
EMBA ’86 received her doctorate in
performance analysis and monitoring,
management from Case Western Reserve
financial oversight and the allocation and
University. Pittenger is associate dean
supervision of resources.
of graduate programs and distinguished
Dr. K. Bruce Jones ’74, a national
professor at Stevens Institute of
Shawn Starr ’93,
scientist with an extensive background
Technology in Hoboken, N.J. Additionally,
MBA ’96 started his
in climate change research, was named
she serves as a Commissioner of Tech
company, Dreambuilder
executive director of the Division of Earth
America's "Digital Promise," an initiative
Custom Homes, a
and Ecosystem Sciences at the Desert
of the Obama Administration to transform
design/build custom
Research Institute in Reno in May. Jones
K-12 assessment and learning through
home and remodeling
was previously a senior scientist in the
the use of technology.
company, in 2010. Starr
National Climate Change and Wildlife
has been a state-certified builder/contractor
Science Center in Las Vegas, where he
since 2007 and has several years’
coordinated research on climate change vulnerability assessments. He was also a former chief scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Reston, Va.
1990s
experience in the construction industry. He lives in Jacksonville with his two daughters. Jennifer
Galina Schott ’96 became the second
Weinstock
woman to lead the Jacksonville Southside
Brad Tammaro ’76, chief legal counsel
Roberts ’90 is
Business Men’s Club since it began in
for the Ohio Attorney General's Office,
the new director of
1932. As the 2012 president, she wields
was named Special Prosecutor in the
strategic marketing
the gavel weekly at meetings of the 315-
Cleveland case of a long-time fugitive
for TradeShow
member club. She is pursuing her career
known only by his stolen identity “Bobby
Teacher, a company that provides training
as a financial adviser with North Florida
Thompson.” Thompson, arrested earlier
to help businesses effectively plan and
Financial Corp. in the Baymeadows area.
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 email your information and photos to alumni@ju.edu. Please do not send hard copy photos.
WEDDINGS
2000s
Summer 2012
IN MEMORIAM
Thomas
Nancy Nystrom '69, who advocated for
LePage ’07 and
American MIAs in Vietnam and collected
Katie Hendrian
thousands of petition signatures to highlight the
Jennifer (Eichhorn)
’08 were married
problem, died July 15, 2012, after a stroke. She
Moore ’03 was
May 27, 2011, in
was 84. Her husband, Capt. Bruce Nystrom, was
selected as Clay
Lawrenceville,
shot down over North Vietnam in 1966, and Mrs.
County's Teacher of the
Ga. They reside
Nystrom worked to discover his fate, becoming
Year. This is her eighth
in Lawrenceville,
a national advocate for missing servicemen and
year teaching sixth grade
where Katie is
meeting with Presidents Reagan and George
reading at Coppergate
a manufacturing
H.W. Bush. She graduated from Jacksonville
engineer for
University Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor
Elementary School in Middleburg, Fla.
General Electric and Thomas teaches
of Fine Arts in Art in 1969. She is survived by
high school and coaches baseball at
her daughter, Andria Dostaler, Jacksonville; son,
Duluth High School.
Gregory, Los Angeles; daughter, Diane Conrad, Jacksonville; sister Jane Andria, Pittsburg, Calif.; Joey
five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
Sanchez ’09, ’10 and Kelly
Anne Boudreau Rourke ’72, a former
Catherine (Kay) Creager ’06, along
McKinney
U.S. Navy Veteran who served in World War II,
with more than 260 members of the
’10 were
passed away Dec. 11, 2011. A teacher for 27
New York City Alumnae Chapter of Delta
married Dec.
years, she was the wife of former JU Athletics
Delta Delta sorority, helped raise nearly
17, 2011, in
Director Dr. Roland Louis Rourke, who served
$30,000 for St. Jude Children's Research
Houston.
from 1953 to 1967. She earned a Bachelor of
Hospital at the chapter’s third annual
The two met
Arts degree in psychology from JU and was of
Stars and Crescent evening in April.
at JU in the fall of 2007. During their
the Catholic faith. A member of the Beaches
time at JU, McKinney was president of
Democratic Club and Bennie Furlong Senior
the Tri-Delta Sorority and Sanchez was
Center, she is survived by sons, Rolland Raphel
U.S. Navy,
goalkeeper for the soccer team. Both
Rourke and Dr. Daniel Joseph Rourke (Emily);
has become a
native Houstonians, they moved back to
and grandchildren Kerrie Heather Rourke and
naval science
the city after graduation, and work and
Kellie Colleen Rourke.
instructor at
live downtown.
David Lueck ’07, a lieutenant in the
Bruce “Goose” Robert Heim ’79, a
Massachusetts Institute of
Adam Walesiewicz ’10 and Cecilia
former helicopter pilot with the U.S. Marines,
Technology
Vega ’11 wed April 21, 2012, in Sarasota,
passed away May 6, 2012. He was born Jan.
(MIT) NROTC
Fla. They reside in Fairfax, Va.
16, 1957, in Hagerstown, Mass. The fourth son
program. Lueck
of William G. and Bess J. Heim, he is survived
is one of three
by his father and siblings William F. Heim,
lieutenants assigned to MIT and the only
Brad W. Heim and Bonnie J. Thomas. He is
surface warfare officer element at the unit.
predeceased by his mother and brother Barry
MIT NROTC develops students from MIT,
J. Heim. He attended Jacksonville University,
Harvard and Tufts into future Naval and
where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Marine Corps officers. He teaches two
political science. He served 20 years between
courses in the naval science curriculum,
active duty and the reserves. While at JU,
Naval Operations and Navigation.
he met his wife, Karen Applegate ’81. They had four kids: Rachael J. Heim, Eric W. Heim, Amanda J. Heim and Sarah A. Heim.
35
T hank
Y ou
J U
D O N O R S
Contributors to the JU Fund in Fiscal Year 2011/12 We at Jacksonville University are grateful to the individuals as well as foundations and corporations listed below who have donated to the JU Fund. A donation of any amount to the JU Fund directly supports the mission of Jacksonville University through scholarships, technology, student and campus life programs and academic initiatives. Thank you for making an excellent JU education possible. In each issue we will highlight a different category of our donors.
A-B Distributors
Mr. and Mrs. Eric K. Bohard
Mrs. Sarah Colley
Mr. and Mrs. John J. Flemm III
Mr. and Mrs. William Abdelnour
Mr. and Mrs. Andre' L. G. Boutte
The Community Foundation in
Mr. John A. Foote
Ms. Ashley L. Adkins
Mr. Benjamin W. Bowerman
Jacksonville
Mr. and Mrs. William Dean Ms. Kori A. Frank
Aetna Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin J. Brailey, Jr.
Ms. Mary Glyn Cook
Alexander DeGance Barnett, P.A.
Ms. Sandra H. Branum
Mr. Brian R. Copham
Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Frisch
Mr. and Mrs. Mark G. Alexander
Ms. Allison D. Brauner
Ms. Kristin M. Costello
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Gabrynowicz
Mr. and Mrs. Terry L. Alexander
Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Breeze
Mr. and Mrs. Brian P. Crawford
Mrs. Anita P. Gadzuk
The Alton Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. R. Bruce Brenick
Dr. Pamela Crawford
Dr. Michael Gagliardo
Mr. and Mrs. H. Robin Alton III
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Mr. and Mrs. George E. Creager
Ms. Laurie Gambino
Mr. and Mrs. David Alvarez
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Broderick, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. James P. Croft III
Garcia Aesthetics and Wellness
American Express Company
Norman & Florence Brody Family
Dr. and Mrs. William M. Crosby
Institute, Inc.
CSX Corporation
Dr. and Mrs. J. Phillip Garcia
Mr. William H. Brody
Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Cutlip
General Electric Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Ames
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob F. Bryan IV
Mr. Eric Dade
Ms. Caroline A. Geoghegan
Ms. Melissa K. Ammons
Ms. Velvet F. Burns
Mr. and Mrs. Jack A. Davidson
Mr. Francis X. Gerosa, Jr.
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bynum
Mr. Lucas J. DeFalco
Mr. and Mrs. Mark B. Gerry
Mr. Anthony M. Angerome
Mr. Michael Byrne
Mr. and Mrs. Alan E. Deichler
Ms. Sharon L. Getz
Anonymous Gift
Mr. and Mrs. Michael G. Cainkar
Mr. and Mrs. Michael K. Denton
Goodrich Foundation
Dr. Stephanie H. Arsht and Mr. Jeffrey
Mr. and Mrs. Frank D. Campbell
Mr. Walter J. DeReu
Mr. and Mrs. Jonas H. Gredenhag
Mr. Gregory P. Carroll
Drs. Elizabeth L. and Wilbur P.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Green
Ameriprise Financial Employee Giving Campaign
A. Arsht
Foundation
Dershimer
Mrs. Debra Jo Roberts Grell
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Autrey
Ms. Bambi G. Carson
Dr. John A. Balog
Mrs. Joan Carter
Ms. Margaret G. DeVero
Mr. David J. Groom
Bank of America Foundation
Cascone Family Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. James S. DiMatteo
Dr. and Mrs. Derek J. Hall
Ms. Jennifer N. Barker
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cascone, Jr.
Dr. Heather A. Downs
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Hall, Jr.
Ms. Karen M. Barletta and Mr. John K.
Mr. Craig J. Caskie
Dreambuilder Custom Homes
Mr. Kevin Hampton
Ms. Amy L. Cavanaugh
Mr. and Mrs. Darrel E. Drown
Mr. and Mrs. Jorge A. Hancock
Cedar Street Charitable Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Dubberly
Dr. Adele E. Hanlon
Mr. and Mrs. Ehsanollah Bayat
Ms. Laura K. Chambers
Ms. Kelly A. Dunnmon
Ms. Courtney M. Hanrahan
Mr. and Mrs. Eldon L. Bekkum
Mr. and Mrs. James Chandler
Mr. Matthew C. Eckler
Mrs. Jeannie K. Hardwick
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Bennett
Mr. and Mrs. David W. Clapsaddle
Mr. Thomas L. Ellis, Jr.
Ms. Sue E. Hartman
Ms. Ruth H. Bennett
Ms. Gail S. Clemens
Florence A. Englander Estate
Mr. James E. Fransen and Ms. Alison
Dr. Lee Ann Clements and Mr. Jeffrey
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley C. Entsminger
Mackie Mr. Kevin J. Barry
Bergen County United Way
Hastings
Ms. Rosario E. Escobar
Mr. Matthew S. Hays
Mr. Stephen F. Bigelow
George M. Cohen Foundation, Inc.
Mr. Luke T. Ewalt
Dr. and Mrs. Douglas M. Hazzard
Mr. W. Michael Blackburn
Dr. and Mrs. Bryan F. Coker
ExxonMobil Foundation
Dr. Jianjun He and Mrs. Lan Zhang
Ms. Crystal M. Blanche
Hon. Karen K. Cole
Mr. Farhad Firouzabadian
Ms. Anne M. Herbster
Boeing Company
Mr. Joe L. Coleman, Jr.
Mr. David A. Flakus
Mr. and Mrs. James C. Hourihane
Dr. Cheryl L. Bergman
R. Clements
Summer 2012
33
If your name was inadvertently omitted, please notify Lauren at 904.256.7095.
Mr. John D. Howze
Ms. Audrey C. Moran
Sakmann Marketing Group, Inc.
Mrs. Mary-Virginia Terry
Mrs. Teresa A. Hudson
Mr. and Mrs. F. Andrew Moran
Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Sakmann III
Mr. Carl Thomas
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Huebner
Ms. Christie N. Morehouse
Hon. and Mrs. Elzie S. Sanders
Thomson Reuters
The J. P. Morgan Chase Foundation,
Ms. Jillian E. Sarno
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Torres
IBM International Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. George C. Scaduto
TRUiST
Mr. and Mrs. Bryant M. Ingraham
Ms. Theresa K. Morris
Mr. and Mrs. George P. Scanlon
Capt. and Mrs. Matthew W. Tuohy
Ms. Joyce Iwinski
Mr. Mark S. Muchowicz
Mr. and Mrs. Fred N. Schlicht
Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. Turknett
Ms. Jamie Murphy
Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Schollander
Mr. Charles T. Ulezelski
ING
Dr. Karen E. Jackson and Mr. Rodney A.
Matching Gift Program
Capt. and Mrs. Mark S. Murphy
Ms. Julia L. Sciarrotta
United Way of Northeast Florida
Mr. and Mrs. Logan A. James
Network For Good
Dr. and Mrs. H. Van Seaton
Ms. Cynthia Uprimny
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew R. Kane
Mr. S. Scott Nolen
Mrs. Brooke M. Sellars
Ms. Laura K. VanSickle
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley W. Kanning
Mr. and Mrs. Adam Nyahunguwo
The Hon. and Mrs. Wesley J. Shannon
Mrs. Alice Ferrell Verlander
Ms. Amanda E. Karson
Mr. and Mrs. Charles O'Brien
Robert and Carol Shircliff Charitable Trust
Ms. Rebecca J. Vodrey
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley R. Kata
Ms. Ellen M. Paige
Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Shircliff
Hon. and Mrs. David M. Walker
Mr. and Mrs. Carlton B. Lahti
Mrs. Pamela Pattee
Mr. Richard C. Sibley
Wells Fargo Matching Gift Program
Ms. Jillian L. Landon
Mrs. Ines V. Paulino-Chindra
Ms. Breanne A. Simkin
Mr. C. Thomas Whitehouse
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Leverock
Mr. Timothy D. Payne
Mr. Cameron B. Smith
Mr. Terry Whittum
Mr. Ernest E. Logan
Hon. and Mrs. John W. Peach
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel D. Smith
Mrs. Rhonda R. Wilcox
Ms. Melissa B. Lumento
Mr. and Mrs. Paolo Pece
Ms. Dorothy Smith
Mr. and Mrs. James V. Williams, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. James R. Macklin
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur D. Peffer III
Mr. and Mrs. Earl D. Smith
Ms. M. Rebecca Williams
Ms. Kelley R. Malcuit
Ms. Sheryl I. Penny
Ms. Whitney Smith
Mr. Patrick M. Williams, Sr.
Ms. Jessica C. Marchant
Mr. and Mrs. Terrance Peters
Ms. Nancy Smithers
Mr. and Mrs. Marc G. Williar
Mr. Alfred J. Martin
Ms. Nancy A. Pillsbury
Mr. Ronald E. Sneed
Ms. Carolyn Munro Wilson
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond K. Mason, Jr.
Ms. Cindy L. Polite
Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Starr
Winston Family Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Henry P. Masters
Raymond Prahl Charitable Trust
Mr. Shawn M. Starr
Mr. James H. Winston
Mr. John F. Mastropole
Mrs. Kathryn J. Prahl
The State Farm Companies Foundation
Mr. Austin T. Yagle
Dr. David C. Mayer
Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Price
David A. Stein Family Foundation, Inc.
Ms. Margaret E. Yeager
Mr. and Mrs. Richard McCullough
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Puttick
Mrs. Linda Berry Stein and Mr. David
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel E. Yelverton
Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. McDonald
Ms. Bailey D. Reed
Ms. Laura McKee
Ms. Pamela Burroughs Rein
Mr. and Mrs. Paul L. Stromberg
Capt. and Mrs. Thomas W. McMahon
Mr. and Mrs. William E. Richard
Mr. and Mrs. John M. Strongosky, Jr.
Mr. Lucas T. Meers
Mr. Christopher F. Rillstone
Mr. H. Lamar Strother
Ms. Gail Middleton
Mr. and Mrs. Edward P. Robinson, Jr.
Ms. Suzanne Suter and Mr. William T.
Miller Electric Company
Mr. Michael D. Rockwell
Mrs. Phyllis W. Mills
Mr. and Mrs. Scott J. Romero
Ms. Carol B. Swinehart
Mr. James W. Mirabella
Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Rose, Jr.
Ms. Sharron A. Taylor
Moran Family Holdings, LLC.
Dr. William C. Rupp and Dr. Janice Clark
Temple-Inland Foundation
Jackson
A. Stein
Snypes
Mr. Edward W. Zappola Mr. and Mrs. David H. Zavon
JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY NOW OFFERS
VOLUME 15 • NUMBER 3 www.ju.edu
Publisher Kerry D. Romesburg Editor Phillip Milano CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Hall ART DIRECTOR Donald dela Torre ASSISTANT EDITOR Kristi Sorrow
Contributing WriterS Jim Nasella Deric Ford
Class Notes Alumni Relations
Main Number 904.256.8000
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Rebecca Barry ’05 Stephen Bigelow ’03 Ben Bowerman ’05 Michael Boudreaux ’04/’07 Amy Cavanaugh ’79 Felicia Day ’06 Margaret Dees ’86 Brian Wm. Dudley ’96/’05 Matt Eckler ’96 James Farrah ’94/’95 Kori Frank ’09 Caroline Geoghegan ’10 Kassandra Gove ’07
Madison Grisham ’09 Casey Hampton ’07 Jeannie Hardwick ’84 Karen K. Hike ’76 Donnie Horner, III ’11 Connie Hutton ’73 Michelle Murray Miller ’80 Edward Robinson ’64 Scott Romero ’78 Joey Sanchez ’09/’10 Matt Tuohy ’75/’03 Don Vella ’71 Robert Whitkop ’77
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