Connection Fall 2013

Connection Alum ni & Friend s Maga zi ne

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National Flight Academy Immerses Students in STEM Education

College of Business Phase III

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First Season of Women’s Swimming and Diving

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Biomechanics Lab

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Connection Inside UWF President Dr. judith bense

Staff List Advancement Staff Dr. Brendan Kelly, Interim Vice President of University Advancement Martha Lee Blodgett, Assistant Vice President of University Advancement Gretchen VanValkenburg, Executive Director of Development & Alumni Engagement Missy Grace, Alumni Relations Director

Marketing & Creative Services Staff Editorial

Managing Editor Sabrina McLaughlin, Executive Director, Marketing & Creative Services

Copy Editor Brittany Carr, Communications Specialist, Marketing & Creative Services Creative Director Pola Young, Creative Director, Marketing & Creative Services

Graphics & Photography Jennifer Morgan, Graphic Designer Lauren Smith, Assistant Director of Digital Media John Blackie, Photographer

Editorial Contributing Writers Melissa Brode, Claire Caillouet, Brittany Carr, megan Gonzalez, Missy Grace, Margaret Roberts, Matt Rowley, Sean M. Sullivan, Alyssa Townsend, Gretchen VanValkenburg, Jevon Young

Contact Us Web alumni.uwf.edu Email alumni@uwf.edu Phone 800.226.1893 Mail UWF Alumni Association, 11000 University Pkwy., Building 12, Pensacola, FL 32514

To Give Online uwf.edu/give Direct Kenda Hembrough at 850.857.6112 or khembrough@uwf.edu UWF Connection is published semi-annually by the Alumni Relations Department with the assistance of Marketing & Creative Services. The purpose of Connection is to communicate and engage with UWF alumni, donors, friends and others interested in the activities of UWF.

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3 PRESIDENT’S Q&A LETTER FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

ENGAGEMENT

4 Alumni Board 5 news & notes 8 Calendar of Events 10 National Flight Academy AFFINITY

1 6 College of Business 18 Athletics 20 Class Notes 24 Alumni Success 26 Snapshots

GENEROSITY

29 German MBA Program 30 Biomechanics Lab 33 M eet an Ambassador 34 APP River 35 From the Editor’s Desk

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Feature The University of West Florida and the National Aviation Museum Foundation have teamed up to develop the Ambition onboard the National Flight Academy. The handson, immersive learning experience engages middle- and high-school students in aviation-based missions in an effort to bridge the gap in STEM education.

President’s Q&A President Bense believes in the innovative spirit that drives our students, faculty, staff and graduates. We sat down with her to discuss what lies ahead for the University as we continue to focus on innovation, quality and how UWF will continue serving the region as an economic driver.

Why are innovative teaching and learning initiatives so important to the future of higher education? This year our Fall Faculty Forum was devoted to high-impact teaching and learning techniques.

Research shows that students who engage in high-impact practices have higher retention rates, more engagement and are better prepared for the challenges of life. We all know that today’s workplace requires innovative skills. In fact, the students we teach today must be prepared for careers that may not yet be in existence. Some UWF programs include living learning environments, writing-intensive courses, undergraduate research, service learning, internships and capstone projects. UWF offers innovations that often fall outside of the traditional classroom, in order to engage the students fully and prepare them for later opportunities in life. The positive outcomes of these experiences for our students motivate us to seek new ways to design the higher education experience of tomorrow.

What are some innovative models UWF is using to enhance quality and flexibility? UWF has been embracing a variety of innovative models to deliver the high-quality education our graduates and the communities we serve have come to expect from our institution.

For example, UWF was tapped earlier this year to lead the Complete Florida Online Degree Program initiative funded by the Florida Legislature. This program will focus on the 2.2 million adults who have stopped out of college, but are interested in returning to complete degrees. This new model will enable adult learners who already have some college credit to complete degrees that are aligned to high-wage, high-skill workforce needs.

UWF is also a pioneer in immersive story-based learning models that prepare middle and high-school students for degrees in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. We build immersive STEM curriculums that make learning fun while simultaneously preparing students. One of our partners in this endeavor include the National Flight Academy, which you will learn more about in this issue of Connection.

What does the student of the future look like at UWF? Our graduates must be able to think critically, solve problems in the workplace, and communicate effectively in varying contexts. They must be ready for professional careers that meet the needs of the future. As UWF moves forward, offering students real world, immersive learning experiences will keep us at the forefront of higher education.

Letter from the Vice President Dear Alumni & Friends,

I begin my first letter to you as the Interim Vice President of University Advancement with a tremendous amount of enthusiasm, optimism and confidence in where UWF is headed in the months and years ahead. As I began my new role in July, I took a moment to reflect on the hundreds of students that I’ve had the honor and privilege of serving in the Department of Communication Arts over the last decade. My experiences as a professor, department chair and, eventually, as the Director of the School of Fine, Performing & Communication Arts have taught me that what makes UWF different is that our chemistry exists in the nexus between teachers and students. As alumni and friends of UWF, you understand the value we place on maximizing student success. I want to personally thank you for your support in helping us maintain that focus.

Our academic programs continue to grow in numbers and strengthen in stature among top-tier institutions. The stories in this issue illustrate the hands-on, immersive learning opportunities that fuel academic innovation and produce distinctive graduates from UWF. In addition, we are honored to reflect on the success stories of our alumni and the commitment of donors who believe the university is a vital part of their legacy.

As we draw closer to 2017 and the 50th anniversary of UWF, you will begin hearing more about our strategically focused capital campaign that addresses institutional priorities that will bolster UWF as a primary economic driver for Northwest Florida.

Again, thank you for believing in UWF. I look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our alumni as we move forward.

Warmest Regards,

Dr. Brendan Kelly Interim Vice President, University Advancement

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Alumn i Boar d

Alumni Board President’s Message 2013 Alumni Board of Directors President: ’00 & ’03 Luke van Blaricom; BS Biology & MS Education; Orlando, Fla. Vice President: ’80 Dave Langston; BS Interdisciplinary Sciences; Milton, Fla. Secretary: ’99 & ’02 Ildi Hosman; BSBA Business Administration & MA Communication Arts; Pensacola, Fla. Treasurer: ’98 John Gormley; BSBA Business Administration; Pensacola, Fla.

Fellow Alumni, What an exciting time of year as the university welcomed new students to campus!

These new Argonauts began their UWF experience and will create fond memories like those so many of us remember. Recently, the Alumni Association Board of Directors convened to reinvigorate our vision for the upcoming year. With our momentum, we strive to increase the value of your degree and provide services that enhance your life.

The fall semester also is the time we welcome our annual Homecoming activities. If you have not visited campus recently, take a fresh look at how the university is evolving. I encourage you to consider attending one of our many events we will be hosting on campus during Homecoming. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the fall weather, participate in an alumni activity, and support our defending NCAA Division II women’s national soccer champions.

As always, we seek your input as we move our association forward. Your thoughts and suggestions are often the catalysts that serve as our greatest ideas! Feel free to reach out to us, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/UWFAlumni.

You play a crucial role in the success of our association and the university. Your participation and support is one of many areas that indicate UWF’s quality for various rankings in U.S. higher education. I encourage you to do all you can for UWF, and in turn we will do all we can for you.

Director at Large Outside of Northwest Florida: ’88 Robert Lee; BA Communication Arts; Powder Springs, Ga. Director of Chapters: ’92 & ’02 Jeff Bedenbaugh; BA Accounting & MBA; Quincy, Fla. Director at Large Within Northwest Florida: ’81 Paul Pratofiorito; BA Accounting; Pensacola, Fla. Director of Student Programming: ’04 Becca Tieder; BA Theatre; Clearwater, Fla. Director at Large Outside of Northwest Florida: ’92 Harriett Wyer; BS Marketing; Tampa, Fla. Director of Alumni Affiliates: ’01 Jay Windham, BSBA Business Administration; Pensacola, Fla. Past President: ’93 Caroline Hartnett; BSBA Business Administration; Pensacola, Fla. Student Representative: ’14 Jordan Self; Panama City, Fla.

Best Regards,

Luke van Blaricom, President, UWF Alumni Association Board of Directors

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Participation Matters!

3,800 alumni attended an

124 alumni and friends played golf

The Alumni Association knows that your time is incredibly valuable, so we appreciate your choice to spend some of it with us.

Thank you to the students and alumni who joined forces with us last year. We hope to see you again in the near future!

20% of alumni who were contacted

$8,925 for scholarships.

Fall 2013 UNIVERS IT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

association sponsored event.

completed the annual survey.

2,964 alumni made a gift to the

annual fund, of whom 391 were new donors.

in our annual tournament and raised

171 current students joined the Student Alumni Association.

151 seniors made a class gift to UWF.

NE WS & NOTES

[News & Notes]

What’s Happening Now? Partnerships, student awards and initiatives at the university

By Margaret Roberts

UWF Student Teams Place 1st a nd 2nd in International Engineering Contest

First place team members from UWF Emerald Coast.

Left to Right: Andrew Potter, Christopher Hayes, Vadim Ilin and Nathaniel Eubanks

Two UWF student teams were recently awarded 1st and 2nd place in the Myron Zucker Undergraduate Student Design Contest, a prestigious international competition sponsored by the Industry Applications Society, a special-interest society within the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

This year, seniors Nathaniel Eubanks, Chris Hayes, Vadim Ilin and Andrew Potter were selected as the recipients of the first place award for their project, Design of a Solar Array Positioning Controller.

Drs. Bassam R. Shaer and Muhammad H. Rashid advised the team at the REEF campus at UWF Emerald Coast. Seniors Aster Pastoral, Chris Doorbal and Jon Lister, also advised by Bakhoum and Rashid, were selected for second place for their project, Design of a Global System for Mobile Communications GPS Vehicle Tracking System.

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NE WS & NOTES

What’s Happening Now?

the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program will help

meet a state-identified need for more physical therapists in a largely rural region of the state.

Faculty Fellows Emerge

A group of 23 faculty fellows representing the UWF College of Professional Studies embarked this summer on a curriculum called Emerge. The program encourages Emerge Faculty Fellows to develop high-quality learning activities, including travel study, community-based projects, faculty-student research, capstone experiences and experiential learning during the 2013-14 academic year.

The lead-off Emerge event, a faculty professional development seminar, detailed the benefits of using high-impact practices to increase student learning.

Through community involvement in the public school districts of both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, Emerge boosts immersive learning experiences steered by those who have been emerged.

MultiCultural Center plans unveiled

In May, the university partnered with Gulf Power and the West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc. to unveil plans to transform the Beacon Building into “The Voices of Pensacola,” a multicultural resource center highlighting the city’s diverse history. Gulf Power and Southern

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Company donated $605,000 to West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc. for this initiative.

The new center will feature displays representing the varied cultural groups who have shaped Pensacola’s history. Potential exhibits will showcase the Native American, Asian, Hispanic, African-American, Greek, Jewish and European cultures.

It will also include: two stages for oral history, storytelling and musical performances; two acoustically controlled Aural Exhibit spaces where oral histories can be heard and recorded; a research room; computer research stations and more.

West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc. owns the Beacon Building, formally known as the Norman Simons Building. The building is located at 110 Church St. in downtown Pensacola and was built in 1912 by S. F. Fulgham & Co. for D. Kugelman & Co., a wholesale grocer. Since then, it has housed several other wholesale grocers, wholesale liquor companies and the Pensacola Cigar and Tobacco Co. Pilot Program Launches Degree Completions

This year, the Legislature launched the Degree Completion Pilot Project to recruit,

Multicultural Resource Center

Rendering by Carter Quina.

recover and retain the state’s adult learners and assist them in completing associate or baccalaureate degrees that meet high-wage, high-skill workforce needs. Nearly 2 million Florida adults have earned college credits but may have not been able to graduate for various reasons.

Last summer, UWF developed an Operations Work Plan that details specific degreecompletion efforts by various postsecondary education institutions and provides an overview of the overall project plan, identifying key tangible outputs of the program.

This spring, the Legislature provided $4 million for the statewide, online Complete Florida Degree program. UWF will lead the initiative, in collaboration with other Florida College System and State University System institutions to further support the program’s exceptional advising and student support system.

Partnership Produces High Demand Degree

The University of West Florida and the University of South Florida have partnered to produce a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. This partnership will expand access to UWF students interested in pursuing a DPT

NE WS & NOTES

Dorothy Stewart— First Lady of the Alumni Association

by Gretchen VanValkenburg

“The support and flexibility the UWF MVRC offered me during this time allowed me to continue to serve my country while obtaining my degree.”

— Kim Price, Health Care Administration senior

and help meet a state-identified need for more physical therapists in a largely rural region of the state.

At a September 2012 Florida Workforce Estimating Conference, physical therapy was the second highest in-demand occupation among those requiring a master’s degree or higher, with a 2.59 percent annual percent growth.

The new DPT degree program has only 12 slots available for qualified applicants. Admission is reserved for qualified graduates who have completed bachelor’s degrees at UWF. Each student accepted into the program this year will receive a $2,500 scholarship for each of the three years they spend in the program.

Applications are open until Nov. 15, 2013 for the Fall 2014 semester. Applicants can apply online using the PTCAS application, found at ptcas.org.

UWF Continues Military Support through Tuition Assistance

In early March, Congress mandated cuts in federal spending, including new requests for tuition assistance for active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces. To offset the cuts, UWF offered fee waivers for undergraduate active-duty military students using tuition assistance. The waiver will impact an average of 100 students per semester.

The waivers apply to fees for both on-campus and online courses at UWF. “As a university rooted in a large military community of all branches, we have an obligation to provide military-friendly support,” Marc Churchwell, director of the Military & Veterans Resources Center, said. “Our military deserves it, and we owe them.”

For university-wide news, visit news.uwf.edu. To receive more information on your college’s latest happenings, visit us online!

► College of Arts & Sciences uwf.edu/cas ► College of Business uwf.edu/cob ► College of Professional Studies uwf.edu/cops

UWF lost a one-of-a-kind alumna over the summer. Known fondly as “Dot” to many, Dorothy Stewart was the first lady of the Alumni Association.

Dot graduated from UWF in 1979 with a BA double major in Communication Arts and Interdisciplinary Humanities.

She was one of the first four employees of the University, and was responsible for a variety of administrative areas in the 1970s. Her entertaining ability to share those memories with others was legendary and included references to trekking through the woods with UWF’s first president, Harold Crosby, and others to help make decisions that laid the foundation for what the campus looks like today.

Dot can be credited for many accomplishments at UWF, but her leadership and guidance in establishing the first Alumni Association is among the most memorable. Her endearing personality made it difficult to say no when she asked students and alumni to volunteer. By encouraging alumni to attend or assist with special events, or become chapter leaders, she kept them engaged, and many became her lifelong friends.

Stan Gasi, the second Alumni Association president, became one of those lifelong friends. He remembers Dot recruiting him to help start the Atlanta alumni chapter in 1972.

“Dot had a special way of working with people to help them achieve more than they ever thought was possible,” he said. “That quality and her ability to relate to the student and alumni population made her the perfect fit for UWF.” Dot served the university for 18 years. After retirement, she remained connected and supportive of UWF, finding time to celebrate UWF’s 30th and 40th anniversaries and participate in the Retired Employees Association.

If you have a favorite Dot Stewart memory to share, we invite you to please email alumni@uwf.edu. Contributions to the Dorothy Stewart Scholarship Endowment, created in her honor, can be made by making a gift to the UWF Foundation, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32514.

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CALENDAR

UWF Homecoming begins

the annual homecoming bonfire features good music,

Oct. 7 and ends Oct. 12.

friends, s’mores and more.

Calendar of Events September Sept. 14

UWF Men’s and Women’s Cross Country The men’s and women’s cross

country teams will compete in the Gulf Coast Stampede at the Escambia County Equestrian Center. The women’s 5K begins at 7:30 a.m. and the men’s 8K begins at 8 a.m. The campus community is invited to cheer on the Argonauts during their first race of the fall! Visit goargos.com for additional information.

Sept. 21

UWF Women’s Soccer The UWF

women’s soccer team will play Cumberland at 1 p.m. on the UWF Soccer Field. The campus community is invited to cheer on the Argonauts in their first home match since winning the 2012 NCAA Division II National Championship! Visit goargos.com for additional information.

Sept. 25

Argie’s Birthday Bash Join the Student

Alumni Association as it hosts Argie’s Birthday Bash on the Pensacola campus in the Commons Auditorium. The bash will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and celebrates the “birth” of the University, as classes officially began on Sept. 25, 1967.

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The event will feature photos with Argie, UWF President Judy Bense, Vice President of Student Affairs Kevin Bailey, the UWF cheerleaders, music, free food, door prizes and fun! For the full list of SAA events this fall, visit uwf.edu/alumni/saa.

Sept. 27

Alumni Golf Classic Join us for a fun day

of golfing at Scenic Hills Country Club at the University of West Florida. Registration begins at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at noon. The 18-hole tournament will be followed by an awards ceremony with great company and prizes. The cost is $325 for a foursome or $85 per individual and includes green fee, cart fee, range balls, lunch, the awards ceremony, a goodie bag and a ticket for the prize drawing. For more information, visit uwf.edu/alumni/programs.

October Oct. 9

Homecoming Kick-Off Grammy Awardwinning artist T-Pain will perform in a special concert to start the 2013 UWF Homecoming off on the right note. All members of the community are invited to cheer on the fall athletic teams and get fired up for Homecoming Week from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the UWF Field

House. The event will also feature an Argo spirit competition between student organizations and an introduction of the Homecoming Court. The event is free for UWF students with a Nautilus card and a ticket, which can be picked up at the University Commons Service Desk through Sept. 10. General admission tickets can be purchased at the Service Desk for $15 through Sept. 17. For additional information, visit uwf.edu/homecoming.

Oct. 10

UWF Volleyball Game The UWF women’s volleyball team will play West Alabama at 6 p.m. in the UWF Field House. The campus community is invited to cheer on the Argonauts during the Homecoming game! Visit goargos.com for additional information.

Oct. 11

Homecoming & Family Weekend Tailgate Party Join alumni, students,

families and friends of UWF as we come together amid food, tents and lawn games to get ready for the night’s soccer matches.

Feel free to set up your own tailgate between 2:30 and 3 p.m. or enjoy ours! The party lasts from 3 to 7 p.m. and will be held at the UWF Soccer Field. See Homecoming Tailgate policies at uwf.edu/homecoming.

CALENDAR

UWF Alumni Association Golf Classic to be held on Sept. 27.

All UWF alumni and friends are invited to join us at Scenic Hills Country Club.

Oct. 11

Men’s and Women’s Soccer Game The

campus community is invited to come and cheer on the Argonauts at the UWF Soccer Complex during the Homecoming game against the Lee University Flames! Mr. & Ms. UWF for 2013 will also be announced.

The men play at 5 p.m. and the women at 7:30 p.m. Visit goargos.com for additional information.

Oct. 11

UWF Women’s Swimming & Diving Meet The campus community is invited

to celebrate with the UWF women’s swimming and diving program as the team competes for the first time ever against Florida State University and T ulane University in the UWF Aquatic Center. The scheduled start time is 1 p.m.

Come cheer on the Argonauts at their inaugural meet! Visit goargos.com for additional information.

Oct. 11

Homecoming Bonfire Good music,

good friends, and a great location are the hallmarks of this Homecoming tradition.

Join us at Oak Grove, starting at 9:30 p.m. for a bonfire. Come for the s’mores—stay for the atmosphere!

Oct. 12

Homecoming & Family Weekend Festival There will be live music, inflatable

attractions, tons of activities for the kids, a zip line, free food, announcement of the winners of the Spirit Competition and Blue & Green Challenge and more! There will also be a celebrity dunk tank featuring various surprise appearances from across campus and the Pensacola community.

Plus, connect with alumni from your major or organization at receptions hosted by a variety of colleges and departments. Don’t miss out on the fun from 4 to 8 p.m. in Parking Lot H! Oct. 17

Alumni Chapter Event, Washington, D.C. The UWF Alumni Association will

host a chapter event for alumni in the Washington, D.C., area from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The event will be held at the Florida House, 1 Second Street NE. Meet and reconnect with fellow alumni, hear the latest on what is happening at UWF and enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. For more information, visit uwf.edu/alumni.

Oct. 26

November Nov. 21

Alumni Chapter Event, Atlanta Area

The UWF Alumni Association will visit with Atlanta area alumni from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The event will be held at Maggiano’s at Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Enjoy the opportunity to catch up with fellow alumni and hear about the latest updates from UWF. For more information, visit uwf.edu/alumni.

December Dec. 14

Commencement Join us at the Pensacola

Bay Center as we welcome the newest members of the UWF Alumni Association.

Graduate and undergraduate students will be honored at both ceremonies. The morning ceremony, held at 10 a.m., will recognize graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences. The afternoon ceremony, scheduled for 2 p.m., will recognize graduates of the C ollege of Business and the College of Professional Studies.

UWF “Pack It Pink” Volleyball Game

UWF women’s volleyball will play the Lee University Flames at 4 p.m. in the UWF Field House. The campus community is invited to cheer on the Argonauts and “pack it pink” in order to raise money to promote breast cancer awareness and research. Visit goargos.com for additional information.

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[ National Flight Academy ] Immerses Students in STEM Education

by Brittany Carr & Jevon Young

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ndrew Clark is sitting in the mess hall onboard the aircraft carrier “Ambition� when an alert is issued: A tanker has collided with a cruise ship, leaving

a trail of chemicals dangerously close to the passengers stranded in the water. Red flashing lights mark the situation as urgent, a matter of life and death. Clark and the rest of his squadron gather for an emergency meeting to create a master plan for a rescue mission, including a flight plan with calculated trajectories and fuel needs. Once the mission is completed successfully, they meet again for a mission debrief.

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N Ambition Experimental Pilots

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use state-of-the-art simulators to plan and execute aviationinspired missions.

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The STEM Outlook

Between 2008 and 2012, fewer than half of U.S. high school students met the ACT college readiness benchmark in math or science,

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according to that college testing organization’s 2012 Condition of Career and College Readiness Report. Yet, the number of jobs in STEM fields continues to grow each year. By 2018, STEM occupations will account for an estimated 8.6 million jobs in the nation’s economy, up from 7.3 million in 2008, according to a 2010 report by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce projects.

To address serious concern over declining STEM skills and standards throughout the country’s education system, the U.S. Navy authorized the NFA in 2001 as2 3a subsidiary of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. It is a 2 4 educational proself-supporting, tuition-based 5 gram that is not2financially supported by the 6 to attend a five-and-a-half-day Navy. The2cost 2 7 is $1,250. Competitive scholarships are camp available through the Boost program for students to participate in the Ambition experience.

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Clark, 14, is not your average pilot, and this is no ordinary mission. He is an Ambition Experimental Pilot participating in the Aviation in Residence program on the Ambition, a simulated carrier at the National Flight Academy (NFA) facility at Naval Air Station Pensacola. The five-and-a-half day camp serves as a hands-on, immersive learning experience that engages seventh to 12th grade students with aviation-based missions.

The students must solve these missions using science, tech“I’m learning more about 37 how forces work against an nology, engineering and math airplane, and how to3 6deal with (STEM) skills, as well as critidifferent situations, like 3 5 when cal thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and communication. fog rolls in around a ship 34 “I’m learning more about how the lights are dimmed, so it 3 3 forces work an airplane, 3 2 against 31 • 29 28 becomes really hard to see the and how to deal with different people you’re trying to save.” situations, like when fog rolls around a ship the lights are —Andrew Clark, Ambition Experimental Pilot in dimmed, so it becomes really hard to see the people you’re trying to save,” said Clark, a ninth-grade student in the Pensacola High School IB program.

“The story line feels like it’s real. They have the noises of the airplane taking off, and the simulators and the ship move so that it feels like you’re really there.”

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Bridging the Gap

Through the use of modern technology, integrated curricula based on current research, engaging instructors and an immersive learning environment, the NFA is making an impact on STEM education for middle- and high-school students across the country.

In 2009, the NFA contracted the University of West Florida to lead curriculum development for the Aviation in Residence program. Dr. Pam Northrup, associate provost at UWF, led an interdisciplinary team of teacher educators, instructional designers,

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technology innovators, game designers, script- complete with a galley, mess deck, aircraft hanwriters and retired military pilots to design the gar bays, operation and intelligence centers, crew program’s cutting-edge curriculum in alignment quarters, lounges and activity rooms. The project with national and state standards for math and cost $40 million to complete, with funds raised science, as well as 21st century skills. Prior to through the Naval Aviation Museum Foundaleading the curriculum development team, tion. UWF was funded an estimated $250,000 Northrup and Dr. Dave Dawson, information for its work in shaping educational components engineering technology instructor at UWF, had for the NFA, including initial and ongoing curworked with the Naval Aviation Museum for riculum development, assessment and instructor many years, brainstorming with others to turn training. the NFA concept into a reality.

Former Universal Studios and Disney Imagi“The National Flight Academy is truly a trea- neering executives founded TEQGames, an sure,” Northrup said. “When UWF was asked Imagine Creative Technologies company. Its to develop the curriculum, we were thrilled to mission is to create immersive learning experibe at the table with very creative people to shape ences that “make classrooms more fun than a fully immersive, action-packed curriculum theme parks,” said Marc Watson, the chief that enhances STEM education. It is a huge ac- creative officer and primary story architect for complishment to see it operational, with kids the NFA Aviation in Residence program. John living onboard the Ambition each week, solving Fitzgibbon, TEQGames president, served as challenging problems as Ambition Experimen- director of development for the NFA project, tal Pilots.” working closely with UWF to integrate story elThe NFA collaborated with both the UWF ements and learning objectives to provide a high curriculum-development team and a creative degree of learning efficacy. team from TEQGames, at “Educational experi“Educational Universal Studios in Orlanences should be focused on experiences should do, to create a physical envithe learner - the student. If be focused on the ronment that complements students are not inspired learner—the student. the engaging story lines. and engaged, the learning The 102,000-square-foot, experience will not be very If students are four-story facility simulates effective,” Fitzgibbon said. not inspired and a modern aircraft carrier, engaged, the learning “TEQGames and UWF

know that learning is more relevant when students can apply what they are learning to realistic situations in an environment that supports the story.”

Impacting Future Leaders

Almost 1,000 students have visited the NFA since its commissioning in May 2012, and they hail from 35 states and countries as far away as Ireland. According to statistics released by NFA in October 2012, students who participate in the Ambition summer experience significantly improved their performance in aviation-related subject areas, including flight and navigation. Students are pre-tested and post-tested upon completion of the program and on average have increased their pre-test scores by more than 10 points.

Middle- and high-school students are not the only ones gaining inspiration from the immersive experience. Damian Arias, who graduated from UWF in 2012 with bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Communication Arts, has worked at the NFA for almost a year.

Initially, he said, he was interested in the position because it provided the opportunity to explore the education field. A year later, Arias said the experience encouraged him to undergo physical training and lose 150 pounds so that he can apply to join the Navy as an intelligence officer.

Working at the NFA has also provided Arias the

experience will not be very effective.”

—John Fitzgibbon, TEQGames President

The Ambition is a 102,000-square-foot, fourstory facility that simulates a

modern aircraft carrier, complete with a galley, mess deck, aircraft hangar bays, operation and intelligence centers, and more.

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“The education these students receive is wonderful, but the greatest thing is the ability to inspire them to go into STEM subjects.”

—Damian Arias, ’12 BA Political Science & Communication Arts opportunity to witness firsthand the Aviation in Residence program’s impact on students.

“The most important thing I have learned from the NFA is that there are different ways to educate and inspire people,” he said. “We just need to think of new, creative ways to tackle the education gap for America’s children. The education these students receive is wonderful, but the greatest thing is the ability to inspire them to go into STEM subjects.”

The NFA’s next step to affect what goes on in classrooms across the country has been the development of the Aviation Classroom Experience, in collaboration with UWF and TEQGames. The first ACE classroom opened in 2010 at Warrington Middle School in Pensacola. Since then, 13 additional ACE classrooms have been developed in middle and high schools in Florida, Maryland, Arkansas, Tennessee and Washington, including one at Milton High School.

These classrooms provide students with the opportunity to solve problems in an immersive, game-based environment similar to that onboard the Ambition, through the use of flight simulator technology and aviation-based assignments and missions. Working as individuals or teams, students are tasked with calculating the proper weight and balance to prevent an aircraft from stalling, understanding the basics of flight, including altitude and calculating air speed, and leading a search and rescue mission for an el-

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Fall 2013 UNIVERSIT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

ephant in the African desert.

“Classrooms can be both inspiring and engaging,” said Watson, TEQGames chief creative officer. “We often see students inspired in arts classrooms when they become places for students to follow inspiring stories and engage in play.

However, classrooms in STEM subject areas have been reduced to educational assembly lines, with rigidly defined standard student ‘pacing’ through complex topics and very little engagement in ‘play.’ UWF and TEQGames are working hard to reverse this trend by integrating classroom experiences that bring math and science to life through real-life, relevant experiences.”

As was the case with students who participated in the summer program onboard the Ambition, students who participated in the ACE program at Warrington also saw increased test scores. In the first year of the ACE program at Warrington, 25 percent of seventh- and eighth-grade students participated and scored 37 percent higher than their school’s average on standardized math and science tests.

A Valuable Partnership

In March 2012, UWF became the first institution of higher education to be equipped with an ACE classroom, the U.S.S. Argo. The Argo is a Super ACE classroom in the nation primarily used to support degree programs for UWF students and to provide teacher development and training. It can also be used for middle- and

Professor Dave Dawson and

students at the USS Argo on the UWF Pensacola Campus.

high-school programs through coordination with school districts.

In March 2013, UWF and the NFA officially joined forces, recognizing an educational partnership with an agreement signed by President Judy Bense and retired Vice Admiral Gerald Hoewing, president of the NFA. Both teams will continue working together to develop a cutting-edge curriculum for middle- and highschool students, as well as a new Professional Development program hosted onboard the Ambition, which provides the same engaging experience for adults seeking to improve their corporate skills in communication, collaboration and complex problem solving.

Additionally, 11th and 12th grade students who participate in the Aviation in Residence program now have the ability to earn one college credit hour in the field of engineering technology applications at UWF. “This partnership is a game changer,” Bense said. “It has the potential to revolutionize STEM education. We are delighted to have been a partner from the beginning and will now step up and take the responsibility of the enrollment process and the five-and-a-half day residential academic experience.

“Education of our young people is the responsibility of us all. It can’t be just the teacher in the classroom, or the superintendent, or the school board. Education is at the heart of our future.”

3,130 Help us reach our goal of 3,130 alumni donors by June 30, 2014 and your favorite department could win a $15,000 prize!

Dr. Mike Huggins (’96 BS Chemistry), Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences has challenged his colleagues to a duel in the form of alumni giving.

The department with the most improved participation rate wins. No amount is too small to make a difference since the challenge will be won based on the rate of alumni participation, not the total dollars raised.

GAME ON.

Change Lives. Give Back. Invest in the Value of Your Degree.

Designate Your Gift to Any of the 300+ Funds at UWF.

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED.

uwf.edu/ArgoRollCall U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R IDA Fall 2013

15

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

UWF College of Business Ready for Next Phase of Enhancements

By Margaret Roberts

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Fall 2013 UNIVERSIT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

O

n Oct. 4, 2012, the University of West Florida celebrated a monumental accomplishment: the opening of a 36,000-square-foot state-of-the-art College of Business Education Center. The opening of the Education Center enhanced the College of Business’ efforts to carry out the college’s vision of being a key contributor to the educational and economic development of the region.

The Florida Legislature this year granted the UWF College of Business $8.4 million in funding toward its renovation Phase III. The main scope of this project includes adaptive reuse and renovation of four campus buildings constructed in 1977 to provide a fully integrated college.

The Phase III renovation will include interior and exterior upgraded hardware and infrastructure, equipment components and finishes; and one-level and two-level classroom designs with connectivity to the new Education Center. All structures will meet state code requirements.

The UWF College of Business Phase III supports a highquality, student-oriented, educational experience with a focused priority on excellent teaching, supported by scholarship and service. The College of Business prepares students for success in business and society and advances the educational and economic development of Northwest Florida.

Dr. Bob Kimball

talks to a UWF student in front of a Phase III College of Business Building.

DID YOU KNOW

there are eight UWF alumni chapters across the United States? If you live in the following areas, we invite you to contact the following chapter representatives to learn about how you can meet fellow alumni and reconnect with old friends in your community.

Atlanta

Robert Lee, '88, rleenews@aol.com

Emerald Coast

Missy Grace, '10, mgrace@uwf.edu

Jacksonville

Logan McEwen, '09, logan.kyle.mcewen@gmail.com

Pensacola

Paul Pratofiorito, '81, pcpratof@southernco.com

Orlando

Missy Grace, '10, mgrace@uwf.edu

Tallahassee

Andre Libroth, '85, alibroth@yahoo.com

Tampa

Chip Tieder, '97, williamatieder@hotmail.com

Washington, D.C.

Mir Ali, '03, mir.w.ali@gmail.com or Kayla Wright, '09, kwright@gwmail.gwu.edu

New ideas are welcome! If you would like to share your ideas about how to increase alumni participation in these areas or would like to learn more about ways to establish a chapter in your part of the world, please send your recommendations to alumni@uwf.edu.

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R IDA Fall 2013

17

ATHLETICS

Andrew Hancock, UWF Women’s Swimming and Diving Coach

Swimming & Diving Hopes are high for new UWF team as inaugural season approaches

By Matt Rowley & Sean M. Sullivan

A

ndrew Hancock was hired in Summer 2012 as head coach of the new UWF women’s swimming and diving program, and the man from Australia has brought added excitement to the program that will begin this fall.

“I am very excited about seeing our first class of student-athletes compete this fall,” Hancock said. “There can only be one group of firsts, and they are going to be setting the course for where this program goes from here.”

Hancock comes to UWF after serving as assistant coach for five years at his alma mater, Cleveland State University. In 2011, Hancock was named one of the top swimming and diving assistant coaches in the country by CollegeSwimming.com, earning an honorable mention selection for the Assistant Coach of the Year award.

As a student-athlete at Cleveland State, Hancock was a 10-time champion in the Horizon League and was named Horizon Swimmer of the Year in 2002. He helped the team earn four consecutive conference titles as a member of the 800-yard freestyle relay team. Hancock also graduated from Cleveland State with honors and understands the academic pressure student-athletes face on a daily basis.

“As a former student-athlete, I do have great experience balancing the athletic and academic sides,” Hancock said. “My hope is to help these student-athletes balance the two, so that hopefully they can be even more successful than I was.”

Hancock is finalizing the team’s first schedule, which was not yet available at the time of publication. Visit goargos.com for more information on the team’s first season.

A RG O A CHIEV EMENTS

7 18

NATIONAL CHAMP I ONS H I P S

Fall 2013 UNIVERSIT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

282 ALL-AMERICANS

The UWF swimming and diving team’s spring signing class includes several star recruits, including freshman Carla Robles out of Coral Reef High School in Miami, Fla. Robles was ranked as the No. 30 recruit in the state of Florida by CollegeSwimming.com.

“I was delighted to hear that Carla chose UWF, because I felt we were a great fit for her,” Hancock said. “Carla is the impact sprinter our first-year program needs, and she has a great chance to qualify for the national meet even as a freshman, both individually and in relays.”

Another incoming freshman, Mikaela Aponte from Pompano Beach, Fla., competed in the 5k open-water event, representing Bolivia at the FINA World Championships in Barcelona this July.

“Mikaela made great improvements last year and will join UWF with international experience under her belt,” Hancock said. “She is going to be a great college swimmer, and I can’t wait to start working with her.”

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GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE

CHAMPIONSHIPS

MOST ALL-TIME IN GSC HISTORY

ATHLETI C S

Argo Nation Golf Legacy Carries On

By Claire Caillouet

“When I put on my uniform or take my Argos golf bag to Scenic Hills, I feel a great sense of pride.”

— Gary Buffington III, UWF Student Athlete

Copyright Ty Holland No. 1

G

ary Buffington Jr. played golf at UWF from 1985 to 1987 and was named a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-American in 1987. Now his son, Gary Buffington III, is pursuing his education at UWF. Along with the legacy of his name, the elder Buffington passed down his passion for golf and the Argo Nation.

Gary III, an Honors Program student and Pace Scholarship recipient, was named the 2013 Elite 89 Award winner for earning the highest GPA of all student-athletes competing

7

GSC CHAMPIONSHIPS in 2012-13

MOST IN ONE SEASON IN GSC HISTORY

in the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf Championships. The award recognizes an athlete at the pinnacle of competition at the national championship of his sport while also setting the highest academic standard among his peers.

“It’s challenging, but being a student comes first,” Gary III said. “Like UWF, I commit myself to excellence and do my best to uphold the values of our school and golf program. When I put on my uniform or take my Argos golf bag to Scenic Hills, I feel a great sense of pride.”

The addition of Scenic Hills has made a great impact on the team’s game, he said,

providing a facility to practice in tournament format. “It allows us to be more prepared and confident. I believe it was a major component of why we made it to the national championship tournament.”

While much has changed at UWF since the ‘80s, some things remain the same. “My dad didn’t have classes in a new College of Business building, live in new dorms, or have access to a course as great as Scenic Hills. What we share about our time at UWF is having professors who know students by name and experiences that have created memories to last a lifetime.”

11 GSC 5 GSC WOMEN’S MEN’S

ALL-SPORTS ALL-SPORTS TROPHIES TROPHIES

6

COM M ISS I O NE R’ S TR OP HI E S

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R IDA Fall 2013

19

C LASS NOTES

Class Notes

►’73 George McFetridge, BS Aeronautical

Systems, has published his second novel, “The White Rose,” under his pen name, Mary Ann Cook. The novel is a wartime love story based on the life of the world’s first woman fighter pilot ace, Lilya Litvyak. McFetridge works as a Deputy District Attorney in Orange County, Calif. and lives in Lake Forest, Calif. with his wife, Bette.

►’76 Thomas J. Wilkes, Jr., MS Public

Administration, has been recognized as a 2013 “Florida Super Lawyer” and by Florida Trend on its annual 2013 Legal Elite list. Wilkes is a member of the firm GrayRobinson.

►’78 Paul R. Newhouse, BA Accounting,

has been elected to the boards of Palmetto Hospital Trust, PHT Service, Ltd. and Palmetto Healthcare Liability Insurance Program. Newhouse has more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare field, both domestically and internationally in London, Geneva and Paris.

►’81 Susan McKinnon, BA Elementary

Education, has been installed as the first female commodore of the Pensacola Yacht Club.

►’81 Charles Goldfarb, BA

Communication Arts, has been inducted into the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame for 2012. During his years as a high school baseball coach in Brevard County Florida, Goldfarb’s teams won seven district championships and six Cape Coast Conference championships.

►’82 George F. Indest III, MS Public

Administration, has announced that The Health Law Firm has celebrated its fifth year in its Altamonte Springs, Fla. building and its 13th year of practice as a separate firm representing health care providers. Indest is the president and managing partner of the firm.

►’83 Susan G. Berry, MEd Educational

Leadership, retired from Escambia Westgate after working at the school for 34 years, 19 of which she spent as principal. Escambia Westgate serves the district’s most profoundly mentally and physically disabled students.

►’84, ’86 & ’00 Toni S. Whitfield, BA

Theatre, MA Communication Arts & EdD Curriculum and Instruction, recently promoted to full professor at James Madison University, was selected to serve as a Faculty Member in Residence for London, England in the summer of

20

Fall 2013 UNIVERS IT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

2013. Whitfield took 25 students to London for eight weeks and taught a course entitled “Organizational Whitfield Culture in the UK”. Follow Whitfield and her students on her blog at mindthegaplondon2013.blogspot.co.uk.

►’85 Christina K. Mooney, BA

Communication Arts, has been named development director of the Arbor Hospice Foundation. Mooney is responsible for the management of special events, donor communications and annual giving programs.

►’87 Brett Barrow, BS Management,

has been named as the city president of Regions Bank in the Pensacola/Fort Walton Beach area. In addition to his city president responsibilities, he will also continue in his role as a private wealth executive in the Panhandle.

►’87 Kimberly C. Bonner, MA History, was

appointed by Florida Gov. Rick Scott to the 12th Judicial Circuit. Bonner has served as a Sarasota County judge since 2002.

►’87 Liz Watkins,

BA Communication Arts, has produced a documentary entitled “Pearl Harbor, One Last Goodbye” that chronicles a few of the remaining Pearl Harbor survivors Watkins on their emotional journey to revisit Pearl Harbor. The film has been entered into more than 12 film festivals, including the Central Florida Film Festival.

►’87 Dr. Mona Amodeo, MA

Communication Arts, former broadcast journalism instructor at UWF, led her team from idgroup to receive all three Best of Show Awards, two of three Judges’ awards and 10 gold ADDYs. Her team included UWF alumni Andrya Crossland, ’11 BA International Studies and Communication Arts dual major; Jared Granger, ’09 BA Communication Arts; Kristoffer Poore, ’06 BA Communication Arts; and Brooke Rowell, ’02 BA Communication Arts and ’09 BSBA Accounting.

►’90 & ’00 Marion Ruckel

Skalicky, BS Management & Master in Business Administration, succeeded her father Walt Ruckel as Skalicky chairman of the Board of Ruckel Properties, a familyrun business founded in 1955. Ruckel

Properties develops residential and commercial land in Niceville, Fla.

►’92 & ’07 Martin Bidwell, BA English &

MEd, has been named as the principal of the consolidated kindergarten through 12th grade school in Franklin County, Fla. Bidwell previously served as assistant principal of the school.

►’93 Michele D. Stinson, BA Legal

Administration, has been promoted to senior vice president of human resources at Medical Management Services.

Stinson began her career in human resources with a professional staffing company and has more than 23 years in the health care industry.

►’95 Maureen Thurston, BA

Communication Arts, received a master’s degree in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in May 2013.

►’95 & ’96 Hugh E. Wolfgang, BS

Computer Science & MS Computer Science, is a Programmer 3 at Applied Research Associates in Niceville, Fla.

►’97 William S. Francis, BS Finance,

has earned the Chartered Financial Consultant designation, which prepared him to offer advanced financial services for his customers. Francis joined Stifel, Nicolaus and Company in 2009.

►’97 Catherine L. Rodriguez, MS Public

Administration, has been named the Public Information Officer of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to her employment with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Rodriguez worked for the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Embassy in Honduras.

►’98 Lisa E. Jackson, BA Elementary

Education, represented Florida in the Ms. Wheelchair America competition in Houston. Jackson was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Florida during a spring ceremony in St. Petersburg, Fla.

►’98 Candace McGuyre, BA

Communication Arts, has been named corporate director of marketing and public relations for Baptist Health Care.

McGuyre’s responsibilities include leading the organization’s efforts in marketing, communications, crisis preparation and management, and media relations.

►’99 Andrea Boccanfuso, BA Theatre, has

been named a visiting assistant professor of theatre at Brevard College in North Carolina. Boccanfuso served as lighting venues coordinator for NBC’s coverage of the 2006 Winter Olympics and has coordinated lighting projects for ABC, CNN, Oxygen, The Food Network and NBC.

►’00 Susan Morris, BA Elementary

Education, has been named director of community resource development by the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, North Carolina.

C LASS NOTES

►’00 & ’02 Shannon Ogletree, BSBA

and MBA, was confirmed as the permanent director the economic development office in Santa Rosa County, Fla. Ogletree has served as the interim director since the economic development office opened in September 2012.

played on the Argonaut soccer team for four years, during which the team reached double digit wins every season and won two Gulf South Conference championships. Simmons is currently a police officer in Broward County, Fla. where he lives with his wife, Samantha, and four children.

►’00 Mara Viksnins, BA Art, won Best in

►’05 Michelle Carol Fried, BFA, wed

Show from the Cultural Arts Alliance’s A+ Art committee at the summer 2012 fine art exhibit for her work “Tickling the Ivories.” Thanks to that recognition, Viksnins was invited to showcase 35 of her paintings at a one-woman art show at the South Walton campus of Northwest Florida State College.

►’00 Michael Patrick Trammell, BS

Business Administration, is the Chief Operating Officer of Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome, Ga. Redmond Regional Medical Center is a 230-bed facility serving as a referral source for all of northwest Georgia and parts of Alabama.

►’02 Christopher Walters, BA

Interdisciplinary Humanities, went in the Peace Corps to the country of Georgia after graduation. After two years, Walters completed graduate school at Columbia University, receiving a Masters in International Educational Development. He then returned to Georgia for an additional year. Walters is currently the grants manager for The ARTS Council of Southern Finger Lakes.

He and his wife, Anne, live in Corning, NY.

►’02 Samantha Armbruster, BS

Management Information Systems, has joined San Marcos Main Street as the new program manager in San Marcos, Texas. San Marcos is an official Main Street City that promotes historic preservation and economic revitalization in the heart of the city.

►’03 & ’05 Ginny-Beth

Joiner, BA International Studies and MEd Educational Leadership, has taken a new position with Georgia Joiner State University Alumni Association after eight years spent west of the Mississippi.

Joiner is the new student relations coordinator, and her main responsibility is advising the Student Alumni Association.

►’03 Kevin Warrick, BS Mathematics, has

been named to the UWF Hall of Fame, Class of 2012-2013. Warrick is one of the most decorated players in the history of UWF men’s golf, earning national recognition as a three-time All American.

He remains the only UWF golfer to earn this honor. He and his wife Christal were married on March 31, 2012.

David D’Agostino in a fall 2012 ceremony in Central Pennsylvania. Michelle works for Carnegie Mellon University as a researcher at the Software Engineering Institute.

Sansom

►’03 Rockford Sansom, BA English &

BFA Acting, married Abigail Marie Taylor at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York. Sansom is an assistant professor of humanities at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. and is an actor. His bride is an actress in New York.

►’04 Mary Gianelloni, MBA, has joined

Sandestin Real Estate as a sales specialist. Gianelloni spent 31 years in the U. S. Air Force before following her passion for real estate.

►’04 & ’10 Timothy Parson, BSBA

Economics & MS Public Administration, has been promoted to Director of Legislative Affairs with the Florida Department of Children and Families.

►’04 Radovan Chrz, BS Business

Administration, has been named to the UWF Hall of Fame, Class of 20122013. Chrz is a two-time Intercollegiate Tennis Association NCAA Division II Singles champion, an eight-time ITA All-American and he led the Argonauts’ 2004 squad to the first national championship in program history.

He is married to Martina and has two daughters.

►’04 Rebecca Gross Tieder, BA Theatre

and ’98 Kelly Walker Addington, BA Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, are featured in a documentary chronicling their decade-long Tieder & Addington commitment to educating college students on sexual assault.

“You are the One” premiered at the Reeves Theatre in Tampa, Fla. Tieder and Addington traveled to more than 350 universities across the nation to educate students on sexual assault and create social change. Their efforts brought them national recognition, and together they founded the non-profit One Student.

►’04 Stephen Simmons, BA Criminal

Justice, has been named to the UWF Hall of Fame, Class of 2012-2013. Simmons

►’05 Kyle R. Newsom, MEd Educational

Leadership, was named to head the educational program at Roulhac Middle School in Chipley, Fla. Newsom was formerly an assistant principal in Washington Schools at Vernon High and an assistant principal at Holmes County Schools.

►’05 Abigail Wiggins, BA Organizational Communication, has been promoted to assistant vice president of United Bank. Wiggins joined United Bank in 2005 as a branch specialist and held previous positions as branch operations supervisor, business development representative and business development officer before her recent promotion.

►’05 Erik Medley, BS Mathematics, won

the 2012 Best Sports Facility of the Year Award in Mt. Dora, Fla. He and his wife, Mindy, have two new baby boys.

►’05 & ’08 Autumn Noelle Morris, BS

Business Administration & MSA Health Care, has been named a Rising Star by the Independent News of Pensacola, Fla.

►’06 Leigh Weekley, BS Business

Administration-Management, has joined the staff at Coastal Bank and Trust as branch manager of the Pace, Fla. office.

►’06 Aaron Epstein, BS Hospitality,

Recreation & Resort Management, is the new assistant director of The Duke Club, which works with James Madison University Athletics Annual Giving program.

►’06 Ken Johnson, BA Interdisciplinary

Social Sciences, was recently published in Mediation Digest, a British journal on Conflict Resolution. His article, titled ”Collaborative Justice and the Changing World of Mediation” describes how mediation, restorative justice and other conflict fields are merging into one interdisciplinary practice of collaborative justice.

►’06, ’08 & ’11 Dr. Kimberly Nicole

Thomas, MEd Reading, Educational Leadership, EdD Education-Curriculum & Instruction, has been named a Rising Star by the Independent News of Pensacola, Fla.

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R IDA Fall 2013

21

CLASS NOTES

►’06 & ’11 Cassie Boatwright, BS

Engineering & MSA, has been named a Rising Star by the Independent News of Pensacola, Fla.

Pre-Law, recently opened McEwen DuBovis P.A., a law firm in Jacksonville, Fla. McEwen is the UWF alumni chapter representative for the Jacksonville area.

►’07 Wesley Michael Meiss, BA

►’09 Dr. Richard M. Hough, EdD

Psychology, has been named a Rising Star by the Independent News of Pensacola, Fla.

►’07 Whitney Vaughan Fike, BA

Communication Arts, has been hired

by Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union as a marketing specialist. Fike will assist in the formulation and implementation of strategic marketing plans.

►’07 Sarah Lynn Nicholson, BS

Hospitality, has been named to the UWF Hall of Fame, Class of 2012-2013. She is the first UWF women’s golfer to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Nicholson is currently the First Assistant Golf Professional at Timarron Country Club in Southlake, Texas. She earned membership into the PGA of America in 2011.

►’07 Jessica D. Hall, BA Elementary

Education, has joined the Lowville Extension office in New York as its parenting educator. Hall conducts home visits within the community and offers classes about parenting to those with children from birth to 10 years old.

►’08 Peter Antoske, BS Marketing and

Sales Management, has been named to the UWF Hall of Fame for the Class of 2012-2013. Antoske helped lead the UWF baseball team to a historic season in 2007 as the team won its first Gulf South Conference championship. Antoske is currently a geometry teacher at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, where he is also the assistant varsity baseball coach. He also runs a summer baseball team, the Orlando Scorpions.

Curriculum and Instruction, was honored at the 13th Educator of the Year Awards for Community Service. Dr. Hough has taken his career in law enforcement and criminal justice education beyond the United States to influence nations around the world. Hough is a member of the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council in Pensacola, Fla.

►’10 Alexander J. Sullivan,

BM Music Performance, recently graduated with a juris doctorate from the Mississippi College School Sullivan of Law in Jackson, Miss.

Sullivan interned with Associate Justice James W. Kitchens of the Mississippi Supreme court during law school. Sullivan was the recipient of the John and Swen Deakle Scholarship and was on the dean’s list.

►’10 John Boatner, BS Marketing, has

received his second lieutenant bars from the United States Marines. Boatner was one of 39 candidates to receive his commission.

►’11 Charina F. Narciso, BM Music

Performance, has a new position at the University of West Florida Office of the President. Narciso is looking forward to exciting opportunities and adventures.

Frazier & Robinson

►’09 Megan Prawdzik Gonzalez, BA

Communication Arts, has been named a Rising Star by the Independent News of Pensacola, Fla. Megan wed Nick Gonzalez on April 20, 2013 in Pensacola, Fla.

►’09 Lisa Rutherford, MEd Curriculum & Instruction ESOL, gave a presentation, titled “IELTS Apps for ELS Learners” at the E-Learning in Action Conference on April 2, 2013 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. IELTS stands for “The International English Language Testing System” and is based at Cambridge University in England.

►’09 Logan McEwen, BA Legal Studies 22

Fall 2013 UNIVERS IT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

Rudd

►’12 Caleb Carmichael, BS Physical

Education, has been named the UWF men’s and women’s cross country head coach. Carmichael, a three-time All-Gulf South Conference selection has assumed the position in his first collegiate headcoaching role. He has been coaching as an assistant for the last three years.

Prior to his time as an assistant coach, Carmichael competed for the Argonauts from 2002 to 2005 in one of the most decorated careers in UWF cross country history.

►’12 Jill Dale, BA Public Relations, joined Gielow Marketing & PR as a marketing specialist at the Jacksonville, Fla. office.

In her role, Dale will work with clients to develop and execute marketing strategies to include social media, email marketing and public relations.

►’12 Sarah Rhodes, BS Exercise Science,

has received her second lieutenant bars from the United States Marine Corps.

Rhodes was one of 33 candidates to receive her commission.

►’12 Sean Michael Reynolds, BS Exercise

Science, has signed with the United Soccer League’s professional team VSI Tampa Bay FC. Reynolds played for UWF from 2008-2011 and was a four-time GSC Defender of the Week. He was the first player in GSC history to be named Defender of the Week and Player of the Week in the same week.

►’12 Jarrett Moore, BA Communication

Arts, was recognized with a silver student ADDY Award at the 2013 American Advertising Federation National ADDY Awards Gala in Phoenix.

►’08 Matthew Galloway, BS Marketing,

was one of 12 professional golfers chosen to compete on the Golf Channel’s “Big Break” reality competition that began in May 2013 While at UWF, Galloway was a three-time All American, an All-American Scholar, a Gulf South Conference Top Ten winner and a two-time GSC Player of the Year.

Northwest Florida as the communications director.

Rudd is a member of the Florida Public Relations Association and the Northwest Florida Financial Crimes Task Force.

►’12 Philip Ebert, BA

►’11 Jordan Frazier, BA Organizational

Communication with a minor in Hospitality and ’10 & ’11 David Robinson, BA Finance & MBA, recently visited Pisa, Italy and showcased their UWF gear. Frazier and her mother have been living in Italy for three months and have kept a blog of their trip.

Read about their travels at www. motherdaughterredefined.org. Upon her return to the United States, Frazier intends to write a book about her experiences.

►’11 Danielle Catherine Rudd, BA Communication Arts, has joined the Better Business Bureau of

Education, a teacher at Ferry Pass Elementary School in Pensacola, has partnered with UWF in a program to improve Ebert reading fluency and integrate special needs students into regular classrooms. The Class-Wide Peer Tutoring system is an evidence-based practice that provides student motivation and engagement to increase achievement, while reducing behavior problems. Ebert is shown with his new dog, Argo.

►’12 Lacey Anne Berry, BA Graphic

Design, has started her own company, Lacey.B Designs, a custom clothing accessory business. She showed her designs at Jacksonville’s Fashion Week and returned as part of the Accessory

C LASS NOTES Showcase in late March.

►’12 Katy Ferguson Hebebrand, BA

Communication Arts, has been hired at Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union as an e-marketing specialist.

►’12 Ginny Cranor, BSN Nursing, is

a fire captain at the Pensacola Fire Department, Station 4. She has been a firefighter for more than 20 years. On January 7, Cranor and another female co-worker, became the first women promoted to the rank of fire captain in the department’s 200 year history.

►’12 Ashley Donahoo, BA History, was

featured in the Jan. 2, 2013 issue of People Magazine in the article “Half Their Size.” She has also appeared on Good Morning America, EXTRA and 20/20. By incorporating proper diet and exercise into her daily life, Donahoo lost 137 pounds and 100 inches while she was a full-time student raising two sons with her husband, David. Donahoo is now a project manager for a law firm in Pace, Fla. and has recently joined the Livestrong Team as an ambassador.

►’13 Monica Malavassi, BS Sports

Management, appeared in a video feature recounting her journey growing up as a two-sport athlete in Costa Rica, winning a national title for UWF and winning a gold medal for Costa Rica at the 2013 Central America Games.

►’13 Chelsea Renfroe, BA Communication Arts, has joined the team of l. gall & company as public relations coordinator.

Renfroe specializes in social media and corporate event planning and implementation.

In Memoriam ’69 Eddie Joe Caro, BS Management; died Jan. 24, 2013

’72 Robert T. Romaine, USN (Ret.), BS Management; died Feb. 9, 2013 ’73 Steve M. Mattox, BA History; died Feb. 26, 2013 ’75 & ’87 Michael Varner, BS Ecology and MS Ecology, Biological Education; died Feb. 6, 2013 ’76 Samuel M. Archer, BS Health, Leisure & Sports; died July 3, 2013 ’77 James P. Lankford, BS Marketing; died Jan. 19, 2013 ’77 Natalie Jacquelyn Catches, BSN Nursing; died Feb. 16, 2013 ’78 Roxanne DeStafney, BA Social Work; died Jan. 26, 2013 ’79 Raymond Brykczynski, BA Communication Arts, died April 15, 2013 ’81 Linwood Rodgers, MBA; died Feb. 6, 2013 ’82 & ’96 Marilyn Smith Alexander, BS Medical Technology and MBA; died March 18, 2013 ’82 Jeffery Wright, BA Communication Arts; died March 9, 2013 ’82 Steven Robbins, BS Systems ScienceBusiness; died March 10, 2013 ’83 & ’85 Cary Ward, BA Anthropology/ Psychology & MA Psychology; died March 7, 2013 ’84 Lawrence P. Gardner, MEd Educational Leadership; died March 22, 2013 ’84 James L. Connor, MEd Educational Leadership; died May 21, 2013 ’84 Elizabeth J. Sims, MA Elementary Education; died June 17, 2013 ’84 Robert Newbold, BA Political Science; died April 24, 2013

’93 & ’00 Wendy Allard Hiers, BA Elementary Education & MEd Educational Leadership; died March 10, 2013 ’96 Elizabeth Kate Walton, BS General Biology; died Feb. 2, 2013 ’97 Christopher Milleson, BS Business Administration; died Jan. 3, 2013 ’98 Jennifer Acierno Theisen, BA Interdisciplinary Humanities; died July 2, 2013 ’99 Curtis Cowell, MS Public Administration; died April 23, 2013 ’00 Suzanne Marie Law Bean, BS Business Administration; died Jan. 11, 2013 ’00 Melissa W. Hinson, BA Elementary Education; died June 14, 2013 ’04 John Warren Anderson, BA Social Science; died June 26, 2013 ’06 Patrick Gilbert Simpson, BS Engineering Technology; died Feb. 12, 2013 ’08 William Thomas Padgett, BA English; died May 12, 2013 ’09 Toshia Lee-Ann Hasse, BS Business Administration; died July 3, 2013 ’12 Josephine Licudine-Fuller, MA Special Education; died April 17, 2013 Dr. Kenneth C. Conroy, Former UWF Provost; died Jan. 16, 2013 Harold E. Holt, Retired Maintenance Supervisor; died Jan. 6, 2013 Richard D. Kelly, Faculty; died Jan. 17, 2013 Elizabeth “Betsy” Oram, Retired Employee; died June 25, 2013

’85 Niel Anderson, BS System Science; died May 6, 2013

Dr. Alfred B. Chaet 1927-2013

’69 Robert M. Hooper, Jr., BS Physical Education; died May 9, 2013

’85 & “96 Walter C. Sagebiel, BA Social Science and MA Clinical Teaching; died June 24, 2013

’70 Joseph Adams Hyatt, BA Accounting; died Feb. 1, 2013

’86 Captain Wayne A. Stewart, BS Systems Science; died April, 2013

One of the University of West Florida’s founding faculty members and first provost of Gamma College, passed away on July 23, 2013.

’70 Charles Carleton, BS Management; died April 27, 2013

’86 William “Bill” Roberts, BA History; died Feb. 9, 2013

’71 Nathaniel Simmons, BA Sociology; died March 20, 2013

’86 Mary Garrett Eubanks, BA Communication Arts; died March 9, 2013

’71 Carolyn F. Amerman, BA Mathematics; died Jan. 4, 2013

’86 Rosemary Merold, BA Special Education; died July 13, 2013

’71 Rose A. Hicks, MA Elementary Education; died Feb. 16, 2013

’88 Jennifer Acierno Theisen, BA Interdisciplinary Humanities; died July 2, 2013

’69 Fred Weathers, BS Industrial Technology; died Feb. 10, 2013

’71 Joellen Pearce, BA Elementary Education; died March 25, 2013 ’71 & ’83 Mary Rothe, BA History & MA Communication Arts; died Jan. 17, 2013 ’72 & ’84 Barbara Ann Stewart, BS Business Teacher Education & MEd; died Jan. 19, 2013

’90 Elizabeth Webb-Depoy, BA Legal Administration; died Jan. 17, 2013 ’90 Karin I. Landgrabe, BA French; died July 8, 2013

Dr. Alfred B. Chaet came to UWF in 1966 as associate dean for sciences and professor of biology. In 1967, with the organization of the University into three colleges, he became Provost of Gamma College, a position he served until the colleges were reorganized in 1977. At that time, he became Associate Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs.

In 1989, he returned to the faculty as the Ford Professor of Physiology, and was named Emeritus Ford Professor of Physiology upon his retirement in 2000.

For those desiring, the family requests memorial gifts to the UWF Foundation, designated to Biology.

’91 Charles G. Helms, BA English Education; died June 29, 2013 U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Fall 2013

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ALUMNI SUCCESS

UWF alumna Rachel Pryor

on board NOAA Ship Oregon II.

UWF Prepared Alumna to Set Sail

By Margaret Roberts

F

air winds and following seas have traveled with Rachel Pryor graduated from UWF with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, from South Florida to the shore of the University of West Florwith a natural science specialization. She then went and earned a master’s ida to NOAA Ship Oregon II, a 700-ton, 172-ft. research vessel degree in environmental studies from Florida International University. home ported in Pascagoula, Miss. A 2008 UWF alumna, Pryor at“My education from UWF helped train me to communicate on a daily tributes her current position as a junior officer onboard the National basis with scientists about their needs to complete their project goals,” Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Pryor said. “UWF’s facilities give students the Vessel, where she is responsible for ground best hands-on experience that exponentially sets fish, plankton and shark longlining surveys, “UWF’s facilities give students them apart in an application process for a career to her first university field trip. the best hands-on experience position.”

“We would take trips to the buried island, salt Pryor’s most authentic experiences and memthat exponentially sets them marshes and pine forests, searching for critters ories at UWF are related to the university’s small apart in an application process or environmental staples,” said Pryor. “Dr. Matclass sizes and high-quality mentor-student rethew Schwartz was the first person to introduce for a career position.” — Rachel lationships. me to the world of research vessels. He took a Pryor, BA Environmental Studies, ’08 “My professors were always encouraging my month to sail on a research vessel where they deprogression in the field and were always availployed the Alvin, a deep-manned research vessel that transports one pilot able to write incredible letters of recommendation that have paved my and two scientists to depths of about 4,500 meters. I was amazed at the path to success,” she said.

For Pryor, the best part of her professional success is giving back. photos he brought back, and in essence, he planted the seed.”

“I have the opportunity to provide valuable service for the environment Pryor grew beyond her imagination. After receiving a Florida scholarand my country,” said Pryor. ship and an internship with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, she

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Fall 2013 UNIVERS IT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

ALUMNI SU CC ESS

UWF Alumnus Pursues Dream

Derrik Lang

posing with Kermit the Frog on the set of The Muppets Movie.

By BRITTANY CARR

D

errik Lang’s portfolio includes interviews with Elton John, Snooki and the Beach Boys. He has covered countless award shows, including the Academy Awards, Grammys and Emmys. For the entertainment reporter and producer at the Associated Press, it is a dream come true that he says would not have been possible without the diverse education he experienced at the University of West Florida.

Lang said he always knew that he wanted to be a journalist reporting on the entertainment industry. To achieve his dream, the UWF alumnus and Fort Walton Beach native spent his college career pursuing experiences that would enable him to excel in journalism. Before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 2003, Lang was heavily involved on campus, working as an assistant in the Student Activities Department and a resident advisor and director at Martin Hall, as well as serving as an editor of the student newspaper, The Voyager.

“From participating in the Student Government Association to helping create The Voyager each week, I was afforded many opportunities at UWF that I likely wouldn’t have been given had I pursued an education at a traditional institution,” he said. “Such diverse experiences helped set

me apart from the pack when it came to applying for all-important internships and fellowships. They also helped prepare me for the complexities of the journalism world, where I have to call on a vast array of skills.”

But the most valuable opportunity given to him, Lang said, came through a UWF Alumni Association scholarship that enabled him to spend a semester interning in New York for Entertainment Weekly, through the American Society of Magazine Editors internship program.

“If I had not been awarded a scholarship from the UWF Alumni Association to pursue the ASME internship program, I likely wouldn’t have been able to participate in that unique opportunity,” he said. “It laid the foundation for my career as a national entertainment journalist.”

Thanks to his experience at UWF, Lang spends his days doing what he loves most – writing.

“I have a passion for storytelling, and I’m able to do that almost every day,” he said. “I love being able to write about extraordinary, creative and innovative individuals in Hollywood and beyond, utilizing the amazing worldwide platform that is the Associated Press. Like any job, it can often be mind-numbing and tedious, but it’s usually always fascinating.”

Seventh Annual

ALUMNI GOLF CLASSIC The UWF Alumni Association Golf Classic will be held September 27, 2013 at Scenic Hills Country Club at the University of West Florida. All UWF alumni and friends are invited to join us for a day filled with golf, food and fun! All net tournament proceeds will support the UWF Alumni Association.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Missy Grace mgrace@uwf.edu, 850.474.3423 or 800.226.1893 for additional information.

Thanks to our Signature Tournament Sponsor:

Date: Friday, September 27, 2013 Time: 11:00 a.m. Registration/Lunch 12:00 p.m. Shotgun Start Location: Scenic Hills Country Club 8891 Burning Tree Road Pensacola, FL Fees: $325–Foursome $85–Individual Registration deadline is Monday, September 23, 2013.

Thanks to our Chambered Nautilus Sponsor:

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Fall 2013

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SNAPSHOTS

Dr. Ed Ranelli, Brig. Gen. Mike Ferguson talk with award recipients John and Charlie Switzer.

Erik and Mindy Medley at the Orlando Chapter Event.

Brother and Sister Alumni Lonnie Veasley Jr. and Melony Rivera at the Tampa Chapter Alumni Event.

Spring 2013 graduates celebrate at Senior Send-Off.

Smile!

Whether gathering at a board retreat, recognition dinner, chapter event or baseball game, our Alumni Association events provide the perfect opportunity for us to show our appreciation of your continued support. They are also a wonderful chance for you to socialize with fellow alumni, current students, staff, faculty and friends of the university.

Dr. Bob Kimball enjoys lunch with recipients of the student scholarships he funded.

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Fall 2013 UNIVERS IT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

Don’t miss out! Our Alumni Association keeps adding more new events into the mix. For a look at upcoming events visit alumni.uwf.edu.

SNA PSHOTS

Alumni board members Luke van Blaricom, Harriett Wyer and Foundation Board member Brian Wyer pose at the Joint Board Dinner.

Dr. Kyle Marrero, Bentina Terry, Jerry Maygarden, Stan Connally and President Judy Bense at the Multicultural Resource Center unveiling and press conference.

Scholarship donors visit with recipients during the annual UWF Military Veterans Resource Center’s recognition luncheon.

Nicole Gislason, Andy Waters and Debbie Waters enjoy the UWF Alumni Night at the Blue Wahoos baseball game.

Alumni learn the fundamentals of golf at Scenic Hills Country Club.

Pat Windham, Jessica VerVoort and Mary Riesberg at Spring into Action’s Network-a-Thon.

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R IDA Fall 2013

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SNA PSHOTS

UWF Student Ambassadors with Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward at the Multicultural Resource Center unveiling.

2013 Alumni Award Recipients Alumni Service Award

Distinguished Alumnus

Scott Ramsey

Molly Murphy Dr. P.S. Ruckman, Jr.

Friend of the University

HomeRun Holdings Publix Honorary Alumnus

Dr. Kyle Marrero

Tampa area alumni network at Maggiano’s.

Chambered Nautilus Award of Merit

John Switzer Charlie Switzer

Outstanding Young Alumnus

John Adams Jason Lasure

2013 Alumni Award recipients with President Judy Bense and Mistress of Ceremony Mollye Barrows.

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Fall 2013 UNIVERS IT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

GERMAN M BA PROGRAM

The 2013 MBA Graduates from

the Transatlantik Institute in Germany gather at the College of Business Education center to celebrate the program’s 10th year.

Alumni Reception Welcomes Germany MBA Graduates

By Melissa Brode

T

he Master of Business Administration Program hosted its annual alumni reception in June to welcome the 2013 MBA graduates from the Transatlantik Institut in Germany into the association. The reception, held in the recently opened 36,000 square-foot College of Business Education Center, provided an opportunity for alumni to gather, share stories of success and interact with the latest graduating class of MBAs from Germany.

Celebrating its 10th year, the MBA Program in Germany is a partnership between the University of West Florida College of Business and the Transatlantik Institut of the Universities of Applied Sciences, Ludwigshafen and Worms. Using its network relationships with the German business community, the Transatlantik Institut recruits mid-level managers to participate in UWF’s MBA Program. Students in this year’s graduating group included employees of BASF, one of the world’s leading chemical companies, and John Deere, a wellknown agricultural machinery manufacturer.

The German cohort’s three-week capstone learning experience in Pensacola promoted not only diversity, but a high-quality, global perspective within the MBA program at

UWF. The alumni reception, a highlight of their visit, continued the celebration of cultural differences by providing a forum for UWF’s newest alumni to connect with previous MBA graduates.

“It is an outstanding event “It was such a pleasure that not only provides an to attend the MBA Alumni event,” said Mambwe Muta- opportunity to reconnect with nuka, a 2008 MBA alumna. fellow alumni, professors and “It is an outstanding event staff, but also an opportunity that not only provides an opportunity to reconnect to interact with our fellow with fellow alumni, profes- German MBA students, who sors and staff, but also an have become such an integral opportunity to interact with our fellow German MBA part of the MBA program.” students, who have become — Mambwe Mutanuka, ’08 MBA such an integral part of the MBA program. The presence and interaction of our German counterparts undoubtedly adds to the many invaluable experiences that comprise the UWF MBA program. I am proud to be a part of it.”

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R IDA Fall 2013

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Hal Marcus tests out

the industry-leading technology available to UWF students in the Biomechanics Lab.

“Including others in this project may be one of the biggest things I have done in my entire life,” —Hal Marcus, University Donor

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Fall 2013 UNIVERSIT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

DEVELOPMENT

Donor Moved by Biomechanics Lab Hal Marcus donates $50,000 for additional equipment, enhancing the lab’s capabilities

By MeGAN GONZALEZ

H

al Marcus is no stranger to the University of West Florida.

He’s been a long-time supporter of the university and its commitment to enhancing research, instruction and the quality of life of the Northwest Florida area.

During his continued support of the university, Marcus became familiar with the Biomechanics Laboratory in the Health, Leisure and Exercise Science Department at UWF and met Dr. Eric Greska, the professor who spearheads the lab. After touring the facility in 2012, Marcus gave $50,000 for additional equipment, further enhancing the lab’s capabilities.

“As a child, Marcus suffered from Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and was not allowed to walk for two years. “Exercise is an important part of everyday life, and a lab like this will continue to improve many lives,” he said.

Today, Marcus prides himself on keeping in shape. “I walk four miles a day, rain or shine,” he said.

Marcus’ passion for the lab has driven him to make others in the Northwest Florida community aware of its value. In fact, Marcus recently worked with the university to host an event that brought residents of Azalea Trace to UWF to explore the lab and learn more about it. “Including others in this project may be one of the biggest things I have done in my entire life,” said Marcus.

“As soon as I found out about the lab, I instantly thought of everyone at Azalea Trace and others throughout Northwest Florida that could benefit from it,” Marcus said.

The newly outfitted laboratory boasts industry-leading technology that enhances education within the program as well as UWF’s regional outreach.

The lab’s equipment allows UWF students and researchers the ability to view and analyze discrete human movement. Students work directly with the equipment in a hands-on approach to understanding normal human movement. Several courses in the department take advantage of the laboratory’s capabilities, making data collection and analysis a part of course objectives and hands-on learning.

“As a UWF alumnus, I think about the valuable hands-on experience I received throughout my education,” Greska said. “This is another way for UWF students to have the ability to learn real-world experiences in the classroom.”

Through the lab, the University is able to partner with local hospitals and organizations to develop enhanced injury-prevention and rehabilitation protocols, as well as improve surgical outcomes through pre-planning.

Marcus said he hopes his passion for the lab will continue to serve as a catalyst for those throughout the Northwest Florida community to continue to utilize and fund the lab.

“The more people who know about and support it, the greater the potential for creating a research niche in the UWF Biomechanics Lab,” he said.

If you’re interested in donating to the Biomechanics Lab, please visit www.uwf.edu/give or contact Martha Lee Blodgett at mlblodgett@uwf.edu.

To learn more about Hal Marcus and the University of West Florida BioMechanics Lab, please click here ►

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO RIDA Fall 2013

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DEVELOPMENT

Students Use the Biomechanics Lab in

the Health, Leisure and Exercise Science facility to view and analyze discrete human movement.

“As a UWF alumnus, I think about the valuable handson experience I received throughout my education.

This is another way for UWF students to have the ability to learn realworld experiences in the classroom.” — Dr. Eric Greska

PENSACOLA PLEDGE SCHOLARS CO NG R AT U L AT I O N S TO

U N I V E RS IT Y O F WE ST F LO R I DA PE N SACO L A P L E DGE SCH O L A R S Entering Class of 2013 Jennifer Ard Victoria Ball Carsten Bahnsen Michelle Bellanova

Allan-Peter Campbell Jacob Campbell Sterling Hardin Colin Hayes

Michael Huang Kevin Le Alex Lindemann Gregory Morgan

Renaldo Thompson Kennedy Van Der Werff Taylor Wilhoit Sydney Yeager

Thanks to Quint and Rishy Studer, students who live within the city limits of Pensacola now have more opportunity to pursue higher education and more incentive to achieve while in high school.

Awarded recipients may select to attend either UWF or Pensacola State College (PSC).

uwf.edu/pensacolapledge 32

Fall 2013 UNIVERS IT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

STUDENT AMBASSADOR STUDENT AM BASSADORS

Meet an Ambassador

By Alyssa Townsend

U

WF senior Greg Alford is learning firsthand the value of a high-quality education paired with real-world experience. The Clearwater, Fla. native, who is double majoring in hospitality and resort management and psychology, currently works as a pro shop assistant at Scenic Hills Country Club. The position allows him to gain valuable experience that can steer him toward his dream of working in the hospitality industry.

Greg Alford

Alford started as an intern at Scenic Hills in the Spring 2013 semester. He was offered a part-time position at the end of the semester and leapt at the opportunity.

On campus, Alford is also involved in the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, the Student Alumni Association and the Student Ambassador program.

“The hands-on experience helps a lot more than anything I could do in the classroom,” Alford said. “It puts me out there in real-life situations.”

As recruitment chair for the Student Alumni Association, Alford said he hopes to “leave his legacy” by developing a recruitment campaign.

UWF’s Business Enterprises, Inc. purchased Scenic Hills last June to offer enhanced services for current and future members, as well as real-world experiences for students in the hospitality, sports management, exercise science, athletics, recreation, business and finance programs at UWF.

“I want the UWF Student Alumni Association to be an organization you join because you want to get involved,” he said. “We’re looking for people who are passionate and committed.”

UWF STU DE NT AMB AS SA DO R S

est.

1987

He says quality over quantity is what makes the UWF Student Alumni Association

U W F ST U D E N T A M B A S S A D O R S

10,000 HAVE CON DU C TED M ORE T HAN

C AMPUS TOURS

different from other institutions.

This spring, Alford was given the opportunity to assume a leadership role on the Graduation Planning Committee through the Student Alumni Association, and he says that experience was a highlight of his college career.

Alford said that being involved at UWF has had a significant influence on his overall college experience.

“It changes everything,” he said. “When I go to events, I’m not just a student. University leaders get to know who I am and talk to me on a more personal level.”

70,000 285 SA students have earned more than

SERVICE HOURS

ST U D E N TS I N T H E P RO G R A M

Since 1987

NIVVEERRSSIITY TY ooff W WEEST ST FFLO LORRIIDA DA Fall Fall 2013 2013 UUNI

33 33

DEVELOPMENT

AppRiver’s Gift Provides Global Perspective

By Gretchen VanValkenburg

Left to Right: Andrew Schrader, Director of National Sales, and Michael Murdock, Chief Executive Officer & President

I

magine being a UWF student and gaining firsthand experience of how a global email and Web security expert protects 45,000 business customers and 8 million mailboxes worldwide.

What about being a UWF alumnus who’s looking for a unique career opportunity in an idyllic setting close to Pensacola Beach?

Thanks to the synergistic partnership and shared vision between AppRiver and the UWF School of Science and Engineering, those opportunities now exist for students and alumni alike.

AppRiver’s founders Michael Murdoch and Joel Smith recognize the value of a higher education partnership, and they have made a generous commitment of $50,000 to the UWF School of Science and Engineering. Their donation will support a wide range of activities, including undergraduate and graduate student research opportunities, improvements to the school’s learning environment, sponsored speakers, and experiential learning opportunities for students, such as

Photo Credit: JP King - AppRiver

capstone projects and internship preparation.

“Our contribution is an investment in the future of information technology,” said Murdoch, AppRiver CEO. “We’re proud to help UWF prepare tomorrow’s software devel- “We’re proud to help UWF opers and engineers for the prepare tomorrow’s software challenges of managing and developers and engineers for growing the world’s digital the challenges of managing infrastructure.”

In addition to its private and growing the world’s support, AppRiver’s expedigital infrastructure.” rience of building a successful, global company is — Michael Murdock, AppRiver CEO invaluable and offers many teaching moments to UWF students. Balancing technical expertise and an entrepreneurial spirit is the perfect business model to share, and doing so motivates students to dream big.

For additional information about AppRiver, visit appriver.com.

Spam lab interface

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Fall 2013 UNIVERS IT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

F ROM THE EDITOR

From the Editor’s Desk

F

or years we’ve asked you to “Think UWF.” Plastered on everything from car magnets to billboards to the pages of this very publication, the “Think” phenomenon provided a clear, concise request guiding people to remember the “little university in the woods.” As we stand at the threshold of a new day, illuminated by potential, the University of West Florida is poised to own its destiny. For years, we’ve said that we are a different kind of institution.

In fact, many of the stories we have told in the pages of Connection Magazine have illustrated just that. We are different because of how we change lives, and we do so intentionally. As we like to say, UWF is “different by design.”

At the core of why we are different are our alumni, donors, friends, students, faculty, staff and partners. Together we have formed a community that embraces uniqueness and values quality. We know we are different because of YOU! It’s one of the many reasons that we want to hear from you. In issues of the magazine that follow, we plan to devote this section to hearing your feedback on the publication, in your own words.

To submit a Note to the Editor, visit us at uwf.edu/connectionmagazine and complete the form. Thank you again for reading Connection Magazine. We hope you have enjoyed the publication.

Best Regards,

Sabrina McLaughlin, Executive Director, Marketing & Creative Services

Sabrina Scherer McLaughlin, MSA ’07 Managing Editor, Connection Magazine Executive Director, UWF Marketing & Creative Services

How did UWF make a difference in your life?

Visit uwf.edu/yourstory to tell us your story and share your life lessons with today’s students.

Meet Your Alumni Staff Have a question, looking to get involved or need assistance from our dedicated staff of alumni professionals? The Alumni Relations Office is located on the Pensacola campus, building 12, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

850.474.2758 | 800.226.1893 Missy Grace Director Alumni Relations mgrace@uwf.edu

Alesia Ross Coordinator Alumni Services and Programs aross@uwf.edu

Cynthia Austad Coordinator Alumni Relations caustad@uwf.edu

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R IDA Fall 2013

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Connection

University of West Florida 11000 University Parkway Pensacola, FL 32514 uwf.edu/alumni

ARGOS S E T SAI L O CTO BE R 7-1 2