Connection Fall 2020

Fall 2020 | Alumni & Friends Magazine

Argo Spirit Outshines COVID-19 P. 13

UWF HONORS SPRING, SUMMER GRADUATES IN A NEW WAY

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SHINNICKS MAKE FOOTBALL A FAMILY TRADITION

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EQUIPPING CAREER-READY GRADUATES

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Inside CONNECTION MAGAZINE Fall 2020 PRESIDENT Dr. Martha D. Saunders VICE PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT Howard J. Reddy ADVANCEMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS Missy Grace ’10 Claire Stewart Katie Schutts

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Megan Gonzalez ’09, ’15 MANAGING EDITORS Margaret Roberts ’12 Brittany Sherwood ’14 SENIOR EDITORS Tom St. Myer Brittany Swinford ’11 PRODUCTION EDITORS Michael LeFevre ’17 Colton Currier ’18 ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN Jennifer Peck ’08 DESIGN Lacey Berry ’12 PHOTO DIRECTION Joe Vinson

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3 LETTER FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

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Mail UWF Alumni Association, 11000 University Pkwy., Building 12, Pensacola, FL 32514 TO GIVE Online uwf.edu/give

UWF Connection is published semi-annually by Alumni Relations and Institutional Communications.

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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UWF TRADITIONS FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: DR. ASHOK SRINIVASAN

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ARGO2PRO

WILL CONDON

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Phone 800.226.1893

2020 GRADUATES

26 ARGOS AT HOME 27 ALUMNI PROFILE:

WRITERS AND EDITORS Allison Morgan Jenny Pedraza Leonor Roper ’18 Olivia Teeney ’16

Email alumni@uwf.edu

NEWS & NOTES

A FAMILY TRADITION: THE SHINNICKS

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Web uwf.edu/alumni

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13 THE NEW NORMAL 21 ATHLETICS:

PHOTOGRAPHERS Morgan Givens ’18 Bernard Wilchusky

CONTACT US

Q&A WITH THE PRESIDENT

ALUMNI PROFILE: PRAISE PETTUS SUSTAINING ALUMNI MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM CLASS NOTES

13 UWF ADAPTS AND INNOVATES while navigating challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Q&A with President Saunders

The dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic has presented UWF with an opportunity to overcome unprecedented challenges. President Martha D. Saunders discusses how UWF has responded positively to the situation, upholding the University’s standards while operating under a “new normal.�

How has the University remained true to its values while operating during a pandemic? At UWF, we are a spirited community of learners, and we are still learning. We learn from each other and our community leaders, and we grow from these opportunities. Despite so many uncertainties, the pandemic has created many teachable moments including allowing us to adapt and find innovative ways to teach, learn and collaborate online.

What do you feel has gone well during these unusual times? The resilience of our students, faculty and staff never ceases to impress me. UWF proactively plans for interruptions and our preparedness has served us well. As early adopters of online learning more than 20 years ago, we readied for any interruption of service by creating e-learning shells for every course we offer.

What drives the thinking behind many of the decisions made by University leadership? First and foremost, we are committed to promoting and providing a healthier, safer environment for our campus community and beyond.

Our COVID-19 Task Force includes broad membership from across the University. We have followed guidance from the Florida Board of Governors and health officials while developing and implementing our Returning to UWF plan. I am optimistic about the future of UWF because of the decisions we have made thus far.

V P L E TTE R

News & Notes Letter from the

Vice President

Recent news from the University of West Florida

BY LEONOR ROPER ’18

ALUMNI AND FRIENDS,

As we navigate challenging times as a nation, we continue to witness the unwavering Argo Spirit demonstrated by our UWF students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.

From the outset of the pandemic, we have seen that together we can do extraordinary things. Nearly $150,000 was raised for the Student Emergency Support fund, Argo Pantry and scholarships to assist students in crisis. The Sea3D Additive Manufacturing Lab stepped up to produce more than 6,000 3D printed face shields for frontline health care workers. The University’s Office of Equity and Diversity led critical conversations around racism, diversity and inclusion in response to national conversations surrounding these issues.

At UWF, we are no strangers to adversity.

We rise to any challenge and empower each other to forge ahead. Thank you for your support and advocacy—together, we can create a better tomorrow.

Thanks very much,

Howard J. Reddy Vice President for University Advancement

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Caravan parade celebrates top scholars While COVID-19 disrupted traditional high school scholar celebrations, the University of West Florida improvised by bringing the party to the students—literally. UWF faculty, staff and students spent the week of May 11 loading into vehicles, traveling to the homes of seven local, fullride scholarship recipients and surprising them, not by ringing their doorbells but by shouting their names with a bullhorn. The wide-eyed recipients walked out to a surprise celebration as the UWF contingent handed them congratulatory balloons and certificates. UWF awarded full-ride scholarships to nine incoming freshmen, seven of whom live in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Six of the recipients earned the Pace Presidential Scholarship, and the University awarded three students with the Argo Spirit Scholarship.

N E WS & N OT ES

Cards from UWF community brighten days for nursing home residents Greeting cards from the UWF community brightened the days of residents isolated in nursing homes, assisted facilities and senior centers due to COVID-19. The University mailed more than 3,500 cards to residents at 50 locations throughout the Pensacola area. Faculty and staff from 20 departments signed cards, featuring a pink camellia on the front and the words, “We hope you have a wonderful day! From your friends at the University of West Florida� written on the back.

New partner institutions join 2UWF program UWF announced a significant expansion of its 2UWF program, adding Santa Fe College, Valencia College and Broward College as new partner institutions in agreements that include attractive benefits for honors and international transfer students.

2020 Women in Leadership conference reaches hundreds on campus and online More than 430 students, young professionals and executives attended the seventh annual Women in Leadership conference, hosted Feb. 28 in the UWF Conference Center. The conference was also aired online via livestream.

Donor gifts $150,000 to support UWF Department of Music students, honor director of strings UWF announced a gift of $150,000 by an anonymous donor honoring Dr. Leonid Yanovskiy, director of strings in the music department. The gift will support the Arthur Thal Scholarship Endowment, which benefits students studying any string instrument. The donor was inspired to give after learning about the string program, especially the work of Yanovskiy, and felt compelled to support his and others’ efforts to recruit students and build the program.

Center for Entrepreneurship unveils new space supporting aspiring entrepreneurs The UWF Center for Entrepreneurship celebrated the grand opening of the Commons Entrepreneurship Incubator, a new student work space for aspiring entrepreneurs. Located on the first floor of University Commons, the Commons Entrepreneurship Incubator will help UWF students transform their ideas into reality by providing networking opportunities and expert support from faculty, staff and community partners.

UWF earns Gold-level Military Friendly Distinction UWF has been recognized as a gold-level University in the large public school category in the annual Military Friendly Schools list for 2020-2021. UWF was the only large, public school in Florida and one of two in the nation to earn the gold distinction for success in helping veterans make the transition from the military to school and, ultimately, rewarding careers in the civilian world.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

UWF announces $200k gift for first named lab in Laboratory Sciences Annex UWF announced a $200,000 gift from Roger and Dot Hemminghaus to name the Roy and Henrietta (Etts) Hemminghaus Chemistry Lab in the new Laboratory Sciences Annex. The gift will support scholarships for students in the Department of Chemistry. Roger said a campus visit with his daughter and son-in-law, Sherri and Jeff Weeks, inspired him to give to the Department of Chemistry, which is housed in the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. Roger supported the Annex in honor of his late father, Roy Hemminghaus, who served as senior project coordinator and general manager for the Chemstrand Corp. nylon plant, established in Pensacola in the 1950s.

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N E WS & N OT ES

NSF grant prepares the next generation of cybersecurity professionals UWF has been awarded a five-year grant totaling approximately $2.4 million to prepare cybersecurity students for federal, state, local and tribal government organizations amid a cyber workforce shortage. The National Science Foundation CyberCorps® Scholarship For Service grant will provide scholarships for 23 undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity, computer science and information technology students and will allow UWF to help fill a critical need for cybersecurity experts in governmental roles. Scholarships cover full tuition and fees plus an annual stipend and allowance of $31,000 for undergraduate students and $40,000 for graduate students for up to two years. Scholarship recipients agree to work for a governmental organization, in a cybersecurity-related position, for a period equal to the length of the scholarship.

Dance Marathon raises record amount for Children’s Miracle Network The eighth annual University of West Florida Dance Marathon raised a record $87,838.21 in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for pediatric hospitals, medical research and community awareness of children’s health issues. All proceeds from UWF’s event will be donated to the oncology unit at Pensacola’s Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, a member of the Children’s Miracle Network. The amount raised smashed the previous Dance Marathon record of $60,890.59, set in 2018.

Online programs receive high marks in U.S. News & World Report rankings U.S. News & World Report awarded UWF four Best Colleges award badges as symbols of excellence in the following categories for online programs: Bachelor’s; MBA; Business (non-MBA); and Master of Education. UWF also ranked in the categories Online Computer Information Technology (Master’s) and Online Nursing (Master’s). UWF ranked top 40 for the following categories relating to programs for veterans: Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans; Best Online Master’s in Business Programs for Veterans (Excluding MBA); and Best Online Master’s in Education Programs for Veterans.

For more UWF news, visit news.uwf.edu.

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GRADUATE RECOGNITION

Spring & Summer Graduate Recognition UWF finds innovative ways to honor graduates amid COVID-19

BY LEONOR ROPER ’18

t’s the moment every student works toward from their very first steps on campus: walking across the stage bedecked in a cap and gown to receive the diploma they’ve earned through late night study sessions, thousands of words written in papers, new skills practiced and perfected.

Faced with the COVID-19 global pandemic, the University of West Florida had to think beyond the box to honor its spring and summer 2020 graduates without the traditional commencement ceremony at

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the Pensacola Bay Center. The University took its celebration virtual on Saturday, Aug. 8.

Graduates sent in photos to display while their names were read during the ceremony hosted on UWF’s official social media channels. Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez was the guest speaker and provided words of encouragement to the graduates alongside UWF President Martha D. Saunders and Board of Trustees Chair Dave Cleveland.

Graduates also received a celebration package with a variety of UWF Alumni

gifts, including a UWF diploma tube, commencement program card, letter from President Saunders, letter from Alumni Board President Eric Brammer, mini pennant, alumni pin and a special Class of 2020 glass. University officials plan to invite all graduates to an in-person ceremony when it is safe to gather in large groups again.

One thing is certain, no matter where or how the ceremony is executed, an overwhelming sense of pride and joy for graduates will always be palpable.

While the situation leading up to their graduation was not ideal and the celebration not what they envisioned, spring and summer 2020 graduates gleaned invaluable lessons from their time at UWF before they entered the “real world.”

Daniel Duong ’20 B.S. in Physics

“UWF has been the sunlight and the fertilizer, always coaxing me to rise higher while providing what’s necessary to get there. In academics, physics was a challenge, but the department faculty was always willing to lend an ear when I needed help. An extra thanks to Dr. Chris Varney for encouraging me to go down this path, or I wouldn’t be here now. Regardless of the subject, UWF pushes you to aspire for the sun!”

Faithe Franklin ’20 B.S. in Exercise Science and Athletic Training

“I’ve gotten the most out of my experience here at UWF. It became second nature to always put my best foot forward and tap into my full potential because of the culture of excellence that goes hand-in-hand with being an Argo. Being a student-athlete, a member of a sorority, a double major and a leader on campus has exposed me to opportunities and relationships unique to this University. Even the faculty, including Dr. Ludmila Cosio-Lima, Dr. Christopher Dake, Coach Stephanie Yelton, and numerous others, have had a tremendous impact on my life here at UWF.”

Victor da Cunha ’20 B.S.B.A. in Finance

“UWF feels like my home away from home.

From the very first moment I got here, I felt like I belonged. The faculty have always been willing to go beyond the textbooks and provide me with thoughtful advice, not only about classwork but also about my professional career. I would like to give a special thank you to the College of Business Marketing & Communications Manager Annina Dahlstrom. She has encouraged me to become the best version of myself both personally and academically. I’ll be forever thankful for all that UWF has done for me.”

Ellie Henriquez ’20 M.S. in Social Work

“Knowledge is power. Once earned, education cannot be taken from you. Each one of us encompasses endless experiences that have shaped our development and granted us the expertise to meet the needs of our respective fields. Our education is the tool through which we can use to create a better world. From international research to state legislative advocacy to volunteer events in our community, UWF has afforded me scholarship opportunities beyond what I could have ever imagined. I encourage you to embrace curiosity as we embark into uncharted territory. Congratulations class of 2020! Grow forward in grace.”

Leah Ledford ’20 B.A. in Communications Megan Henszey ’20 B.A. in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Social Work

“Attending UWF has been one of the greatest challenges I’ve ever experienced, but it’s been worth every minute. My friends and family have been such an encouragement to me, and I’m thankful for professors who were willing to invest in me. I have grown more as a person and as a scholar in these four years than I ever thought possible, and I’m so excited to see what comes next.”

“UWF holds a special place in my heart. I was amazed by this town and the beautiful campus, and during my first visit, I knew I would be calling Pensacola home. I am not the same girl I was when I moved into Martin Hall four years ago. UWF gave me the tools to succeed, thanks to faculty like Dr. Christopher Wirth, Dr. Adam Blood and Mr. Justin McCoy, who made my experience meaningful.”

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UWF TRADITIONS 1

As our campus continues to grow, so do our traditions. New traditions meet classics to form an enhanced, one-of-a-kind Argo experience.

Pensacola Campus Mardi Gras Parade The University of West Florida held the inaugural Pensacola Campus Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 13, 2020. Students, faculty and staff joined with the Pensacola community for festivities, food and music.

The procession was led by President Martha D. Saunders, head football coach Pete Shinnick and the 2019 NCAA DII national championship football team. Various studentathletes and organizations helped celebrate.

BY LEONOR ROPER ‘18

Campus Wildlife Argos aren’t the only ones roaming our beautiful campus.

If you take a stroll, you may notice a couple of familiar creatures, like the famous albino white squirrel near the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering building.

Captain Thunder, the wellknown one-armed alligator, calls the UWF nature trail home and armadillos, fondly known as Argo-dillos, can be found trekking across various parts of campus.

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T RADI T I ON S

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Football Tailgating by the Bay Since the first scrimmage at Blue Wahoos Stadium in 2015, tailgating by the bay on Saturdays has been a custom for UWF students, alumni and friends. The fresh smell of hot dogs on the grill, combined with the cool breeze of the bay make this an idyllic tailgate experience.

The loud, roaring sound of the UWF Argo Athletic Band is a noise recent Argonauts will never forget. Founded in Fall 2018, the band has quickly become the heartbeat of all student, athletic and community events. You can catch the band performing their Concert on the Corner before every home football game. The band has helped solidify the traditional college experience found at UWF and instilled a sense of pride in Argos past and present.

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The Voyager Since 1967, the student-run news outlet, “The Voyager,� has been written and read by Argos. It is housed in the UWF Department of Communications and provides students with the real-world experience of running a publication. Providing regular news articles online and a print edition once a semester, The Voyager is a student outlet that will never go out of style.

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FACULTY SPOT L IGH T

UWF Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Ashok Srinivasan A lifelong learner and educator, Dr. Ashok Srinivasan makes significant contributions through his research and passion to educate others.

BY ALLISON MORGAN

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he impact that Dr. Ashok Srinivasan felt he could have on others’ lives through higher education is what shaped his career path after earning his doctorate degree 24 years ago.

“I felt that teaching would enable me to impact a much larger number of people than working in industry would,” said Srinivasan, the William Nystul Eminent Scholar Chair and professor in the University of West Florida Department of Computer Science. “Money was not a major motivation for me. Once I removed it from consideration, higher education appeared to give me more flexibility in pursuing the research that I wanted.”

Srinivasan’s passion for higher education has taken him across the globe, through faculty positions at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and the University of California at Santa Barbara. As a postdoctoral research associate, Srinivasan collaborated with a Florida State University professor on a software project.

That relationship, coupled with the greenery his wife enjoyed in Tallahassee, brought Srinivasan and his wife to Florida’s capitol 17 years ago to teach at FSU. In Fall 2018, Srinivasan joined UWF as the William Nystul Eminent Scholar Chair and professor.

“UWF offered me an endowed chair position, which gave me freedom to pursue research interests without worrying about funding all the time,” Srinivasan said.

“In addition, the faculty in computer science appeared to be collegial, which was a refreshing contrast to many other universities.”

Srinivasan has been involved in many research projects, but his most recent has garnered national attention amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As coordinator of the project Viral Infection Propagation Through Air Travel, or VIPRA, Srinivasan leads a group of national researchers who analyze new strategies for reducing the risk of spreading viral infections, such as COVID-19, through air travel. The group’s research, which began in 2015, has been published in scientific journals and

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OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM, Dr. Srinivasan reads Indian philosophy and plays tennis.

was recently highlighted in The National Science Foundation’s “Discoveries,” Consumer Affairs and Yahoo!, among others. Their work was also recently mentioned in congressional testimony.

Their preliminary research suggests that random boarding of aircraft, rather than back-to-front boarding, may have a greater impact in reducing COVID-19 exposure rates by about 50%.

When he’s not generating positive change through his research, Srinivasan is guiding his students to success. Sudheer Chunduri, an assistant computer scientist at the Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, has known Srinivasan for about 13 years. Chunduri works in the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility and is involved in the country’s first announced exascale system, Aurora.

“Dr. Srinivasan has had a significant impact on my career,” Chunduri said. “He was my doctoral advisor and the one who introduced me to the field of highperformance computing, which I continue to work in.

It was because of the quality of the work I was able to perform under his guidance that soon after earning a doctorate, I got a job at the prestigious IBM Research in India.

“I’ve continued collaborating with Dr. Srinivasan, and we have joint publications at reputed conferences. Overall, his depth of knowledge, breadth of experience and willingness to help make him my go-to man for advice even now.”

In his spare time, Srinivasan reads Indian philosophy and plays tennis. He is a fan of tennis superstar Roger Federer, who has won a record 20 Grand Slam singles titles.

“Overall, his depth of knowledge, breadth of experience and willingness to help make him my go-to man for advice even now.”

—Sudheer Chunduri, assistant computer scientist at the Argonne National Laboratory

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Argo Spirit Outshines COVID-19 UWF faculty, staff and students meet challenges caused by COVID-19 with flexibility and creativity.

BY JENNY PEDRAZA

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Tubas, trombones, clarinets, flutes, saxophones, percussion. For the 40 undergraduate students in the University of West Florida Symphonic Band, these instruments are meant to be played together in an ensemble experience.

“They got to experience something totally new, and we realized we could be more flexible than we ever thought we could but still maintain our quality and high standards.”

Brittan Braddock, visiting assistant professor of music education and director of bands

“It is all about learning to make music with other people, aligning your rhythms and having a concert experience,” said Brittan Braddock, visiting assistant professor of music education and director of bands.

“When COVID-19 hit, we suddenly were transitioning to remote learning in the middle of the spring semester, and I needed to figure out how to be there for my students and provide the best possible experience for them,” Braddock said. “Rehearsing, teaching and playing music with other people just doesn’t work on Zoom.”

With a lot of flexibility and creativity, along with support within the Department of Music and from Department Chair Dr. Sheila Dunn, Braddock concocted a new plan for the spring semester.

Symphonic Band students joined a project led by composer Ryan Williams, a musical arts doctoral student at the University of South Carolina. With remote support from Braddock, students learned individual parts for the original composition, “Mandatory Social Distancing,” and submitted a recording of themselves playing their pieces. Williams then compiled the submissions to create a massed, virtual wind ensemble.

In the end, 757 students submitted more than 800 videos, representing 27 colleges, universities and high schools across the country.

“It ended up being a really big deal, and our students were really proud, sharing the premier on social media,” Braddock said.

“They got to experience something totally new, and we realized we could be more flexible than we ever thought we could but still maintain our quality and high standards.

Everyone did a complete 180, and we figured it out. It’s been incredible to see.”

From wind ensembles to physical fitness, the Argo spirit continued to outshine COVID-19.

Dr. Amy Crawley, in the Department of Movement Sciences and Health in the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health, was teaching Aging and Physical Performance this past spring.

Crawley’s more than 40 students were paired with 40 volunteer senior citizens from the community, allowing the students to gain hands-on experience by individually prescribing, supervising and evaluating an eight-week strength training program for their partners. The pairs met twice a week in UWF’s Health, Leisure, and Sports Facility. Students had completed their initial evaluations of their partners and three training sessions when the University moved to remote instruction.

THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 IS OUR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY—maintain safe behavioral practices such as social distancing, wearing face coverings, frequently washing hands or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

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1. For the safety and well-being of everyone, argos practice safe greeting alternatives such as the “Argo Wave.�

2. Kelly Leitermann, an adjunct instructor in the Department of Art and Design, uses video conferencing to host her drawing class from home.

3. Dr. Pamela Benz, professor in the Department of Chemistry and director of STEM Success, engages with chemistry students in a remote-learning session.

4. Dr. Justice Mbizo, chair and associate professor in the Department of Public Health, promotes the use of face coverings at all UWF locations.

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FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED at all UWF locations. One free reusable face covering was provided to every student, faculty and staff when they returned to campus this fall.

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“They developed confidence in themselves to adapt, be nimble and get through this. While the lessons learned from this experience weren’t our original learning objectives for the course, they certainly will be moving forward.”

Dr. Amy Crawley, professor in the Department of Movement Sciences “Here we are working with a very vulnerable population—and one that isn’t always the most comfortable with the latest virtual technologies,” Crawley said. “We couldn’t use a group approach so I asked each of my students to come up with a plan for what would work best for them and their senior to continue to work together.”

The result was a myriad of solutions.

Through texts, phone calls, FaceTime, YouTube, Facebook and Zoom, students trained with their seniors, using whatever was available in the home—furniture, their own body weight, even a few wine bottles.

There were some students who dropped off essential supplies and workout gear to their seniors’ doorsteps.

“Our students demonstrated effective professional discretion, work ethic and care for their seniors,” Crawley said. “They developed confidence in themselves to adapt, be nimble and get through this.

While the lessons learned from this experience weren’t our original learning objectives for the course, they certainly will be moving forward.”

The Spring 2020 semester ultimately saw 1,728 courses move from face-to-face to remote instruction as a result of the pan-

AS VIRTUAL MEETINGS become the new normal, show your Argo pride with special UWF Zoom backgrounds.

demic. Dr. George Ellenberg, UWF provost and senior vice president, said the transition happened “almost overnight,” and he remained committed to prioritizing four focus areas: safety, quality of instruction, flexibility and creativity.

UWF’s transition was smooth, aided by an early adoption of remote course delivery.

The University launched its first fully-online program in the fall of 1998.

“One critical factor that helped prepare us was a decision made years ago—during hurricane planning—that whether a faculty member used our learning management system or not, we would create an e-learning shell for each course section, so the technology was ready and waiting,” Ellenberg said.

Dr. Pamela Benz, professor of chemistry and leader of the STEM Success program, noted an increased ease among students in introductory chemistry courses to ask ques-

tions and speak up about their academic and personal challenges in the remote learning environment, more so than they normally would in face-to-face classes.

“The feedback I received indicated students really appreciated having multiple ways to seek out help, both during live lectures or through online chat and class discussion,” Benz said. “Previously, chemistry courses were taught face-to-face so we had to adapt quickly to online instruction.

Fortunately, the technology and resources available at UWF helped us make the transition smoothly. The chemistry faculty responded immediately and within a few days our classes were fully online.”

Faculty, staff and senior administration recognized early on that a change in the way their courses were delivered was not the only disruption the pandemic caused in students’ lives. UWF students faced a multitude of stressors because of the pandemic—from finances, to housing or family issues—and the UWF community rallied behind them.

More than 200 students were unable to return home during the spring semester and remained on campus. Housing and Residence Life worked with them to ensure

AS THE COVID-19 global pandemic continues to challenge us in ways we never imagined, it has also created opportunities to prove the indomitable Argo spirit.

they had on-campus housing, in addition to dining services and residence assistance.

The John C. Pace Library loaned out laptops to any UWF student who needed one so they could complete the semester.

A satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading option was implemented in the spring to aid in the transition to remote course delivery, and the Global Online Learning and De-

“Students finished courses. Students graduated. Our deans, department chairs, faculty, staff and students all pitched in, and it was heartening to see it.”

Dr. George Ellenberg, UWF provost and senior vice president velopment team provided both students and faculty with immediate, high-quality support, training and resources to promote excellence and success in remote education.

Students facing lost wages, food insecurity or other financial hardships benefited from a crowdfunding campaign that raised $150,000 for the Student Emergency Support Fund. UWF cross country coach

Caleb Carmichael pitched in to the effort, running seven marathons in seven days to raise money for Argo Pantry.

The UWF community also contributed to student financial support—and found some encouragement—for three weeks in June, during the “Songs of Impact” project.

Argos could submit cover songs or original music, and members of the public voted on their favorite songs and donated to UWF initiatives that help students in need. UWF students Delaney Beal and Nathan Keeton won first place with 1,221 votes for their song, “Home Is Where The Heart Is.” When Ellenberg looks back on his four focus areas to navigate COVID-19— safety, quality of instruction, flexibility and creativity—he sees a UWF community that succeeded despite extenuating circumstances.

“Even though we had all this upheaval, we had a successful spring semester,” he said. “Students finished courses. Students graduated. Our deans, department chairs, faculty, staff and students all pitched in, and it was heartening to see it. We were poised and ready to shift, and we will move forward with that same mentality.”

ROUTINE CLEANING and disinfecting is key to maintaining a safe environment.

All Argos have a role to play to slow the spread of COVID-19.

SABRINA CORBIN, a lab technician in the Sea3D Additive Manufacturing Laboratory, wears a face shield developed by Sea3D.

UWF Supports the Community During COVID-19 Pandemic This spring and summer, UWF deployed its resources to aid the community during the COVID-19 crisis.

UWF’s Sea3D Additive Manufacturing Laboratory manufactured more than 6,000 3D-printed full face shields for health care workers, free of charge.

Dr. Alison Green, chair of the UWF Department of Global Hospitality & Tourism Management, changed her weekly podcast, “Navigating Hospitality,” into a virtual roundtable that brought together leaders from the hospitality and tourism industries to support each other and find solutions for businesses affected by the pandemic.

NICOLE GISLASON from UWF’s Haas Center distributes 3D-printed face shields to medical workers.

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ATH LE TICS

A FA M I LY T R A D I T I O N

THE SHINNICKS A

sk University of West Florida head football coach Pete Shinnick about any play from the 2019 playoffs, and he cites the minutest of details with an encyclopedic memory. None of the smile-inducing memories of the NCAA Division II national championship culminating plays compare to the loving smile that resonates when he recalls how his four children reacted to those moments from their sideline vantage point, though.

Each of the Shinnick siblings

BY TOM ST. MYER watched from the Argo sideline that victorious day in McKinney, Texas.

Pete shared his first hug after the Argos clinched the championship with his daughter Rachel. The second oldest of the Shinnick children, 23-year-old Rachel spent the past three seasons on the sideline with her dad, dutifully writing notes after each play for him. Pete smiles as he recalls a team photo that appeared in the Pensacola News Journal the day after the title game with Rachel standing behind her

Family affair: Shinnicks create family-friendly culture at UWF

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dad with her mouth ajar in mid-celebratory shout.

Rachel inherited jotting down notes from her older sister, 25-year-old UWF alumna Anna Stuva, and now she is passing the responsibility on to their youngest brother, 18-year-old Ben, a 2020 Tate High School graduate who enrolled this fall at UWF. The third of the four Shinnick siblings, 20-year-old Elijah, is admittedly too amped for the role. The Pensacola State College sophomore prefers to stand on the sideline and scream and fist pump after plays, not write down notes. Elijah is a hyped-up version of Rachel, both caring and passionate about UWF football. Analytical and reserved describe Anna and Ben, but they share the same sweet and caring personalities as their siblings.

Pete credits his wife, Traci, first and foremost for their children growing up with a loving foundation in place. She, in turn, credits him for involving their children and creating a family-friendly culture at each program he has coached. Pete learned from his childhood the importance of involving his family in his coaching career. His late father, Don Shinnick, won three Super Bowls in a 13-year NFL career and

“THERE’S ONLY SO MUCH YOU CAN SEE FROM THE STANDS, BUT TO BE RIGHT THERE IN THE ACTION AND WATCH HOW HE INTERACTS WITH HIS PLAYERS AND ENCOURAGES THEM AND SPEAKS LIFE INTO THEM IS SO SPECIAL.”

then served as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bears, St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots. Pete missed out on valuable time with his dad until high school when he started standing on the sideline, writing game notes for his dad.

“My dad coached in the NFL, so during the first part of the season, I only saw him late Thursday nights and early Friday afternoons until probably 1979,” Pete said.

“For the first 15 years of my life during the season, that’s all I really saw of my dad. I just knew there was a better way to do it, and part of the reason I wanted to be a head coach was to be able to control the schedule. We go in really early in the morning so that when practice ends, we can eat dinner with our families. We’ve created a family-friendly environment so that families can be around. The kids have always been around in some shape or form.”

The Shinnick children each tell stories about growing up on football fields. Anna said her earliest memories

The Argos let a double-digit lead slip away and took possession down by four points with the ball at their own 25-yard line and just 2:12 on the clock.

“Against Valdosta when we were Anna Stuva, oldest of the four down, right be- Shinnick children fore we came back and won I was thinking, ‘Whoa, we could lose right now,’” Rachel said. “I remember looking at my dad, and he was just like, ‘We got this, watch. We got this.”

“Dad” proved prophetic as the Argos marched down the field for a touchdown with six seconds remaining to eliminate the defending national champions 38-35.

are from playing on the tackle dummies and in the track and field jump pit at Azusa Pacific University, where her dad served as head coach from 1999-2005.

His next stop, University of North Carolina-Pembroke, is where at age 16 Anna started following him along the sideline, jotting down whatever he told her after each play. Those precious moments together made her appreciate how her dad has positively shaped the lives of his players.

“There’s something really special about watching him in his element,” said Anna, who lives in California with her husband Cam and their 1-year-old daughter Elsie. “There’s only so much you can see from the stands, but to be right there in the action and watch how he interacts with his players and encourages them and speaks life into them is so special.”

Ask the Shinnick siblings their favorite memories with their dad on the sideline, and the thrilling comeback win at defending national champion Valdosta State is mentioned as often as the national title game.

The thrilling victory set off jubilation as UWF players, coaches and fans rushed onto the field. Amid the celebration, a tearful Elijah found his dad.

“I was filming video and at the end of it, I ran up, crying, and hugged my dad,” Elijah said. “I don’t know why that sticks with me so much, but that just shows how emotionally invested my family and I were, along with all of the fans.”

Assistant head coach Steve Saulnier said players notice those types of interactions between their head coach and his children. His actions tell the players that his message about the importance of family is more than rhetoric.

“Players see coach live out what he talks about,” said Saulnier, an assistant to Shinnick since 2006. “Players see, wow, coach has family on the sidelines. He’s not separating them. It’s one big family. There’s so much mutual respect between the players and him, and for his players to see his children involved on the sideline sends a great message.”

PHOTOS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Coach Shinnick taking notes on the sidelines in 1982 for his father, head coach for the football program at Central Methodist College; Shinnick family pose with the Two Rivers Classic trophy after University of North Carolina at Pembroke defeated Fayetteville State University in 2008; Coach Shinnick with his daughter Rachel during the national anthem at the 2019 NCAA Division II National Championship football game against Minnesota State.

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2

BRIDGING THE GAP

As part of its Career Readiness initiative launched in 2015, the National Association of Colleges and Employers has identified eight career-related core competencies: critical thinking and problem solving; oral and written communications; teamwork and collaboration; digital technology; leadership; professionalism and work ethic; career management; and global and intercultural fluency.

This year, NACE compiled two reports— Job Outlook 2020 and Class of 2019 Student Survey—to compare perceived

Argo2Pro Creating a ‘Career Ready’ College Journey

BY BRITTANY SWINFORD ’11

n an ever-changing, competitive job market, college students face the challenge of proving themselves “career-ready” upon graduation.

At the University of West Florida, the Office of Career Development and Community Engagement is partnering with students to ensure they meet the mark.

In 2019, UWF launched Argo2Pro, a career readiness program designed to help students craft a detailed plan for developing vital skills, with a database that logs their progress and shows employers they’re not only academically prepared, but ready to excel in their chosen field.

“Across the nation, we see employer expectations of students’ ‘soft skills’ are not met—areas like communication, teamwork and collaboration, professionalism, work ethic and more,” said Lauren Loeffler, executive director of CDCE. “The goal of Argo2Pro is to help bridge the gap when it comes to workforce readiness for graduates, to help students develop and better articulate their skill level in key areas.”

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proficiency in the eight core competencies.

With the exception of teamwork and collaboration, there’s a gap in every competency showing that students perceive themselves more proficient at skills than employers presume them to be. For example, 88.3% of students surveyed considered themselves proficient in professionalism and work ethic, compared to 46.5% of employers.

“I don’t think the problem is a lack of skills in students,” said Tim Moore, associate director of CDCE. “I think it’s a lack of ability to communicate their skills.”

CDCE at UWF developed the Argo2Pro platform around the NACE core competencies, as well as those identified by employers in Northwest Florida as most important to the region’s specific workforce needs.

“I’m very validated by the work UWF is doing,” Loeffler said. “When we were developing our competencies, we approached our internal and external workforce partners to find out what’s most important to them when hiring new employees. It was an important step for us as a regional comprehensive university, in that we’re serving our community and need to remain connected to their unique needs.”

A R GO2 PR O

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LAUREN LOEFFLER, executive director of Career Development and Community Engagement at UWF.

HOW IT WORKS UWF students start their Argo2Pro journey by completing a skill confidence assessment to identify their strengths and the skills still needed to become careerready. With the assessment results in hand, they can work with a career coach to create an individualized career plan unique to their specific development needs.

The career plans help students identify activities and set a timeline of when to pursue academic, co-curricular and other high impact or experiential involvement opportunities that most closely align with their professional goals.

The eight career readiness skills featured in Argo2Pro are grouped into three overarching competencies. Students earn certificates for each competency when they achieve all of the skills associated with it, as they log their progress in ArgoPulse.

Once a student earns all three certificates, they earn the “Career Ready” designation

CAREER READINESS FOR AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE Loeffler emphasized the consistency and reliability of core competencies to help graduates navigate an unpredictable job market.

“The workforce has changed since the Great Recession,” she said. “Industries are leaner, making the job market more competitive and multi-level skills necessary.

It’s currently a more cooperative, projectand team-based workforce that makes it difficult to get hired solely as an expert in your field.

“Now, we’re preparing students for an unknown job market as we wait to see what changes the pandemic brings. The only consistent trends of needs in the job market have always been these soft skills. With Argo2Pro, we’re helping students focus on the right skills to ensure their success postgraduation, no matter the job market.”

CDCE utilizes Handshake to connect UWF students with employers. If you have an internship or employment opportunity or are interested in becoming a mentor to a UWF student, contact career@uwf.edu.

to stand out when employers review applicants posted in Handshake, the job posting site utilized by CDCE. As part of the program’s launch, CDCE partnered with summer orientation and Foundations for Academic Success courses to increase awareness among first-timein-college students. Approximately 500 students completed the confidence skills assessment, with more than 200 creating career plans as of May 2020.

“This program helps students outline a path from college to career by identifying the industry they want to work in, then connecting skills to those jobs,” Moore said. “Ultimately, we’re teaching students how to make their college experience marketable to future employers.”

“With Argo2Pro, we’re helping students focus on the right skills to ensure their success post-graduation, no matter the job market.”

Lauren Loeffler, executive director of CDCE

TIMOTHY MOORE, associate director of Career Education, holds a virtual meeting with a student to provide vital career readiness skills.

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No matter where you left off...

UWF can help you finish strong.

Whether you’re searching for a new career, looking to advance in the one you’re already in or wanting to achieve your dream of completing your college degree, the University of West Florida can help you finish strong. In-person, online and hybrid formats are available for learners of all kinds.

A P P LY N OW

uwf.edu/FinishStrong

ALU M N I

GO ARG OS! Submit your finished coloring pages to social@uwf.edu!

UWF RESOURCES REACH

Argos At Home

Submit your finish pages to ed social@uw coloring f.edu!

UWF COLORING PAGES for little Argos at home.

BY CLAIRE STEWART

The nationwide instruction to “flatten the curve” comes with natural challenges. Among them, finding new ways to exercise, enjoying the company of others and staying informed as circumstances quickly change. UWF Alumni Relations created a webpage to help ease many of these worries.

n March, when most Americans began heading home to slow the spread of COVID-19, the University of West Florida Alumni Relations team got to work creating a resource for alumni, students and their families called “Argos At Home.”

From self-care and exercise plans to book suggestions and coloring pages, the UWF alumni webpage is filled with information and activities from various UWF entities.

The page also includes content created by Argo alumni.

When she could no longer offer in-person yoga classes, alumna Caroline Hughes ’14 hosted a free weeklong virtual yoga retreat.

When face coverings were hard to find in

the Pensacola community, Whitney Fike ’07 created a video tutorial for sewing cloth masks out of items found around the home.

A link to these videos can be found on the Argos at Home webpage.

“We see this page as an asset for anyone who is staying home and trying to flatten the curve,“ said Katie Schutts, assistant director of Alumni Relations and creator of Argos At Home. “Whether you need a new podcast to listen to, entertainment for your littlest Argos or career resources so you can begin interviewing for jobs, we hope Argos At Home is a helpful resource that makes your quarantine time a little bit easier.”

Take advantage of these resources at uwf.edu/argosathome.

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ALUMNI PR O FIL E S

Will Condon President, Studer Family Children’s Hospital and Women’s Services at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola

’10, ’16

In the last 10 years, Will Condon’s career has skyrocketed from marketing coordinator for Ascension Sacred Heart to president of the Studer Family Children’s Hospital.

He’s learned firsthand the value in remaining adaptable and leaning into new challenges—skills that were tested as he faced a global pandemic within his first year in the corner office.

How has the global pandemic changed your day-to-day responsibilities?

Starting back in mid-March, all of my team’s attention went to preparing for the potential surge of COVID-19 patients. We needed to make sure we had the proper staffing and personal protective equipment to keep our staff safe and proper isolation rooms to care for these unique patients. On top of that, we were still trying to run normal hospital operations since we are the region’s only pediatric trauma center. Emergencies do not wait and we had to be ready to care for whatever walked through our doors. Now, we are trying to balance both situations at the same time by caring for our COVID-19 patients, while running a busy children’s hospital that serves the entire Gulf Coast region.

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What lessons have you learned so far, leading a children’s hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The biggest thing I’ve learned is that you are not always going to have 100% of the information to make a decision for your organization. Sometimes 80% is good enough in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. I can remember some days the CDC recommendations would change twice a day because they were learning as the virus progressed throughout the country and world. I also learned the more diversity you have at the table, including doctors, nurses, environmental services experts, infection control, supply chain management and more, the better plan you will have for your organization. The leader does not have to be the smartest person in the room making the decision; the leader’s job is to make sure the right people are at the table to make the best decision for the organization.

What has most inspired you about working in healthcare through the unprecedented challenges of the last several months?

I am inspired by our associates who show up to work every day ready to take care of our patients, not knowing what illness or injury a child might have. They put themselves in potentially risky situations to ensure our patients and their families are treated like family. I am inspired by our leadership team—Lisa Gardner, vice president of nursing, and Dr. Jason Foland, pediatrician in chief, have led by example during this pandemic. They listened to our associates’ concerns, struggles and needs. They made rounds almost daily on the units to make sure everyone felt safe and had the proper tools and equipment to do their job effectively. Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart worked together as a team to provide the personalized, compassionate care our patients and families expect. I am proud to be a small part of this great mission caring for our region’s children.

Praise Pettus Registered Nurse, Baptist Hospital

As a registered nurse at Baptist Hospital, Praise Pettus was prepared for a demanding and sometimes stressful job, but she never anticipated being on the front lines of a global pandemic in her first three years. She said her experience over the past six months has challenged her and taught her valuable lessons that she will remember forever.

’17

Why did you choose to pursue a nursing career?

From a young age, I always knew my heart’s desire was to help people in need.

My mother is also a nurse, so seeing how much she loved the profession made me feel that I would be doing something worthwhile.

How did your education at UWF prepare you for your current role?

The nursing program at UWF is very prestigious and the instructors hold us to a high standard of nursing care and excellence.

My education made me feel much more prepared and more comfortable going into the profession because I knew what was expected of me.

How has the pandemic changed your daily life as a nurse?

The pandemic has changed my perspective on how I can support my patients. I’m thankful to be alive and healthy during this time, so I truly cherish my ability to work and the time I spend with my patients. No visitors are currently allowed in the hospital, so my patients really appreciate the time I take just to talk to and be with them.

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SUSTAINING ALUMNI MEMBERSHIP PERKS

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Special event invitations and early information about UWF events.

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A printed and mailed edition of every Connection Magazine.

Perk

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Contribution to the future success of the University of West Florida and so much more.

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Perk

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Access to on-campus facilities like the UWF Aquatics Center

ALU M N I

UWF Sustaining Alumni Program A Message From the Alumni Association President FELLOW ALUMNI, What a wild year it has been!

In March, when the world began to change drastically and the needs of our fellow Argos began to evolve, I am proud to say that UWF Alumni sprung into action to support one another.

The move to remote work and virtual instruction at UWF also brought about the cancellation of many of our planned alumni events. We were sad to cancel Day of Giving as well as alumni network events and the spring commencement ceremonies.

Though these events changed the landscape of UWF alumni networking opportunities, we found new ways to connect with alumni across the nation. In June, I was honored to host a virtual alumni trivia night, with 21 teams from across the country joining us on Zoom battling it out to become UWF Alumni trivia champions. In May, we held the Argos on the Move virtual 5K for alumni, which had tremendous support from our alumni base including 280 registered runners, 164 of whom shared their 5k photos with us, 80 gifts to the Student Emergency Support Fund and $1,078 raised to help UWF students in need.

We have seen through thick and thin, Argos are dedicated to supporting their alma mater and its mission. This year, we have a very special opportunity for our alumni to continue their support.

The UWF Alumni Association aims to build a community of Argos who are committed to the future of our institution, the success of their classmates and our growing global network of alumni. After you graduate, we bring you opportunities to connect with old friends at Homecoming and through network events, draw career inspiration from fellow alumni near and far and stay upto-date on University happenings.

In recent years we have seen a surge of enthusiastic alumni who are ready to dig in, give back and provide support for Argo Nation. In response to this interest and the evolving needs of our University and student body, we are unveiling the UWF Sustaining Alumni Program.

Our current membership model recognizes all alumni as members, a status earned when you received your diploma. If you opt to invest even more in the future of UWF, you can make a gift to support a University fund you are passionate about. Alumni who make this contribution will be considered a Sustaining Alumni and we’ll show our appreciation by providing you an enhanced level of benefits (listed at alumni.uwf/SustainingAlumni). Sustaining Alumni Membership is just $20 a year ($15 for graduates of the last five years). Membership comes with many perks, including special invitations and early communications about UWF events and access to the UWF Recreation and Aquatic Center. You will also have the pride of knowing you are contributing to the future success of the University of West Florida and our students.

This membership model allows us to do even more in the coming years to serve all alumni. We are excited about this new opportunity and we hope you are too.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our cause.

Go Argos!

Eric Brammer President UWF Alumni Association

Stay Connected with UWF Alumni | Connect.uwf.edu |

/UWFAlumni Fall 2020

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C LASS NOTE S

Class Notes 1970s

’71 Dr. Bobby L. Livingston, B.S. Systems Science; Livingston was awarded the UWF Alumni Trailblazer Award at the 2020 UWF Trailblazer Awards ceremony. ’75 James O. Gatson, B.A. Social Work; Gatson was awarded the Faith and Service Award at the 2020 UWF Trailblazer Awards ceremony. ’77 Beverly A. Williamson (Jennings), B.S. Management; Williamson joined the board of directors for Turtle & Hughes, one of the nation’s largest independent electrical and industrial distribution companies serving the industrial, construction, commercial, electrical contracting, export and utility markets. She recently retired from Johnson & Johnson, where she worked for 30 years.

1980s ’82 John F. Clancy, MBA; Clancy was named director of strategic partnerships at Life Learning Center in Covington, Kentucky. ’84 Stanley Harper, B.A. Communication; Harper was named a top influencer by the American Diabetes Association.

1990s ’90 The Honorable Jewel L. Cannada-Wynn (Andrews), MAT History; Councilwoman CannadaWynn was awarded the Servant Leader Award at the 2020 UWF Trailblazer Awards ceremony.

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’92 Dr. Michael Weber, MBA; Weber was hired as the dean of the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. ’95 Jason S. Coker, M.S. Systems & Control Engineering; Coker was named Vice Director of Arnold Engineering Development Complex at Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee. ’96 Orlando Figueredo, M.S. Computer Science – Software Engineering; Figueredo joined Perspecta as vice president, business development for its intelligence group. In this role, Figueredo will be responsible for all business development activities for the group.

’03 Jamila Lateefah Richardson, B.S.B.A. Management; Richardson was recognized as a 2020 Rising Star by Inweekly magazine. Rising Stars are nominated by their peers, clients and bosses as up-and-coming leaders in the Pensacola area and in their fields. Richardson did not appear on the list of Rising Stars that was published in the Spring 2020 issue of Connection magazine. We sincerely regret this error. ’05 & ’13 Sonia Suzette Baughman, B.S.B.A. – Professional Accountancy & MBA; Baughman was named CFO of Summerville Medical Center in Summerville, South Carolina.

’97 Lori Ann E. Ogles (Erickson), MBA; Ogles was named Woman of the Year 2020 by the American Business Women’s Association, Emerald Coast Chapter.

’05 & ’10 Elizabeth Piper-Grace Mann, B.A. Elementary Education & M.A. Exceptional Student Education; Mann was named Santa Rosa County School District’s Teacher of the Year.

She is a student education inclusion teacher at Oriole Beach Elementary School in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

’99 Cynthia Shizuko Hatcher (Doster), B.A. Elementary Education; Hatcher was named the new director of Hillside School and Learning Center, located outside of Los Angeles. Hillside School uses small class sizes, one-toone teaching techniques, positive reinforcement and psychological services to reach students who have disengaged from learning–whether due to psychological, motivational or behavioral factors.

’06 Cheyenna Moonlight Novotny (Reber), M.S. Biology; Novotny was named Escambia County School District’s Teacher of the Year. She is a chemistry and environmental science teacher at West Florida High School in Pensacola. Her students established a campus-wide recycling program with the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority, becoming the only school in the district to have an official recycling program.

’99 Harrison Anthony Peters, B.A. Elementary Education; Peters was selected to be the superintendent of Providence Public Schools in Providence, Rhode Island. Formerly the chief of schools-administration for Hillsborough County Public Schools in Florida, Peters will be charged with improving Providence schools.

’06 & ’08 Gary Dean Peters, B.S.B.A. Management & MBA; Peters was recognized as a 2020 Rising Star by Inweekly magazine. Rising Stars are nominated by their peers, clients and bosses as up-and-coming leaders in the Pensacola area and in their fields.

Peters did not appear on the list of Rising Stars that was published in the Spring 2020 issue of Connection magazine. We sincerely regret this error.

2000s ’01 Michael David Pia, M.S. Computer Science – Software Engineering; Pia joined the Texas A&M Foundation as chief information officer. In this role, he will supervise and guide the Foundation’s investment team in managing a portfolio meant to meet the needs of Texas A&M.

’07 Alicia Maxine Wilson-Lopez, M.S. HLES/Exercise Science; WilsonLopez was inducted into the William Carey University Hall of Fame, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She was recognized for her outstanding achievements on the university’s soccer team, as well as her subsequent career in coaching.

CAMPUS HIGHLIGHT Constructed in 1990, the Cantor al Sol archway in front of Building 21 is an icon for the University.

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CLASS NOTE S

’07, ’09 & ’13 Candice Rachel Blackburn (Knowles), B.A. Elementary Education, M.A. Exceptional Student Education & M.Ed. Educational Leadership Certificate; Blackburn was selected to be included in the Who’s Who Top Educators in America list for 2020. She teaches at Molino Park Elementary School in Escambia County.

’69 Franklin D. Holtzman, B.S. Management

’77 Lt. Terrence L. Kramer, B.A. Accounting

’69 & ’72 Dr. Jack W. Cerone, B.A. & M.A. History

’78 Agnes B. Gates (Botek), M.A. Psychology

’69 & ’82 Keith W. Miller, B.A. History & M.Ed. Educational Leadership

’80 Caroline T. Coling (Young), B.A. Social Work

’69 Mickey G. Settle, B.A. Mathematics

’07 & ’17 Wesley Michael Meiss, B.A. Psychology & M.A. Public History; Meiss was named site manager for the Lincoln/Fort Stanton Historic Sites in Lincoln County, New Mexico, by the New Mexico Historic Sites Division.

’70 Bobbie Jernigan, B.A. Elementary Education

’80 & ’90 Ernest Green, B.S. Sports Science & M.Ed. Educational Leadership

2010s

’70 Michael G. Spires, B.A. Communication Arts

’10 Douglas Wade Allen Johnson, B.S. Physical Education; Johnson was appointed to be the senior director of operations by the YMCA of the Palm Beaches in Palm Beach, Florida.

In this role, he will oversee the daily operations of the YMCA’s aquatic, membership and wellness programs. ’12 Amy Kathryn Tuck Farrington, MSA Public Administration; Farrington joined the staff of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce in Bradenton, Florida, as vice president, public policy and small business. She will focus on the Manatee Chamber’s policy development and advocacy efforts at all levels of government, as well as strategic resources for small businesses.

’70 Elaine G. Longuet (Shuler), B.A. Social Work ’70 Elizabeth G. Welch (Knoll), M.A. Elementary Education

’70 Patricia A. Dufresne (Sapp), B.A. Elementary Education ’70 William H. Henkel, B.S. Industrial Technology ’71 George D. Hall, B.A. History ’71 Janet R. Evans (Edwards), B.A. Elementary Education ’72 Joseph F. Mann, B.A. Economics ’72 & ’79 Luther F. Sitten, MBA & M.A. Economics ’73 Laurie E. Thrash, M.Ed. Educational Leadership ’74 Charles W. Mask, M.Ed. Educational Leadership

’80 Lynda Stevens Zehner, B.A. Social Work ’82 Glenda K. Sutton, B.A. Political Science ’84 Jennifer H. Kent, M.A. Elementary Education ’84 Col. Lawrence A. Grannis, M.S. Systems Analysis ’84 Commander William L. Triemer, B.A. Accounting Information Systems ’86 Charles R. Million, B.A. Music ’86 Helen Simmons (Cleaveland), B.A. Accounting ’87 Charles A. Fell, B.A. Accounting Information Systems ’87 Jerry L. Martin, B.A. Special Education ’89 Lt. Jerome L. Gudvangen, B.S. Building Construction ’96 Rita R. Mabie III (Evanoff), B.S.B.A. Finance

’15 Savannah Renee Jernigan, MSA Public Administration; Jernigan was selected to be included in the Who’s Who Top Educators in America list for 2020. She teaches at Jim Allen Elementary School in Escambia County.

’74 & ’88 Richard E. Zepp, B.S. Teacher Education & M.S. Physical Education

In Memoriam

’77 Ralph M. Boyd, M.S. Health, Leisure and Sports

’68 Clifford E. Nilson, B.S. Management

’77 Richard G. Mathews, B.S. Management

’17 Joseph Millis, MSN Nursing Education

’69 & ’84 Betty Brownell Urquhart, B.A. & M.A. Elementary Education

’77 Shirley J. Langdon (Jensen), B.A. Interdisciplinary Social Science

’18 Brandon Jacob (BJ) Harmon, B.S. Health Care Administration

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’76 Adeline L. Fendick (Lambach), B.A. Elementary Education ’76 Steven Tyler George, B.S. Health, Leisure and Sports

’97 Kerry D. Adams, B.A. Social Work ’99 Leslie Lee Vester (Hawthorne), B.A. Elementary Education ’13 Jacob Robert Gagne, B.A. Psychology ’13 Sara Elizabeth Bechler, B.S. HLES/Sport Management

REWARDING

Argo Spirit The University of West Florida attracts students from across the country— those with potential to become future leaders who will change the world.

We’re proud to call them Argos, and we show it by rewarding their hard work with our most prestigious scholarships.

Argo Spirit Scholarship recipients stand apart for demonstrating strength of character in overcoming obstacles, fighting for something important or making an impact in high school.

Austin Witt, freshman psychology major, is a 2020 Argo Spirit Scholarship recipient recognized for his desire to pursue a career in counseling psychology after seeing firsthand the negative impacts of mental illness in his family. He said he dreams of one day using his experience by offering pro bono counseling to those who otherwise couldn’t afford it.

We believe in the power of higher education to change lives—paving the way for students like Witt to earn a degree is one way we’re making it happen.

UWF awards the Argo Spirit Scholarship and similar scholarships through generous donations. To donate, visit uwf.edu/give.

UWF ADMISSIONS brought the celebration to local freshmen who were awarded full-ride scholarships, including Austin Witt, recipient of the Argo Spirit Scholarship, during a weeklong caravan parade.

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

Shaping the World.

INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERS. Real change occurs in that split second. A moment of connection among people.

Change is inclusive. Change is collaborative. Change is transformative. Change connects.

What will you change?

What will change you? uwf.edu/NoLimits

Dr. Justice Mbizo CHAIR & ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR PUBLIC HEALTH