Connection Spring 2020

Spring 2020 | Alumni & Friends Magazine

Argos smash records, claim DII national title in fourth season

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UWF CHAMPIONS BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS WITH NEW CENTER

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NEW LAB SCIENCES ANNEX OPENS DOORS OF RESEARCH POSSIBILITIES

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SCOTT KELLER BRIDGES GAP FROM CLASSROOM TO INDUSTRY

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Inside 2 CONNECTION MAGAZINE Spring 2020 PRESIDENT Dr. Martha D. Saunders VICE PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT Howard J. Reddy ALUMNI RELATIONS AND ADVANCEMENT Missy Grace ’10 Claire Stewart

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Megan Gonzalez ’09, ’15 MANAGING EDITORS Margaret Roberts ’12 Brittany Sherwood ’14 SENIOR EDITORS Tom St. Myer Brittany Swinford ’11 DESIGN STRATEGY AND LAYOUT Jennifer Peck ’08 DESIGN Lacey Berry ’12 ART DIRECTION AND PHOTOGRAPHY Morgan Givens ’18 Bernard Wilchusky PRODUCTION EDITOR Michael LeFevre ’17 PROJECT MANAGER Colton Currier ’18 WRITERS AND EDITORS Jamie Calvert ’20 Allison Morgan Jenny Pedraza Leonor Roper ’19

Q&A WITH THE PRESIDENT

3 LETTER FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

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NEWS & NOTES CENTER FOR BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS

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LABORATORY SCIENCES ANNEX

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: SCOTT KELLER

15 NCAA DIVISION II

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

CENTER

26 ALUMNI EVENTS 27 ALUMNI PROFILE:

STEPHEN WRIGHT

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ALUMNI PROFILE: HONG POTOMSKI SNAPSHOTS CLASS NOTES

Web uwf.edu/alumni Phone 800.226.1893 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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21 UWF HIDDEN GEMS 23 DARRELL GOODEN

CONTACT US Email alumni@uwf.edu

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15 NCAA DIVISION II NATIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS The UWF football team accomplishes one of the most remarkable postseason runs in NCAA history in its journey to the University’s 10th team national championship.

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Q&A with President Saunders

The University of West Florida football team made history in December 2019 by winning its first NCAA Division II national championship in only its fourth season. President Martha D. Saunders describes that momentous day and the impact football has had on the University.

You were watching from the sidelines when UWF football won the national championship in December. Can you describe the atmosphere among UWF fans in those moments and what that victory meant to you as president of the University? The whole scene at the championship game—the fans, the noise, the awesome Argo team—took my breath away. I would describe it as the most majestic exhibition of Argo pride I have ever seen. Everywhere I looked, I saw crowds decked out in blue and green, cheering our boys on. So many emotions welled up in me—pride, gratitude and quintessential joy. I remember thinking what an honor it is to be president of this great University. Make every minute count!

How have you seen the football program enhance and transform the campus culture at UWF in its first four seasons? I think football unites students, faculty, staff, alumni and community in an extraordinary way. It has added a rich element to campus life and has crystallized the feel of a traditional university experience. In addition, student-athletes are natural leaders. They inspire a positive competitive spirit among the student body.

What is your favorite gameday experience at Blue Wahoos Stadium? I tell everybody UWF game day at Wahoos Stadium is the best party in town. It does my heart good to see a stadium packed with friends and families enjoying time together and cheering for the hometown team. People come early, enjoy leisurely tailgating and stay late to congratulate our team.

The awesome waterfront views from the stadium remind us why we love living and learning in this community.

V P L E TTE R

News & Notes Letter from the

Vice President ALUMNI AND FRIENDS,

2019 was an exceptional year for our University, and we will continue to deliver excellence in 2020. After winning a national championship in football, opening a state-ofthe-art Center for Cybersecurity in downtown Pensacola and attracting the most major gifts in one year to the University, 2019 has certainly carried us to new heights. We must continue to join together as UWF alumni, supporters and friends as we strive to achieve even greater milestones in the future.

In April, we will host our third annual Day of Giving. This 24-hour online fundraising effort invites UWF supporters to invest in the programs and initiatives that mean the most to them.

Our theme this year is Battle of the Decades.

This competition challenges each alumni decade group to engage one another and provide the most support to their alma mater. We invite you to join your fellow alumni and friends by donating at DayofGiving.uwf.edu on April 16.

Together, we are an unstoppable force. Our collective impact transforms what is possible.

You make the difference and we thank you.

Sincerely,

Howard J. Reddy Vice President for University Advancement

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Recent news from the University of West Florida

BY JAMIE CALVERT ’20

N E WS & N OT ES

Longtime UWF supporters leave transformational legacy with $2 million gift

Valmae and Ron Besser, ardent advocates for UWF, gifted approximately $2 million in support of their existing scholarship endowments. Their longstanding history of generosity began in 1999 when the Bessers established two endowed scholarships—one for the Department of English and another for the Department of History. A third endowment was developed in 2010, created specifically for students working in theatre design and technical theatre programs.

Following Val’s passing in summer 2019, the University received one last gift from the Bessers, establishing a legacy of commitment to higher education and the advancement of students.

UWF DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE presents William Shakespeare’s “Othello.”

UWF brings home big honors in 2019 This year, we took home more than gold. UWF ranked among the top 15 public regional institutions in the South in the 2020 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, making it the only public university in the state of Florida to rank in the top 15 of the Top Public Schools—Regional Universities South list.

UWF faculty and staff are among the most talented and accomplished in the nation, for good reason. For the seventh time,

UWF appeared on the list of Great Colleges to Work For. This distinction comes from the collection of data from university employees on workforce practices and policies. Finally, UWF was awarded the 2019 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity, or HEED, Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

The award recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

2019

®

Top Colleges for Diversity

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NEWS & NOTE S

New partnership between UWF and Jikei College Group addresses global cybersecurity workforce shortage

UWF and the Jikei College Group in Japan announced a partnership that aims to enhance global cybersecurity workforce development, including cooperative education through the exchange of information on curricular and instructional materials, collaboration with the Center for Cybersecurity on industry events and training, and additional study abroad and faculty exchange programs.

The Jikei Group of Colleges is a system of professional training colleges and support companies located throughout Japan, designed to provide education based on the strong belief that professional training colleges are educational institutions for mastering the practical skills and knowledge that will most benefit society.

Dr. Judith Bense, UWF President Emeritus, named to Florida Women’s Hall of Fame Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis selected Bense and two others to be inducted into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame, which honors up to three women each year who have made significant contributions to the improvement of life for women and all Florida citizens. She is the first inductee from Northwest Florida. Bense became UWF’s fifth president in 2008 after serving at the University for 28 years.

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N E WS & N OT ES

Expanded partnership makes Andrews Institute official sports medicine provider for UWF Athletics

UWF’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine expanded their athletic training partnerships which will allow UWF athletes additional access and resources from Andrews Institute’s world-class sports medicine professionals.

Andrews Institute provides certified athletic trainers and athletic-training services for the 400 UWF student-athletes, as well as grants them access to a full-time sports medicine physical therapist at their facility that sits at the edge of UWF’s campus.

ANDREWS INSTITUTE for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and UWF celebrate expanded partnership.

$200k gift names lab in UWF’s Laboratory Sciences Annex

A $200,000 gift from Roger and Dot Hemminghaus named one of the chemistry labs in honor of his parents, Roy and Henrietta. The couple, known and beloved in the Pensacola community, were integral in the development of the Chemstrand Nylon Plant where Roy was senior coordinator and the first plant general manager. Their work established a turning point for the city’s history and growth. This is the first named lab in the newly opened Laboratory Sciences Annex, a state-of-the-art facility that provides additional space for wet teaching labs and offices for faculty and staff.

Personal safety app enhances communication between students and UWFPD

UWF Guardian was launched, providing students with a personal safety app that allows rapid and proactive communication with the UWF Police Department and their safety network of family and friends. The app allows students to provide relevant personal information quickly to the UWFPD during an emergency to decrease response time.

Other features in the app include a direct line to “chat” with UWFPD and leave anonymous tips, and a safety timer that enables students to notify a parent, friend or the UWFPD when they are leaving a location and when they arrive at their destination.

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

Center for Behavior Analysis New Center Meets Critical Needs in Healthcare and Safety

BY JENNY PEDRAZA

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CENTER FOR BA

MICHELLE LAMBERT, assistant director (left), and Dr. Leasha Barry, director (right), lead the Center’s vision to improve lives through an understanding of behavior.

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or families who have a child with autism, the waitlist time to receive behavioral services—or even an official diagnosis— can last for years. This wait represents a loss of time when early intervention and treatment are critical. Families are forced to exist in limbo, bouncing between a maze of different organizations and healthcare providers while struggling to help their child.

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is the most widely accepted evidence-based treatment for autism and is largely based on behavior and its consequences within context. Techniques involve teaching individuals essential skills, addressing contextual variables and overcoming barriers to support the best outcomes.

“Behavior analysts strive to understand behavior and why it occurs,” said Dr. Leasha Barry, director of the University of West Florida Center for Behavior Analysis. “We assess needs, identify goals and formulate interventions to help people overcome barriers, acquire skills and enhance their lives.”

Barry has long been a champion of behavior analysis. She began offering courses in the field at UWF

in the early 2000s, and she collaborated with community stakeholders to help establish the Autism Center of The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, with one of her first graduates chosen as its inaugural leader. In Fall 2018, she advocated for the University to expand on her course offerings, community collaborations and research “We assess needs, to create the Center for identify goals and Behavior Analysis. formulate interventions The UWF Center for Behavior Analysis proto help people vides a collaborative space overcome barriers, where higher education, socially valued service acquire skills and and applied research synenhance their lives.” thesize into meaningful applications. The center is ­—Dr. Leasha Barry, Director of the based in a new space withUWF Center for Behavior Analysis in Argo Village and features two conference rooms, administrative offices and space for collaborations with community partners.

As a leading resource for individuals interested in a career in ABA, the center offers an online curriculum that meets all the

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THE VIRTRA SIMULATOR utilizes technology enabling behavior analysts and law enforcement officers to collaborate and supplement existing training with the science of behavior.

Dayna Beddick ’08, ’16, associate director of the UWF Center for Behavior Analysis

curriculum requirements students need to become certified in ABA at various levels.

A streamlined process for students seeking undergraduate or master’s degrees while obtaining certification is also available.

Ten graduate courses and five undergraduate courses are offered, and the program now boasts 1,000 new enrollments a year.

UWF’s focus on training and preparing behavior analysts for the field could not have come at a better time.

According to a 2019 study for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board Inc., demand for board certified behavior analysts has increased approximately 1,942% from 2010 to 2018. Annual demand for board certified assistant behavior analysts increased by 1,098% in the same time period.

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Applications for behavior analysis are exploding in healthcare, but the field reaches beyond that to touch organizational behavior and public safety.

UWF’s center has invested in a VirTra 300 virtual reality system, which is designed to incorporate ABA in enhancing decision-making simulation and tactical firearms training. Dayna Beddick ’08, ’16, associate director of the UWF Center for Behavior Analysis, in partnership with the UWF Police Department, is leading efforts to establish “real-life” training scenarios specifically for law enforcement, military and school resource officers.

Students seeking certification in the diverse field of behavior analysis must receive

professional supervision by participating in hands-on practicum hours, in addition to their coursework.

Some ABA students intern on campus with UWF Student Accessibility Resources, working within the Argos for Autism program, which provides academic, social, life skills and career planning support to UWF students with autism.

“Students with autism get so much support in grades K-12,” said Michelle Lambert ’12, ’16, assistant director of the UWF Center for Behavior Analysis. “There has been so much focus on support services for children, but those children are growing up, and there is this underserved population of adults.

We want to help them succeed in the transition to college.”

CENTER FOR BA

THE ABA PROGRAM at UWF provides the resources and connections for student mentors and mentees like Tyler Morris ’20 (left) and Jacob Flanigan ’21 (right) to succeed in college.

Jacob Flanigan ’21, an arts administration major and trombone player in the Argo Athletic Band, has participated in Argos for Autism since his freshman year on campus.

One of his first experiences at UWF was a two-day early arrival program that helps new students with autism learn about the resources on campus and make connections with faculty, staff and fellow students.

Last spring, Flanigan also found a student mentor in Tyler Morris ’20, a health science major in the ABA program.

“Jacob and I would meet every Monday at the Chick-fil-A on campus,” Morris said.

“He was very interested in the social aspects of college and meeting friends on campus. We would watch groups of people together

and work on reading their cues and body language. We also did an escape room activity together, which was a lot of fun.”

Partnerships off campus also provide hands-on training for students while filling a critical community need. UWF ABA students work at the Autism Center at Sacred Heart Hospital; serve as highlyspecialized summer camp counselors with Autism Pensacola, a non-profit organization serving individuals and families affected by autism in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties; and work with families at the Lakeview Center at Baptist Health care.

Jessi Truett ’12, is the program director for Lakeview Center at Baptist Health Care, which offers more than 60 programs and services for people with mental health issues, drug and alcohol dependencies or intellectual disabilities. She also teaches ABA courses at UWF.

Under the mentorship of Beddick, Truett worked to establish behavior analysis services at Lakeview Center, and she now hires UWF ABA alumni and hosts students from the program as interns each semester.

“The reason we advocated for adding behavior analysis at Lakeview was because it was the missing piece for hundreds of families,” Truett said. “There was a massive need in Pensacola for these services. A problem was identified, and people who wanted to make a change came together to come up with ideas. When you know something works, you catch this fever and just really want to help as many people as you can.”

“When you know something works, you catch this fever and just really want to help as many people as you can.”

—Jessi Truett ’12, Program Director for Lakeview Center at Baptist Healthcare

JESSI TRUETT ’12, a board

certified behavior analyst, conducts behavioral assessments and oversees implementation of treatment plans for children who pass through Lakeview Center.

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LAB S CIE NCE S ANNE X

MAKING SPACE FOR

Progress

An integral component of the UWF chemistry curriculum is the students’ hands-on experience.

New Laboratory Sciences Annex enhances STEM education at UWF

By Brittany Swinford ’11

he University of West Florida has spent the past decade enhancing its academic offerings in science, technology, engineering and math, ensuring it remains at the forefront of workplace demands. This fall, the new Laboratory Sciences Annex opened its doors, representing the future of STEM education at UWF. The UWF Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering is already home to worldclass faculty and stands apart from other institutions of higher education by offering ample research opportunities to undergraduate students. To reach the next level of innovation, the college needed additional space for students to explore, discover and create.

Enter: the Laboratory Sciences Annex.

Funded by the Florida State Legislature, the $26.26 million, 52,790 squarefoot facility was designed by local architecture firm, Caldwell Associates, with Perkins+Will, a global firm with a specialty in higher education science and technology, and managed by Greenhut Construction Company Inc. of Pensacola.

The annex houses 12 new teaching facilities for the University’s growing biology and chemistry programs and was designed with unfinished “shell” space for potential expansion. MeasureNet

stations, located in the annex, will provide students with high-quality data collection technology for their general, analytical and instrumental chemistry lab courses. The stations are equipped with state-of-the-art probes, providing the opportunity to work with diverse samples and experimental techniques, not previously available.

“With the addition of the annex, the biology department has updated our teaching labs to include state-of-the-art instruction, allowing for the expansion and redevelopment of the overall laboratory experience for UWF students,” said Dr. Peter Cavnar, associate professor of biology and department chair. “The labs have been updated with new microscopes, biosafety cabinets and other important resources that enable the faculty to incorporate current techniques into their teaching labs. Our students are getting an even better education, along with the skills they’ll use after graduation.”

The space provided in the annex impacts every student at UWF who enrolls in a chemistry or biology lab and is critical to their success at UWF and beyond.

—Dr. Karen Molek, MARC principle investigator/scholars program director and chair of the Department of Chemistry

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Cavnar offered more examples of how the Lab Sciences Annex is transforming research opportunities in the biology department: the microbiology labs are currently undergoing renovation to incorporate advanced genomic molecular topics, while the molecular biology labs have been redeveloped to train students in the most up-to-date gene-editing technique, CRISPR. The new space is also creating opportunities for collaboration across departments. Dr. Michelle Jenson, visiting assistant professor, and Dr. John Bratten, chair and professor of anthropology, are utilizing molecular techniques in characterizing shipwrecks. The faculty members, two post-grad interns and two undergraduate students will conduct research on sediments

Students converse in the Annex foyer.

The Annex provides an academic-focused environment for the Department of Biology.

captured from the Emanuel Point shipwrecks, linked to the 16th century Luna settlement, to provide detailed analysis of the first chickens, sheep, goats, rats and mice present in North America.

“When attempting to isolate DNA from challenging samples, such as the artifacts retrieved from the Emanuel Point shipwrecks, strict guidelines must be followed to prevent contamination of the DNA,” Jenson said. “Having new, well equipped lab spaces makes a significant difference. We will be able to work in areas designated for specific tasks. For example, there is plenty of bench space for several researchers to work on different samples simultaneously. We also have new UV laminar flow hoods for setting up our polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, in a separate space. Not all of this was available in Building 58.”

UWF leadership holds a grand opening ceremony for the Annex in September 2019.

In January, the University announced a $200,000 gift to name the Roy and Henrietta (Etts) Hemminghaus Chemistry Lab in the new annex. Roger and Dot Hemminghaus made their generous donation in honor of Roger’s late father, who served as senior project coordinator and general manager for the Chemstrand Corporation nylon plant, established in Pensacola in the 1950s. In addition to marking the first named lab space in the new building, the Hemminghaus gift will also support scholarships for students in the Department of Chemistry.

The chemistry department is currently utilizing the annex for its departmental labs as well as its student research organizations, the MARC Scholars Program and Chemistry Scholars. Dr. Karen Molek, MARC principle investigator/scholars program director and chair of the Department of Chemistry, said the additional

space will allow her department to serve more students, and the cutting-edge technology will better prepare them for labs and workforce needs.

“The space provided in the annex impacts every student at UWF who enrolls in a chemistry or biology lab and is critical to their success at UWF and beyond,” Molek said. “The additional space increases the availability of lab courses for students, thereby helping students graduate in four years. It provides an opportunity for us to create space specifically focused on equipping students to succeed through workshops, coaching, tutoring and mentoring. The teaching space in the annex provides cutting-edge technology and instrumentation for teaching and undergraduate research. It also frees up space in other buildings that will be used to engage more undergraduate research students.”

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FACU LTY SPOTLIGH T

UWF Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Scott Keller An expert in the field of supply chain logistics, Dr. Scott Keller connects students with industry to launch successful careers.

BY ALLISON MORGAN

As a child growing up in the small town of Ozark, Alabama, a seed of curiosity was planted for Dr. Scott Keller. While working at a cotton mill that produced fabric for sacks and military uniforms, he became increasingly interested in the movement of products across the country and wanted to learn and see more.

His journey in the supply chain logistics field took him to California, Arkansas, Tennessee, Michigan, Pennsylvania and eventually, PenDR. KELLER’S connections nationwide are a big player sacola. Moving around, he rose in UWF’s 100% placement through the ranks, holding posirate for graduates in supply tions as trucking dispatcher, warechain logistics. house supervisor and ocean freight terminal superintendent, all the while working to earn his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.

While field work kept Keller busy, his true passion was piqued when he moved into the realm of education.

“I wanted to share my experiences with students,” said Keller, a recipient of the John C. Pace Distinguished Professorship at the University of West Florida’s College of Business. “I felt like I was missing that connection. I needed something more fulfilling that would contribute to my personal development.”

Keller’s first experiences in the world of academia included serving as assistant professor at Pennsylvania State University and Michigan State University. He first learned about UWF while on vacation with a friend in Orange Beach, Alabama.

“I was sharing how much I liked the area and my friend said, ‘You know, there is a great, smaller university near

where we are right now, in Pensacola,’” Keller said. “I had a lot of great research opportunities at the university I worked at in Michigan, but I just wanted to connect with students more.”

Shortly after their conversation, Keller connected with the chairman of the marketing and economics department. He was hired in Fall 2004, drawn away from a topranked program in the U.S. to the warm, sandy shores of the Gulf Coast by the promise of interacting more with students and the opportunity to build UWF’s supply chain logistics program.

In 2006, the University added a certificate in supply chain logistics. A logistics specialization within the marketing degree followed in 2009. A major gift by the Bear Family Foundation for the UWF logistics program in 2013 contributed to the creation of the standalone degree, which was successfully launched in 2015. Keller has helped graduates find work with General Electric, Ascend Performance Materials, Fastenal and Avalex in Florida, and nationally at CSX, Amazon, C.H. Robinson, J.B. Hunt Transport, Crane Worldwide Logistics and more.

UWF boasts a placement rate of almost 100% for graduates starting careers in supply chain logistics. Keller’s students credit his connections all over the country and UWF’s reputation built by earning high honors at national competitions, for the ease at which they are offered jobs out of college.

“There is master-level thought in these competitions,” said Tom Cahill ’11, senior customer success manager with Ware2Go, a startup tech company for UPS based in Atlanta. “Keller helps you prepare for the next level, whether it’s the next level in your education goals or next level in your career. He is the most dedicated teacher. He’s thinking about not only what you want to do here, but what you want to do next.”

“He is the most dedicated teacher.

He’s thinking about not only what you want to do here, but what you want to do next.”

—Tom Cahill ’11, senior customer success manager with Ware2Go 13

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DR. KELLER shares his expertise with a supply chain logistics student while on a tour of the Port of Pensacola.

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2019 NCAA DII

ARGOS CLIMB TO DII FOOTBALL MOUNTAINTOP IN RECORD TIME

BY TOM ST. MYER

overed in blue and white confetti after the University of West Florida football team clinched its first NCAA Division II national championship, senior wide receiver Kevin Grant reflected on what Head Coach Pete Shinnick told him following a heartbreaking loss in the 2017 national title game.

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UWF climbed to the mountaintop faster than any football program in DII history, winning a national championship in only its fourth season.

“He said, ‘Don’t worry.

We’ll be back and we’re going to win it,’” Grant said.

Shinnick proved prophetic as the Argos defeated Minnesota State 48-40 to win the national championship on Dec. 21, 2019, in McKinney, Texas. The Argos etched their names in the NCAA record books on their glorious march, as the first DII program to win four road playoff games en route to a national title and the first to beat three No. 1 seeds in the playoffs. Redshirt freshman quarterback Austin Reed obliterated DII national title game records with 523 passing yards, 54 pass attempts and six touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Tate Lehtio tied the receptions mark with 13 and fellow senior wideout Quentin Randolph tied the record by hauling in three touchdowns.

UWF climbed to the mountaintop faster than any football program in DII history, winning a national championship in only its fourth season. That unprecedented milestone encapsulates how incredible the formative years have been for a program that measures up to its mantra of “Arete,” an ancient Greek word meaning excellence

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or virtue that is prominently displayed on the team’s helmets, warm-up shirts, locker room name tags and social media accounts, among others.

CHAMPIONSHIP MINDSET

The Argos adopted Arete in 2017 when they shook the DII football foundation by advancing to the national title game in only their second season—another unprecedented mark by the program. That magical playoff run, which likewise included four road wins, ended in heartbreak as UWF lost to Texas A&M-Commerce in the title game. Decimated by injuries, namely at quarterback, the Argos fell short of expectations in the 2018 season, missing out on the playoffs and finishing with a 6-5 record.

Through the setbacks, Shinnick said his confidence never wavered. The architect of the program arrived at UWF in February 2014 with a vision of winning national championships long before his promise to Grant. A football program winning national

titles in its formative years is unrealistic for virtually anyone else, but UWF benefits tremendously from its location as the only public university with a DII football program in a state fertile with high school talent. UWF topped the other 12 NCAA football programs in Florida this past season in number of in-state players with over 100.

“That’s why I came here,” said Lehtio, a star from the inaugural 2015 recruiting class who hails from Parkland. “I knew just by location, a lot of players would want to play for UWF, and the coaching staff was so adamant that if we do what we’re supposed to do, we’ll have what it takes to win national championships.”

Shinnick credited the University administration, specifically citing UWF President Martha D. Saunders, President Emeritus Judith Bense and Athletics Director Dave Scott, for providing him the resources to build a program from scratch.

Their commitment to football lured him from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he similarly built a program from the ground up and posted a 50-24 record in seven seasons.

UWF FOOTBALL TIMELINE 2014 UWF hires head coach Pete Shinnick Announces agreement to play home games at Blue Wahoos Stadium 2015 Inaugural football recruiting class signs Team practices and participates in five scrimmages

2014

2016 AstroTurf installs Pen Air Field Inaugural season opens with 45-0 win at Ava Maria Win home debut 45-28 over Missouri S&T Finish with a 5-6 record 2017

2015

Earn first playoff appearance Win four consecutive road playoff games Advance to national championship game Finish with an 11-4 record Shinnick named NCAA DII National Coach of the Year 2017

2016

2018 Darrell Gooden Center opens Ranked No. 2 in preseason Win five of the first six games before injuries take toll Finish with 6-5 record 2019 Earn second playoff berth Eliminate defending national champion Valdosta State Win four consecutive road playoff games Win first national championship Finish with a 13-2 record Shinnick named NCAA DII National Coach of the Year

2018

2019

Austin Reed named National Freshmen of the Year

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“I put trust, I put belief and I put comradery all under positive energy and unity. If this group didn’t have those values, they could have looked to turn on each other, they could have looked to give up.”

—Pete Shinnick, Head Football Coach

T R A N S F O R M AT I V E G I F T S

NATIONAL TITLE GAME RECORDS SET BY ARGOS 523: 54: 6: 13: 3:

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Passing yards by Reed Pass attempts by Reed Touchdown passes by Reed Receptions by Lehtio Touchdown receptions by Randolph (pictured above)

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The UWF football team initially operated in makeshift facilities. Shinnick said he sold recruits on playing in the nationally-ranked Blue Wahoos Stadium with its gorgeous Pensacola Bay view in the background, the plan for future facilities, and a winning culture based on three core values—smart hard work, positive energy and unity.

“It was really, ‘Do you guys trust us or not?’” Shinnick said. “I think if you talk to the guys who graduated in the last two years, they would say, ‘Look, they were honest with us and what they told us took place.’ Now, credit to them because they had to fulfill the dream and fulfill the vision.”

The inaugural recruiting class arrived at UWF in Fall 2015 before Pen Air Field or the Darrell Gooden Center existed. Transformative gifts paved the path for those facility upgrades and put UWF on par with other DII football programs in terms of practice field, locker room and weight room. Upgrading office space for coaches is still a priority, but the current amenities feel luxurious compared to a few years ago.

“We didn’t have anything,” Lehtio said.

“It was basically a vision at that point. We didn’t have a locker room, didn’t have a field, didn’t have a schedule for the next season. We dressed and showered in trailers. Now, we have this amazing locker room, facilities and weight room. People wouldn’t believe how different it was then.”

fourth quarter before exploding for 18 points to beat Ferris State 28-14 Lehtio and company practiced for and advance to their second national a full year and participated in five title game in three seasons. The Argos scrimmages before finally playing an showcased their mettle one last time opponent who counted in the record after Minnesota State rallied from book. The Argos won their inaugural a 24-point deficit in the second half game in dominating fashion, shutto pull within one score. Minnesota ting out Ava Maria 45-0 on Sept. 3, State drove deep into UWF territory 2016, and soon won over the campus for a potential touchdown and gamecommunity, alumni and Northwest tying two-point conversion, but the Florida as a whole. UWF exceeded defense rose to the occasion and 6,000 tickets sold for each of its five turned their opponent over on downs home games that season. to clinch the win and the notoriety “It wasn’t like it was this overAn economic impact analysis completed that comes with a football national whelming population on campus by the Haas Center showed the 2018 championship. that said go forward with football,” football season generated an estimated Shinnick said. “I just felt like our job $9.7 million in sales in Escambia County.

FOOTBALL POWERHOUSE was to win them over, and the way The analysis used various inputs, including you do that is just show them all of ticket, concessions and merchandise sales Shinnick said the three core values the positives football can bring, all information from UWF Athletics, student his players embraced paid dividends the pluses that will be added to camspending and other data in its calculations. in those crucial moments of each pus by this, and also by putting qualNearly half of the economic impact resulted playoff game. Every time they step ity young men in the classroom who, from over 13,000 visitors to the area and foot in their locker room in the Darwhen the professor looks at him, their spending on retail, restaurants, bars, rell Gooden Center, they are greeted says, ‘Hey, I’m glad that person is accommodations and other items. by the words “UNITY,” “POSITIVE here. I’m glad football came because ENERGY” and “SMART HARD now I get an opportunity to teach and WORK” etched in large green letters help this person grow in their life,’ on the pillars.

Carolina, Georgia, back to North Carolina, because they wouldn’t be here with“I put trust, I put belief and I put comMichigan and finally Texas on their “Trap out football.” radery all under positive energy and unity,” Tour.” The Argos dubbed their championHome attendance and merchandise Shinnick said. “If this group didn’t have ship jaunt as the Trap Tour, marching into sales clearly indicate the community those values, they could have looked to hostile territories each week and upsetting quickly bought into what the program turn on each other, they could have looked higher ranked teams. The mantra caught provides the University on and off the to give up.” on in the form of T-shirts, social media field. UWF has ranked in the top 25 in DII Perhaps no player better demonstrated hashtags and other marketing material. home attendance in each of its four seasons those values in the national title game Three of the playoff victories came with and its merchandise sales have soared than Lehtio. The fifth-year senior played the outcome still in doubt in the final minwith customers buying T-shirts, polos, through a torn labrum in each shoulder and utes—none more nail-biting than when hats and other gear to rep their Argos spent the morning of the game at an emerthe Argos knocked out defending national throughout the panhandle. Royalties off gency clinic, hooked up to an IV after his champion Valdosta State, snapping its UWF merchandise increased by over 135% temperature spiked to 103 degrees. Lehtio 25-game winning streak. The Argos led from Fiscal Year 2014 to FY 2018 and that overcame the flu for 13 receptions, 139 31-14 before the No. 1 team in the nation percentage is expected to escalate with yards and a touchdown in his final game as stormed back with 21 unanswered points national championship merchandise now an Argo. in the fourth quarter. Trailing for the first available online and in stores.

“There was nothing that could stop me time in the game, UWF marched down the “Football has provided an avenue to from playing; winning makes all of the pain field, converting two fourth downs, and create additional excitement and commugo away,” said Lehtio, who underwent sucscored the winning touchdown with just nity interest in the University,” Scott said. cessful surgery on his shoulders 18 days 6.9 seconds on clock. Running back Antho“Alumni and current students connect after the championship game. “It was the ny Johnson Jr. found a small crease in the through another level of campus life, and perfect way to end my career at UWF and Valdosta State defense and crossed the goal the University now attracts students who it’s just the start for the program. I envision line on fourth down from the 1-yard line. consider football to be an important part us as a DII powerhouse. Our coaching staff “I looked at the pylon and saw that I was of their college experience. We have a great has a great plan and I see us winning multiover and it was kind of surreal,” Johnson intercollegiate athletic program but footple national championships and competing said. “I didn’t even say anything. I didn’t ball has enhanced the brand for athletics at a high level every year.” shout. I just laid there and was like, ‘Wow, and the University.” we just won this game!’”

UWF followed with another thrilling #TRAPTOUR victory as defensive back D’Anthony Bell Blue-and-green clad supporters demHelp us achieve our next milestone sealed a 43-38 win over Lenoir-Rhyne with onstrated their loyalty to the program in by supporting our Argos at an interception in the final minute. In the the playoffs, following the Argos to North uwf.edu/athleticsgiving. semifinals, the Argos trailed entering the T H E PA N H A N D L E ’ S T E A M

UWF FOOTBALL GENERATES MILLIONS IN ECONOMIC IMPACT

SUPPORT UWF ATHLETICS

Spring 2020

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HI DDE N GE MS

DISCOVERING UWF’S 6

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BY LEONOR ROPER ’18 AND JAMIE CALVERT ’20

The University of West Florida campus is a hidden gem in itself, nestled among the pines in Northwest Florida. Put on your explorer cap and take a stroll across campus with us to discover some of our can’t-miss sights at UWF.

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EDWARD BALL NATURE TRAIL Whether you discover it on foot or by canoe, the Edward Ball Nature Trail is a great way to explore the outdoors. The half-mile boardwalk allows visitors to venture deep in the Thompson Bayou, home to a variety of birds, fish and reptiles. The end of the boardwalk leads to a number of trails for bikers, runners and fourlegged friends to take advantage of.

The Nature Trail is a small sample of our 1,600-acre campus, and students can take advantage of equipment rentals available from the recreation department to check it out.

Spring 2020

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UWF RECREATION EQUIPMENT CHECK-OUT It’s not a destination, but it is a valuable resource available to students who want to explore the great outdoors. Students with an active Nautilus Card can visit the customer service desk in the HLS Facility to check out discs for the UWF disc golf course, canoes, kayaks and more.

Additionally, the Outdoor Center & Bicycle Shop offers all of the gear needed for camping adventures, including climbing shoes, crash pads, tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and outdoor stoves.

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CAMELLIA GARDEN The UWF Camellia Garden first bloomed in Spring 2008 with the help of the Pensacola Camellia Club and the UWF Retired Employees Association. Featuring over 130 species, this garden allows the UWF community to experience a variety of camellias when they bloom in the cooler months. The garden is now a stop on the American Camellia Trail. Next time you’re on campus, make sure to stop by and smell the camellias.

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5 Various Locations

SOLAR CHARGING TABLES Across campus, you’ll find blue solarpaneled picnic tables made possible by the UWF SGA Green Fee tuition allocation.

This fee sets aside $0.75 per credit hour from each student with the intention to bring environmentally friendly and sustainable projects to UWF’s campus.

The tables feature charging stations for students to power their electronics in a space where they can recharge their minds and bodies by socializing, studying and enjoying the fresh air.

3 4 Various Locations

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COMMUNITY GARDEN

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DISC GOLF A 21-hole disc golf course spans the UWF campus.

The two-mile course starts and ends across the street from Martin Hall, with several stops outside of the UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, the College of Education and Professional Studies buildings and other wellknown locations.

The UWF Community Garden was established in 2009 in collaboration with the Manna Food Bank, a local food pantry in downtown Pensacola. With the help of the UWF Kugelman Honors Program, the garden found a permanent site on campus neighboring the water tower. The garden’s accessibility to the general public has fostered a strong sense of community at UWF among those who share a passion and respect for the natural world.

Spring 2020

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CHAMPIONS TRAIN IN STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY

BY TOM ST. MYER

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Fall 2019

DARRELL GOODEN CENTER

R

hythmic thuds fill the air as barbells loaded with hundreds of pounds of weight hit the floor.

Fresh off winning an NCAA Division II national championship and eyeing another, University of West Florida football players test their limits, strengthening their bodies and minds, in the Darrell Gooden Center weight room.

This is where national champions are molded long before they step foot in the playing arena.

With their sights on a return trip to the DII National Championship, UWF softball players generate a similar cadence as the football players on the state-of-theart weight machines. Senior first baseman Callan Taylor is a fan of the Keiser machines, which use compressed air instead of weights to allow her to change resistance by simply pushing a button. The NormaTec Pulse Recovery System is her preference for post-workout treatments. The compression therapy increases blood flow to her legs and shoulders as she recovers from her workout.

Taylor vividly recalls when she first walked into the $7 million, 32,700-squarefoot-facility, located adjacent to Pen Air

by investing in its students and facilities.

In addition to naming the facility, their gift supports capital improvements in athletics and establishes a range of scholarships for accounting and other UWF College of Business students, along with athletic scholarships and First Choice Excellence scholarships.

“We talk about ‘Building Champions for Life’ and how we can make that happen with our student-athletes,” UWF Athletics Director Dave Scott said. “Darrell and Debbie Gooden’s generosity has provided a way to improve our student-athlete experience.

They have made an impact on the lives of our student-athletes, which will continue on as our students graduate and positively impact their communities.”

A Platinum UWF Football Founder and member of the UWF Athletics Sword and Shield Council, Darrell Gooden envisioned a facility with the type of amenities that benefit student-athletes and win over recruits. He said the Gooden Center, particularly its weight room, distinguish UWF from other NCAA DII programs.

“You bring them into this facility, with a state-of-the-art weight room and the Argos’ logo everywhere, and there’s a big pop

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“They have made an impact on the lives of our student-athletes, which will continue on as our students graduate and positively impact their communities.” ­—Dave Scott, UWF Athletics Director

Field. The first floor of the Gooden Center houses space for UWF Intercollegiate Athletics, including the state-of-the-art weight room, a football locker room with 115 custom player lockers and laundry facilities. Office space for UWF’s Usha Kundu, MD College of Health and Florida State University College of Medicine’s Pensacola Regional Campus occupy the second floor of the facility.

“We saw pictures before about what it might look like, but going in there and touring it on the first day, everybody was smiling,” Taylor said. “We couldn’t believe how good it looked and that it was such an awesome facility.”

The facility opened in April 2018 as University Park Center before UWF announced a major gift in November 2018 to name the facility the Darrell Gooden Center and establish scholarships for UWF students in honor of Darrell Gooden and his wife, Debbie Gooden.

A Pensacola native who graduated from UWF in 1973, Darrell Gooden, founder of Gooden Homes, pays back his alma mater

and big ‘wow’ factor,” Gooden said. “When they see phenomenal facilities that they haven’t found anywhere else, it leaves an impression. It’s something to show to them when they get here, and, of course, the campus is beautiful itself.”

Kent Morgan, director of sports performance, said several student-athletes have told him the weight room sold them on coming to UWF. Morgan said he owes Gooden and other donors a debt of gratitude for funding the state-of-the-art facility, alleviating overcrowding in the UWF Field House weight room, which is impressive in its own right.

Their generous donations are also used to invest in the Keiser machines, NormaTec systems and other pricey equipment that put student-athletes in the best possible position to add to the rich UWF athletics tradition, which includes 10 national championships and 102 conference titles.

“It provides a higher level of energy among the athletes because they’re excited to be in here,” Morgan said. “They’re excited about the opportunities this room creates.”

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1. Kent Morgan, director of sports performance, supervises day-to-day operations in the weight room.

2. UWF softball finishes the 2019 season at 54-11, the program’s highest win total since 2005, wins fourth conference championship in program history and advances to second NCAA Division II National Championship.

3. Arete—ancient Greek for excellence or virtue—has been UWF’s rallying cry since 2017.

4. Darrell and Debbie Gooden’s generosity has improved the studentathlete experience at UWF by investing in its students and facilities.

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This event is part of UWF’s annual Founders Week, a weeklong celebration of the University’s founding. Learn more at uwf.edu/foundersweek.

April 11 UWF Day of Play UWF Community Garden Plant Giveaway and Donation Drive April 13 Paint Pensacola Blue and Green April 14 UWF Founders Week Day of Service

April 15 UWF Founders Week Alumni Breakfast April 16 OUR Student Scholars Symposium

Join the battle on April 16, 2020, for our third annual Day of Giving to see which alumni decade can generate the most support for UWF and our current and future Argos. With even more areas to support, this year’s 24-hour online giving initiative is sure to be a big one! We can change the game for generations of Argos to come.

Day of Giving UWF Blue and Green Spring Football Game

60s & 70s | 80s | 90s | 00s | 10s 25

Spring 2020

A LU M N I

Alumni Events for Spring 2020 The UWF Alumni Association plans events throughout the year for alumni to reconnect, network and engage with their alma mater. We hope you will attend one of our spring events listed below and find out more about future events and alumni networks around the country by visiting alumni.uwf.edu.

APRIL 07

Battle of the Decades Kickoff Event Seville Quarter, Downtown Pensacola The UWF Alumni Association invites all alumni to a happy hour to kick off Battle of the Decades for Day of Giving.

Attendees can connect with former classmates and learn about Day of Giving areas of support. By making a gift at the event of $30 or more, you can be one of the first to receive the exclusive Day of Giving socks.

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Founders Week: Day of Play UWF Pensacola Campus Watch the UWF baseball and softball teams play, enjoy inflatables and other fun, family friendly activities. Make sure to stop by the Alumni Association tent to register for a swag bag.

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Founders Week: Day of Service Various locations in Pensacola Give back to the Pensacola community and work alongside fellow alumni at any of our various service projects located throughout the city and its surrounding areas. Alumni can view a list of sites and times and register to volunteer at uwf.edu/alumni.

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Founders Week: Alumni Breakfast Pensacola: Pensacola Museum of Art Fort Walton Beach: UWF on the Emerald Coast, Building 1 Celebrate Founders Week with a free grab-n-go breakfast on your way into the office. Visitors are encouraged to mingle with fellow alumni and explore these two unique locations.

Founders Week: Day of Giving Online at dayofgiving.uwf.edu Which decade is best? Find out on UWF’s third Annual Day of Giving. Each UWF alumni decade is challenged to raise support for UWF during this 24hour fundraising initiative. If you make a gift of $30 or more, you will receive an exclusive pair of UWF socks.

Founders Week: UWF Blue and Green Football Scrimmage Pen Air Field, UWF Pensacola Campus Come cheer on the UWF national champions as they play their spring scrimmage. Don’t forget to stop by the Alumni Association tent to be entered for a chance to win a swag bag.

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Spring 2020 Grad Celebration Commons Auditorium, UWF Main Campus Join with us in a toast as we welcome the newest members of the Alumni Association.

Class of 2019 graduates pose for a photo as they are welcomed as the newest members of the Alumni Association during Grad Celebration.

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

Argie and UWF alumni celebrate and cheer on the football team at the Argo Pregame Tailgate Party prior to the NCAA Division II national championship game in McKinney, Texas.

MAY 02

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Spring Commencement Pensacola Bay Center Welcome the class of 2020 to the UWF Alumni family at one of three commencement ceremonies. Learn more at uwf.edu/commencement.

Jacksonville Alumni Network Reception Seasons 52 Reconnect with old classmates and meet UWF Head Football Coach Pete Shinnick and alumni staff. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and UWF promotional items will be available.

JUNE 03

Tampa Alumni Network Reception Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi Visit with former classmates and hear a University update from UWF President Martha D. Saunders. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and UWF promotional items will be available.

/UWFAlumni Spring 2020

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A LUMNI PRO FIL E S

Stephen Wright

President/Board Chair of Coastal Connection Retired Senior Vice President, Group Operations CHRISTUS Health Louisiana & Southeast Texas

During his 37-year career, Stephen held a variety of leadership roles within CHRISTUS Health. Most recently, he served as the senior leader for more than 6,500 associates, 2,000 medical staff members and more than 10 facilities throughout Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Stephen has served as the chair of the Louisiana Hospital Association and as the vice chair of the Louisiana Quality Forum on Health. Stephen received the “Champion of Diversity” award in 2010 and the “National American Hospital Association Grass Roots Champion Award” in 2007. Now in retirement, Stephen is president/board chair of Coastal Connection, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on addressing both domestic and international development goals.

As I understand, being an Argonaut is a family tradition.

Tell me more about your threegeneration Argo family.

My father was a charter graduate in ’69.

My wife graduated in ’79, I graduated in ’81 and my daughter graduated in ’18. Additionally, my nephew started working toward a theatre degree this fall. When I was a child and my dad was working toward his undergraduate degree in what was thencalled systems science, I would go to campus with him. Ten years later, I took a class and wrote programs in the same building he did. Pensacola and UWF felt like home for me, so it was a really easy decision to attend UWF. My wife, Mona, and I met at the wedding of a fraternity brother of mine. My daughter chose UWF because she wanted to get a master’s degree in political science and UWF allowed her to be a graduate assistant, conduct research and teach courses while she worked toward it.

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Spring 2020

What experiences at UWF helped jumpstart your career?

I worked in public accounting before getting into the healthcare field. I co-oped after my first quarter at UWF in Fall ’79. I interviewed and took a nine-month co-op job with Ernst and Ernst, one of the top accounting firms at the time. As a student, I can’t tell you how much I benefited from seeing what I studied in action. The experiences I got from being exposed to multiple industries because of the auditing work we did, everything from manufacturing to banking to healthcare, allowed me to learn firsthand, see what I was studying and how it applied.

’81

ment and medications to our ministry partners in the U.S., Haiti and other international locations. I am also an adjunct faculty member at LSU Medical School in Shreveport, LA and am guest lecturing at several institutions as well, including at UWF. We have three children and one grandchild, so we stay busy!

What are you up to in retirement?

Mona and I co-founded a new nonprofit association, Coastal Connection. We’re doing mission work in the U.S. and internationally.

In July, we collected and sent thousands of pounds of medical supplies, medical equip-

STEPHEN AND MONA WRIGHT during their time at UWF.

Hong Potomski

Executive Director at Andrews Research & Education Foundation

Before she was born, her parents faced unimaginable adversity, beating the odds to escape the Vietnam War in pursuit of the “American Dream.” It’s no surprise that Hong Potomski has displayed the same determination to succeed as she navigates her own journey, from first generation college graduate to a leader in the Pensacola community.

What are the top lessons you’ve learned from hearing about your parents’ journey to freedom and witnessing their pursuit of success?

I’m grateful for parents who chased a dream and built a foundation for my brother and me. They’ve taught me the importance of a strong family unit and how supporting each other is critical in life. Their persistence and grit during hard times has taught me to never accept the status quo and to always push for more. My parents are givers, always lending a helping hand. I’ve learned that if we can impact one person or one family, all is good in the world.

What are the top three ways UWF has impacted you, both personally and professionally?

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What is your favorite aspect of serving as the Executive Director of the Andrews Institute Research & Education Foundation?

I am proud to be an Argo! It is because of It is exciting to be part of a team that is at UWF that I was presented with an opportuthe forefront of innovation. Research and nity to kick off my career in healthcare. With education are critical in order to advance the relationships I built and the education I medicine and directly impact the healthcare received, I was able to establish a strong delivery system. I love being in a role where foundation to support my career goals. I I can help drive change and know that it is impacting the care we receive. worked while attending school full time, so I was able to apply what I learned from both “I’ve learned that if we can settings, which impacted me personally and impact one person or one family, professionally.

all is good in the world.”

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SNAPS H OTS

Smile!

Whether we gather at commencement, a banquet, network event or tailgate, our events provide the perfect opportunity 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.

Don’t miss out! We continue to add new events to the mix. For a look at upcoming events, visit alumni.uwf.edu.

UWF holds a special commencement ceremony on campus for nine student-athletes.

The Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering hosts the inaugural Pensacola Mini Maker Faire in downtown Pensacola.

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Spring 2020

The Pensacola Museum of Art hosts the opening reception for the exhibition “Them Damned Pictures: A Brief History of Editorial Cartoons,” featuring the works of Andy Marlette, J. Earle Bowden and Ralph Dunagin.

UWF alumni pose for a photo during an alumni tailgate before the homecoming football game against Delta State at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

UWF fans, students and alumni celebrate their team playing for a national championship title during the Championship Pep Rally at Tupps Brewery in McKinney, Texas.

S N APSH OTS

Alumni and their families enjoy the holidays with a luncheon followed by a showing of the Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ “A Christmas Carol.”

UWF alumni gather on the Museum Plaza in downtown Pensacola for the first Alumni Homecoming Block Party.

UWF honors John L. Hutchinson, naming him a UWF Foundation Fellow for his service and support to UWF, during the Donor Recognition Dinner.

UWF recognizes donors at its annual Donor Recognition Dinner held at the Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center.

Journalist and author Carl Hiaasen speaks to the standing-room-only crowd about free speech and the importance of journalism in today’s society during UWF’s Seligman First Amendment Lecture Series.

Alumni and faculty socialize during the first Alumni Homecoming Breakfast at the Pensacola Museum of Art. Spring 2020

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C LASS NOTE S

Class Notes 1970s ’76 Auriette Lindsey (Hahn), B.A. Theatre; Lindsey recently earned three Florida Pioneer Descendant Certificates by compiling documents proving that her great-great grandfather and other members of her family were all living in the West Florida Territory before statehood was achieved in 1845. ’77 Donna Musterer (Johnson), B.S. Business; The Class AA Southern League has named Musterer its new director of baseball operations. ’79 Marvin Eichorn, B.A. Accounting; Eichorn has been named Ballad Health’s chief administrative officer. ’79 & ’84 Robert Antoine, B.A. Accounting & B.A. Economics; Antoine has joined Capital City Bank Group’s board of directors. ’79 Douglas Loverro, MBA; Loverro has been selected by NASA to lead the agency’s human space flight programs as the director of human spaceflight operations.

1980s ’80 Dr. Ronald Thomas Jr., B.A. Communication Arts; Thomas presented three papers at conferences across Florida. Two of them were presented in Orlando, “Train Everyone … by the End of the Month!” at University Business Magazine’s UB Tech Conference and “Manage Your Social Media in One Hour a Day” at the Small Business Leadership Conference. He also presented “Visualizing Literature: A New Way of Teaching The Great Gatsby,” for the Volusia County Schools in Daytona Beach. ’85 Doug Marshall, B.A. Accounting; Marshall was honored in the Alabama Bicentennial from the Alabama Department of Archives. He is the only known CPA in Alabama who has been honored.

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Spring 2020

’87 William B. Siders, B.S. System Science; Siders has been named director of information technology for Escambia County, Florida.

studied coral reefs, manatees, howler monkeys, jaguars and other wildlife while learning the methods communities are using to sustain them.

1990s

’05 & ’13 Sonia Baughman, B.S.B.A. & M.Acc.; Baughman has been named chief financial officer of Summerville Medical Center in South Carolina.

’91 Dr. Stanley Lewis, B.A. Communication Arts; Lewis has been named lead pastor by the congregation of First Baptist Church of Crestview in Crestview, Florida. ’92 The Honorable Tommy Ford, B.A. Accounting; Ford was one of six experts in the fields of law enforcement, behavioral health and medical care to be appointed to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ statewide opioid addiction task force. ’96 Captain Johnetta Thomas, B.A. Accounting; Capt. Thomas has been promoted from commander to captain in the United States Navy. ’96 Lanan Clark (Wiley), B.S.B.A. Management; Clark has been named market executive for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management’s Orange County Inland Empire market in Southern California.

2000s ’00 Tonya Ellis, B.S.B.A. Marketing; Ellis has been named mass transit director for Escambia County Area Transit in Escambia County, Florida. ’00 Arnold Hendrix, B.A. Interdisciplinary Social Science; Hendrix is the new pastor of First Baptist Church in South Mobile, Alabama. ’01 Dr. Regina Temple (Lewis),M.P.A.; Temple has been named president and CEO of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Hudson, Florida. ’01 Jennifer Wakefield, B.A. Communication Arts; Wakefield was named chief operating officer by the Greater Richmond Partnership Inc. in Virginia. ’02 Sandra Gainey, B.S. Biology; Gainey, an environmental resource specialist at United States Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch, and graduate student in Miami University’s Global Field Program, participated in Miami University’s Earth Expeditions global field course in Belize. She

’06 Bethany Snowden, B.S. Marine Biology; Snowden, an animal care officer at Animal Care Services and graduate student in Miami University’s Global Field Program, participated in Miami University’s Earth Expeditions global field course in Guyana.

She studied traditional ecological knowledge of the Makushi and the potential of local wisdom to guide conservation initiatives. ’08 Dr. Carmelita Harbeson, B.S.B.A.; Dr. Harbeson obtained her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, in 2016. She completed an intensive three-year foot and ankle surgery residency at Bryn Mawr Hospital in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, in 2019. ’09 Commander Jared Tharp, MBA; Tharp has assumed command of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Scientific Development Squadron One (VXS-1) “Warlocks.”

2010s ’10 Malerie Cates (Shelton), B.A. Communication Arts; ’11 Zachary Cates, BS Health, Leisure and Exercise Science; Malerie and Zachary were married on Nov. 23, 2019, in Pensacola, Florida. ’11 Caitlyn Blizzard, B.A. Communication; Blizzard CMDE, was named vice president of communications for Destinations International. ’13 Jana Still, M.A. Industrial and Organizational Psychology; Still has been named director of human resources for Escambia County, Florida. ’13 & ’15 Lerren “Ren” Tyler, B.S. PreProfessional Biology & M.Ed. College Student Affairs Administration; ’16 Abigail Bradley, M.Ed. College Student Affairs Administration; Ren and Abigail met at UWF in the CSAA graduate program in 2014. They were married on Nov. 16, 2019, in St. Petersburg, Florida.

C L ASS N OT ES

’14 & ’17 J. Patrick Huston, B.S.B.A. Finance & M.Acc.; Huston joined Bass, Berry & Simms PLC’s Nashville, office as an associate. ’16 Whitney Morgan, B.S.B.A. Professional Accountancy; Morgan was named senior tax accounting associate at Malvin, Riggins & Company, P.C. ‘16 Debbie Henley, B.A. Telecommunications & Film; Henley was hired as the public affairs officer for the 505th Command and Control Wing on Hurlburt Field in Florida. ’18 Dr. Orlando Rivero, MHA; Dr. Rivero has been promoted to the position of MBA director, associate professor (tenure faculty) at Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens. ’18 Second Lieutenant Nathanael Rogers, B.S. Nursing; Rogers was part of UWF’s Air Force ROTC program and received a pilot slot in the Air Force Reserves. Rogers just graduated from undergraduate pilot training and earned the title of distinguished graduate and the highest academic award in his class. His next assignment will be flying the HH-60G Pave Hawk in Florida. ’18 Second Lieutenant Richard Songster, B.S.B.A. Supply Chain Logistics Management; Songster was part of UWF’s Air Force ROTC program and received an active duty pilot slot.

Songster graduated undergraduate pilot training at the top of his class as a distinguished graduate. His next assignment will be to fly the UH-1N Huey in Montana.

Alumni Rising Stars The following alumni were recognized as 2020 Rising Stars by Inweekly Magazine. These individuals were nominated by their peers, clients and bosses as up-and-coming leaders in the Pensacola area and in their fields. ’01, ’02, ’03 & ’08 Dr. Kathleen “Katie” Hudon, B.A. History; M.A. Communication Arts; B.A. International Studies & M.Ed.

’08 Kristin Taylor, B.A. Social Work

’74 Glenn R. Wienkoop, MBA

’08 Samantha Eckiss, B.S. Health Leisure Exercise Science

’75 Neil E. Lucas, B.A. Accounting

’09 Mary Pittman, B.S. Health Leisure Physical Education ’10 Hana Frenette, B.A. Communication Arts Journalism ’10 & ‘18 Anamarie Mixson, B.S. Health Leisure Exercise Science; M.A. Strategic Communications and Leadership ’11 & ’14 Kennyattah Cox, B.A. Public Relations; M.S.A Public Administration ’12 Lacey Berry, B.A. Art & Graphic Design ’14 Stephan Vance, B.S.B.A Marketing ’14 Shelby Tudor, B.A. Public Relations ’15 Payton Anderson, B.A. Public Relations ’15 Sigrid Solgard, B.S. Marine Biology ’18 Jimmy Orum, M.A. Strategic Communications and Leadership ’19 Mikayla Maracle, B.A. Psychology

In Memoriam ’69 Bruno C. Syzdek, B.A. History ’69 & ’86 Eleanor M. Salter (Rabren), B.A. Elementary Education & M.Ed. Educational Leadership ’71 & ’79 Lawrence Russo, B.A. History Education & M.Ed. Educational Leadership ’71 Patricia A. Civelli (Griggs), B.A. History ’71 Erolyn B. Rone (Brown), B.S. Health Leisure and Sports ’72 Robert F. Sheffeild, B.A. Accounting

’75 & ’79 Earl C. Bassett, B.A. English & M.A. English ’76 The Honorable Gerald C. Windgate, B.S. Management ’76 James Thomas Gallman, B.A. Economics ’77 Judith Duren (Jernigan), B.A. Elementary Education ’77 Ruth N. Rogers (Wade), B.A. Interdisciplinary Social Science & B.A. History Education ’78 Cheryl A. Smith (Bohannon), B.A. English Education ’78 Jean C. MacNeil (Comstock), B.A. Special Education ’79 & ’81 Theresa J. Crooke (Whitt), B.A. & M.A. Psychology ’82 Mildred D. Hood (Dixon), B.S. Marketing ’84 Janet M. Mynard, M.A. Elementary Education ’87 Roxanne G. Cain (Griep), B.S. Marketing ’87 John A. Cielenski, B.A. Communication Arts ’89 & ’93 Barbara L. Mosley (Beck), B.A. Elementary Education & B.A. Interdisciplinary Humanities ’93 Eva B. Timbrook, B.S. Nursing ’94 Albert A. Devine, B.S. Computer Science ’99 Garrett Livingston Wadkins, B.A. Elementary Education ’02 Bobby Mack, B.A. English

’72 Gail M. Osterhout, B.A. History

’05 Connie Norton Gal, M.Ed.

’72 & ’75 Jack Hendricks, B.A. & M.A. Economics

’06 & ’12 William M. Stith, B.A. & M.A. English

’72 Tony S. Henderson, B.S. Marketing

’07 Gary Lee Holt, B.S. Business Administration

’72 Gerald L. Johnson, B.S. Business ’74 Jocile Perry (Castleberr), M.Ed. Educational Leadership

’09 Elizabeth Ann Dalton, B.A. Criminal Justice

’06 & ’08 Gary “Bubba” Peters, B.S.B.A Management & MBA

’74 The Honorable John R. Broxson, M.Ed. Educational Leadership

’11 Travis D. Mimms, B.S. Business Administration

’07 Quinton Williams, B.A. Telecommunications & Film

’74 Patricia Pittman, B.A. Elementary Education

’14 Erich Gunter Reitz, B.A. Criminal Justice Spring 2020

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CLASS NOTE S

Stanley Schmerken 1926-2019

Stanley Schmerken was a dedicated supporter of the University of West Florida.

Schmerken watched the cost of college soar throughout his lifetime and over the years he developed a passion for education, recognizing it is often the key to financial security.

A successful businessman himself, Schmerken made the decision in May 2016 to create a charitable gift annuity to UWF which created the Stanley Schmerken Scholars, a scholarship endowment for students who possess academic ability and leadership potential, yet are in need of financial assistance to earn their college degrees.

“You’ve got to try to help those who can’t do much for themselves,” Schmerken said. “If you can’t do a little good, what good are you?”

33

Spring 2020

If you can’t do a little good, what good are you?

UWF THROWBACK Phil Burger, news director, reviews the news coming off the teletype equipment at WUWF FM, the UWF public radio station that first aired on Jan. 15, 1981.

Spring 2020

34

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

Together, we prevail.

WHAT LIMITS WILL YOU BREAK?

We are a fiercely passionate community of educators, students and leaders who are disrupting expectation, rising to the challenge and leaving our mark.

We’re breaking free from the status quo and creating the change we want to see by becoming the change we want to be.

What will you change?

What will change you? uwf.edu/NoLimits

Melissa Wolter HEAD COACH UWF VOLLEYBALL NCAA & CHAMPIONSHIP