I C U F N e w s l e t t e r M a r c h 2 0 1 3

& INDEPENDENT

Colleges

Universities o f Florida

ED H. MOORE, PhD , P R E S I D E N T

(850) 681-3188 emoore@icuf.org

Stetson Among Presidential Award Finalist

Stetson University is one of 14 universities named a Presidential Award Finalist in the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The Honor Roll recognizes higher education institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities. Stetson’s selection to the Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. “Stetson has a long history of service learning and educating students to be significant, as both leaders and participants in an ever changing world,” said Wendy B. Libby, president, Stetson University. “We’re honored to receive this prestigious award, and owe much of it to the students themselves. They are the energy driving our commitment.”

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ICUF institutions honored with the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for 2013: Barry University; Eckerd College; Florida Institute of Technology; Florida Southern College; Nova Southeastern University; Palm Beach Atlantic University; Ringling College of Art and Design; Saint Leo University; University of Miami. Rollins College was honored with the “Honor Roll with Distinction” award.

Rollins, Eckerd Honored with Division II Presidents' Award

Rollins College and Eckerd College were among 26 Division II schools recently honored

with the Division II Presidents' Award for Academic Excellence for achieving four-year Academic

Success Rates of 90 percent or more. The Division II Academic Requirements Committee

created the Division II Presidents' Award for Academic Excellence to recognize programs

achieving long-term academic success. Rollins' ASR of 95 percent tied for the fifth-highest in the

nation. Eckerd’s had an ASR of 91 percent.

Webber Student Named to All-American

The 2013 NAIA Men’s Indoor Track & Field All-Americans have

been announced and Eric Kieffer from Webber International University was

named. Kieffer finished in seventh place in the 800 meter run and was

Webber’s only entrant in the National Championships. Eric is a Senior at

Webber and is majoring in Sport Business Management. Congratulations!

Eric Kieffer

Saint Leo Basketball Player Wins National Recognition

Saint Leo University men's basketball player Marcus Ruh was named the 2012–2013 Capital One Academic All-America® of the Year. The Saint Leo senior has earned a place in university history with this accomplishment, as he is just the 10th Academic All-America and the school's first-ever Capital One Academic All-America® of the Year. In addi-tion to being the Lion’s leading scorer, Ruh is an academic stand-out, with a 4.0 GPA. He is a business administration major. He was also named player of the year for the All-Sunshine State Conference Men’s Basketball Team.

Marcus Ruh

Ringling Students Awarded Entry into Society of Illustrators

Ringling College of Art and Design has once again been awarded one of the top number of entries into the 2013 Society of Illustrators Student Scholar-ship Competition. Of over 8,000 pieces entered from colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada, only 272 were selected, including 34 from Ringling College students. Since 2008, Ringling College has had a total of 163 winning pieces in the competition, which is the largest number from any college. Ringling College Illustration Department Head, Jeff Schwartz, said, “Our students have a strong foundation in observational drawing and painting. Once a student gains a level of mastery with these fundamental skills they begin to investigate and develop a personal approach. Our illustration classes, taught by leading illustrators of varying disciplines, push the students to build a body of work that demonstrates a broad but deep skill set. We match image with storytelling. The Ringling College Illustration department offers students a community environment within our program. We know our students well, we spend countless hours with them both in and out of class. We build relationships that last beyond the walls of the college.”

To view the Ringling College illustrations accepted into the 2013 Society of Illustrators, click link below:

http://www.soicompetitions.org/?section=institution_view_winners&institution_id=100&competition_id=89

PBA Contestant Wins Business Plan Competition

Persistence paid off in a big way for Palm Beach Atlantic University student Jude Abeler, whose business plan won $10,000 in seed money in the J.J.’s Entrepreneurs business plan competition. Abeler, a sophomore majoring in pre-law and minoring in philosophy, revised his plan for a “structured new millennium journaling technique” that earned him second place in the competi-tion last year. Now called Thoughtree, the business has been reconceived as a “personal thought network” that is compatible with iPhone and iPad. Eventually it will be able to work on every mobile device. Abeler spent the past year working on the original plan’s shortcomings and developing it further. He said, “It was more cerebral back then. It was more conceptual.”

The second-place prize of $5,000 went to senior

biblical studies major Christopher May, who partnered

with teammate Lexie Barbee and his brother, Aaron

May, on a plan he describes as “an apparel company

that provides consumers the ability to wear positive

messages with unique and trendy designs.”

Jude Abeler

J.J. Prendamano, left, congratulates second-place recipient Christopher May and his teammate, Lexie Barbee.

FL College Graduate Signs with Tampa Marauders

Recent Florida College graduate Saif Alsafeer signed with the Tampa Marauders, a club in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Alsafeer, a four-year starter and three-time captain at Florida College, was an invaluable asset to the College’s men’s squad. “It was a pleasure coaching Saif,” said his former coach, Matthew Evans. “He understands the game of soccer, and is looking to improve himself each day as a person and player. I am thrilled for the opportunity he is getting and I hope he will continue to reach even greater heights in the game of soccer.” Alsafeer’s signing is the latest in his many soccer accolades. He was a three-time USCAA Academic All-American and a two-time USCAA Athletic All-American nomi-nee. He also led the Falcons in their 2011 run to the USCAA National Title game. Alsafeer began practicing with the team recently

during their pre-season. “The past two weeks has been very

competitive and exciting,” he said. “And I am very thankful

that God has blessed me with such an amazing opportunity.”

Saif Alsafeer signs with the Tampa Marauders

SUPPORT THE FRAG

FL College recognizes Academic All-Americans

Florida College proudly recognizes Kelsey Porter, Justin Mitchell, Molly Lamb, Austin Parimore,

Jenny Lynn, Jenny Moorer, Chantelle Giles, Kerri Taylor (not pictured) and Jordan Mitchell (not pictured)

as Academic All-Americans for the 2012-2013 basketball season. In addition to their demanding

commitments to a full season of athletics, these student-athletes meet the qualifications of All-American

status, which stipulates that student-athletes much achieve an overall grade point average of 3.5 or greater

(on a four-point system). We thank these Academic All-Americans for their participation in Florida College

Athletics and greater commitment to academic excellence.

Kelsey Porter, Justin Mitchell, Molly Lamb, Austin Parimore, Jenny Lynn, Jenny Moorer, Chantelle Giles, Kerri Taylor (not pictured) and Jordan Mitchell (not pictured)

Barry Students Volunteer During Spring Break

Members of Barry University’s Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program visited Key West for a week

of volunteer service. ASB, a program that exists on many college campuses, is a student-run organization

that is dedicated to making the world a better place through its volunteer service. Each spring,

undergraduate students are selected to take part in a week-long immersion trip during their break. The

trips, which take place at different locations each year, offer students the opportunity to live out the core

commitments of the university by serving communities that are in great need. While in Key West, the group

of 10 students will be working with the Star of the Sea (S.O.S.) Foundation to support their outreach to

those in need of food and housing assistance. Barry’s students will be occupied in the S.O.S. food pantry

sorting and arranging items in the warehouse, and serving meals. “We are pleased to be assisting at the

Star of the Sea Foundation this year,” Barry ASB advisor Christina Leano said. “They [ASB members] have

been preparing all year for this week and are ready to serve with their whole selves - heart, body, and

mind.” Barry ASB members spent the fall in various fundraising activities to raise the money necessary for

this year’s travel.

ERAU Names Chair of Freshman Engineering Department

Dr. Heidi Steinhauer was recently named chair of the Freshman Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus. She is an associate professor of engineering who teaches Freshman Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Human Factors and has developed 10 courses since she joined the Embry-Riddle faculty in 1997. Much of her energy has been focused on the recruitment, retention and success of women in engineering. “Heidi enjoys the strong and unanimous support of the faculty and brings a clear and exciting vision to the position,” said Dr. Maj Mirmirani, dean of the College of Engineering.

Heidi Steinhauer

2013 Eckerd Alumni Award Winners Eckerd College is proud to announce the 2013 Eckerd College Alumni Award Recipients. Presented during Alumni Reunion 2013, these graduates have demonstrat-ed a clear commitment to excellence in their careers and service to their communities. Diana Huestis '03 received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, which is awarded to a young alumna/us who has shown great promise and accomplishment in his or her chosen profession and/or community, public or humanitarian service.

Matthew Staman '92 received the Grover C. Wrenn '64 Service Award which is awarded to an alumna/us who has rendered outstanding volunteer service to Eckerd Col-lege in any area. Mo Eppley '98 received the Suzanne Armacost

Alumni Medal for Outstanding Community Service, which is awarded to an alumna/us who has demonstrated a clear commitment to serving a larger community through notable volunteerism, an outstanding act of selflessness or a pattern of service to humanitarian efforts and causes. Ernie Mahaffey '68 received the McArthur Alumni Award, established by Eckerd's Board of Trustees to honor alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in career or profession; service to Eckerd; dedication to church; and service to the community D. Ashley Hill '86 received the William H. Kadel Alumni Medal for Outstanding Career Achievement, which is awarded to an alumna/us who has demonstrated a clear commitment to excellent in his or her ca-reer as evidenced by public recognition, achievement or leadership that positively reflects the College's vision. .

Saint Leo Appoints New VP of Business Affairs

Saint Leo University welcomes Jeanne T. Plecenik as its new vice president of business affairs. Plecenik will oversees finance, risk management, regulatory issues, human resources, technology services, and facilities operations. Plecenik has nearly 30 years’ experience in finance and accounting and has been a certified public accountant since 1983.

Jeanne Plecenik

AMU Students in Rome

Some Ave Maria University students spent this

semester in Rome and attended the inaugural Mass for

Pope Francis. "I am truly so excited to see how Pope

Francis's papacy blesses the Church," said student

Kim Scharfenberger in an email. "In his homily, he

stressed the importance of tenderness, especially

when in the service of others. We got the opportunity to

see this firsthand, when he stopped the vehicle in the

middle of greeting people and personally blessed a

disabled man. We were only a few yards away when

he did that! There was such a genuine kindness in his

demeanor and his speech-- even when he was merely

passing by people, he would make eye contact as often

as possible. It was such a blessing to be there and to

witness the official beginning of what promises to be a

beautiful papacy!"

From left: Glenna Walsh (Thomas More Col-lege), Erin DeCleene (AMU), Kim Scharfen-berger (AMU), Stephen Lajoie (TMC), Mary Bettag (Silver Lake College), Alexandra Clark (AMU), Ashley Clark (AMU)

FL Tech Welcomes New Faculty Member

Florida Institute of Technology recently welcomed world-renowned scien-

tist Larry Hench as University Professor of Biomedical Engineering in the College

of Engineering. Hench, who specializes in bio-ceramics, is the second faculty

member to join Florida Tech who holds a prestigious membership in the National

Academy of Engineering (NAE). The NAE recognizes those who have made

outstanding contributions to the engineering field and to the advancement of new

technological fields. Larry Hench

Flagler Faculty Selected for Senior Leadership Academy

Dr. Yvan Kelly, associate dean of academic affairs at Flagler College, has been

selected as a participant of The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the Ameri-

can Academic Leadership Institute (AALI) Senior Leadership Academy for the

upcoming 2013-2014 year. Dean Kelly is one of twenty-five participants from independ-

ent colleges and universities who were selected to take part in the program, which is

intended for those whose next position most likely will be a cabinet position or

advancement in college administration. It is a significant accomplishment to be

selected for this academy," said Flagler College President William T. Abare, Jr. "I

extend my warmest congratulations on this achievement." Yvan Kelly

Lynn Celebrates Half a Century

Lynn University is celebrating its 50th anniversary year (2012-2013). Lynn began as an all-women's college in 1962, issuing two-year degrees with only four buildings amid the bean fields of Boca Raton and grew into an internationally renowned university. “We may be only 50 years young,” says Lynn President Kevin M. Ross,” but we have had a rich history and we have a promising future.” As an example of Lynn’s growth, this year was kicked off with a history making third and final presidential debate on its campus. Lynn University has had three names along the way – Marymount College (1962), College of Boca Raton (l974) and Lynn University (1991). Lynn’s archivist, Kathleen Clunan, has seen the changes firsthand. She was one of the nuns who was library director when Lynn first opened its doors as Marymount College. “I feel so honored to be at Lynn for this length of time. Just to watch it evolve from a small two-year college for women into this splendid university has truly been a blessing,” says Clunan. “To watch new buildings go up and see how the campus has matured so beautifully is unbelievable. And with all this expansion and growth it has never lost it's warm, family feeling.”

Jason Zell

NSU Alumnus Wins Oncology Award

Jason Zell, D.O., M.P.H., a 2001 graduate of Nova South-eastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, was among 12 physicians from across the country who recently received a Cancer Clinical Investigator Team Leadership Award from the National Cancer Institute. The award recognizes exceptional cancer investigators for their contributions to the advancement of clinical research. Zell is a medical oncologist and co-leader of the Colon Cancer Disease-Oriented Team at the University of Califor-nia Irvine’s Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

of Independent Colleges

and Universities

Florida

S P OT L I G H TS P OT L I G H TS P OT L I G H T

on this month’s Preferred Vendor

Ajax Building Corporation

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Adventist University of Health Sciences

Ave Maria University

Barry University

Beacon College

Bethune-Cookman University

Clearwater Christian College

Eckerd College

Edward Waters College

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Everglades University

Flagler College

Florida College

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Memorial University

Florida Southern College

Hodges University

Jacksonville University

Keiser University

Lynn University

Nova Southeastern University

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Ringling College of Art and Design

Rollins College

Saint Leo University

St. Thomas University

Southeastern University

Stetson University

The University of Tampa

University of Miami

Warner University

Webber International University

Please email comments and suggested news items to:

marmstrong@icuf.org.