FALL2012
COLLEGE
Di g g i n gAr c h a e o l o g y S t ude n t st a k ea dva n t a g eo f l o c a l r e s o ur c e st oe x p l o r eh i s t o r y
21
5
19
President’s
Dr. WILLIAM T. ABARE, JR., Ed.D. President
Message
DONNA DELORENZO Executive Director of College Relations
contents:
5
1
Brian Thompson, ‘95 Director of Public Information and Flagler College Magazine Editor (904) 819-6249 bthompson@flagler.edu
We need a nice headline to go here. I
F. Mark Whittaker Vice President for Institutional Advancement
It isn’t every day that Flagler College lands in media all around the world, but that is what happened after
presidential candidate Mitt Romney made a campaign stop on the campus in August. Major media converged on the West Lawn, and the landmark towers of Ponce Hall flashed on TV screens across the country.
It was a momentous occasion for the college, marking the first visit by a presidential candidate since Pat Buchanan in 2000.
The visit capped what has already been a busy and newsmaking year at Flagler, much of which is chronicled in this
issue of Flagler College Magazine.
In May, our women’s softball team reached the NCAA Division II National Championship. This impressive
accomplishment is even more extraordinary when you consider this program didn’t even exist before 2009. Also on the sports front, three Flagler baseball players — Garrett Bush, Jonathan Arnold, and John Sgromolo — were picked in June’s 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. This is the first time we have had three players selected in the
19
same draft. Sgromolo was also selected for the NCAAs Division II Male Sportsmanship Award — a first for a Flagler student-athlete.
Our Students in Free Enterprise team placed second in SIFE’s 2012 USA National Exposition, and Steve Voguit,
assistant professor of history and geography, was included in the Princeton Review’s latest book, “The Best 300 Professors.”
In April, the former Hotel Ponce de Leon — the centerpiece of our college — was added to the Florida Chapter of the
American Institute of Architects’ list of top Florida architecture, after a successful write-in campaign. The Ponce joins the
21
11 DEPARTMENTS: The Breezeway
Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom, and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed campus of Florida Southern College.
Next year already promises to be just as exciting, especially as the college gears up to celebrate the 125th anniversary
of the opening of the Hotel Ponce de Leon — now designated as a National Historic Landmark. We have many events scheduled for this milestone, including the opening of the Solarium, which is scheduled to be restored and ready for use in May of 2013. We encourage you to join us for the celebration in 2013 and take part in what is sure to be another exciting year for Flagler College. William T. Abare, Jr., Ed.D. President
FEATURES: 1
Bottled Ocean 5
On the Cover: The Billion Dollar Buyer
17
Front Cover
Alumna Amy Thompson talks toys and rising up the ranks of
Flagler Assistant Professor William Locascio with
aquariums and gator exhibits.
retail giant Wal-Mart.
students at this summer’s archaeological field
Flagler College receives $1 million Kenan Trust
Top of the World 9
On the Rise 19
challenge grant.
A passion for teaching lands Steve Voguit on Princeton
Presidential candidate Mitt Romney visits Flagler campus.
advancement News
Alumnus Greg Lund finds aquatic success in large-scale
23
Softball reaches national championship this year thanks to
Review’s ‘The Best 300 Professors’ list.
competitive drive.
Catch up with what all of your classmates have been
Digging Archaeology 11
Alumni Weekend 21
doing the past year in alumni notes.
A new focus on archaeology is helping Flagler students take
Alumni News
25
advantage of local resources to explore history.
Take a look at award winners and Athletic Hall of Fame inductee’s from this year’s Alumni Weekend.
school in St. Augustine. Photo by Zach Thomas, ‘00
THE TAYLOR STUDIOS Creative Direction Art Direction Graphic Design Carrie Pack Chowske, ‘00 Flagler College Magazine Assistant Editor CONTRIBUTORS: Margo Brown, ‘06 Tom Iacuzio, ‘06 Kara Pound, ‘06 Lenny Rutland, ‘03 Laura Smith Scott Smith, ‘04 Phil Sunkel, ‘12 Zach Thomas, ‘00 Nancy Thompson, ‘95 Caroline Young, ‘11 FLAGLER COLLEGE MAGAZINE is published by the Flagler College Office of Public Information P.O. Box 1027 St. Augustine, Florida 32085-1027 (904) 819-6249 bthompson@flagler.edu
President’s
Dr. WILLIAM T. ABARE, JR., Ed.D. President
Message
DONNA DELORENZO Executive Director of College Relations
contents:
5
1
Brian Thompson, ‘95 Director of Public Information and Flagler College Magazine Editor (904) 819-6249 bthompson@flagler.edu
We need a nice headline to go here. I
F. Mark Whittaker Vice President for Institutional Advancement
It isn’t every day that Flagler College lands in media all around the world, but that is what happened after
presidential candidate Mitt Romney made a campaign stop on the campus in August. Major media converged on the West Lawn, and the landmark towers of Ponce Hall flashed on TV screens across the country.
It was a momentous occasion for the college, marking the first visit by a presidential candidate since Pat Buchanan in 2000.
The visit capped what has already been a busy and newsmaking year at Flagler, much of which is chronicled in this
issue of Flagler College Magazine.
In May, our women’s softball team reached the NCAA Division II National Championship. This impressive
accomplishment is even more extraordinary when you consider this program didn’t even exist before 2009. Also on the sports front, three Flagler baseball players — Garrett Bush, Jonathan Arnold, and John Sgromolo — were picked in June’s 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. This is the first time we have had three players selected in the
19
same draft. Sgromolo was also selected for the NCAAs Division II Male Sportsmanship Award — a first for a Flagler student-athlete.
Our Students in Free Enterprise team placed second in SIFE’s 2012 USA National Exposition, and Steve Voguit,
assistant professor of history and geography, was included in the Princeton Review’s latest book, “The Best 300 Professors.”
In April, the former Hotel Ponce de Leon — the centerpiece of our college — was added to the Florida Chapter of the
American Institute of Architects’ list of top Florida architecture, after a successful write-in campaign. The Ponce joins the
21
11 DEPARTMENTS: The Breezeway
Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom, and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed campus of Florida Southern College.
Next year already promises to be just as exciting, especially as the college gears up to celebrate the 125th anniversary
of the opening of the Hotel Ponce de Leon — now designated as a National Historic Landmark. We have many events scheduled for this milestone, including the opening of the Solarium, which is scheduled to be restored and ready for use in May of 2013. We encourage you to join us for the celebration in 2013 and take part in what is sure to be another exciting year for Flagler College. William T. Abare, Jr., Ed.D. President
FEATURES: 1
Bottled Ocean 5
On the Cover: The Billion Dollar Buyer
17
Front Cover
Alumna Amy Thompson talks toys and rising up the ranks of
Flagler Assistant Professor William Locascio with
aquariums and gator exhibits.
retail giant Wal-Mart.
students at this summer’s archaeological field
Flagler College receives $1 million Kenan Trust
Top of the World 9
On the Rise 19
challenge grant.
A passion for teaching lands Steve Voguit on Princeton
Presidential candidate Mitt Romney visits Flagler campus.
advancement News
Alumnus Greg Lund finds aquatic success in large-scale
23
Softball reaches national championship this year thanks to
Review’s ‘The Best 300 Professors’ list.
competitive drive.
Catch up with what all of your classmates have been
Digging Archaeology 11
Alumni Weekend 21
doing the past year in alumni notes.
A new focus on archaeology is helping Flagler students take
Alumni News
25
advantage of local resources to explore history.
Take a look at award winners and Athletic Hall of Fame inductee’s from this year’s Alumni Weekend.
school in St. Augustine. Photo by Zach Thomas, ‘00
THE TAYLOR STUDIOS Creative Direction Art Direction Graphic Design Carrie Pack Chowske, ‘00 Flagler College Magazine Assistant Editor CONTRIBUTORS: Margo Brown, ‘06 Tom Iacuzio, ‘06 Kara Pound, ‘06 Lenny Rutland, ‘03 Laura Smith Scott Smith, ‘04 Phil Sunkel, ‘12 Zach Thomas, ‘00 Nancy Thompson, ‘95 Caroline Young, ‘11 FLAGLER COLLEGE MAGAZINE is published by the Flagler College Office of Public Information P.O. Box 1027 St. Augustine, Florida 32085-1027 (904) 819-6249 bthompson@flagler.edu
T
The Flagler College Students In Free Enterprise team
(SIFE) finished second at the 2012 SIFE USA National Exposition in May, losing out to Belmont University. The other final four teams included Brigham Young UniversityHawaii and Valdosta State University.
The
Breezeway
More than 180 teams competed at the national
competition after moving on from 12 regional competitions this spring. Schools competing included Carnegie Mellon University, Elon University, Florida State University, Indiana University, Loyola University Chicago, Syracuse University, The University of Alabama, University of Florida,
Presidential candidate Mitt Romney makes stop at Flagler
A
Flagler SIFE takes second place at national competition University of Georgia, University of North Florida and the
A visit by Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney brought
a crowd of thousands to Flagler College’s West Lawn on Aug. 13, along
University of Notre Dame.
with media coverage that spanned the globe.
Sam’s Club Step Up For Small Business award for its Meals
A crowd estimated at 4,500 watched as Romney, introduced by
Flagler SIFE also finished in first place for a $5,000
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Florida Gov. Rick Scott, delivered a speech
on Wheels initiative, as well as third place for an American
that focused on the economy and small businesses.
Enterprise Grant finish for its effort with the Black Heritage
Xperience, a group trying to educate others about black
Romney was the first presidential candidate to visit Flagler since Pat
Buchanan spoke on campus during his run for the presidency in 2000.
history in St. Johns County.
The campaign stop was carried by news media that ranged from
The team worked on several projects this year including
The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post to CNN, the “TODAY
with youth offenders from the St. Johns Youth Academy at
Show,” NPR and even media as far away as the Jakarta Globe and the
the Haven Horse Ranch in St. Augustine, as well as finishing
Bangkok Post.
in the top 10 of Walmart’s “Get on the Shelf” contest for its
work with Jacksonville’s Veterans Farm.
While school was not in session, many Flagler students were in the
crowd to watch.
voted for products for a chance to be carried by Walmart.
“I’m here so I can say I’ve seen this,” said junior Lorenzo Deagle.
“I was here. My only complaint was that the youth segment is slightly underrepresented with school not being in session.“
“This is history,” said sophomore Liz Shaw. “I’m an older student
and have been unemployed for four years. So I’m paying attention to this election pretty intently. But regardless of who you’re voting for,
“Get on the Shelf” was a contest in which the public
The competition received more than 4,000 entries
Top, presidential candidate Mitt
generating more than 1.1 million votes.
Romney speaking on the West Lawn Aug. 13. Bottom, Romney meeting Flagler President William T. Abare Jr.
Together with Jacksonville’s Veterans Farm, which
teaches disabled combat veterans skills to help them overcome their physical and mental barriers, and Dr. Datil
it’s amazing that someone running for the highest office in the country
Food Products, Flagler SIFE students helped redesign the
thought to stop here.”
product label for Veteran’s Farm Datil Salt, produced a
commercial and developed a campaign for the competition.
Romney’s visit to St. Augustine came just two days after he selected
Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate.
Former President Bill Clinton makes appearance on campus
Flagler in brief • Professor of Education Carl Williams has a new book, “Starting Points: Preparing
in the country. Faculty adviser Bob Garner received the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students for Literacy Success,” out through Butte Publications.
Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award and the Flagler College
This is Williams’ third published text.
Tallahassee SAM Chapter also received the Campus Chapter Performance Program award in the small chapter division.
• Fans of Flagler College radio station WFCF 88.5 FM can now listen to their favorite
w
While in town for a lecture at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre in March, Former President Bill Clinton stopped outside of the Flagler College Communication Building to pose with students from Communication Chair Tracy Halcomb’s TV Production class.
programs from anywhere in the world as the station streams online via iHeartRadio, Clear
• Flagler’s student-run, online-only newspaper, the
Channel Media and Entertainment’s free, industry-leading digital radio service. WFCF
Gargoyle, took home a total of five awards at the Society
joined a list of more than a dozen of the leading college stations from 11 states.
of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Region 3 awards in March including a first-place finish for best
• Monica Blount, a student on the Flagler College-Tallahassee Society for Advancement
independent online publication. A sixth award was won
of Management Team, was named the recipient of the inaugural Mervat M. Abdelsamad
from a student in the Advanced Reporting class of assistant
Outstanding SAM Student Award, recognizing her as the most outstanding SAM student
professor of communication Helena Sarkio.
T
The Flagler College Students In Free Enterprise team
(SIFE) finished second at the 2012 SIFE USA National Exposition in May, losing out to Belmont University. The other final four teams included Brigham Young UniversityHawaii and Valdosta State University.
The
Breezeway
More than 180 teams competed at the national
competition after moving on from 12 regional competitions this spring. Schools competing included Carnegie Mellon University, Elon University, Florida State University, Indiana University, Loyola University Chicago, Syracuse University, The University of Alabama, University of Florida,
Presidential candidate Mitt Romney makes stop at Flagler
A
Flagler SIFE takes second place at national competition University of Georgia, University of North Florida and the
A visit by Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney brought
a crowd of thousands to Flagler College’s West Lawn on Aug. 13, along
University of Notre Dame.
with media coverage that spanned the globe.
Sam’s Club Step Up For Small Business award for its Meals
A crowd estimated at 4,500 watched as Romney, introduced by
Flagler SIFE also finished in first place for a $5,000
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Florida Gov. Rick Scott, delivered a speech
on Wheels initiative, as well as third place for an American
that focused on the economy and small businesses.
Enterprise Grant finish for its effort with the Black Heritage
Xperience, a group trying to educate others about black
Romney was the first presidential candidate to visit Flagler since Pat
Buchanan spoke on campus during his run for the presidency in 2000.
history in St. Johns County.
The campaign stop was carried by news media that ranged from
The team worked on several projects this year including
The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post to CNN, the “TODAY
with youth offenders from the St. Johns Youth Academy at
Show,” NPR and even media as far away as the Jakarta Globe and the
the Haven Horse Ranch in St. Augustine, as well as finishing
Bangkok Post.
in the top 10 of Walmart’s “Get on the Shelf” contest for its
work with Jacksonville’s Veterans Farm.
While school was not in session, many Flagler students were in the
crowd to watch.
voted for products for a chance to be carried by Walmart.
“I’m here so I can say I’ve seen this,” said junior Lorenzo Deagle.
“I was here. My only complaint was that the youth segment is slightly underrepresented with school not being in session.“
“This is history,” said sophomore Liz Shaw. “I’m an older student
and have been unemployed for four years. So I’m paying attention to this election pretty intently. But regardless of who you’re voting for,
“Get on the Shelf” was a contest in which the public
The competition received more than 4,000 entries
Top, presidential candidate Mitt
generating more than 1.1 million votes.
Romney speaking on the West Lawn Aug. 13. Bottom, Romney meeting Flagler President William T. Abare Jr.
Together with Jacksonville’s Veterans Farm, which
teaches disabled combat veterans skills to help them overcome their physical and mental barriers, and Dr. Datil
it’s amazing that someone running for the highest office in the country
Food Products, Flagler SIFE students helped redesign the
thought to stop here.”
product label for Veteran’s Farm Datil Salt, produced a
commercial and developed a campaign for the competition.
Romney’s visit to St. Augustine came just two days after he selected
Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate.
Former President Bill Clinton makes appearance on campus
Flagler in brief • Professor of Education Carl Williams has a new book, “Starting Points: Preparing
in the country. Faculty adviser Bob Garner received the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students for Literacy Success,” out through Butte Publications.
Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award and the Flagler College
This is Williams’ third published text.
Tallahassee SAM Chapter also received the Campus Chapter Performance Program award in the small chapter division.
• Fans of Flagler College radio station WFCF 88.5 FM can now listen to their favorite
w
While in town for a lecture at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre in March, Former President Bill Clinton stopped outside of the Flagler College Communication Building to pose with students from Communication Chair Tracy Halcomb’s TV Production class.
programs from anywhere in the world as the station streams online via iHeartRadio, Clear
• Flagler’s student-run, online-only newspaper, the
Channel Media and Entertainment’s free, industry-leading digital radio service. WFCF
Gargoyle, took home a total of five awards at the Society
joined a list of more than a dozen of the leading college stations from 11 states.
of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Region 3 awards in March including a first-place finish for best
• Monica Blount, a student on the Flagler College-Tallahassee Society for Advancement
independent online publication. A sixth award was won
of Management Team, was named the recipient of the inaugural Mervat M. Abdelsamad
from a student in the Advanced Reporting class of assistant
Outstanding SAM Student Award, recognizing her as the most outstanding SAM student
professor of communication Helena Sarkio.
Three Saints chosen in 2012 MLB Draft
You’re Welcome Ponce ‘writes in’ an architectural win
Baseball grad wins NCAA Sportsmanship Award
W
Flagler College’s Garrett Bush, Jonathan Armold and John Sgromolo were each selected in June’s 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, marking the first time three players from the school were selected in one draft. Bush, a right-handed pitcher, went in the 24th round, the 747th pick overall, to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Armold, a right-handed pitcher went in the 30th round, the 935th overall pick, to the Milwaukee Brewers. John Sgromolo, a first baseman, was selected in the 37th round, the 1,136th pick, to the Los Angeles Dodgers. “These kids dream of playing professional baseball,” said Dave Barnett, head baseball coach. “This is a great day for them and for Flagler. I am happy to have had the opportunity to coach Garrett, Jonathan and John.” Flagler had the most players selected in the draft from the Peach Belt Conference. In fact, three of the five players picked from the league wore Crimson and Gold. The last time Flagler had multiple players selected in a draft was 1995 when Jim Woodrow was picked in the 5th round by the San Francisco Giants and Gary Santoro was selected in 29th Round by the then-Florida Marlins.
left out of the Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Architects’ “Florida Architecture: 100 Years. 100 Places”
F
competition, the Flagler community took action.
student-athlete has won it.
The Ponce garnered enough write-in votes to be recognized among the top 100 buildings in the state and now joins
other Florida architectural structures including the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World,
of sportsmanship, including fairness, civility and respect.
the Historic Capitol Building in Tallahassee, the Florida Aquarium in Tampa and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed campus
“This is truly a blessing and an honor,” said Sgromolo.
of Florida Southern College.
Sgromolo graduated this past spring and was drafted in the 37th round of the Major
integrity and humility, and is someone who is always going
The Fontainebleau Miami Beach took first place in the popular vote.
League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is currently playing above and beyond for Flagler College,” said Ryan Erlacher,
“We are elated that so many Floridians took the time to learn about the beautiful structures in their communities,”
for their Rookie League team in Arizona.
Flagler’s assistant athletics director, compliance.
said Donald Yoshino, Chairman of AIA Florida’s 100th Anniversary Committee. “We intend to keep the conversation front
and center as we celebrate 100 years and encourage students across the state to consider a career in architecture — placing
athlete who displayed superior sportsmanship. He was considered a “student ambassador”
Southern Methodist University, Bowling Green State
their own unique signature on our state’s skyline.”
for the Athletics Department, was selected to the All-Peach Belt Conference second-team
University, Georgia Court University and Rose-Hulman
and earned academic all-conference honors in 2012.
Institute of Technology.
When the former Hotel Ponce de Leon — the centerpiece of Flagler College and a National Historic Landmark — was
More than 2 million votes were cast in the competition.
Preservation award given to Flagler in recognition of its work with the Florida East Coast Railway buildings
T
This past fall, Flagler College completed the renovation of the Florida East Coast
Railway buildings, transforming them from office use to student residence halls. That work has paid off with a 2012 Florida Trust for Historic Preservation award for Outstanding Achievement.
The trio of 1920s commercial-style buildings were given to Flagler College by FEC
through a $7.5 million gift-of-equity as a means to preserve them. “Flagler College is pleased to be recognized with this Preservation Award from the Florida Trust,” said Flagler College President William T. Abare Jr., Ed.D. “The College is committed to the preservation of the historic buildings on campus and, simultaneously, providing economically viable uses for them. Reuse of the FEC Buildings as residence halls fulfills both of those requirements and reinforces the connection that Flagler College has with Henry Flagler’s legacy.” The former railroad buildings anchor the western edge of downtown St. Augustine at the corner of King and Malaga streets.
Former Flagler first baseman John Sgromolo (above) was selected as the Division II
male winner of the NCAA Sportsmanship Award. This is the first time a Flagler College
The Sportsmanship Award honors student-athletes who have demonstrated the ideals
Throughout his four-year career as a Flagler Saint, Sgromolo was a model student-
“John embodies character, sportsmanship, leadership,
Other winners of the award included students from
p
Popular Flagler College Forum speaker Jim Toedtman (top right), editor of AARP’s
Bulletin, has been named director of the series on government and public policy.
Toedtman, a speaker at the program for the last 13 years, succeeds Victor Ostrowidzki
(bottom right), who passed away this past spring after battling cancer. Ostrowidzki, 80, was a veteran journalist and former White House reporter who covered every presidential election from 1964 to 1988. He joined the faculty at Flagler in 1997, founded the Forum series and taught classes on elections and the media.
The Forum brings nationally recognized journalists and experts to St. Augustine, and
past speakers have included Robert Novak, David Broder, Joe Klein, Anne Coulter, Pat Buchanan and Chris Matthews.
“I am delighted with the opportunity of continuing and enhancing the Flagler Forums
in ways that enrich the academic lives of Flagler students and benefit the St. Augustine community,” Toedtman said. “I look forward to the challenge of building on the solid foundation set by my friend Vic Ostrowidzki.”
Toedtman has had a distinguished career as reporter and editor for the New York daily
newspaper, Newsday, and as an editor for Hearst Corp. newspapers in Boston and Baltimore. read more at www.flagler.edu/magazine
Three Saints chosen in 2012 MLB Draft
You’re Welcome Ponce ‘writes in’ an architectural win
Baseball grad wins NCAA Sportsmanship Award
W
Flagler College’s Garrett Bush, Jonathan Armold and John Sgromolo were each selected in June’s 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, marking the first time three players from the school were selected in one draft. Bush, a right-handed pitcher, went in the 24th round, the 747th pick overall, to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Armold, a right-handed pitcher went in the 30th round, the 935th overall pick, to the Milwaukee Brewers. John Sgromolo, a first baseman, was selected in the 37th round, the 1,136th pick, to the Los Angeles Dodgers. “These kids dream of playing professional baseball,” said Dave Barnett, head baseball coach. “This is a great day for them and for Flagler. I am happy to have had the opportunity to coach Garrett, Jonathan and John.” Flagler had the most players selected in the draft from the Peach Belt Conference. In fact, three of the five players picked from the league wore Crimson and Gold. The last time Flagler had multiple players selected in a draft was 1995 when Jim Woodrow was picked in the 5th round by the San Francisco Giants and Gary Santoro was selected in 29th Round by the then-Florida Marlins.
left out of the Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Architects’ “Florida Architecture: 100 Years. 100 Places”
F
competition, the Flagler community took action.
student-athlete has won it.
The Ponce garnered enough write-in votes to be recognized among the top 100 buildings in the state and now joins
other Florida architectural structures including the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World,
of sportsmanship, including fairness, civility and respect.
the Historic Capitol Building in Tallahassee, the Florida Aquarium in Tampa and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed campus
“This is truly a blessing and an honor,” said Sgromolo.
of Florida Southern College.
Sgromolo graduated this past spring and was drafted in the 37th round of the Major
integrity and humility, and is someone who is always going
The Fontainebleau Miami Beach took first place in the popular vote.
League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is currently playing above and beyond for Flagler College,” said Ryan Erlacher,
“We are elated that so many Floridians took the time to learn about the beautiful structures in their communities,”
for their Rookie League team in Arizona.
Flagler’s assistant athletics director, compliance.
said Donald Yoshino, Chairman of AIA Florida’s 100th Anniversary Committee. “We intend to keep the conversation front
and center as we celebrate 100 years and encourage students across the state to consider a career in architecture — placing
athlete who displayed superior sportsmanship. He was considered a “student ambassador”
Southern Methodist University, Bowling Green State
their own unique signature on our state’s skyline.”
for the Athletics Department, was selected to the All-Peach Belt Conference second-team
University, Georgia Court University and Rose-Hulman
and earned academic all-conference honors in 2012.
Institute of Technology.
When the former Hotel Ponce de Leon — the centerpiece of Flagler College and a National Historic Landmark — was
More than 2 million votes were cast in the competition.
Preservation award given to Flagler in recognition of its work with the Florida East Coast Railway buildings
T
This past fall, Flagler College completed the renovation of the Florida East Coast
Railway buildings, transforming them from office use to student residence halls. That work has paid off with a 2012 Florida Trust for Historic Preservation award for Outstanding Achievement.
The trio of 1920s commercial-style buildings were given to Flagler College by FEC
through a $7.5 million gift-of-equity as a means to preserve them. “Flagler College is pleased to be recognized with this Preservation Award from the Florida Trust,” said Flagler College President William T. Abare Jr., Ed.D. “The College is committed to the preservation of the historic buildings on campus and, simultaneously, providing economically viable uses for them. Reuse of the FEC Buildings as residence halls fulfills both of those requirements and reinforces the connection that Flagler College has with Henry Flagler’s legacy.” The former railroad buildings anchor the western edge of downtown St. Augustine at the corner of King and Malaga streets.
Former Flagler first baseman John Sgromolo (above) was selected as the Division II
male winner of the NCAA Sportsmanship Award. This is the first time a Flagler College
The Sportsmanship Award honors student-athletes who have demonstrated the ideals
Throughout his four-year career as a Flagler Saint, Sgromolo was a model student-
“John embodies character, sportsmanship, leadership,
Other winners of the award included students from
p
Popular Flagler College Forum speaker Jim Toedtman (top right), editor of AARP’s
Bulletin, has been named director of the series on government and public policy.
Toedtman, a speaker at the program for the last 13 years, succeeds Victor Ostrowidzki
(bottom right), who passed away this past spring after battling cancer. Ostrowidzki, 80, was a veteran journalist and former White House reporter who covered every presidential election from 1964 to 1988. He joined the faculty at Flagler in 1997, founded the Forum series and taught classes on elections and the media.
The Forum brings nationally recognized journalists and experts to St. Augustine, and
past speakers have included Robert Novak, David Broder, Joe Klein, Anne Coulter, Pat Buchanan and Chris Matthews.
“I am delighted with the opportunity of continuing and enhancing the Flagler Forums
in ways that enrich the academic lives of Flagler students and benefit the St. Augustine community,” Toedtman said. “I look forward to the challenge of building on the solid foundation set by my friend Vic Ostrowidzki.”
Toedtman has had a distinguished career as reporter and editor for the New York daily
newspaper, Newsday, and as an editor for Hearst Corp. newspapers in Boston and Baltimore. read more at www.flagler.edu/magazine
Greg Lund, opposite page, in the gator exhibit at Orlando’s Gaylord Palms Resort and Conference Center. Left, Lund with Bottled Ocean partner Baron “Bear” Kozy at the “Swamp People” event in New York.
Photo by Peter Wang
“That was a really, really fun event to do,” Lund said. “It
had to be done in 30 days from the day we got the project. We had to rent a warehouse out here in Orlando. We built the whole exhibit then tore it down, put it on to two
Bottled Ocean
18-wheelers, drove it up to Manhattan, set it up for 12 days
Photo by Zach Thomas, ‘00
By Brian Thompson, ‘95
and then broke it down again.”
The 12,100-cubic-foot bayou included more than 1,000
plants indigenous to Louisiana swamps and that sat below docks that visitors walked along.
“We had to engineer it,” he said. “We had to figure out
how to make a lagoon and line a storefront so it would hold
Alumnus Greg Lund finds aquatic success in large-scale aquariums and gator exhibits
l
Louisiana bayous don’t just appear in New York City, and the closest you get to seeing
water. We found an alligator supplier in the New York area.
an alligator is when its hide is wrapped around a designer handbag.
… It was a feat of coordination, and to get it done in the
timeframe was a miracle in and of itself.”
But in February both popped up in Manhattan’s Chelsea Market as a promotion for
the History Channel’s reality show, “Swamp People.” Behind the transplanted swamp —
complete with live gators, 7,000 gallons of water and 15-foot-tall cypress trees — was none
— have become the norm for Lund and Bottled Ocean, which
other than Flagler alumnus Greg Lund, ‘85.
expects revenue of $1.2 million this year. The company
Lund isn’t a gator hunter, but co-owner of the Orlando-based Bottled Ocean. The
aquatic management company was hired to design and construct the elaborate exhibit promoting the third season of the show that chronicles alligator hunters as they troll Louisiana’s endless bayous.
Large, unique projects — especially that sport gators
Greg Lund, opposite page, in the gator exhibit at Orlando’s Gaylord Palms Resort and Conference Center. Left, Lund with Bottled Ocean partner Baron “Bear” Kozy at the “Swamp People” event in New York.
Photo by Peter Wang
“That was a really, really fun event to do,” Lund said. “It
had to be done in 30 days from the day we got the project. We had to rent a warehouse out here in Orlando. We built the whole exhibit then tore it down, put it on to two
Bottled Ocean
18-wheelers, drove it up to Manhattan, set it up for 12 days
Photo by Zach Thomas, ‘00
By Brian Thompson, ‘95
and then broke it down again.”
The 12,100-cubic-foot bayou included more than 1,000
plants indigenous to Louisiana swamps and that sat below docks that visitors walked along.
“We had to engineer it,” he said. “We had to figure out
how to make a lagoon and line a storefront so it would hold
Alumnus Greg Lund finds aquatic success in large-scale aquariums and gator exhibits
l
Louisiana bayous don’t just appear in New York City, and the closest you get to seeing
water. We found an alligator supplier in the New York area.
an alligator is when its hide is wrapped around a designer handbag.
… It was a feat of coordination, and to get it done in the
timeframe was a miracle in and of itself.”
But in February both popped up in Manhattan’s Chelsea Market as a promotion for
the History Channel’s reality show, “Swamp People.” Behind the transplanted swamp —
complete with live gators, 7,000 gallons of water and 15-foot-tall cypress trees — was none
— have become the norm for Lund and Bottled Ocean, which
other than Flagler alumnus Greg Lund, ‘85.
expects revenue of $1.2 million this year. The company
Lund isn’t a gator hunter, but co-owner of the Orlando-based Bottled Ocean. The
aquatic management company was hired to design and construct the elaborate exhibit promoting the third season of the show that chronicles alligator hunters as they troll Louisiana’s endless bayous.
Large, unique projects — especially that sport gators
The indoor bayou,
complete with gators,
has evolved from humble beginnings as an aquarium builder to designing and managing massive aquatic displays stocked with any number of underwater critters.
“We’ve been building the business, and all of a sudden last year it started taking off,”
he said. “It’s going to be a record year for the company.”
that Lund’s company, Bottled Ocean, created for a “Swamp People” exhibit in New York City. Below, photos of other aquariums Bottled Ocean has built.
Bottled Ocean manages the 360,000 gallons of sprawling waterways inside Orlando’s
1,400-room Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. The company is working on a project with Sea World’s Discovery Cove and also helped develop a gator-filled Louisiana bayou in the $500 million expansion at Paragon Casino in Marksville, La.
All total, Bottled Ocean oversees more than 400,000 gallons of man-made waterways,
both salt and freshwater. To put that into perspective, an average pool holds 8,000 to 10,000 gallons.
“It’s a big trend right now, and it’s a high-dollar trend,” said Lund about the popularity
of large aquariums and aquatic displays. “Our average fish tank is $40,000-plus. … Anytime you can bring animals and people together, especially fish, it’s a combination that works. Now you even see reality shows on TV about aquariums.”
Lund wasn’t always in the aquatic management business. In fact, he landed in it
by chance. After graduating from Flagler, he spent 17 years in financial services as a stockbroker in Miami and Orlando, escaping whenever he could to the Bahamas.
“I ended up in downtown Orlando, land-locked,” he said. “One day we decided we
would all have fish tanks put in our offices.”
They struggled to find good help to clean and service the tanks until he came across
his current Bottled Ocean partner, Baron “Bear” Kozy. Kozy pitched the idea for starting a business to build and maintain aquariums, and in 1996 Lund started managing the fledgling business on the side while selling stocks during the day. Only in 2004 did he jump ship and go full time with Bottled Ocean.
“I put my flip-flops and shorts on and haven’t looked back since,” he said.
The company landed its first big break when it won a contract to build lobster and fish
tanks for Red Lobster restaurants around the country.
“That really kind of propelled us to another level,” he said.
Ever since, the company has been diversifying, moving away from standard aquariums
“
and into managing larger, more unique projects like Gaylord Palms. Lund said when they
Photos by Peter Wang
I grew less and less interested in what I was doing ... One day I came home and told my wife I was going to pursue (BottleD Ocean) full time.
”
I walked away, put my flip-flops and shorts on, and haven’t looked back since.
signed on with the resort, the chlorinated waterways running through the hotel property
alligators. ... They’re not as scary as everyone makes them
held nothing but fake fish.
out to be. … You just need to know how to handle them and
how to approach them.”
“We approached them after we got the service contract and proposed turning it into a
live waterway. They really liked the idea and ran with it. Now we have seven waterways with Lund is now hoping the exposure from the History Channel job will lead to even bigger projects, not to mention more time different animals and alligators, so it’s pretty exciting.”
At Gaylord they handle everything from the massive filtration systems to finding new
fish that are introduced into the exhibits.
fleeing land-locked Central Florida in search of fish.
“Bear and I always said that one day we’re going to get
“You’re creating an eco-system, a life-support system essentially for these animals,” he paid to go fishing,” Lund said. “It happened. There’s nothing said. “We design the habitat around the animals that the customer wants to put in the tank. better than being able to go out on the water in Tampa Bay
We’re very conscientious of nature. We do a lot of work for conservation.”
Kozy is the designer and engineer, while Lund runs the business side. But as with most
small businesses, he often finds himself getting his feet wet, and even handling the gators.
“I’ve been to gator school,” he said. “I know how to handle a gator and so does everyone
on the team. We’re constantly having to jump in to the waterway with seven, eight, 10
The indoor bayou,
complete with gators,
has evolved from humble beginnings as an aquarium builder to designing and managing massive aquatic displays stocked with any number of underwater critters.
“We’ve been building the business, and all of a sudden last year it started taking off,”
he said. “It’s going to be a record year for the company.”
that Lund’s company, Bottled Ocean, created for a “Swamp People” exhibit in New York City. Below, photos of other aquariums Bottled Ocean has built.
Bottled Ocean manages the 360,000 gallons of sprawling waterways inside Orlando’s
1,400-room Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. The company is working on a project with Sea World’s Discovery Cove and also helped develop a gator-filled Louisiana bayou in the $500 million expansion at Paragon Casino in Marksville, La.
All total, Bottled Ocean oversees more than 400,000 gallons of man-made waterways,
both salt and freshwater. To put that into perspective, an average pool holds 8,000 to 10,000 gallons.
“It’s a big trend right now, and it’s a high-dollar trend,” said Lund about the popularity
of large aquariums and aquatic displays. “Our average fish tank is $40,000-plus. … Anytime you can bring animals and people together, especially fish, it’s a combination that works. Now you even see reality shows on TV about aquariums.”
Lund wasn’t always in the aquatic management business. In fact, he landed in it
by chance. After graduating from Flagler, he spent 17 years in financial services as a stockbroker in Miami and Orlando, escaping whenever he could to the Bahamas.
“I ended up in downtown Orlando, land-locked,” he said. “One day we decided we
would all have fish tanks put in our offices.”
They struggled to find good help to clean and service the tanks until he came across
his current Bottled Ocean partner, Baron “Bear” Kozy. Kozy pitched the idea for starting a business to build and maintain aquariums, and in 1996 Lund started managing the fledgling business on the side while selling stocks during the day. Only in 2004 did he jump ship and go full time with Bottled Ocean.
“I put my flip-flops and shorts on and haven’t looked back since,” he said.
The company landed its first big break when it won a contract to build lobster and fish
tanks for Red Lobster restaurants around the country.
“That really kind of propelled us to another level,” he said.
Ever since, the company has been diversifying, moving away from standard aquariums
“
and into managing larger, more unique projects like Gaylord Palms. Lund said when they
Photos by Peter Wang
I grew less and less interested in what I was doing ... One day I came home and told my wife I was going to pursue (BottleD Ocean) full time.
”
I walked away, put my flip-flops and shorts on, and haven’t looked back since.
signed on with the resort, the chlorinated waterways running through the hotel property
alligators. ... They’re not as scary as everyone makes them
held nothing but fake fish.
out to be. … You just need to know how to handle them and
how to approach them.”
“We approached them after we got the service contract and proposed turning it into a
live waterway. They really liked the idea and ran with it. Now we have seven waterways with Lund is now hoping the exposure from the History Channel job will lead to even bigger projects, not to mention more time different animals and alligators, so it’s pretty exciting.”
At Gaylord they handle everything from the massive filtration systems to finding new
fish that are introduced into the exhibits.
fleeing land-locked Central Florida in search of fish.
“Bear and I always said that one day we’re going to get
“You’re creating an eco-system, a life-support system essentially for these animals,” he paid to go fishing,” Lund said. “It happened. There’s nothing said. “We design the habitat around the animals that the customer wants to put in the tank. better than being able to go out on the water in Tampa Bay
We’re very conscientious of nature. We do a lot of work for conservation.”
Kozy is the designer and engineer, while Lund runs the business side. But as with most
small businesses, he often finds himself getting his feet wet, and even handling the gators.
“I’ve been to gator school,” he said. “I know how to handle a gator and so does everyone
on the team. We’re constantly having to jump in to the waterway with seven, eight, 10
If Steve Voguit’s mom had gotten her way, the overly shy youngster
“What I get from them is that my enthusiasm and passion for what
would have never stepped into a classroom to teach.
I’m doing shines through. I’m not saying I’m world-class, but I go in there
Instead, he would have been a dentist.
and give it everything,” Voguit said. “I’m not the smartest. I’m not the best
“My mom wanted me to be a dentist in the worst way,” the assistant
teacher, but I give it everything I have.”
professor of history and geography said. “But from about junior high, I just
had this idea I was going to be a teacher.”
geography, subjects many students wouldn’t list as the most exciting?
Forty-two years and thousands of students later, that decision seemed
But how do you keep students engaged in subjects such as history and “Something like American History, I tell the kids it’s like my favorite
even wiser this year when Voguit was included in the Princeton Review’s
movie, and I get to go every year and take my new friends with me and
latest book, “The Best 300 Professors.”
because I’ve seen it, I can point out all the really cool scenes,” joked Voguit.
Selecting professors for the book took into account qualitative and
“But really, when they’re with someone who cares about them, they know
quantitative data from student surveys and ratings collected by both The
it. They respond to it and a bond develops that’s way beyond who won the
Princeton Review and RateMyProfessors.com. From an initial list of 42,000 election in 1928.” professors considered, the final group represents less than .02 percent of
roughly 1.8 million post-secondary teachers in the United States.
aware of Voguit’s intense connection to his students.
“I was surprised and amazed,” Voguit said when he found out. “It is
Flagler College Dean of Academic Affairs Alan Woolfolk said he is well “What strikes me about Steve is his profound modesty and genuine
heartwarming to be so highly regarded by the students.”
devotion to teaching. I have always been deeply impressed by the
close attention that he brings to each student as an individual,” said
But teaching didn’t always come so easily for this year’s Student
Government Association Faculty Member of the Year — the fourth time
Woolfolk. “Flagler is lucky to count him as a faculty member.”
Voguit has been awarded the honor.
veterans groups and even served as the historian for a documentary about
The son of high school dropouts, Voguit was not only the first member
But teaching isn’t Voguit’s only passion. He volunteers with Florida
of his family to graduate college, but also the first one to finish high school.
the Korean War.
But it was his shyness that would be his biggest obstacle to teaching.
the background for the five men from northeast Florida who fought in
“When I say I was shy, that’s a massive understatement. I was painfully
“My contribution was to research and write the narrative that provided
shy,” he said.
Korea to tell their stories,” said Voguit about “Forgotten War, Remembered
Heroes,” which is regularly shown on the Jacksonville PBS affiliate. “I also
“I remember sitting with my guidance counselor and he asked me
what I wanted to do, and I said I wanted to be a teacher. I remember
got to be the on-camera historian who told the story of the Korean War.”
thinking as I’m saying these words, ‘How can you be a teacher. You’re
too shy to talk to anyone?’ ”
wanted him to be, Voguit said he still fights with his shyness. But he has tried
to make more of an effort to talk with people outside the classroom. He recalled
Voguit’s troubles continued through college and into his first years
And while he jokes that he’s never become as rich as the dentist his mother
as a teacher.
one such effort while in line at a Florida amusement park.
“My first few years of teaching were rough. I always tell the kids that
“We were in line at Busch Gardens, and I saw a family with a travel bag
your first year of teaching is your fifth year of college,” he said. “I had eighth that said Reading, Pa., which is our hometown. So I said, ‘Where you from graders and my classroom discipline was atrocious. I struggled, but I was
in Reading?’ They were deaf,” Voguit joked. “My wife said, ‘Maybe God
determined to keep plugging away.”
doesn’t want you to talk.’ ”
By Tom Iacuzio, '06 - Photos by Scott Smith, '04
After 30 years in the Pennsylvania school system, Voguit began teaching
And while the real world might still be a struggle, inside the classroom
as an adjunct at Flagler College in 2000. Now in his 13th year at Flagler, the
Voguit is larger than life.
assistant professor has become a student favorite.
“I think it’s just what I was supposed to do,” Voguit said. “That’s my element.”
If Steve Voguit’s mom had gotten her way, the overly shy youngster
“What I get from them is that my enthusiasm and passion for what
would have never stepped into a classroom to teach.
I’m doing shines through. I’m not saying I’m world-class, but I go in there
Instead, he would have been a dentist.
and give it everything,” Voguit said. “I’m not the smartest. I’m not the best
“My mom wanted me to be a dentist in the worst way,” the assistant
teacher, but I give it everything I have.”
professor of history and geography said. “But from about junior high, I just
had this idea I was going to be a teacher.”
geography, subjects many students wouldn’t list as the most exciting?
Forty-two years and thousands of students later, that decision seemed
But how do you keep students engaged in subjects such as history and “Something like American History, I tell the kids it’s like my favorite
even wiser this year when Voguit was included in the Princeton Review’s
movie, and I get to go every year and take my new friends with me and
latest book, “The Best 300 Professors.”
because I’ve seen it, I can point out all the really cool scenes,” joked Voguit.
Selecting professors for the book took into account qualitative and
“But really, when they’re with someone who cares about them, they know
quantitative data from student surveys and ratings collected by both The
it. They respond to it and a bond develops that’s way beyond who won the
Princeton Review and RateMyProfessors.com. From an initial list of 42,000 election in 1928.” professors considered, the final group represents less than .02 percent of
roughly 1.8 million post-secondary teachers in the United States.
aware of Voguit’s intense connection to his students.
“I was surprised and amazed,” Voguit said when he found out. “It is
Flagler College Dean of Academic Affairs Alan Woolfolk said he is well “What strikes me about Steve is his profound modesty and genuine
heartwarming to be so highly regarded by the students.”
devotion to teaching. I have always been deeply impressed by the
close attention that he brings to each student as an individual,” said
But teaching didn’t always come so easily for this year’s Student
Government Association Faculty Member of the Year — the fourth time
Woolfolk. “Flagler is lucky to count him as a faculty member.”
Voguit has been awarded the honor.
veterans groups and even served as the historian for a documentary about
The son of high school dropouts, Voguit was not only the first member
But teaching isn’t Voguit’s only passion. He volunteers with Florida
of his family to graduate college, but also the first one to finish high school.
the Korean War.
But it was his shyness that would be his biggest obstacle to teaching.
the background for the five men from northeast Florida who fought in
“When I say I was shy, that’s a massive understatement. I was painfully
“My contribution was to research and write the narrative that provided
shy,” he said.
Korea to tell their stories,” said Voguit about “Forgotten War, Remembered
Heroes,” which is regularly shown on the Jacksonville PBS affiliate. “I also
“I remember sitting with my guidance counselor and he asked me
what I wanted to do, and I said I wanted to be a teacher. I remember
got to be the on-camera historian who told the story of the Korean War.”
thinking as I’m saying these words, ‘How can you be a teacher. You’re
too shy to talk to anyone?’ ”
wanted him to be, Voguit said he still fights with his shyness. But he has tried
to make more of an effort to talk with people outside the classroom. He recalled
Voguit’s troubles continued through college and into his first years
And while he jokes that he’s never become as rich as the dentist his mother
as a teacher.
one such effort while in line at a Florida amusement park.
“My first few years of teaching were rough. I always tell the kids that
“We were in line at Busch Gardens, and I saw a family with a travel bag
your first year of teaching is your fifth year of college,” he said. “I had eighth that said Reading, Pa., which is our hometown. So I said, ‘Where you from graders and my classroom discipline was atrocious. I struggled, but I was
in Reading?’ They were deaf,” Voguit joked. “My wife said, ‘Maybe God
determined to keep plugging away.”
doesn’t want you to talk.’ ”
By Tom Iacuzio, '06 - Photos by Scott Smith, '04
After 30 years in the Pennsylvania school system, Voguit began teaching
And while the real world might still be a struggle, inside the classroom
as an adjunct at Flagler College in 2000. Now in his 13th year at Flagler, the
Voguit is larger than life.
assistant professor has become a student favorite.
“I think it’s just what I was supposed to do,” Voguit said. “That’s my element.”
Flagler Assistant Professor William Locascio looks at an artifact found this summer at the archaeological field school on
Cuna Street.
By Tom Iacuzio, ‘06 Photos by Zach Thomas, '00
Students take advantage of local resources to explore history
A
As Flagler College students
looked on, St. Augustine city archaeologist Carl Halbirt sat on the edge of a newly dug hole and soaked a roll of plaster in a big 5-gallon bucket.
“It’s like changing a diaper,” he
said. “You need to make sure it’s nice and snug.”
With that Halbirt took aim at
his target, a nearly 200-year-old turtle carcass that the students of Flagler Assistant Professor William Locascio discovered while working a site on Cuna Street.
“We hit some bone,” said junior
history major Lorenzo Deagle, who was part of the group that discovered the turtle. “Then we hit some more and then a lot more.”
The discovery even excited
the teacher.
“This is a lesson for me because
I’ve never done this nor have I ever seen this done,” said Locascio, who teaches archaeology and anthropology. “This is a real treat.”
Digging Archaeology
Flagler Assistant Professor William Locascio looks at an artifact found this summer at the archaeological field school on
Cuna Street.
By Tom Iacuzio, ‘06 Photos by Zach Thomas, '00
Students take advantage of local resources to explore history
A
As Flagler College students
looked on, St. Augustine city archaeologist Carl Halbirt sat on the edge of a newly dug hole and soaked a roll of plaster in a big 5-gallon bucket.
“It’s like changing a diaper,” he
said. “You need to make sure it’s nice and snug.”
With that Halbirt took aim at
his target, a nearly 200-year-old turtle carcass that the students of Flagler Assistant Professor William Locascio discovered while working a site on Cuna Street.
“We hit some bone,” said junior
history major Lorenzo Deagle, who was part of the group that discovered the turtle. “Then we hit some more and then a lot more.”
The discovery even excited
the teacher.
“This is a lesson for me because
I’ve never done this nor have I ever seen this done,” said Locascio, who teaches archaeology and anthropology. “This is a real treat.”
Digging Archaeology
Flagler student Deb Shaw, left, takes notes while working on the dig on Cuna Street. Right, Nick Campbell, a student from Penn State who enrolled in the
Flagler College
“
field school, brushes away dirt around an artifact.
That emphasis on anthropology and archaeology is a pretty good idea given where we are ... There’s so much archaeology going on here, such a good environment, that the students would benefit tremendously.
”
– Bill Locasio
The turtle was an added bonus to the already exciting site at 58 Cuna St., the home to
Flagler College’s 2011 Academic Strategic Plan talks of plans for a public history major,
academic research related to the history, archaeology and
what is believed to be a tavern owned by Pablo Sabate in the late 1700s.
which would focus on a range of studies from historical preservation and cultural tourism to historical architecture of St. Augustine.
public archaeology and museum studies.
Augustine had been settled since the late 1600s, during the construction of the Castillo de
college sees numerous opportunities to develop a wide array
San Marcos.
that few institutions are better suited for such a program. Flagler is also considering a major of student internships, more field schools and joint projects
But archaeological investigations undertaken by the city show that this area of St.
There are very few programs in public history nationwide, and the plan acknowledges
With so much history in the Nation’s Oldest City, the
in anthropology with a concentration in archaeology.
with FPAN, which has had an office on the Flagler campus
historical archaeology,” said Toni Wallace, who heads up the St. Augustine Archaeological
since 2006.
Association, one of the groups aiding with the field school.
we are,” Locasio said. “There’s so much archaeology going on here, it’s such a good
environment, that the students would benefit tremendously.”
it’s very significant to have archaeology offerings at Flagler
way up to the last building on this site which was demolished in the 1960s. So you basically have
Already, Flagler hosts the northeast region headquarters for the Florida Public
College,” said Sarah Miller, director of the FPAN center
the whole history of the city right here.”
Archaeology Network (FPAN), as well as the Historic St. Augustine Research Institute,
at Flagler. “The emergence of an archaeology program
a collaboration between the college, the University of Florida and the St. Augustine
parallel to the tremendous growth in the public history
“This is probably one of the best sites that Dr. Locascio could have picked with respect to
“It has four different building structures from St. Augustine history here from the 1600s all the
The Cuna Street field school is just a first step in what looks to be a major leap for the
college’s anthropology and archaeology programs.
“That emphasis on anthropology and archaeology is a pretty good idea given where
Foundation. The institute’s purpose is to encourage, coordinate and disseminate active
“As an historical archaeologist by training I can tell you
Flagler student Deb Shaw, left, takes notes while working on the dig on Cuna Street. Right, Nick Campbell, a student from Penn State who enrolled in the
Flagler College
“
field school, brushes away dirt around an artifact.
That emphasis on anthropology and archaeology is a pretty good idea given where we are ... There’s so much archaeology going on here, such a good environment, that the students would benefit tremendously.
”
– Bill Locasio
The turtle was an added bonus to the already exciting site at 58 Cuna St., the home to
Flagler College’s 2011 Academic Strategic Plan talks of plans for a public history major,
academic research related to the history, archaeology and
what is believed to be a tavern owned by Pablo Sabate in the late 1700s.
which would focus on a range of studies from historical preservation and cultural tourism to historical architecture of St. Augustine.
public archaeology and museum studies.
Augustine had been settled since the late 1600s, during the construction of the Castillo de
college sees numerous opportunities to develop a wide array
San Marcos.
that few institutions are better suited for such a program. Flagler is also considering a major of student internships, more field schools and joint projects
But archaeological investigations undertaken by the city show that this area of St.
There are very few programs in public history nationwide, and the plan acknowledges
With so much history in the Nation’s Oldest City, the
in anthropology with a concentration in archaeology.
with FPAN, which has had an office on the Flagler campus
historical archaeology,” said Toni Wallace, who heads up the St. Augustine Archaeological
since 2006.
Association, one of the groups aiding with the field school.
we are,” Locasio said. “There’s so much archaeology going on here, it’s such a good
environment, that the students would benefit tremendously.”
it’s very significant to have archaeology offerings at Flagler
way up to the last building on this site which was demolished in the 1960s. So you basically have
Already, Flagler hosts the northeast region headquarters for the Florida Public
College,” said Sarah Miller, director of the FPAN center
the whole history of the city right here.”
Archaeology Network (FPAN), as well as the Historic St. Augustine Research Institute,
at Flagler. “The emergence of an archaeology program
a collaboration between the college, the University of Florida and the St. Augustine
parallel to the tremendous growth in the public history
“This is probably one of the best sites that Dr. Locascio could have picked with respect to
“It has four different building structures from St. Augustine history here from the 1600s all the
The Cuna Street field school is just a first step in what looks to be a major leap for the
college’s anthropology and archaeology programs.
“That emphasis on anthropology and archaeology is a pretty good idea given where
Foundation. The institute’s purpose is to encourage, coordinate and disseminate active
“As an historical archaeologist by training I can tell you
Bill Locasio, far left, talks with field school participant Brandy Hamm. Left, Flagler student Nick Pearce sifts through dirt at the field school looking for artifacts.
“
There are so many opportunities ... We could easily have an internship or just an
independent study that lets the students research these collections. They can do
field school, the ability to work in the field this close to
and hearths and turtle carcasses.”
campus was one of the draws of Flagler College.
the strides the program has taken at the college.
”
all the analysis and write a paper that can be published.
– Bill Locasio
For the seven students who signed up for the summer
“It’s why I came here. It’s such a perfect location for a
second day,” Wallace said. “They were finding foundations
program like this,” said junior history major Haley Grimes.
Wallace said groups like hers and FPAN are thrilled with “We love to work with young people and training them
“And on top of that, we’re helping to add on to the pool of
in good ethical archaeology,” she said. “I think the school
department is also a good indicator of strong support for both students and faculty
knowledge in St. Augustine.”
has a great resource here in St. Augustine. It’s a natural
interested in heritage education.”
Grimes also said programs like the Cuna field school
laboratory for historical archaeology because it’s the oldest
are helping the city learn about the Minorcan heritage of
continuously occupied city in the country. So you can’t turn
the oldest city archeology programs in the nation, volunteer organizations such as the St.
the area.
over a shovel of soil in St. Augustine without encountering
Augustine Archaeological Association and even an active maritime archaeology program
some form of archaeological resource.”
run out of the St. Augustine Lighthouse, which would allow students to get involved in
pursue as a career, and I don’t really learn well unless I’m
underwater projects.
doing it,” said Lawton, who is also a history major.
sometime in the future, the experience has been a dream.
Miller noted than in addition to FPAN, Flagler students would have access to one of
Junior Eddie Lawton agreed. “This is what I want to
And for Locascio, who hopes to have another field school
“This is more hands on and will really help me in the future.”
experience through the city, through FPAN. These groups have many collections just sitting
And as the group continued to unearth fragments of
there,” Locasio said. “We could easily have an internship or just an independent study that
pottery, glass and other signs of the past, the excitement
lets the students research these collections. They can do all the analysis and write a paper
among the party of students, professionals and volunteers,
it hard to contain his excitement.
that can be published.”
who Locascio calls “the backbone of local archaeology,”
continued to grow.
rich in cultural resources and that we should develop this
many students don’t have access to until graduate school, an opportunity that would put Flagler
program,” he said. “I see that as a really good idea.”
students ahead of the curve when it comes time to apply to post-baccalaureate programs.
action and they get bored. Here, there was action from the
“There are so many opportunities for students to be doing internships, research
Locascio says establishing a program like this would enable students to begin work that
“You can take students to a site where there’s not a lot of
“Being able to help further this program with kids who
obviously enjoy the work is inspiring,” he said. As for a future expansion of the program, Locascio finds “The college has recognized that we’re in an area that’s
Bill Locasio, far left, talks with field school participant Brandy Hamm. Left, Flagler student Nick Pearce sifts through dirt at the field school looking for artifacts.
“
There are so many opportunities ... We could easily have an internship or just an
independent study that lets the students research these collections. They can do
field school, the ability to work in the field this close to
and hearths and turtle carcasses.”
campus was one of the draws of Flagler College.
the strides the program has taken at the college.
”
all the analysis and write a paper that can be published.
– Bill Locasio
For the seven students who signed up for the summer
“It’s why I came here. It’s such a perfect location for a
second day,” Wallace said. “They were finding foundations
program like this,” said junior history major Haley Grimes.
Wallace said groups like hers and FPAN are thrilled with “We love to work with young people and training them
“And on top of that, we’re helping to add on to the pool of
in good ethical archaeology,” she said. “I think the school
department is also a good indicator of strong support for both students and faculty
knowledge in St. Augustine.”
has a great resource here in St. Augustine. It’s a natural
interested in heritage education.”
Grimes also said programs like the Cuna field school
laboratory for historical archaeology because it’s the oldest
are helping the city learn about the Minorcan heritage of
continuously occupied city in the country. So you can’t turn
the oldest city archeology programs in the nation, volunteer organizations such as the St.
the area.
over a shovel of soil in St. Augustine without encountering
Augustine Archaeological Association and even an active maritime archaeology program
some form of archaeological resource.”
run out of the St. Augustine Lighthouse, which would allow students to get involved in
pursue as a career, and I don’t really learn well unless I’m
underwater projects.
doing it,” said Lawton, who is also a history major.
sometime in the future, the experience has been a dream.
Miller noted than in addition to FPAN, Flagler students would have access to one of
Junior Eddie Lawton agreed. “This is what I want to
And for Locascio, who hopes to have another field school
“This is more hands on and will really help me in the future.”
experience through the city, through FPAN. These groups have many collections just sitting
And as the group continued to unearth fragments of
there,” Locasio said. “We could easily have an internship or just an independent study that
pottery, glass and other signs of the past, the excitement
lets the students research these collections. They can do all the analysis and write a paper
among the party of students, professionals and volunteers,
it hard to contain his excitement.
that can be published.”
who Locascio calls “the backbone of local archaeology,”
continued to grow.
rich in cultural resources and that we should develop this
many students don’t have access to until graduate school, an opportunity that would put Flagler
program,” he said. “I see that as a really good idea.”
students ahead of the curve when it comes time to apply to post-baccalaureate programs.
action and they get bored. Here, there was action from the
“There are so many opportunities for students to be doing internships, research
Locascio says establishing a program like this would enable students to begin work that
“You can take students to a site where there’s not a lot of
“Being able to help further this program with kids who
obviously enjoy the work is inspiring,” he said. As for a future expansion of the program, Locascio finds “The college has recognized that we’re in an area that’s
The billion dollar buyer
Thompson has now moved on to Walmart.com — the company’s online retailer — where she is responsible for half of the site’s toys department, including bikes, riding toys, dolls, games and activities. The business administration and accounting major also won this year’s Flagler College Young Alumni Achievement Award, and was recently accepted into the University of California, Berkeley’s MBA program. So with so much going on, Flagler Magazine caught up with her to ask a few questions about working for the world’s largest retailer … and what it’s like buying all those toys.
Absolutely. We were actually out at Hasbro looking at all the new things coming out for
Q&A
spring, and I said to them in a meeting, “I never had anything anywhere near this when I
at that point, you’re pretty much done for the year. It’s a lot
was a kid. I really missed out.”
of pressure and it’s very weather-driven. So you’re literally
Is being a toy buyer as incredible as it sounds?
It really is the best job. It’s so much fun. You’re in these supplier meetings basically figuring out what kids are going to be having on their wish lists for next Christmas. You’re working on all of the hottest toys. You know what they are a year before they come out. So it is a lot of fun.
Do you ever think back to being a kid and how much you would have loved this job?
watching the weather every single day.
How did you end up working with Wal-Mart?
It definitely started with Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). We were at the national
Now you’ve moved from the bricks-and-mortar
different did you find the world of e-commerce?
competition the summer between my junior and senior year. We were on stage presenting in the final four. As soon as I got off stage someone came up to me and said, “One of the
retail side to their online retailing division. How
judges wanted me to give you this.” It was a business card and on the back was written,
There are a lot of similarities, but there are some pretty “Amy, would you be interested in working for us when you graduate?” I turned it over and it fundamental differences. E-commerce is a very immediate was from someone who was a senior vice president at WalMart … I gave him a call, went out business. And it’s also very system driven. I work with the for an interview, and by October of my senior year, I had signed with WalMart … I still have
backend of the site quite a bit on cultivating the experience
that card today.
for the customer. Because with e-commerce you have that unique ability to make changes on an item page whether it’s
Buying for a retailer as large as WalMart has to be more than just sitting in an
image, layout, information, price even. You have the ability
office flipping through catalogs. What’s it like?
to do that on a daily basis where in a store you didn’t. You
It’s a very involved and a very long process in most cases. You really start with customer
were planning a year out for what that customer experience
insights and trends as far as what’s going on with them right now. It’s about staying in
was going to be. It’s a very immediate business.
touch with the customer. The next step is working with your suppliers to develop and build the products you’re looking for. You also have to take into account what you’ve done
With so much money at stake, are you able to
historically. So, were there items you had in the past that performed very strongly? Or are
take chances on products that you have a gut-
there items that are at the end of their product life cycle? … Once you have the items set,
feeling about, but maybe not all the research?
you’ll go back and do the forecasting. It’s a science. It’s very specific. You come up with a
One of the great things about (e-commerce) is that we have
forecast and provide them to suppliers so they can go buy their raw materials and make
the ability to test large numbers of items to see if they have
their production schedules so you can get your product on time. That’s it in a nutshell. It
legs. So we’ll test things and then take that information to
sounds a lot easier than it is.
stores and let them know what’s doing well. Sometimes if the
Amy Thompson talks toys and rising up the ranks of WalMart, the world’s largest retailer By Brian Thompson, ‘95 Photo by Zach Thomas, ‘00
A
Alumna Amy Thompson, ‘06, isn’t worth a billion dollars. But in six short years as a buyer with mega-retailer WalMart, she has already overseen accounts that have totaled $1 billion in purchasing power. And not just any accounts...
she bought toys.
stores are not sure about items, they’ll send them our way
How much time do you spend researching products?
and we’ll put them up and send that information back.
I feel like it’s something as a buyer you’re constantly doing. I don’t think there’s a time when you’re not researching things. I’ll be in the market doing my personal shopping and I’ll see
What would you say was most important in getting
something that sparks a thought, whether it’s a package or a unique item … It’s almost like
you where you are today?
you’re constantly on.
One of the biggest things for me was networking. And that really went back to SIFE at Flagler … Never underestimate
You started out buying stationery before they moved you onto seasonal toys
the importance of your network and just constantly be
where you oversaw volume of $1 billion in purchases. What was it like taking
working to build it.
such a huge step with so much responsibility?
I was definitely excited, but also a little nervous just because of the magnitude of the job. … Toys is big and it’s a very seasonal business. The piece I had was summer seasonal business — pools, swingsets, bubbles, fireworks — so that’s May through July. If you don’t do well
The billion dollar buyer
Thompson has now moved on to Walmart.com — the company’s online retailer — where she is responsible for half of the site’s toys department, including bikes, riding toys, dolls, games and activities. The business administration and accounting major also won this year’s Flagler College Young Alumni Achievement Award, and was recently accepted into the University of California, Berkeley’s MBA program. So with so much going on, Flagler Magazine caught up with her to ask a few questions about working for the world’s largest retailer … and what it’s like buying all those toys.
Absolutely. We were actually out at Hasbro looking at all the new things coming out for
Q&A
spring, and I said to them in a meeting, “I never had anything anywhere near this when I
at that point, you’re pretty much done for the year. It’s a lot
was a kid. I really missed out.”
of pressure and it’s very weather-driven. So you’re literally
Is being a toy buyer as incredible as it sounds?
It really is the best job. It’s so much fun. You’re in these supplier meetings basically figuring out what kids are going to be having on their wish lists for next Christmas. You’re working on all of the hottest toys. You know what they are a year before they come out. So it is a lot of fun.
Do you ever think back to being a kid and how much you would have loved this job?
watching the weather every single day.
How did you end up working with Wal-Mart?
It definitely started with Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). We were at the national
Now you’ve moved from the bricks-and-mortar
different did you find the world of e-commerce?
competition the summer between my junior and senior year. We were on stage presenting in the final four. As soon as I got off stage someone came up to me and said, “One of the
retail side to their online retailing division. How
judges wanted me to give you this.” It was a business card and on the back was written,
There are a lot of similarities, but there are some pretty “Amy, would you be interested in working for us when you graduate?” I turned it over and it fundamental differences. E-commerce is a very immediate was from someone who was a senior vice president at WalMart … I gave him a call, went out business. And it’s also very system driven. I work with the for an interview, and by October of my senior year, I had signed with WalMart … I still have
backend of the site quite a bit on cultivating the experience
that card today.
for the customer. Because with e-commerce you have that unique ability to make changes on an item page whether it’s
Buying for a retailer as large as WalMart has to be more than just sitting in an
image, layout, information, price even. You have the ability
office flipping through catalogs. What’s it like?
to do that on a daily basis where in a store you didn’t. You
It’s a very involved and a very long process in most cases. You really start with customer
were planning a year out for what that customer experience
insights and trends as far as what’s going on with them right now. It’s about staying in
was going to be. It’s a very immediate business.
touch with the customer. The next step is working with your suppliers to develop and build the products you’re looking for. You also have to take into account what you’ve done
With so much money at stake, are you able to
historically. So, were there items you had in the past that performed very strongly? Or are
take chances on products that you have a gut-
there items that are at the end of their product life cycle? … Once you have the items set,
feeling about, but maybe not all the research?
you’ll go back and do the forecasting. It’s a science. It’s very specific. You come up with a
One of the great things about (e-commerce) is that we have
forecast and provide them to suppliers so they can go buy their raw materials and make
the ability to test large numbers of items to see if they have
their production schedules so you can get your product on time. That’s it in a nutshell. It
legs. So we’ll test things and then take that information to
sounds a lot easier than it is.
stores and let them know what’s doing well. Sometimes if the
Amy Thompson talks toys and rising up the ranks of WalMart, the world’s largest retailer By Brian Thompson, ‘95 Photo by Zach Thomas, ‘00
A
Alumna Amy Thompson, ‘06, isn’t worth a billion dollars. But in six short years as a buyer with mega-retailer WalMart, she has already overseen accounts that have totaled $1 billion in purchasing power. And not just any accounts...
she bought toys.
stores are not sure about items, they’ll send them our way
How much time do you spend researching products?
and we’ll put them up and send that information back.
I feel like it’s something as a buyer you’re constantly doing. I don’t think there’s a time when you’re not researching things. I’ll be in the market doing my personal shopping and I’ll see
What would you say was most important in getting
something that sparks a thought, whether it’s a package or a unique item … It’s almost like
you where you are today?
you’re constantly on.
One of the biggest things for me was networking. And that really went back to SIFE at Flagler … Never underestimate
You started out buying stationery before they moved you onto seasonal toys
the importance of your network and just constantly be
where you oversaw volume of $1 billion in purchases. What was it like taking
working to build it.
such a huge step with so much responsibility?
I was definitely excited, but also a little nervous just because of the magnitude of the job. … Toys is big and it’s a very seasonal business. The piece I had was summer seasonal business — pools, swingsets, bubbles, fireworks — so that’s May through July. If you don’t do well
On The Rise
Softball reaches national championship this year thanks to
competitive drive
By Tom Iacuzio, ‘06
F
Flagler College softball made its first appearance at the NCAA Div. II National
“
”
Making it to the national tournament is unforgettable, and it is something that the ladies will be able to take with them for the rest of their lives ... Just being able to say that we are one of the top softball programs in the country in 2012 is now undisputable.
Overton has amassed a record of 127-91 at Flagler, finding success by blending four-
fell to the host school, Cal State-San Bernardino. The men’s
Championship in May, an accomplishment made even more impressive by the fact that the
year players with junior college transfers. At the forefront of this year’s success were
soccer team hosted a national quarterfinal match against
team has only been around since 2009.
three junior college transfers: first baseman Breezy Collings (Orange City, Fla., Brevard
Lynn University, only to fall in penalty kicks.
CC), second baseman Alona Personius (Lake Stevens, Wash., Florida State College-
said head coach Kristen Overton, who has led the team since it began play. “At the
Jacksonville), and pitcher Donna Munafo (Satellite Beach, Fla., Brevard CC).
2009 volleyball team.
beginning of every season, I know that we are going to be good based on the talent that we
will have, but at this level every team is good.”
She is a two-time All-Region and All-Peach Belt Conference selection. Collings was the
National Player of the Week at the end of February and is one of the most feared hitters in
“We have had a tremendous amount of growth in the program since our first season,”
Overton says what differentiates her girls from other teams is the work ethic and
Collings is one of the most decorated players in the brief history of the Flagler program.
competitive drive to improve. That has led to team camaraderie and in turn creates a
the conference.
winning environment. But the hardest part of her job is creating a culture within the
program that the players are proud of and committed to.
ladies will be able to take with them for the rest of their lives,” said Overton. “Just being
able to say that we are one of the top softball programs in the country in 2012 is now
“One of the challenges that you face is getting the new players to buy in to our purpose,”
“Making it to the national tournament is unforgettable, and it is something that the
said Overton. “But the success of getting all the team members on the same page has
undisputable. The perseverance that they showed during post season says a lot about the
typically come from the leadership of the returning players.”
individuals that they are.”
The Saints advanced to the quarterfinals of the national tournament, but were knocked
out by Lenoir-Rhyne University. Flagler finished its season at 39-20.
For the athletics program, this was the third team in the 2011-12 academic year to make
it to the elite eight. The Flagler volleyball team advanced to the national quarterfinals and
Only one Flagler team has reached the final four: the
On The Rise
Softball reaches national championship this year thanks to
competitive drive
By Tom Iacuzio, ‘06
F
Flagler College softball made its first appearance at the NCAA Div. II National
“
”
Making it to the national tournament is unforgettable, and it is something that the ladies will be able to take with them for the rest of their lives ... Just being able to say that we are one of the top softball programs in the country in 2012 is now undisputable.
Overton has amassed a record of 127-91 at Flagler, finding success by blending four-
fell to the host school, Cal State-San Bernardino. The men’s
Championship in May, an accomplishment made even more impressive by the fact that the
year players with junior college transfers. At the forefront of this year’s success were
soccer team hosted a national quarterfinal match against
team has only been around since 2009.
three junior college transfers: first baseman Breezy Collings (Orange City, Fla., Brevard
Lynn University, only to fall in penalty kicks.
CC), second baseman Alona Personius (Lake Stevens, Wash., Florida State College-
said head coach Kristen Overton, who has led the team since it began play. “At the
Jacksonville), and pitcher Donna Munafo (Satellite Beach, Fla., Brevard CC).
2009 volleyball team.
beginning of every season, I know that we are going to be good based on the talent that we
will have, but at this level every team is good.”
She is a two-time All-Region and All-Peach Belt Conference selection. Collings was the
National Player of the Week at the end of February and is one of the most feared hitters in
“We have had a tremendous amount of growth in the program since our first season,”
Overton says what differentiates her girls from other teams is the work ethic and
Collings is one of the most decorated players in the brief history of the Flagler program.
competitive drive to improve. That has led to team camaraderie and in turn creates a
the conference.
winning environment. But the hardest part of her job is creating a culture within the
program that the players are proud of and committed to.
ladies will be able to take with them for the rest of their lives,” said Overton. “Just being
able to say that we are one of the top softball programs in the country in 2012 is now
“One of the challenges that you face is getting the new players to buy in to our purpose,”
“Making it to the national tournament is unforgettable, and it is something that the
said Overton. “But the success of getting all the team members on the same page has
undisputable. The perseverance that they showed during post season says a lot about the
typically come from the leadership of the returning players.”
individuals that they are.”
The Saints advanced to the quarterfinals of the national tournament, but were knocked
out by Lenoir-Rhyne University. Flagler finished its season at 39-20.
For the athletics program, this was the third team in the 2011-12 academic year to make
it to the elite eight. The Flagler volleyball team advanced to the national quarterfinals and
Only one Flagler team has reached the final four: the
2012
Alumni Weekend
2 012 Jones, Lee and Mena inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame Julie (Went) Jones, ‘89
Flagler recognizes four alumni for achievements and contributions Young Alumni Achievement Award - Amy Thompson, ‘06
Lettered three years in women’s tennis and played on three NAIA National Championship
A merchandising expert with WalMart, Thompson has also stayed connected to Flagler’s
teams (1987-89). She earned NAIA All-America honors in each of those three seasons. As a
Students in Free Enterprise. (See story page 17)
senior, she posted a 26-0 record in singles competition, and was the national runner-up in the singles tournament. Went and Catharina Persson became the first tandem from Flagler
Flagler Service Award - Pete Peaver, ‘81
to win the national doubles competition.
Peaver has worked on the Flagler College Alumni Golf Tournament since the inception and been instrumental in building alumni participation. He was inducted into the Flagler
Jason Lee, ‘93 Lettered all four years in baseball, and was a three-time All-Florida Sun Conference selection (1991-93). He posted a 40-15 career record with a 3.06 earned run average. He holds the
College Sports Hall of Fame for Baseball in 2007. He was recently named the Florida High School Golf Coach of the Year.
school’s career record for wins, complete games (25) and innings pitched (398). As a senior,
Professional Achievement Award - Dr. Beverly Carmichael, ‘72
he helped lead the Saints to a 42-15 mark, a school record for wins and winning percentage,
Carmichael is assistant chancellor for university advancement at the University of
and was one game shy of advancing to the NAIA World Series.
Wisconsin-Green Bay. In the past, she has served as director of development for Flagler, as well as associate executive director of The American Association for Adult and
Ricardo Mena, ‘00 Was a four-year letter winner in men’s tennis, and is the most recent alumnus to be From left to right, Jason Lee, Julie (Went) Jones and Ricardo Mena
For more, go to athletics.flagler.edu
Continuing Education.
inducted. A three-time NAIA All-American, he was selected as the 1999 Most Outstanding
Pride of Flagler Award - Marc Williar, ‘84
Player after winning the singles title. He was the Ward Ballinger Award recipient in 1999,
Williar is vice president for enrollment management at Flagler College and has been
which recognizes the NAIA’s top men’s tennis player. Mena helped lead Flagler to top 10
with the college since 1988. During his 17 years as director, enrollment grew nearly 100
rankings, including a No. 2 ranking in 1999.
percent from under 1,300 to more than 2,500. He has significantly increased out-of-state enrollment of new first-year students, as well as minority student enrollment.
From left to right, Pete Peaver, Dr. Beverly Carmichael, Amy Thompson, Marc Williar.
For more, go to www.flagler.edu/magazine
2012
Alumni Weekend
2 012 Jones, Lee and Mena inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame Julie (Went) Jones, ‘89
Flagler recognizes four alumni for achievements and contributions Young Alumni Achievement Award - Amy Thompson, ‘06
Lettered three years in women’s tennis and played on three NAIA National Championship
A merchandising expert with WalMart, Thompson has also stayed connected to Flagler’s
teams (1987-89). She earned NAIA All-America honors in each of those three seasons. As a
Students in Free Enterprise. (See story page 17)
senior, she posted a 26-0 record in singles competition, and was the national runner-up in the singles tournament. Went and Catharina Persson became the first tandem from Flagler
Flagler Service Award - Pete Peaver, ‘81
to win the national doubles competition.
Peaver has worked on the Flagler College Alumni Golf Tournament since the inception and been instrumental in building alumni participation. He was inducted into the Flagler
Jason Lee, ‘93 Lettered all four years in baseball, and was a three-time All-Florida Sun Conference selection (1991-93). He posted a 40-15 career record with a 3.06 earned run average. He holds the
College Sports Hall of Fame for Baseball in 2007. He was recently named the Florida High School Golf Coach of the Year.
school’s career record for wins, complete games (25) and innings pitched (398). As a senior,
Professional Achievement Award - Dr. Beverly Carmichael, ‘72
he helped lead the Saints to a 42-15 mark, a school record for wins and winning percentage,
Carmichael is assistant chancellor for university advancement at the University of
and was one game shy of advancing to the NAIA World Series.
Wisconsin-Green Bay. In the past, she has served as director of development for Flagler, as well as associate executive director of The American Association for Adult and
Ricardo Mena, ‘00 Was a four-year letter winner in men’s tennis, and is the most recent alumnus to be From left to right, Jason Lee, Julie (Went) Jones and Ricardo Mena
For more, go to athletics.flagler.edu
Continuing Education.
inducted. A three-time NAIA All-American, he was selected as the 1999 Most Outstanding
Pride of Flagler Award - Marc Williar, ‘84
Player after winning the singles title. He was the Ward Ballinger Award recipient in 1999,
Williar is vice president for enrollment management at Flagler College and has been
which recognizes the NAIA’s top men’s tennis player. Mena helped lead Flagler to top 10
with the college since 1988. During his 17 years as director, enrollment grew nearly 100
rankings, including a No. 2 ranking in 1999.
percent from under 1,300 to more than 2,500. He has significantly increased out-of-state enrollment of new first-year students, as well as minority student enrollment.
From left to right, Pete Peaver, Dr. Beverly Carmichael, Amy Thompson, Marc Williar.
For more, go to www.flagler.edu/magazine
Advancement
Celebrating the Ponce Flagler’s centerpiece, the Hotel Ponce de León, celebrates 125th anniversary next year
I
Carrère and Hastings’ design is remarkable in its
proportions and symmetry. The original hotel plans feature a central axis that links the various elements of the resort, including a semicircular entrance plaza and a large courtyard.
In May 1885, Standard Oil executive Henry M. Flagler, visiting from New York, stood in the They represent the first major project of Carrère and Hastings, who would go on to design more than 600 parlor at Markland House, the home of his friend, Dr. Andrew Anderson. The two men looked out the window, across a marshy tract of land claimed by a roller-skating rink, a Methodist church, and a humble hotel — all three structures balanced on pilings to
quarried coquina. In fact, the hotel was the first large multi-story building constructed of concrete in the United States.
structures, including The New York Public Library and
Washington D.C.’s House and Senate office buildings.
with a system designed by Thomas Edison and was one of the first interior-lit buildings in
When it was completed in May 1887, it was a true marvel. It was wired for electricity
Florida. West of the Rotunda stood the stunning Grand Parlor, now the Flagler Room, with
accommodate the tidal flow of Maria Sanchez Creek.
Construction by the Numbers 2,500,000:
Matanzas Inlet and adjacent to colonial St. Augustine, would be the site of his newest
venture — a resort hotel that would position St. Augustine as the American Riviera. Flagler
next 18 months, 700 workers teemed over the site. Labor
Dollars, in 1888, to build hotel. its Louis XIV décor, fluted Corinthian columns and ceiling paintings by Virgilio Tojetti. The (Equivalent to approximately $60 million today.) Dining Room, with its spectacular Louis C. Tiffany windows, was a wonder décor. Muralist Laborers to build hotel. George W. Maynard, a leading American artist, contributed the exquisite murals that grace
turned to Anderson and laid out the plan: Buy the land. Fill the creek. Build the dream.
was heavy, hot and dangerous. The intensity of the work
the both the Dining Room and the Rotunda.
sprung from what was actually one of the most innovative
“
structure would operate as a hotel for nearly eight decades and would welcome a host of
Flagler confirmed his decision: this was it. This soggy land, a half-mile west of the
Like most things Henry Flagler undertook, the construction of the Hotel Ponce de León
was an epic project — magnificent, elaborate, and fast-paced. Within two years, the damp
If You Build It Work on the hotel began on December 1, 1885. For the
elements of the plans: the decision to build with cast
site was transformed into a luxury resort like the world had never seen. And the sleepy little concrete, a mixture of Portland cement, sand and locallycity of St. Augustine would never be the same.
Today, the National Historic Landmark is the centerpiece of Flagler College. The
building, which the college has spent millions of dollars restoring and renovating, will celebrate its 125th anniversary next year.
Plans are Cast
Flagler’s first order of business was to hire architects who could execute his vision. He
chose Thomas Hastings, the 25-year-old son of Flagler’s minister, and John Carrère, Hastings’ 26-year-old partner. The two had previously worked on Flagler’s home on Long Island. Inspired by Hastings’ sketches from a recent trip to Spain, the two worked feverishly to create the drawings for the new hotel. Their final plans feature elements of the Spanish Renaissance embellished by Moorish and Medieval details.
notable guests, among them five U.S. Presidents.
I am spending an unnecessary amount of money in the foundation walls, but I comfort myself with the reflection that a hundred years hence it will be all the same to me, and the building better, because of my extravagance.
”
• The 2012 Flagler College Alumni Weekend hosted a 40th Reunion of the Class of 1972, the first class to
graduate from Flagler College. They were joined by members of the Charter Classes of 1973, 1974 and 1975.
• More than $13.2 million has been raised since 2010 toward the “Focused on the Future, the Campaign for
Kenan Trust Challenge Grant met
I
In 2011, the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust awarded a $1 million grant to Flagler College for endowment, subject to a one-to-one match by other donors.
This June, Flagler supporters met the goal. In fact, the goal was exceeded, as
Flagler College.” Now in its third year, efforts will continue over the next several years to raise funds for
approximately $2.9 million was raised in direct response to the challenge. Gifts were
projected needs of the College including endowment, capital projects and annual giving. The Annual Fund will
received to support the Flagler Fund, to endow scholarships and program service funds,
be an important component with rebranding underway to launch the Flagler Fund for unrestricted support.
and to assist with capital projects, such as the restoration of the Solarium and the
• The College has received a grant of $350,000 from the State of Florida to assist with restoration of the
renovation of the Auditorium.
Support from trustees, alumni, parents, and friends was significant. In seven
Solarium in Ponce Hall. This grant supports the initial $500,000 challenge grant made by Allen and Delores
months, $1 million in cash and statements of intent was raised for endowment.
Lastinger. The total raised to date is $1,977,184. Naming opportunities still remain.
• The late Patricia T. Blanchard, ‘79, made a bequest to her alma mater through a planned gift, which
Guest rooms in original hotel. Height, in feet, of brick chimney off the artists’ studios. Length, in feet, of Grand Parlor, now the Flagler Room. Number of Tiffany stained-glass windows in hotel. Months from groundbreaking to completion. Tons of hard coal burned daily to power lighting in 1888. Acres of land purchased for hotel site
A year of anniversary events
Henry M. Flagler, 1886
Institutional advancement Briefs
Above: Alumni 40th Reunion of the Class of 1972
On January 12, 1888, the Hotel Ponce de León opened its doors to guests. The grand
700: 300: 125: 104: 79: 18: 10: 7.5:
“I was fortunate to have an opportunity to attend Flagler College during its first four
years as a result of a full scholarship,” said Dr. Beverly C. Carmichael, ’72, who started one of 14 newly established endowed funds. “Now, as one of Flagler’s ‘oldest living
Flagler College is planning a yearlong celebration in 2013 to mark the 125th anniversary of the Hotel Ponce de León.
January 11 - February 22, 2013 Carrere & Hastings Blueprint Opening. See the beautifully preserved original blueprints of the Hotel Ponce de León, on display for the first time at Flagler College. Exhibit will run through Feb. 22. Crisp-Ellert Art Museum.
January 12, 2013 Opening Day Tour. On the same day the hotel opened its doors, period re-enactors lead guests through the Ponce. Ponce Hall.
January 12 –December 31, 2013 Celebrating the Legacy Exhibit. Learn about the hotel’s construction, sports, leisure, arts and entertainment, as
provides a flexible way for alumni, parents and friends to provide support for the College in the future while
graduates,’ it is gratifying to endow a scholarship to return the investment made in me.
realizing benefits for themselves today. Bequests are simple and easy and can be for an outright amount or a
It’s my way of paying it forward.”
percentage of a retirement plan.
For information, call the Office of Institutional Advancement at (904)-819-6437
experiences with the “James W. Babcock and Teri Ludwick-Babcock Endowed
For information and additional 125th anniversary events,
Scholarship for Study Abroad.”
visit
Mr. and Mrs. James Babcock wanted to provide enriching overseas cultural
well as how the hotel made the transition to a college. Ponce Hall. www.ponce125.com
Advancement
Celebrating the Ponce Flagler’s centerpiece, the Hotel Ponce de León, celebrates 125th anniversary next year
I
Carrère and Hastings’ design is remarkable in its
proportions and symmetry. The original hotel plans feature a central axis that links the various elements of the resort, including a semicircular entrance plaza and a large courtyard.
In May 1885, Standard Oil executive Henry M. Flagler, visiting from New York, stood in the They represent the first major project of Carrère and Hastings, who would go on to design more than 600 parlor at Markland House, the home of his friend, Dr. Andrew Anderson. The two men looked out the window, across a marshy tract of land claimed by a roller-skating rink, a Methodist church, and a humble hotel — all three structures balanced on pilings to
quarried coquina. In fact, the hotel was the first large multi-story building constructed of concrete in the United States.
structures, including The New York Public Library and
Washington D.C.’s House and Senate office buildings.
with a system designed by Thomas Edison and was one of the first interior-lit buildings in
When it was completed in May 1887, it was a true marvel. It was wired for electricity
Florida. West of the Rotunda stood the stunning Grand Parlor, now the Flagler Room, with
accommodate the tidal flow of Maria Sanchez Creek.
Construction by the Numbers 2,500,000:
Matanzas Inlet and adjacent to colonial St. Augustine, would be the site of his newest
venture — a resort hotel that would position St. Augustine as the American Riviera. Flagler
next 18 months, 700 workers teemed over the site. Labor
Dollars, in 1888, to build hotel. its Louis XIV décor, fluted Corinthian columns and ceiling paintings by Virgilio Tojetti. The (Equivalent to approximately $60 million today.) Dining Room, with its spectacular Louis C. Tiffany windows, was a wonder décor. Muralist Laborers to build hotel. George W. Maynard, a leading American artist, contributed the exquisite murals that grace
turned to Anderson and laid out the plan: Buy the land. Fill the creek. Build the dream.
was heavy, hot and dangerous. The intensity of the work
the both the Dining Room and the Rotunda.
sprung from what was actually one of the most innovative
“
structure would operate as a hotel for nearly eight decades and would welcome a host of
Flagler confirmed his decision: this was it. This soggy land, a half-mile west of the
Like most things Henry Flagler undertook, the construction of the Hotel Ponce de León
was an epic project — magnificent, elaborate, and fast-paced. Within two years, the damp
If You Build It Work on the hotel began on December 1, 1885. For the
elements of the plans: the decision to build with cast
site was transformed into a luxury resort like the world had never seen. And the sleepy little concrete, a mixture of Portland cement, sand and locallycity of St. Augustine would never be the same.
Today, the National Historic Landmark is the centerpiece of Flagler College. The
building, which the college has spent millions of dollars restoring and renovating, will celebrate its 125th anniversary next year.
Plans are Cast
Flagler’s first order of business was to hire architects who could execute his vision. He
chose Thomas Hastings, the 25-year-old son of Flagler’s minister, and John Carrère, Hastings’ 26-year-old partner. The two had previously worked on Flagler’s home on Long Island. Inspired by Hastings’ sketches from a recent trip to Spain, the two worked feverishly to create the drawings for the new hotel. Their final plans feature elements of the Spanish Renaissance embellished by Moorish and Medieval details.
notable guests, among them five U.S. Presidents.
I am spending an unnecessary amount of money in the foundation walls, but I comfort myself with the reflection that a hundred years hence it will be all the same to me, and the building better, because of my extravagance.
”
• The 2012 Flagler College Alumni Weekend hosted a 40th Reunion of the Class of 1972, the first class to
graduate from Flagler College. They were joined by members of the Charter Classes of 1973, 1974 and 1975.
• More than $13.2 million has been raised since 2010 toward the “Focused on the Future, the Campaign for
Kenan Trust Challenge Grant met
I
In 2011, the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust awarded a $1 million grant to Flagler College for endowment, subject to a one-to-one match by other donors.
This June, Flagler supporters met the goal. In fact, the goal was exceeded, as
Flagler College.” Now in its third year, efforts will continue over the next several years to raise funds for
approximately $2.9 million was raised in direct response to the challenge. Gifts were
projected needs of the College including endowment, capital projects and annual giving. The Annual Fund will
received to support the Flagler Fund, to endow scholarships and program service funds,
be an important component with rebranding underway to launch the Flagler Fund for unrestricted support.
and to assist with capital projects, such as the restoration of the Solarium and the
• The College has received a grant of $350,000 from the State of Florida to assist with restoration of the
renovation of the Auditorium.
Support from trustees, alumni, parents, and friends was significant. In seven
Solarium in Ponce Hall. This grant supports the initial $500,000 challenge grant made by Allen and Delores
months, $1 million in cash and statements of intent was raised for endowment.
Lastinger. The total raised to date is $1,977,184. Naming opportunities still remain.
• The late Patricia T. Blanchard, ‘79, made a bequest to her alma mater through a planned gift, which
Guest rooms in original hotel. Height, in feet, of brick chimney off the artists’ studios. Length, in feet, of Grand Parlor, now the Flagler Room. Number of Tiffany stained-glass windows in hotel. Months from groundbreaking to completion. Tons of hard coal burned daily to power lighting in 1888. Acres of land purchased for hotel site
A year of anniversary events
Henry M. Flagler, 1886
Institutional advancement Briefs
Above: Alumni 40th Reunion of the Class of 1972
On January 12, 1888, the Hotel Ponce de León opened its doors to guests. The grand
700: 300: 125: 104: 79: 18: 10: 7.5:
“I was fortunate to have an opportunity to attend Flagler College during its first four
years as a result of a full scholarship,” said Dr. Beverly C. Carmichael, ’72, who started one of 14 newly established endowed funds. “Now, as one of Flagler’s ‘oldest living
Flagler College is planning a yearlong celebration in 2013 to mark the 125th anniversary of the Hotel Ponce de León.
January 11 - February 22, 2013 Carrere & Hastings Blueprint Opening. See the beautifully preserved original blueprints of the Hotel Ponce de León, on display for the first time at Flagler College. Exhibit will run through Feb. 22. Crisp-Ellert Art Museum.
January 12, 2013 Opening Day Tour. On the same day the hotel opened its doors, period re-enactors lead guests through the Ponce. Ponce Hall.
January 12 –December 31, 2013 Celebrating the Legacy Exhibit. Learn about the hotel’s construction, sports, leisure, arts and entertainment, as
provides a flexible way for alumni, parents and friends to provide support for the College in the future while
graduates,’ it is gratifying to endow a scholarship to return the investment made in me.
realizing benefits for themselves today. Bequests are simple and easy and can be for an outright amount or a
It’s my way of paying it forward.”
percentage of a retirement plan.
For information, call the Office of Institutional Advancement at (904)-819-6437
experiences with the “James W. Babcock and Teri Ludwick-Babcock Endowed
For information and additional 125th anniversary events,
Scholarship for Study Abroad.”
visit
Mr. and Mrs. James Babcock wanted to provide enriching overseas cultural
well as how the hotel made the transition to a college. Ponce Hall. www.ponce125.com
ALUMNI
NEWS
seventy-seven
Bob Bruno retired from the Air Force 10 years ago and has been working at United States Central Command since 2007, as well as teaching in the school of business for the University of Phoenix in both Philadelphia and Tampa. In 2006, Bob moved to Tampa and loves being back in the Florida weather. Bob would love to hear from other ‘77 grads. Robert Hollis accepted a position at Webber International University as the assistant men’s and women’s tennis coach.
seventy-nine
Andrew Ford is the president of the Florida Education Association.
eighty
Jim Clinch published his first novel, “Canterbury’s Tale,” a quirky mystery novel with a humorous, malcontent hero. Jim’s novel is available on Amazon in paperback and for Kindle. Andrew McRae saw many longtime friends at Alumni Weekend this year, and participated in several “minireunions” all weekend long. Andrew will “see you next year.” Kathy (Fant) O’Keefe completed her master’s in counseling at Reformed Theological Seminary in Oviedo, Fla., this spring. Kathy, formerly the director of alumni relations at Flagler College, will return to campus as a registered mental health intern in the counseling clinic.
eighty-two
Brian “Boomer 82” Gadowry is still getting used to being retired. His daughter graduated from Eastern Carolina University with a communication degree and his son is busy with Florida State University baseball and his videography duties. Brian’s three dogs and horses keep him busy.
eighty-four
Jacquie (Matthews) Williams works at Southwest Florida College as a student representative in the industry relations and graduate placement department. Jacquie assists students in finding employment, resume writing, interviewing tips and job-seeking skills.
eighty-five
through their first tour with the U.S. Department of State, serving in Wellington, New Zealand. Amy is a special projects coordinator for the U.S. Embassy and Adrian is a U.S. diplomat. Their next post will be in New Delhi, India, with their two sons, Morgan, 15, and Ewan, 12. For an account of Amy’s seven hours in Christchurch, New Zealand, during the devastating earthquake, visit her blog at nobleglomads.blogspot.com.
ninety-two
Josh Romaine is in his 17th year of teaching at Sebastian Middle School in St. Augustine, Fla., and recently celebrated his 11th anniversary with his wife, Rebecca. They have three children, Ella, 9, Owen, 7, and Gracia, 6. Josh is working on his master’s of library science and information at Florida State University.
Ellen Schubert married Steve Birthisel in Orlando, Fla., on March 30, 2012. Alumnae in attendance were Lynne (Gambardella) Zappone, ‘84; Kimberly (Watts) Garrett, ‘86; and Andrea Larson, ‘86.
Louis “J.” Travis received his Master of Science in strategic communications from Columbia University in New York on Feb. 9, 2012.
John “Jeb” Backus received the Sportsman Award at the 51st annual “Dinner of Champions” from Staples High School in Westport, Conn.
Andrew Halloran published his book, “The Song of the Ape: Understanding the Languages of Chimpanzees,” released by St. Martin’s Press. The book carries a dedication to the late J. Robin King, a former Flagler College professor.
eighty-seven
Lori (Curry) Reinert was named director of managed care for Medical Services of America (MSA). MSA has over 300 company-owned locations in 14 states and provides home health, hospice and infusion services, as well as mail-order pharmacy and medical equipment supplies. Lori and her husband, David, recently celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary and their son, Jordan, finished his freshman year at Coastal Carolina College.
eighty-eight
Gisela (Cintron) Swift lives in Charlottesville, Va., with her husband, Mark, and daughter Sofie. Gisela and Mark have owned and operated picantecreative.com, a design business, for the past 11 years. Gisela plans to attend Alumni Weekend 2013 to celebrate her 25th reunion. She would like to plan a reunion with her fellow ‘88 alumni. Drop her a note if you’re planning to attend: Gisela@ picantecreative.com.
ninety
Troy Blevins walked 749 miles from St. Augustine, Fla., to Washington, D.C., to spread the word about the epidemic of autism. Troy is the father of two autistic children and is involved with Project Autism of St. Johns Inc., a nonprofit serving St. Johns County residents who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Margaret “Amy” (Jenigen) Pratt and her husband, Adrian, are halfway
ninety-five
360 arts and cultural organizations throughout central Florida’s seven counties. Lorelie is senior manager of corporate communications for Bright House Networks, and is a member of the Women’s Leadership Class of 2012 for Birth House Networks, and served as the chair of the Public Relations Society of America Sunshine District Board in 2010.
ninety-nine
Kathleen “Kassy” Guy-Reed and Harold Johanessen welcomed a son, Harold Guy Johanessen, on Nov. 9, 2011. The “future Flagler alumnus” joins his sister and other “future Flagler alumna,” Colleen, 9. The family resides in Palm Coast, Fla.
zero-zero
Brian Killingsworth is the vice president of marketing and brand strategy for the St. Louis Rams.
zero-two
zero-four
Katie (Roberts) Ambrose married Chace Ambrose in Macon, Ga., on March 25, 2012. Alumnae in attendance were Jessica Ross, ‘02; Michelle (Leach) Mattingly, ‘03; Erin Acton, ‘04; and Heather Crews, ‘04. Kristy (Schweikert) Hirko was featured on Do It Yourself (DIY) Network’s premier show, “Renovation Realities.” Kristy and her uncle renovated the porch of her rental home, and the show has been aired over 50 times on DIY. Becca (Wilson) Jackson received her Ph.D. in special education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is currently working as a senior research analyst for a disability research firm in Washington, D.C., and her husband, Todd Jackson, ‘99, is a director of technology with Xerox’s transportation division. Risa Matthews works at HGTV and DIY Network in New York City as director of ad sales marketing. Risa develops partnerships with national advertisers with the goal of creating compelling content for viewers. Risa previously worked for the Food Network and Cooking Channel.
Nicole (Rahe) Fair and husband, Chris, welcomed a son, August Jackson Fair, on March 14, 2012.
Sarah (Cameron) Henderson and husband, Chris, welcomed a daughter, Claire Elizabeth, on May 9, 2012. Claire joins big sister, Carolina, 2. Jessica (Kiser) Kaspar and husband welcomed a daughter, Charlotte Aurora, on March 19, 2012.
zero-three
Serena (Forrester) Waller married William Waller in Jacksonville, Fla., on Sept. 30, 2011. Alumni in attendance were Mary (Friar) Gergley, ‘03, and Ryan O’Conner, ‘04.
Lisa Williams welcomed daughter, Elizabeth Marie, on Oct. 14, 2011. They reside in Cincinnati, Ohio.
ninety-six
Angela (Balas) Astrup and husband, Anthony, welcomed a son, Austin, on June 25, 2011. Angela is the director of marketing for the Boys and Girls Club, and Anthony is an account manager for Apple. They reside in Vero Beach, Fla.
Rhonda (Jones) Sowers married Marie Sowers on June 25, 2011. They reside in Longmont, Colo. Beth (Vairo) Ridenour was named public relations director for Evok Advertising and assumes media relations and reputation management responsibilities for the agency’s diverse roster of clients. She is currently working on a new consumer awareness program for the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Beth lives in Sanford, Fla.
ninety-eight
Amy (Frasu) Sanchez-Juarez recently married Lenny Sanchez-Juarez. Alex Bohne welcomed a son in January 2011. Lorelie (Hagen) Johnson was appointed to the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Central Florida Board of Directors, which serves more than
Bonnie (Mercado) married Andrew Dietrich, ‘04, on Oct. 2, 2011. Simona Galik was engaged to Todd Moore on Jan. 20, 2012. The couple lives in Davidson, N.C. Elizabeth Hagin completed her graduate degree at the University of Georgia and has moved to Atlanta to work in public relations account management.
Kristen (Hicks) Barry married Sean Barry on Oct. 22, 2011 at Plantation Preserve Golf Course in Plantation, Fla. Kelli Walters, ‘04, was in the bridal party. Jennifer Duty is completing her master’s degree in historic preservation at Eastern Michigan University. Working on her degree has given her the opportunity to travel to Ireland, Italy and Greece. In the summer of 2012, Jennifer studied restoration techniques of Machu Picchu in Peru and worked with the Peruvian government on the significance of site preservation. Jennifer hopes to work for UNESCO, a division of the UN, on the significance and importance of preservation of world heritage sites.
zero-five
Justina Calgiano is in her third year as the director of community relations for the Delaware County SPCA in Media, Pa. Justina is responsible for the communication and special events departments, including handling all PR, direct mail, social media, website, fundraising and event planning.
Jonathan Eisler married Natalie Marty on Feb. 25, 2012. The couple resides in Chicago. Kelley Libby is a producer on the Virginia public radio show, “With Good Reason.” She was honored with a regional Edward R. Murrow Award and “The Folklife of Stepping” won first place for use of sound.
Branden and Kelly (Aspinwall) Murray welcomed a daughter, Aubrey Murray, on Feb. 15, 2012.
Integration by
Design Alumna Risa Matthews takes on the lastest trend in corporate sponsorship with hgtv & diy
By Carrie Pack Chowski, ‘00
When advertisers want their products featured on shows like “House Hunters” on HGTV, alumna Risa Matthews, ’02, figures out ways to integrate them seamlessly into segments without it looking like traditional product placement or advertisements. What she does is called “product integration,” and it’s used to feature all kinds of products from baked beans to paint and everything in between. Any time you catch a glimpse of a name brand in a show like “House Hunters,” chances are someone like Matthews has had a hand in getting that product in the shot. Matthews works for Scripps Networks, a company that owns HGTV, DIY, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and GAC. And it’s her job, as a director of ad sales marketing, to make sure that advertisers’ needs are communicated to the production company and that the featured product makes sense for the segment. “How can we add value to an advertiser who invests millions of dollars in commercials and who are looking to create content that’s ‘DVR-proof’ — entertaining content with an advertiser’s message that viewers won’t fast forward through?” Matthews said. The reasoning behind it is simple, Matthews says. It’s about representing the brand and making entertainment at the same time. Recently HGTV partnered with Sherwin-Williams for its own brand of paint, which is featured in several shows on the network, including a new show called “Elbow Room.” For the segments, the paint’s features will be discussed as the room is made over by the designers.
“
I love THE PEOPLE AND THE CREATIVITY... THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO TV PRODUCTION THAN ON-AIR TALENT OR PRODUCTION
”
Matthews says the products are treated like a prop to make the “advertisement” feel more true-to-life. This is critical to a segment’s success because the idea behind all of Scripps’ programming is to educate viewers and give them useful information. This type of product integration helps the company keep the shows informative while still being able to support their programming financially. In addition to segments within TV shows, Matthews also works with advertisers to create mini segments that run between shows and feature sponsors’ products. Big name advertisers like SC Johnson, Sherwin-Williams and Bush’s Baked Beans often pay for the production of the segment, but the network creates the content. This means that a helpful tip is flanked by a product endorsement. Matthews says it keeps the job interesting, and it keeps her on the road a lot — both to locations where shows are filming and to meet with clients — but she says she loves it. “I love the people and the creativity,” she said, adding that it wasn’t a career she considered while at Flagler. Originally she thought she might like to be on-air, but later reconsidered. “There’s so much more to TV production than on-air talent or production,” she said.
ALUMNI
NEWS
seventy-seven
Bob Bruno retired from the Air Force 10 years ago and has been working at United States Central Command since 2007, as well as teaching in the school of business for the University of Phoenix in both Philadelphia and Tampa. In 2006, Bob moved to Tampa and loves being back in the Florida weather. Bob would love to hear from other ‘77 grads. Robert Hollis accepted a position at Webber International University as the assistant men’s and women’s tennis coach.
seventy-nine
Andrew Ford is the president of the Florida Education Association.
eighty
Jim Clinch published his first novel, “Canterbury’s Tale,” a quirky mystery novel with a humorous, malcontent hero. Jim’s novel is available on Amazon in paperback and for Kindle. Andrew McRae saw many longtime friends at Alumni Weekend this year, and participated in several “minireunions” all weekend long. Andrew will “see you next year.” Kathy (Fant) O’Keefe completed her master’s in counseling at Reformed Theological Seminary in Oviedo, Fla., this spring. Kathy, formerly the director of alumni relations at Flagler College, will return to campus as a registered mental health intern in the counseling clinic.
eighty-two
Brian “Boomer 82” Gadowry is still getting used to being retired. His daughter graduated from Eastern Carolina University with a communication degree and his son is busy with Florida State University baseball and his videography duties. Brian’s three dogs and horses keep him busy.
eighty-four
Jacquie (Matthews) Williams works at Southwest Florida College as a student representative in the industry relations and graduate placement department. Jacquie assists students in finding employment, resume writing, interviewing tips and job-seeking skills.
eighty-five
through their first tour with the U.S. Department of State, serving in Wellington, New Zealand. Amy is a special projects coordinator for the U.S. Embassy and Adrian is a U.S. diplomat. Their next post will be in New Delhi, India, with their two sons, Morgan, 15, and Ewan, 12. For an account of Amy’s seven hours in Christchurch, New Zealand, during the devastating earthquake, visit her blog at nobleglomads.blogspot.com.
ninety-two
Josh Romaine is in his 17th year of teaching at Sebastian Middle School in St. Augustine, Fla., and recently celebrated his 11th anniversary with his wife, Rebecca. They have three children, Ella, 9, Owen, 7, and Gracia, 6. Josh is working on his master’s of library science and information at Florida State University.
Ellen Schubert married Steve Birthisel in Orlando, Fla., on March 30, 2012. Alumnae in attendance were Lynne (Gambardella) Zappone, ‘84; Kimberly (Watts) Garrett, ‘86; and Andrea Larson, ‘86.
Louis “J.” Travis received his Master of Science in strategic communications from Columbia University in New York on Feb. 9, 2012.
John “Jeb” Backus received the Sportsman Award at the 51st annual “Dinner of Champions” from Staples High School in Westport, Conn.
Andrew Halloran published his book, “The Song of the Ape: Understanding the Languages of Chimpanzees,” released by St. Martin’s Press. The book carries a dedication to the late J. Robin King, a former Flagler College professor.
eighty-seven
Lori (Curry) Reinert was named director of managed care for Medical Services of America (MSA). MSA has over 300 company-owned locations in 14 states and provides home health, hospice and infusion services, as well as mail-order pharmacy and medical equipment supplies. Lori and her husband, David, recently celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary and their son, Jordan, finished his freshman year at Coastal Carolina College.
eighty-eight
Gisela (Cintron) Swift lives in Charlottesville, Va., with her husband, Mark, and daughter Sofie. Gisela and Mark have owned and operated picantecreative.com, a design business, for the past 11 years. Gisela plans to attend Alumni Weekend 2013 to celebrate her 25th reunion. She would like to plan a reunion with her fellow ‘88 alumni. Drop her a note if you’re planning to attend: Gisela@ picantecreative.com.
ninety
Troy Blevins walked 749 miles from St. Augustine, Fla., to Washington, D.C., to spread the word about the epidemic of autism. Troy is the father of two autistic children and is involved with Project Autism of St. Johns Inc., a nonprofit serving St. Johns County residents who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Margaret “Amy” (Jenigen) Pratt and her husband, Adrian, are halfway
ninety-five
360 arts and cultural organizations throughout central Florida’s seven counties. Lorelie is senior manager of corporate communications for Bright House Networks, and is a member of the Women’s Leadership Class of 2012 for Birth House Networks, and served as the chair of the Public Relations Society of America Sunshine District Board in 2010.
ninety-nine
Kathleen “Kassy” Guy-Reed and Harold Johanessen welcomed a son, Harold Guy Johanessen, on Nov. 9, 2011. The “future Flagler alumnus” joins his sister and other “future Flagler alumna,” Colleen, 9. The family resides in Palm Coast, Fla.
zero-zero
Brian Killingsworth is the vice president of marketing and brand strategy for the St. Louis Rams.
zero-two
zero-four
Katie (Roberts) Ambrose married Chace Ambrose in Macon, Ga., on March 25, 2012. Alumnae in attendance were Jessica Ross, ‘02; Michelle (Leach) Mattingly, ‘03; Erin Acton, ‘04; and Heather Crews, ‘04. Kristy (Schweikert) Hirko was featured on Do It Yourself (DIY) Network’s premier show, “Renovation Realities.” Kristy and her uncle renovated the porch of her rental home, and the show has been aired over 50 times on DIY. Becca (Wilson) Jackson received her Ph.D. in special education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is currently working as a senior research analyst for a disability research firm in Washington, D.C., and her husband, Todd Jackson, ‘99, is a director of technology with Xerox’s transportation division. Risa Matthews works at HGTV and DIY Network in New York City as director of ad sales marketing. Risa develops partnerships with national advertisers with the goal of creating compelling content for viewers. Risa previously worked for the Food Network and Cooking Channel.
Nicole (Rahe) Fair and husband, Chris, welcomed a son, August Jackson Fair, on March 14, 2012.
Sarah (Cameron) Henderson and husband, Chris, welcomed a daughter, Claire Elizabeth, on May 9, 2012. Claire joins big sister, Carolina, 2. Jessica (Kiser) Kaspar and husband welcomed a daughter, Charlotte Aurora, on March 19, 2012.
zero-three
Serena (Forrester) Waller married William Waller in Jacksonville, Fla., on Sept. 30, 2011. Alumni in attendance were Mary (Friar) Gergley, ‘03, and Ryan O’Conner, ‘04.
Lisa Williams welcomed daughter, Elizabeth Marie, on Oct. 14, 2011. They reside in Cincinnati, Ohio.
ninety-six
Angela (Balas) Astrup and husband, Anthony, welcomed a son, Austin, on June 25, 2011. Angela is the director of marketing for the Boys and Girls Club, and Anthony is an account manager for Apple. They reside in Vero Beach, Fla.
Rhonda (Jones) Sowers married Marie Sowers on June 25, 2011. They reside in Longmont, Colo. Beth (Vairo) Ridenour was named public relations director for Evok Advertising and assumes media relations and reputation management responsibilities for the agency’s diverse roster of clients. She is currently working on a new consumer awareness program for the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Beth lives in Sanford, Fla.
ninety-eight
Amy (Frasu) Sanchez-Juarez recently married Lenny Sanchez-Juarez. Alex Bohne welcomed a son in January 2011. Lorelie (Hagen) Johnson was appointed to the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Central Florida Board of Directors, which serves more than
Bonnie (Mercado) married Andrew Dietrich, ‘04, on Oct. 2, 2011. Simona Galik was engaged to Todd Moore on Jan. 20, 2012. The couple lives in Davidson, N.C. Elizabeth Hagin completed her graduate degree at the University of Georgia and has moved to Atlanta to work in public relations account management.
Kristen (Hicks) Barry married Sean Barry on Oct. 22, 2011 at Plantation Preserve Golf Course in Plantation, Fla. Kelli Walters, ‘04, was in the bridal party. Jennifer Duty is completing her master’s degree in historic preservation at Eastern Michigan University. Working on her degree has given her the opportunity to travel to Ireland, Italy and Greece. In the summer of 2012, Jennifer studied restoration techniques of Machu Picchu in Peru and worked with the Peruvian government on the significance of site preservation. Jennifer hopes to work for UNESCO, a division of the UN, on the significance and importance of preservation of world heritage sites.
zero-five
Justina Calgiano is in her third year as the director of community relations for the Delaware County SPCA in Media, Pa. Justina is responsible for the communication and special events departments, including handling all PR, direct mail, social media, website, fundraising and event planning.
Jonathan Eisler married Natalie Marty on Feb. 25, 2012. The couple resides in Chicago. Kelley Libby is a producer on the Virginia public radio show, “With Good Reason.” She was honored with a regional Edward R. Murrow Award and “The Folklife of Stepping” won first place for use of sound.
Branden and Kelly (Aspinwall) Murray welcomed a daughter, Aubrey Murray, on Feb. 15, 2012.
Integration by
Design Alumna Risa Matthews takes on the lastest trend in corporate sponsorship with hgtv & diy
By Carrie Pack Chowski, ‘00
When advertisers want their products featured on shows like “House Hunters” on HGTV, alumna Risa Matthews, ’02, figures out ways to integrate them seamlessly into segments without it looking like traditional product placement or advertisements. What she does is called “product integration,” and it’s used to feature all kinds of products from baked beans to paint and everything in between. Any time you catch a glimpse of a name brand in a show like “House Hunters,” chances are someone like Matthews has had a hand in getting that product in the shot. Matthews works for Scripps Networks, a company that owns HGTV, DIY, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and GAC. And it’s her job, as a director of ad sales marketing, to make sure that advertisers’ needs are communicated to the production company and that the featured product makes sense for the segment. “How can we add value to an advertiser who invests millions of dollars in commercials and who are looking to create content that’s ‘DVR-proof’ — entertaining content with an advertiser’s message that viewers won’t fast forward through?” Matthews said. The reasoning behind it is simple, Matthews says. It’s about representing the brand and making entertainment at the same time. Recently HGTV partnered with Sherwin-Williams for its own brand of paint, which is featured in several shows on the network, including a new show called “Elbow Room.” For the segments, the paint’s features will be discussed as the room is made over by the designers.
“
I love THE PEOPLE AND THE CREATIVITY... THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO TV PRODUCTION THAN ON-AIR TALENT OR PRODUCTION
”
Matthews says the products are treated like a prop to make the “advertisement” feel more true-to-life. This is critical to a segment’s success because the idea behind all of Scripps’ programming is to educate viewers and give them useful information. This type of product integration helps the company keep the shows informative while still being able to support their programming financially. In addition to segments within TV shows, Matthews also works with advertisers to create mini segments that run between shows and feature sponsors’ products. Big name advertisers like SC Johnson, Sherwin-Williams and Bush’s Baked Beans often pay for the production of the segment, but the network creates the content. This means that a helpful tip is flanked by a product endorsement. Matthews says it keeps the job interesting, and it keeps her on the road a lot — both to locations where shows are filming and to meet with clients — but she says she loves it. “I love the people and the creativity,” she said, adding that it wasn’t a career she considered while at Flagler. Originally she thought she might like to be on-air, but later reconsidered. “There’s so much more to TV production than on-air talent or production,” she said.
Alumnus’ new book explores communication between chimpanzees
Sylvia Myers was recently honored as the 2012 Teacher of the Year from Leon County Public Schools. Sylvia is in her second year as a fourth grade teacher at Kate Sullivan Elementary School.
Tim and Jennifer (Osborne) Page welcomed a son, Augustine David, on May 11, 2012.
Tucker O’Keefe married Marie Gilmour at the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, Fla., on April 28, 2012. They were married by Neil Gilmour, the bride’s father. Alumni in attendance were Kathy (Fant) O’Keefe, ‘80, mother of the groom; Jeffrey Garrison, ‘06, groomsman; and members of the “Flagler Snowboarding Team” Pat Wilcox, ‘04; Jackie (Reynolds) Petty, ‘05; and Luis Ortiz, ‘06.
In “The Song of the Ape,” Andrew Halloran, ‘95, recounts a chimpanzee escape attempt at the drive-thru animal park where he worked. He received a blow to the head from an angry chimp wielding a deck brush, but at the same time came to better understand the communicative abilities of apes. Five adult chimps had attempted to escape their island home in the park after their decades-long leader, Higgy, was deposed by a new alpha. Higgy’s group waited patiently for their chance to leave the island and took it in an orderly manner when opportunity arrived in the form of an unsecured rowboat. On the surface, Halloran’s account of the event in the opening pages of the book is entertaining and even comical.
Song of the Ape By Lenny Rutland, ‘03
FLAGLER’S LEGACY STOP BY! LOG ON! CALL US! WE’LL HELP YOU FIND THAT PERFECT SOUVENIR OR T-SHIRT. OUR FRIENDLY, EXPERIENCED, ENTHUSIASTIC STUDENTS ARE HERE TO HELP YOU ANYTIME! VISIT US ON ST. GEORGE STREET, OR SHOP US ONLINE.
CHECK OUT HTTP://LEGACY.FLAGLER.EDU Free shipping for purchases over $25! Coupon code: magazine 59 St. George Street
(904) 823-3378
legacy@flagler.edu
Rachel (Tonnemacher) Pokay is living in Chicago with her husband, Allen, and daughter, Eva. Rachel is working as a consultant in MetLife’s executive and strategic communications department. Jennifer (Zappone) Scott is engaged
to Matthew Slotoroff. The couple lives in Linwood, N.J., and are planning an October 2012 wedding in Historic Cold Springs Village in Cape May, N.J.
zero-six
Travis Burdick is living in Wilmington, N.C., and works for Cape Fear Community College as a TV/ video production technician. Travis has also started a band called Deadly Lo-Fi, and worked on a movie called “South of Heaven.” Bryan Hanley is married and expecting a baby. Mary Maureen Karstens welcomed home husband, John Schiavi, from deployment in Afghanistan. John, an Army medical evacuation Blackhawk pilot, served a year deployment five months after their marriage in September 2010. Mary Maureen remained in Kaiserslautern, Germany, during his deployment, working in marketing for the Army’s FMWR program. They look forward to traveling throughout Europe and hope to have some close Flagler College alumni visit.
Kara Pound contributed over a dozen doctor profiles for “Florida’s Pioneer Medical Society, A History of the Duval County Medical Society and Medicine in Northeast Florida” published by Legacy Publishing Company. Kara is currently co-writing the next book in the series, “A Tradition of Caring, A History of Medicine in Palm Beach County, Florida.” Jamie West was promoted to project manager for online enrollment services at Full Sail University in February 2012.
zero-seven
Kelly Baker will be interning at the Applied Research Institute of Jerusalem in Bethlehem, Palestine, from June through December 2012. Kelly is studying for a master’s in social change from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colo., and she hopes to work with Christian organizations, NGOs, and international organizations on promoting justice in Palestine and Israel.
Megan (O’Conner) Dross and her husband, Steven, welcomed a baby boy, Rory Marion Dross, on April 22, 2012. Elizabeth Keith-Olson graduated from Rutgers Law in May 2012. Elizabeth is engaged to Sean Fillingame of Wilmington, Del., and the couple is planning an August 2013 wedding.
But for Halloran, the orchestration displayed by the chimpanzees› escape pointed to their high cognitive ability and even suggested the presence of a complex communication system that allowed chimps to plan and exchange information about the future. “[There is] something being transmitted between individual [chimpanzees] that is far more complex than what we are picking up,” he said. “Chimps are communicating more than just about the here and now.” After graduating from Flagler with a double major in philosophy and theater, Halloran worked at zoos in Atlanta and South Florida. In 2007, he earned his Ph.D. in biological and linguistic anthropology from Florida Atlantic University. He is now as assistant professor for scientific literacy at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla. Halloran’s research focuses on chimpanzee communication. He works by recording chimp vocalizations while observing behaviors, and then using sound spectrograms to statistically group those vocalizations. Much of his work deals with how external forces — such as the acoustics of a group›s environment or stress brought on by change — influence the way chimpanzees communicate. According to Halloran, the knowledge gained by studying chimpanzee communication can offer insight into how human language came to be. “Our communication systems are entirely based on how we evolved,” he said. “We survive by communication. Chimps also survive by communication. … The group is strengthened by the way we communicate.” Unlike the language-trained-ape projects that garner much media attention, Halloran investigates how chimps naturally communicate. For him, and many other prominent linguists and primatologists, attempts to teach human language to apes is misguided, unscientific and provides little benefit. “It’s not science,” he said. “It’s a trick. It tells us nothing about their communication systems. Nothing about what they’re doing in the wild. Nothing about their cognitive ability. It doesn’t tell us much about them. “We’re missing out on something miraculous,” he continued. “We miss out on how they’re actually acting in the wild. ... The more we focus on creating the world that [we want to see] there, the more we miss out on the world that’s actually there.” In 2008, Halloran co-founded the Maderas Rainforest Conservancy in Nicaragua, where he serves as primatologist, conducting census studies of capuchin monkeys and field courses for primatology students. Over the summer of 2012, he traveled to Sierra Leone to observe chimps in their natural habitats — from mountains to lowlands — and study the effects of acoustics on group-specific vocalizations. Halloran sees the philosophy background he gained at Flagler as “invaluable” for his primatology work and believes “The Song of the Ape” is, at its core, a work of philosophy. “[The book is] a meditation on what the will is...” Halloran said. “The need to communicate, to interact with individuals, drives us to do what we do.” He dedicated the book to the late Dr. Robin King, a Flagler philosophy professor whom he credits for having so much impact on his intellectual and professional life. “[Dr. King] continues to be a profound influence on what I do,” Halloran said.
Alumnus’ new book explores communication between chimpanzees
Sylvia Myers was recently honored as the 2012 Teacher of the Year from Leon County Public Schools. Sylvia is in her second year as a fourth grade teacher at Kate Sullivan Elementary School.
Tim and Jennifer (Osborne) Page welcomed a son, Augustine David, on May 11, 2012.
Tucker O’Keefe married Marie Gilmour at the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, Fla., on April 28, 2012. They were married by Neil Gilmour, the bride’s father. Alumni in attendance were Kathy (Fant) O’Keefe, ‘80, mother of the groom; Jeffrey Garrison, ‘06, groomsman; and members of the “Flagler Snowboarding Team” Pat Wilcox, ‘04; Jackie (Reynolds) Petty, ‘05; and Luis Ortiz, ‘06.
In “The Song of the Ape,” Andrew Halloran, ‘95, recounts a chimpanzee escape attempt at the drive-thru animal park where he worked. He received a blow to the head from an angry chimp wielding a deck brush, but at the same time came to better understand the communicative abilities of apes. Five adult chimps had attempted to escape their island home in the park after their decades-long leader, Higgy, was deposed by a new alpha. Higgy’s group waited patiently for their chance to leave the island and took it in an orderly manner when opportunity arrived in the form of an unsecured rowboat. On the surface, Halloran’s account of the event in the opening pages of the book is entertaining and even comical.
Song of the Ape By Lenny Rutland, ‘03
FLAGLER’S LEGACY STOP BY! LOG ON! CALL US! WE’LL HELP YOU FIND THAT PERFECT SOUVENIR OR T-SHIRT. OUR FRIENDLY, EXPERIENCED, ENTHUSIASTIC STUDENTS ARE HERE TO HELP YOU ANYTIME! VISIT US ON ST. GEORGE STREET, OR SHOP US ONLINE.
CHECK OUT HTTP://LEGACY.FLAGLER.EDU Free shipping for purchases over $25! Coupon code: magazine 59 St. George Street
(904) 823-3378
legacy@flagler.edu
Rachel (Tonnemacher) Pokay is living in Chicago with her husband, Allen, and daughter, Eva. Rachel is working as a consultant in MetLife’s executive and strategic communications department. Jennifer (Zappone) Scott is engaged
to Matthew Slotoroff. The couple lives in Linwood, N.J., and are planning an October 2012 wedding in Historic Cold Springs Village in Cape May, N.J.
zero-six
Travis Burdick is living in Wilmington, N.C., and works for Cape Fear Community College as a TV/ video production technician. Travis has also started a band called Deadly Lo-Fi, and worked on a movie called “South of Heaven.” Bryan Hanley is married and expecting a baby. Mary Maureen Karstens welcomed home husband, John Schiavi, from deployment in Afghanistan. John, an Army medical evacuation Blackhawk pilot, served a year deployment five months after their marriage in September 2010. Mary Maureen remained in Kaiserslautern, Germany, during his deployment, working in marketing for the Army’s FMWR program. They look forward to traveling throughout Europe and hope to have some close Flagler College alumni visit.
Kara Pound contributed over a dozen doctor profiles for “Florida’s Pioneer Medical Society, A History of the Duval County Medical Society and Medicine in Northeast Florida” published by Legacy Publishing Company. Kara is currently co-writing the next book in the series, “A Tradition of Caring, A History of Medicine in Palm Beach County, Florida.” Jamie West was promoted to project manager for online enrollment services at Full Sail University in February 2012.
zero-seven
Kelly Baker will be interning at the Applied Research Institute of Jerusalem in Bethlehem, Palestine, from June through December 2012. Kelly is studying for a master’s in social change from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colo., and she hopes to work with Christian organizations, NGOs, and international organizations on promoting justice in Palestine and Israel.
Megan (O’Conner) Dross and her husband, Steven, welcomed a baby boy, Rory Marion Dross, on April 22, 2012. Elizabeth Keith-Olson graduated from Rutgers Law in May 2012. Elizabeth is engaged to Sean Fillingame of Wilmington, Del., and the couple is planning an August 2013 wedding.
But for Halloran, the orchestration displayed by the chimpanzees› escape pointed to their high cognitive ability and even suggested the presence of a complex communication system that allowed chimps to plan and exchange information about the future. “[There is] something being transmitted between individual [chimpanzees] that is far more complex than what we are picking up,” he said. “Chimps are communicating more than just about the here and now.” After graduating from Flagler with a double major in philosophy and theater, Halloran worked at zoos in Atlanta and South Florida. In 2007, he earned his Ph.D. in biological and linguistic anthropology from Florida Atlantic University. He is now as assistant professor for scientific literacy at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla. Halloran’s research focuses on chimpanzee communication. He works by recording chimp vocalizations while observing behaviors, and then using sound spectrograms to statistically group those vocalizations. Much of his work deals with how external forces — such as the acoustics of a group›s environment or stress brought on by change — influence the way chimpanzees communicate. According to Halloran, the knowledge gained by studying chimpanzee communication can offer insight into how human language came to be. “Our communication systems are entirely based on how we evolved,” he said. “We survive by communication. Chimps also survive by communication. … The group is strengthened by the way we communicate.” Unlike the language-trained-ape projects that garner much media attention, Halloran investigates how chimps naturally communicate. For him, and many other prominent linguists and primatologists, attempts to teach human language to apes is misguided, unscientific and provides little benefit. “It’s not science,” he said. “It’s a trick. It tells us nothing about their communication systems. Nothing about what they’re doing in the wild. Nothing about their cognitive ability. It doesn’t tell us much about them. “We’re missing out on something miraculous,” he continued. “We miss out on how they’re actually acting in the wild. ... The more we focus on creating the world that [we want to see] there, the more we miss out on the world that’s actually there.” In 2008, Halloran co-founded the Maderas Rainforest Conservancy in Nicaragua, where he serves as primatologist, conducting census studies of capuchin monkeys and field courses for primatology students. Over the summer of 2012, he traveled to Sierra Leone to observe chimps in their natural habitats — from mountains to lowlands — and study the effects of acoustics on group-specific vocalizations. Halloran sees the philosophy background he gained at Flagler as “invaluable” for his primatology work and believes “The Song of the Ape” is, at its core, a work of philosophy. “[The book is] a meditation on what the will is...” Halloran said. “The need to communicate, to interact with individuals, drives us to do what we do.” He dedicated the book to the late Dr. Robin King, a Flagler philosophy professor whom he credits for having so much impact on his intellectual and professional life. “[Dr. King] continues to be a profound influence on what I do,” Halloran said.
Michelle (Jones) Kelly married Matthew Kelly on June 11, 2011. The couple honeymooned in Alaska, and they reside in Jacksonville, Fla., where Michelle is employed by Kelly Services and Matthew is a high school art teacher. Joseph Vassalotti attended law school in Michigan, and is licensed to practice law in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Joseph currently works in Philadelphia. Jennifer Whittington-Bookhout started her own design business called Lemonlark — lemonlark.com — located in St. Augustine, Fla. It serves clients worldwide, specializing in wedding paper goods, as well as websites and print design. Andy Armstrong Rogers works for Triple Threat TV, and his team was nominated for an Emmy for Best Sports Documentary for “Catching Hell.” Zack Strait was accepted to Wichita State University’s MFA program with full teaching assistantship. Zack taught composition in the English Department at Flagler in 2011.
zero-eight
Rebecca (Schmidt) Beaulieu is obtaining a Ph.D. in psychology and working fulltime for the Department of Neurology Movement Disorders Clinic at the University of Florida. Becca married her high school sweetheart, Scott, on Dec. 31, 2011. Abigail (Shelton) Diego married John Paul Diego in St. Augustine, Fla. Alumni in the wedding were Chelsea (Parker) Garcia, ‘07, and Harbor Partin, ‘08. The couple resides in Washington, D.C., where Abigail works for The Catholic University of America’s honors program and John Paul is a program assistant at the German Marshall Fund. Laura Higley works for Roush Fenway Racing, and her job involves sales, marketing and sponsorship.
Laura travels frequently to the tracks, attending over 26 races last year. Michelle (Tippin) Hurley married Andrew Hurley at The White Room in St. Augustine, Fla., on June 17, 2011. Alumnae in the wedding party were Stephanie Guy, ‘07; Molly (Prieto) Young, ‘08; and Amanda Wolfe, ‘08. Michelle teaches in St. Johns County.
Krista Purcell is the director of institutional advancement for St. Augustine Prep School in New Jersey. Krista recently opened a restaurant, Baja Blend, in May 2012 in Sea Isle City, N.J., with her boyfriend Justin Ahmad.
Krista McAra received her MBA from the University of North Alabama in December 2011. Krista is the assistant director of alumni relations at Flagler College.
Clayton Reavis married Jessica Elroy in Chattanooga, Tenn., in 2009, and graduated from the University of South Florida-St. Petersburg with an MBA in marketing and finance in 2011. Clayton works for Jabil Circuit Inc. in the treasury department, and is looking for employment in the marketing field in Charlotte, N.C.
Mallory Needleman is the program coordinator for the wounded warrior nonprofit, Cause. Mallory oversees all of the nationally located programs and one in Germany. Cause works to deliver programs that facilitate physical and mental recovery.
Anne (Cantore) Sorge and husband, Christopher, recently welcomed a baby girl. Anne is a modeling and acting instructor for Barbizon Modeling Agency in central Pennsylvania, as well as an actress, set designer and director in several local theaters.
Eric Preston graduated from the University of Florida’s law school in May 2011, and works at the State Attorney’s Office in the 9th circuit. Eric lives with Chelsea McCown, ‘09, who received her master’s in merchandising from the University of Kentucky in 2011.
zero-nine
Kim Ely is a child life specialist at the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute.
Matthew Peterson received his leadership master’s of accountancytaxation (LMAS) from Northern Illinois University. Matthew is applying the tools from Flagler and NIU at Ernst & Young’s federal taxation department in downtown Chicago, Ill.
Shanna Pace passed all four sections of the CPA exam on her first attempt. She now meets all qualifications for certification and is actively in the process of receiving her licensing.
Katherine Street is an itinerant hearing teacher with Brevard County school system in Florida.
Rebecca Shields is a graphic designer for The Money Pages magazine, and is engaged to Matthew Bishop.
ten
Caitlyn Braley, Jordan Mounts, ‘11 and Jessica Mounts, ‘11 have started a nonprofit called Geographers Against Death: Save A Child. Laura Burton is teaching language arts at Allen D. Nease High School. Laura has a 3-year-old son.
twelve
Kate Livesey was accepted at Duke Divinity.
share Your News
J im C arroll is the member relations associate with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
By Eliza Jordan, ‘13
Jill Burns was a quarterfinalist in BlueCat’s Fellini Screenwriting Awards Competition, founded by Gordy Hoffman, Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s brother. Jill’s screenplay is titled, “Fairies Wear Boots.” Michael Isam directed the documentary “Women in War,” which was aired on WJCT TV, the Jacksonville, Fla., PBS affiliate.
Send us what you’re up to and we’ll use it in the next issue of Flagler College Magazine’s Alumni News section or maybe even as a featured story E-mail the office of Alumni relations at
Please add Photo caption here Please add photo captoin here Please add
Valerie G. Miller
passed away on Dec. 30, 2011, in Gainesville, Fla. Valerie studied social services and art while at Flagler, and later worked for Marineland and the Salvation Army. She was an active member of Anastasia Baptist Church, loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed.
seventy- nine
Patricia T. (ONeill) Blanchard
passed away on Jan. 7, 2012, at The Bailey Family Center for Caring in St. Augustine, Fla. Patricia studied English while at Flagler, was a member of Alphi Chi Omega Honor Society, and graduated summa cum laude. She taught English for 10 years at Flagler, and was a member of the Retired Teachers Association. She was a published poet, with poems appearing in “A Different Drummer,” “World of Poetry” and “American Twentieth Century Poets.”
died unexpectedly on April 13, 2012, in Miami after a brief illness. He taught English at Pedro Menendez High School in St. Augustine, Fla., using his degrees in English and secondary education he earned at Flagler College. A Red Sox and Patriots fan, he enjoyed fishing, hiking, boating, traveling, cooking, and most of all, spending time with his friends and family. Fred will be remembered as a people person who was loved by all who knew him.
Lauren Watkins worked for Norwegian Cruise Lines in Hawaii and in September 2011 moved to Seoul, South Korea, to work as an English instructor for Berlitz Korea.
eleven
seventy-eight
Fredrick C. Herx, III
Christine Rizzi graduated from the University of Mississippi with a master’s in history, and will be starting their Ph.D. program in the fall of 2012.
scores success in ‘Newyorkland’
Remembering
eighty-eight
Adam and Laurie (Biggs) Pierce are currently serving in the Peace Corps in China, teaching English to college students.
flagler grad al dimartino
A New York stage equipped to merge film performance, visual arts, simulated firearms and mirrors isn’t exactly where Al DiMartino, ‘10, thought he would find himself just a couple of years out of school. The former theater major now plays a major role in the production of “Newyorkland,” which has been written up in The New York Times, The New York Post and a number of other theater publications. DiMartino plays Louie Giglio, a “what you see is what you get kind of guy” in the play, which depicts the lives of four New York Police Department officers who struggle with the duties of their profession and facing the realities of dayto-day life. “’Newyorkland’ combines cop movies, popular TV police procedurals and firsthand accounts of real-life police officers,” said DiMartino who has toured with the production at locations such as Columbia University, The Coil Festival at the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City as well as stages in Seattle and Canada. For DiMartino, taking classes in theater performance, directing, technology and set production classes at Flagler College played a large part in his success after graduation. But the actor says the biggest thing he took from the school wasn’t found in a book. “What I took away from Flagler was confidence,” said DiMartino. “Flagler gave me the opportunities to do things I had dreamed about my whole life.” Before heading to St. Augustine, DiMartino was already involved in theater production working at Hunter College in New York City. “I had spent years working a job that did little more than pay bills, and fund whatever little desire I had, but I was miserable,” said DiMartino. As he continues his work with “Newyorkland,” DiMartino said he wants to pass on the things he’s learned along the way to those who find themselves on the same path he took.
Christopher Lauth received his master’s in college student personnel administration from Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y. Christopher was appointed as the diversity coordinator at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, R.I.
Get More Magazine
Online
alumni@flagler.edu
photo caption here
“The most important thing is to never give up and to never be afraid to fail,” he said. “I have failed over and over again and that is why I succeed.” In 2013, “Newyorkland” is scheduled to visit the Exit Festival in Paris, France, the Theatre National de Toulouse in Toulouse, France, and the Shizuoka Performing Arts Center in Shizuoka, Japan.
Alex Lannan and Emily Naaktgeboren are engaged to be married. A February 2014 wedding is planned.
For more photos, videos and other web-exclusive features go to
flaglermagazine.com
Michelle (Jones) Kelly married Matthew Kelly on June 11, 2011. The couple honeymooned in Alaska, and they reside in Jacksonville, Fla., where Michelle is employed by Kelly Services and Matthew is a high school art teacher. Joseph Vassalotti attended law school in Michigan, and is licensed to practice law in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Joseph currently works in Philadelphia. Jennifer Whittington-Bookhout started her own design business called Lemonlark — lemonlark.com — located in St. Augustine, Fla. It serves clients worldwide, specializing in wedding paper goods, as well as websites and print design. Andy Armstrong Rogers works for Triple Threat TV, and his team was nominated for an Emmy for Best Sports Documentary for “Catching Hell.” Zack Strait was accepted to Wichita State University’s MFA program with full teaching assistantship. Zack taught composition in the English Department at Flagler in 2011.
zero-eight
Rebecca (Schmidt) Beaulieu is obtaining a Ph.D. in psychology and working fulltime for the Department of Neurology Movement Disorders Clinic at the University of Florida. Becca married her high school sweetheart, Scott, on Dec. 31, 2011. Abigail (Shelton) Diego married John Paul Diego in St. Augustine, Fla. Alumni in the wedding were Chelsea (Parker) Garcia, ‘07, and Harbor Partin, ‘08. The couple resides in Washington, D.C., where Abigail works for The Catholic University of America’s honors program and John Paul is a program assistant at the German Marshall Fund. Laura Higley works for Roush Fenway Racing, and her job involves sales, marketing and sponsorship.
Laura travels frequently to the tracks, attending over 26 races last year. Michelle (Tippin) Hurley married Andrew Hurley at The White Room in St. Augustine, Fla., on June 17, 2011. Alumnae in the wedding party were Stephanie Guy, ‘07; Molly (Prieto) Young, ‘08; and Amanda Wolfe, ‘08. Michelle teaches in St. Johns County.
Krista Purcell is the director of institutional advancement for St. Augustine Prep School in New Jersey. Krista recently opened a restaurant, Baja Blend, in May 2012 in Sea Isle City, N.J., with her boyfriend Justin Ahmad.
Krista McAra received her MBA from the University of North Alabama in December 2011. Krista is the assistant director of alumni relations at Flagler College.
Clayton Reavis married Jessica Elroy in Chattanooga, Tenn., in 2009, and graduated from the University of South Florida-St. Petersburg with an MBA in marketing and finance in 2011. Clayton works for Jabil Circuit Inc. in the treasury department, and is looking for employment in the marketing field in Charlotte, N.C.
Mallory Needleman is the program coordinator for the wounded warrior nonprofit, Cause. Mallory oversees all of the nationally located programs and one in Germany. Cause works to deliver programs that facilitate physical and mental recovery.
Anne (Cantore) Sorge and husband, Christopher, recently welcomed a baby girl. Anne is a modeling and acting instructor for Barbizon Modeling Agency in central Pennsylvania, as well as an actress, set designer and director in several local theaters.
Eric Preston graduated from the University of Florida’s law school in May 2011, and works at the State Attorney’s Office in the 9th circuit. Eric lives with Chelsea McCown, ‘09, who received her master’s in merchandising from the University of Kentucky in 2011.
zero-nine
Kim Ely is a child life specialist at the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute.
Matthew Peterson received his leadership master’s of accountancytaxation (LMAS) from Northern Illinois University. Matthew is applying the tools from Flagler and NIU at Ernst & Young’s federal taxation department in downtown Chicago, Ill.
Shanna Pace passed all four sections of the CPA exam on her first attempt. She now meets all qualifications for certification and is actively in the process of receiving her licensing.
Katherine Street is an itinerant hearing teacher with Brevard County school system in Florida.
Rebecca Shields is a graphic designer for The Money Pages magazine, and is engaged to Matthew Bishop.
ten
Caitlyn Braley, Jordan Mounts, ‘11 and Jessica Mounts, ‘11 have started a nonprofit called Geographers Against Death: Save A Child. Laura Burton is teaching language arts at Allen D. Nease High School. Laura has a 3-year-old son.
twelve
Kate Livesey was accepted at Duke Divinity.
share Your News
J im C arroll is the member relations associate with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
By Eliza Jordan, ‘13
Jill Burns was a quarterfinalist in BlueCat’s Fellini Screenwriting Awards Competition, founded by Gordy Hoffman, Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s brother. Jill’s screenplay is titled, “Fairies Wear Boots.” Michael Isam directed the documentary “Women in War,” which was aired on WJCT TV, the Jacksonville, Fla., PBS affiliate.
Send us what you’re up to and we’ll use it in the next issue of Flagler College Magazine’s Alumni News section or maybe even as a featured story E-mail the office of Alumni relations at
Please add Photo caption here Please add photo captoin here Please add
Valerie G. Miller
passed away on Dec. 30, 2011, in Gainesville, Fla. Valerie studied social services and art while at Flagler, and later worked for Marineland and the Salvation Army. She was an active member of Anastasia Baptist Church, loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed.
seventy- nine
Patricia T. (ONeill) Blanchard
passed away on Jan. 7, 2012, at The Bailey Family Center for Caring in St. Augustine, Fla. Patricia studied English while at Flagler, was a member of Alphi Chi Omega Honor Society, and graduated summa cum laude. She taught English for 10 years at Flagler, and was a member of the Retired Teachers Association. She was a published poet, with poems appearing in “A Different Drummer,” “World of Poetry” and “American Twentieth Century Poets.”
died unexpectedly on April 13, 2012, in Miami after a brief illness. He taught English at Pedro Menendez High School in St. Augustine, Fla., using his degrees in English and secondary education he earned at Flagler College. A Red Sox and Patriots fan, he enjoyed fishing, hiking, boating, traveling, cooking, and most of all, spending time with his friends and family. Fred will be remembered as a people person who was loved by all who knew him.
Lauren Watkins worked for Norwegian Cruise Lines in Hawaii and in September 2011 moved to Seoul, South Korea, to work as an English instructor for Berlitz Korea.
eleven
seventy-eight
Fredrick C. Herx, III
Christine Rizzi graduated from the University of Mississippi with a master’s in history, and will be starting their Ph.D. program in the fall of 2012.
scores success in ‘Newyorkland’
Remembering
eighty-eight
Adam and Laurie (Biggs) Pierce are currently serving in the Peace Corps in China, teaching English to college students.
flagler grad al dimartino
A New York stage equipped to merge film performance, visual arts, simulated firearms and mirrors isn’t exactly where Al DiMartino, ‘10, thought he would find himself just a couple of years out of school. The former theater major now plays a major role in the production of “Newyorkland,” which has been written up in The New York Times, The New York Post and a number of other theater publications. DiMartino plays Louie Giglio, a “what you see is what you get kind of guy” in the play, which depicts the lives of four New York Police Department officers who struggle with the duties of their profession and facing the realities of dayto-day life. “’Newyorkland’ combines cop movies, popular TV police procedurals and firsthand accounts of real-life police officers,” said DiMartino who has toured with the production at locations such as Columbia University, The Coil Festival at the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City as well as stages in Seattle and Canada. For DiMartino, taking classes in theater performance, directing, technology and set production classes at Flagler College played a large part in his success after graduation. But the actor says the biggest thing he took from the school wasn’t found in a book. “What I took away from Flagler was confidence,” said DiMartino. “Flagler gave me the opportunities to do things I had dreamed about my whole life.” Before heading to St. Augustine, DiMartino was already involved in theater production working at Hunter College in New York City. “I had spent years working a job that did little more than pay bills, and fund whatever little desire I had, but I was miserable,” said DiMartino. As he continues his work with “Newyorkland,” DiMartino said he wants to pass on the things he’s learned along the way to those who find themselves on the same path he took.
Christopher Lauth received his master’s in college student personnel administration from Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y. Christopher was appointed as the diversity coordinator at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, R.I.
Get More Magazine
Online
alumni@flagler.edu
photo caption here
“The most important thing is to never give up and to never be afraid to fail,” he said. “I have failed over and over again and that is why I succeed.” In 2013, “Newyorkland” is scheduled to visit the Exit Festival in Paris, France, the Theatre National de Toulouse in Toulouse, France, and the Shizuoka Performing Arts Center in Shizuoka, Japan.
Alex Lannan and Emily Naaktgeboren are engaged to be married. A February 2014 wedding is planned.
For more photos, videos and other web-exclusive features go to
flaglermagazine.com
alumni events
roundup Tallahassee
By Kara Pound, ‘06
The tester
Tallahassee alumni gathered for a Picnic in the Park honoring new Flagler College-Tallahassee Dean Dr. Donald Parks on Feb. 11. More than 80 alumni, friends, faculty and staff shared conversation over a barbeque lunch in Tom Brown Park.
www.ponce125.com AD
Ken kresge helps companies like crest and michelin get their ad campaigns spot on Before advertising agencies spend millions of dollars on a sneaker commercial, they hire a company to create test spots to be presented to a focus group. Based on the group’s reaction, the test spot helps determine which concepts best grab viewers’ attention before developing full-fledged commercials. For Ken Kresge, ’97, vice president and creative director of The Napoleon Group in New York City, this means partnering with agencies in the earliest stages of an ad campaign and working through creative ideas for brands like Crest, Scope, Dawn, Michelin and Lunesta. “We call this ‘Pre-Viz’ and it accounts for about 90 percent of the work we do at Napoleon,” Kresge said. “And as creative director, I have a hand in just about everything – from conceptualizing storyboards to showing a creative how I want a 3-D avatar girl to skip.” Originally from Long Island, Kresge’s family moved to St. Augustine in 1989 to be closer to his grandparents. He later attended Flagler, where he double majored in theatre and broadcast communication. “My theatrical background has helped my communication with clients,” Kresge explained. “My photography classes with Ken Barrett taught me about light, shadow and composition of frame. And all around, Flagler helped me become a problem solver and a good storyteller.” Less than two weeks after graduation, Kresge packed up his belongings and moved to New York City to live with a couple of fellow Flagler alumni. His first job out of college was in shipping and he would spend all of his free time teaching himself editing and attending New York University for a summer film program. Kresge later joined McCann-Erickson, a global advertising agency, where he spent three years as an in-house editor. “Working there gave me more of a reel for my portfolio,” he said. “I started sending my tapes all over the city.” In 2000, The Napoleon Group came calling and Kresge took a senior editor position. A husband, father of two and self-professed workaholic, Kresge has also managed to find the time to create a pilot for an adventurous, documentarystyle TV show called “Road Trip Earth.” It features Kresge and two of his oldest friends from St. Augustine driving around New Zealand on an extreme road trip. He said the pilot has garnered interest from major television networks.
Atlanta
First Coast Speed Networking
Atlanta Chapter alumni, along with Paul and Viki (West) Freeman, ’74, hosted a Summertime Barbeque in Buckhead at their house on June 10. More than 60 guests came out, despite the rainy weather, and President Abare gave a State of the College address
Alumni and students teamed for the first ever Speed Networking event co-hosted by the Alumni Relations and Career Services Offices at the Ringhaver Student Center on Jan. 19. Students exchanged business cards, received resume reviews and practiced networking skills with local alumni.
St. Petersburg Sun Coast alumni attended a networking event on March 29 at 400 Beach Seafood & Tap Room. More than 20 guests enjoyed drinks, appetizers and connecting with others.
Happy Hour
First Coast Chapter alumni gathered at Camanchee Cove in St. Augustine with Freedom Boat Club for a networking happy hour on June 28. Guests in attendance enjoyed complimentary appetizers, drinks and a sunset boat ride.
Read. The Flagler College Gargoyle is the student-run online newspaper for the college. Check it out now!
argoyle Gargoyle Flagler College
gargoyle.flagler.edu
live in Florida? SHOW YOUR PRIDE WITH A FLAGLER LICENSE PLATE. GO TO YOUR FLORIDA TAG AGENCY AND HELP GET FLAGLER’S COLORS OUT ON THE ROAD. Already have a plate?
Email jdavitt@flagler.edu or call 904-819-6489 to get a mention in the Honor Roll of Donors.
The three rs:
rays, rams & rebranding
Killingsworth to take on NFL with marketing role at St. Louis Rams He made a name for himself in Major League Baseball by successfully rebranding the Tampa Bay Rays just before the team went all the way to the World Series in 2008. Now alumnus Brian Killingsworth, ’00, is heading to the gridiron as vice president of marketing and brand strategy for the NFL’s St. Louis Rams. At the start of the 2008 season, the Tampa Bay Rays unveiled a new logo and name. Killingsworth was on the front lines for rebranding, even bringing in Kevin Costner to help kick it all off. The entire process was a success, and it certainly wasn’t hurt by the Rays outstanding season. But after 10 years with the Rays, Killingsworth was looking for a new challenge. He knew it had to be with an organization that could benefit from his specialized experience. He found that in the St. Louis Rams, a team that Killingsworth says is on the way up, much like the Rays right before their rebranding. “There’s a lot of opportunity here with the Rams,” Killingsworth said. “They’re a very forward-thinking team and front office, and we’re going to have a lot of fun here.”
By Carrie Pack Chowski, ‘00
He’s excited to make his mark with the organization, hoping to grow the Rams brand through merchandising and individual game sales. He also says he’s lucky to be dealing with a young front office and a team who understands the ins and outs of social media, an area of marketing that Killingsworth feels passionate about. “We want to market he Rams as the most accessible NFL Team in the league,” he said. “We want our players to be out really making a difference in the community.” Killingsworth says there are a lot more similarities between the Rams and the Rays than differences, though. The Rays’ turnaround was thanks to new ownership and effective leadership, as well as a collective vision to make the team great. Those same things led him to the Rams. “The Rams are a team with a passionate fan base, but a team that doesn’t necessarily win,” Killingsworth said. He says going through the rebranding experience with the Rays was rewarding and it gave him the motivation to help another team with loyal fans become more well-known.
alumni events
roundup Tallahassee
By Kara Pound, ‘06
The tester
Tallahassee alumni gathered for a Picnic in the Park honoring new Flagler College-Tallahassee Dean Dr. Donald Parks on Feb. 11. More than 80 alumni, friends, faculty and staff shared conversation over a barbeque lunch in Tom Brown Park.
www.ponce125.com AD
Ken kresge helps companies like crest and michelin get their ad campaigns spot on Before advertising agencies spend millions of dollars on a sneaker commercial, they hire a company to create test spots to be presented to a focus group. Based on the group’s reaction, the test spot helps determine which concepts best grab viewers’ attention before developing full-fledged commercials. For Ken Kresge, ’97, vice president and creative director of The Napoleon Group in New York City, this means partnering with agencies in the earliest stages of an ad campaign and working through creative ideas for brands like Crest, Scope, Dawn, Michelin and Lunesta. “We call this ‘Pre-Viz’ and it accounts for about 90 percent of the work we do at Napoleon,” Kresge said. “And as creative director, I have a hand in just about everything – from conceptualizing storyboards to showing a creative how I want a 3-D avatar girl to skip.” Originally from Long Island, Kresge’s family moved to St. Augustine in 1989 to be closer to his grandparents. He later attended Flagler, where he double majored in theatre and broadcast communication. “My theatrical background has helped my communication with clients,” Kresge explained. “My photography classes with Ken Barrett taught me about light, shadow and composition of frame. And all around, Flagler helped me become a problem solver and a good storyteller.” Less than two weeks after graduation, Kresge packed up his belongings and moved to New York City to live with a couple of fellow Flagler alumni. His first job out of college was in shipping and he would spend all of his free time teaching himself editing and attending New York University for a summer film program. Kresge later joined McCann-Erickson, a global advertising agency, where he spent three years as an in-house editor. “Working there gave me more of a reel for my portfolio,” he said. “I started sending my tapes all over the city.” In 2000, The Napoleon Group came calling and Kresge took a senior editor position. A husband, father of two and self-professed workaholic, Kresge has also managed to find the time to create a pilot for an adventurous, documentarystyle TV show called “Road Trip Earth.” It features Kresge and two of his oldest friends from St. Augustine driving around New Zealand on an extreme road trip. He said the pilot has garnered interest from major television networks.
Atlanta
First Coast Speed Networking
Atlanta Chapter alumni, along with Paul and Viki (West) Freeman, ’74, hosted a Summertime Barbeque in Buckhead at their house on June 10. More than 60 guests came out, despite the rainy weather, and President Abare gave a State of the College address
Alumni and students teamed for the first ever Speed Networking event co-hosted by the Alumni Relations and Career Services Offices at the Ringhaver Student Center on Jan. 19. Students exchanged business cards, received resume reviews and practiced networking skills with local alumni.
St. Petersburg Sun Coast alumni attended a networking event on March 29 at 400 Beach Seafood & Tap Room. More than 20 guests enjoyed drinks, appetizers and connecting with others.
Happy Hour
First Coast Chapter alumni gathered at Camanchee Cove in St. Augustine with Freedom Boat Club for a networking happy hour on June 28. Guests in attendance enjoyed complimentary appetizers, drinks and a sunset boat ride.
Read. The Flagler College Gargoyle is the student-run online newspaper for the college. Check it out now!
argoyle Gargoyle Flagler College
gargoyle.flagler.edu
live in Florida? SHOW YOUR PRIDE WITH A FLAGLER LICENSE PLATE. GO TO YOUR FLORIDA TAG AGENCY AND HELP GET FLAGLER’S COLORS OUT ON THE ROAD. Already have a plate?
Email jdavitt@flagler.edu or call 904-819-6489 to get a mention in the Honor Roll of Donors.
The three rs:
rays, rams & rebranding
Killingsworth to take on NFL with marketing role at St. Louis Rams He made a name for himself in Major League Baseball by successfully rebranding the Tampa Bay Rays just before the team went all the way to the World Series in 2008. Now alumnus Brian Killingsworth, ’00, is heading to the gridiron as vice president of marketing and brand strategy for the NFL’s St. Louis Rams. At the start of the 2008 season, the Tampa Bay Rays unveiled a new logo and name. Killingsworth was on the front lines for rebranding, even bringing in Kevin Costner to help kick it all off. The entire process was a success, and it certainly wasn’t hurt by the Rays outstanding season. But after 10 years with the Rays, Killingsworth was looking for a new challenge. He knew it had to be with an organization that could benefit from his specialized experience. He found that in the St. Louis Rams, a team that Killingsworth says is on the way up, much like the Rays right before their rebranding. “There’s a lot of opportunity here with the Rams,” Killingsworth said. “They’re a very forward-thinking team and front office, and we’re going to have a lot of fun here.”
By Carrie Pack Chowski, ‘00
He’s excited to make his mark with the organization, hoping to grow the Rams brand through merchandising and individual game sales. He also says he’s lucky to be dealing with a young front office and a team who understands the ins and outs of social media, an area of marketing that Killingsworth feels passionate about. “We want to market he Rams as the most accessible NFL Team in the league,” he said. “We want our players to be out really making a difference in the community.” Killingsworth says there are a lot more similarities between the Rams and the Rays than differences, though. The Rays’ turnaround was thanks to new ownership and effective leadership, as well as a collective vision to make the team great. Those same things led him to the Rams. “The Rams are a team with a passionate fan base, but a team that doesn’t necessarily win,” Killingsworth said. He says going through the rebranding experience with the Rays was rewarding and it gave him the motivation to help another team with loyal fans become more well-known.
Non-Profit U.S. Postage Paid Gainesville, FL Permit No. 726
74 KING STREET ST.AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA 32084 904-829-6481 • www.flagler.edu