} Foundation’s New Giving Platform, First Year Experience
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} New Location for Help Desk
Upcoming Town Halls Save the Dates
October 24: “Building a Great College to Work For.” A facilitated discussion about FGCU’s results and next steps stemming from the feedback on the “Great Colleges to Work For” survey.
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Cohen Student Union Ballroom
Link: To be sent by email
November 6: “Building FGCU’s Future.” A conversation about new campus projects and how we will adjust our master plan to address our maturing campus. This will include discussion about our property in Buckingham, space across campus and the future of Academic Building 10.
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Academic Building 9, Room 138
Link: To be sent by email
Your Campus. Your News.
Marieb College plans SWFL’s largest-ever ‘Disaster Day’ training for students
FGCU will soon serve as the stage for Southwest Florida’s largest disaster day simulation. On November 15, Marieb College of Health & Human Services will host a Disaster Day Interprofessional Simulation event.
Approximately 300 FGCU healthcare students will participate in this interprofessional simulation event, where they will work under high pressure to diagnose, treat and care for patients affected by a simulated natural disaster. First responders, air medical transport, local hospitals, emergency medical services (EMS), fire departments, patient actors, simulated mannequins and a variety of healthcare professionals from across the region will be part of the event, which will be held at the Cohen Student Union and Recreation Field 1. Over 60 Marieb faculty, and about 100 patient actors – a mix of FGCU students, volunteers and employees – are expected to take part in this event.
Physican assistant students at the Marieb College of Health & Human Services test their knowledge and practice their skills on a high fidelity simulated mannequin.
classroom, such as critical thinking, adaptability and problem-solving skills. This form of assessment is more reflective of real-world challenges than traditional exams.
Weekly campus events listing
The goal of the simulation is to enhance interprofessional collaboration (communication and teamwork) among healthcare students and improve their disaster response skills in realistic emergency scenarios.
This type of training is beneficial for healthcare students for many reasons, including:
} Assessment and Evaluation: Students are tested on their ability to apply what they have learned in the
} Treatment and Response: Disaster training enhances students’ ability to manage complex and often chaotic situations. By simulating disaster scenarios, students learn to prioritize care, allocate resources and work with other healthcare professionals under high pressure. This training makes sure that students are prepared to handle immediate medical needs and can work within a team.
For more information on participating FGCU programs and community partners, contact Dr. Joseph P. Buhain, director of interprofessional simulation and emerging technology for Marieb College of Health & Human Services, at jbuhain@fgcu.edu.
Wellness encompasses many factors and involves the well-rounded care of a person across multiple dimensions. At FGCU, employees have access to many resources to support your holistic wellness. Which resource will you use this fall?
1. Physical Wellness: The 2024 State-Sponsored Employee Benefits Fair will take place from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. October 11 at the Cohen Student Union. The Benefits Fair provides faculty and staff with an opportunity to learn more about available benefits and connect with campus and community organizations. Employees can meet with representatives from state health, dental, vision, supplemental insurance and retirement provider companies, as well as FGCU campus partners.
OneBlood will be onsite with the Big Red Bus for a blood drive from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the inner loop of Parking Lot 5. Donations for the FGCU Campus Food Pantry will be accepted at the door.
2. Coming Soon: State Sponsored Open Enrollment for 2025: Open enrollment for state sponsored health and welfare plans begins Oct. 14 and end Nov. 1. Employees can review state benefit plan options and make changes for the year 2025 plan. Changes made during the open enrollment period take effect Jan. 1, 2025. Stay tuned for upcoming communications from the state and FGCU Benefits Team.
3. Financial Wellness: FGCU believes in helping employees make the most of their compensation and benefits package. To help build a solid financial future, FGCU has teamed up with CAPTRUST, an independent advisory firm, to help you retire with confidence and avoid financial stress. CAPTRUST provides unbiased advice as part of the retirement plan benefits package. When to contact CAPTRUST?
} Assistance creating a budget
} Assistance selecting investments
} Assistance with enrolling in a retirement plan
} Creating a financial plan
To schedule an investment advice appointment with CAPTRUST,
visit www.captrustatwork.com or call 800-967-9948.
4. Mental Wellness: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential and no-cost benefit for FGCU employees and eligible dependents. The EAP provides various services to enhance overall wellbeing and support healthy work/life balance such as:
} Counseling and support for stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, work issues or substance abuse.
} Online tools and resources, including webinars, self-assessments, soft skills trainings, podcasts and articles.
} Legal and financial consultations
} Work/life support and referral services for fitness centers, colleges,
adoption services, relocation, volunteer opportunities, pet care and more.
Access the EAP website by visiting www.mylifeexpert. com and use code FLORIDA, or call 833746-8337.
5. Intellectual Wellness: One of the many ways to expand the mind is through ongoing education. FGCU offers the following education benefits for employees:
} The tuition voucher program allows full-time employees and their spouses and/or dependents with financial assistance for ongoing education with a total of six credit hours per semester for FGCU courses.
} The tuition reimbursement program is designed for eligible employees who are accepted in degree programs of study not available at FGCU that assist them toward enhancement and growth in their current roles, and that assist the university in its goal of talented and dedicated faculty and staff.
For more information on policy, application information and eligibility guidelines of these programs, visit www.fgcu.edu/hr/benefits/perks.
FGCU Ice Cream Team to provide students with entrepreneurial experience
This past summer, FGCU employees cooled off with ice cream socials. FGCU leaders caught up with staff and faculty as they passed out ice cream. The ice cream socials were an opportunity to socialize, take a break from work and try new ice cream flavors.
Over 2,800 cups of ice cream were served, and feedback was collected to help create new flavors and understand customer preferences for a studentoperated ice cream business at FGCU.
So, what’s next for the creamery? With over 20 years of experience in business management and entrepreneurship, Julian Cheshire, supervisor of creamery auxiliary, will lead the FGCU Ice Cream Team. The ice cream team will offer service-learning hours as well as paid positions. Students with paid positions will be rotated through three sectors: production, sales and marketing. The ice cream will be made and sold on campus
and will start at $4 per cup.
“Our student-run ice cream business provides a transformative learning experience for our student workers, offering them the chance to gain practical knowledge in every aspect of running a business,” said Cheshire. “From sourcing ingredients and managing production to developing marketing strategies and delivering toptier customer service, students will learn how to navigate the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.”
Most recently, FGCU Board of Trustees were treated to ice cream by Cheshire and students from the FGCU Real Independent Success Employment (R.I.S.E) program.
Be on the lookout for the ice cream cart around campus this fall and support your FGCU students! For more information on the FGCU Ice Cream Team, contact Julian Cheshire at jcheshire@fgcu.edu.
2. Students from FGCU’s Real Independent Success Employment (R.I.S.E.) program stop by the Board of Trustees meeting in September and give David
, vice president for administrative services and finance, a refreshing ice
1. Faculty and staff take a break from work to enjoy ice cream and try new flavors.
Vasquez
cream treat for lunch.
Celebrate your fellow Eagles who have reached new career milestones in September. Information in this list was provided by Human Resources.
20 Years
} Dr. Lucero M. Carvajal | Director of Academic & Curriculum Support, Academic Affairs
} Kimberly Hobart | Administrative Assistant, School of Nursing
15 years
} Dr. John L. Griffis Jr. | Professor, Department of Ecology & Environmental Studies
10
years
} Crystal Hill | Academic Advisor III, Lutgert College of Business
} Gail M. McDonough | Reporting Analyst II, Enterprise Applications Systems Administration & Reporting
} Joshua Cristiano | Handler II, Central Receiving
} Maria F. Arroyave | Administrative Assistant II, Housing & Residence Life
} Susie Lennertz | Administrative Assistant II, Athletics
5 years
} Argeo Cruz | Head Coach, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country
} Anita Bellot | Coordinator of Music Budgets & Scholarships, Bower School of Music & the Arts
} Barry Austra | Applications Programmer Analyst II, Enterprise Applications Development
} Bryan Paul Clauss | Applications Programmer Analyst II, Enterprise Applications Development
} Dayna Harpster | Writer II, WGCU
} Dhruvkumar Bhatt | Instructor I of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing, Department of Ecology & Environmental Studies
} Jessica S. Matthews | Staff Clinician I, Student Counseling Services
} Kathryn Webster | Investigator I/ Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Office of Institutional Equity & Compliance
} Saül Laguerre | Assistant Director of Leadership Development Initiatives, Multicultural & Leadership Development
University Ambassadors represent glimpse of student life
University Ambassadors are distinguished student leaders who represent the diverse academic and student perspectives of FGCU. Sponsored by the office of Alumni Relations, university ambassadors are called upon to network with guests and to assist with special requests at occasions such as public ceremonies, donor receptions and annual signature events.
Most notably, University Ambassadors serve as lane hosts at the annual Strikes for Scholarships bowling fundraiser, hosted by the FGCU Alumni Association, assist with the silent auction at Athletics’ Night at the Nest and provide golf cart tours of campus to prospective donors. These individuals also serve as representatives in the President’s Suite at volleyball and all men’s and women’s basketball games to interact with the attendees and provide a glimpse into the student experience.
In return, students are provided the opportunity to meet and network with donors, alumni and community members. “Through my role as a University Ambassador, I have met many prestigious individuals who have helped me with my career mentorship,” said Mason Covelli, MBA student and university ambassador. Students admitted into the University Ambassador program must have a minimum 3.3 GPA, be
sponsored by a faculty/staff member, interview and agree to maintain a positive representation of the university.
Here are a few ways university ambassadors can assist faculty and staff:
} Serve as greeters, registration assistants and network with guests at high-level or donor events to elevate the experience.
} Provide individualized golf cart tours of campus to potential donors and special guests.
To request an ambassador, visit fgcu.edu/alumni/about/ ambassadors.
FGCU PHOTOS
1. University ambassadors at Strikes for Scholarships 2024.
2. President Aysegul Timur and Mason Covelli at an FGCU basketball game.
Promotion and Grants Reception for Faculty
Academic Affairs hosted their annual Promotions & Grants Reception in September. The reception recognized faculty who were promoted, effective August 2024, and those who received grants for the 2023-24 academic year.
1. Department of Economics & Finance Instructor II Thomas Mathews; Lutgert College of Business Associate Dean Dr. Mathew Sheep; Interim Provost Tony Barringer; Department of Economics & Finance Associate Professor Dr. Alexandre Magnier; and (front row) Department of Rehabilitation Sciences Associate Professor Dr. Valerie Weiss
2. Director of the Regional Economic Research Institute Dr. Amir B. Ferreira Neto; and Marieb College of Health & Human Services Associate Dean and Professor Dr. Tom Felke
3. U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering Dean Huzefa Kagdi, FGCU Board of Trustees Vice Chair Dick Eide, Jr., President Aysegul Timur and Director of Core Skills and Associate Professor Dr. Glenn Whitehouse
4. Director of the Lucas Center Bill Reynolds; and College of Arts & Sciences Associate Dean and Professor Dr. Laura Frost
5. Grants and Research Compliance Coordinator II Simon Wood, Ersun Uluc and Charlene Mitchell
6. Lutgert College of Business Associate Dean Dr. Mathew Sheep; and Director of Academic Affairs, Administration and Budget Andi Clemons
7. Department of Teacher Education and Learning Sciences Associate Professor Dr. Burhan Ozfidan; and College of Education Dean Diana Cheshire
Did you know University Recreation & Wellness (URecWell) facilities and programs are not just limited to FGCU students? FGCU faculty and staff are able to purchase a University Recreation & Wellness membership, and it’s definitely not your average “gym membership.”
A membership with URecWell is not only a cheaper option compared to external gyms, but it also provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the FGCU Aquatics Center, FGCU Waterfront, and unique programming such as Exercise is Medicine On Campus week. Here are some reasons you may want to join this month:
} All the access: A faculty/staff membership gives full access to all URecWell facilities including the FGCU Aquatics Center, FGCU Waterfront, South Village (SoVi) Pool and University Recreation & Wellness Center, along with access to group fitness classes and intramural sports. For a more affordable option, the Early Eagles membership is available for those who work out earlier in the day. Membership types include
month, semester and year-long options.
} Play some bingo, win some prizes: Join the national celebration of Exercise is Medicine On Campus week from Oct. 21-25! Pick up a bingo card to participate in various wellness activities throughout the week. As activities are completed, have a URecWell staff member sign off on the card. Once a row is completed in any direction, you will be able to win a prize! During the week, there will be three special offerings at the University Recreation & Wellness Center:
Oct. 21: Welcome to Weights | 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Learn how to use a barbell in core lifts (squat, bench press and deadlift)
Oct. 23: Equipment Orientation | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
This workshop teaches participants about the different pieces of equipment they can use in the facility to work out.
Oct. 25: UStretchWell | noon – 1 p.m.
This stretching workshop will review the importance of mobility, stretching and mindfulness in exercise and demonstrate
how to incorporate it into your workout.
To participate, faculty and staff can pick up a bingo card starting Oct. 14 from the University Recreation & Wellness Center or Prevention & Wellness Office. Registration for the programs can be found at recstore.fgcu.edu.
} October promos:
URecWell will offer two promotions for faculty and staff in partnership with Exercise is Medicine.
} Faculty and staff can use URecWell facilities for free Oct. 21-25.
} Anyone who purchases a membership during October will be referred to Exercise is Medicine to receive a free fitness consultation, free fitness assessment and one personal training session.
Faculty and staff can register in person at any URecWell membership desk or online through recstore.fgcu. edu, For questions contact Jenny Louisa, facility operations & membership sales coordinator, at jlouisa@fgcu.edu
Visit fgcu.edu/urecwell for all membership options, desk hours and promotion details.
FGCU Foundation launches new giving platform
The FGCU Foundation is making it easier for FGCU employees to browse over 60 areas of philanthropic support by launching a new online fundraising platform.
Many FGCU employees give continuously through payroll deduction, and this new platform makes that even easier to do. “Whether your passion lies with an FGCU college or school, or with programs like Azul’s Attire, CAPS, FGCU Athletics, ROCK Center, Veterans Entrepreneurship and more, we hope this site will inspire you to consider a gift and to spread the word to your friends,” said Vince Modarelli, director of annual and leadership giving.
Visit www.donate.fgcu.edu/fundraising to view the new platform and learn more about the impact of giving in the areas that mean the most to you.
If you have questions about personal giving or have fundraising ideas to share, contact Vince Modarelli at vmodarelli@fgcu.edu or 239-590-4437.
Before the fall semester began, FGCU’s First Year Experience & Retention Programs hosted Eagles Excel with over 450 first year students in attendance. Eagles Excel, is a pre-semester program for first-year students. With 15 unique programs to choose from, it was an opportunity for first-year students to get connected within their major, meet peers and the
Shelley Schlenk, coordinator of academic programs for the Lutgert College of Business, speaks with students about the college while they engage in Q&A’s.
faculty, experience lectures, take part in mock exams and have a head start on the semester. Created and coordinated by Christina Kreiger, director of retention and engagement programs for First
Year Experience; and Autum Bradley, coordinator of First Year Experience, the Eagles Excel programs ranged from chemistry, algebra, biology, resort and hospitality management, theatre, business and many more. More information on First Year Experience can be found at www.fgcu.edu/ firstyearexperience.
Right: Angela Kunkle, director of development, and her husband, Andrew, (left), join student recipient (center) of the Kunkle Family Endowed Scholarship, at the 2023 President’s Scholarship Luncheon.
Doctor of Physical Therapy program receives 100% passing rate
PumpKAn Patch
Tthis fall season, purchase a pumpkin for a worthy cause. Faculty and staff can buy pumpkins on campus from the Kappa Alpha Fraternity during their annual PumpKAn Patch event, held Oct. 23 - 24 on the Library Lawn from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or until supplies run out). All proceeds support Operation Knowledge, Awareness, Results, Empowerment (KARE), which is dedicated to assisting wounded veterans and enhancing their quality of life.
Congratulations to the faculty and recent graduates of FGCU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program! The 2024 cohort, composed of 30 students, achieved a 100% first-time pass rate in the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Additionally, 13% of the graduating class had a perfect 800 score. The 2024 cohort scored in the top 1% of all NPTE test takers graduating from Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited schools in the country.
FGCU’s physical therapy program students participate in a Halloween costume contest.
THE UNIVERSITY HELP DESK HAS A NEW LOCATION!
To better serve students, faculty and staff, the Help Desk has relocated to the first floor of the Wilson G. Bradshaw Library
Artistic view of the Lutgert College of Business fountain by James Greco. Do you have a picture you would like to submit to Inside FGCU? Send it to newsletter@ fgcu.edu with your full name, title and a brief description of the image.
