ISSUE 8 MARCH 22
SPRING 2016
Photo by Nathaniel Asthon Representatives of fraternities and Week for Water showed up on Sunday to clean up the beaches. The inaugural Week for Water took place this week, where student organizations came together to try to make a difference in clean drinking water initiatives. These events were to help raise money to purchase water filter kits for people who do not have access to drinkable water. From a jelly bean guessing jar, to a raffle, to a whole surf competition, the Week For Water team raised awareness about this issue. The Week For Water team includes multiple fraternities, The Florida Tech Surf Team, Student Government, and the International Student Services
Organization. On March 18, these organizations partnered with Tijuana Flats, which gave part of the evening’s revenue to charity. The goal of Week For Water is to purchase 20 filters to send where they are most needed, recruit students to send the the filters where they’re needed, and raise awareness about this issue in the FIT and Melbourne communities. On Saturday, the surf competition was held, and the winners of the raffle were drawn. The day started of with clear skies and an expected turnout of over 70 surfers, with sponsors like Florida Discount Mu-
sic and Catalyst. All different types of surfers, men and women, longboarders and shortboarders alike, prepared to hit the waves. The contest started at 9 a.m. and continued throughout the day until around 2 p.m. Dark skies and rough surf started at about noon, making for large but not very consistent waves. The contest raised money through contestants admission fees, but it was free and open to public spectators. “There is a large problem with clean water all around the world,” said Jean-Paul Martes, president
of the Florida Tech Surf Team, and co-founder of Week For Water along with Daniel Ata. “And everyone can help by just being more conscientious.” This week is the first Week for Water, and the team hopes that it will not be the last. “I would love it to be an annual event; it’s a great way for our school to give back not only to the community but the whole world,” Martes said. Martes chose filters made by a company called Waves For Water, and they can be purchased at a cost of about $50 each. He chose them because of their lifespan. Properly maintained, these filtra-
tion systems can filter one million gallons of undrinkable water into bacteria and contaminant free, potable water. Sunday, all fraternities had representatives walking up and down the beach, along with the rest of the Week For Water team, for a clean-up. Monday is Menchie’s Monday, where part of the revenue will be donated to charity if you register online, and Tuesday is World Water Day, where they’ll host a round up party at Old School Pizza and announce a total of the revenues earned.v // NATHANIEL ASHTON STAFF WRITER
Ryan Jones accepts position in NCAA D-II Governance Florida Tech Athletics Director Bill Jurgens announced on March 14 that Ryan Jones will be leaving Florida Tech to work as the Associate Director for all of NCAA Division II Governance. His last day in Athletic Communications is April 27. “It’s going to be a different experience working in a national office,” said Jones with a smile. Jones is excited at the thought of moving on to the next step in his career, and he believes he’s leaving Florida Tech in capable hands. He begins his new position overseeing athletic communications at the national level with NCAA on May 9.
In his time at Florida Tech, Jones dedicated long hours and hard work to the marketing, promotion and publicity of Florida Tech’s 22 varsity sports. Sitting in his office filled with sports memorabilia, newspaper clippings and papers stacked high, Jones talked about what it was like to work at Florida Tech, but not before sending another couple emails first. “I definitely pride myself on a positive attitude,” he said. “Someone who’s always smiling, who’s always encouraging, who’s always willing to help anyone any way that I can.” He helped plan and coordinate most of the Athletic department’s
major events, while also helping launch FloridaTechSports.com, and making live streaming capabilities possible. He built a digital presence with the university’s athletic accounts, launching multiple Twitter and Instagram pages for every men’s and women’s team, and also worked the home football games that were broadcasted over ESPN3. Those are just a few of the things Jones was able to achieve in the six years he spent here as a Panther, with the help of his department behind him. “The close-knit, family environment that we have here, how supportive we are at the university, it’s wonderful to be a part of,
and that’s something that I was looking for when I was interviewing with the NCAA,” Jones said. “And I was curious about that family work environment. But at FIT, we have that here. And that’s one of the things that makes FIT so great is that strong, family supportive environment, where people know you. And that’s what I love about FIT.” He mentioned how he’ll be overseeing the social media for all of Division
II, as well as coordinating with the media and selecting what is newsworthy to promote as national news. He’ll also be the primary liaison to the National Division II Student Athlete Advisory Committee. There are 500 employees in the national division, so he said it might be a big change.
Continues backpage // REBEKAH DUNTZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
In this issue The Spectrum: inclusive to all Aerospace with ambition: Sharkbait ResLife group proposes community garden
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ISSUE 8
MARCH 22
CAPS PSA When you hear mental health you may really not know exactly what that means. We often hear a lot about our physical health, but not mental health. Mental health simply means “a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being.” The truth is there are a lot of misconceptions around mental health and also mental illness. We will cover a few of these!
People with mental health difficulties are delicate and weak: Mental health has nothing to do with who is stronger or weaker. In fact, there are a lot of factors that can affect mental health that a person may have no control over such as brain chemistry, genetics, physical illness, injury, abuse and trauma.
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OPINIONS Mental Health 101
Many people need to reach out for help to get better.
People with mental health difficulties are violent and unpredictable: The majority of those who struggle with a mental illness are no more violent than those who do not have a mental illness. Only 3-5 percent of violence can be attributed to mental illness and often only applies to those with serious mental illness. In fact, those with severe mental illness are 10 times more likely to be a victim of violence than the general population.
People with mental health difficulties are less productive and accountable: Those with mental health problems are able to be just as productive as those without mental health
concerns. Those who struggle often maintain good attendance, punctuality, motivation and work ethic. Mental illness does not always mean less productivity or even visibility of a struggle; you may not even know someone is struggling!
Going to see a therapist is way too expensive: If you are a student at Florida Tech, there is good news! The student counseling center offers free therapy services to students who feel like they are in need. No matter what you feel is going on, there is help or resources are available to you for free. See below for contact information. The majority of people with mental health difficulties live on the streets or are in mental hospitals: Over two-thirds of Americans who struggle with mental illness live pro-
ductive lives in the community. If someone does go to the hospital, it is usually for a brief time to ensure that they are safe and well taken care of. And, some people with mental illness do live on the street and could greatly benefit from treatment and services. However, most people are not hospitalized or find themselves homeless.
Mental health only revolves around mental illness: While mental illness plays a big part in mental health, everyone can take care of themselves mentally and emotionally, so they can feel healthy! Making sure you take care of your body physically, take time to de-stress and relax, and maintain good social support are great ways anyone can be mentally healthy.
In fact, make sure to check out CAPS’ Emotional Fitness Group that meets every Thursday from 6 - 7 p.m. in Crawford, room 407! It is a great way to keep yourself mentally healthy! If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, don’t be afraid to ask for help by contacting the student counseling center (CAPS)! To request services, call 321-674-8050 or walk into the center, which is located next to the student health center, on the corner of Country Club Road and University Boulevard. Also, check out CAPS’ groups and other outreach events on the website at www.fit.edu/caps, as well as other helpful links on a variety of college issues. CAPS is just one of many resources at Florida Tech that supports maintaining a happy and healthy you! v
// KENDRA BARTEL CAPS OUTREACH COLUMNIST
ISSUE 8
MARCH 22
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CAMPUS LIFE
THE SPECTRUM: inclusive to all types of people A spectrum: an array of colors and share some opinions, that is not visible to the eye. what we really want.” Many student organizations at LGBTQ+ is an acronym that Florida Tech are based on major, originated in the 1990’s to replace an activity or interest, or nationalthe phrase, “the gay community.” ity. But there is one organization The acronym was created to be that brings students together based more inclusive of diverse groups on traits that can’t be seen and stands for lesat first glance. bian, gay, bisexual, The Florida Tech Spec“I felt like I transgender, and trum, formerly known as queer, plus a mulneeded to help titude of existing the Gay Straight Alliance, provides an environment terms. people who identity for students to learn, “You can be bisupport one another, and pansexual; didn’t have a sexual, educate their peers about you can be anyLGBTQ+ issues. voice, because thing to join,” said “We’re an inclusive Marcus who joined group,” said Shane MarI didn’t have a The Spectrum his cus, the senior President of freshman voice growing year because, The Spectrum. “Our mission is to help promote the “I felt like I up.” advocacy and help educate needed to help the community.” people who The group’s name didn’t have a was recently changed from Gay voice, because I didn’t have a Straight Alliance to The Spectrum voice growing up.” to represent their inclusiveness. The Spectrum advocates Marcus said that people used to for the LGBTQ+ commuthink they had to be gay in order to nity by educating people on get involved, and that he hopes that campus through advertising with the name change, all different and promotional events for types of people would feel includNational Coming Out Day ed. (October 11), National Aids Shannon Brown, a freshman Awareness Day (March 10), member of The Spectrum also said and Sexual Assault Awareness it’s important for people to realize Month (April). that anyone is welcome to attend Darby Proctor, The Spectheir meetings. “You don’t have trum’s faculty advisor and to know a lot about the LGBTQ+ co-chair of the School of Psycommunity, but if you just come chology’s Diversity Commit-
tee, says her role is to help the students determine where they want to go and what they want to do. With her experience in diversity-related issues, Proctor hopes to contribute to expanding The Spectrum and working to end intolerance. Brown said that getting the word out is a main obstacle the club faces. “Our big issue right now is not that we aren’t doing something important, it is that we are doing something important that nobody knows about.” Amanda Sava, a junior in meteorology, had heard of the club formally known as Gay Straight Alliance, but admits that she always hurriedly walks by most
booths – including The Spectrum’s occasional table - that are outside the SUB located on campus. With student’s busy schedules, The Spectrum struggles to be heard, but members say they will continue to participate in the group because of the friendships they have made and the desire to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Florida Tech Spectrum is on Facebook, and also has information posted on Orgsync. v // JORDAN SYMONDS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
ISSUE 8
MARCH 22
CAMPUS LIFE
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University hosts speaker from General Motors
Photo by Sveta Warren Learning is an ongoing process in this world. It never stops. Our institute cultivates this by making sure that their students have the opportunity to learn from the best and most ex-
perienced professionals. Last week we had the pleasure of welcoming an amazing woman to our campus to share about her expertise on research and development.
Susan Smyth, a Chief Manufacturing Scientist and Director of Manufacturing R&D for General Motors is responsible for bringing new ideas that will benefit the company as well
the automotive market. According to trade.gov, she oversees innovation and implementation at GM and has been recognized as one of GM’s key strategic technology leaders. She has shown that anyone can rise to a high-status position and achieve their goals with great determination. Smyth has been part of many automotive discoveries such as her work with the aluminum to steel resistance spot-welding process. This process allows two aluminum parts to be welded together for better support and movement. In the past, there was no way to weld aluminum without compromising the material which resulted in defects. Yet this wasn’t the only thing that Smyth instigated research for. In the past there was no way for a battery component to
be completed in one section; it had to be moved to different stations every time. Smyth saw the need for change, so once again she went to her superiors and pushed for research to be done. With her detailed and precise organization skills, she was able to get funding for this program. This led to better assembly line where a component could be finished in one place without having to be transferred. Even though she has instigated all of this different research, she made sure to recognize that it was a team effort. This shows that even though there are brilliant people in the world, there is still so much we can discover. v
// SVETA WARREN STAFF WRITER
Downtown Melbourne celebrates St. Patrick’s Day
Photo by Mary Kozaitis If you think that St. Patrick’s Day, a day of traditionally celebrating Irish heritage and the patron saint of Ireland, is no big deal, then you thought wrong. Florida Tech students and Melbourne residents alike celebrated the holiday this past Thursday by wearing green, hanging out with friends, and eating and drinking Irish-inspired cuisines. Downtown Melbourne
was the popping site for celebrations. The weekend before St. Patty’s Day, the town showed their Irish spirits by holding a street festival on Main Street. There they had bagpipers, Irish step dancers, and it was just a fun place for many locals to come and hang out. Meg O’Malley’s, being an Irish restaurant all year round, located on Main Street in the downtown area, was a particular place
of interest. They served their regular traditional menu on March 17, along with green beer. On the evening of St. Patrick’s Day, they hired a live band the played traditional and modern Irish music. The crowd was loving it. “It was definitely very successful,” said Meghan McQuillen, who has worked at Meg’s for almost 10 years. “This was the most [amount of people] I’ve ever seen,” she said.
McQuillen also explained that they sold an extensive amount of corn beef and cabbage on the holiday, a traditional Irish meal dating back centuries ago. “Many people ordered corn beef and cabbage to-go,” she said. “It was a good year.” Florida Tech students also see the enthusiasm the public has for St. Patrick’s Day. “I’ve never experienced it as crazy as here,” said Thomas Larkin, a junior originally from England. “I’m just amazed at how crazy it has got. There are parades in London, but nothing comes close to here in the U.S. I certainly don’t think it could be celebrated any more.” It is entirely surprising to some people that a country like the U.S. celebrates St. Patrick’s Day so intensely, although Ireland is not a part of our continent. “I feel like a lot of Americans don’t understand the
true reasoning as to why we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” said Khalil Harrison, who has lived in both Germany and the U.S. “I think most of us think of the day to get drunk and wear green,” Harrison said. It is true that St. Patrick’s Day was originally created by the Roman Catholic Church to honor St. Patrick on the day he died, March 17, 461. What many people do not know about the holiday, however, is that St. Patrick was not even Irish — he was born in Britain. He eventually travelled to Ireland and spread Christianity throughout Europe, and is simply the patron saint of Ireland. So whether you are British, Irish or American, it is appropriate to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Let the festivities continue on. v // MARY KOZAITIS STAFF WRITER
ISSUE 8
MARCH 22
CAMPUS LIFE
AEROSPACE WITH AMBITION:
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Senior design team constructs hybrid air-water drone
A member of Sharkbait shows the controller of the drone. Team Sharkbait, one of this year’s senior design groups, is working on a hybrid air-water vehicle that, if successful, could revolutionize the world of aviation. The purpose of this project is to design a plane that can fly, land on the water’s surface, submerge and act as a submarine, and then resurface and take off again into flight. “It’s not something that’s ever been done before, at least not the way we’re doing it,” said team member Jake Watson, an aerospace student. The idea first came to life over a late-night brainstorm session when three engineering students started talking about what they wanted to do for senior design. As the idea snowballed, Morgan Steinert, project manager, soon had a full team of students pitching their idea to their junior design class. “The requirements for flying and diving are at exactly opposite corners of the picture,” said Markus Wilde, the aerospace professor overseeing the project. “If we can get it going, especially with a student team, that would be very impressive for Florida Tech.”
Team Sharkbait has spent the past year researching and designing their project. This semester, it is finally time to turn their sketches into a working prototype. “The coolest thing is being able to have an innovative idea, and within a year and half, being able to go through the process to where we are now, seeing it come together and a month from now, seeing it actually work,” Watson said. The concept of a hybrid air-water vehicle was tried two years ago by another senior design team. Their project failed. Prominent innovative organizations such as the Naval Research Laboratory, Northrop Grumman, Boeing and other technical universities have also been working on projects with similar concepts. Rutgers University has successfully tested an air-water quadcopter, and Boeing has designed a plane that can shed its wings and tail to become a submarine. Watson said Boeing’s design is different from theirs, as Boeing’s is a “one-time use only” deal. Steinert said that their design is more functional, reusable and will be faster and easier to manipulate
than others being tested. “The fact that we have the opportunity to do this as college students and we
“It’s not something that’s ever been done before, at least not the way we’re doing it.” - Jake Watson were given the resources to be able to build something like this, you can’t really ask for much more,” Wat-
son said. Steven Gilbert, a Florida Tech student, said it would be huge for technology if Team Sharkbait is successful, not just for FIT, but for the world. “Now you’ve created a different means of transportation and security,” Gilbert said. “To be able to control the water and the air, simultaneously if you had to, is pretty cool.” Despite the hype, Team Sharkbait’s story is not yet one of success. They are currently in the building phase, 3D printing parts and forming carbon-fiber shells. The team has a long way to go before they can say that their idea has worked. “We’ve had to come up with creative solutions and make compromises between what suits a submarine and what suits a plane,” Watson said. “That’s been challenging, but I think we’ve been successful making the proper compromises.” The following month will be crunch time, as the team puts an exponential amount of hours into the
project leading up to testing deadlines at the end of March. Smiling, Watson said that the team is working hard to stay on schedule, but if it comes to the point of late nights, they’re ready for it. Once Team Sharkbait surmounts the challenge of building a viable prototype, they must overcome the hurdle of testing their design. In an effort to be as successful as possible, the team is seeking FIT approval to test their design in the Florida Keys. “Stability wise for our vehicle, we really need the calm water to be able to take off, and clear water helps with being able to see it underwater,” Steinert said. “We also designed it for salt water so, we can’t go to a lake or inlet to test it.” At this stage in the game, Steinert said she is simply happy with how close her team has become, especially since they spend so much time together. v // AUDREY GANGLOFF SPORTS EDITOR
Members of team Sharkbait stand in the Senior Design Center at their station.
ISSUE 8
MARCH 22
NEWS
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Google’s autonomous cars make progress but still need improvement
Will cars that drive themselves lead to a future of safer roads, or create even more hazards? Since 2009, Google has been working on their autonomous car project, which aims to create fully self-driving cars that can travel on normal roads without requiring user intervention. While these cars could potentially prevent accidents by keeping better track of their environment and thinking faster than
humans, there are still questions of whether or not they’ll be able to adapt as well as a human can in different scenarios. Google explains that their car works by using a variety of sensors to detect objects around it and classifying them by size, shape and movement pattern. The car uses both map and sensor information to determine its position on the road at a given time. It uses software to predict possible movements of the
objects around it such as pedestrians or other vehicles and then determines its own upcoming speed and trajectory based on this data. According to Engadget on March 11, Chris Urmson, director of Google’s self driving car program, sent a letter to the Department of Transportation outlining the process of bringing autonomous driving technology to the public. Google is pushing for the creation of a permitting system where auto manufacturers that can show they meet federal safety standards can petition regulators for permission to sell their cars. On Feb. 14, Google’s car had its first significant traffic incident, hitting a bus while driving in autonomous mode. According to
the California DMV accibetter than humans can. dent report, Google’s car “You need to be very was a Lexus model with a thoughtful in doing this,” test driver present though, Urmson said, “but you it was driving autonomous- don’t want the perfect to be ly. It signaled to make a the enemy of the good … right turn and moved to the We need to make sure we right side of a lane to pass can get that out in the world traffic. in a timely fashion.” It ran into an issue due In a recent speech at to sand bags placed around South-by-Southwest in a storm drain, which Austin Texas, Urmson exblocked its path. Google’s plained that it may actually car moved back toward the take as long as 30 years for center of the lane to pass self driving cars to become the sand bags, while a pub- available. According to lic transit bus came up from Spectrum IEEE, Urmson behind. suggested that early comThe car’s test driver mercial versions may be saw the bus but expected it limited to specific geograto stop or slow to allow the phies and weather condicar through. Google’s car tions since they function hit the side of the bus while better in sunny weather and moving a 2 mph while the wide open roads. bus itself was going 15 “If you read the papers mph. The car suffered some you see maybe it’s three damage to its body, wheel years, maybe it’s thirty and sensors though no inju- years,” Urmson said. “And ries were reported. I am here to tell you that According to Wired, honestly it’s a bit of both. Google originally predicted v their cars to be road-ready // CHRISTOPHER PANGALOS by 2020. Chris Urmson STAFF WRITER has said Google’s goal is to make a car that drives
ResLife Sustainability Committee proposes community garden in Quad “The community garden is just one aspect of this larger project,” Eichholz explained. Currently, Evans Hall in the Quad is the focus of this transformation. According to the committee, the garden will serve as a platform for sustainable education, provide a conversation highlight for campus tours, allow residents the chance to become self-sufficient Photo illustration by Lindsay Isaac in food cultivation skills, Members of the RLSC in front of Evans Hall and become the catalyst for The Residence Life Living Learning Communi- larger sustainability based Sustainability Committee ty (SLLC). movements around campus. (RLSC), a group composed “The Reslife SustainThe proposed area of of about 16 Resident Assis- ability Committee strives construction in front of tants, is working on a series to set the vision and direcEvans Hall measures 56 of proposals to present to tion of sustainable living feet by 39 feet. The plan the University Sustainabili- in Florida Tech residence is to build 33 raised beds, ty Council on April 25. halls,” said Zachary Eichcomplete with fencing, irriA community garden is holz, the committee's gation, benches, and storone of the green initiatives president. age areas, where students that the committee is work“We want to educate can go to be immersed in ing to design and proposing residents on sustainabilan environment they have a to be built in front of Evans ity-based topics ranging hand in creating and mainHall in the Residence from human-induced taining. Quad. climate change to urban “The concept is neat, The project is meant agriculture,” Eichholz said. but that took lots of drafts,” to mark the beginning of In order to do this, the explained Residence Life various green renovations group is designing the Coordinator Jacqueline throughout the Residence school’s first sustainabilHetherington, who formed Quad area that will evenity-based living-learning The Reslife Sustainability tually become the planned community, or SLLC, Committee in 2014. “The home of the Sustainability pronounced ‘slick.’ garden is designed to be an
enjoyable place to sit and be outside, but also to be around something you grew yourself.” ResLife’s hope is that the garden fencing, irrigation and bed will be built by July 2016 in preparation for the Fall 2016 Semester. While the project has already secured funding of $7,876.50 from the Student Sustainability Collective’s “The Green Initiative Fund,” the garden and associated initiatives need approval from the University Sustainability Council and other university entities. The construction and management of this student-driven community garden is just one phase in the committee’s plan to create a greener, healthier and more sustainable campus experience for both students and faculty at Florida Tech. The Reslife Sustainability Committee is broken down into three distinct task forces, all named after various shades of green, designed to manage these various projects. Task Force Jade is in charge of planning and designing the community
garden and infrastructure for Evans Hall. Task Force Myrtle is working to redesign the old campus services room on the first floor of Evans Hall by the Black Kats Kafé. Task Force Emerald is in charge of future SLLC programming and education for residents. According to the committee’s president, the projects have a great deal of faculty backing. Students also seem receptive to the idea. Junior Suzanne Beims said she thinks a community garden is a great idea. “Being able to take care of something, being able to grow something, is very relaxing and beneficial,” said Beims. “It is something to take care of outside of school, and that is really rewarding.” “I think it would be a great place for the stressed student to go and relax, so yes I’m all for it,” remarked computer science major Ezra Perry. The committee is open to all suggestions and ideas regarding the community garden and the SLLC. v // LINDSAY ISAAC STAFF WRITER
ISSUE 8
MARCH 22
NEWS
Martial Arts students win big at local tournament Florida Tech Martial Arts faculty adviser and Sensei, Mark Association traveled to Lake Laderwarg, instructs students in Wales, Florida for both Karate and Jiu the Battle on the Jitsu. Ridge Invitational Malone, first degree “I love watching black Karate Tournament belt, Katarina on Saturday, taking Vuckovic, probationary what the home multiple first black belt, and Beatriz other martial Saldana, brown belt, and second place titles. in the day’s artists can do competed Competing events, earning seven against other between them. and how they awards martial arts schools With six, seven, and serves as an years of experience, have improved six important learning respectively, Malone, experience, said since the last Vuckovic and Saldana Evadne Malone, a are the three most tournament.” experienced students graduate student in applied behavior in MAA. analysis. Malone and In addition to the students’ Vuckovic both competed in the peers, respected senseis from All Black Belt Kata, All Black Belt other dojos are present at the Weapons Kata, and Women’s Black competition. “It was humbling Belt Kumite, with Malone earning to receive the recognition of the first place title and Vuckovic the various martial arts masters earning the second place spot in all present,” Malone said. three. The Tournament, hosted by Attending tournaments is Main Street Dojos, was open to all rewarding in more ways than styles of Karate, Kung-Fu and Tae one, said Saldana, a senior in Kwon-Do. Florida Tech MMA’s Astrobiology. “I had a lot of fun,”
she said. “I love watching what the other martial artists can do and how they have improved since the last tournament.” Saldana came home with a second place trophy in the All Brown Belt Weapons Kata category. Laderwarg, who has very high standards for his students, said, “I’m very proud, but not surprised,
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of my students’ victories.” The Florida Tech Martial Arts Association has information posted on OrgSync, and is also on Facebook. // ALEX COULTRUP SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
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MARCH 22
SPORTS
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Photo by FloridaTechSports.com Ryan Jones, Athletic Communication
Jones is a firm believer in these words: hard work pays off. “Yeah, there’ve been a lot of different things I’ve done,” he said. “And there’s been a lot of hours I’ve put in. But at the end of the day, it’s so personally rewarding
for me because I know at the end of every single day I can tell myself: I’ve made a difference today. I’ve made a difference in the overall department, or with a student-athlete, or a team. It’s extremely self-rewarding to know I’ve made a difference.” His favorite part of working at Florida Tech was being able to be a mentor to the student-athletes, and to be able to have that day-to-day interaction. He said it’s definitely something he’ll miss. It wasn’t so long ago that Jones was interning at Louisiana Tech in 2009 before he took the position in
Athletic Communications full-time. “At the time, Florida Tech was looking for its very first full time Athletic Communications Director,” Jones said. “And I interviewed, everything went great. And I’ve been fortunate enough since 2009 to really grow in our department and grow in my position.” He said he wasn’t afraid to make an impact, to make it his own. After Jones leaves in late April, the position will likely be given to one of the three assistant directors of athletic communications, according to Jurgens. Jurgens said he is still
evaluating but that the three have a great working relationship in the department, and he doesn't want to hire from the outside, since there’s opportunity for growth. “Who knows where Ryan will be in years,” Jurgens said. “He’s so fond of Florida Tech, I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up back here in the future. But I am happy to have had him for six years.”
// REBEKAH DUNTZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF