Alumnivoice2 summer2013 finalhqp by USF Advancement

Dr. Elizabeth Moses, Ph.D `07

Mentoring the Next Undersea Explorers

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: USF Fast 56 • Celebrating the world’s fastest-growing businesses owned or led by USF alumni USF Alumni Travel Program • See the world with your fellow Bulls

CONTENTS FEATURES

12 Mentoring the Next Cousteau As chief science and education officer for SCUBAnauts, a marine science program for young people, Dr. Elizabeth Moses combines her passions for teaching and diving into a job that’s helping to create the next generation of marine scientists.

15 2013 USF Fast 56 Directory The inaugural USF Fast 56 honorees come from industries as diverse as manufacturing, health care and digital media. Two things they all have in common: They are running successful businesses and they are proud USF Bulls. Read the spotlights of the Top 10 fastest-growing alumni-owned or -led businesses and find out more about how you can enter your business for the 2014 USF Fast 56.

22 Travel with Your Fellow Bulls Cruise the South Seas, enjoy a taste of Tuscany or explore the national parks of the Old West with your fellow alumni as part of the USF Alumni Travel Program. These trips and several more are on tap for 2014. Seeing the world has never been so easy or so much fun.

Alumni Voice is printed with bio-renewable ink at Interprint, a TEC-certified Green printing facility.

39 A Phenomenal Career As USF Softball Head Coach Ken Eriksen approaches his 30 year mark with the university, he uses his favorite word to describe his time teaching and coaching at his alma mater: “Phenomenal.”

DEPARTMENTS

USF Alumni Travel Program

2 Five Minutes with Bill 3 USFAA Board of Directors 5 News Roundup 6 Bulls Eye: Life Members No. 1 and 2 8 Where’s Rocky? 14 Bulls Eye: Coca-Cola Japan CEO

26 Blast from the Past 27 Love USF 28 Chapters & Societies 32 Employ-A-Bull 33 Class Notes 39 Athletics 41 Calendar

SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

Five Minutes with Bill Bill McCausland, MBA `96 Executive Director, USF Alumni Association

I hope this message finds you enjoying your summer and eagerly anticipating the fall. That’s because your USF Alumni Association is making big plans for the USF Football season that include watch parties, away game tailgates and, of course, Homecoming Super Bull XVII.

On the Thursday of Homecoming Week, Oct. 24, your USF Alumni Association will honor the 2013 USF Alumni Award recipients at a special event in the Marshall Center Ballroom. Stay tuned for the announcement of their names in the near future. The next day, on Friday evening, we invite all alumni to join us at USF Tampa for an expanded Super Bull XVII Homecoming Parade and Parade Watch Party. This family friendly event will be bigger and better than ever before, with food, games for the kids, and prime bead-snatching spots in front of the Gibbons Alumni Center. USF Alumni Association Life Members, keep an eye out in the weeks before Homecoming for an invitation for special activities just for you. On Game Day Saturday, Oct. 26, your Alumni Association will be in the Bulls Zone at Raymond James Stadium, helping Bulls fans gear up to watch USF battle Louisville. I have a good feeling about our USF Bulls Football this season. Let’s all support Coach Taggart’s request to “get on the bus.”

Homecoming Week 2013 is Oct. 21-26, so start making plans now to attend because this much improved annual event will be a celebration you won’t want to miss. I’m issuing a special invitation to all USF alumni – whether you graduated this year or 50 years ago, to please come back home to visit your alma mater.

So please, enjoy your summer. Have a great time on vacation, wherever you may go. (Don’t forget to take Rocky along and send us a photo with him.) We’ll be here, fixing up the place and planning a Super Bull XVII Homecoming Week that you’ll never forget. See you in the fall.

Hello Fellow Bulls,

Did you know that as a USF alumnus, you always have a special home on the USF Tampa campus? It is the Sam and Martha Gibbons Alumni Center, located on Alumni Drive, just inside the main entrance to campus on Fowler Avenue. Over the summer we are completing some extensive renovations that will bring a new energy and excitement to the Alumni Center. Homecoming is the perfect time for you to come by and see it for yourself. After all, we’re fixing it up for you. If you haven’t been on campus in a while – whether you graduated from USF

Alumni Voice® USF Alumni Association Gibbons Alumni Center University of South Florida 4202 East Fowler Avenue, ALC100 Tampa, Florida 33620 alumni@usf.edu USFalumni.org Alumni Voice Editorial: Karla Jackson, jacksonk@usf.edu or Rita Kroeber, rkroeber@usf.edu Advertising: Rita Kroeber, rkroeber@usf.edu or 813-974-6312 Design: State of Mind Design, LLC 2

Tampa, USF St. Petersburg or USF Sarasota-Manatee – you owe it to yourself to reconnect during Homecoming Week. All three regional institutions will be celebrating Homecoming 2013 in their own special style.

Contributors in this Issue: Christina Cameron, `04 Joyce Domijan Karla Jackson, `88 Hilary Lehman Alumni Association Contact Information Executive Director: Bill McCausland, MBA `96 Membership: 813-974-2100 or 800-299-BULL Alumni & Student Programs: 813-974-2100 General Alumni e-mail: alumni@usf.edu Giving/Scholarships: Ron Sherman, `74 rsherman@usf.edu USF Bulls License Plate: www.BullsPlate.org Alumni Association website: USFalumni.org

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

Go Bulls!

Bill McCausland, MBA `96 Life Member Executive Director, USF Alumni Association

Letters to the editor are encouraged. Please write to Karla Jackson at jacksonk@usf.edu or mail to the address at the top of the page. Views expressed in Alumni Voice do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the USF Alumni Association, the University of South Florida or the editorial staff. ALUMNI VOICE (USPS# 025203) Number 25 Alumni Voice is published quarterly in the Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall as a benefit of membership in the University of South Florida Alumni Association, 4202 E. Fowler Ave.,

ALC100, Tampa, FL 33620-5455. Periodical Postage Paid at Tampa, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: University of South Florida Alumni Association, Communications Department, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., ALC100, Tampa, FL 33620-5455. New Address? Moving? Update your official USF alumni record at myUSFbio.org or email your information to alumni@usf.edu. You also may remove the magazine label and send it with your correct address to Alumni Voice, USF Alumni Association, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. ALC100, Tampa, FL 33620. © 2013 All rights reserved.

Your 2013-14 USF Alumni Association Board of Directors These fellow alumni volunteer their time to work with your USF Alumni Association leadership and staff to fulfill our promise to you: to connect alumni and create meaningful ways for you to help USF succeed. Front row, from left: 1) Lisa Provenzano-Heugel, `93, `96, & M.S. `07; 2) Kathy Dorf, `08; 3) Vicki Ahrens, `73 & M.A. `75; 4) Ed Hoeppner, `81; 5) Secretary Jon Smith, MBA `07; 6) Chair Monty Weigel, `76; 7) Past Chair Kimberly Choto, `92 & M.A. `02; 8) USF Ambassador President Juan Henry; 9) Merritt Martin, `04 & MPA `06; 10) Sandy Pettit, `94 & M.Che `10; Back row, from left: 11) Mary Harper, `97, M.Ed `01, & Ph.D `07; 12) USF Student Government Vice President Scott Sandoval; 13) Jeff Reynolds, `91; 14) Lee Winter, `85; 15) USF Alumni Association Executive Director Bill McCausland, MBA `96; 16) Treasurer Randy Norris, `79; 17) Brian Campbell, `93; 18) Manley Jaquiss, `86; 19) Andy Coe, `95 & MBA `00 and 20) Chair Elect Michael Griffin, `03. Not Pictured: Katrina Anderson, `09 & M.A. `11; Franklin Biggins, `69; Andrew Cohen, `11; Jim Harvey, `88 and Amy Walsh, `85. Ex-Officio Members: USF System President Dr. Judy Genshaft; USF Senior Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Affairs Joel Momberg.

11 1

18 19

SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

news roundup

$3.6 Million to Train New Geriatricians As America struggles to find doctors to care for senior citizens, USF Health is starting a program to educate new geriatricians – prompted by a $3.6 million gift from Promise Healthcare, Inc. The training program will get started in The Villages, the nation’s largest community of Americans over 55. Promise Healthcare, one of the largest organizations of long-term acute care hospitals in the nation, is dedicating the gift to fund an Endowed Directorship in Geriatrics for USF Health. The director will be hired to teach young doctors – internal medicine residents and geriatric fellows – in providing specialized care for older patients. Promise’s gift – a part of the USF Unstoppable Campaign – to USF Health will help residents in The Villages immediately and make an impact far beyond its borders, said Dr. Elliot Sussman, chair of The Villages Health. “We all know that the number of seniors in the U.S. is rapidly increasing. Their health related needs are numerous and complex,” Dr. Sussman said. “Yet, one of the most scarce resources in the U.S. is the number of physicians with specialty training in geriatrics. The U.S. will need about 25,000 geriatric physicians by the year 2025 to treat its aging population, according to the American Geriatrics Society. But only about 7,000 certified geriatric physicians now practice in the U.S.

Spring 2013 Outstanding Graduates Your USF Alumni Association announces the selection of three Spring 2013 Outstanding Graduates, one for each institution of the USF System. An Outstanding Graduate is a graduating senior who embodies leadership, school spirit, academic excellence, community involvement and a love for USF.

USF Tampa – George Papadeas, Marketing, `13, excelled as a leader during his four years at USF. As 201213 Student Government vice president, Papadeas helped to create and oversee a $15 million budget, hired student government staff, and served as a student representative on the USF Alumni Association Board of Directors. He has worked with the Center for Student Involvement Hiring Committee, the Technology Fee Advisory Council, and the TEDxUSF Planning Committee, and served as president of the USF Hellenic Society. Papadeas graduated with a 3.5 GPA and accepted a job offer as an executive team leader for Target in the Tampa area. USF St. Petersburg – Aaron Kawaja, Science Education `13, found her vocation while on a missionary trip in Africa. The trip inspired her to become an active volunteer within her community. At Metropolitan Ministries she volunteered in an outreach program helping to supply the homeless with basic needs. At Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association, she helped convert an old church into a youth center. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA, with certifications in Elementary Education and Exceptional Student Education, and Endorsements in Reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages. Kawaja plans to teach in an elementary school for a couple of years and then pursue a Masters in Social Work. USF Sarasota-Manatee – Dat Vu, Accounting & Finance `13, came to USFSM as an international student from Vietnam after attending the State College of Florida. Vu overcame a language barrier to become one of the most involved students on campus and graduate with a 3.7 GPA. He served as a student senator for the College of Business and held the position of vice president for USF Sarasota-Manatee Student Government during the 2011-12 academic year. Vu helped Continued on page 6

SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

news roundup

CONTINUED

found and served as president of USFSM’s Phi Beta Lambda fraternity for the Future Business Leaders of America. He is pursuing a career in business and finance.

Fighting for Families’ Right to Know USF researchers are leading efforts to identify gravesites at the former Dozier School for Boys, which closed in 2011 after reports of abuse, torture and the suspicious deaths of boys held in state custody there during its 100 years in operation. Several families of boys who died at Dozier allowed their mouths to be swabbed for DNA samples to help identify remains located in dozens of graves on school property and beyond. Associate Professor of Anthropology Erin Kimmerle led a team of researchers that identified at least 50 burial shafts on the site, some well beyond the boundaries of the school’s cemetery. The team is waiting on a state permit to exhume the remains and use the samples to help identify them. The state Bureau of Archaeological Research has not made a decision on their request. The Florida Legislature appropriated $200,000 to fund USF’s research and exhumations at Dozier, located in a rural part of Florida’s panhandle. “This project is about fulfilling a fundamental human right for families who, like all of us, are entitled to bury their relatives in a manner in which they deem proper,” Kimmerle said.

Hard Work Pays Off for 2 USF St. Petersburg Students

Sources: University Communications and Marketing, USF Heath, USF St. Petersburg and USF SarasotaManatee

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

Two USF St. Petersburg Honors Program research students who graduated in May are off to big things. Tanjim “TJ” Hossain (top photo) is the first USFSP student to win a prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. He plans to pursue a Ph.D at the University of Miami and study malaria in West Africa. Meanwhile, Marco PadillaRodriguez, who already has two published research papers to his name, was accepted into

the highly competitive five-year Ph.D program at the University of Arizona’s Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program. He will receive a stipend and tuition waiver.

USF Sarasota-Manatee to Help Educators Teach with Art A $42,000 grant from the Manatee Community Foundation’s Leslie and Margaret Weller Fund will bring together teachers, USFSM student interns and artists to develop lessons plans that incorporate dance, music, theatre and other art forms to help teach core subjects such as reading and math to students in disadvantaged Title I schools. “Enhancing teacher education while impacting large numbers of Manatee County school children with imaginative and creative arts integration projects under the guidance of professional artists is a win, win, win for all involved,” says Marilyn Howard, executive director of the Manatee Community Foundation. The lessons and strategies will be based on Florida’s Common Core Standards and will be assessed and tweaked in real-time as they are implemented in the classroom. “We believe the evidence will show that artsintegrated teaching positively impacts learning by teaching skills in problem-solving, perseverance, and collaboration,” says Dr. Patricia Hunsader, assistant professor USF Sarasota-Manatee College of Education.

Bulls Eye John & Beverley Grant:

John and Beverley Grant, USF Alumni Association Life Members No. 1 and 2

USF Alumni Association Executive Director, Bill McCausland, Beverley Grant and John Grant Jr.

ith hundreds of your fellow USF alumni making the decision this year to become Life Members of your USF Alumni Association, it seemed like a good time to turn the spotlight on Life Members No. 1 and 2, former Florida Senator John Grant Jr. and his wife Beverley. The couple, now enjoying an active semi-retirement, are long-time supporters of our alma mater. They became Life Members because they know that their one-time membership fee goes toward the Alumni Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s endowment, which benefits the organization in perpetuity. To learn about all of the benefits of Life Membership, please contact Ron Sherman at rsherman@usf.edu or (813) 974-1891. ÂŽ

SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

Rocky? whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Take Rocky on your next trip and send your photos to: Karla Jackson at jacksonk@usf.edu or to her attention at the USF Alumni Association, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. ALC100, Tampa, FL 33620-5455.

USF Alumni Association Life Members Rich and Sue Tron took Rocky with them to Tuscany, Italy in May. u

Rocky accompanied a few USF Alumni Association Life Members to the 2013 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in April. From left are: Anne McCausland, Pam LePan, `82; USF AA Executive Director Bill McCausland, `MBA `96; U Club members Timmer Ahrens, `70, holding Rocky, and his wife, Vicki Ahrens, M.A. `75 and Mike LePan, `81. 8

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

p Rocky meets a Rockette during a trip to New York City’s Radio City Music Hall with April Sager, `04.

p U.S. Air Force Captain Richard Grimberg, `06, got a visit from Rocky while he was stationed in Honduras, courtesy of Capt. Grimberg’s wife, Mary Beth, `06, who sent our mascot along for a photo shoot.

USF Alumni Association Life Member Sheila Carpenter-van Dijk, `96, and Rocky pose in front of Notre Dame Cathedral during a recent visit to Paris. u

SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rocky?

p Rocky and Saleem Musallam, `04, had a nice view of the Old City during a winter trip to Istanbul, Turkey.

Life Member Jon Spinks, `96, center and Bill Mather, `76, introduced Rocky to a colorful local during their visit to Havana in March. u

Rocky tagged along with Kurt Saylan, MPH `11 on a family trip to Panama in February. From left are: his wife Monica, sister-in-law Mili, Saylan, nephew Estratio, daughter Alexa, daughter Bella and son Andrew. 10

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

Feature SCUBAnauts

Mentoring the Next Cousteau Dr. Elizabeth Moses, Ph.D `07, helps to develop the next generation of marine scientists.

By Karla Jackson, `88

esides her husband and toddler son, Dr. Elizabeth Moses has two passions: marine science and teaching.That’s what makes her a perfect fit for her position as chief science and education officer of SCUBAnauts International, a program that introduces young people ages 12-18 to the wonders of the undersea world through diving and scientific study. SCUBAnauts is fun, but it’s also serious business. The budding young marine scientists take part in projects such as mapping and monitoring the coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico and tending coral nurseries in the Florida Keys.Their work is carefully guided and supervised by SCUBAnauts staff, such as Dr. Moses, and her husband, Dr. Christopher Moses, as well as volunteer scientists from USF’s College of Marine Science. “The curiosity of these kids is just amazing,” says Moses, who fell in love with teaching while participating in a program to integrate the marine sciences into the K-12 curriculum in Pinellas County schools.“We’re teaching them how to parallel the way scientists think. And the work they’re doing is pretty important.” Growing up in Buffalo, NY, Moses credits a high school Advanced Placement biology

12 12

ALUMNIVOICE ALUMNIVOICE || SUMMER SUMMER 2013 2013

teacher with piquing her interest in the marine sciences. After earning a Bachelor’s at the University of Miami, she came to USF with plans for an ambitious research project to study the coral reefs off the coast of the Keys. Moses compared the health of coral reefs that lay off the coast of relatively undeveloped areas to the reefs off of coasts that were lined with marinas and condos. She also looked at reefs that were close to shore compared to those further off shore to see how they responded to natural and man-made stressors. Her work resulted in some interesting findings and she earned her doctorate degree in 2007.The most important thing the experience taught her was that doing small things to improve the health of the coral reefs – such as not touching the coral or preventing overfishing, for example – can make a big impact in preserving them for the future. “Sometimes I think people think doing one thing to reduce stress on the reefs isn’t going to solve the problem,” Moses says.“But even if we reduce a few

5Questions with

Dr. Elizabeth Moses Q. What is the last book you read? A. Islands Under Fire by Kevin McCarty. It’s about coral reefs and the work he did down in Peurto Rico. Q. What is your favorite movie? A. I love the “Pirates of the Carribbean.”

Dr. Elizabeth Moses hosted a group of SCUBAnauts who came to Washington, D.C. for a week of marine science activities during Capitol Hill Oceans Week in early June. They are pictured here outside of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Photo by Howard Korn things, we might increase the ability of the coral to deal with those natural stressors that we can’t control.” SCUBAnauts has three chapters, one in St. Petersburg, one in Tarpon Springs and another in Key West – with about 20-30 young people in each chapter.The organization likes to keep the numbers small so that students get quality time with the professional marine scientists.They do have a boat for excursions and local businesses such as dive shops and charter boat companies also volunteer their time and resources to the nonprofit organization. Parents who are certified often act as dive masters and boat captains, as well. “One of the things I love about this program is that it’s a really family focused program,” says Moses, who is the mother of a 16 month old boy, Austin.“We have moms and dads

who are diving with their kids and multiple siblings within the program.” One of the SCUBAnauts biggest expeditions of the year is coming up later this month in the Florida Keys, specifically in Looe Key within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. In collaboration with the Mote Marine Laboratory in Summerland Key, Moses is taking about 20 SCUBAnauts to dive with about a half-dozen combat wounded veterans who have been fitted with prostheses that are specialized for diving.The SCUBAnauts and the veterans, who are part of the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge, will work together to help propagate threatened species of coral that will be cultivated in coral nurseries to increase their populations. Later, divers will return to transplant the baby corals on to natural reefs that have been decimated. “They learn a lot from each other and they’re doing great things for the environment,” Moses says of the partnership between the vets and the kids. To learn more about SCUBAnauts and the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge, visit www.scubanautsintl.org

Q. Where is your favorite place in the world? A. That’s tough. I definitely love the Florida Keys because that’s where I got started in the marine sciences. That’s where I learned to dive, that’s where I take the kids and that’s where I’ve done a lot of my research. Another place I hold in my heart is Jamaica, where I’ve done some research and taken the kids, as well. Then there is Indonesia, the biodiversity hotspot of the world. My husband and I took a “babymoon” when I was pregnant. I couldn’t dive, but the snorkeling was awesome. Q. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? A. One of my mentors, Dr. Robert Ginsberg, anytime we went diving, even for a fun dive, would always ask, “What’s the question of the day?” It’s important to always be asking questions and learning. Q. What super power do you wish you had? A. Breathing underwater would be a great thing.

SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

In the Bulls Eye Coca-Cola Japan CEO

Michael Coombs, MBA `95 By Hilary Lehman

oca Cola Japan CEO Michael Coombs likes to think of himself as a student in the university of life. “In many ways, that’s where learning truly begins,” he says. However, Coombs received some of his business knowledge as an MBA student at USF’s program in France 20 years ago. “I am always proud to tell people where I got my MBA,” said Coombs, who is a native of South Africa but has lived in Japan for the past nine years. “I have a great debt of gratitude to USF. It was a very enriching experience.” Heading up a $3 billion company in one of Coca Cola’s growing markets, Coombs said the MBA gave him an academic perspective on things he was already learning in the business world. “When you work for a very large company, you tend to be very inward focused, and your universe tends to be within the company,” he said. “The MBA gave me the opportunity to look at the business from a different vantage point. It brought structure and context into my career.” The MBA program in France was a two-year partnership with the EDC Paris business school with classes taught by USF faculty, and it was an Executive MBA-type schedule with programs

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

in French and English. Coombs calls it an “MBA with a twist.” Coombs became close with USF Marketing Professor Paul Solomon during his time in the program, and still visits him when he is in the U.S. Solomon says he stayed in touch with several students from the program, but has stayed closest with Coombs over the two decades since. “He was always a leader within the class,” Solomon says. “He was an excellent student, and he has always been a hard worker.” In his role as CEO, Coombs runs the largest bottling company in Japan, and 965,000 vending machines. He said people are always surprised to find out that Coke is only around 20 percent of the company’s sales: the top selling Japanese products are Georgia Coffee, a ready-to-drink coffee, and a line of teas. Despite the high-profile challenges and rewards of running a portion of an international company, Coombs said the part of his job he most enjoys is getting to serve in a mentoring role to others. Coombs has worked for Coca Cola for more than 20 years in various international locations, from France to Turkey to Japan. “I love watching people grow and develop capability,” he says. ®

Congratulations to the inaugural 2013, USF Fast 56, the

fastest growing Bull-owned or Bull-led businesses in the world.

USF FAST 56

Andriotis Law Firm, P.A. • Arehna Engineering, Inc. • Bayshore Solutions • Biller Reinhart Structural Group, Inc. • BlueGrace Logistics • Bracken Engineering, Inc. • BRANDT Consolidated, Inc. • Breath of Life Women’s Health & Birth Center • BridgeView IT • Busciglio Smiles • ChappellRoberts • Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. • Flatwoods Consulting Group • Gigante Productions Inc. • Gissen & Zawyer Process Service, Inc. • GlobalVise Inc. • H2flow Equipment Inc. • HSA Engineers & Scientists • ImageLift • Intelladon • Interstate Van Lines, Inc. • JUNTO Design Studio • JVB Architect, LLC • Key Agency, Inc. • Laser Spine Institute • Lightning Bay Pneu-Draulics • Lyons Wier Gallery • Machine Tool Recyclers.com LLC • Matcon Construction Services, Inc. • Max Zaslavsky, D.M.D., P.A. • McKay Advertising + Activation • Mueller & Associates, CPA, LLC • myMatrixx • NorthStar Bank • OhMyGov Inc. • Peak 10 • Private Physicians, PLC • RIPA & Associates • Scar Heal, Inc. • SecurTest, Inc. The iReviewNow Company • Southstar Engineering & Consulting, Inc • Strong College Students Moving • Suncoast Coffee Service and Vending • Tampa Brass & Aluminum Corp. • The Furniture Warehouse • Williams Wealth Management Group • Zimmerman Advertising

SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

Inaugural 2013 USF FAST 56 Top 10

unning a successful business is risky, much like walking a tightrope without a net. It requires steady nerves, sure footing and long-term vision. Only 66 percent of new businesses survive their first two years, and another 44 percent fail in the two years after that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With that in mind, when a business manages to beats those odds, and then goes on to flourish, it is truly cause for celebration. The USF Fast 56 honors those intrepid USF alumni who took on those risks and reaped the rewards. With more than 200 applicants from all over the U.S. and Canada, these businesses met stringent criteria to be named to the inaugural 2013 USF Fast 56. The rules require that the companies must be in operation for a minimum of 36 months, be owned or operated by a former USF student, and have verifiable revenues of at least $250,000.

Applicants were certified by Ernst & Young and ranked in order of the fastest revenue-growing, USF alumni-owned or -led businesses in the world. The honorees were recognized at a special awards dinner held in the Marshall Student Center ballroom on April 12, during USF Week. USF System President Judy Genshaft called it a “spectacular evening.” “Entrepreneurship and innovation is in our blood here at USF,” Genshaft told the recipients and their guests. “You are the proof. You define the USF brand.” The inaugural 2013 USF Fast 56, which will now become an annual event, includes both large and small businesses from a variety of fields, from health care to manufacturing to art and architecture. The Top 10 fastest-growing businesses are spotlighted on the following pages. No matter what their industry, there is one important thing all of these businesses have in common: they are led by proud USF Bulls.

To enter your business in the 2014 USF Fast 56, please visit USFalumni.org/Fast56 Arehna Engineering, Inc. Tampa, FL Jessica McRory, `03 & M.S. `04, President Sonia Florence, `97, Vice President

1 SecurTest, Inc. – The iReviewNow Company

Athens, GA Steven Millwee, `86, Founder, President & CEO Christine Millwee, `86, CoFounder, COO & CFO USF Alumni Association Life Members

Only 14 percent of engineers are women, according to an April 2013 report by the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee. And yet, over the past four years, Arehna Engineering President Jessica McRory and Vice President Sonia Florence have grown their two-person startup into a thriving geotechnical and structural engineering firm with a staff of more than 30 people and 9,000-square-feet of office space in Tampa’s Westshore Business District. As a woman-owned firm, they qualify as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, which levels the playing field when competing against the large national and international firms for government projects. They are also savvy marketers, joining industry and community organizations to get their firm’s name out in the public eye. McRory serves as president of the American Society of Civil Engineers, West Coast Branch, and has managed the geotechnical aspects of testing, design and construction for more than 200 engineering projects. Florence specializes in providing geotechnical consulting for roadway construction and widening projects, as well as sinkhole studies and a wide variety of geotechnical project management and analyses. With their solid business partnership and a flourishing business, McRory and Florence serve as a path lighters for the next generation of women engineers.

Steve Millwee was working as a homicide detective for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office when the idea for SecurTest Inc. – The iReviewNow Company first began to formulate in his mind. He saw firsthand the flaws in the standard methods of background screenings and knew that he could devise a better method. With the background screening industry facing a rash of federal lawsuits over inaccuracies and violations, Steve patented a revolutionary new compliance technology called iReviewNow. “Our patent was the catalyst to us becoming one of the leading background screening providers,” says Steve. iReviewNow allows the individual to see his or her report the same time as the employer, allowing for instant dispute resolution and feedback. Christy handles the financial side of the business. Steve credits her acumen for helping their company grow responsibly. The couple says the key to spouses working together successfully is leaving work at the office and honoring their home life and marriage. “I knew we would be successful because failure was never in our vocabulary,” Christy says.

SUMMER SUMMER 2013 2013 || ALUMNIVOICE ALUMNIVOICE

17 17

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

2013 USF FAST 56 OhMyGov, Inc.

Richard Hartman and the co-founders of OhMyGov, Inc., knew they were on to something big when they received their first Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Science Foundation. The grant paved the way for future investors who provided the capital needed to make OhMyGov a “fresh, fun, thought-provoking voice in the government news arena,” as Hartman describes it. The company, founded in 2009, helps organizations – particularly those working in or with the U.S. government – to maximize communication opportunities and extract actionable business intelligence from the ever-growing cacophony of digital media. They offer media monitoring and analysis, consulting and training services and provide news and research on their website, OhMyGov.com. OhMyGov, Inc. is a member of the President’s Startup America initiative, a certified Microsoft small business partner, and was nominated in 2012 as one of Northern Virginia’s Hottest Startups by the Northern Virginia Technology Council. OhMyGov, Inc. is merging with another small business and expects to become even an even stronger presence in the social media analytics space with the next 2-5 years.

Machine Tool Recyclers, Inc.

With his degree in Environmental Sciences, Jonathan Leeb liked the idea of earning a living with a “green” business, and he preferred to work for himself. So in collaboration with his parents, he founded Machine Tool Recyclers, a business that buys scrap tungsten carbide and sludge for recycling and sale to select clients. Tungsten is used in everything from cutting tools to ammunition to wedding rings. China is the world’s largest tungsten producer and has strictly limited its export, so recycling the scrap was an idea that’s time had come. The business took off, but hit a bump in October 2008 when the U.S. economic crisis sent tungsten values into a tailspin. They have now recovered to near previous levels. However, Leeb decided to move into a different business, which he calls Johnny Oceans, selling energy efficient LED accent lighting, as well as wind, solar and hydrogen power education kits. “It’s basically bringing out new products to show people,” he says. “The more people that see the products and play with them, the more ideas will come, and the more the industry will grow.” You can see some samples of his new product line at the Oldsmar Flea Market.

Andriotis Law Firm, P.A.

Attorney George C. Andriotis was in a horrific auto accident on I-75, resulting in serious injuries that required months of recovery. It was one of the worst things that had ever happened to him, but it was also the impetus for founding Andriotis Law Firm, P.A. “This experience taught me that you need hard-working people you can trust during the difficult times following an accident,” he says. He had already earned a radiology degree before attending USF and went on to earn his law degree from Stetson in 2005. His combination of both medical and legal experience gives him special insight that he puts to good use for clients of his personal injury/auto accident practice in Tarpon Springs.

Alexandria, VA Richard Hartman, `88 & Ph.D `02, Co-Founder & COO

3 Sugar Grove, IL Jonathan Leeb, `10, CEO

4 Tarpon Springs, FL George Andriotis, `01, Founder & Attorney Anna M. Andriotis, `02

5 BlueGrace Logisitics

Riverview, FL Bobby Harris, `10, President & CEO

BlueGrace Logistics is a third-party logistics, technology and transportation company, which is serious business. But that doesn’t mean they can’t have some fun too, says founder Bobby Harris. That’s why you’ll find a “BlueGrace Harlem Shake” video on YouTube. And why BlueGrace employees got the chance to compete for concert tickets and an overnight stay in South Beach. It’s all part of a company culture that seeks to boost morale, embrace positive attitudes and foster a spirit of fun competition. It’s also one of the reasons why the company is growing by leaps and bounds. The idea for BlueGrace Logistics occurred to Harris when he worked for United Shipping. He conceived of a way for small- and medium-sized businesses to afford access to the same kind of logistics technology that large corporations use to reduce their transportation and shipping costs. He turned his concept into reality in 2007, using his daughters’ middle names as the name of his business. By 2012, BlueGrace Logistics ranked as the fastest-growing company in the transportation and logistics industry and the 20th fastest-growing private company in the nation on the Inc. 5000, an annual list of the 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.

SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

2013 USF FAST 56 GlobalVise, Inc.

Tampa, FL Sanjay Mehta, MBA `09, President

Sanjay Mehta was fully aware that there were already plenty of information technology (IT) staffing companies in the marketplace when GlobalVise was founded in 2008. But he had identified a need for a niche staffing service that provided IT specialists for specific industries, such as the finance, manufacturing and insurance industries, for example. “GlobalVise recruits high-end technology workers who execute specific projects at our client sites,” Mehta says. “The unique selling idea is to share the client’s risk and also to bear the fruit of success once the service is delivered,” which is exactly what happened. Before long, GlobalVise was supplying large technology firms with top-notch IT talent worldwide. The next step, Mehta says, is for the company to become “a full-fledged IT project-based firm that takes care of our clients’ entire body of IT work.” That way, clients can concentrate on their core competencies and let GlobalVise handle the constantly evolving information technology responsibilities.

7 JUNTO Design Studio

Tampa, FL John Mistretta, M.Arc `03, Principal Architect Billy Rapp, M.Arc `03, Principal Architect

Fate played a hand in the business partnership of JUNTO founders John Mistretta and Billy Rapp. They met on the first day of class in USF’s Masters of Architecture program. “As luck would have it, the seating assignments were drawn from a hat and we pulled desk numbers adjacent to each other,” Rapp says. “And the rest is history.” They founded JUNTO in 2007 as an interactive, studio-based architectural firm, “striving for self-improvement through collaborative efforts.” They offer clients a holistic approach to design that encompasses everything from construction to rebranding and marketing services. “Our past experience working at architectural firms ranging in size from small boutique firms, all the way to some of the largest in the world, helped shape our own unique approach to architecture,” Rapp says. Their growing client list proves that their approach is working. “Our only expectation is to continue collaborating, learning and providing design solutions with our clients’ best interest in mind. If we do that, the future will take care of itself,” Rapp says.

8 Tampa Brass & Aluminum Corp.

Tampa, FL Chris Leto, `85, President

9 Bridgeview IT

Denver, CO Tim Glennie, `95, Managing Partner

10 20

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

Chris Leto and his brothers are the third generation of their family to run Tampa Brass & Aluminum, a foundry and machine shop that serves the defense, oil and gas and commercial industries. The company has come a long way since Chris’ grandfather and father started the business in 1957, serving the shipyards in Tampa’s port. Sam Sr. passed away in 1986. Now in their mid-70s, Chris’ father, Sam Leto Jr., is still involved in the business, and his mother, Nilla, still manages the supply chain. Though business is booming now, Tampa Brass has weathered hard times, nearly closing the doors in the late eighties/early nineties after a dispute with the bank and being defrauded by a trusted employee. They were saved by a “guardian angel,” disguised in the form of an unexpected customer, who appeared just as Chris was packing up his office. His father closed a deal with that customer that resulted in just enough cash to keep the business open. The family considered it “a miracle from God,” Chris says. They were able to restructure their debt, root out the crooked employee, and recoup much of their losses from their insurance company. They’ve worked hard to turn around their fortunes and now the business is more successful than ever. Chris’s youngest son, Vincent, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a member of the Bulls baseball team, is a sophomore at USF. His older son, Christopher, is a senior at USF. Only time will tell if there will be a fourth generation of Leto’s at Tampa Brass, Chris says.

When Tim Glennie and his business partner founded Bridgeview IT, they knew that they didn’t want to be “part of a big machine,” as he put it. “We wanted to have a highly personalized, boutique feel with all of our clients.” As a full-service, information technology (IT) staffing firm, Bridgeview IT specializes in providing high-end IT professionals to a select group of clients from coast to coast in the United States. “We view ourselves as an extension of each of our clients, Glennie says. “We take the time to learn everything we can about their business, and then make the best matches with the right talent.” The company’s ability to be agile and collaborative has worked just as they hoped it would. “Our model has been effective and turned client relationships into true partnerships,” he says. The next step is to expand the company’s footprint throughout the U.S.

SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

Feature Alumni Travel

See the World with Your Fellow Bulls

ST. TROPEZ, FRANCE

Travel with less stress and more fun with the USF Alumni Travel Program. By Christina Cameron, `04

USF

students today are encouraged to travel abroad to gain an appreciation for other cultures and to enrich their educational experiences. USF System President Dr. Judy Genshaft and her husband, Steven Greenbaum, have even endowed a $1 million scholarship to make international travel possible for more students. It’s all part of an effort to produce graduates who are prepared to step out into an increasingly global economy. But why should students get to have all the fun? Your USF Alumni Association believes that learning should continue long after leaving the university. Travel can be one of the most important elements in a life-long pursuit of education. Whether it’s a foreign or domestic destination, visiting new places provides us with experiences that shape our outlook on the world. Each year, dozens of USF alumni and friends travel together on Alumni Association-sponsored tours. While on the trips, travelers not only discover some of the most sought-after destinations around the world, but also make new friends and renew their connection to the university along the way. Throughout the past decade, the USF Alumni Travel Program has taken groups on unforgettable journeys to spectacular destinations like Italy, Israel, Spain, Holland, Russia, France, Peru, and more. Our goal is to select tours that are not only desirable from a vacation or sightseeing perspective, but

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

that offer historic or cultural elements that add up to a meaningful, and often life-changing, experience for our travelers. Imagine waking up to a breathtaking view of Bora Bora from your cruise ship cabin. Or heading off into the “wild west” and marveling at some of our country’s most impressive sights, like Mount Rushmore. Or how about learning to cook like a local in a private cooking class in Tuscany? You can do all of this and more in 2014. Each of the eight tours we have planned for next year offers an expertly-designed itinerary filled with activities sure to delight even the most seasoned traveler. And while we know group travel isn’t for everyone, it certainly has its benefits. Your only responsibilities during a trip are to relax, learn something new and have fun. Every detail, from transportation and lodging to sightseeing activities, is taken care of so that your trip is 100 percent worry-free. Our trips are coordinated by reputable tour companies that are experts in providing excellent travel experiences for alumni groups. At least one professional from the tour provider – as well as a representative from USF when possible – accompanies the group on every tour. More details on all of our upcoming trips, including dates and prices, can be found on the next page. We think you’ll agree that there’s a little something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, and join us.

Plan Now for 2014 USFalumni.org/travel

TAHITI

Tahitian Jewels Cruise Jan. 15-25, 2014 Papeete to Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia From $3,299 (airfare included) Cruise the balmy South Seas and discover some of Polynesia’s finest jewels aboard the Oceania Marina. Taste of Tuscany and Umbria May 3-12, 2014 Florence, Siena, Perugia, and Rome From $3,739 (airfare included) Travel through scenic olive groves and vineyards and encounter some of Italy’s most famed cities on this food and wine tour.

TUSCANY

MOUNT RUSHMORE

Classic Europe for New Graduates (USF Senior Trip) May 11-20, 2014 London, Paris, Milan, Rome, with optional extension to S. Italy and Greece From $2,345 (land only) USF’s newest graduates are invited to celebrate their graduation with a trip to Europe. National Parks and Lodges of the Old West May 31-June 9, 2014 Badlands Nat’l Park, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone Nat’l Park, Grand Teton Nat’l Park, and more From $3,495 (land only) Stay in historic lodges as you make your way through four of the United States’ most magnificent national parks. Paris to Normandy River Cruise June 30-July 8, 2014 Vernon, Rouen, Les Andelys, Conflans, and Paris, France From $3,495 (cruise only) Cruise France’s scenic Seine River aboard the Avalon Creativity, and visit Normandy’s historic beaches during the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

PARIS TO NORMANDY

ALASKA

Alaskan Adventure Cruise July 24-31, 2014 Seattle, Vancouver, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Tracy Arm, Sitka From $1,999 (airfare included) Savor the beauty of ancient glaciers, soaring mountains and pristine waters on this Alaskan adventure aboard the Oceania Regatta. Accent on the Rivieras Cruise Oct. 3-11, 2014 Italy, France, Monaco, Spain From $2,499 (airfare included) Revel in the spectacular beauty of the French and Italian Rivieras as you cruise from Rome to Barcelona on the Oceania Marina. Thanksgiving in New York Nov. 26-30, 2014 New York City, New York From $2,799 (land only) See a Broadway show, the Rockettes, and, of course, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade!

NEW YORK CITY

Prices are per person, double occupancy and are subject to change and availability. All prices listed with airfare are based on departure from Tampa. SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

Feature Alumni Travel

La Bella Vita on the Amfali Coast I

taly’s Amfali Coast is like a watercolor by grape arbors were also favorites. Monet, with its pastel palazzos and shimmering Being an active person, Dr. Zucker really seascapes. About a dozen USF alumni, their enjoyed the guided walking tours throughout families and friends got the chance to experience Pompeii, Positano and Sorrento. “I love being its Old World charm for themselves in March active and this trip offered a fair amount of during a 10-day walking tour that was part of the activity,” she says. “Walking and hiking with the USF Alumni Travel Program. group was easy and I was definitely prepared for Their adventure began in Naples, or Napoli it.” Group members estimated that they walked a as the locals call it, with a tour of the city that total of about 60 miles over the course of the trip. included a visit to the Museo Archeologico Even with all the walking and guided tours, Nazionale di Napoli, where there was plenty of free time for thousands of artifacts unearthed ... enchanted by the shopping, exploring and relaxing from the ruins of Pompeii and on the beach. One of the group’s views from the Herculaneum are housed. Later, favorite excursions was a boat the group strolled the chaotic, moment they arrived trip to Capri, a rocky island that colorful and aromatic streets of has served as a resort town since the historic district. the time of the Roman Empire. They marveled at Susan Zucker, M.Ed `92 & Ph.D `98, travelling the villas seemingly carved into the side of the with her cousin and her cousin’s husband, was limestone cliffs, fronted by the turquoise waters enchanted by the views from the moment they of the Gulf of Naples. They rode the funicular to arrived. “The best experience was seeing Mt. the main square, toured the Piazza and had lunch Vesuvius from our hotel breakfast room and the at a small café. It was the perfect last day of their waterfront,” she says. The breathtaking cliff views, glorious adventure before they had to say “Ciao!” fragrant lemon trees and picturesque olive and to bella Italia.

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

USF alumni travelers on the Walking Tour of the Amalfi Coast took in the sights at Pompeii. From left are Bruce Cameron; Christina Cameron, `04; Rick Williamson, `77; Regina Williamson; Brenda Patterson, `93 & M.A. `10; James Jackson, Jr.; Polly Horne, `91; Nelson Horne, `76; Robin Cohl; Susan Zucker, M.Ed `92 & Ph.D `98; and Robert Cohl.

Pack your bags, and join us on an upcoming trip.

Alumni Traveler Testimonials

“I had heard very good things from fellow alumni about traveling with USF. It was all true. The travel company they used is outstanding and very organized.” Jose Valiente, CPA, `73, Life Member Kentucky Derby Trip

“We always felt welcomed and well taken care of.” Dr. Aurora Sanchez-Anguiano, Ph.D `99 Thanksgiving in New York City Trip

SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

Blast from the Past

Source: USF Photograph Collection, USF Special Collections, USF Library Tampa

In 1970,

a team from USF competed in the G.E. College Bowl TV show and won $90,000 for the university. We asked alumni on our Facebook page if anyone recalled the team and two Bulls shared their memories with us.

“I

remember watching them on TV. The G.E. College Bowl came on Sundays. This was spring of 1970 and I was attending USF then. I did not know any of them personally. They had two alternates that made the trip with the team. I knew one of the alternates. Their first game was against a very good team from Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Wellesley was going for their fifth win and would’ve retired as undefeated. However, USF won and it was a huge comefrom-behind victory! They won two more times after that, and finally lost on their fourth appearance.” Kathleen Lynch Gulley, `71

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

“T

om Swihart is a relative of mine. I never knew another Swihart was a fellow USF alumnus until you posted this picture. Tom has degrees from the University of South Florida and Florida State University. He spent three decades in a career in water management at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. He was a founding board member of the national Alliance for Water Efficiency. He has a new book out on Florida water policy: Florida’s Water, A Fragile Resource in a Vulnerable State. He also runs the website: www.wateryfoundation.com.” Matthew Swihart, `01

Our Members Love USF! Your USF Alumni Association asked our members why they love USF and here’s what they said:

I enjoyed playing water volleyball against the State Oceanagraphic Lab during lunch at USFSP. I also treasured the weekends I spent at Chinsegut. Most importantly, I appreciate the academic rigors USF put me through. This steeled me to meet the challenges of my 28 year career in the Silicon Valley. Richard Lago, `75

I love USF because it is where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. I was able to continue my education by going on to Long Island University and receiving a Master of Science in Community Mental Health Counseling. Thank you USF. Aretha Butler, `89

I love USF not simply because I am “true to my school.” USF marks the start of my adult existence, which is a rite of passage requiring a caring environment for future success. USF came through in spades. USF serves as the tie that binds me to so many of my lifelong friends. USF is the spring of my educational experience and springboard to my professional future. Go Bulls! Audrey Hirst, `89

I love USF because of all the traditions I got to participate in while being a student. I also love USF because my entire family is alumni and we always go to homecoming and other fun USF events like the football games together. Lauren Tice, `11

Tell us why you love USF at USFalumni.org/iloveusf. Photos are welcome! SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

chapters&societies

A new crop of USF Ambassadors was selected in March to replace the graduating seniors and join the rising group of Ambassadors who remain. Each new Ambassador meets with USF System President Judy Genshaft at the beginning of their term. The USF Ambassadors are student leaders who serve as a link between the student body and alumni, attending campus and community events and setting a standard for excellence. Pictured top row from left are: Brandon Cook, Hiram Rios, Alberto Peralta, Cheynne Quailey, Kevin Madden and Keiva Yearwood. In the middle from left are: Huzzatun Iqra, Alex Cole, Marisol Torres and Cassandra Coolidge. Bottom row from left are: Natalie Pearson, Daniella Kushner, USF System President Judy Genshaft, Sydney Resmondo and Brandi Arnold.

USF Entrepreneurship alumni packed the house at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk on May 10 for the 2013 2nd Annual Tampa Bay Entrepreneurship Gala to benefit the Michael W. Fountain Scholarship Fund. The scholarship provides educational opportunities and helps fuel the dreams of up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Pictured above, from left are: Vanessa Vasquez, Phillip Anderson, Arian Howard, Chandrakanth Saravanan, Thang â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ryanâ&#x20AC;? Nguyen, and Aisha Tazi.

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

The annual College of Business Cinco de Mayo Networking Social at The Tampa Club atop the Bank of America Plaza in downtown Tampa is always a favorite of Bulls Business alumni. Pictured from left are: Mia Sadler, Ruben Babun, Joyce Michel, Kimberly Hall and friends.

Members of the New York and D.C. Regional USF Alumni Chapters turned out for an Around the Horns Coaches Tour held in March in New York City. At right are D.C. Chapter Treasurer Allen Genaldi, Bulls Football Head Coach Willie Taggart and D.C. Chapter Watch Party Chair Mike â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pokeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Blackman.

Some 500 USF Alumni Association Life Members and their families attended the annual Life Member Appreciation event held at the USF Baseball/Softball complex on May 17. They enjoyed burgers, hot dogs, beer and soda and watched our Bulls Baseball beat Rutgers. Pictured above are, from left, Lisa Kirschten, Kim Schneider, Gary Schneider, holding the flag, Brenda Gigante, Paul Gigante, Randy Dotson, Margaret McDeed and Brandon McDeed. Pictured left are Art Jones and his grandsons, Eddin, standing and Eason.

SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

chapters&societies

USF Music alumni performed a free concert May 19 under the direction of Florida Bandmasters Association Executive Director Neil Jenkins to cap off a great reunion weekend. To see more photos and information, visit www.facebook.com/USFMusicAlumni.

Dr. Karen Berkman and USF Student Government President Will Warmke presented four $1,000 scholarships to USF students at the 9th annual LGBT Gala in April. Pictured at left is Lindsay Betros, center is Kaitlin Winter, and right is Mary Catherine Whitlock. Not pictured is Alyssa King.

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

No matter where you live, you’ll always be a Bull! The USF Alumni Association has alumni chapters all over the country. We also have college and special-interest societies for likeminded alumni. It’s easy to get involved. Just email the contact person of the group you’d like to visit. Societies Ambassador Alumni Jackie Wertel jackie.wertel@gmail.com Anthropology Alumni Brian McEwen bmcewen@cachillsborough.com Architecture Alumni Adam Fritz adam@cgharchitects.com Association of Filipino Students Alumni Society Aileen Aqui afsalumnisociety@hotmail.com Black Alumni Shomari Sanford shomari1906@yahoo.com College of Business Alumni Maegan Fader Maegan@usfcobalumni.org Education Alumni Freda Abercrombie aber2@aol.com Engineering Alumni Robert Andrew usf.engineer@yahoo.com Entrepreneurship Alumni Jennifer Sineway jennagator@aol.com Geology Alumni Bruce Nocita bnocita@smeinc.com Honors Alumni Dan Ravicher ravicher@gmail.com Kosove Alumni Justin Geisler justingeisler@hotmail.com Library and Information Science Society William (Bill) Harris wharris3@mail.usf.edu Marine Science Alumni Bruce Barber bbarber@terraenv.com Beau Suthard bsuthard@coastalplanning.net

Medicine Alumni Catherine Warner cwarner1@health.usf.edu

Broward Ruth Rogge R_rogge@yahoo.com

Tallahassee Phil Canto pcantompa@gmail.com

Nashville Melinda Dale nashvilleusfbulls@live.com

MIS Alumni Brian Day Bjday@us.ibm.com

Alan Steinberg usfbrowardalumni@hotmail.com

Greater Tampa John Lore USFTampaAlumni@gmail.com

New York Cassie Hanjian cjhanjian@yahoo.com

National Chapters

Philadelphia Adam Feinberg usf.tri.state.alumni@gmail.com

Music Society Keith Sanz usfmusicalumni@gmail.com Nursing Alumni Edwin Hernandez ehernan5@health.usf.edu Pharmacy Alumni Patti Shirley pshirley@health.usf.edu Public Administration Alumni Mike Rimoldi mike@rimoldiconstruction.com Public Health Alumni Natalie Preston-Washington npreston@health.usf.edu Social Work Alumni April Steen steenmsw@yahoo.com Student Government Alumni Cordell Chavis cordell.chavis@gmail.com Theater Alumni Kimberli Cummings kbdiva901@aol.com USF St. Petersburg Bryan Bejar bryanbejar@gmail.com Women’s and Gender Studies Zoe Fine usfwgssociety@gmail.com

Florida Chapters Brevard Todd Bonanza bonanza298@aol.com John Carpenter j-carpenter2@ti.com Barbara Lyn barbara@barbaralyn.com

Fort Myers Carrie Abes usfbullgirl30@gmail.com Hernando Robert Neuhausen usfhcac@gmail.com Highlands (FL) Charles Devlin cdevlin@devtechsales.com Jacksonville/St. Augustine Brian Rush James.B.Rush@uscg.mil Manatee/Sarasota Jay Riley jayriley@sar.usf.edu Miami-Dade Carlos Rodriguez USFmiamialumni@gmail.com Greater Ocala Russ Fascenda usf-alumni-ocala@pobox.com Orlando Kathy Dorf usfbullsorlando@gmail.com Palm Beach Scott Teich scott.teich@raymondjames.com Pasco County/New Tampa Kimberly Choto kchoto@success-sciences.com Pensacola/Spanish Fort/Mobile Nick Kessler nickess@aol.com

Atlanta Louis Struikman usfalumniatlanta@gmail.com Austin Brad Heath gobulls@austin.rr.com Boston USFBostonBulls@gmail.com Charlotte Ryan Franco USFAlumniCharlotte@gmail.com Chattanooga/Cleveland, TN Erin Bull and Bryan Bull ChattanoogaBullsAlumni@yahoo. com Chicago Blake Rus WindyCityBulls56@gmail.com Columbus, OH Jason Griffin columbususfalumni@gmail.com D.C. Regional Alex Guecia usfbullsdc@gmail.com Dallas Christina Cameron cmcameron@usf.edu Denver Chris and Ashley Gilbert denverbulls@gmail.com

John Spurny usfpensacola@hotmail.com

Greenville, SC Brittany Link GreenvilleUSFAlumni@hotmail.com

Pinellas Brenda Kenny bdkenny@tampabay.rr.com

Houston Alan Goldsmith alshmaly@flash.net

Polk Randy Dotson randy.dotson@gmail.com

Indianapolis Rasheite Radcliff rasheite@gmail.com

St. Lucie Frank Pennetti franker@adelphia.net

Los Angeles Janet Foster usfbullsnla@yahoo.com

Phoenix Jillian Papa jillianpapa@gmail.com Portland, OR Matt Hromalik m_hromalik@hotmail.com Raleigh, NC Bob Cohn bob.cohn@mssb.com St. Louis, MO Mark Greenspahn usfstlbulls@gmail.com San Antonio, TX Ruben Matos captram02@yahoo.com San Diego Carlos Sayan USFBullsSanDiego@gmail.com San Francisco Jenna Broughton USFBullsSF@gmail.com

Corporate Affinity Group Lockheed Martin – Oldsmar Brent Lewis brent.a.lewis@lmco.com

SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

Employ -A-Bull Joyce Domijan, is co-founder and vice president at CareerBeam, a virtual career success center that helps alumni determine what they want in a career and how to achieve it.

n Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most people are flattered to be asked for advice because it makes them feel important. n Do look successful, project a positive image, smile and be noticed. n Do start with a firm handshake coupled with good eye contact. n Do use your personality to develop a rapport with others. Find common interests and get to know your contacts.

Hey New Grads, Here’s the Best Way to Find a Job

n Do create and use your elevator pitch. Be prepared with a memorable statement about yourself and your goals. n Do thank everyone who has been helpful to you, preferably with a thank you note. Your contacts will remember you.

n Do keep networking even after you’ve found a job. You never know when you might need your contacts again.

It’s important to realize the significant role that networking should play in your job search process. You need to think creatively about where to find contacts. Most job openings are never advertised and can only be found through word of mouth and that means networking. You can find people to add to your network anywhere ... family, friends, fellow alumni, neighbors, school, volunteers, co-workers, sports fans, workout partners, member organizations, etc. Since 70 percent of a job search strategy should be spent networking, below are some tips to prepare you for a successful networking experience.

Remember that your network is about building relationships throughout your career, so you can exchange information and assistance when needed. Never ask for things that are hard to do – like getting you a job. Only you can do that. Instead, ask for advice, direction and introductions. And don’t make the mistake of only contacting your network when you need help. If you are active and helpful with your network on an ongoing basis, they will be there for you when needed, and can help to substantially shorten your job search.

ave you ever heard that the best way to get a job is through a referral? It’s true! Most employers prefer to hire someone who has been referred or vouched for in some way, even if the connection isn’t strong.

n Don’t go anywhere without your resume and business/networking card. n Do join professional organizations related to your field and attend the meetings. n Do look for USF Alumni Association events and social networking where you can meet new contacts. n Do volunteer work. It’s a great way to make new network contacts and feel good about what you’re doing. n Do find a mentor. A mentor can guide you and provide additional network contacts.

n Do have a tip, tool, book, article, website or referral ready to help your contacts. They will appreciate your helpfulness and be more willing to reciprocate.

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

As a member, you can login to your CareerBeam account through the USF Alumni Association portal at http://usfalumni.org/MembersOnly to access more detailed information on many of the topics in this article, as well as valuable tools for writing resumes, reviewing sample cover letters, researching companies and identifying network contacts, creating a pitch, preparing for an interview, and much more. Good luck!

classnotes Don’t be shy Alumni! We’d like to include your news and photos in Class Notes. Send in your information to: jacksonk@usf.edu or you can mail your information & photo to: Karla Jackson USF Alumni Association Gibbons Alumni Center University of South Florida 4202 E. Fowler Ave., ALC100 Tampa, FL 33620-5455

60s

James Carlos Blake, English `69 & M.A. English Education `71, returned to USF in January to accept the USF Distinguished Humanities Alumnus Award. The author of many acclaimed novels, essays, and short stories, Blake has been hailed as “one of the greatest chroniclers of the mythical American outlaw life” by Entertainment Weekly. His first novel, The Pistoleer (1995) centers on the infamous Texas outlaw, John Wesley Hardin, and introduced some of the themes that have characterized his work ever since, such as violence, honor, and morality. His third novel, In the Rogue Blood (1997), which chronicles the misadventures of two brothers during the Mexican-American War, won the prestigious Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction. Other novels include The Friends of Pancho Villa, Red Grass River, which focuses on a notorious criminal gang in early 20th century Florida, and The Killings of Stanley Ketchel, set in the early days of prize-fighting. In addition to the Los Angeles Book Prize, Blake’s awards include the 1999 Southwest Book Award for Borderlands, the 1999 Chautauqua South Book Award for Red Grass River, and the 2007 Falcon Award for Under the Skin.

70s

member of the Community Awareness Task Force of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

Jeffrey Colbath, Criminology `79, was named as the new chief circuit judge for the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County. The chief judge, elected by peers, handles administrative duties and makes judicial assignments. Judge Colbath, who is now one of several judges presiding over felony criminal cases, was elected in February and began his new role on July 1. Colbath earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University in 1982. He was elected first to a county court judgeship and then to the circuit court in 2002. In his time on the criminal bench, Colbath has presided over several highprofile trials — most recently the murder solicitation trial of Boynton Beach newlywed Dalia Dippolito and the DUI manslaughter case of Wellington polo club founder John Goodman. Larry Flegle, Communication `75, spoke at the In-

tercollegiate Broadcasting System 73rd Conference, held March 1-3 in New York City. Dr. Flegle spoke on starting a National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association student chapter. He also participated on several panels on sportscasting. “Dr. Larry,” as he is known on-air, is general manager of AMU Internet Radio in Canton, GA. AMU Internet Radio received the 2013 Silver Microphone Award from IBS for Broadcast Quality. He began his broadcasting career in central Florida on WAPG, WHAN, WIPC, WXKL and WSIR.

Jeffrey Neil Fox, Psychology `75, has launched FoxMarketPlace.com, an online business where

Emilio T. Gonzalez, International

Studies `77, was named as the new director of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department. Gonzalez, a USF Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, previously served as director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services during the last Bush administration.

Donna Harak, International Studies `72, is the

founder of Harak Associates, a Tampa-based consulting firm that helps companies with grant acquisition and management. Harak Associates helped bring in close to $1 million in training dollars to companies in the Tampa Bay area in 2011-12. Clients span across multiple industries such as maritime, healthcare, technology and manufacturing.

Carolyn House Stewart, `74, was honored with the Sadie T.M. Alexander Award from the National Black Law Students Association at its annual convention held March 9 in Atlanta. Stewart, an attorney with Macfarlane Ferguson & McMullen and international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, was recognized for her advocacy on behalf of diverse communities, her legal acumen and her leadership. Stanley Levy, Accounting `73, was appointed to the University of South Florida Board of Trustees in January. Levy, a partner emeritus at Grant Thornton LLP in Tampa, was appointed for a five-year term that ends Jan. 6, 2018.

Stephanie Amberg, Mass Com-

munications `75, was named as a vice president at Tucker/Hall, a communications consulting relations firm. Amberg was a senior communications advisor at Tucker/Hall in the mid-1990s focusing on public relations and marketing strategies in the areas of commercial real estate, tourism and hospitality and luxury brands. Amberg returned to Tucker/Hall in 2012 after serving as vice president of public relations at OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC. Amberg serves on the board of trustees for the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and recently was appointed to the Straz Strategic Advisory Task Force. Amberg is also chair of the board of directors of the Opera Tampa League, serves on the FARA Energy Ball Steering Committee as chairman of the P.R./marketing committee and is a member of the marketing committee for the Tampa Bay History Center. Amberg is also a

people can order personalized promotional items for schools, businesses, nonprofits and others. FoxMarketPlace.com features social media integration that allows customers to share products directly on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. There are also videos to demonstrate how the items work and look. The site uses the same Internet shopping engine employed by leading Internet retailers like Wal-Mart and Crate & Barrel. Fox was previously owner of Bucs and Bulls Heaven Authentic Team Merchandise.

Catherine Peek McEwen, Political

Science `79, was appointed chair of the 13th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, for a two-year term. Peek is a United States bankruptcy judge for the Middle District of Florida, based in Tampa.

During a chance meeting in the markets of Montmartre overlooking Paris, USF Alumni Association Life Member Brittany Link, `07, had her portrait drawn by USF alumni Breiouniller, who learned English as an exchange student in 1979. Approximately 4600 miles and 34 years later, he still remembered to wish her a big Go Bulls!

Joe Sedita, Accounting `70, was honored as Plant City’s 2013 Outstanding Citizen in February. Sedita was recognized for his work in leadership roles in organizations such as the chamber of commerce, Boy Scouts, South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation, Toastmasters and First United Methodist Church of Plant City. He is a CPA and financial advisor for Sedita Kilton & Company.

SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

Mark Meadows, A.A. `80, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and took office in January, representing the Hickory, N.C. metro area as a Republican. Meadows, a real estate investor who lives in Cashiers in Jackson County, is in his first elective office outside the local Republican Party. Inside the GOP, he was elected Macon County chair and, before that, a precinct chair. Meadows and his wife Debbie started a restaurant/sandwich shop that they sold some years ago for seed money to start a brokerage in securities and real estate. He serves on the House Oversight & Government Reforms Committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He also serves on subcommittees focusing on the Appalachian Regional Commission, water quality, and job creation and business regulations. Mark Mondello, `87, is the new chief executive

Hundreds of new graduates, their families and friends stopped by the USF Alumni Association Commencement Open House events that were held before and after the May graduation ceremonies at the USF Sun Dome. Everyone enjoyed free food, beverages and the chance to have their photo taken with Rocky. Welcome to your USF Alumni Association, new grads! Marilyn Weinberg Feldstein, American Stud-

ies `74, is an author and president and founder of Career Choices Unlimited, Inc. Her article “Are You Building Strong Career Relationships?” was published in the December T+D Magazine, and her article “Know Your Professional Value and Learn How to Leverage it to Get What You Want--and Deserve,” was published online in the January T+D Magazine. Her book, Infoline: Defining and Leveraging Your Professional Value was published in February by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD). She is also a certified career coach. In addition to her USF degree, she earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Penn State in 1983.

public sector working for the Florida Department of Revenue and the Collier County Property Appraiser’s Office. He has been a Certified Florida Evaluator (CFE) since 1993 and is an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) from the American Society of Appraisers.

80s

Nancy Hemmingway Watkins, Accounting `82, was appointed to the USF Board of Trustees in March. Watkins, a CPA with Robert Watkins & Company, has provided professional accounting services to a diverse range of businesses and political organizations for more than 25 years. Stephanie Holmquist-Johnson, Theatre `81 and M.A. Career & Technical Education `05, of Holmquist Educational Consultants, Inc., gave a gift of $25,000 to establish a scholarship for graduate students in the USF College of Education. Kevin Lilly, Economics `89, was appointed as chief deputy of the Nassau County Property Appraiser’s Office. Lilly has over 20 years of experience in the

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

Kim Bakst, `83, was the winner of the Love USF Facebook Photo contest with 1158 votes on her photo out of 15,179 votes cast. More than 400 alumni uploaded photos showing why they love USF. Bakst won an iPad and a USF iPad cover. Be sure to like your USF Alumni Association at www.Facebook.com/USFAlumni

officer of Jabil Circuit, a Pinellas County based international provider of electronics manufacturing services that employs 160,000 people worldwide and has a market value of greater than $4 billion.

Handel Reynolds, Chemistry `83 & M.D. `87, has written The Big Squeeze: A Social and Political History of the Controversial Mammogram, which was published in September 2012 by Cornell Press. Reynolds, is a breast radiologist at the Doris Shaheen Breast Health Center at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. Prior to joining Piedmont Hospital in 2002, he spent more than a decade in academic practice at Indiana University School of Medicine, where he held the titles of associate professor of radiology and chief of breast radiology. Dr. Reynolds has presented over 50 lectures and workshops at national and international conferences, published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals and co-authored three book chapters. He is a fellow of the American College of Radiology, a fellow of the Society of Breast Imaging and a member of numerous other medical professional organizations. Carolyn Rogers, Mass Communications `85, brought her public relations consulting firm SimplyPR into the worldwide collaborative network of PR firms, PR Boutiques International (PRBI). The Fort Myers-based firm joins PRBI’s network of 33 agencies in 11 countries. Rogers has 25 years of experience in the industry and was recognized as the 2012 PR Professional of the Year by the Southwest Florida chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. She has achieved Certification as a Public Relations Counselor (CPRC) and the Universal Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), and also holds the designation of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) from the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy & Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Scott Selvia, Engineering Technology `87, was promoted to director of systems and development at DataMentors, LLC.

90s

Paul Blackketter, Geography `94, is chief executive officer and serves on the board of directors of the Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Association. The nonprofit Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Association was established to oversee the day-to-day operation of Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. Andrew A. Bokan, History `98, was selected as

a 2013 Rising Star in the field of marital and family law by Florida Super Lawyers magazine. Bokan also achieved the Rising Star recognition in 2010, before serving as a family law magistrate in 2011 and 2012. The Florida Super Lawyers selection process is based on peer recognition and professional achievement, and not more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are named to the Rising Stars list.

Deirdre Brown, MBA `94, was promoted to senior vice president of corporate strategy and technology and chief ethics and compliance officer at TECO Energy. She joined TECO Energy in 1990 as an internal auditor. Since 2009, she has served as vice president of business strategy and compliance. Ken Curtin, Criminology `91 & History

`92, was promoted to partner at Adams and Reese in January. Curtin is a member of the Litigation Practice Group in the Tampa and St. Petersburg offices. He has practiced law since 1996, and is board certified by the Florida Bar in construction law. Curtin is certified by the Supreme Court of Florida as a circuit and county civil mediator and has mediated numerous complex commercial, construction and insurance disputes. He has been recognized as a “Top Up and Comer” by the South Florida Legal Guide, 2009 and 2010, and was selected by his legal peers as a 2006 Super Lawyer in the areas of business and construction litigation.

Julius Davis, Electrical Engineering `93, was appointed to the Enterprise Florida board of directors by Florida Gov. Rick Scott in January. Davis is a principal owner of VoltAir Consulting Engineers LLC in Tampa, an engineering company that provides mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection design. Enterprise Florida is the state’s economic development organization. Davis’ term ends in July 2016. Paul Fontaine, History `99, a major in the United States Air Force, was named as commander of the 88th Test and Evaluation Detachment 1 at DavisMonthan Air Force Base in Arizona. The detachment is responsible for the operational flight testing of SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

classnotes

the U.S. Air Force’s newest, most capable combat search and rescue and personnel recovery platform, the HC-130J Combat King II.

Ken Giacobbe, MBA `94, was named

chief financial officer of Alcoa’s Engineered Products and Solutions business group in January. Giacobbe previously served as controller of Alcoa Engineered Products and Solutions since 2011. Giacobbe also will serve on Alcoa’s Executive Council, the senior leadership team that sets strategic direction for the company.

Lakecia Gunter, Computer Engineering `95, was promoted to the role of technical assistant to the chief technical officer (CTO) of Intel. Her key responsibilities include developing communications for messaging that comes out of the CTO office for internal and external communication channels, including keynote speeches at both Intel and industry events, customer meetings, and in interactions with the press and industry analysts. She also works

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

closely with the CTO and his chief of staff to set the agenda and priorities for both Intel and Intel Labs. Gunter joined Intel in 2008 as technical program manager for the Café Random Instruction Test (RIT) Generation tools team in the Platform Validation Engineering organization and a year later became the manager of the Café Team. Her team was responsible for the development, delivery, and support of Intel’s primary RIT generation tool that is now the standard for functional CPU validation across Intel. This year, Gunter and her team were awarded the Intel Software Quality award. Prior to joining Intel, Gunter began her career over 15 years ago as a RTL designer with Freescale Semiconductors, designing micro-controllers for the automotive industry. In her last role before joining Intel, Gunter worked for the Department of Defense as a lead systems engineer developing weapon systems for the Air Force Material Command. She then transitioned to the role of foreign military sales program manager, managing international weapon sales with key United States allies. After graduating from USF, Gunter earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.

William P. Mack, M.D. `91, is a board certified

ophthalmologist who is fellowship trained and specializes in oculoplastic and facial cosmetic surgery. He sees patients at The Mack Center for Facial & Eyelid Cosmetic Surgery in south Tampa. Dr. Mack is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), an accredited council of professionals devoted to post-graduate medical teaching and physician education in the field of cosmetic surgery. He serves on the USF faculty as an affiliate associate professor of Ophthalmology, where he volunteers his time to educate residents in surgical training. Dr. Mack lectures both nationally and internationally on cosmetic facial surgery and is an AACS fellow.

Michelle Mosher, Marketing `94, has joined Great Florida Insurance of Apollo Beach as a principal agent. She has more than 18 years of experience in the insurance business. Angel Napoles, M. Arc `96, has joined EBL Construction, as project manager for Cascade at Morgan Falls, in Sandy Springs, GA. EBL Construction has been retained by LCOR to design and execute sub-

stantial renovations at the 920-unit apartment complex located on the north side of Atlanta. Napoles will oversee the project, take an active role in supervising the progress of each stage of construction and see it through to completion. Napoles has more than 15 years of experience in project management.

Tammy Reale, Elementary Education `90 and M.Ed `06, was named principal of Maniscalco Elementary in Lutz in January. She was previously assistant principal at the school. Stephanie Shreve, Journalism `98 & M.A. Mass

Communications `07, was promoted to account director at Powerchord, Inc. She was previously an account manager.

Galen Smith, M.E. Electrical Engineering `98, was selected as the senior resident inspector for the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Sequoyah nuclear power plant, located near Soddy-Daisy, TN. Smith has been the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) senior resident inspector at the Nuclear Fuel Services (NFS) facility in Erwin, TN, since 2009 and was the resident inspector at NFS for three years before assuming that position. Smith joined the NRC in 2001 as a project engineer in the Division of Reactor Projects in the NRC’s Region I in King of Prussia, PA. From 2002-2006, he was the resident inspector at the Beaver Valley nuclear power station in Shippingport, PA. His experience prior to joining the NRC included stints as an operations manager for Lucent Technologies, a control room supervisor at Florida Power & Light’s St. Lucie nuclear power plant and a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. Smith is also a licensed professional engineer in Florida.

Tim Kenny, Mechanical Engineering `07, is a mechanical engineer for Aeros Worldwide. He was lead engineer on the new Aeroscraft, a $35 million cargo airship prototype designed to carry supplies and aid into disaster areas that was commissioned by the Pentagon and NASA. The 36,000-pound, blimp-like aircraft, made of aluminum and carbon fiber, is capable of carrying tons of cargo to areas with little to no infrastructure. It would likely be used for military and humanitarian operations in developing countries. Tibor Kovacs, M.Ed `06, was appointed as principal of Beth Shields Middle School in Ruskin. He was formerly the assistant administrative principal at Brandon High. Prior to that, he was assistant principal of student affairs at Durant High School. Ashley Macaluso, Mass Communications `07, was promoted to senior account manager at

Bayshore Solutions, a digital media agency. She specializes in digital marketing and search engine optimization.

Cassandra Mattison, `04 & M.A. `07, a teacher at Spoto High, was named Hillsborough Teacher of the Year in March. She is the writing resource teacher at Spoto and an Advanced Placement literature teacher, as well as the student government sponsor and the chair of the English department. Damon Parrish, Civil Engineering `04, has joined

Foresite Group as a senior project manager. He has more than eight years’ experience in civil engineering.

Christine Pejot, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences `01, was appointed as human resources director

Diane Lynn Cihota, Internationals Studies `05, is the legislative director for Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller of Florida. She has worked for Miller since shortly after finishing an internship in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. Thomas A. Crabb, Finance `03, has become a shareholder of the firm Radey Thomas Yon & Clark in Tallahassee. Crabb practices in the firm’s civil and administrative litigation and regulated industries sections. Tonya Elmore, MBA `02, is the president of the

Tampa Bay Innovation Center, a technology incubator for area startups. She was previously vice president of the Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

Alison Hall, Accounting `07, was promoted to manager in the business operations improvement area of Protiviti. She was previously a senior consultant. SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

classnotes Tamara Whittaker, Marketing `07, has joined Schifino Lee Advertising & Branding as a media planner/buyer. She was previously a senior project manager for Pinstripe Marketing & Interactive.

10s

Shivani Alamo, International Studies `10, re-

ceived the prestigious New Generation Lewis Hine Service Award from the National Child Labor Committee for her volunteer work with children. Alamo worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer to start a program called Facilitating the Leadership of Youth, or FLY, co-sponsored by the Rays Baseball Foundation. Young people engaged in FLY meet weekly to plan youth summits in the community that tackle social issues like sexism, racism and stereotyping. She also volunteers as a counselor with the ANYTOWN program, a five-day residential program for young people that encourages youth leadership and diversity education, in addition to working as a guardian ad litem and mentor for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Alamo is a law student at Stetson University and plans to use her degree to work in education law and policy.

Paula Berry, M.Ed `12, was named Pasco County Teacher of the year in February. Berry is an English teacher at Wiregrass Ranch High School. She joined the school district in 2008. Jennifer Lust, Biomedical Sciences `10, has joined Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc. as a clinical research associate in Jacksonville.

for the Pasco County School District in January. She is an attorney and previously worked in risk management for the Florida Department of Financial Services.

Daniel Pulley, Anthropology `08 & M.S. Man-

agement Information Systems `12, has joined Convergence Consulting Group as a data warehouse consultant.

Rich Seubert, Economics `05, has joined Railroad & Industrial Federal Credit Union as a branch manager in Tampa.

Gigi Simmons, Sociology `06, was named as a

Neighborhood Hero in 2012 by the Gainesville Police Department for her efforts on behalf of the Porters neighborhood. Simmons is president of the Porters Community Organization and has collaborated with 38

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

public agencies on beautification projects such as a community garden and other initiatives, including a health fair, voter registration drive and back-toschool backpack give away. Reports of crime in Porters have dropped by more than half from 2011 to 2012.

Phil Stevens, Ph.D Civil Engineering `06, and his

family marched in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in January in Washington, D.C., along with other families helped by Canine Companions for Independence.

Joel Toledo, Environmental Science and Policy `08, is the owner of Green Door Nursery in Naples. The nursery offers plants, garden supplies, pottery, landscape design and garden and lawn maintenance service. Toledo also speaks at local gardening workshops.

Paige Railey, Management `10, won a gold medal in the Olympic-class event, Laser Radial sailing, during the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Sailing World Cup in Miami in January. It was the same one-person boat in which Railey competed at the 2012 Olympic Games. Railey is a member of U.S. Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider, the national team comprised of the top athletes competing in Olympic and Paralympic class sailing.

In Memoriam Steve Burton, `84, 4/21/2013 Dan DiCicco, `06, 4/14/2013 Ralph Fisher, M.A. `70, 3/12/2013 Theophilius â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tedâ&#x20AC;? Kaklis, `68, 4/13/2013 Phyllis Kalinowski, `86, 5/28/2013 Angela Ann Lapham, MSW `93, 4/25/2013 Sarah Namulondo, Ph.D `10, 3/17/2013

athletics

Photos from USF Athletics

King of Diamonds: Ken Eriksen, `84 By Karla Jackson, `88

hen you talk to USF Softball Head Coach Ken Eriksen one word pops up repeatedly in his conversation: “Phenomenal.” Leading his team to the College World Series in 2012? Phenomenal. Coaching an Olympic gold medal team in 2004? Phenomenal. Having the most wins of any USF coach? Phenomenal. It’s also the perfect word to describe the coach and his career. Eriksen, who is a USF Alumni Association Life Member, has lead 10 teams to the NCAA Regionals, won Regional Championships in 2006 and 2012, and won the 2012 Super Regional to advance to USF’s first-ever Women’s College World Series. Eriksen’s teams have also won four conference titles, including a BIG EAST Regular

Season title in 2008 and the program’s first BIG EAST Tournament Championship this past season. In all, Eriksen has a 739-381-1 record, which is the most wins of any coach in the history of USF Athletics. As he looks ahead to his 30th year with USF’s softball program, Eriksen says he feels blessed to have had a successful career coaching young athletes, many of whom he still keeps in touch with to this day. “It’s a passion. I couldn’t imagine not being able to go outside and teach every day,” he says. “I haven’t had a job in 30 years.” Coaching softball wasn’t in his plans when Eriksen was recruited from his home in Long Island to come play baseball for USF. He had been exploring offers from some Division 1 baseball programs and Division 2 basketball programs,

SUMMER 2013 | ALUMNIVOICE

athletics

CONTINUED

but USF offered the perfect blend of athletics and And my last three years, I played with Larry Miller academics. Toyota out of Salt Lake City and for Team USA off “It had Hall of Fame baseball coach (Robin and on from about 1988 to 1995.” Roberts), a phenomenal schedule, the weather He played in eight International Softball was great, the school had the Political Science Congress World Championships and eight Amateur program that I wanted,” he Softball Association of America recalls of USF in the early 80s. National Major Championships “It doesn’t hurt when you get off during his softball career. In the airplane and they take you 1991, he was the catcher on the out to the pearly white sands of U.S. National Fastpitch Team Clearwater Beach.” that won a silver medal at the Eriksen played five Pan American Games in Cuba. different positions for the He played in three Olympic Bulls and in 1982, was Festivals, winning a silver in named to the All-Regional 1993. He left men’s softball when Team as an outfielder. “That he got the USF women’s softball was a special year. We won head coaching job. the conference tournament, In 2001, Eriksen was named went to the NCAA’s and had assistant coach for the U.S. some really good guys and Women’s Softball National Team, really great crowds packing which won an Olympic gold Red McEwen Field,” he says. medal in the 2004 Olympics in Ken Eriksen He met his wife, Athens, Greece. “It was just a physician Debra Eriksen, Q. What is the last book you read? phenomenal athletic event with `83, while they were both the best athletes in the world,” A. One Last Strike by Tony living in the dorms at USF. he says of the experience. LaRussa, `69. He’s a phenomenal They married in 1985 and “Standing in line next to Martina guy. He talked to the team and now have two teen daughters, gave us a lot of time when he was Navratilova and Michael Phelps, Tatiana and Natasha, who prefer in the birthplace of the Olympics. here for the Athletics auction. the stage to the softball diamond. Coaching the best players in “The oldest one wants to be the world. Team USA, forever Q. What is your favorite movie? on Broadway and the youngest and ever, we’ll be gold medal A. My favorite movie of all time wants a recording contract,” he champions.” would have to be “Miracle.” says proudly. As for the future, Eriksen (About the U.S. Men’s Hockey After earning his Bachelor’s says that tomorrow is a new Team that won the gold medal in and taking some classes day with a clean slate. He the 1980 Winter Olympics.) toward his Master’s in Public won’t make projections about Q. Where is your favorite place Administration, Eriksen was next season. That’s not how he in the world? introduced by a friend to men’s coaches. His only plans right A. A special place on the north fastpitch softball, which was now are to keep teaching his shore of Long Island. It’s one of gaining popularity in the Tampa young athletes and to finish up those places I go to get away to Bay area. his Master’s degree in Public think. It’s in the woods. There’s a “It was a tremendous Administration. tree I used to climb up and hang fraternity that was going on “Now that they have that out and look over Long Island nationwide, but it was under the MPA online, I thought, ‘Why radar because of the popularity of Sound and contemplate the world. not?” I’m only a few credits shy,” ESPN and baseball at the time,” he says. What will it be like Q. What’s the best advice you’ve says Eriksen. “I got picked up to finally earn that advanced ever received? by the Clearwater Bombers and degree? One word: Phenomenal. A. Jeff Davis, a former assistant played for them for 10 years. coach at South Florida told me,

In 2001, Eriksen was named assistant coach for the U.S. Women’s Softball National Team, which won an Olympic gold medal in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.

5Questions with

“There are no free lunches.” I never forgot it.

Q. What super power do you wish you had? A. Absolutely, no question about it: the ability to fly. 40

ALUMNIVOICE | SUMMER 2013

calendar

your membership in action

July 20 Philadelphia USF Hometown Round-Up, Dufferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tavern and Restaurant, 192 Middletown Road, Glen Mills, PA. To RSVP, contact Adam Feinberg at usf.tri.state.alumni@gmail.com 20 New York USF Hometown Round-Up, noon, Prospect Park, Picnic House on the Longmeadow, 95 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY. To RSVP, contact Cassie Hanjian at cjhanjian@yahoo.com 27 Jacksonville-St. Augustine USF Hometown Round-Up, 1 p.m., Decker residence on Dupont Avenue in Jacksonville. To RSVP, contact Kayona Williams at kayonawilliams@hotmail.com 30 San Diego USF Alumni Night with the Padres, 7:10 p.m., Petco Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kona Cove, $40. For details, contact USFBullsSanDiego@gmail.com August 3

USF Night with the Rays, 7:10 p.m., Tropicana Field. Visit USFalumni.org/usfnight for tickets while they last.

3 Broward County USF Hometown Round-Up, 6 p.m., Cerra residence on N.W. 95th Avenue in Coral Springs. To RSVP, contact Alan Steinberg at usfbrowardalumni@hotmail.com 10 Washington, D.C., USF Hometown Round-Up, 11:30 a.m., Picnic on the National Mall-Smithsonian Metro. To RSVP, contact Alex Guecia at usfbullsdc@gmail.com 16-18 CampU for incoming freshmen, DaySpring, Ellenton. Visit newstudent.usf.edu for details. 31 USF vs McNeese State, 7 p.m. Raymond James Stadium. Visit gousfbulls.com for tickets eptember 7 USF vs Michigan State Away Game Tailgate. S Visit USFalumni.org/tailgates for details. 7 USF vs Michigan State, noon, Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI. For ticket information, call 1-800GoBulls. For travel packages, visit bullssportstravel.com 14 USF vs FAU, 7 p.m., Raymond James Stadium. Visit gousfbulls.com for tickets 27-29 Family Weekend. Visit www.sa.usf.edu/pfa for details. 28 USF vs Miami, Time TBA, Raymond James Stadium. Visit gousfbulls.com for tickets Event details are subject to change. Please visit USFalumni.org for updated information. Event details are subject to change. Please visit USFalumni.org for updated information.

PERIODICALS

USF Alumni Association Gibbons Alumni Center University of South Florida 4202 E. Fowler Ave. ALC100 Tampa, FL. 33620-5455 Membership Renewal Date: