USF AlumniVoice_July2012.pdf

Skipper of Innovation

Patent Attorney Anton Hopen, `91, helps inventors of all ages navigate the choppy waters of creativity Pg. 10

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Aileen Rodriguez, `99, Helps Tampa Bay Shine for the RNC Pg. 13 Lyris Newman, `72 & M.Ed `77, Honoring her Family’s Legacy Pg. 14 New Day for the Sun Dome Pg. 34

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

CONTENTS FEATURES

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10 Harnessing the Spirit of Innovation Patent Attorney Anton Hopen, `91, helps inventors of all ages navigate the choppy waters of creativity to bring their ideas to fruition. He also displays his Bull Pride in a major way every time he sets sail.

14 Lyris Newman: Honoring her Family’s Legacy Education is a right that former teacher Lyris Newman, `72 & M.Ed `77, wants to ensure for children both locally and in the Dominican Republic, where her family has built schools for the children of tobacco farmers.

24 Run for the Roses Take a look at the photos of alumni who traveled with us to the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby in May. You’ll want to plan your next vacation with us. www.USFalumni.org/Travel

34 Inside the New Sun Dome For those of you who walked across its stage at commencement, or sat in the stands during basketball games, or danced at your seats during concerts, entering the newly renovated Sun Dome for the first time will be like going back to the future.

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DEPARTMENTS 2 President’s Message 3 USFAA Board of Directors 4 News Roundup 6 Where’s Rocky?

13 Bull’s Eye: Aileen Rodriguez, `99 16 Blast from the Past 17 That was Then; This is Now

18 Chapters & Societies 22 Your Membership in Action 23 Employ-A-Bull 25 Bull’s Eye: Sue Porter, `89 26 Class Notes 36 Life Member Event 37 Calendar

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president’s message Fellow Bulls, My journey continues.

I feel incredibly privileged to serve as your USF Alumni Association president for 2012-2013. Twenty years ago I was a student leader on campus, involved in Student Government, Homecoming and the Activities Board.

My goal then was to create experiences, traditions and memories for students that would last a lifetime. Today, as an alumna, I am fortunate to continue that mission of creating engaged, meaningful experiences for alumni while reconnecting them with our alma mater.

I have a lot of support in this mission, from a dynamic University president who understands the role and importance of alumni in achieving the University’s overall goals, to an Alumni Association staff that is incredibly talented and completely focused on creating a unique and memorable alumni experience, to the hundreds of volunteers who work with more than 70 alumni groups around the country. This team would not be complete without your USF Alumni Association National Board of Directors that includes community leaders and business innovators, all of whom share a passion for the University and its success.

We have a very busy summer ahead of us. Your Alumni Association will host Hometown Round-Ups around the country to introduce the Bulls spirit to hundreds of incoming freshman from cities such as Miami, Atlanta, San Diego and Chicago.

We’ll also spend many hours planning the Week of Welcome for our newest Bulls who start school in August. We’ll select the Outstanding Summer Graduates, as well as the annual National Alumni Award winners. Alumni who booked trips in our Travel Program will sail the Alaskan coast this month. By the way, don’t forget to plan now to join us Thanksgiving weekend in NYC. Our group will have an exclusive, up-close view of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the third floor of the Residence Inn. All of these activities are in addition to continuing our advocacy efforts with the state legislature and architecting a Homecoming Super Bull XVI Weekend on Oct. 26-27 that you won’t want to miss.

I encourage you all to join me as I continue on this journey to make our experience as USF alumni the best it can be. I look forward to seeing you at the annual USF Alumni at the Rays Night on Aug. 4 at Tropicana Field. If you need more details about any of these upcoming events, or if you want to get more involved, please visit www.USFalumni.org.

Go Bulls!

Kimberly Choto `92 & M.A. `02 President and Life Member

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 Contributors in this Issue: Kelly Addington Aimee Blodgett Drema Howard, Ph.D Karla Jackson, `88 Melanie Marquez Erin E. Potter, `12 David Szymanski Jeffrey Young 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 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 21 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. © 2012 All rights reserved.

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Your 2012-13 USF Alumni Association National Board of Directors Meet the newest board members of your USF Alumni Association. These alumni work in collaboration with USF Alumni Association leadership to fulfill the organization’s main purpose: to support USF. Back row from left: 1) Michael Griffin, `03; 2) Monty Weigel, `76; 3) Lee Winter, `85; 4) Rich Heruska, `99; 5) Bill McCausland, MBA `96; 6) Tony Umholtz, `99 & MBA `02; 7) Randy Norris, `79; 8) Manley Jaquiss, `86; 9) Ken Griffin, `96; and 10) George Pappadeas.

Center row from left: 11) Audrey Hirst, `89 & M.S. `04; 12) Donna Brickman, `81, 13) Mary Harper, `97, M.Ed `01 & Ph.D `07; 14) Sean Grosso, `05 & M.A. `08; 15) Michael Peppers, `85 & M.Acc `90; 16) Brian Campbell, `93; 17) C.J. Abeleda and 18) Andy Coe, `95 & MBA `00.

Front row: 19) Christi Womack-Villalobos, `92; 20) Lisa Provenzano Heugel, `93, `96 & M.S. `07; 21) Kimberly Choto, `92 & M.A. `02; 22) Betty Otter Nickerson, `76 and 23) Merritt Martin, `04 & MPA `06.

Board members not pictured are: Richard Hedley, `93 & M.Acc `95; Ed Hoeppner, `81; Andrew Mayts, `93; Jeff Reynolds, `91 and Jon Smith, MBA `07. Ex-officio members are: USF System President Judy Genshaft, USF Senior Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, Joel Momberg.

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news roundup

Spring 2012 Outstanding Graduates

Each semester, your USF Alumni Association selects from each campus in the USF System an Outstanding Graduate who embodies leadership, school spirit, academic excellence and community involvement. The Spring 2012 Outstanding Graduates are: USF Tampa: Matt Diaz. Diaz was Student Government president, a USF Ambassador, a Dean’s List graduate of USF’s Honors College, active in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, served as Mr. USF and worked with inner-city children in New York City as part of USF’s Alternative Spring Break program.

USF St. Petersburg: Brittany Lyp. Lyp was very active in environmental causes, such as the Student Environmental Awareness Society (SEAS) of South Florida and the student chapters of Environmental Professionals and the Audubon Society. She was co-founder of the Oceanography Camp for Girls Alumni Association and president of the Catholic Campus Ministry at USF St. Petersburg. She is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa and the Phi Sigma Theta National honor societies.

USF Sarasota-Manatee: Shawna Machado. Machado was president of the Social Justice Initiative and founder of the Manasota Thyca Chapter of the Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association. She is a volunteer child advocate and works with the Early Learning Coalition and the Sarasota Partnership to End Homelessness.

She’s a member of the Phi Sigma Theta National and Pi Gamma Mu International honor societies.

USF Polytechnic: Kathryn Bevilacqua.

Bevilacqua served as Student Government president, was an officer in the Future Business Leaders of America and raised funds for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Phi Sigma Theta and Phi Sigma Kappa.

Congratulations to these impressive new alumni!

Five USF Students Awarded Fulbrights

Five University of South Florida students are among recipients of the most competitive postgraduate Fulbright Scholarships offered and serve as shining examples of your alma mater’s growing global influence.

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Zak Boggs, `08 & M.S. `10, is a professional soccer player who earned a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences and a Master’s in Marketing. He will pursue a Master’s degree in Medical Sciences at Leicester University, with a focus on examining potential cancer treatments through gene splicing.

Ryan Salazar, a senior Honors College student majoring in Music who served as drum major for the Herd of Thunder, will pursue a Master’s degree in Music Education at the University of London. Charles Dillon Swift, another Music major, will study at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Rostock in Germany under renowned classical trombonist Jamie Williams. Trina Halfhide, a USF engineering Ph.D. student who has a background in environmental science will return to Norway where she has previously conducted research on creating biofuel from microalgae. Anthropology graduate student Anne Pfister will go to Mexico, where she will study the cultural paradigms of deafness in Mexico City, in addition to identity and language socialization among Mexican youth.

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USF Receives Climate Leadership Award

Excellence in working toward environmental change has earned USF national recognition with a 2012 Second Nature Climate Leadership Award.

Given to select schools for unparalleled campus innovation and climate leadership on behalf of the nearly 700 institutions endorsing the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), it is regarded as the highest accolade for sustainability efforts in higher education.

Distributed at the Baccalaureate, Master’s and Doctoral-granting levels, the awards recognize the best examples of how institutions of higher education are shifting behavior on campus and within communities in favor of a clean and sustainable future through the actions of senior leadership, academic opportunities and research projects, as well as innovative strategies and financing.

President Genshaft Honored with Simmons Award

The Hillsborough County Commission presented University of South Florida System President Judy Genshaft with the Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award in April for her fight against proposed state funding cuts that unfairly targeted USF. The $128 million in cuts proposed by the Senate budget

committee was renegotiated to $36.9 million, which was in line with budget reductions at Florida’s other public universities. Legislators cut a total of $300 million from higher education in Florida. They also voted to sever USF Polytechnic from the USF System and create the state’s 12th public university in its place. Hillsborough commissioners applauded Genshaft’s leadership in fighting the budget cuts. The award is named for Simmons, who was a longtime commissioner that helped establish USF as a major university.

Urban Waterfront Design Challenge Earns Honors

A USF competition for a downtown Tampa waterfront design that attracted entries from around the world has earned one of the City of Tampa’s highest accolades. [re] Stitch Tampa – a design challenge originated by USF Assistant Professor Shannon Bassett – was nominated for a Tampa City Council commendation in June. The project was funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. An internationally-renowned jury chose three winners who hailed from three continents: Europe, Asia and North America. The first of the three winners, Mola + Winkelmueller Architekten GmbH BDA with Pablo Benitez Adame and Miguel Prados Sanchez, submitted “Re-Stitch Re-sillience.” The second, “Stitches-Fabrics” was from Mumbai, India, by Chris Webb +archyrsalis. And the final winner from New York City, Group Han Associates-Michael Chaveriat, Yikyu Choe, Myung Kweon Park, entered “Flowscape.” All three presentations can be viewed at http://restitchtampa.org/ along with the other submissions.

Sources: University Communications and Marketing

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Rocky? where’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.

p Rocky couldn’t make it in person, so he sent a photo of himself via phone when Lauren Elliott, `08, and Michael Ramirez were married in Bradenton in April. Every member of the bridal party is either an alumnus or is attending USF. Congratulations, Lauren and Michael!

p Rocky was pleased to meet new Baby Bulls Stefano Lewis Heugel, son of USF Alumni Association Board Member Lisa Provenzano Heugel, `93, `96 & M.S. `07, and Charles Heugel, and also Gabriella Marie Chipurnoi, u daughter of Michala Chipurnoi, `07 & M.Ed `11 and Nicholas Chipurnoi, `09. Stefano was born Feb. 28 and Gabriella was born Feb. 22.

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t USF Foundation Board Member T.J. Couch Jr., `94, & MBA `05, and Elizabeth Somers, `97, took Rocky to Washington, D.C. for the centennial National Cherry Blossom Festival.

These USF alumni also celebrated the blooming of the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. by participating in the 40th running of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run on April 1. Pictured here at the new Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial are, from left: Kamilah Oliphant, `99; Claudia Dixon, `99; Donna Daniels, `99 and Nicole Housen Peterkin, `98. u

Victoria “Torri” Winright Wilson, `84, & her daughter, Sarah, pose with Rocky in front of the Eiffel Tower during Sarah’s graduation trip to Paris, Versailles and London in December 2010.

t Carolyn Thomas, `10, took Rocky along on her springtime visit to Napa. They’re pictured here in front of the famous Grape Crusher statue at the entrance to Napa Valley.

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Where’s Rocky?

p Rocky caught a Brewers spring training game with Jeff Gillespie, MBA `96, and George Morgan, `76, while in New York City for the Big East Championship.

p Saleem Musallam, `04, has been to more than 25 countries in the past few years. He and Rocky are pictured here in front of Christopher Columbus’ home in Genova, Italy.

Damaris and Joe Willoughby, both Class of `11, caught up with Rocky after the big win against Temple during the NCAA playoffs in Nashville. u

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t Rocky was not going to miss the USF Alumni Association trip to the Kentucky Derby. He’s pictured here with Dr. Jennifer Casatelli, `93 & `97 and Kevin Dattola, and also Lourdes and Jose Valiente, `73. p To see more photos from the trip, turn to page 24.

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Feature Anton Hopen

The Skipper of Inno

Photos by Aimee Blodgett

Anton Hopen, `91, helps inventors of all ages navigate the choppy waters of creativity to bring their ideas to fruition.

By Dave Szymanski When he was a young man of just 13 years, Anton Hopen took a career aptitude test.

The results suggested that he should become a patent attorney. Now, nearly 30 years later, that is exactly what Hopen, 42, does for a living.

He is a founder and managing partner of Smith & Hopen, P.A., an intellectual property law firm based in Oldsmar, specializing in patents, trademarks and copyrights.

Though he has practiced patent law for more than a decade, Hopen (rhymes with open) has never forgotten his first enduring academic interest.

“I was a science nerd,” he says. Hopen majored in Interdisciplinary Sciences at USF. That fascination for science, along with some inspiration from his oldest daughter Anna, led Hopen to develop the USF Young Innovators Competition,

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an annual event held at USF that encourages pupils from kindergarten through 12th grade to create useful inventions that solve a problem or meet a need of some sort. Students can win $1,000 for their school, but the real mission of the competition is to harness the unconstrained creativity of young people and teach them to apply critical thinking skills and a can-do attitude to their ideas. His hope is that the competition is planting the seeds for tomorrow’s crop of inventors and innovators.

As for himself, Hopen, a Fort Myers native, enjoyed his science classes at USF, but was unsure as to what he would do after graduating from the Honors College in 1991. So he went to law school at the University of Florida. In his third year, he served an internship prosecuting criminal cases in Ocala, which reaffirmed his calling as an attorney. After graduating in 1995, he worked for three years as a prosecutor in Pinellas County, and then formed the intellectual property law firm with Clearwater attorney Ronald Smith.

Hopen has clients across the world, many of whom are inventors, and is widely recognized as an expert in intellectual property law. He is board certified in Intellectual Property Law by the Florida Bar and was inducted as an honorary member of the National Academy of Inventors in 2010.

The Wall Street Journal, Money magazine and several other

vation

prestigious publications frequently publish his opinions on complex intellectual property matters.

“They want to look at a certain technology to see if it’s legitimate,” he says.

Hopen marvels at the way the Tampa campus has grown and changed since his days at USF, especially its dormitories, which are a huge improvement over the concrete block dorms of the late 80s. He recalls one of his first sights as a newbie freshman: an empty keg rolling slowly down an austere dorm hallway.

“Back then, it was relatively industrial,” he says of the dorms. “Today, it is almost like a resort. We’ve come a long way.”

His wife Lisa is also a USF alumnus, graduating with a degree in speech pathology in 1998. They have four children, a 6 year old, twin 9 year olds, and Anna, 13, all of whom they hope will become second-generation USF Bulls.

“We are indoctrinating them early,” Hopen says.

His most enduring memories of USF are about the people he met. One in particular was his organic chemistry teacher, T.W. Graham Solomons, now retired, who taught Chemistry like it was a unique language.

Another influential

faculty member was Stu Silverman, dean of the USF Honors College. Silverman was a mentor and promised Hopen’s parents that he would look after their 17-year-old son.

“Looking back, I realized USF had some superstar teachers and educators,” Hopen said. “It gets credit for being a research institution, but it’s the people that make it – the human capital.”

The idea for the Young Innovators Competition was born when Hopen’s daughter Anna kept running ideas for different inventions by her dad. Hopen wanted to motivate Anna and other young people to develop the intellectual tools necessary to make their creative concepts a reality. The first Young Innovators Competition was held at the Museum of Science and Industry in

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Feature Anton Hopen

Tampa and had about 100 entries. as the center itself is an innovative marvel of the “We just launched it,” Hopen said of the latest sustainable building techniques. Hopen is competition. “There didn’t seem to be any other excited about bringing these bright young minds program like it.” to USF so they can see for themselves all that the Unlike a science fair, the Young Innovators University has to offer.

Competition is open to any invention that a “We are bringing them into the USF brand,” student can create and sell. The prize money, he says. “Hopefully, they will engage with that.” $1,000 for the school of each winner in the Hopen comes from a family of educators. elementary, middle and high school categories, His father held a Ph.D in Sociology. His mom comes from local businesses. has a doctorate in Math. Hopen In year two, Hopen says he would have loved being invited Dr. Karen Holbrook, a professor, but wonders if he Anton Hopen, `91 USF’s senior vice president would have had regrets about for research, innovation and not working with inventors and Q. What is the last book you read? researching the law. His parents global affairs, to help with A. Harry Potter and the Prisoner the program. At Holbrook’s also played a role in his decision of Azkaban, to our four children. recommendation, USF to study law.

Currently reading Harry Potter eventually agreed to host the “When both parents are and the Goblet of Fire. event, which attracted 536 professors, they like you to entries when it was last held in explore other options,” Hopen Q. What is your favorite movie?

February of 2012. It took place says.

A. “How to Train your Dragon.” at the new USF Patel Center for When he is not working, (Ultimate pet, only G-rated movies Global Solutions, a fitting venue, for last 13 years.)

Hopen, who holds a commercial U.S. Coast Guard master’s license, Q. Where is your favorite place likes to take his family sailing in the world? on his Catalina 355 yacht, which A. Caladesi Island State Park, sports a custom USF green Florida. Best beach ever. spinnaker with a giant Bulls logo, visible on the water from miles Q. What’s the best advice you’ve away. ever received?

As an intellectual property A. Eat vegetarian. Thank you, attorney who often works with meat packing documentary.

USF, Hopen was very careful to be respectful of the USF brand Q. What super power would you when he had the sail made. When like to have? he first asked permission to use A. Turn anything to ice. (Fix climate change; save world.) the logo, the school granted authorization to use the three-letter U-S-F word mark. The problem with that was that the USF word mark would only make sense when viewed from one side of the boat. USF’s distinctive Bull “U” logo would work from either side. The University agreed to the change. Another facet of the deal is that USF technically owns the sail, and if they want it back, the University can have it. Even so, Hopen enjoys the reactions he gets when he’s on the water.

“When the sail loft completed it and we flew it the first time, it was amazing,” he said. “Boats would spin around and come up alongside us and yell, ‘Go Bulls!’ We try to fly it on special occasions to coincide with big games.”

For more information about the Young Innovators Competition, visit www. innovationexpress.org

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In the Bull’s Eye

Aileen Rodriguez, `99, Communications Director, 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee

By Karla Jackson, `88

A

ileen Rodriguez is in countdown mode.

Next month, more than 50,000 people will be in town for what is inarguably the biggest event ever to come to the Tampa Bay area: the 2012 Republican National Convention.

Rodriguez is right in the thick of things as the host committee’s media point person.

“I address the day-to-day communication needs of the host committee, serve as press secretary and spokesperson, handle media requests and strategic messaging, and anything else that comes our way,” says Rodriguez, a married mother of two boys, ages 11 and 1.

Prior to this, Rodriguez was a top aide for Republican U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, working out of an office at USF. But she stresses that working for the host committee is not a political appointment.

“What many people don’t realize is that the host committee is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonpolitical organization,” she says. “We’re a charity set up to promote Tampa Bay and to raise money to cover the cost of hosting the convention.”

Rodriguez is a native of San Juan who attended USF as a transfer student from Hillsborough Community College. As a Latino scholarship student, she was paired with a mentor, Delia Sanchez, who took Rodriguez under her wing.

“She took me to luncheons and community events, introduced me to everyone and really helped me understand about being involved in the community. She made a tremendous impact. I don’t think I’d be where I am today without her.”

In return, Rodriguez has made it a point to be involved with USF’s Latin Community Advisory Committee, in addition to several other local boards, including the HCC Foundation, the City of Tampa Human Rights Board and the

WEDU Public Television Community Advisory Board.

She took a leave from the public relations firm she founded, AR Public Affairs & Strategic Solutions, when she accepted the host committee position last November.

“I’m honored to be a part of something so historic that will showcase the Tampa Bay area in such a positive way,” she says. “The last convention in Florida was 40 years ago in Miami, so this is literally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

The 2012 Republican National Convention is Aug. 27-30 at the Tampa Convention Center in downtown Tampa, although ancillary events are taking place at venues throughout the Tampa Bay area. When it’s all over and all of the delegates have gone home, all the streamers have been taken down, and the last reporter has made deadline, Rodriguez has big plans.

“I’m going to go on vacation. And sleep.” ®

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Feature Lyris Newman

This is What Philanthropy Looks Like:

Lyris Newman, `72 & M.Ed `77

The children of tobacco farmers attend school in Bonao. Photos courtesy of the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation

By Kelly Addington WLP Assistant Director of Development

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or Lyris Newman, philanthropy comes naturally. The importance of helping others was consistently reinforced by her family throughout her childhood in Alabama, where her greatest influence was her maternal grandmother, Margaret Davis. Lyris speaks with pride in her voice when she describes her grandmother, a woman who “lived to do good for others.”

Lyris’ own philanthropic endeavors are focused on education and it’s easy to understand why. After receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from USF, she taught school in Hillsborough County for more than 20 years.

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There she saw first-hand the difference that an education can make in a young person’s life.

She describes it as seeing students’ “eyes waking up” when they realize the choices, opportunities and dreams that are available to them with an education. So, through her Women in Leadership and Philanthropy (WLP) membership and scholarship support, as well as her involvement with Tampa’s Berkeley Preparatory School where her time is spent on increasing the availability of student scholarships, Lyris lives up to and extends the reach of her family’s legacy of helping others.

Most impressive though is Lyris’ work internationally.

Through the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, two of Tampa’s iconic cigar manufacturing families, the Newmans and Fuentes, answer the call to act on behalf of the citizens

5Questions with Lyris Newman, `72 & M.Ed `77

Q. What is the last book you read?

A. The last book I read was Catherine the Great by Robert Massie. I am nearly finished with Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie.

The foundation provides students with a healthy breakfast and lunch at school, as well as uniforms, shoes and book bags. of a country that produces the best cigars in the world by building and supporting schools to provide a free education to children in the Dominican Republic (DR) from preschool through high school. “When I visit the DR and look at the faces of these children, I see the limited options they have in life, through no fault of their own.

But they have the right to an education, and I can help make that possible for them. I believe that the problems of the world can be solved with and through education, and that we will have healthier, happier people and the world will be a better place,” said Lyris.

The opportunities open to USF students through WLP scholarships and mentoring programs are what drew Lyris to become involved in WLP. “It’s so important for young women to get a good strong start in the world, and I believe WLP helps make that happen.” Her advice to an aspiring philanthropist? “First, I’d tell them to take advantage of all of the opportunities at USF. Open your mind and explore!” she says. “Then, when you discover something you love, don’t hold back, go for it! You don’t have to save the whole world, just start with one person.”

Lyris Newman embodies the mission of USF WLP: to make a difference for women throughout the USF System and the community. We are proud of the example she sets, but surely not as proud as her grandmother.

For more information about the WLP, contact Kelly Addington at 813-974-6996 or kaddington@ usf.edu. For more information about the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, visit www.cf-cf.org. ®

Q. What is your favorite movie?

A. Although I enjoy movies, I don’t see a lot of them. Eric and I love old movies and movies that make us laugh. I won’t see anything violent, as it stays with me. Meryl Streep and Woody Allen films are among my favorites. We just saw “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and enjoyed it.

Q. Where is your favorite place in the world?

A. I love to travel and am fortunate to have traveled a lot. Every place has its special charms. I love England, Scotland, The Netherlands, Italy, France and Iceland, among others. The American national parks are amazing and real treasures. Special places for returning trips are New York, Washington D.C., Blackberry Farm in Tennessee and Captiva Island, Florida.

Although there are beautiful and unique beaches around the world, the best are on the west coast of Florida.

Q. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

A. I have an older friend who continues to be open to new ideas and ways of doing things. She is enthusiastic, positive and says that just because something wasn’t successful in the past, it may be now, so let’s try it. I try to follow her example.

Lyris and husband Eric Newman, president of J.C. Newman Cigars, talk to some of the 400 children who attend the primary school that the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation helped to establish in the Bonao community in the Dominican Republic.

Graduates of the high school that the CFCF opened in 2005. Students learn English and have access to computers. The school offers both college prep and vocational courses, as well as extracurricular activities such as baseball, basketball and martial arts.

Q. What super power would you like to have?

A. When I was teaching I had a “magic wand” which I used to lower the stress levels before exams. Were it real I would use it to transform everyone into kind, generous and respectful human beings.

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Blast from the Past

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Andros Pool: Swim with the Bulls The Andros Pool opened on the USF Tampa campus in the mid-60s, providing blessed relief from the blistering Florida heat and a prime location for some friendly fraternization among students. Hair styles and bathing suits have changed over the years, but the pool still serves the same purpose. These days, the Campus Recreation Center offers swimming and SCUBA classes at its indoor pool, but the Andros Pool is where you go for laughs instead of laps.

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Photos courtesy of USF Special Collections Department

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SHARE A Memor y Enjoy these excerpts of memories from members of the USF Alumni Association. Email your favorite USF memory to jacksonk@usf.edu or post it on our Facebook page.

I’ll never forget going off that 3-meter diving board into the Andros Pool … riding my bike! What a splash! It was a crazy bet, but I collected!

Ken Kralick, `86 I never saw so many good-looking girls in my life than I did at the USF pool. As a 17-year-old freshman from New York City, I thought I was the luckiest guy on the planet.

Steven Mazza, `78 Too many memories to count: USF B-ball, concerts at the Sun Dome, Wild Stallion, University Townhouse Apartments, Skipper’s, Gumby’s Pizza late at night, my awesome Social Work profs … I could just go on and on!

Catherine Thibedeau Robertson, `92 Watching the Sun Dome rise...

Cindy Cogen Goldberg, `82

2002

That was Then; This is Now

By Erin E. Potter Class of `12

A New Grad Looks Back Graduation. It’s a time for all students to reflect on the knowledge they have gained in the classroom, the lessons and experiences they have learned outside the classroom, and ultimately decide what next step to take after that short walk across the stage.

It’s all so exciting. When I look back at my education and overall student experience at USF, a smile slips onto my face. I am so fortunate for every opportunity, every friend that I made, and every impact that I have left on the University. An avid scrapbooker, I spent time looking through all the pictures and mementos I have acquired throughout my undergraduate years.

My last week as an undergrad I took a few walks on our growing campus, a campus that throughout my four years has become more beautiful with every new building erected and each tree that is planted. While noticing the transformation of our campus and constant improvements that were made, I also was reflecting on all the moments that truly transformed USF from a school into my home.

Like the times at orientation, both when I was an incoming student and when I welcomed new students during my term as Panhellenic President, encouraging newcomers to get involved and join a sorority or fraternity. Like the times at the Marshall Student Center having lunch with friends. The long walks I made from my dorm to my internship at the College of Business in the heat of the summer. All of the football games I attended. The intramural soccer games I played in. The countless circles I spent driving around the parking lots trying to find a spot. And the time I sat by myself in the MLK Plaza trying to figure out what I really wanted to do with the rest of my life.

I gained so much more at USF than just learning about marketing, accounting, and economics. I learned not only where I wanted to go in life, I learned how to get there and what kind of person I wanted to be while on my journey. My undergraduate experience was amazing and I hope if nothing else, this column evokes memories of your time as a student at USF.

Graduation was just the beginning for those of us in the Class of 2012. The possibilities are endless. Sure there is some pressure from all the decisions we have to make, there is some sadness in moving on and at first, like many other graduates, I let those emotions get the best of me. But then I recalled the Greek philosopher Heraclitus’ quote “Nothing endures but change.”

Embracing this fact and looking forward to new opportunities helped prepare me for my life beyond USF.

Soon, I will begin my first job working for my sorority Delta Delta Delta, traveling to college campuses around the country as a field consultant. As sad as I am to say goodbye to USF, I have also never felt so driven, determined, and prepared for my future and I owe it all to my time at the University of South Florida.

I am proud to make this next step from student to alumni. In a time of so much change and uncertainty, there are two things I know for sure; I will never stop learning, and I will always be proud to be a USF Bull.

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chapters&societies

USF’s College of Engineering Alumni Society had a great turnout on March 24 for its new and improved Bullarney event, A Night at the Casino, held at the Glazer Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa. Great food, cocktails, music and prize drawings made the action at the tables even more fun.

Alumni in the Boston area met for a kick off of their new alumni chapter in early March. Interested in joining them? Visit www.USFalumni. org/boston or find them on Facebook at USF Boston Alumni Chapter.

USF alumni in the Washington, D.C. area met for lunch prior to a walking tour of the Tidal Basin area during the National Cherry Blossom Festival in April. From left are: Kristin Rudman, Khari Williams, `03; Lori Seiden, `07; Carol Burke, USF AA Director of Geographic Outreach Christina Cameron, `04; D.C. chapter leader Kathy Dorf, `08 and Asha Singh, `10.

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At the end of the school year, your USF Alumni Association bids farewell to the graduating seniors who served as USF Ambassadors and welcomes new Ambassadors to the team. Part of the tradition is for the seniors to thank their faculty and staff mentors for their guidance and support at the annual Apple Polishing ceremony, above. The new Ambassadors, pictured at right with USF System President Judy Genshaft, are front row from left: Christopher Mejia, Alexandra Aptheker, Nia Jackson, Alexandria Lott, Amber Jones and Damilola Phillips. Back row: Ali Antar, Leandro Salvador, Rhondel Whyte, Abraham Pineda, Jordan See, Bernadino Agosto and William Coleman.

More than 50 USF alumni living in the Raleigh-Durham area met up in March for a wine-and-tapas get together, including incoming USF Alumni Association Board Member Andy Coe, pictured above, second from right.

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chapters&societies

Alumni from the past 40 years gathered for a Music Alumni Weekend May 19-20 at the USF School of Music. There was plenty of socializing, as well as tours of the new Music building. The group also held rehearsals and wrapped up the reunion with the inaugural performance of the USF Alumni Concert Band, pictured above. At left, is the trombone section during rehearsal, from left: Tom McColley, `76; Ron Vogelsong, `78; Joseph Willoughby, `95; Brian Mason, `01 and Greg Urban, `02.

Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, pictured above with Dr. Karen Berkman, was the featured speaker at the 8th annual USF LGBT Gala held on April 11. The winners of the LGBT Scholarships were also announced. From left are, Gavin Nagatomo, Alicia Nassar, scholarship benefactor Dr. Berkman and William Warmke.

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The Anthropology Alumni Society and the Graduate Student Organization held its first Spring Social April 19 at The Independent Bar & CafĂŠ in Seminole Heights. Pictured above are, from left: Grad student Alex Montiel, Kathy Maes, M.A. `96 & Ph.D `10; Kathy Vanderee, `73 and Karla Brody, `73. Below from left are: Marie Denis-Luque, MPH & MSPH `05; Barbara Szelag, Ph.D `11 and Chrystal Smith, Ph.D `09.

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 like-minded alumni. It’s easy to get involved. Just email the contact person of the group you’d like to visit.

Societies

USF Alumni Association Director of Geographic Outreach Christina Cameron, `04, brought Rocky to meet some members of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter, from left: Charity Wilt, `05, Christina, Adam Feinberg, `90; Kimberlee Tonetti, `88 and Katy Meassick, `06.

Broward Alumni Chapter members Alan Steinberg, `78, and Ruth Rogge `74, showed Rocky and USF Alumni Association Executive Director Bill McCausland, MBA `96, what life is like in the Everglades. Chapter members took an airboat tour and saw an alligator show by the Travel Channel’s Gator Boys.

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 Lisa Provenzano Heugel lproven1@tampabay.rr.com Kosove Alumni Christina Calandro ccalandro@research.usf.edu 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 Christina Brown-Wujick cbrown7@health.usf.edu MIS Alumni Brian Day Bjday@us.ibm.com Music Society Keith Sanz charles.sanz@sdhc.k12.fl.us 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 Patti Shirley pshirley@health.usf.edu Social Work Alumni April Steen steenmsw@yahoo.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 Broward Ruth Rogge R_rogge@yahoo.com Alan Steinberg usfbrowardalumni@hotmail.com Fort Myers Sanjay Kurian skurian@becker-poliakoff.com Manley Jaquiss manleyjaquiss@yahoo.com Hernando Kevin Floyd usfhcac@gmail.com Highlands (FL) Charles Devlin cdevlin@devtechsales.com Jacksonville/St. Augustine Gary Hoog oldcitymunc1@yahoo.com Ellen Rosenblum rosenblum.ellen@gmail.com Manatee/Sarasota Jau Riley jayriley@sar.usf.edu Miami-Dade Carlos Rodriguez USFmiamialumni@aol.com Greater Ocala Russ Fascenda usf-alumni-ocala@pobox.com Orlando Katie Giglio Kgiglio@usf.edu Palm Beach Scott Teich scott.teich@raymondjames.com Panama City Janet Caragan janetcaragan@yahoo.com Pasco County/New Tampa Kimberly Choto kchoto@success-sciences.com Pensacola/Spanish Fort/Mobile Nick Kessler nickess@aol.com John Spurny usfpensacola@hotmail.com Pinellas Brenda Kenny bdkenny@tampabay.rr.com Polk Randy Dotson randy.dotson@gmail.com St. Lucie Frank Pennetti franker@adelphia.net Tallahassee Ronda Jones Ronda.l.jones@gmail.com Greater Tampa Eric Penvose cireltd@gmail.com

National Chapters Atlanta Louis Struikman usfalumniatlanta@gmail.com Austin Brad Heath gobulls@austin.rr.com Boston USFBostonBulls@gmail.com Chattanooga/Cleveland, TN Erin Bell and Bryan Bull ChattanoogaBullsAlumni@yahoo.com Chicago Greg Morgan WindyCityBulls56@gmail.com Columbus, OH Jason Griffin columbususfalumni@gmail.com D.C. Regional Celia Riley celia.riley@yahoo.com Kathy Dorf kathyd286@yahoo.com Dallas Ken Lettre klettre@jcpenney.com Rob Smith RobSmith@alumni.indiana.edu Greenville, SC Brittany Link GreenvilleUSFAlumni@hotmail.com Houston Alan Goldsmith alshmaly@flash.net Michael Peppers mike.peppers@comcast.net Indianapolis Ali Bridwell alibridwell@gmail.com Kansas City, MO Nathan Collins usfalumnikc@gmail.com Los Angeles Janet Foster usfbullsnla@yahoo.com Nashville Melinda Dale nashvilleusfbulls@live.com New York Arupa Gopal arupa.gopal@gmail.com Northern Ohio Sean Chamberlin usfneoalums@yahoo.com Philadelphia Adam Feinberg usf.tri.state.alumni@gmail.com Portland, OR Matt Hromalik m_hromalik@hotmail.com Raleigh, NC Bob Cohn bob.cohn@mssb.com San Antonio, TX Ruben Matos captram02@yahoo.com San Diego Carlos Sayan USFBullsSanDiego@gmail.com

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

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Employ -A-Bull Get ahead of the herd with tips from Drema Howard, Ph.D.

Drema Howard, Ph.D., is the director of The Career Center at USF. For more details about career services available to alumni, please visit www.career.usf.edu.

Assuming it’s all about you: It’s not. It’s all about the employer and what’s in it for them. Focus your efforts on understanding the employer’s needs. Get rid of the old mindset that your job-related skills or length of service are your primary selling points and think of yourself as a “profit and loss” center rather than an employee. Today’s employers buy results.

Focus on how your past performance is an asset. Learn about employers’ problems/challenges and show how you can help to solve them.

Assuming your references will give you a glowing recommendation: Many a job seeker has been undone by a negative reference. Don’t make that mistake. Speak with all of your references.

Confirm they’re willing to serve as your reference and that their recommendation will be positive about your qualifications for the job.

Job Hunting?

Don’t Let These Common Mistakes Derail Your Efforts

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hether you are currently employed or not, conducting an effective job search takes planning, strategy and a commitment to actions and behaviors that showcase you as a competitive candidate. Too often, job seekers inadvertently create obstacles that derail their efforts. The following are some of the more critical mistakes to avoid when in the midst of a job search.

Investing minimum effort and expecting maximum results: Many job seekers report they spend less than eight to 10 hours a week looking for a job. Finding a job IS a job. Map out a job search strategy, to include goals and priorities for the week. Set a daily job search schedule and stick to it. The more time you invest, the better results you’ll get.

Remember, if you only devote 10 percent of your time to your job search … don’t expect 100 percent results.

Not applying quickly: A study of 6,600 hires in 10 industries conducted by StartWire found that of those hired, 27 percent applied within the first two days after a job was advertised; almost 50 percent of the hires had applied within the first week and approximately 75 percent of all candidates that were hired applied within the first three weeks. If you see a job that fits, apply quickly. Don’t wait – be one of the first to respond.

Ignoring application directions: Don’t assume the application process is the same for every job. It isn’t. Thousands of candidates are screened out because they didn’t follow the employer’s application requirements.

Even if you have a prize-winning resume and stellar experiences, not following directions will quite likely screen you out.

Using your current workplace as your “Job Search Command Center”: Looking for a job when you have one can be problematic. You don’t want your supervisor to know your plans, or you could lose your current job before you land the next one. Commandeering your company’s office equipment and workspace as your own personal job search command center can backfire. What if you leave your cover letter on the copier, the receptionist intercepts a call from a potential employer or your co-worker overhears you scheduling a company visit? It’s too risky, not to mention unethical. If you are employed, use your personal email account and cell phone; schedule phone interviews or discussions regarding a position during your lunch hour and schedule interviews before or after work or request a vacation day.

Investing in too much online and not enough face-to-face networking: There is no question that online networking has value, however if this is your only means of networking you’re missing some great opportunities to build connections. Move from in front of your computer to the front lines at social receptions, business meetings, professional conferences and formal networking events. Make time to connect wherever you go, as the next person you meet could be the link to the person needed to help you reach your goal. Treat everyone you meet as an important part of your network.

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Alumni Travel

Kentucky Derby: “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports”

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early a dozen USF alumni were in the stands at Churchill Downs on May 5 to watch an unheralded racehorse by the name of I’ll Have Another upset fan favorite Bodemeister in the 138th annual running of the Kentucky Derby. The excursion was part of your USF Alumni Association’s Travel Program, which in the past has also featured trips to exotic locales such as Italy, Israel and Machu Picchu, in addition to first-class cruises through Alaska, the Caribbean and various ports throughout eastern and western Europe.

On this trip, alumni were treated to a behind the scenes tour of Darley at Jonabell Farm, a part of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s global breeding operation that is home to 17 stallions, including 2007 Derby Winner Street Sense.They also visited the Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. But the highlight of the event was the Run for the Roses, which sported one of the most exciting finishes in years.

Alumni travelers are cruising through Alaska this month.You can still book spots in our Thanksgiving Weekend trip to New York City to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from a private, indoor venue along the parade route. Visit www.USFalumni/Travel or call (813) 974-8842 for a brochure.

The statue marking the grave of Triple Crown Winner, Affirmed, is always adorned with roses during the first week of May when the Derby is run.

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Fashionable hats are a must when attending the Derby. From left are: Kathy Beyer, Jennifer Casatelli, Jennifer Moore and Lourdes Valiente.

Kevin Dattola sports his Bulls gear as he and Dr. Jennifer Casatelli, `93 & M.D. `97, wrap up their distillery tour.

Lourdes and Jose Valiente, `73, tour Kesmarc, the Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center.

In the Bull’s Eye

Sue Porter, `89, Shares Her Bull Pride in the Classroom

Sue Porter, far left, retired from Pinellas County Schools in June.

By Melanie Marquez

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hen Sue Porter made her way to USF St. Petersburg to study toward a career change from critical care nursing to special education, she didn’t expect to become an involved student leader. But with the openness and support of her faculty and fellow students, this Ohio transplant

found a new home at USFSP, complete with the opportunity to represent the institution as one of three student ambassadors at the time.

When she first arrived on the campus, some confused her for a faculty member. She recalls mistakenly being given a faculty parking decal at the beginning of her first semester.

Sue quickly established herself as an exemplary student eager to become a special education teacher. Her hard work over seven semesters at USFSP led to her graduation at age 42. As a student, she participated in several honor societies and was honored as one of 10 Outstanding Seniors. After graduation she landed her first job right away, and this year she’ll retire after 25 years with Pinellas County Schools.

Her Bulls spirit shines boldly in her classroom. A “Bulls Boulevard” sign hangs above her classroom door. She holds mini pep rallies with her students before each USF football game. She has green and gold beaded necklaces for her students. She plays the Herd of Thunder in her classroom so loud during the rallies, the stampeding sounds can be heard down the school hallway.

“There are so many wonderful experiences that I’ve had because of my career as a teacher, and if it hadn’t been for USFSP, I would not have been a teacher,” Porter said. “My professors told me all children can learn, no matter what their disability or home circumstance. It has been my job as a teacher to figure out the best way to make that happen.” ®

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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

70s

Paul Bueno de Mesquita, Ph.D, B.A. English `70, was appointed as director of the Center for Nonviolence & Peace Studies at the University of Rhode Island. He leads the annual International Nonviolence Summer Institute and recently conducted international nonviolence trainings in Kathmandu, Nepal; Jammu-Kashmir, India; and Ghana, West Africa.

Richard Davison, M.A. Gifted Education `71, has

self published Puddles of Ithaca, a children’s picture book about his dog and childhood home in Ithaca, NY. Davison currently serves on the Parent Advisory Council of his grandchidren´s preschool and also on the executive board of The Presbyterian Learning Centers of Tampa Bay, Inc. He is the published author of approximately 70 articles and is an elder at St. John Presbyterian Church. Davison and his wife worked a combined 64 years as educators in Tampa. He earned an Educational Specialist´s degree from the University of Florida and was awarded a medal from The Junior League of Tampa and Tampa Preservation, Inc., for his photographic work in a series of programs on the history of Tampa.

Eric Mencher, Political Science `76, is a

Philadelphia-based photographer who worked as a photojournalist for the Philadelphia Inquirer until 2009, covering regional, national and international assignments, including the civil war in Chechnya, the aftermath of genocide in Rwanda and the post-apartheid era in South Africa. He now works on personal photographic projects exploring contemporary life in the United States, Guatemala and Spain. He is also a wedding photographer.

Mencher was the recipient of the 1999 Overseas Press Club Award for “Rwanda: Aftermath of Genocide” and has won international, national and regional awards including World Press Photo, Pictures of the Year, Best of Photojournalism and National Headliners. His fellowships include a Penn State University Professional in Residence Fellowship; a Terra Fellowship from the Giverny Institute at the Museum of American Art, Giverny,

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France; and a Pew Fellowship in the Arts, discipline winner. Mencher and his wife Kass Mencher have exhibited their photography locally, nationally and internationally and are finishing work on a decadelong project on the Lincoln Highway.

Dr. Gregory J. Piacente, M.D. `74, is neurologist with the White Wilson Neuroscience Center, one of the largest multi-specialty physician groups on Florida’s Emerald Coast. After earning his M.D. at USF, his residency training was conducted at the Presbyterian University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. Dr. Piacente is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and American Board of Neurology and is a member of the American Academy of Neurology.

Rick Williamson, Theatre `77, had

Florida screenings of his award-winning comedy, “A Short Film,” in April at the Florida Film Festival 2012 at the Enzian in Orlando and again in May at Central Park in Winter Park. Williamson is an actor, director and producer in Los Angeles.

80s

Leonard Allen, Sociology `88, is an assistant

basketball coach at Hillsborough Community College and also coaches AAU basketball. He has had several tournament wins, most recently the Coast to Coast, 2010 Super Regional, Disney Memorial Day Classic, Best of the South 2010 runner up, and 3rd place at the AAU Nationals in the classic bracket. In all of these tournaments his teams competed at the 17U level. Allen is married to Alicia Allen and has two sons, Leonard III and Blake.

Carl David Blake, Biology `89 & M.A. Mass Communications `98, is a director, producer, screenwriter and published author. Over the past 12 years, Blake has been a business analyst, documentation manager and project manager by trade, working in both the government and private sector. Prior to that, he was a Communications professor at USF, the Art Institute of Tampa and St. Leo University. As a filmmaker, Blake wrote, produced, and directed “Threat from Within,” “Marital Blitz,” “Rani in the City,” and “Through the Glass Prison”. His current project is “Differences Between Men and Women,” which broke the Guinness World Record for the Longest Wedding Dress Train at 7,829.5 feet during filming in December 2009. As an author, Blake co-authored Explorations I: From Sentence to Paragraph and Explorations II: From Paragraph to Essay, published by HarperCollins and Addison Wesley Longman, respectively.

William C. Bracken, Civil Engineering `89 & MSCE `94, was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to the Florida Board of Professional Engineers.

Bracken is the president and principal engineer of Bracken Engineering Inc. He has more than 23 years of experience in the practice and instruction of structural engineering and building codes and has conducted and directed design, analysis, and engineering of various types of projects. He has also served as lead investigator on various forensic engineering projects. As an instructor for the International Code Council, Bracken teaches structural and non-structural code related classes throughout the world. He is also a subject matter expert for the State of Florida, and has developed and taught classes on various building and building code related matters. Bracken currently works with local and state fire services acting as an Urban Search & Rescue Structural Specialist and continues to work closely with the University of South Florida to promote its college of Engineering.

Mark Callahan, Civil Engineering `85, has joined Willis A. Smith Construction in Bradenton as a superintendent. He has 30 years of experience in the construction industry.

Dr. Gail McDonald-Chang, Biology `89 and MPH `00 received the 2012 Carl H. Norton Award for community service on February 17. She is a general dentist in Tampa, and currently serves as the vice president for the Tampa Area Dental Association.

David Eisen, M.D. `89, is a pathologist with Space Coast Pathology in Melbourne. He completed his post-graduate training at New York Hospital, Cornell University Medical Center. He also completed his Cytopathology fellowship at Cornell University.

Dr. Eisen is Board Certified in Anatomic, Clinical Pathology, Cytopathology, and Medical Examiners.

Dr. Eisen is a Fellow of the College of American Pathologists.

Larry Garren, Accounting and Finance `80, has

joined Environmental Compliance Services Inc. as a construction project manager. He works on all phases of design, construction, estimating, scheduling, cost control, on-site inspections and the implementation and monitoring of safety concerns for environmental construction and remediation projects.

Ann Marie Giordano Gilden,

Political Science `85, was recently certified as a Florida Supreme Court certified family mediator. She has been a practicing attorney since 1987. She was the first female Assistant State Attorney in Lake County, FL, from 1987 to 1990 and was an Assistant State Attorney in Orange County, FL, from

1990 to 1995. She opened her law practice, Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. in 1995, specializing in criminal law and marital and family law. Since 2000, she has dedicated her practice exclusively to marital and family law cases. She is a member of the Florida Bar Association, Orange County Bar Association, Seminole County Bar Association, Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court, Volie Williams Inns of Court and the Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida.

in program evaluation in the fields of academic under-achievement and child and adolescent mental health. She also has conducted research in animal learning and human cognition.

Jerry Perry, Chemistry `80, was promoted to vice president of business operations at Fintech.

He was most recently a project manager. His new

responsibilities will include managing marketing and sales administration.

Linda Phillips, M.Ed `89, is assistant principal for curriculum at Alonso High in Tampa.

Nancy Seufert, Nursing `81 and M.S. `96, is an advanced registered nurse practioner for HealthPoint

Sheryll A. Goedert, Accounting `80, is a CPA with Collier, Jernigan and Goedert, P.A. She began her career in the tax department of the national firm Ernst & Young, achieving the position of manager.

She earned a Master’s in Accounting at UF, with a tax emphasis, and completed the coursework for a Ph.D. in Accounting, with a minor in International Economics. Goedert has taught accounting at the University of Florida, Santa Fe Community College and Central Florida Community College.

Ben J. Hayes, Criminology `87, is an attorney

whose practice focuses on matters involving sports and entertainment law. He also is the president of the New York - Penn League, a Class A minor baseball league. Hayes earned his J.D. with honors from University of Florida’s College of Law in 1992 and studied political economics at UF’s graduate school in 1988-89. He coached baseball at UF while attending graduate school and helped lead the Gators to their first NCAA College World Series in 1988. He played professional baseball from 1978 through 1986 with the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals and spent 2½ years in the major leagues. He is also a certified dive master and CEO of SCUBAnauts International.

Tom Klebeck, Accounting `85 & MBA `90, was

named as a CFO of the Year finalist in the medium private company category by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. Klebeck is a partner and vice president of finance and administration at USC Consulting Group.

Lori Morgan, Marketing `83, is senior director of global accounts with HelmsBriscoe. She was awarded Master’s Club designation at the company’s annual business conference in Reno, NV in January. The Master’s Club recognizes the top 2 percent of the company’s 1,200 associates located globally. HelmsBriscoe is the global leader in meetings procurement.

Dr. Linda Palm, Ph.D Psychology `80, teaches

courses in statistics, research methods, child and adolescent psychology, history and systems of psychology, and principles of learning at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC. She has worked

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classnotes Medical Group. She holds certifications in basic and advanced cardiac life support instruction. Seufert has been a practicing nurse and nurse practitioner for over 30 years. She has clinical and managerial experience in a variety of hospital settings including medical surgical, cardiac critical and progressive care units. Prior to joining HealthPoint, Seufert lectured on critical care topics during her role as critical care educator at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. She continues to teach in the clinical setting as a volunteer faculty member for USF Nurse Practitioner graduate-level students. Her clinical interests include cardiology, diabetes, geriatric care and women’s health.

Dr. Joseph Tienstra, M.D. `80, became affiliated

with Florida Radiology Consultants, P.A., in 1985, when he joined Smith, Hendra, and Gerson, M.D., P.A. After receiving his medical degree from USF, Dr. Tienstra completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at the Aultman Hospital in Canton, OH. In 1985, he completed a fellowship in abdominal imaging and mammography at the Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Dr. Tienstra became board-certified by the American Board of Radiology in 1984, and is a member of the American College of Radiology, American Medical Association, Florida Radiological Society, Florida Medical Association, and the Lee County Medical Society.

Kathy Trapp, M.A. Guidance and Counseling Education `82, is the career specialist at Gulf High School in New Port Richey. She manages the Gulf High School Career Resource Center, helping students with career and educational planning.

Trapp has a B.S. in Physical Education from UF in addition to her Master’s from USF. She began her teaching career teaching health and physical education at Safety Harbor Middle School, and was then employed for 10 years as a guidance counselor at Ridgewood High School. She went to Gulf at the start of the 1993-94 school year. Her husband is the principal of Gulf Middle School.

Sandy Trujillo, Special Education `81, is principal of Leander Middle School in Leander, TX, which was named as a Texas School to Watch by the Texas Middle School Association. The school was recognized by the National Schools to Watch in a program held in June in Washington, D.C. Jeremy Wensinger, MBA `89, recently joined

GTSI Corp. as chief operating officer. Previously, he served as president of Cobham Defense Electronic Systems Division.

90s

Dr. Carlos Armengol, M.D. `95, practices

pediatrics at Pediatrics Associates of Charlottesville, VA. He completed his residency at the University of Virginia Department of Pediatrics. He specializes in urinary tract infections and streptococcal infections in children.

Monica Bassi, Management Information Systems `99, is a screenwriter, producer and actor who recently completed a small independent film entitled “Uncoupled,” which was accepted into the 2012 India International Film Festival, held in Tampa in February.

Douglas J. Berkoff, Accounting `91, was named as a CFO of the Year finalist in the medium private company category by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. Berkoff is chief financial officer and vice president of sales and finance for AnazaoHealth Corp.

Wayne Brown, Finance `93, has been appointed to a new position as the program director for the Asia Pacific Student Abroad Initiative based in Bangkok, Thailand.

Sue Curley, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences `98,

has joined Stewart Title Guaranty Co. as the Florida agency service manager. She is responsible for establishing new agency relationships and growing the company’s network of agencies throughout southwest Florida.

Kenneth Curtin, History `91, has been appointed to the Governance and Ethics Committee of the Board of Directors of the Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa. Curtin is a special counsel in the Tampa and St. Petersburg offices of Adams and Reese LLP. He is board certified by the Florida Bar in construction law. Curtin has been recognized as a Top Up and Comer by the South Florida Legal Guide, and was selected by his legal peers as a Super Lawyer in the areas of business and construction litigation.

Keith Folse, Ph.D Interdisciplinary Education `99, is an associate professor and coordinator of the Master Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program in the department of Modern Languages and Literatures at the University of Central Florida.

Kevin Franzese, Finance `95, has joined Florida

USF alumnus in New York, Joe Peda, `89, left, and Sal Cardillo, `02, display their Bulls March Madness T-shirts during the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden.

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Bank as a vice president of business banking. He will provide banking services to businesses with revenues of less than $10 million.

Stacy Gramling, Accounting `92, was named as a CFO of the Year finalist in the large private company category by the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Gramling is chief financial officer at Veredus Corp.

Brian Grantham, Special Education `93, is the assistant principal for administration at Alonso High in Tampa.

She specializes in mid-market equipment finance for Florida businesses. She was previously an account executive at Siemens Financial Services, Synovus Capital Finance, GE Capital and ITT Commercial Finance.

Jonathan D. Rausch, Communication `90, purchased Florida First Insurance of Pembroke Pines, FL, in November 2011. It is a full service firm offering life, health, property and casualty insurance.

Marnie Levy, Broadcast Program & Production `97,

joined the Brand Strategy Group as the associate marketing social media manager at The Weather Channel. In this new position, she assists the station with growing The Weather Channel’s brand in social media through writing and promotion. She started with The Weather Channel in 2006 as a director/ technical director, and was part of the launch team for “Abrams & Bettes: Beyond the Forecast.” Since then, Levy worked on the station’s high-definition launch in 2008, and the re-launch of “Weather Center Live” in early 2011, as the lead technical director. She also has an Atlanta-based blog called “Grapes and Hops,” and has been active in social media with a focus on the Atlanta restaurant scene and wine. You can find her blog at www. grapesandhops1219.blogspot.com.

Liana Lopez, Mass Communications `96, launched Image House Brands LLC. Image House is a public relations firm specializing in reputation and brand management for individuals, small businesses and organizations. Previously, Lopez served as director of public affairs for the City of Tampa and Mayor Pam Iorio.

Phara McLachlan, Information Management

Systems `99, has joined the board of directors of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. She is CEO of Animus Solutions.

Jerry Michel, M.A. Elementary Education `93,

has co-authored a book, Can You Hear Me Now? Applying Brain Research and Technology to Engage Today’s Students, which was published by Shell Education.

Jennifer Monahan, Business Administration `93, has self-published her second book, My First Three Husbands, a true story about her 30year search to find joy in marriage and peace at home. It’s available in print or digital form.

Monahan’s first book, An American in Oz, about her adventures in Australia, was a Golden eBook Award winner.

Jacqueline Pope, MAcc `90, was promoted to the position of vice president at BB&T in Tampa.

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classnotes Leanne Salazar, Nursing `99, has joined Oak Hill Hospital as a vice president of quality and risk management. She was previously an assistant director of emergency services at Spring Hill Regional Hospital. She was also a pediatric nurse at Oak Hill Hospital.

an executive board member of the Sarasota Builders Association, member of the Sarasota Coalition of Inclusion and Diversity, and recipient of the Gulf Coast Business Review’s 40 under 40 award. In addition, he has served on multiple committees for the Sarasota Chapter of The United Way.

Paul Schurr, Psychology `90, has joined Suncoast

Scott M. Waring, Elementary Education `97 and M.A. `00, is an assistant professor and program coordinator for the Social Science Education program at UCF. After earning his B.S. and M.A. from USF, he earned a Ph.D from the University of Virginia in Social Studies Education, with a minor in Instructional Technology. He teaches elementary and secondary courses at the undergraduate and graduate level in social science methodology, research, and theory. At UCF, Dr. Waring has won the Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and the Award for Excellence in Academic Advising. He is the chair of the Teacher Education and Professional Development Committee of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and serves as a member of the NCSS House of Delegates. He has been the principal investigator or co-principal investigator on funded grants totaling over $2 million, including two Teaching American History grants. Dr. Waring has multiple journal articles and book chapters published focusing on the teaching and learning of history and the utilization of technology in social science teaching.

Coffee Service and Vending as a cafe manager.

Schurr was a general manager of Pizza Hut in Tampa and has previously managed other restaurants such as Valencia Gardens, The Pizza Company and Panera Bread.

Lauren Stewart, M.S. Nursing `96, is a nurse with HealthPoint Medical Group. She is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and has more than nine years of nursing experience. She is a member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Her clinical interests include trauma, acute care surgery and critical care medicine.

Dr. Michael J. Sweeney, MBA `94, was hired as the chief medical officer of Amerinet Inc., a leading national healthcare solutions organization. Sweeney is a vascular and general surgeon with nearly 20 years in private practice.

Monica Verra-Tirado, `93, M.A. `96 & Ed. D `09,

was hired to lead the Florida Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services. She started the job on Feb. 27. In this role, she will administer the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and provide technical assistance to schools, districts and families. She was previously special education director for Pasco schools.

Louis Ursini, Finance `96, has been

selected as partner in charge of the Tampa office of the Adams Reese law firm. The firm has 13 partners in charge, one for each of its offices across the southern United States and Washington, D.C. Ursini concentrates his practice in the defense of financial institutions and collection professionals, contested foreclosures, general commercial litigation, real estate litigation, probate and trust litigation, and construction litigation. He has spoken at numerous engagements relating to consumer law and creditors remedies, and has been published in the Bay Area Business Magazine. Ursini was selected to the 2012 Class of Leadership Tampa and was a former executive board member of the Sarasota County Bar Association (SCBA), past president of the Young Lawyers Division of the SCBA and chair of the Diversity Committee of the SCBA. For the past five years, he also was an elected member and now appointed member of the Young Lawyers Board of Governors for the Florida Bar Association. He was

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00s

Patrick Arledge, Mass Communications, `00, has joined HomeBanc as a vice president and mortgage branch manager.

Irene Brammertz, MPH `01, served as a Peace

Corps response volunteer at the Blantyre City Council Health Department in Malawi since August 2011. She celebrated her 70th birthday this year and completed her commitment in Malawi in mid-May.

David M. Brickhouse, Political Science `08, joined Broad and Cassel as an associate in the commercial litigation practice group.

Diane Cary, M.A. Library & Information Science

`09, is a children’s librarian at Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, VA.

Bill Duffin, Mass Communications `04, has

joined the National Forensic Science Technology Center as an audiovisual media design specialist.

He is responsible for audio and video creation and development. He previously was a T.V. production specialist for the Clearwater Police Department and the City of Clearwater.

Sheryl Fagan, M.S. Nursing `09, is certified

as an advanced registered nurse practitioner at Healthpoint Medical Group. Prior to joining Healthpoint, Fagan spent 21 years at St. Joseph’s Hospital as an endoscopy staff registered nurse, caring for the gastroenterology patient population.

Her clinical interests include esophageal reflux and motility disorders. She is a member of the Society of Gastroenterology Associates and the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network.

Curtis Flowers, M.S. Leadership & Organizational Efficiency `00, is a major with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and commander of the Orient Road Jail. He began his career with the Sheriff’s office nearly 30 years ago, working his way up from deputy to his current position. Flowers also completed the 38th session of the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police, the Southern Police Institute Command Officers Program and the United States Department of Justice National Institute of Corrections Leadership Program. He is a member of the American Correctional Association, American Jail Association and Florida Sheriffs Association.

He is also recognized as one of the first certified jail managers in Hillsborough County.

Mary M. Fuller, Ph.D Curriculum & Instruction `02,

is a behavioral analyst for Autism Early Intervention Clinics in St. Petersburg. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a Master’s in Behavioral Psychology from Wayne State University in Detroit and completed the requirements for a counseling degree at USF. Dr. Fuller is a licensed family court mediator, a certified hypnotherapist, a licensed mental health counselor, a national board certified counselor and a board certified behavior analyst. She has been in private practice providing individual counseling services and behavioral therapy services for children and adolescents. In addition, she has provided behavior analysis services for the Pasco County School District.

Mary Fulmer, `07 and MAcc `08, was promoted to audit senior accountant at Pender Newkirk & Co. in September 2011. She had served as an audit staff accountant since joining the firm in 2008.

Leena Hasbini, Management `09, was named Hillsborough’s Instructional Support Employee of the Year. She is a guidance assistant at Wharton High in New Tampa.

Diana Hashaw, M.S. Nursing `02, is a registered nurse practioner for HealthPoint Medical Group.

Her clinical interests include all types of surgery and wound care issues. Hashaw is a member of the

Association of Operating Room Nurses, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Tampa Bay Advanced Practice Nurses’ Council, Inc., and the Nurse Practitioner Physician Assistant Alliance.

Elizabeth Hennig, Finance `01 & MBA `08, was named CFO of the Year in the nonprofit category by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. Hennig is chief financial officer for Lowry Park Zoo. Keto Nord Hodges, Management Information

Systems `02 and MBA `05, has joined Computer Mentors Group Inc. as a program manager for the organization’s youth program. He will manage the Teen Computer Certification and Ownership program that serves 60 high school aged youth. He will oversee public relations and marketing and cultivate media relationships across all media platforms.

Kinga Huse, Accounting `09, was promoted to tax senior at the accounting firm of Christopher Smith Leonard Bristow and Stanell, P.A. in Bradenton.

Will Hutson, Communication `09, is head of

social activation and a managing partner for Carrot

Creative, a New York City based social media agency. He led the company’s expansion into the United Arab Emirates in January when they opened offices in Dubai. Carrot Creative UAE will be headquartered in Dubai Media City with a satellite office in Abu Dhabi. The agency offers social media strategy, campaign development and activation for brands worldwide. In addition Carrot Creative UAE is the first company to provide the region with both Facebook & LinkedIn certified development partners.

and has been a member of the Innovative Therapy Services for Kids team since 2006. His areas of expertise include speech and language development and pragmatic language. He is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, has completed specialized training in LindamoodBell Learning Processes (LiPS, Visualizing and Verbalizing, Seeing Stars) and is a certified interactive metronome provider.

Daniel Macko, Physical Education `09, was

Water Resource Associates as a project engineer.

He has experience in development and water use permitting.

selected as Cimino Elementary’s Teacher of the Year.

He has been teaching physical education three years at Cimino in Valrico.

Clifford Maker, Criminology `08, is a certified

juvenile probation officer (JPO) with the state of Florida and was class president of Class 12-34 at the JPO Academy. He is also vice president of the Fort Meade Planning and Zoning Board and secretary of the Fort Meade Athletic Boosters Inc.

Otto Meyer, Speech Language Science `00 and M.S. `02 is a pediatric speech language pathologist

Kyle Morel, Civil Engineering `09, has joined

Dr. Elizabeth Fisher Moses, Ph.D Marine Science `07, is the chief scientist and education officer for SCUBAnauts, an underwater science education program for youth ages 12 to 18. Her research focuses on bioindicators of coral reef health in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, and Jamaica.

She has extensive experience integrating the marine sciences into elementary, middle and high school classrooms. She has developed Professional Development Institutes for K-12 teachers focused

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classnotes research in the area of Science Education specifically focusing on socio-scientific issues, argumentation, scientific reasoning, and science teacher preparation and has taught courses in science education as part of the elementary pre-service teacher program, the secondary science program and the science education doctoral program. Prior to that, he was an assistant professor of Science Education at Indiana University.

William Sadlowski, MAcc `03, was named as a CFO of the Year finalist in the small private company category by the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Sadlowski is chief financial officer for Franklin Street, a financial services company.

Katie L. Everlove-Stone, Management

The USF Sarasota-Manatee Rowing Club team met ESPN College Basketball analyst Dick Vitale, third from left, at a campus event held in April to thank the Benderson family for their support of the team. Randy Benderson, far left, accepted a framed rowing jersey from the team. Also attending from Benderson Development was Paul Blackletter, `94, third from right. Fourth from right is USFSM Regional Chancellor Dr. Arthur Guilford. All of the team members in the photo are USF Sarasota-Manatee Ambassadors.

Information Systems `01, has joined Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith as an attorney. She was previously an associate at Ackerman Senterfitt’s Tampa office. She serves on the board of directors of the LTB 11 Foundation and The Centre, formerly the Centre for Women.

Michelle Turman, M.A. Art History `00, has joined Lighthouse of Pinellas as vice president and chief operations officer.

Dr. Antoinina Watkins, M.D. `00, is Floridaon different aspects of marine science. She has previously acted as regional coordinator for the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) and has served as the SCUBAnauts coach for the Spoonbill Bowl (NOSB regional bowl) for the past two years. Fisher Moses has been an active American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) research diver since 1998 and is certified as a NAUI dive master. She is also certified for nitrox and Basic Cave (NSS-CDS). She taught at Eckerd College in the Environmental Studies department and at USF in the Department of Integrative Biology.

Linda Ottl, Nursing `02 and M.S. `07, is an advanced registered nurse practioner with Women’s Care Florida. She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and has worked in women’s health care for many years.

Rossybelle Perales, Biology `07 & MPH `09,

is a program manager with the University of Texas Science Center at Houston. Prior to her new appointment, Perales served as an epidemiology fellow with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education and a research coordinator at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute.

Hailey Silva Plunkett, Mass Communications `09, has joined the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay as a relationship manager.

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Jared Resnick, MAcc `03, has joined Prida

Guida & Co. P.A. as a certified public accountant.

He will provide attestation and consulting services.

Previously with Grant Thornton, Resnick has nine years of accounting experience.

Lee Revere, Ph.D Public Health `02, was named as the Healthcare Administration program director and faculty chair at the University of Houston Clear Lake. Dr. Revere is an associate professor of Decision Sciences and has been on the faculty since 2000. She has taught courses in Business Statistics, Management Science and Operations, and Organizational Change and Quality Improvement. She worked in the healthcare industry before earning her doctorate at USF. Dr. Revere has held positions in the field of managed healthcare with Christus Health System, Humana Health Plans and HealthHelp. She has been published in a number of business and healthcare journals including the Journal of Healthcare Management, Journal of Healthcare Finance, Hospital Topics, TQM Magazine, Journal of Health and Human Services Research and International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management.

Troy D. Sadler, Ph.D Curriculum and Instruction

`03, is an assistant professor of Science Education in the College of Education at UF. He has conducted

licensed and board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. After earning her medical degree at USF, she served her residency at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. During her residency, she became chief administrative resident for obstetrics and gynecology. Her professional background includes many honors designations as well as participation in research and volunteer programs.

10s

Ruben Cruz, Accounting `11, has joined CBIZ Kirkland as an assurance intern.

Kimberly First, Accounting `10, has joined CBIZ Kirkland as an assurance associate.

Camille L. Gonzalez, MPH `11, is a public health advisor for the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

Matthew Hursey, Accounting `10, has joined CBIZ Kirkland as an assurance intern.

Scott Luzi, History `11, has joined Bayshore

Technologies as a help desk support specialist.

Candace Sibley, MSPH `11, is a Robert Wood Johnson Evaluation Fellow for 2012-2013. As an Emerging Fellow, Sibley joins ICF Macro International

in Atlanta, GA, as an evaluation associate. She will utilize quantitative and qualitative evaluation methodologies to positively impact the lives of the disadvantaged and underserved populations.

Ashley Singleton, MPH `11, is an intervention and outreach educator for Metro Wellness and Community Centers in Tampa.

Ryan Spellings, `11, was named as

one of the USF Alumni Association’s Outstanding Graduates in December 2011. Spellings, who performed as Rocky during his freshman year at USF, was a resident assistant in his dormitory, worked part-time in the College of Business Dean’s office and served as a USF Ambassador. He earned a selection to the elite Officer Candidate School for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and has been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the USMC. He was selected for an aviation contract where he will work toward earning a position as an F/A-18 Super Hornet squadron pilot.

In Memoriam Louise Antinori, `77, 4/8/2012 Geraldine Hammer Batell, `63, 4/5/2012 Ruth Ellzey Coleman, `75, 4/5/2012 Richard Hanover Hamilton, `74, 5/10/2012 Al Hogle, `78, 5/14/2012 Meka Horne, `08, 2/5/2012 Charles Lease, `65 & M.A. `70, 1/9/2012 Anthony Madias, `08 & M.A.`12, 5/12/2012 Rodolfo Paraoan, MSCE `94, 6/16/2011 James Michael Storter, M.Ed `00, 5/21/2012 Ashley Zowine, `09, 2/10/2012

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athletics

Rocky, along with USF System President Judy Genshaft, Athletic Director Doug Woolard, and Men’s Basketball Coach Stan Heath, is joined by athletes, staff and students as they cut the ribbon to open the new Sun Dome arena on May 1.

A New Day for the Sun Dome

F

or those of you who walked across its stage at commencement, or sat in the stands during basketball games, or danced at your seats during concerts, entering the newly renovated Sun Dome for the first time will be like going back to the future.

It’s the same building, in the same location, but after $35.6 million in renovations, it’s nothing like the Sun Dome of your memories. The 10,000 seat bowl area has been completely reconfigured into oval seating that surrounds a state-of-theart, center-hung LED scoreboard. New sound and lighting systems were installed and four large video boards hang in the corners. A new

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concourse level features additional concessions and restrooms, the southeast and southwest entrances have been completely remodeled, and there’s now a team store inside the arena where fans can buy Bulls gear. A new hospitality area includes club seating as well as 10 semi-private loge suites for premium viewing of all of the action on the court.

In keeping with USF’s national reputation as a leader in environmental sustainability, building contractor Skanska recycled more than 91 percent of the materials removed from the old dome, refurbishing and reusing floors and walls, which helped to divert more than 4,200 tons of debris

p The Class of 2012 at USF Tampa was the first to hold commencement ceremonies in the new Sun Dome arena. Commencement for the Tampa campus was held at the Tampa Convention Center during the renovations.

Photos by Aimee Blodgett

t A state-of-the-art LED scoreboard is just one of the new arena’s impressive improvements.

from landfills. High-efficiency air conditioning and other major systems reduce overall energy consumption by 18 percent and internal water usage by 30 percent. Efficient landscaping and irrigation systems cut the arena’s irrigation needs by 50 percent. USF was recognized in May with the 2012 Second Nature Climate Leadership Award for its “unparalleled” sustainability efforts.

The University selected Global Spectrum to manage the Sun Dome. Global Spectrum manages more than 100 other centers around the world.

“It is our goal to be the best mid-sized facility in the Tampa Bay Area,” says Sun Dome General manager Trent Merritt. To get a look at the new Sun Dome and a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.SunDomeArena.com. ®

An ariel shot of the original Sun Dome, which opened to the public in November of 1980. Photo courtesy of USF Special Collections.

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Life Member Appreciation Event

Former USF SG President and Outstanding Graduate Matt Diaz, `12, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at your USF Alumni Association’s Life Member Appreciation Event at the USF vs. Connecticut baseball game on May 11. The game drew some 400 Life Members for a free evening of food, drinks and Bulls Baseball in the new Baseball/Softball complex.

At left, board member Randy Norris, `79, board president Kimberly Choto, `92 & M.A. `02, right and Laura Heruska, `03, left, enjoyed some refreshments before the game. At right, Alison Hubbard, `98, and her daughter, Emma, throw the horns. Inset, Jessica Mayts, daughter of board member Andrew Mayts, `93, sang the national anthem before the game.

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calendar

your membership in action

July 14-15 Tropical Plant Fair, USF Botanical Gardens, $5 for age 12 and older, USF Tampa.

Visit www.cas.usf.edu/garden for details.

August 4 USF Night at the Tampa Bay Rays, 7:10 p. m., Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg.

Visit www.raysbaseball.com/usfnight for details.

4 USF System Summer Commencement, 9 a.m. & 1:30 p.m., USF Sun Dome.

Visit www.usf.edu/commencement for details.

8-9 CampU Freshman Overnight Camp, DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center, Ellenton. Visit www.newstudent.usf.edu for details and to register.

25 Orlando Gridiron 5K Challenge and Tailgate, UCF campus. Contact Kevin Coulthart at 407-648-4900, Ext. 13 or kcoulthart@centralfloridasports.org for details or visit www.USFalumni.org/gridiron.

27 Fall Semester begins.

27-30 2012 Republican National Convention, Tampa Convention Center, downtown Tampa. Visit www.2012tampa.com for details.

September 1 USF vs. UT-Chattanooga, 7 p.m., Raymond James Stadium.

Visit www.GoUSFBulls.com for tickets.

3 Labor Day. USF System is closed.

8 USF vs. Nevada Tailgate, 10:30 a.m., Kickoff 12:30 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time, Mackay Stadium, University of Nevada Reno. Tailgate, $30 adults; $10 children 6-12. Visit www.USFalumni.org/Nevada to RSVP. 15 USF vs. Rutgers, 7:30 p.m., Raymond James Stadium.

Visit www.GoUSFBulls.com for tickets.

29 USF vs. FSU, Time TBA, Raymond James Stadium.

Visit www.GoUSFBulls.com for tickets.

SAVE THE

DATE:

The Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner, Oct. 25.

Visit www.USFalumni.org for details

HOMECOMING SUPER BULL XVI, OCT. 26-27, USF vs. SYRACUSE, RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM

Visit www.USFalumni.org for details as they develop.

Event details are subject to change, please visit the web 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: