Connection Spring 2014 by University of West Florida

Connection ALU M NI & FRIEND S MAGA ZI NE

SPR ING 2014

MEET HEAD FOOTBALL COACH PETE SHINNICK

PUBLIC PIANO PROJECT DOWNTOWN

EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Connection UWF President DR. JUDITH BENSE

Staff List University Advancement Staff

DR. BRENDAN KELLY, Interim Vice President, University Advancement MARTHA LEE BLODGETT, Assistant Vice President, University Advancement GRETCHEN VANVALKENBURG, Executive Director of Development & Alumni Engagement, University Advancement MISSY GRACE ’10, Alumni Relations Director, University Advancement

Editorial

Managing Editor SABRINA MCLAUGHLIN ’08, Executive Director, Marketing & Creative Services Senior Writer BRITTANY CARR SWINFORD ’11, Communications Specialist, Marketing & Creative Services Copy Editor DR. BRUCE SWAIN, Communication Arts Professor

Graphics & Photography

POLA YOUNG ’02, Creative Director, Marketing & Creative Services JENNIFER PECK ’08, Graphic Designer, Marketing & Creative Services LAUREN SMITH ’08, Assistant Director of Digital Media, Marketing & Creative Services JOHN BLACKIE, Photographer, Marketing & Creative Services

Contributing Writers

CYNTHIA AUSTAD, MICHEAL COTTON, MEGAN GONZALEZ ’09, MISSY GRACE ’10, SABRINA MCLAUGHLIN ’08, JENNIFER PECK ’08, MARGARET ROBERTS ’12, LAUREN SMITH ’08, SEAN M. SULLIVAN ’12, ERIN TIMMONS, LUKE VAN BLARICOM ’00 & ’03, GRETCHEN VANVALKENBURG, PATTY VEAL ’88

Web uwf.edu/alumni Email alumni@uwf.edu Phone 800.226.1893 Mail UWF Alumni Association, 11000 University Pkwy., Building 12, Pensacola, FL 32514

To Give

Online uwf.edu/give Direct Kenda Hembrough at 850.857.6112 or khembrough@uwf.edu UWF Connection is published semi-annually by the Alumni Relations Department with the assistance of Marketing & Creative Services. The purpose of Connection is to communicate and engage with UWF alumni, donors, friends and others interested in the activities of UWF.

Spring 2014 UNIVERS IT Y o f WE ST FLOR IDA

Inside 2 PRESIDENT’S Q&A LETTER FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

3 ALUMNI BOARD 4 NEWS & NOTES 8 CALENDAR 9 UWF HISTORIC TRUST 14 DONOR PROFILE 15 ATHLETICS 19 CLASS NOTES 23 ALUMNI & COMMUNITY 25 SNAPSHOTS 28 DIVERSITY 29 DEVELOPMENT 31 MEET A STUDENT AMBASSADOR

32 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 34 EDITOR’S DESK

FEATURE UWF Historic Trust

has had many names, but for more than 40 years its mission has remained the same: to collect, preserve, interpret and communicate the history of Northwest Florida. At each of its 29 historic properties, the Historic Trust offers a glimpse into Pensacola’s rich heritage. The Trust aims to help visitors of all ages better understand the past, in an effort to shape the future of Northwest Florida.

Letter from the Vice President

President’s Q&A With the University’s 50th Anniversary rapidly approaching in 2017, we sat down with President Bense to discuss UWF’s role in our region and the highly anticipated recent hiring of our first football coach. WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT FOR UWF TO BE LOCATED IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA? Our Board of Trustees Chairman Lewis Bear often

says that at the heart of great cities, you find great universities. UWF is working hard every day to serve Northwest Florida and the state at large as a center point for higher learning, opportunity and innovation. As UWF matures and grows, the institution becomes more and more essential to the region, as well as the people and economy we serve. What’s so unique to the character of UWF is the role we play in helping to build a great community. With the salary disparity between high school graduates and college graduates continuing to grow, our attention to professional workforce development is increasingly more important. We continue to find ways to partner with industry to create unique opportunities for students and research. Most importantly, these partnerships serve as an essential component of the learning experience. We serve a large population of military, non-traditional and first-generation students who continue to thrive by earning college degrees and going on to make better lives for themselves and their families. A great University of West Florida is not just important for the success of our area. It is essential. HOW WILL THE STUDENT LIFE EXPERIENCE BE ENHANCED BY UWF FOOTBALL? We have a very successful athletics program at UWF.

Seventy-five Gulf South Conference championships and seven national championships are testaments to the accomplishments of our student athletes, coaches and athletics administration. Our women’s basketball team played in postseason semi-finals, and our inaugural swimming and diving team competed in the NCAA championship meet. The addition of a football program is a natural next step in moving our campus forward and enhancing UWF’s student life. Since the announcement a few months ago that we would officially hit the field in Fall 2016, there has been a notable change in the level of excitement on campus and throughout the community. Hiring Pete Shinnick as the first head football coach at UWF is making football a reality in people’s minds. Coach Shinnick has started a program before and understands how to take us to the finish line. There is nothing quite like the experience of starting something from the ground up. You only have an opportunity to start something once, and our time is now. Coach Shinnick is the right man to give us a strong start for UWF Football. In Fall 2016, the excitement will be palatable, and there will be many exciting days leading up to kickoff. Next spring we will sign our first players, and I know that will be a momentous day. Together we are making history for UWF and for Northwest Florida. Join us as we celebrate this special time.

DEAR ALUMNI & FRIENDS,

Since opening our doors nearly 50 years ago, the University of West Florida has continued to grow, develop and mature as an institution. We are not simply growing in size and scope, but in concept. Over the course of nearly five decades we have grown from a commuter campus that served juniors and seniors into a regional comprehensive University that serves a wide variety of audiences in just as wide a variety of important ways. This year we are serving more than 12,500 students with 45 undergraduate degrees, 25 master’s degrees, two specialist degrees and a doctorate in education. Yet, while the number of programs we offer continues to grow and the population of students we serve expands, the intimacy of the UWF community that so many alumni point to as the element that makes this University special has not changed. UWF is still the place where buildings have numbers and students have names. Additionally, this issue of Connection focuses on a unique element of our University community. Over the last 10 years, downtown Pensacola has emerged as a center of commerce, entertainment, arts and culture and community convergence for Escambia County and, increasingly for Northwest Florida. UWF has played an important role in that resurgence, and we are working to enhance that role in the future. Many of our alumni are unaware that the Historic Pensacola campus of UWF serves as the core of the historic district in Pensacola. The University of West Florida Historic Trust provides an engaging, authentic and rich interpretation of the history of the region through our collection of museums, archeological sites and Historic Pensacola Village. Northwest Florida has a rich and important history. With nearly 60,000 visitors last year, the UWF Historic Trust is at the heart of our efforts to collect, preserve and interpret Northwest Florida’s history. As we draw closer to 2017 and the 50th Anniversary of UWF, you will begin hearing more about our efforts to enhance the UWF Historic Trust and bolster our initiatives to work with community partners to enliven cultural heritage tourism in Pensacola. Thank you for believing in UWF. I look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our alumni as we move forward. Warmest regards,

Dr. Brendan Kelly Interim Vice President, University Advancement U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

ALUMN I BOAR D

Alumni Board President’s Message 2014 Alumni Board of Directors President: ’00 & ’03 Luke van Blaricom; BS Biology & MS Education; Orlando, Fla. Vice President: ’80 Dave Langston; BS Interdisciplinary Sciences; Milton, Fla. Secretary: ’99 & ’02 Ildi Hosman; BSBA Business Administration & MA Communication Arts; Pensacola, Fla. Treasurer: ’98 John Gormley; BSBA Business Administration; Pensacola, Fla. Director of Chapters: ’92 & ’02 Jeff Bedenbaugh; BA Accounting & MBA; Quincy, Fla.

Fellow Alumni, On behalf of the UWF Alumni Association, thank you for your continued support of our alma mater. This issue of Connection contains great information that helps you stay up to date on the latest events and news of UWF. Staying connected is one of the greatest ways you can continue to assist the Alumni Association. We love to hear from you whenever you have exciting news to share regarding your career, family or significant milestones. We publish these updates in our “Class Notes” section of Connection. So, let us hear from you! Staying in touch with you is also one of our greatest challenges as an Alumni Association. Our alumni often relocate, for a multitude of reasons, and our contact information for you becomes obsolete. That is why our Alumni Relations office has partnered with Harris Connect to produce an alumni directory titled UWF Alumni Today. Your updated information will help us stay in touch, so you can continue to hear about the great strides UWF is making as a university. Alumni play a key role in the success of UWF. We want to further the value of the education you received and do everything we can to increase our presence nationally and globally. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/UWFAlumni, follow us on Twitter @uwfalumni, or email us at alumni@uwf.edu. So, regardless of how we hear from you, reach out us to soon. It is a great time to be an Argonaut!

Director of Alumni Development: ’86 Heidi Lannon; MPA; Gainesville, Fla. Director at Large Outside of Northwest Florida: ’88 Robert Lee; BA Communication Arts; Powder Springs, Ga. Director at Large Within Northwest Florida: ’81 Paul Pratofiorito; BA Accounting; Pensacola, Fla. Director of Student Programming: ’04 Becca Tieder; BA Theatre; Clearwater, Fla. Director at Large Outside of Northwest Florida: ’92 Harriett Wyer; BS Marketing; Pensacola, Fla. Director of Alumni Affiliates: ’01 Jay Windham; BSBA Business Administration; Pensacola, Fla.

Best Regards,

Past President: ’93 Caroline Hartnett; BSBA Business Administration; Pensacola, Fla.

Luke van Blaricom, President UWF Alumni Association

Student Representative: ’14 Jordan Self; Panama City, Fla.

Calling All Argos The University of West Florida Alumni Association has partnered with Harris Connect to produce University of West Florida Alumni Today, an alumni directory. The directory will feature listings along with photos and essays submitted by alumni. You will receive notifications via postcard, email or phone calls. Please take the time to update your information so that you can stay connected. 3

Spring 2014 UNIVERSIT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

N E WS & N OT ES

What’s Happening Now? BY MARGARET ROBERTS

INNOVATION INSTITUTE’S CYBERSECURITY CENTER will serve as a research hub and provide degree opportunities for students.

UWF Innovation Institute launches Cybersecurity Center Advances in technology and increased threats to sensitive data have made cybersecurity vital to the protection of systems, software and networks across the globe. As a result, a critical need to fill 50,000 cybersecurity jobs in the federal government and private industry exists. In an effort to help meet this demand, the University of West Florida Innovation Institute recently launched a Cybersecurity Center. This Center will serve as a hub for research and pro-

vide opportunities for students to move into high-demand career fields through collaborative partnerships. In February 2014, Dr. Pamela Northrup, executive director of UWF Innovation Institute and associate provost for academic innovation, appointed Dr. Sikha Bagui, a UWF computer science professor, director of the Center. Dr. Bagui will represent the University’s multidisciplinary cybersecurity-related degree programs, certificates and services and coordinate the highly engaging activities for cybersecurity students. “One of the Center’s primary objectives is becoming a National Security Agency Center of Excellence,” Bagui said. “Maintaining high program quality through alignment with the National Institute of Standards and Technology

and other quality metrics is key to the Center’s success. Cybersecurity is all about innovation, and that is what makes it a perfect match for the Institute and for UWF.” The Center will promote a pipeline of academic programs and certificates deeply connected to the Northwest Florida community and the industry. Degrees and Certificates The Cybersecurity Center’s academic programs and certificates will include certificates in cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, and information security management, as well as a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in cybersecurity and a Master of Science in Administration with a specialization in cybersecurity.

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

N EWS & NOTE S

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Happening Now? THE CYBERSECURITY BATTLE LAB allows students to detect and defeat hacker attacks in a simulated environment.

Certificate in Cybersecurity Focused on networking and security, the certificate in cybersecurity prepares professionals to become cybersecurity specialists. Students develop technical and problem-solving skills to help organizations defend their network systems. Certificate in Intelligence Analysis (Online) The certificate in intelligence analysis is designed to prepare students in analysis skills related to federal and law enforcement strategies to protect national security and national interests, both domestic and abroad. Certificate in Information Security Management Designed to train professionals to interact effectively with technical data-security professionals, the certificate in information security management offers business and as well as nonbusiness majors a unique practical opportunity to identify themselves as trained specialists in this high-demand and knowledge-intensive field.

Bachelor of Science, specialization in Cybersecurity The Bachelor of Science with a specialization in cybersecurity prepares students to be leaders in the protection of data assets and analysis of potential threats to systems and networks. The curriculum focuses on the techniques, policies, operational procedures and technologies that secure and defend the availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality and non-repudiation of information and information systems. Master of Science in Administration, specialization in Cybersecurity (Online) The Master of Science in Administration with a specialization in cybersecurity is offered entirely online and is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in cyber-related positions in public, nonprofit and private organizations. The program provides preparation to assume leadership positions in organizations by integrating the best practices in business and

management with state-of-the-art cybersecurity theory and applications. The Battle Lab The new Cybersecurity Center will also feature a state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Battle Lab, allowing students in the program handson learning access to detect and defeat hacker attacks in a simulated and controlled environment. Through networks independent of the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s computer systems, students will be able to explore cybersecurity freely by forming competitive teams and exercise the role of an attacker and the defender. These types of exercises will provide practical learning experiences, further preparing students for longterm industry careers. For additional information about the UWF Innovation Institute Cybersecurity Center, visit uwf.edu/cybersecurity.

The University of West Florida Innovation Institute serves to identify and develop educational projects that will have a substantial impact on the regional economy and enable the University and its partners to meet growing workforce demands. Projects identified, established, maintained and evaluated through the Innovation Institute connect the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resources, research, faculty experts and highcaliber students in an interdisciplinary environment to the communities UWF serves.

Spring 2014 UNIVERSIT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

N E WS & N OT ES

ACADEMIC REORGANIZATION will

restructure the existing three colleges into four, and next steps will be outlined over the coming months.

UWF Takes on a New Organizational Vision The University is currently working to implement academic reorganization. This process will restructure the academic departments from the existing three colleges, Arts & Sciences, Professional Studies and Business, to fall under four colleges. This process serves as an opportunity to re-energize Academic Affairs; increase visibility, agility and responsiveness and create and sustain financial stability of the colleges; increase operational efficiencies; and create external impacts by engaging the community and fulfill core needs through natural alliances. After extensive discussion and input from

members of the Provost’s Council and invited guests from the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, UWF Chapter of the United Faculty of Florida and the University Board of Trustees, the Provost’s Council sanctioned the reorganization proposal. Bob Dugan, dean of libraries, submitted the College Reorganization Proposal to the Division of Academic Affairs. “My deepest appreciation goes to Dean Dugan for his tireless efforts in the development of the plan,” UWF Provost Martha Saunders said. “I’ve received a great deal of positive feedback on his openness, tenacity and clear focus throughout the process.” The next phase of the reorganization process is the implementation of a work group, elected by the Provost, to outline the next steps.

New College Structure ► ► ► ►

College of Business College of Science, Engineering and Health College of Education and Professional Studies College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Stand Up and Be Counted Dr. Mike Huggins, ’96 BS Chemistry and interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, has challenged his colleagues to compete in alumni giving. The academic department with the most improved participation rate wins. With no amount too small to make a difference, the challenge will be won based on the rate of alumni participation, not the total dollars raised. Cast your vote of confidence in your alma mater and designate your gift to your favorite department or any of the 300-plus funds at UWF. Show your pride today and visit uwf.edu/argorollcall.

Change Lives. Give Back. Invest in the Value of Your Degree.

Number of Alumni Donors Rising 2329

10-11

2696

11-12

2965

12-13

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

N EWS & NOTE S

#IAMUWF: Student & Alumni Success Stories With so many remarkable stories of impact, triumph and opportunity, University of West Florida graduates and current students alike have unique perspectives on how the University changed the course of their lives. Taking pride in how UWF has challenged, rewarded and ultimately solidified the way they define success is at the very core of one of the institution’s most prominent values – quality. Stories that reflect the University’s commitment to uncompromising excellence serve as a reminder that UWF’s outstanding students and alumni are the innovators, leaders and problem solvers of today and tomorrow. They are UWF, and these are just a few of their stories.

Follow the conversation and share your UWF experience by using the hashtag #IAMUWF on Facebook and Twitter.

Ruth Ashley, Alumna, ’13 BS Mathematics Ruth Ashley, an alumna of the UWF Department of Mathematics, spent her Summer 2013 semester participating in an undergraduate research program at Harvard University. As part of the internship, she and two other students worked for Quantam Reservoir Impact (QRI) to create a data-driven model that would predict the best places to drill in the Southern region of Texas. After graduating from UWF in December 2013, Ashley was offered a position as an associate analyst for the Innovation Group at QRI. She credits the education she received at UWF, as well as her involvement in the UWF Honors Program, for providing her with the skills needed to succeed in the Harvard internship program and in her career. “The Honors program was by far the most enriching aspect of my experience at UWF,” she said. “It’s a community of hard-working, intelligent community advocates—the leaders of today and tomorrow. It’s a family of incredible individuals, each uniquely different, which made me appreciate diversity and praise creative differences. It provided me many opportunities to lead, learn, present academic work, and network across America.” Hailey Egido-Betancourt, Chemistry Student In September 2013, UWF sophomore Hailey Egido-Betancourt became the first UWF student to participate in a prestigious program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she made a research presentation to faculty and graduate students. Egido-Betancourt is involved in the UWF Chemistry Scholars program, which recruits and retains high-achieving chemistry students in an effort to increase the number of students pursuing Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D. degrees. According to EgidoBetancourt, her experiences at UWF have been rewarding and are preparing her for a successful future in science. “The Chemistry Scholars program has provided me with scholarships and leadership experience,” she said. “It has also given me opportunities to develop as a scientist and to meet great scientists throughout the country.”

John Herber, Alumnus, ’98 BA Elementary Education In John Herber’s fifth-grade science classroom at Oakcrest Elementary School in Pensacola, lectures are rare. Instead, the UWF alumnus relies on hands-on, immersive learning experiences to show the students what they’re learning. Herber frequently utilizes his school’s raised vegetable gardens and greenhouse to teach his classes lessons about how plants grow, the life cycle of butterflies and more. His active learning philosophy and passion for teaching are part of the reason why he was recently selected as one of People Magazine’s 2014 Teachers of the Year. Herber not only credits UWF for his success, but also says teaching has given him a deeper appreciation for the education he received during college. “As you’re teaching, it reminds you of everything you learned in school,” he said. “You don’t know how much it will impact you until you apply it.”

For more university-wide news, visit news.uwf.edu. 7

Spring 2014 UNIVERS IT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

CALEN DAR

EACH YEAR UWF

graduates nearly 3,000 proud Argonauts.

Calendar of Events April APRIL 16

13th Annual Women’s Studies Conference UWF students, faculty,

staff, alumni and the members of the community are invited to join the UWF Department of Women’s Studies for its 13th annual conference, to be held at the UWF Conference Center from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The conference provides a convivial atmosphere of food, an art exhibit and a luncheon in which presenters and those in attendance may mingle and exchange information. The conference will be a great occasion for students to showcase their work on gender and women’s studies, gain experience in conference presentation, and build their resumes for later employment or academic applications.

May May 1

RadioLive! RadioLive! is a two-hour,

monthly acoustic music concert presented by WUWF 88.1 FM live on the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Museum of Commerce in historic downtown Pensacola. A listing of the current month’s performers can be found at wuwf.org. Visitors are encouraged to bring a donation of non-perishable food for Manna Food Pantries.

May 2

UWF Confucius Institute Opening Ceremony Alumni and members of

the community are invited to the UWF Confucius Institute opening ceremony, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts Music Hall. Through a partnership with Sichuan International Studies University in Chongqing, China, UWF signed an agreement with the Confucius Institute Headquarters, or Hanban, in Beijing to establish an Institute on the UWF campus. The Confucius Institute at UWF is committed to providing Chinese language and cultural teaching resources and to contributing to the development of multiculturalism among students in other countries. Visit uwf.edu/confucius for additional information. May 3

Commencement Join us at the Pensacola

Bay Center as we welcome the newest members of the UWF Alumni Association. Graduate and undergraduate students will be honored at both morning and afternoon ceremonies. The morning ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and will feature students from the College of Business and the College of Professional Studies. The afternoon ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. and will feature students from the College of Arts and Sciences.

May 8

UWF Emerald Coast Alumni Chapter Event Join Emerald Coast area alumni at

an event designed to bring you up to date on what’s happening at UWF. Visit uwf.edu/alumni for additional information.

June JUNE 5

RadioLive! RadioLive! is a two-hour,

Historic Pensacola Village Open House Explore Historic Pensacola Village during its annual Open House from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. This is a free family fun day, featuring tours, kids activities, living history and much more. Visit historicpensacola.org for additional information.

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

UWF Historic Trust Bridging the Past to Provide Keys to the Future BY BRITTANY CARR SWINFORD

wo women sit outside a wooden cottage on Zaragoza Street in Pensacola. One mends a pair of menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trousers, while the other scrubs a white cotton shirt over a washboard. A sign next to them lists prices for laundering services for soldiers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a necessity in any fort town in the early 1800s.

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

THE UWF HISTORIC TRUST offers a variety of living history demonstrations to draw visitors back to Pensacola’s early beginnings.

This snapshot of the past is met with a crowd of onlookers, wearing modern clothes and listening intently as the women explain a laundry routine during the Spanish Colonial Period. As a living history demonstration offered at Historic Pensacola Village, the scene aims to bring history to life for locals and visitors of all ages. These demonstrations are one of the many programs offered by the University of West Florida Historic Trust to engage the community in learning about Pensacola’s early beginnings. At the heart of the organization is a dedication to collecting, preserving, interpreting and communicating the history of Northwest Florida. Behind its mission is a history all its own that traces 47 years, multiple name changes and a remarkable transformation along the way to become a driving force in the revitalization of downtown Pensacola.

Hu mb l e B e g i n nings

Pensacola is home to a vast history spanning more than three centuries, starting with America’s first temporary settlement and tracing occupations by five different governments. But in the 1960s, Pensacola’s roots were hidden under years of dust and deterioration. “At that time, the downtown Seville area was neglected,” said Earle Bowden, editor emeritus 11

Spring 2014 UNIVERSIT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

of the Pensacola News Journal. “There was a chain-link fence around the square, and historic Spanish and Creole cottages left in disrepair. The movement to preserve Pensacola’s history started with a group of people who looked beyond the dirt and grime and thought, ‘We have something here.’” In 1967, the same year the University of West Florida opened its doors to students, the Legislature established Pensacola’s first historic preservation board, known at that time as the Pensacola Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission, following the creation of a plan to restore Seville Square and the surrounding areas. The Pensacola Historic District was also officially recognized that year. “We recognized that this is where the Spanish had lived originally, and that some of the buildings still had elements dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries,” Bowden said. “We considered that to be the heart of our history, and we wanted it to be the heart of our program.” The organization, later known as the Historic Pensacola Preservation Board, began to acquire and restore historic properties within the Historic District, starting with the Hispanic Museum, currently known as the Museum of Industry; the Museum of Transportation, now known as the Museum of Commerce; and the Tivoli House. They worked with UWF historians to research Pensacola’s past, ensuring that their restoration efforts would be historically accurate.

Season of Growt h

The organization grew in the 1980s with the donation of the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Collection, consisting of more than 200,000 artifacts ranging from antique coins to a petrified cat. Beatrice Belous, widow of Russell Belous, then chief curator for the Historic Pensacola Preservation Board, said she clearly remembers when the Wentworth collection arrived. “Russell started sorting through the items in Wentworth’s home and found cases layered at least three deep, one on top of the other,” she said. “There were closets full of artifacts and papers everywhere.” The City of Pensacola donated its City Hall building on Jefferson Street to the board to house the collection, and in 1988, the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum opened. Items from the Wentworth collection were also used to furnish several homes in the Historic Pensacola Village, and to create replicas of Palafox Street storefronts in the Museum of Commerce. The organization’s efforts slowly transformed the Pensacola Historic District into a historic streetscape that brought visitors back to Pensacola’s roots and breathed new life into a neglected part of town. People began buying houses in the Historic District, and businesses started taking over once-empty storefronts. Bowden said the efforts of the Historic Pensacola Preservation Board also acted as an

We have always been in the education business. That is what it is all about: not only preserving Pensacola’s past and its architectural legacy, but also educating the public about the past and its importance for the future.”

— Earle Bowden, Editor Emeritus, Pensacola News Journal impetus for a widespread movement to save Pensacola’s historic sites elsewhere, including the North Hill Preservation District, Historic Business District, Old East Hill Preservation District, and Governmental Center District. “What would Pensacola be without historic districts?” he said. “They provide a wonderful story that reflects such spirit and character from the past to invite visitors of the future.”

A N e w C h ap t er

In 2001, the Historic Pensacola Preservation Board welcomed a new season as it transitioned from a legislatively funded organization to a direct-support organization under the University of West Florida. It adopted a new name, West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc., as well as a “dual mission” as it expanded its focus to include education and historic preservation. Robert Overton, chief operating officer, who started his career with West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc. in 2002, said the change was positive from the beginning. “A new avenue was created for the University to utilize our historic properties as livinglearning laboratories for students,” he said. “It also allowed us to enhance the importance of educating the public about preservation.” Bowden, who said he had envisioned a partnership between the University and West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc. since each was created, supported the transition and its impact on the organization since then. “We have always been in the education business,” he said. “That is what it is all about: not only preserving Pensacola’s past and its architectural legacy, but also educating the public about the past and its importance for the future.”

In 2013 under the direction of Jerry Maygarden, current chairman of the Board of Directors, the organization unveiled a new brand and name, University of West Florida Historic Trust, to symbolize its attachment to the University as well as its relationship to the historic

The T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum includes the new City of Five Flags exhibit as well as an eclectic assortment of artifacts.

assets with which it is entrusted. Since coming under UWF, the organization has enhanced its educational programs and acquired additional historic properties and sites, now totaling 28 in downtown Pensacola, and the Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site in Milton.

Ed ucati ng t he Pu bl i c

From the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum to the Museums of Industry and Commerce, as well as the Pensacola Children’s Museum and an assortment of historical cottages dating as far back as 1805, visitors touring Historic Pensacola Village can glimpse life as it was in Pensacola during every period of its history. Visitors walking down the block can also participate in programming that demonstrates routine 19th century activities. “Living history demonstrations give people a visual,” said Kimberly McGraw, a 2010 UWF alumna and living history coordinator for Historic Pensacola Village. “A deeper connection develops when they see a real person doing activities from 100 years ago, like preparing and cooking a meal or making a flint rock rifle.” Historic Pensacola Village is also home to a variety of school programming, summer camps and workshops for people of all ages to learn about historic preservation. Additionally, the University utilizes its historic properties to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students in history and archaeology programs, such as archaeological field schools. “They can see preservation happening, right outside their classroom,” Overton said. As part of its dual mission, the Trust hires students to serve as part-time living history interpreters at the properties in downtown Pensacola and Milton to gain valuable experience and prepare them for careers in the industry. UWF and the Trust recently opened two downtown properties for University graduate student housing, where archaeology and history students can live, work and play in the heart of downtown Pensacola. It is the start of what is hoped to be a vital aspect of the organization’s future, allowing students the opportunity to understand Pensacola’s history on a deeper level by living at the center of it.

Coin found by T.T. Wentworth, Jr. in 1906 on the beach. First item in the Wentworth Collection. US gold dollar, 1851

Homemade Armor, ca. 1950-1960

Coca-Cola Electric Drink Dispenser and Cooler, ca. 1960

Cat trapped in a wall during construction of a house in 1850. Found when house was torn down in 1946.

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

P lans f or t he Fu t u re

GRADUATE STUDENTS have the opportunity to live in the Quina-Singh House.

UWF HISTORIC TRUST

manages 29 historic properties and sites in downtown Pensacola that allow visitors to take a walk through the area’s past. A few popular properties are shown below.

Overton said the organization’s past focus has been growing and developing its historical sites and programming that engages audiences in learning more about Pensacola’s history. Its new goal, he said, is to raise awareness and attract visitors from across the country to experience all that Pensacola and its surrounding communities have to offer. The Trust was a valued partner in the development of NextExitHistory, an app created by a team of historical researchers and computer programmers at UWF that provides information about historical sites based on visitors’ locations and interests. Historic Pensacola Village served as the app’s test site, and future plans include signage that guides visitors to the app for detailed information about each site. “With NextExitHistory, it is as easy as pushing a button on your phone to learn about the properties in Historic Pensacola Village,” Overton said. In Fall 2014, the Trust, in collaboration

with Gulf Power Company, will unveil a Multicultural Resource Center in the Beacon Building downtown to expose a new aspect of Pensacola’s history. The center, which will be known as “Voices of Pensacola,” will feature content representing the varied cultural groups who have shaped the city’s history. Potential exhibits will showcase the Native American, Asian, Hispanic, African-American, Greek, Jewish and other European cultures. Bowden said he envisions the Trust enhancing its historical properties with innovative programming that teaches visitors about Pensacola’s past and transforms downtown Pensacola into a lively destination for residents and tourists alike. “People are interested in visiting heritage sites and beaches,” he said. “I see the historic district growing with activity, and the educational environment being enhanced so that people can walk down the streetscape to understand who lived there and how it shaped Pensacola’s history.”

A new avenue was created for the University to utilize our historic properties as living-learning laboratories for students. It also allowed us to enhance the importance of educating the public about preservation.”

— Robert Overton, Chief Operating Officer, UWF Historic Trust

Arcadia Mill

Barkley House

Lavalle House

T.T. Wentworth, Jr.

Dorr House

Tivoli House

LIVING HISTORY cooking demonstrations take place in an authentically recreated detached kitchen house. Old Christ Church

Spring 2014 UNIVERS IT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

Museum of Commerce

D ON OR PR OFI LE

THE LEWIS BEAR FAMILY presented

$1,000,000 to the University, supporting engineering and supply chain logistics.

Gift to UWF Builds Eternal Legacy BY MEGAN GONZALEZ

he Lewis Bear family recently showcased their belief in the impact and value of higher education through a $1 million gift to the University of West Florida to support the UWF engineering department and supply chain logistics program. “Our family believes there are no great cities without great universities,” said Lewis Bear Jr., president and CEO of the Lewis Bear Company. The Bear family is contributing $700,000 of the total gift to engineering, which is emerging as a distinctive department for the University. The gift will advance the University’s ability to align programs with workforce needs in the region and provide opportunities for students in high-wage fields that are important to Northwest Florida. “We hope to be able to help this University grow to meet the needs of the 21st century job market, not only for today but also for the future,” Bear said. The University’s engineering programs are fully accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology. ABET accreditation is the “gold standard” for quality in engineering programs. The gift will continue the success of the Department of Engineering, as student teams in the department regularly place in national and international competitions.

The Bear family has allocated the remaining $300,000 to fund an Endowed Professorship in Supply Chain Logistics, which will enable the program to continue recruiting and retaining top faculty in the discipline. In recent years, the University has experienced an increased demand for the supply chain logistics program based on the success of its graduates and recognition among students that the supply chain field is a growing ca- “We hope to be able to reer opportunity in today’s job market. help this University grow to This gift will ensure the UWF Supply meet the needs of the 21st Chain Logistics program is equipped with leadership that will contribute to century job market, not its growth and enhancement, allowing only for today but also for it to pursue outcomes consistent with the future.”—Lewis Bear Jr. the best programs in the nation. “This gift will build an eternal legacy at UWF by helping to train the future logistics professionals and engineers in the region,” UWF President Judy Bense said. “The entire Bear family truly understands the importance of investing in education.” To learn more about giving to the University of West Florida, visit uwf.edu/give.

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

ATHLE TICS

We are Ready for Some Football BY SABRINA MCLAUGHLIN

ooking at the Maritime Park stadium field, Pete Shinnick doesn’t see the bases, the outfield markers or the home plate where Pensacola Blue Wahoos batters take their position. He imagines a field with goal posts, carefully outlined in 10-yard intervals and one-yard hashmarks. He sees sidelines, not baselines, guiding ball carriers as they strategically dodge opponents, holding tightly a prized piece of leather as the crowd chants “Go Argos.” For the University of West Florida, Shinnick’s vision as the founding coach for Argonaut football will be the basis of a new chapter for the athletic program, student life and Northwest Florida.

Spring 2014 UNIVERSIT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

Without question, UWF is ready for football. Shinnick, no stranger to the game, is part of a football legacy. His father, Don Shinnick, played 13 seasons for the Baltimore Colts and later coached the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, St. Louis Cardinals and Oakland Raiders in the National Football League. In addition to Pete’s standout performance at the University of Colorado, three of his four brothers also found success on the gridiron at Division I colleges – Josh at UCLA, where he played on three Rose Bowl teams, Adam at Penn State, and Chris at the University of Hawaii. Their dad, who passed away in 2008, imparted the mantra Pete lives by and the core of his love for the game.

“One of the great things about my dad was that he coached in Super Bowls and played in Super Bowls, but he never made us play sports. He just said, if you are going to do something, then do it the best you possibly can and give it everything you’ve got,” Shinnick said. That simple philosophy worked well for him when he took the reins of the football program at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2005. He revived a football program that had been inactive for more than 50 years. In only seven seasons, he successfully built the Braves into a nationally ranked NCAA Division II team and compiled a record of 50-24. Prior to his tenure with the Braves, Shinnick had made his mark as head coach of former

AT H LET I C S

NAIA powerhouse Azusa Pacific University, where his teams posted a 53-22 record, reaching the national semifinals twice in seven years. Born in Baltimore, Shinnick graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from Colorado in 1988 after appearing in 21 games for the Buffaloes, including the 1985 Freedom Bowl and the 1986 Bluebonnet Bowl. He earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling at Clemson University in 1992. Shinnick and his wife, Traci, have been married for 22 years and are the proud parents of four children: Anna (19), Rachel (17), Elijah (14) and Benjamin (12). Anna, the eldest, will attend UWF and plans to major in Hospitality, Recreation and Resort Management. “Everyone says that when you add football, each player will bring two other people with them, so I guess you could say I am already recruiting,” Shinnick said.

Traci said the move to Pensacola just felt right. “This is a special place, and we are excited to be here,” she said. Before the first class of Argonauts takes the field in Fall 2016, a considerable amount of work will need to be done to set the stage for a successful program. Shinnick said he believes doing so will take creativity and tenacity.

“Beyond the facilities and other logistics, my goal is to build a team of young men who will represent UWF in a first-class manner and add to the outstanding academic and athletic culture that already exists.” —Pete Shinnick

“We have a great plan to maximize the resources we have,” Shinnick said. “Beyond the facilities and other logistics, my goal is to build a team of young men who will represent UWF in a first-class manner and add to the outstanding academic and athletic culture that already exists.” As a true believer in the Division II philosophy of “life in balance,” Shinnick said he hopes to maintain the UWF ideal of building champions for life both on and off the field. “Growing up with my dad, I was able to see a great example of what it looks like to mold young men into great husbands, fathers, employees and employers,” Shinnick said. In building a program, he said, “that’s always been my focus.” To learn more about Shinnick or watch the press conference announcement, visit goargos.com/football.

HEAD COACH PETE SHINNICK and his

wife, Traci, and children Anna, Rachel, Elijah and Benjamin.

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

ATHLE TICS

UWF Athletics Fall 2013 Recap BY SEAN SULLIVAN

1. 2. 3. 4.

all 2013 was one of the most successful seasons in University of West Florida Athletics history. The University currently ranks third in the latest Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup standings after the completion of five NCAA Division II Championships this fall. The UWF women’s soccer team finished runner-up at the NCAA Championships and earned its second consecutive Gulf South Conference title this past season. The Argonauts boasted a

Spring 2014 UNIVERSIT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

4 program record 34-match unbeaten streak that dated back to the 2012 season and had six student-athletes earn All-America honors. The West Florida men’s soccer team captured its eighth Gulf South Conference Championship title in 2013. The Argonauts advanced to the NCAA regional finals before falling to topseeded Rollins. The men finished their season ranked No. 18 in the final national coaches poll, the first time since 2008 that the team has ranked in the top 25.

UWF Women’s Soccer April Syme, Junior UWF Women’s Volleyball Autumn Duyn, Junior UWF Men’s Soccer Fernando Silveria, Senior UWF Women’s Cross Country Renea Porsch, Senior*

*Photo credit Emmele Photography

The women’s UWF volleyball team won 28 matches in 2013 en route to the program’s sixth-consecutive GSC title. West Florida advanced to the NCAA regional finals before falling to top-seeded Tampa in four sets. UWF boasted two All-Americans in the 2013 season. The West Florida men’s and women’s cross country teams were both runners-up at the GSC Championships this past fall. The women’s team finished fourth at the NCAA regionals, while the men finished fifth.

Do you know a student who would be a good match for the University of West Florida? If so, please participate in our Future Argonaut Referral Program (FAR). We know that referrals are a great source of qualified prospective students who have not applied to UWF. Because of your unique understanding of the type of student that would thrive at UWF, we invite you to send some students our way. Start by submitting a Future Argonaut Referral form online at uwf.edu/futureargo. Your referral will receive an information packet, an application fee waiver*, and a call from an admissions counselor.

FAQ Whom should I refer to UWF?

You should refer high school students who are considering post-secondary education and have not yet applied to UWF, for whom we may be a good “fit.”

Does the student have to apply for admission to UWF?

We hope that students will want to apply for admission to UWF after learning about our programs and campus life. They are not required to apply for admission after being referred.

Does the student have to be a member of my family?

We hope that you would refer students in your family, but you are not limited to family members. Send us the names of family friends, neighbors, etc. If you believe the student to be a good fit for UWF, we would love to hear from you.

Does the student have to be interested in UWF?

No. The student may not even be familiar with UWF. However, by sending us the student’s name, you are giving the Office of Undergraduate Admissions the opportunity to introduce the student to UWF.

Does the student have to be a senior in high school?

No. In fact, we know students are beginning the college search process earlier in their high school career. You can send in the names of students who are in the first year of high school all the way through the fall semester of their senior year of high school. *Please remember, fee waivers can only be used for students who have not submitted an application fee.

What else can you do to help spread the word about our program?

• Share your own experience with potential UWF students. • Direct them to our website uwf.edu/futureargo. • Encourage them to attend an on-campus event or schedule a tour of UWF.

uwf.edu/futureargo | 800.263.1074 | admissions@uwf.edu

C LASS NOTE S

Class Notes

►’69 Dr. Lyman Harris, BA Psychology, will retire on Aug. 9, 2014 from the rehabilitation science program at Arkansas Tech University after devoting nearly four decades to developing it into one of the premier programs in the nation. ►’69 Judge Thomas E. Johnson, BA Accounting, retired as an Escambia County, Fla., county judge. Johnson was elected to the bench in 1988 and served the citizens of Escambia County as a judge for 25 years, following approximately 16 years in private practice. ►’69 Gail E. Sasnett, BA Psychology, recently completed a five-year term as a member of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. Sasnett served as chair of the board, 2012-2013. As an arm of the Florida Supreme Court, the board oversees admissions of all attorneys to the practice of law in Florida. ►’69 Dave Walby, BA History, presented and signed copies of his recently released book highlighting the life and times of William Chase, the senior engineer who supervised the construction of the Pensacola forts, during the William Henry Chase Celebration on Saturday, April 5 at Fort Pickens. ►’70 Sybil Stoudenmire, BS System Science, has been named Volunteer of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2013 by the Thomas Hospital Auxiliary in Fairhope, Ala. Stoudenmire is the chairperson for the volunteer service area, where she trains and schedules volunteers. ►’71 Kerry C. Williams, MS Aeronautical Systems, a shareholder at national law firm Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, Williams White, Williams & Aughtry, was recently named to the 2014 list of “The Best Lawyers in America” in the construction law practice area. ►’71 Stan Dean, BA Theatre, has coordinated the Pensacola State College Lyceum Series for more than 23 years. Dean is the author 19

Spring 2014 UNIVERSIT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

of two books of poetry, “Loss and Remembrance” and “In the Autumn of Always.” A third book is in the works. ►’73 & ’78 William Rone, BA Accounting & MBA, has retired after 42 years of service at Eglin Air Force Base. Rone left his post at the helm of Air Force Special Operations Command’s $1.6 billion budget. ►’74 Ellen Anson, BA Special Education, is the 2013 Elementary Teacher of the Year at Rocky Ridge Elementary School in Hoover, Ala. Anson has been teaching for 39 years. ►’75 Michael Tarwater, BA Management, has been elected to the Board of Piedmont Natural Gas in Charlotte, N.C. Tarwater is the CEO of Carolina’s HealthCare System, which owns and manages hospitals, nursing homes, physician practices and outpatient facilities in both North and South Carolina. ►’76 & ’96 Gerald H. Hilbert, has joined CharterBank as a commercial lender. Hilbert is a member of the Pensacola Association of Realtors and the Home Builders Association of West Florida. ►’76 & ’77 Shelley Jean Ovsak, BS Health Education & MS Health, Leisure & Sports, recently retired as a Delta Connection flight attendant. Ovsak, who is retired military, was also a military flight attendant on Air Force II. A freelance model, she has done photo shoots with the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels and the Griffith Advertising Agency. ►’80 Amy M. Huff, BA Special Education, is the principal of Willow Grove Elementary School in the Rancho Bernardo area of California. Huff was previously the assistant principal of Willow Grove, where she served on the leadership team that opened the school in 2008. ►’80 John Gradone, BS Marketing, has been named the new Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Ocean Group Camp Meeting Association in Ocean Grove, N.J. ►’80 Thom Watson, BA Accounting, has retired and opened the Sweet Home Alabama Campground and RV Park on Point A Lake in Andalusia, Ala.

►’80 Dr. Ronald C. Thomas, Jr., BA Communication Arts, was elected chair of the Libertarian Party of Volusia County, Fla., representing Daytona Beach and the surrounding area. Thomas is currently a course director for the graduate program in New Media Journalism at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla. ►’81 Michael J. Charest, BS Systems Science, has joined GMC Software Technology as Vice President of Sales for Financial Services and Insurance. Charest will support the company’s continued expansion of its GMC Inspire solution into vertical markets within North America. ►’84 Wendy Livingston, BS Marketing, is the new professional librarian for the West Florida Public Library System’s Molino Branch Library. ►’85 John Sirianno, BA Communication Arts, earned a Master’s in Education with advanced certification from St. Bonaventure University in 1993. Sirianno has spent 25 years as a middle- and high-school counselor in Jamestown, N.Y. ►’86, ’08 & ’12 Dr. Susan Diane Flagg, MA Early Childhood Education, Specialist in Education, Doctor of Education Curriculum and Instruction, was honored by Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges during a ceremony at the John C. Pace Library on April 5, 2013. ►’87 Sukanya Senapati, MA English, is an instructor in English in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Coordinator of Learning Support Services at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. ►’87 Barbara B. Albrecht, BS Marine Biology, works as an advocate for watershed quality. Albrecht has worked for The Nature Conservancy and is currently volunteering as a watershed coordinator with UWF. ►’88 Wendy Kobler, BS Marketing, has been appointed Vice Chancellor for Advancement at Indiana University-Purdue University in Fort Wayne, Ind. ►’88 & ’90 Juana Ayers, BA International Studies & MPA Public Administration, has joined Seminole Hard Rock Tampa as its new Vice President of Human Resources. ►’88 Patrick Snyder, BA History, has

C LASS N OT ES

been named Channel Leader-Club and Specialty for Ferrero USA. In addition to his role as channel leader, Snyder will also serve as Director of Global Relations for Costco with Ferrero. Snyder joined Ferrero USA in 2009 after successful stints at Nabisco, Kraft, George Weston Bakeries and Stella D’Oro. ►’91 Andrea G. Schmidt, BS Marketing, has been named Associate Partner for Bell Oaks Executive Search, a national executive search firm headquartered in Atlanta. ►’93, ’94 & ’98 George Clasbey, BA Social Work, MEd Educational Leadership, Specialist in Education Curriculum and Instruction, has joined the Bridgeway Center Inc. as a licensed clinical social worker. ►’93 & ’99 Matalie Whiting, BS Management & MEd, was a finalist for Clayton County’s 2014 Teacher of the Year in Clayton County, Ga. Whiting teaches eighth-grade English and language arts at Lovejoy Middle School. ►’94 Brad Rahinsky, BS Marketing, has been promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer of the Atlanta-based Rahinsky Hotel Equities, a full-scale hotel management, development and consulting firm. ►’95 Howard W. Brown, Jr., Master of Public Administration, was recently hired as the City Manager of Muskogee, Okla. Brown will oversee the city’s day-to-day operations. He previously served as the Planning and Community Development Director for Opa-locka, Fla. ►’95 & ’97 Mark Peterson, BA International Studies & MA Communication Arts, has been appointed Web developer with Vreeland Marketing and Design in Yarmouth, Maine. Peterson is responsible for Web and applications development for Vreeland’s B2B and B2C e-commerce clients. ►’95 Jessica Miller Klodnicki, BA Communication Arts, recently relocated to Santa Cruz, Calif., and was promoted to Executive Vice President and General Manager

in the Action Sports Division of Easton-Bell Sports, where she leads the business for Bell Helmets and Blackburn Cycling Accessories. She was included in the Bicycle Retailer Industry Klodnicki Association News “50 Most Influential Women” in the industry. Klodnicki was also appointed to the Board of Directors of People for Bikes, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving bicycling in the United States. ►’95 John D. Forlini, Master of Business Administration, is publishing three books this year. One, “The 1930’s Road from the Past Portal to the Future,” is already available. The other two books will be released soon. ►’97 & ’00 Jenny Crafford Bernard, BA History & MBA, was recently promoted to the position of Complex Administrative Manager for the South Louisiana region with Raymond James & Associates. Bernard is responsible for the supervisory, administrative and operational assistance for six locations in the region. Bernard was also appointed to serve on the Operation Manager Advisory Council for Raymond James & Associates. ►’98 & ’99 Cassandra Faye Smith, BA Special Education and MEd Educational Leadership, is the new principal of Escambia County School District’s first “hybrid” turnaround school. Lincoln Park Elementary will be the district’s sole primary school, serving students in pre-kindergarten through third grade only. ►’00 Bridgette Jenson, BA Political Science, has been practicing law for 10 years and has earned the title of Assistant State Attorney in the Pensacola area. ►’01 Annette Duranso, BA Social Work, has been named president of the Allentown-based Valley Youth House in Pennsylvania. Duranso last served with the federal Department of Health and Human Services, where she led both the Family Youth Services Bureau

and Children’s Welfare Bureau for Region III. ►’01 & ’13 Lyle Messer, BA Social Science and MEd Educational Leadership, is the new head football coach at Bozeman High School in Sand Hills, Fla. Messer served as the assistant coach at Pine Forest High School in Pensacola for the past 11 years. ►’01 Mike Renacker, MA History, recently returned from a 10-month deployment in Afghanistan. Renacker served as the program manager for military construction for Regional Command East in Afghanistan. Renacker was awarded the NATO medal, the Commander’s Award for Civil Service Medal and the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Global War on Terrorism. ►’02 Ashley Harris, BA Communication Arts, has recently been named Director of Affiliations Development and Physician Outreach at Baptist Health Care in Pensacola. Harris is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at UWF. ►’02 John Hair, BA Political Science & Philosophy, has been named the National Association of Mutual Insurance Company’s newest Federal Affairs Director. Hair, a veteran lobbyist with nearly eight years of experience, has joined the Washington, D.C., office, and is focusing on helping the industry pass a reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act. ►’03 Deborah Douma, BA Communication Arts & MSA Public Administration, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and Grants at Pensacola State College, recently received the national Campus Impact Award for Outstanding Grants Professional. ►’05 Alyssa Maki Martin, BS Biology, graduated in Summer 2013 with a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Florida. She married fellow UWF graduate Tanner Martin in May 2012 at Pensacola Beach. ►’05 Laura Davis, BA Mathematics, recently graduated with an M.D. degree from the Florida State University College of Medicine

Davis

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

CLASS NOTE S

and will be pursuing a career in family medicine. As a medical student, Davis was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society and received the Class of 2013 Mission Award. Davis will complete her residency in Anderson, S.C. ►’06 Nicole Huie, BA Communications Arts, has been named the Assistant Director of College Relations, Outreach and Engagement for the University of Central Florida Alumni Association. Huie previously served as the Communications Coordinator for the UCF Office of Student Involvement.

outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education. Gilbert is a doctoral student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. ►’08 Jeremy Smart, BA Communication Arts, is the community service coordinator at Great Falls Pre-Release Services in Great Fall, Mon. In his new role, Smart will also serve as the coordinator of the Cascade County DUI Task Force.

►’06 Darcey G. Baugh, BA Psychology, has taken the position of coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid at the University of West Florida.

►’08 Tanner Martin, BS Environmental Studies, graduated with a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Florida in Fall 2011. He married fellow UWF graduate Alyssa Maki in May 2012 at Pensacola Beach.

►’06 Andie Bills, BA Studio Art, has been promoted to Coordinator of Alumni Engagement in the new Student and Alumni Engagement department at Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Ala.

►’08 & ’10 Katie Garrett, BA in History and MA in History/Historic Preservation, has opened Old Hickory Whiskey Bar on South Palafox Place in historic downtown Pensacola.

►’06 & ’11 Samantha Morgan, BS Clinical Lab Science & Master of Public Health, has been inducted into the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Morgan is the first UWF MPH Program graduate to be commissioned in the USPHCC.

►’09 Lisa Rutherford, MEd Curriculum and Instruction, was awarded an International Legal English Certificate on June 19, 2013 by Cambridge University ESOL Examinations in London.

►’07 Marco Matteucci, BS Health, Leisure and Exercise Science, is the new assistant coach for the women’s tennis team at Baylor University. Prior to his role at Baylor, Matteucci served as the men’s and women’s assistant coach at the University of Texas at Arlington.

►’09 Paul Chason, MEd Educational Leadership, has taken the reins as director of the Atmore, Ala., area YMCA. ►’10 Crystal Barrineau, BA Graphic Design, works at Pen Air FCU as a graphic artist in the marketing department. She is responsible for strategizing, creating and implementing internal and external advertising campaigns. Barrineau also specializes in wedding and children’s invitations as a freelance project, AngriBunni Studio. Barrineau married in 2010 and gave birth to her first child in 2012.

O’Neal

►’07 Iris O’Neal, BS Engineering Technology, is a corporate business writer and the Safety Support Manager for the electrical utility contractor, Wilson Construction Co. in Canby, Ore. ►’07 Teaetta L. Gilbert, BA Criminal Justice, has been inducted into the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society. The society recognizes 21

Spring 2014 UNIVERSIT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

Barrineau

►’10 John Hoyt, BSBA Marketing, has been appointed as Regional Sales

Manager for QMotion. Hoyt worked previously as a customer service manager for QMotion in Ellyson Commerce Park in Pensacola. ►’11 Bari Lang, BS Biology, is a member of the first cohort of MasaHillel Fellows. The fellowship is a six-month professional development seminar to prepare current Masa participants for Hillel work. Lang currently lives in Be’er Sheva as an Israel Teaching Fellow. She prepares lessons and teaches English to lowincome elementary students. ►’11 Zachary Barrett, BS Biology, has been hired as a Baker County High School biology teacher. Barrett is also the assistant football coach for the offensive line and the strength and conditioning coach for the wrestling team. ►’11 Preston Stokes, BSBA Marketing, is QMotion’s Logistics and Inventory Specialist, bringing experience that will improve shipping times and efficiencies. Stokes assists with inventory control, inbound material inspection and international orders. ►’11 Jonathan N. O’Neil, BA Political Science/Pre-Law, is serving as the External Vice President for the inaugural issue of Stetson University College of Law review. “Stetson Journal of Advocacy and the Law” is a unique law review that is designed to be read entirely online to meet the needs of today’s reader. ►’11 & ’13 Erika Flagg, BA Anthropology & Master of Public Health, has accepted a position with the prestigious Florida Epidemic Flagg Intelligence Service as a Fellow for two years post-graduation. As an EIS Fellow, Flagg will be assigned to one or more counties in the state, addressing public health problems. ►’11 Narcissus Willis, BS Health Science Administration, works as a coordinator in the Academic and Student Affairs section of the Division of Florida Colleges. She also serves on the Homeless Advisory Board. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Information Technology at Florida State University and a Master of Public Health at UWF. ►’12 John “Davy” Norris, BA Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, is

C L ASS N OT ES

the Director of HIV Prevention and Education for a statewide non-profit that supports individuals afflicted with HIV/AIDS. Norris has lived in Anchorage, Alaska, since May 2010, working in the human services field. ►’12 Stephni Jean Speigel, BS Chemistry & Biochemistry, is a forensic technologist in the biology section at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. ►’12 Robert Steven Gray, BA Communication Arts, has been hired by the Mark Lee team as Director of Information Systems. Gray assists the team with Internet strategies and information systems related to marketing real estate listings. ►’12 Anna-Milena Szemik, BS Hospitality, Recreation and Resort Management, ’94 Dr. Xuan Tran, BS Business Administration, & ’13 Camille Dauchez, BS Hospitality, Recreation and Resort Management, have jointly written an article in the “Journal of Vacation Marketing,” Volume 19, Number 4, October 2013. The article deals with a study conducted in Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. This article was also presented at the Student Scholar Symposium in April 2012 and won the Distinguished Undergraduate Presentation in Health, Leisure and Exercise Science. ►’13 Brandi A. Welk, BA Communication Arts, has joined the Council on Aging of West Florida as the Development Director. Welk is responsible for charitable giving, outreach efforts and major special events. She also serves on the board of First Book and is a member of the Florida Public Relations Association. ►’13 Harley Jackson, Master of Public Health, has been appointed to a position with the Florida Department of Health in Tallahassee as a data administration analyst for ESSENCE at the state level. IN MEMORIAM ’70 & ’87 Elizabeth “Betsy” Mattern, BA Elementary Education & MA Reading; died Oct. 9, 2013. ’71 Frances McNeil, BA Art Education; died Sept. 26, 2013. ’71 John Wachtel, BS Systems Science/Business; died Oct. 11, 2013.

’71 Patricia Stradomski, BA Elementary Education; died Nov. 1, 2013. ’71 Nona Grace, MA Elementary Education; died Nov. 12, 2013. ’72 Huey “Don” Clark, BS Art; died Sept. 17, 2013. ’72 Leonard Schwartz, BA History; died Oct. 13, 2013. ’73 Toni Shows, BS Health, Leisure and Exercise Science; died Sept. 17, 2013. ’73 David Traynham, BS Systems Science; died Oct. 24, 2013. ’75 LCDR Benard “Bernie” Rubel, USN (Ret.), BA Education; died Aug. 24, 2013. ’75 Elwynn Dennis, BS Physics; died Jan. 3, 2014. ’75 John P. Griffith, Jr., BA Studio Art; died Feb. 4, 2014.

’95 Lucinda N. Tuley, BS Biology; died Sept. 27, 2013. ’98 Sharon Aydelott, MEd Curriculum & Instruction; died Dec. 24, 2013. ’00 Marianne Wheeler, BS Accounting; died Oct. 1, 2013. ’05 Alexis Leigh Kax, BS Biology; died Dec. 16, 2013. ’09 Hans Benjamin Bjornstad, BA English; died Aug. 29, 2013. ’11 Jason Dubose, BS Management; died Jan. 3, 2014. ’13 Cassi Leann Churchwell, BS Health Science; died Feb. 2, 2014. William Bolyard, retired employee; died Sept. 10, 2013. James Holmes, retired employee; died Sept. 2013 Ron Roston, former employee; died Aug. 30, 2013.

’76 Janet Ridgely Cass, MA Early Childhood Education; died Sept. 16, 2013. ’76 Lt. Col. Harold Davies, USAF (Ret.), BS Technology Vocational Studies; died Nov. 2, 2013. ’77 Lt. Col. Charles A. Lancaster, USAF (Ret.), BS Management; died Aug. 16, 2013. ’77 Richard Wintenburg, BS Marketing; died Sept. 13, 2013. ’78 Margaret Randall, BA Special Education; died Sept. 3, 2013. ’78 Robertha Johnson, BA Elementary Education; died Oct. 3, 2013. ’79 William H. Reed, BS Industrial Technology; died Oct. 31, 2013. ’79 & ’80 Carmen Schlaffer, BSN Nursing & MS Health Education; died Oct. 28, 2013. ’82 LCDR Charles R. Combs, BA Spanish; died Nov. 8, 2013. ’82 Laura Bippus Shotnik, BS Marketing; died Dec. 31, 2013. ’88 Kenneth Laguens, BS Management; died Oct. 14, 2013. ’88 Marinda Dorr, BS Management; died Jan. 7, 2014. ’89 Shirley Taite, BA Elementary Education; died Oct. 13, 2013. ’90 Jill Bradley Porman, BA Psychology; died Sept. 15, 2013. ’94 Christopher Williams, BA History; died Sept. 5, 2013.

Dr. Randall Williams 1930-2014 Randy Williams, the former UWF Director of Development, passed away on Jan. 16, 2014. He served the University of West Florida from 1990 to 1998. He also served for two terms on the UWF Foundation Board, from 1998 to 2002, and was a current board member. Williams proudly served his country as a Naval Aviator. He retired after 32 years of service at the rank of Captain. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University, a master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico. For those desiring to do so, memorial gifts may be made in Williams’ name to the UWF Foundation.

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

A LUMNI

Alumni Spotlight: Grace Resendez McCaffery BY ERIN TIMMONS

GRACE RESENDEZ MCCAFFERY

and her son, UWF student Brandon McCaffery.

“UWF completely changed my life. It provided me with the confidence I needed to pursue a vocation I really enjoyed, and it taught me that I’m valuable professionally. I have a degree that I earned from an incredible educational institution that can really take me anywhere.” — Grace Resendez McCaffery, ’02, Founder, La Costa Latina Newspaper

Spring 2014 UNIVERS IT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

rowing up in Grace Resendez McCaffery’s home, two things were clearly understood: Men work hard for a living, and women work hard from the home. “I came from a very traditional, old-fashioned culture,” McCaffery said. “I was raised knowing how to cook and clean, but was never encouraged to read. I wasn’t really aware that attending college was possible, because nobody ever told me that I could be anything that I wanted.” But at 23, McCaffery found herself widowed and a single mother of two, questioning what future she would be able to provide her children without a college degree. “I had always heard that parents who go to college have children who go to college,” McCaffery said. “I wanted my children to see that getting a degree was realistic, because I knew that was going to be the difference between their having to compete for a minimum-wage job or a position they really desired.” After enrolling at the University of West Florida, McCaffery was initially intimidated by the academic atmosphere. “Often I’d return home and help my kids with their homework and put them to bed before I was able to complete my own,” she said. “There were times where I felt like I was struggling, but I made it through.” McCaffery credits UWF’s Department of Communication Arts, as well as instructor Eileen Perrigo, for providing her with the instruction, inspiration and motivation she needed to earn a B.A. in Communication Arts with a specialization in public relations. Since graduation, McCaffery has been an inspiration to the Pensacola community, serving as a voice for Latino residents who proudly live and work in the area. She founded the La Costa Latina newspaper in 2005 as a means to provide news and information to Spanish speakers throughout the Gulf Coast. La Costa Latina published its final edition on Jan. 10. “UWF completely changed my life,” McCaffery said. “It provided me with the confidence I needed to pursue a vocation I really enjoyed, and it taught me that I’m valuable professionally. I have a degree that I earned from an incredible educational institution that can really take me anywhere.” Through her college degree, McCaffery inspired her own son, current UWF student Brandon McCaffery, to pursue his dreams with a degree in Criminal Justice. Brandon also serves as president of the Hispanic Student Association and a senator for the Student Government Association. “I enjoy watching him flourish at UWF more than anything, because I know exactly how that feels,” McCaffery said. “He’s no longer going to be a first-generation graduate, and regardless of whether or not I was the inspiration for it, he’s taking full advantage of his opportunities. I couldn’t be more proud.”

COM M U N I T Y

UWF Public Piano Project Turns Downtown Streets into Music Halls BY JENNIFER PECK

n a sensational marriage of art and music, she said. “It is a progressive idea to advance UWF is leading the Public Piano Project both the culture of the city and the awareness initiative alongside the City of Pensacola of the University.” in an effort to further enrich the already The first piano, painted by UWF student vibrant culture of downtown Pensacola. Josh Green, has been installed on the corner Donated pianos are hand-painted by local of Palafox and Garden streets, just outside artists, including some of UWF’s very own Vinyl Music Hall. A second piano, designed art students, and installed in publicly acces- and painted by Jessica J. Sepherson—also a sible locations, giving any inspired passerby UWF student—will be placed in the Pensacthe opportunity to ola Community Marlive out their dream itime Park. Plans are as a modern-day “As a patron of the arts, I am underway for several Beethoven for any delighted to see art and music additional downtown lucky pedestrian brought into public spaces for locations to house public pianos, as well. within earshot. “As a patron of the The Public Piano everyone to enjoy.”—Pensacola arts, I am delighted Project is led by Mayor Ashton Hayward to see art and music Dr. Hedi SalankiRubardt, Distinguished Professor and director brought into public spaces for everyone to enof the piano and chamber music programs at joy,” Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward said. Similar public piano projects have been sucUWF. Her vision is inspired by her desire to enhance Pensacola’s cultural capacity while cessful in many larger U.S. cities, including Cleveland, Boston and New York City. UWF building the University’s visibility. “Pensacola has the perfect climate and the is confident that Pensacola can sustain such a ideal arts community to support this project,” creative endeavor.

DR. HEDI SALANKI-RUBARDT and

Mayor Ashton Hayward unveil the first installment of many in the UWF Public Piano Project.

The Public Piano Project is looking for business owners in downtown Pensacola to house pianos. If you are interested and have a semicovered, public location that could protect a piano from rain, please contact Dr. Hedi SalankiRubardt at hrubardt@uwf.edu or 850.857.6295.

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

SNA PS H OTS

Argie and students at the Homecoming Pep Rally.

Terry and Betty Berling attend the UWF Donor Dinner at the Museum of Commerce.

Hilda Dailey, Lauren Rees, Dr. Jane Wentworth and Brenda Rees stand behind the photo of Mr. T.T. Wentworth, Jr. at the grand re-opening of the T.T. Wentworth Museum.

John Switzer takes a moment to pose with the Student Ambassadors.

Smile!

Whether we gather at a board retreat, recognition dinner, chapter event or baseball game, our Alumni Association events provide the perfect opportunity to show our appreciation of your continued support. They are also a wonderful chance for you to socialize with fellow alumni, current students, staff, faculty and friends of the university. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out! Our Alumni Association keeps adding more new events to the mix. For a look at upcoming events, visit alumni.uwf.edu.

T.T. Wentworth Museum Re-Opening Celebration. 25

Spring 2014 UNIVERSIT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

S N APSH OTS

Ribbon Cutting at T.T. Wentworth Museum Re-Opening. Jerry Maygarden, Lewis Bear, Mayor Ashton Hayward, J. Earle Bowden, Dr. Brendan Kelly, Dr. Elizabeth Benchley and Bennett Shuman.

Students cheer for athletes at Homecoming Pep Rally. Mother Jeanna Pryor and daughter JaNeil Pryor hear university updates at the DC Area Chapter event.

Ann Belleau, Martha Lee Blodgett, Harriett Wyer and Laverne Baker celebrate together.

Dr. Judy Bense takes a moment with Katlin Englund, who shared her UWF testimony at the Annual Donor Dinner.

Larry and Nancy Warrenfeltz meet William Lee Golden during his art exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of Art. U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

SNAPS H OTS

Mindy Medley and Nicole Huie connect at the Orlando Chapter event at Seasons 52.

GEICO and Pen Air teams at the UWF Alumni Classic.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS OF THE ANNUAL UWF ALUMNI GOLF TOURNAMENT GEICO

Alumni Golf Winners

Pen Air Federal Credit Union

1st place—Andy McQuagge, David Hawkins, Marty Stanovich, David Erickson

Chartwells Morette Company UWF Bookstore Florida First Capital Finance Corporation Sandy Sansing Automotive

2nd Place—James Hosman, John Hosman, Jerold Hall, Mike Myhre 3rd Place—Greg Kirby, Tony Nguyen, Bryan Clarke, Chris Amos

Team Morette at the UWF Alumni Classic.

Tampa area alumni network at Maggiano’s.

Josh Kolapo, Tim Moore, Lisa Vallin, Amy Bueno, Jonathon Williams and Celena Bedosky attend the Tampa Chapter event. 27

Spring 2014 UNIVERS IT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

D I VER SI T Y

UWF Embraces Diversity, Inclusion in Vision for the Future BY ERIN TIMMONS

“We want to make it clear that diversity is a priority to our UWF family. We’re a hub for academics and cultural exchange, and we feel that inclusiveness only benefits the educational and social experience of college.” —Kim LeDuff, Ph.D., UWF Chief Diversity Officer

he University of West Florida is no longer “the university in the woods.” Amid surging enrollment rates, the creation of a football program and college reorganization, the fabric that binds the academic institution together with its student population has changed. Today, the University excels because of the variously colored fibers that tie all Argonauts together—each representative of the unique cultures and backgrounds present throughout the student body, all of whom are pursuing the dream of higher education. This point of pride is fully embraced by UWF’s Chief Diversity Officer Kim LeDuff, who has put into action the desire to educate Argonauts on the importance of acceptance and respect. LeDuff’s primary focus as chief diversity officer is to implement initiatives that would not only increase diversity awareness on campus and within the community, but also provide faculty, staff and students an inclusive environment that is tolerant of each individual’s race, ethnicity, sexuality and religious background. “UWF is taking a proactive stance on these measures to improve equity,” LeDuff says. “We want to make it clear that diversity is a priority to our UWF family. We’re a hub for academics and cultural exchange, and we feel that inclusiveness only benefits the educational and social experience of college.” LeDuff assumed the position of chief diversity officer in September 2013 after an impressive tenure at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she served as acting dean of the School of Mass Communication and Journalism and chaired a committee responsible for creating the institution’s first diversity plan. At UWF, LeDuff has been working with the President’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion to draft and implement a plan for increasing diversity, tolerance and awareness on campus and throughout the community. The President’s Council is comprised of UWF faculty, staff, students and community members. She expects the plan to be approved by the council and put into effect during 2014. “I can’t make diversity happen on campus alone,” LeDuff says. “But the UWF family is very focused on implementing these initiatives to benefit faculty, staff, students and Pensacola.” For additional information about UWF’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, visit uwf.edu/respect.

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

DEV ELOPME NT

Pen Air Federal Credit Union Partners with College of Business

to Deliver Financial Literacy BY PATTY VEAL, PEN AIR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

ccording to the Federal Reserve Board of New York, approximately 37 million student loan borrowers have outstanding student loans today. A report on this topic from Accounting Principals indicated that approximately “one-third of recent grads—if they could do it all again, would have pursued more scholarships or financial-aid options, pursued a major that would have led to a higher-paying job, or gotten a job while in college and started saving earlier.” This strikes a chord with Stu Ramsey, President/CEO of Pen Air Federal Credit Union, who comments, “Pen Air Federal Credit Union sees a need for financial literacy more and more as we see potential borrowers enter our doors with lower credit scores on average as compared to borrowers 10 and 20 years ago. This trend needs intervention, and it is the basis behind our board’s decision to partner with UWF’s College of Business.”

Spring 2014 UNIVERSIT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

Pen Air Provides Gift for Financial Literacy Boot Camp BY GRETCHEN VANVALKENBURG Pen Air Federal Credit Union’s generous gift of $100,000 will create The Pen Air Federal Credit Union Betty M. Petree Endowment, which will provide lasting support through scholarships and a Financial Literacy Boot Camp. The endowment is named in honor of Betty M. Petree, who served as the general manager of Pen Air Federal Credit Union for 36 years and currently serves on its board of directors. The boot camp will provide students essential resources, tools and financial necessities for the real world, such as personal financial planning, advantages of tax-deferred savings, retirement plans, health care options and benefits, review of insurance, debt management and other financial literacy topics.

D E VELOPM EN T

Alumni Spotlight: Jill Tummler Singer UWF Prepares Alumna with Life-Changing Opportunities BY MARGARET ROBERTS

he CIA, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Telecommunications Services and the National Reconnaissance Office are just a few organizations that mark the extraordinary resume of UWF alumna Jill Tummler Singer. Singer, BSBA ’84 and MS ’85, said her desire to work in the IT industry stemmed from receiving an excellent grade in her first computer science course at UWF. “Computer science was very new at the time, but I took it as my first elective,” she said. “Then, I took the next one, and realized this is something I can do. Before I knew it, my first two years were up.” Singer made her way through the University of West Florida as a first-generation college student by utilizing local resources and working in a co-op with IBM. Her passion for the IT industry continued to grow as she received valuable support from University faculty and mentors. Singer recognizes the support of those mentors to her past success, current achievements and future endeavors. “Even when you are at the very top, you still have something you can learn,” Singer said. After graduating from UWF with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Singer received her first job through a lottery selec-

tion and began the long process of gaining a top-secret security clearance to work as a programmer for the CIA. During the clearance processing time, she earned a master’s degree in systems analysis from UWF.

“Even when you are at the very top, you still have something you can learn,”—Jill Tummler Singer, Federal CIO Emeritus, Tummler Singer Associates, LLC As a UWF alumna, Singer is passionate about building the next generation’s workforce through mentoring. In 2010, she was named the CIA’s Manager Mentor of the Year. She was especially honored to receive this award, as the nomination was made by those whom Singer has dedicated her experience, time and heart to teaching. “This award recognized that even a senior executive in the CIA could still be awarded for giving back to others,” Singer said. “Mentoring

wasn’t my job, it was my passion. “ As the current Federal CIO Emeritus at Tummler Singer Associates, LLC and partner at Deep Water Point, Singer acknowledges that the biggest struggle in her career has been learning collaboration and the value of others’ opinions, especially working as a female in a generally male-dominant workforce. “There’s always a challenge of collaborating and fitting in well into a corporate ecosystem,” Singer said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a two-person team or the thousands of people in the U.S. intelligence community; you must recognize that everyone has a valuable role to play and that we all need each other to be successful.” Singer’s resume highlights years of experience in the IT industry, as well as numerous awards and honors, but she credits UWF with providing the key to her success: her education. “My education at UWF opened the door to many valuable career opportunities,” she said. “It has enabled me to successfully adapt to the changing IT industry. Over the past four decades, I have seen firsthand that the changes are remarkable, and to be able to respond to them using the skills I gained during college and throughout my career is breathtaking.”

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

MEE T A STUDE NT A MBASSADOR

UWF Ambassador Q&A BY MARGARET ROBERTS & MICHEAL COTTON

How did you become involved in UWFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Student Ambassador Program? I noticed students in bright green jackets on campus one day who really stood out to me. I was searching for an organization where I could make a difference at UWF, and I loved what the UWF Student Ambassadors represented. Their level of dedication and impact on the UWF community convinced me to apply. What has been your favorite aspect of the program? I enjoy meeting alumni who are successful and give back to the University. When you see them on a visit, it brightens your day. A connection is established with someone who has the experience youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working toward. You never know what opportunities may result from one conversation. What are some benefits of being a UWF Student Ambassador?

Kylan Osley

ylan Osley is a native of Birmingham, Ala., and junior criminal justice major at UWF who has a passion for law enforcement and plans to pursue a role as a federal law enforcement agent upon graduation.

UWF STUD ENT A MB AS SA D ORS

est.

1987 31

Spring 2014 UNIVERS IT Y of WE ST FLOR IDA

We are exposed to prestigious events that other students may not be able to attend, which give us the opportunity to connect and establish relationships with alumni. Another benefit is the relationships you establish with fellow Ambassadors. What advice would you give to an upcoming UWF Student Ambassador? Always strive for your best, and nothing is what it seems. As a UWF Student Ambassador, I always hope for the best and plan for the worst. You have to be able to adapt to any situation you encounter, and that is all part of growing, both as a person and as a leader.

72,000 303 SA students have earned more than

SERVICE HOURS

STUDENTS I N THE PROGRAM

Since 1987

ALU M N I S POT LI GH T

JERRY MAYGARDEN accepts Honorary Doctor

of Humane Letters diploma from President Judy Bense and Provost Martha Saunders.

Alumni Spotlight: Jerry Maygarden BY LAUREN SMITH

ith a machete in one hand and a sextant in another, UWF alumnus Jerry Maygarden’s first encounter with UWF was nearly 50 years ago, when he worked for the old State Road Department as a member of a survey crew. In true pioneer fashion, he helped map the main entrance to UWF’s campus. In the fall of 1972, he came back, but this time as a student. During his tenure, he received good grades and served as student body president. Today, he touts UWF as the catalyst to his success. “I love the place,” Maygarden said. “It was good for me. They took me in after I came back from serving in the Vietnam War. I probably wouldn’t have gone to college if it hadn’t been for PSC and UWF. The presence of the University in our community is an extraordinary asset.” Maygarden has maintained the same enthusiasm for UWF as the first day he stepped foot onto campus and has continued to be a pioneer in many ways throughout his life. He has served in various leadership roles in state and local government, as well as health care. Maygarden is a former city councilman and Mayor of Pensacola, who also served as a state legislator and Majority Leader in the Florida House of Representatives from 1994 to 2002. The Florida State Legislature honored Maygarden and UWF in 2000 by creating the Jerry L. Maygarden Distinguished Lecture Series to

recognize his contributions and enable notable speakers to address UWF students, faculty, staff and community members. Currently, he serves as the president and CEO of the Greater Pensacola Chamber. He also is the chair of the UWF Historic Trust Board of Directors, where he has served as a board member since 2004. “UWF is where I developed my love for public service, it is where I gained my initial “UWF is where I leadership experience, and it is where I met developed my love my wife,” he said. for public service, In honor of his commitment to his profession, community and the University, UWF it is where I gained named Maygarden an Honorary Doctor of my initial leadership Humane Letters at the 2013 Fall Commence- experience, and it is ment ceremony, where he served as the keywhere I met my wife.” note speaker. “The measure of our success as human be- —Jerry Maygarden ings is how much we improve the lives of others,” he said during his Commencement address. “What you do, or don’t do, is going to make a difference. I see brilliance, creativity, motivation and a hunger for learning. You are bigger than the challenges that you will face. I’m energized about the possibilities that brings. Keep on learning, even after you ‘know it all.’” U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

DEV ELOPME NT

By making a life income gift of a Charitable Gift Annuity you can provide yourself with an income for life and also support the University of West Florida. For donors age 65 and above, in exchange for your irrevocable gift of cash, securities or other assets, the UWF Foundation agrees to pay one or two annuitants you name a fixed sum each year for life. The rate of return is set by the American Council on Gift Annuities.

BENEF ITS :

CHA R I TA B LE G I F T A N N U I T Y

• Safe, fixed income for your life and a loved one (spouse or parent) • Tax savings— immediately and in the future • Potential reduction of probate costs and estate taxes

$25,000 Cash

5.4%

DONOR Age 72

C H A R I TA BL E GI F T A N N U I T Y

Remainder to

UWF

Income Tax Deduction $10,378 Annual Payments $1,350

SAMP L E ANN U I TY R ATE FOR A $ 2 5 ,0 0 0 G I F T * Age 65 70 75 80

Rate 4.7% 5.1% 5.8% 6.8%

Annuity (Annual) $1175 $1275 $1450 $1700

Tax Deduction** $ 8,407 $10,004 $11,257 $12,412

* For a single beneficiary. ** Charitable tax deductions will vary based on the IRS discount rate applicable at the time of the gift.

For a personal illustration or for additional information, please contact Martha Lee Blodgett, Assistant Vice President, University Advancement, 850.474.2712 or mblodget@uwf.edu.

E D I TOR ’S DESK

From the Editor’s Desk As I write this, winter is fading away and spring is upon us. The UWF campus will soon begin to bloom with azaleas, and the signs of unseasonably cold weather (and “Snow-pocalypse 2014”) will be gone before we know it. As you’ve read in the pages of this issue, even more changes are coming in the summer and fall as our campus progresses through a transformative period. My interview with our new head football coach, Pete Shinnick, was both inspiring and informative as he described his vision for the program and the impact it will have on our campus in the years ahead. By year’s end, the East Entrance of campus at the intersection of Campus Drive and Highway 90 is expected to provide a more welcoming experience with new retail facilities and restaurants. Sabrina McLaughlin, Managing Editor, Connection

Our virtual landscape has also changed over the last few months with the redesign of our website, uwf.edu. During a phased rollout that began late last fall, the new site has taken on a more modern look and is now responsive across all platforms, including mobile devices. Sites will continue to come online within the new design through the summer, with the goal of offering visitors up-to-date content and pages that are easier to navigate. With so many changes, one thing remains constant – our sincere appreciation for our alumni, donors and friends. Thank you again for taking the time to read Connection. We’ve enjoyed reading your Notes to the Editor submissions and sincerely hope you will consider sending in your feedback on this issue as well. Forms are located at uwf.edu/connection. Again, thank you for your continued interest in UWF! Best Regards,

UWF’s recently launched redesign of uwf.edu.

Sabrina Scherer McLaughlin, MSA ’08 Managing Editor, Connection Magazine Executive Director, UWF Marketing & Creative Services

Notes to the Editor— Fall 2013 Issue Just browsed through “Connection”, Fall 2013 today. It is by far the best UWF alumni magazine I’ve yet to see. And graduating so long ago, I have seen many, and have enjoyed all of them greatly. It is very wonderful to see how much the university influences so many people, not only in the Panhandle but nationwide. Keep up the good work! It is sincerely appreciated, I know. Thomas L. (Les) Marshall ’76, BA Economics

Dot Stewart is my most well-remembered person from UWF. She was a gracious lady whom I will never forget. In 1973 while I was anticipating my move to Denver I hosted a brief alumni meeting at my apartment in Clearwater. She commented to us that I seemed to have my mind made up to move to the far end of the earth. When I got married I invited her to my wedding. She declined but sent my mother a note saying she hoped I would enjoy my Stewart as much as she had enjoyed hers, and I have. Over the years I thought of her every time I have received an alumni magazine in the mail. She will be missed by more people than we will ever know. Bettie Pace Stewart ’70, BA Interdisciplinary Social Science

U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO R I DA Spring 2014

Connection

University of West Florida 11000 University Parkway Pensacola, FL 32514 uwf.edu/alumni