spring 2008 For Alumni & Friends of The University of Tampa UT

Transforming World Views Contents Vol. XXIII, No. 3 Spring 2008 UT Features All the World’s a Classroom. UT’s global focus 6 takes students around the world — in and out of The University of Tampa Journal is published three the classroom. times a year — fall, winter, spring — by The University of Tampa, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606- A UT Leader in Mexico. A Q&A with Mexico’s 1490. Third-class postage paid at Tampa, FL. Opinions 10 expressed in the Journal do not necessarily represent secretary of governance, Juan Camilo Mouriño ’93. those of the faculty, administration or students. Eric Cárdenas...... Executive Editor TV Timeout. Dr. Stephen Blessing’s research 15 Robin Roger...... Writer Anne Rowland...... Designer explains why some Super Bowl commercials Melanie Munger ’10...... Student Graphics Assistant score, and others miss the uprights. Contributors: Eric Cárdenas, Wayne Garcia, Jay Hardwick, Cigar City. UT’s first deaf graduate opens an Mike Jones ’08, Tom Kolbe, Brian Overcast, Taylor 28 Albertson Pinke, Dan Sullivan upscale cigar bar in Tampa. Contributing Photographers: Jessica Burns, FJ Gaylor Photography, Christine Goodwin, Jay Hardwick, Jessica Leigh, Andy Meng, Melanie Munger, Taylor Albertson Pinke, Christine Reynolds, James R. Sykes Departments About the Cover The satellite image of Earth is from the “Blue Marble: The Front Burner...... 1 Next Generation” collection by NASA’s Earth Observatory. Photos (clockwise from top left) are “Seeing the World Through New Eyes,” taken by Susan Johnson ’08 in Beyond the Lectern...... Poland, a photo of students in New Zealand by Dr. Norma 14 Winston, and “Timoun Despwa,” taken in Haiti, courtesy of Caitlin Gordon ’08. Concept and design by Anne Rowland and Ana Montalvo. President’s Pages...... 16 Duplicate Mailings Please help us cut down on mailing costs. If your Spartan Sportsbag...... 18 household is receiving more than one copy of the UT Journal, send us the address labels from each copy. We will review our records and correct any duplication. Send your labels to Muezzin...... 21 The University of Tampa Office of Alumni Relations • Box H 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. • Tampa, FL 33606-1490 Class Acts...... 22 Address changes also can be made online by going to www.ut.edu/alumni and clicking on address update. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The UT Journal, The University Spartan Dollars and Sense...... 34 of Tampa, Box H, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606-1490. The University of Tampa is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Leaving a Legacy...... 36

The Common Good...... 38 symbol of educational excellence Minaret Moments...... 40

Residence Hall Dedicated to Frank P. Urso, M.D. ’57 he University held a dedication ceremony on Feb. 22 for the newly renamed Frank T P. Urso, M.D. Hall following the Golden Spartans Luncheon. A member of the class of 1957 and a retired pathologist, Dr. Frank P. Urso donated $3 mil- lion to the University this winter. As a result, the University honored Urso by renaming the UT Kennedy Place residence hall for him. The hall opened August 2006. “UT changed my life,” Urso said of his gift. Urso described UT in the 1950s as a “work- ingman’s college,” and excelled in the sciences. After graduation he continued with medical school at the University of Miami, where he graduated with honors. Urso served as the di- rector of pathology and clinical laboratories at Celebrating at the dedication were (from left to right) Urso’s long-time companion, Carol Hay; his son-in-law, Dr. Rick Palmon; his daughter, Dr. Lillian Palmon; his daughter-in-law, Marie Urso; his son, Lt. Commander Philip three major hospitals, and worked as professor Urso; and Dr. Ronald L. Vaughn. of pathology at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine — where he was twice hon- 182-bed residence hall will receive a copy of ored as lecturer of the year. Urso’s book. Since retiring, Urso has delved into writing. “We are grateful to Dr. Urso for his generous In 2005, he published a memoir, A Stranger in donation,” said UT President Ronald L. Vaughn. the Barrio: Memoir of a Tampa Sicilian (iUniverse, “Frank’s transformative experience at UT 2005). Leland Hawes of the Tampa Tribune de- represents everything that’s special about a scribed the memoir as “earthy and emotional,” University of Tampa education.” (See story on with “never a dull word.” Each resident of the page 36 for more about Urso.) UT

Presidential Candidate John McCain Visits UT crowd of supporters, members of the Several nationally known political figures media and University staff and students attended the roundtable event, including former A packed Plant Hall’s Music Room to Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge, Minne- watch as presidential candidate Senator John sota Governor Tim Pawlenty and Senator Lind- McCain (R-AZ) spoke on campus Jan. 25. sey Graham (R-SC). His visit was part of an organized discussion The panel members, who also included on national security and came just before his Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee and win in the Florida Republican Primary. Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark “I still believe the transcendent challenge of Sharpe, unanimously supported McCain as the the 21st century is radical Islamic terrorism,” Mc- presidential candidate who can best maintain Cain said. “It is a challenge that has taken many national security and strengthen the nation’s Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) sits on a national security panel held in fronts. And the central battlefield is in Iraq.” military. UT the Music Room Jan. 25.

spring 2008 1

Board Adds Trustees he UT Board of Trustees has added Sant’ Yago Education Foundation (see page 39). 11 new members, and designated two An emeritus professor at Kent State University, T former members as trustee emeriti. Damron has authored four books and worked R. Kyle Bailey ’95 is a trustee with in secondary education. He has also operated the Tampa-based Bailey Family Foundation, several businesses, including a restaurant, and serves as the vice president of communica- travel agency and import business. tions. In addition, Bailey owns and manages George F. Gramling III is an various residential and commercial real estate attorney with the Gramling & Fingar Law Firm, R. Kyle Bailey ’95 investments. He also serves on the board of the which specializes in environmental matters. He Florida Aquarium Foundation and is active in is a past president and current board member the Tampa Alpha Alumni Club. of Bay Area Legal Services, and is a trustee of After serving as president and CEO, the Berkeley Preparatory School. Phillip E. Casey is currently the John Harvey retired in 2003 after chairman of the Board of Gerdau Ameristeel, serving 32 years in television broadcasting and the fourth largest overall steel company in sales management in Orlando, New York City the U.S. He also served as director, executive and Tampa. He is co-chair of the UT Parents’ committee member and chairman of the Steel Association. He is a member emeritus of The Manufacturers Association. Salvation Army Advisory Board. Phillip E. Casey Velva W. Clark, a community Steve M. Hatch is a vice president of volunteer and nonprofit fundraiser, is a past USAA and the vice president/general manager ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees, past of the USAA Southeast Regional Office. He president of The Chiselers Inc., and a member currently serves on the Greater Tampa Chamber of the Minaret Society. She is chairman-elect of Commerce Board of Directors and the CEO of the Outback Bowl Committee and third vice Council of Tampa Bay. president-elect of the Board of Directors of the Beverley Clarke Hubbell, Girl Scouts of Suncoast Council Inc. the current president of The Chislers Inc., is Dr. O. Rex Damron, author, the Chiselers’ representative to the Board of teacher/coach, professor, businessman and Trustees and is a Tampa-based watercolor philanthropist, is president of the Krewe of continued on next page Velva W. Clark

Dr. O. Rex Damron John Harvey Beverly Clarke Hubbell John W. Robinson IV Vincent J. Naimoli

George F. Gramling III Steve M. Hatch Brooke May ’03 Craig C. Sturken ’63 John H. Sykes

2 ut journal

New Program Aims to Develop Future Leaders has created a highly selective second year focuses on group leadership, which leadership program designed to includes a day spent on a leadership challenge UT engage students with proven ropes course and other team-focused activities. leadership abilities and the commitment to In the third year, students work together to Stephen Dickey, M.D. make positive change in their communities. identify and bring change to a certain issue. The The President’s Leadership Fellows is a project could be focused on any number of com- Red Cross four-year program in which students work munity issues such as homelessness or environ- Honors with personal mentors and in group leadership mental waste. Trustee projects and activities. The program will guide Students continue to build on the com- Board of Trustees mem- students toward a future as leaders in the munity project in the fourth year as the focus of ber Stephen Dickey, M.D. community. the program shifts to an examination of global was awarded the Vaughn Humanitarian Award by the The program is competitive, and partici- leadership and how global influences affect the American Red Cross Tampa pants will be selected each year from the incom- group’s chosen issue. In this year, each student Bay Chapter at its 8th annual ing freshman class. Students in the program will also becomes a mentor to an incoming fresh- Red White and Blue Bash on March 15. receive a $1,000 yearly scholarship, in addition man leadership student. A 22-year American Red to other financial assistance. President Ronald L. Vaughn said that while Cross volunteer, Dickey is a “It’s a higher commitment level for stu- The University of Tampa is known for developing past president and life mem- dents,” said Kim Northup, assistant director of community leaders, this program will expand ber of the chapter Board of Directors. Dickey is the pres- leadership engagement. “By committing to this, leadership opportunities for students and help ident and CEO of Doctor’s they’re committing a lot of time to the program.” recruit prospective students who are committed Walk-In Clinics of Tampa Participants will engage in a variety of to leadership. Bay Inc. and has been a UT trustee since 1996. periodic leadership projects and activities. In “Educating students to be effective leaders, The annual Vaughn Hu- year one, students partake in workshops and while also educating them in the classroom and manitarian Award is named activities focused on their sense of “self” and the community, will continue to be a high priority in honor of President Ronald L. Vaughn and the late individual leadership styles and abilities. The for The University of Tampa,” Vaughn said. UT Martha Anne Vaughn. UT

Trustees of Directors of a Grand Rapids, MI, chamber continued from page 2 of commerce business development and artist. She is the past president of Friends of the recruitment group, and is a member of the Arts of the Tampa Museum of Art, and Friends United Way of Kent County Campaign Cabinet. of Plant Park. Vincent J. Naimoli, and John H. Sykes, Brooke May ’03, chair of the UT both former trustees and chairs of the Board of Counselors, is a project manager Board, were elected as chair emeriti. UT for Skanska USA Building. May is active in a local women’s networking group called High Power in High Heels and is a recent graduate of ARTS to do ut.edu Leadership Tampa Bay. @@calendar of events John W. Robinson IV is an attorney april Wed., April 30-Sat. May 3 Wed., May 7 in the employment law practice of the law firm Through Thurs., May 1 Spring Dance Happening Reception honoring Edison Building to the graduates Fowler White Boggs Banker. He serves as the University of Tampa Annual Juried Student Plant Hall Verandah 7-9 p.m. chairman of the Board of Fellows, 2007-2008, Exhibition 8 p.m. Fri., May 16-Thurs., May 29 and is a member of the Board of the Tampa Bay Scarfone/Hartley Gallery may High School Arts 2007 Scarfone/Hartley Gallery History Center. Wed., April 23 Wed., May 7-Sat., May 10 Guitar Performance Craig C. Sturken ’63 is the BFA Exit Show Fri., May 16 Plant Hall Music room Scarfone/Hartley Gallery Opening reception and chairman, president and chief executive officer 7:30 p.m. awards presentations of Spartan Stores, the nation’s tenth largest A complete listing of University events can be 7-9 p.m. grocery wholesaler. He serves on the Board found at www.ut.edu.

spring 2008 3

literary Journal Wins laurels his winter the Tampa Review was named Review, perform the intellectual work of select- as the runner-up for the Parnassus ing, editing and arranging the journal’s contents, T Award for Signifi cant Editorial Achieve- they noted, but he is “an accomplished artist ment for a Belletristic Journal by the Council of who designs the journal with keen sensitivity to Editors of Learned Journals. the aesthetics of typography and the pleasures

Dr. Wayne Miller A belletristic journal is defi ned as one that of the printed page — what he calls a ‘gallery contains literature regarded as fi ne art, appreci- space in print.’” UT loses ated for its aesthetics as well as its subject matter. The award is given every third year and “The magnifi cently produced Tampa Review is presented at the national Modern Language Friend and represents a perfect blending of verbal and Association Conference. The competition recog- Colleague visual art that amplifi es resonant imaginative nizes the realization of an editorial mission, one UT mourned the loss of strands and ‘promotes complex that applies the highest standards of “learned” Dr. Wayne Miller, profes- creative and critical reading as editorial practice, including the selection of sor of English, who died unexpectedly in his home in an experience of insight, high-quality content, compelling arrangement of Tampa on Feb. 21. outreach, and contents, style, visual appeal and readability. Miller came to UT in 1999 delight,’” Tampa Review is a literary magazine dedi- as dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. judges cated to the blending of contemporary literature He specialized in American said. and visual arts. Each issue features contempo- military fi ction and fi lm and Not rary writing and art from Florida and the world, racial and ethnic cultures. In his free time, he volunteered only does emphasizing our connections to the Tampa Bay with minority high school Dr. Richard region and the international literary community. students. Mathews, edi- It is published twice a year in hardcover format “He took seriously his tor of the Tampa by the University of Tampa Press. UT role as a citizen of this city and the human community beyond,” said Dr. Martha Serpas, associate professor of English. “Wayne was quick to remind us, with humor and generosity, of the Music Department larger pursuits of education and the joys of literature and art.” Establishes alumni award Miller received his Ph.D. from New York University ince its founding, UT has had a strong the fi eld of music,” Traster said. “Music remains in 1968. tradition in music performance — both a strong program at UT, and the alumni have a “Dr. Miller was not in student performance and preparing lot to do with that.” UT only concerned with the s academic progress of his students for careers in music. To recognize the students, but also very achievements of its alumni, the Department of interested in their personal Music has established the UT Music Alumnus accomplishments,” said Allison (Gispert) Altemose Achievement Award. ’05. “He always remembered The award, which will be presented an- personal details about his nually, recognizes music alumni who have students and cared very excelled in their musical careers. At a reception deeply for their own well being. He was more than a on Feb. 24, the fi rst award was given to Scott great educator; he was a Leonard ’87 (see story on page 24). great friend.” UT The Music Department will take nomina- tions, and a committee of faculty will choose the winner each year. Dr. Jeffrey Traster, chair of the music department, said the award will be competitive, as there are many alumni who have had remarkable success. “We’re long overdue to recognize alumni Dr. Jeffrey Traster presents Scott Leonard ’87 with the fi rst UT Music who have made outstanding contributions to Alumni Achievement Award. (Photo by James R. Sykes)

4 UT JoUrnal

New Dean New Undergraduate Public Joins UT Dr. Anne V. Gormly, psychology professor and Health Major Offered vice president and dean of faculties at Georgia College he University will begin offering a undergraduates who are thinking about a pos- & State University (GCSU), bachelor’s degree program in public sible career path in this field. has joined the University as health, designed for students interested Public health students will be encouraged the new dean of the College T of Social Sciences, Math- in the improvement of population health and to pursue interdisciplinary coursework including ematics and Education. prevention of disease and disability. courses in adolescent health, women’s health, Gormly will oversee the The major, which resides in the department gerontology, biology, environmental science, departments of criminology; education; government, his- of exercise science and sport studies, focuses on criminology, international and cultural studies, tory and sociology; mathe- identifying social and behavioral determinants urban studies, Latin American studies, psychol- matics and psychology. She of health, developing and evaluating interven- ogy, sociology, communication or research will begin her post this July. At GCSU, Gormly helped tions and policies leading to the improvement of methods. implement the university’s population health, and preparing professionals Upon completion of the program, students public liberal arts mission. for leadership positions in advocacy and public will be qualified for graduate studies and/or She also helped launch health service. leadership roles in public and private organiza- Georgia College’s Center for Excellence in Teaching Rebecca Olsen, assistant professor of allied tions. These organizations may include hospi- and Learning, and was a health, exercise science and sport sciences, said tals, group practices, community health centers, leader in the institution’s there are two major highlights of the new public and community-based nonprofit organizations, iPod initiative, which helps stimulate the innovative in- health program. First, UT is the first academic public and private corporations, foundations, structional use of iPods. institution in the Tampa Bay area to improve workplaces, schools, colleges, and local, state Gormly holds a doctor- the capacity of public health at the undergradu- and federal public health agencies. ate and master’s degree in psychology from the ate level. Students who successfully complete the University of Illinois and a “The field is thriving, not only in this country public health degree program are also eligible to bachelor’s degree in math- but around the world,” Olsen said. “Knowledge take the national certification exam to become ematics from Rhode Island College. UT and opportunities in the field are exploding. The certified health education specialists. UT work of public health has expanded from infec- tious disease control to chronic disease, mental health issues, terrorist threats, and improved population-based health in the global commu- nity. The development of this program confirms the commitment that UT has to every student.” Second, according to Olsen, the field of public health is extremely broad and encom- passes a variety of careers. Therefore, the public health curriculum draws from a broad range of disciplines. “Public health majors are required to take classes in such areas as epidemiology, biostatis- tics, social sciences and communication,” Olsen said. “And, because successful public health efforts must be led by those who can mobilize, coordinate and direct collaborative actions with- in complex systems, the students will receive intense coursework in quality management and leadership.” Dr. Stephen Kucera, dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences, said he is pleased Straz Honored in Honduras. The Hon. David A. Straz Jr. (left), member and past to have someone of Olsen’s caliber leading this chairman of the UT Board of Trustees, received an honorary degree from Catholic University of new program. He expects this program to gen- Honduras on Jan. 11. Straz, joined by Honduran Cardinal Oscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga, the founder of the University (center), and UT President Ronald L. Vaughn, was honored for his erate a great deal of interest among University work as honorary consulate to the Republics of Liberia and Honduras. UT

spring 2008 5 UT’S GLOBAL FOCUs

The International Programs Offi ce held a photo contest and the top three winners were (clockwise from right) “Seeing the World Through New Eyes,” taken by Susan Johnson ’08 in Poland; “Bathing Woman,” taken by Kelsey Stroop ’10 in Montenegro; and “Eiffel Tower at Night,” taken by Mariah Robinson ’10 in France. Photos from the contest were featured in a calendar, with Samantha Webb’s ’10 photo on the cover (left).

n four years as a UT student, Traci Hicks ’08, of Hudson, FL, has studied Japanese, traveled to Japan to research attitudes toward nuclear weapons (See story on page 12) and interned at the Terrorism Research Center in Washington, D.C. After she graduates, she hopes to work for the Foreign Service or for the U.S. State Department. iHicks’s experiences illustrate UT’s increasing focus on building students’ international competencies. These include language profi ciency, the ability to travel, study and live outside the United States, knowledge of geography, diverse cultures and the historical context of those cultures; and the ability to appreciate cultural differences and demonstrate self- awareness. “UT has certainly elevated the signifi cance of graduating globally competent students,” said Marca Bear, associate dean of International Programs. “Students are not only learning, but living and experiencing life abroad.” The next seven pages show how the University community has benefi tted Traci Hicks ’08 enjoys a traditional Japanese meal. from UT’s global focus. UT

6 UT JoUrnal UT’S GLOBAL FOCUs

A group of UT students enjoys the view of Machu Picchu. Inset: Steve Knauss ’08 with the family who hosted him in Huilloc, Peru. (Photos courtesy of The Minaret)

learning the lingua Franca Today’s language lab at UT resembles a home theater, with 34 computers with multimedia and online capability, servers, video conferencing equipment, 32 international satellite TV channels and VCR and DVD players that accommo- date VHS tapes purchased TRiP leADs TO abroad. Paid for with funds from PERU the last capital campaign, the lab opened fi ve years By mike Jones ’08 ago and is modeled to reflection support today’s language thought the most lasting memory of my trip. The only major difference between our students. The computers all have individual headphones trip to Peru with The University of Tampa home-stays in Cusco and the United States was and microphones, and I would be the beauty of Machu Picchu, but a lack of hot water in the showers and no heat are hooked up through an the image that remains is the one night we in the homes. instructional communication system. spent in the poor village of Huilloc. Despite the awkwardness of using buckets “Students can listen to I had just given a young girl in the village for bathrooms and seeing something I was com- the language at a natural a set of coloring pencils, a coloring book and a pletely unprepared for, I have to commend the pace, which doesn’t always happen in the classroom,” few oranges, but it was like she had been given coordinator of our trip, Dr. Decoster, for giving said Raymond Cepko, the world. She colored for the majority of the us a true immersion. The village of Huilloc gave language lab coordinator. night, proudly showing me her drawings with a me a greater appreciation for everything that I “They can listen carefully, and push themselves with- huge smile on her face. have been given. out feeling the pressure that What made me so emotional wasn’t the Appreciating all the opportunities we have sometimes comes with face great appreciation and joy she had showed, but been given as University of Tampa students is to face communication.” The lab also features the fact that this brilliant girl and so many oth- important, but taking action is another impor- a library with audio and ers like her had to live in horrible conditions. tant step. I have been guilty of getting so caught video for language classes, She was fl uent in two languages — Spanish up in myself that I have never thought of helping plus a collection of foreign and the local Quechua — and even counted in anyone else. And it is so easy to make a dif- language fi lms, from “The Bicycle Thief” to “Life is English for us. But in the morning I was woken ference. It is not just in countries like Peru that Beautiful.” UT by her loud cough and saw the dry blood in her people need help, but right here in Tampa. nose. Her fi rst concern wasn’t about her health, lthough Huilloc will always stick which I suspect is a normal occurrence since the out in my mind, Machu Picchu climate is so cold and they are without heat, but A and the rest of Peru was amazing she was more worried about getting us orange as well. I have to thank Dr. Lopez for juice and water. allowing me to sign up for the trip at the last For the most part of the trip we did not minute. It was an experience of a lifetime. see anything close to Huilloc. We stayed with middle-class host families in one of the nicest This story originally ran in the student neighborhoods in Cusco for seven days of our newspaper, The Minaret. UT

spring 2008 7 UT’S GLOBAL UT’S GLOBAL FOCUs “New Zealand became a laboratory in which FOCUs we could focus on ethnic integration unfettered by the prejudices we might have learned in America,” Winston says. “We benefi ted by gain- ing new insights into how a culture can evolve as people of different ethnicities come together. This is what travel/study programs are all about — offering us a different window of the world.” Students don’t have to major in sociology to benefi t from a travel study course, though. This spring and summer, students will travel the globe on more than a dozen trips spearheaded by the International Programs Offi ce to Europe, Japan and South America, in a number of disciplines. In an international business seminar, stu- dents will learn about production and marketing on a factory tour of Gucci in Florence, Italy, or the design house of a Parisian fashion icon like Hermes. The students will travel to Rome, Flor- sTUDy ABROAD TRiPs ence, Paris and Amsterdam. Other stops on the trip include an international security briefi ng at Put Students to the Test By Robin Roger nstead of the usual multiple choice ques- the American Embassy in Rome, a visit to a Writer tions, one UT student was tested last Tuscan winery and vineyard and a tour of the lo- summer by a group of Maori tribal war- cal Heineken brewery in Amsterdam. Dr. Norma Winston with a group of UT students taking a break in riors bearing long spears, rolling their “The world is very small these days, with front of the Auckland Harbour Ieyes and making threatening sounds with their air travel being so readily available, cell phones, Bridge in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Norma Winston) tongues. conference calls, video conferences, etc.,” said Luckily, all he had to do was prove his Dr. James Krause, associate professor of ac- group had come in peace. counting, who will lead the business trip. “Stu- “A century and a half ago, had this not been dents will have an opportunity to observe fi rst the case, we might have been thrown into a pool hand how European businesses operate. Just the of boiling water and cooked for someone’s din- difference in marketing products is interesting.” ner,” says Dr. Norma Winston, professor of so- Before the trip, the students will meet for ciology, who led the students on the trip to New seven weeks to discuss the arrangements in Eu- Zealand as part of a two-week course last May. rope, what is expected of them and the history A native Kiwi herself, Winston taught the of the cities they’ll be visiting, as well as why students about the juxtaposition of the indig- each company chose that city as its home. enous Maori culture and the colonial European A course in tropical biology and conserva- culture in New Zealand. The students participat- tion might interest students who want to learn ed in a cultural workshop where men learned more about the ecosystems in Ecuador. While the haka (a war dance done by males only) and in Ecuador, students will travel to the Galapa- the women learned the poi dance (performed by gos Islands, the upper Amazon River basin and O females only). the Andes Mountains around Quito, the capital. This is what travel/study programs are all about — offering us a different window of the world. “8 UT JoUrnal ” UT’S GLOBAL UT’S GLOBAL FOCUs There they will learn about the natural history FOCUs of the organisms that live there and examine conservation programs and sustainable devel- opment practices. A dozen MBA and Master of Science in Technology and Innovation Management stu- dents will travel to China this summer with Dr. Jody Tompson, associate professor of man- agement and entrepreneurship, and Dr. Bill Rhey, dean of graduate studies. The course will include visits with Chinese divisions of Ameri- can companies and locally owned companies, chambers of commerce, and government divi- sions that handle business or commerce. Tompson took a similar trip to China in 2006, and the group visited a division of General Electric and Sykes Enterprises. On that trip he said he gained an appreciation for the economic progress and power that China represents. “I was almost frightened by how advanced some of their companies were,” he said. “I didn’t expect them to be so competitive. I realized the Chinese threat was not one of just magnitude and size, but also technology.” Put Students to the Test Today China graduates roughly 600,000 en- gineers per year, he said, compared with 6,000 per year in the United States. “It used to be that China was known for cheap manufacturing,” Tompson said. “Now they’re doing state-of-the-art software, research and design, and intellectual property.” In the manufacturing and textile region, the Guangdong province, a lot of the cities have begun to specialize in a product area, Tompson Students learn to lead Abroad said. For instance, one city is considered a lamp Kim Northup was at the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre when she city, because every manufacturing facility there heard that the famous explorer had died. makes lamps or something to do with electrical “It was such a historical moment,” said Northup, UT’s assistant director of lead- ership engagement. “He was a model New Zealander who they all aspire to be like.” lighting. One of the fi rst climbers known to have reached the summit of Mount Everest, They tell you to check your lamps when you Hillary embodied the leadership qualities Northup aimed to teach the 11 freshmen go home to the West, he said. Nearly 90 percent with her on a trip to New Zealand this past winter. Northup took the students to cultural centers where they learned about different will be made in Lamp City. leadership philosophies and personal leadership development. They met with two Maori leaders, who talked about the issues they face, such as pollution, the struggle ther trips this summer include a to retain their cultural values, and disputes over land ownership. The students put sojourn in Spain for Spanish language into practice the cultural lessons they had learned in their Global Issues course last students, a six-week program in fall, when they were greeted in the traditional confrontational manner and danced the haka. London called London and the World, Next the group visited the Parliament building and the Museum of New Zealand Oa course on nuclear nonproliferation in Japan, a Te Papa Tongarewa where they learned about the country’s nature, art and history. course in Italy about Italian discourse on “Being in a different place broadened their world view,” Northup said. “And they learned they have to lead differently in different contexts.” American speech and a global sociology course At the Outdoor Pursuits Centre, students worked together on challenges, such in Italy. UT as building a bridge out of ropes and harnesses and designing and constructing a raft to fl oat down a river. They also had to navigate on a two-day hike, where they were This is what travel/study programs are all about required to keep together, participate in a high ropes course and dig their own toilets. “They challenged their comfort zones and took risks, which you often have to do — offering us a different window of the world. as a leader,” Northup said. UT Ricki Goldsmith ’11 crosses a river using a method devised by the students. (Photo courtesy of Kim Northup) ” spring 2008 9 UT’S GLOBAL Associated Press/Gregory Bull FOCUs

Mexican president Felipe Calderón (right) congratulates Juan Camilo Mouriño ’93 (center) Jan. 16 on his appointment to secretary of governance while the outgoing secretary, Francisco Ramírez Acuña (left), looks on.

Juan Camilo mouriño at a Glance ▲1971 Juan Camilo Mouriño was born in Madrid, Spain, but his nationality is Mexican, because his mother was born in Mexico City. ▲1989 Mouriño enrolled at UT with his brother, Carlos. They came to UT after attending high school The president’s at Montverde Academy near Orlando. ▲1993 Mouriño graduated with a B.S. in economics. right-Hand Man He then returned to Mexico UT AlUMnUS APPoinTed AS MeXico’S SecReTARy of GoveRnAnce where he worked as fi nance director for his family’s By Dan sullivan business. He later obtained Web Writer an M.A. in accounting with n a little more than a decade, Juan Camilo What were the challenges you faced in a specialization in fi nances Q: from Mexico’s University of Mouriño ’93 has skyrocketed through Mexico’s directing President calderón´s campaign? Campeche. i political arena to become one of the most A: During Calderón´s campaign, we were ▲1997 Mouriño was prominent leaders in the country. always considered the underdogs. This is not al- elected to the legislature of Mexican President Felipe Calderón, whose his home state of Campeche ways easy to overcome, but with the leadership as a member of the National offi ce Mouriño headed after directing his 2006 of the candidate and the hard work of a group of Action Party (PAN). campaign, appointed Mouriño in January to the very committed people, we succeeded. To win ▲2000 Mouriño was position of secretary of governance, traditionally the nomination of the National Action Party, we elected to the Mexican fed- a springboard to the presidency. In this capacity, eral congress, representing faced a lot of diffi culties. Calderón was never Campeche through 2003. Mouriño is in charge of a wide range of govern- perceived as the favored candidate, and it was ▲2003 Following an ment business including intelligence gathering, not easy to get endorsements. Once Calderón unsuccessful campaign immigration and relations between Mexico’s won the party´s nomination, we had to surmount for mayor of Campeche, political parties and government leaders. Mouriño served as an an opposing candidate who led the opinion polls adviser to then-Secretary of Mouriño recently answered a few questions for several years. Energy Felipe Calderón. about his career and time spent at UT. What was it like leading the president’s ▲2004 Calderón selected Q: Mouriño to serve as deputy Q: How have your past experiences offi ce on a day-to-day basis? prepared you for your current position? secretary of energy. A: It was the best experience of my career as a ▲2006 Mouriño served A: My experiences during the last 10 years in politician. Working side-by-side with the presi- as a head coordinator of several positions, both in the legislative branch Calderón’s presidential dent of Mexico during the fi rst year of his admin- campaign. Following and in the federal government, gave me the istration was an honor and a great opportunity. Calderón’s victory in July tools to be ready for this challenge. I believe that I also learned a lot about my country and the 2006, Mouriño was named my knowledge of the legislative power, periods challenges and problems we face. I always tried the head of the transition team and later became chief spent in political campaigns, hard-working times to understand and achieve the best results for of the president’s offi ce. in public administration, the year heading the the president’s projects and priorities. ▲2008 In January, president’s offi ce and, very signifi cantly, having Q: What brought you to the U.S., and President Calderón selected the president’s trust, have led my career to this Mouriño to serve as secre- specifi cally to florida? new high honor. tary of governance. UT COnTinUeD On nexT PAGe

10 UT JoUrnal UT’S GLOBAL Creating a Cosmopolitan Classroom FOCUs Though thousands of miles from home, fi rst-year The Indian Cultural Association is one of student Jesal Patel ’11 felt like she was with family many cultural student organizations, including the celebrating Phagwa: The Festival of Colors, held on International Student Organization, which holds campus in February. cultural events throughout the year. Also known as Holi, the ancient Hindu festival Patel speaks four languages: English, Gujarati, has been celebrated in India for centuries. As part of Hindu and Swahili. Her parents are from India, but Phagwa, the students applied mehindi — or henna — she’s spent most of her life in Kenya. In her introduc- artwork on each other’s hands and a group performed tion to sociology class, Patel says her experiences traditional Indian music. Afterwards the students took help her to compare and contrast cultures. Her part in the throwing of colors, where they splashed classmates also benefi t from her unique perspective Recruiting colored water on each other’s white clothing. and experiences. Around The event was hosted by the Indian Cultural “Someone asked if we live in real houses, or if Association, along with the Diversity Fellowship. The our houses are made of straw, and if there are roads the World Diversity Fellowship is a student organization and a in Kenya,” she said. UT has expanded its branch of the Student Activities Offi ce that promotes She said many parts of Kenya have become reach, and now draws and recognizes diversity on campus. westernized, so she has not experienced much international students culture shock. — nearly 10 percent of In Kenya, she said, teachers are stricter, but in all students — from 78 America, she can voice her opinion without worrying countries around the globe. what the teacher will think. They don’t get impatient While the Bahamas produce with her. the highest number of the International student enrollment increased University’s 479 international nearly 60 percent from the spring of 2006 to the fall students, countries such as of 2007. A total of 479 international students attended Saudi Arabia, India, England and Venezuela are seeing the University last fall. large increases. Having international students in the classroom This increase bucks contributes to the mission of building international the national trend of fl at competencies, says Brent Benner, director of or declining international undergraduate missions. student populations. George th “We train them to live in the 20 century,” he DaPonte, director of says. “We want to graduate students who can live international admissions, Nadya Tilluckdharry ’08 (left) and Jesal Patel ’11 (right) apply henna at and work in the real world. Without international said UT’s small class sizes, Phagwa. (Photo by Travis Miller) students sitting next to them, it’s hard to do.” UT academic reputation and affordability are attractive to foreign students. DaPonte and his two- My parents always gave a lot of importance the University had (and I´m sure still has) an A: person staff utilize new to the education of their children and we did excellent and very demanding staff in the eco- tools such as real-time vid- appreciate that. For them it was relevant that all nomics fi eld. I learned a lot from them! Finally, eoconferencing to expedite of their children had a bachelor’s degree. Also, I did build very close relationships and, in some international recruiting. He said bringing international to learn English in the ‘80s was essential for the cases, long lasting friends in Tampa. students to campus adds to business world. The combination of these two the “multicultural mosaic” Q: What are the biggest challenges Mexico factors was the key for us ending up studying in of campus. faces today? “The type of discourse the U.S. We chose Florida because it was close A: Undoubtedly the biggest challenges are that can take place in a and easy to travel back and forth to the Yucatan classroom with students the fi ght against organized crime, the creation peninsula, where we are residents. from different perspectives of jobs and better-paid jobs and to overcome — culturally, socially and Q: How did you end up at UT? poverty. We work very hard in these three axes. politically — is absolutely A: I went to high school in Montverde We are conscious of the magnitude of these amazing,” he said. UT Academy, a small boarding school close to challenges but we are resolute to modernize our Orlando. While there, we went to Tampa several country. We are working hard to transform it UT inTeRnATionAl STUdenT PRofile* times to play against Tampa Prep. When I had into an attractive and safe place for investments to decide where to go for college, I was used to and to generate more employment. We need to Africa...... 7% living in Florida and UT offered me a scholarship create the mechanisms to better distribute the Asia...... 11% Caribbean ...... 35% (leadership) to go there. income in order to combat poverty and fi ght Central and Q: What do you remember most about UT? organized crime. South America ...... 12% Europe ...... 16% A: I have a lot of good memories about my Q: Where do you see yourself in the future? Middle East ...... 14% University. I don’t have any doubt that everything The only place I see myself is serving Mexico A: North America ...... 5% I am is because of the process of my education. and working hard for President Calderón as sec- *Based on Fall 2007 enrollment An important part of that process belongs to my retary of governance, helping him fi nd solutions years in Florida and at UT. I do remember that to Mexico’s biggest problems. UT

spring 2008 11 UT’S GLOBAL FOCUs When she watched with thousands of people as doves were released into the sky, and visitors poured ladles of water over a stone monument in Peace Memorial Park, symboliz- ing the suffering of those who died. “It was unbelievable,” Hicks said of the anniversary commemorating the fi rst use of the atomic bomb. Wnuclear nonproliferation hicks’ visit to Hiroshima came during the month she spent in Japan with Dr. Maria Rost Rublee, assistant professor of government and world affairs. The pair researched the infl uence of non-governmental organizations on nuclear policies. Hicks and Rublee met with several peace groups, as well as nuclear experts and survivors of the Hiroshima bombing. They also interviewed people they met on the street, and Hicks was able to use the Japanese she learned at UT. Hicks was chosen by Rublee to do the research after she took several of her classes. Hicks said the undergraduate research fellow- ship helped her secure an internship in Wash- ington, D.C., last summer, where she utilized contacts she made in Japan. An expert on nuclear nonproliferation, Ru- blee has previously served as an offi cial observ- er to the UN Meeting on Disarmament, and, in 2006, organized a conference sponsored by the Japan Foundation that brought together experts on nuclear weapons. Rublee is just one exam- ple of the many UT faculty members conducting international research. FACUlTy ReseARCh leADs TO national security Dr. James Beckman, associate professor of government and world affairs, also explores national security and terrorism. He analyzes international the law enforcement and homeland security practices Understanding of a select group of countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Russia, By Robin Roger On the 60th anniversary of the Writer Japan and Israel, and then compares those

Photos Courtesy of bombings of Hiroshima, Traci various international approaches to how the Traci hicks ’08 and United States has handled the same issue since Dr. steven Geisz Hicks ’08 wrote a verse on a paper lantern and laid it on the bank of Sept. 11. “We have much to learn from other the Motoyasu River. countries that have been combating the scourge of terrorism for decades,” Beckman says. Above: Traci Hicks ’08 leaves herO “May the message of peace soar on message by the Motoyasu River. “Israel, for example, has been combating major the wings of a dove,” she wrote. terroristic threats since its foundation in 1948.”

12 UT JoUrnal spring 2008 13 UT’S GLOBAL Geisz received a David Delo Research Pro- FOCUs fessor Grant from UT to support his research on the ways in which Confucianism might inform our conceptions of liberal democracy in general and deliberative democracy in particular. Faculty “While it might seem that Confucianism and traditional Chinese culture are incompatible explores with democracy and equality, the real story is Global Topics more complicated and much more interesting,” ▲“badriya’s Short career he says. “By bringing the core values of democ- in Saudi Arabia,” by Dr. Dianne Welsh, James W. Dr. Maria Rost Rublee (left) and Traci Hicks ’08 (right) met with Japanese racy into conversation with traditional Chinese Walter Distinguished Chair nuclear expert Dr. Mitsuo Okamoto of Hiroshima Shudo University. political culture and philosophy, we can better of Entrepreneurship and Through his research, Beckman hopes to understand many of the value commitments that professor of management, appeared in the Interna- guide us — both in our daily lives and on the make meaningful comparisons among how tional Journal of Family different countries handle terrorism attacks grand scale of international policy.” Business. through changes in their laws, changes in ▲“Global corporate law enforcement practices and the impact of Risky Business ventures: A new Trend of these changes on civil liberties and individual Dr. Barbara Weiss, assistant professor of international corporate entrepreneurship,” by freedoms. international business, has worked in the areas Dr. Stephen Callaway, “I have used my research in several of my of trade fi nance, foreign exchange, and capital assistant professor of classes here at UT and ask my students to look markets and has lived overseas — in Canada, management, appeared in the peer reviewed journal critically at U.S. practices by comparing how Japan, and Europe — for half of her career. Multinational Business other countries have approached the same She attempts to measure the extent to which Review. problems,” he says. a country is risk averse and whether they are ▲“The Road to Global less concerned with security by analyzing time- currency integration: is Democracy and based international investment relationships. the World Ready for Three to Six Major Regional Confucianism She has found, for instance, that Asia tends currencies?” by Dr. Frank to be more risk averse than America and the Ghannadian, dean of the Dr. Steven Geisz, assistant professor United Kingdom, she says, with the exception of John H. Sykes College of of philosophy and religion, decided to learn Business, appeared in the China. Chinese because he perceived a lack of inter- Journal of the International The relative ‘market risk structures’ nationalization in philosophy of mind and Society of Business of countries often balance one Disciplines. cognitive science, which are among his areas another out. For example, Japan’s risk ▲ A German version of The of research interest. aversion has historically balanced oster conspiracy of 1938, by In 2004-2005, he was a senior scholar Terry Parssinen, professor the United States’ risk management. at the Inter-University Program for Chinese of history, will be published Factors include political and by German publisher Language Studies at Tsinghua University in economic frameworks and Siedler Verlag, (roughly Beijing, where he studied modern Man- the equivalent of Random civil society. Consumption, darin and classical Chinese language. House). UT investment and government “When I was living in Beijing and spending also come into play, studying Chinese language and conventional security full time, I was struck by capabilities and geography how diffi cult it was to be may have an infl uence. unable to communicate “International lending smoothly with people,” and a strong banking industry he says. “In that context, and foreign direct invest- I often had to operate on ment [FDI] and a stable real partial information, even economy are key compo- when the person I was nents of political stability,” talking to was being patient Weiss says. “Lending and and trying to explain things direct capital investment are to me. It’s made me a better long-term risky businesses, teacher, I think.” so a lot of lending and FDI Dr. Steven Geisz contemplates the statue on Shendao, or “Spirit Way,” near the Ming indicate stability.” UT Tombs outside of Beijing.

12 UT JoUrnal spring 2008 13 new honors six renowned Director named Dr. Gary Luter, professor of speech, theatre and professors retire dance, has accepted the ix well-known professors, with a com- chologist, knowledgeable in abnormal criminal position of director of the bined 182 years of teaching experience, disorders like sociopathy. He has interviewed Honors Program. Luter is a widely s will retire this year. The year each joined such notorious sociopaths as Murph the Surf, respected professor who UT is indicated in parentheses following his name. among others. He also has worked as a volunteer has been recognized for psychologist for the Tampa Police Department. his excellence in teaching DR. DAViD FORD (1969) and has maintained an PRofeSSoR of cHeMiSTRy DR. RiChARD PiPeR (1976) involvement with the Honors Program that stretches back As a professor of chemistry, Ford prepares dAnA PRofeSSoR of GoveRnMenT And almost to its inception. UT students for the environmental decisions that WoRld AffAiRS they will face regarding the ozone layer, global Piper, director of the Honors Program, taught warming and water quality. He has participated classes on political science, specializing in Amer- in research funded by the National Science ican government and Western European politics. Foundation exploring the effect of high energy He received a Fulbright scholarship to India and gamma and electron radiation on the removal received the Sears Roebuck Foundation Award of pollutants from water. He received the Louise for Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership. Loy Hunter Award in 1977, became a dean in During retirement, Piper plans to travel to the 1978 and received the alumni award as the American West, Australia and New Zealand; to outstanding faculty member with less than fi ve continue work on a book manuscript about the years of service in 1973. Republican Party; and to engage in political and DR. TeRRy mOhn (1976) civic activities. PRofeSSoR of MUSic DR. FReD PUnZO (1981) Mohn was chair of the music department for dAnA PRofeSSoR of bioloGy several years, but he never gave up his side gig, In his time at UT, Punzo taught courses playing with the Bay Area Saxophone Quartet. He on behavioral biology, cell biology, evolution,

Clockwise from bottom left: Dr. Terry became an expert in the fi eld of electronic mu- biodiversity and animal physiology. In 1991, he Mohn, Dr. Richard Piper, Dr. Philip Quinn, sic, and, in 1990, he traveled to what was then received the Sears Roebuck Foundation Award Dr. Gordon W. Couturier and Dr. David Ford (not pictured: Dr. Fred Punzo). Czechoslovakia to give lectures and demonstra- for Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership. tions on computerized Punzo studied poison dart frogs in Costa Rica music at St. Charles and the effects of heavy metal pollutants and University in Prague. pesticides on the physiology and behavior of In 1992 he was named Florida mammals, amphibians and arthropods. Music Educator of the DR. GORDOn W. Year by Hillsborough COUTURieR (1988) Educators Council. PRofeSSoR of infoRMATion And Mohn spent many TecHnoloGy MAnAGeMenT years building an elec- tronic music lab at UT. Dr. Gordon W. Couturier came to UT with 25 years of industry experience in software design, DR. PhiliP software development and technical manage- QUinn (1976) ment. He taught information systems analysis ASSociATe and design and managing information technol- PRofeSSoR of ogy and resources. Couturier was also involved cRiMinoloGy with the creation of the freshman Gateways Quinn joined the program and has taught a course each semester University after a ca- he was at UT. In 2000 he received the Unsung reer as a Jesuit priest, Hero Award and the College of Business Service and is a licensed psy- Excellence Award for 1999-2000. UT

14 UT JoUrnal

international Films screen at UT UT students got some insight into human rights concerns around the globe when the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival came to campus this spring. Sponsored by Interna- tional Programs and Sigma Phi Epsilon, the festival ran from March 31-April 3 and featured three fi lms that depicted the experiences of survivors and activists in countries where civil liberties are challenged. The fi lms shown were “White Light/Black Rain,” “Enemies of Happiness” and professor studies “A Lesson of Belarusian.” UT superbowl psychology

very year, advertisers spend millions to worked with Dr. Lisa Haverty of the Boston- create and broadcast the TV commer- based consulting fi rm Brain on Brand, to develop e cials that run during the Super Bowl. But a system known as CogScore, which is capable those commercials are not always as effective of scientifi cally predicting how well viewers “We as they could be, ac cording to Dr. Stephen will remember certain advertisements. Each wanted to Blessing, assistant pro fessor of psychology. of the 25 commercials examined in the study A year after the big game, Blessing surveyed was assigned a rating based on the CogScore evaluate the a group of undergraduates about what they formula to indicate how memorable the ad remembered of the ads. He found that viewers would be. model and see seldom made a defi nitive connection between “We wanted to evaluate the model and see the commercials and the product being sold. if we could accurately predict which ads people if we could While an advertisement may be particularly would remember,” Blessing said. funny or strike some other emotional chord, Of the commercials used in the study, very accurately viewers fre quently misidentifi ed the exact few were rated highly with CogScore. product that each ad was promoting. The research showed that few of the com- predict which So what makes for an effective ad? mercials were well remembered one year later. “Advertisers need to link their product into The study also found that even when viewers ads people would the viewers’ existing memory structures, as well did acknowledge remembering a given com- as promote new links, if viewers are going to mercial, they frequently misidentifi ed the brand remember.” be infl uenced toward purchasing the marketed as that of a competing brand. A commercial for — Dr. Stephen product,” Blessing said. FedEx shipping, for example, was repeatedly Blessing According to Blessing, there are three main misidentifi ed as a commercial for UPS. cognitive psychological components that factor A future study of Super Bowl com- into how well viewers remember a given ad: mercials is in the works, Blessing sensory processing, working (short-term) mem- said, with further research examining ory and long-term memory. how well the ads are remembered Using these components as a base, Blessing over different periods of time. UT

spring 2008 15 The UT Experience Transformed his issue of the Journal highlights the country. The physical infrastructure has many aspects of our international also provided a foundation for UT to undergo a program at UT. From study abroad transformation in its intellectual and residential trips to language lab teaching experience, which is the heart of who we are as T methodology, UT provides students an institution. with unprecedented opportunities to learn to be responsible global citizens and leaders, which Our academic infrastructure, of which is critical in today’s world. I’ve written in the past, has come a long way. International programming exemplifies We have four undergraduate colleges, a gradu- just one of the many transformations UT has ate school, an evening college and departments By Dr. Ronald L. experienced in the last couple of decades. devoted to academic support and advising. Vaughn We now have 120 programs of study and offer President When visitors come to campus, or when alumni return to campus, the first thing they more than 3,000 classes a year. We hire faculty see is UT’s physical transformations, including whose passion is for teaching and learning, and the renovation of Plant Hall, the six new who want to grow in their fields and serve as residence halls and the modern, well-equipped role models for young students. academic facilities. These $200 million of But perhaps what is most innovative improvements have made UT one of the most is how, in the past two decades, we have unique, beautiful and functional campuses in transformed the learning environment and made the student experience one that merges academic learning with experiential learning, both on campus and beyond. It is well known that students at residential universities such as ours learn as much outside the classroom as in it, and that giving them comfortable environments to live and learn in is key to their success. Plus, as new generations of students open our doors, they expect more sophisticated and holistic educational experiences. As such, today we have more than 130 student organizations and offer thousands of campus programs, events, seminars, speakers and community learning opportunities each year. Athletics is integrated into our academic mission, as seen by our scholar-athletes who bring home national championships and achieve top GPAs and graduation rates. More students than ever are completing internships and studying abroad. Applications for resident assistant (RA) positions are at an all-time high. Business students can practice real-world consulting, and UT has gained considerable publicity for its campus-wide community Dr. Douglas Sutherland provides one-on-one mentoring to students in a graphics arts lab last fall. service days.

16 ut journal and educational transfor- mations, is poised to be one of the best universities of its kind in the nation. “UT can and should compete with far better “UT funded and historic insti- tutions possessing higher can and should reputations and rankings,” he said. compete with Recently, former Board of Trustees member Bob far better funded Martinez ’69, remarked that never in his time associated and historic with UT have students had the mix of opportunities institutions they have now, in terms Students apply leadership, communication, problem solving and conflict resolution skills to navigate a of academic offerings and possessing higher 31-foot sloop in Tampa Bay as part of the bi-annual Leadership and Sailing program. experiential learning. It’s Professor of Chemistry David Ford, who like “night and day,” he said. He credited this reputations and has taught at UT since 1969 and is retiring evolution with UT’s leadership, and its ability to this semester, shared a message with me that move quickly to give students what they need rankings.” he sent to a colleague commenting on the to meet the requirements of various professions ­— Jim Ferman, improvements in faculty, facilities and academic and demands of a global society. Member, UT Board support. As a community we’ll continue striving for of Trustees “The transformations since the early ’90s excellence by hiring more top faculty, adding have been dramatic,” Ford wrote. “I think the new programs, encouraging cross-curricular future for UT is most promising.” teaching and enhancing the extracurricular I believe that areas such as leadership, experience. We’ll also continue building global perspectives, and community service are facilities to give future students the best UT critical to students’ success after graduation, experience possible. UT and the college years provide a climate for them to gain the experiences they need. One example of this is the Office of Student Activities, which has been renamed the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement. It’s no longer about just keeping students active and entertained; it’s about guiding students on a mission of leadership and service.

In a recent conversation, Board of Trustees member and community leader Jim Ferman, whose family has been involved with UT since the early 1960s, commented that improvements at UT have been “remarkable” and “significant.” Along with UT, Ferman has served on boards of Florida Southern College and Emory University, and believes UT, with its physical

Josh Murphy ‘08 participates in UT’s 2007 Alternative Spring Break program constructing housing in Meridian, MS. (Photo courtesy of Casey Stevens)

spring 2008 17 UT has 21 athletes from all over the world, including (back row, from left) Marsid Tushe ’10 (cross country-Albania), Niocolas Jutigny ’10 (golf-France), Glyn Hunter ’11 (basketball-England), Javon Edwards ’11 (basketball-Trinidad), (front row, from left) Dan Ingvarsson ’11 soccer- Sweden), Ryan Thompson ’10 (soccer- Jamaica), Ryan Maxwell ’09 (soccer- Jamaica) and Shane Armbrister ’11 (swimming-Bahamas). international UT Athletic hall of Famers HenRik nebReliUS ’98, MbA ’99 (Men’S SocceR) Henrik Nebrelius remains one of the most highly-decorated soccer players ever to compete in the Sunshine State Conference. Nebrelius Teams Draw racked up UT records of 72 career goals and 162 career points, which rank fourth and fi fth in SSC history. As a freshman, Nebrelius Talent from abroad was heralded as the Division thletes from around the world will This fall, Ingvarsson scored the game- II National Player of the Year and was named SSC come together in Beijing this summer winning goal in the Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year two years A to compete in the Olympic Games, but Championships and added an assist to lead the in a row. After UT, Nebrelius a different kind of global village already exists Spartans to the crown. played professionally with among athletes at UT. Glyn Hunter ’11, from Liverpool, says several different clubs in his native Sweden. Twenty-one international students compete he came to UT to play basketball because in Ulf liliUS ’95 in various sports, many coming from the Baha- England the sport is much less competitive and (Men’S SocceR) mas, Trinidad and Jamaica. The UT men’s soccer the professional league doesn’t have as much The men’s soccer team team alone has six international students on its fi nancial backing. scored big with Ulf Lilius. roster. Hunter began playing recreationally when The native of Sweden led the Spartans to the 1994 Ryan Thompson ’10, from Kingston, Jamaica, he was 12. He didn’t start playing seriously until NCAA Division II National plays goalie for the Spartans and helped steer he turned 15 and tried out for his local area Championship, earning him the team to a Sunshine State Conference victory team for the Merseyside Youth Games where the the national championship tournament MVP accolade last fall. The sophomore sports management fi ve boroughs of Liverpool play various sports and the distinction of SSC major also played for the Jamaica under-20 against each other. Eventually he led his team Player of the Year. national team. to the Patrons’ Cup in the English Division 2 After UT, Lilius returned to Sweden where he “Obviously it’s more competitive,” he says basketball league works for a manufacturing of playing on the international level. “It’s like At his high school, he received the Out- company. UT two countries going to war. But I always put my standing Academic and Sporting Achievement heart on the fi eld, whether I’m playing for my Award and he received a partial academic schol- country or for UT.” arship to UT. He maintains a grade point average Sweeper Dan Ingvarsson ’11 also played for just under 4.0 and is majoring in accounting. the national soccer team of his home country, “For me, working hard in school is just like Sweden. His teammate Dan Bergstrand ’10 is working hard on the basketball court,” he said. also from Sweden, and the two defenders A freshman at UT, Hunter said he would like like to confuse the competition. to continue playing basketball as long as he can “It works out perfectly,” said Ingvarsson. and take his game as far as possible. “I give him directions in Swedish, and “So far it brought me over here, so I’ll see they have no idea what I’m saying.” how far I can take it from here,” he said. UT

18 UT JoUrnal Women’s soccer Wins new Athletics national Championship hall of he women’s soccer team won the NCAA “Even though it was a 0-0 tie, I thought it Fame II National Championship this fall with was an exciting game,” said UT Head Coach Unveiled T a 3-1 shootout victory over fi ve-time Gerry Lucy. “Franklin Pierce obviously provided In January UT unveiled national champion Franklin Pierce College. some stiff opposition. They are a quality team, its completed Athletics Hall With the game still scoreless after the end and we did a good job marking their key of Fame in the Bob Martinez of regulation time and two overtime periods, players.” Sports Center lobby. Previously in the the Spartans won the shootout to claim the The two teams battled through 110 minutes Sword & Shield Room, the program’s fi rst title in its 10 years of existence. of scoreless soccer and both struggled to renovated Hall of Fame was UT and Franklin Pierce (18-2-5) played the create scoring chances all afternoon. This was made possible through a fi rst double-overtime match in NCAA Division II the second shootout of the postseason for gift from the Class of 2006. In addition to plaques women’s soccer championship history and the UT, who also defeated Columbus State in the for each of the members fi rst decided on penalties. While the match was quarterfi nals with a 3-1 shootout win. of the Hall of Fame, cases the fi rst championship appearance for UT, the Ashley Flateland ’10 clinched the champi- displaying memorabilia also are located in the areas Ravens appeared in the national championship onship for UT in the fourth round of the shoot- surrounding the Hall of match for a Division II record seventh time. out with a low shot to the left side. Famers. “I just didn’t want to miss it; I was thinking Anyone with relevant memorabilia is welcome about our keeper, and I didn’t want to let her to donate the articles to down,” says Flateland. “She had played so well. the Hall of Fame. Please It’s a good feeling, but I am more proud of my contact the UT Athletic defensive play.” Department at (813) 257-3100 if you have any The match also had 39 fouls, 20 for UT and questions. Memorabilia 19 for Franklin Pierce. Shots on goal went in may be mailed to: 401 UT’s favor at 4-2. W. Kennedy Blvd., Box I, Tampa, FL 33606-1490. UT UT has now claimed 12 national titles in the history of its athletics program. The women’s soccer win combines with victories by baseball (2006, 2007) and volleyball (2006) to total four national UT’s women’s soccer team won the NCAA-II national championship championships in less than two with a 3-1 shootout victory over fi ve-time national champion Franklin Pierce College. years. UT goalie up for nCaa award fter leading UT to its fi rst women’s $1,000 to the women’s athletic fund at each fi - soccer national title, Shannon Aitken nalist’s university. The company also will donate A ’08 has been nominated as a candidate $5,000 to the school of the Division II Collegiate for the 2007-2008 Division II Athlete of the Year. Woman Athlete of the Year. The women’s soccer NCAA II National Aitken concluded her senior season with Player of the Year is one of four student-athletes a record of 20-2-3 in goal, with a 0.61 goals nominated from the fall season and will be against average while leading UT to the NCAA among 11 fi nalists for the award, which will be title. She allowed just 16 goals in 25 matches in announced in June. The presentation of this more than 2,000 minutes of play. award will be made at a press conference on In February, Aitken nabbed the Outstanding June 23 at Columbia University in New York City. Amateur Female Athlete Award at the 47th An-

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. will donate nual Sports Club of Tampa Bay Awards Banquet. Shannon Aitken ’08 UT

spring 2008 19 spartans Fourth in SPoRTS to do ut.edu @@cAlendAR of evenTS Directors’ Cup standings The following schedules are for home has been ranked fourth in the games only. For more information, call the Athletic Offi ce at (813) 253-6240. U.S. Sports Academy Direc- UT faculty, staff and students free tors’ Cup fall standings for U.s. sPORTs ACADemy with ID. General public admission $5/ UT DiReCTORs’ CUP TOP 10 adults, $3/senior citizens, college-age Division II, out of 152 colleges and universities. students and children. *Indicates DiVisiOn ii Sunshine State Conference game. This marks the second consecutive year the BAseBAll Spartans were ranked in the top fi ve. 1. Grand Valley State (MI) Games played at Sam Bailey Field. The Sports Academy Directors’ Cup awards 2. Minnesota State-Mankato fri., May 2 points based on each institution’s fi nish in up to Barry* 7 p.m. 14 sports — seven women’s and seven men’s. 3. Adams State (CO) Sat., May 3 Barry* 1 p.m. The cup was developed as a joint effort between 4. The University of Tampa (DH) the National Association of Collegiate Directors 5. Abilene Christian (TX) fri., May 9 of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. The Newberry 5 p.m. (DH) United States Sports Academy is the program 6. Nebraska-Omaha Sat., May 10 sponsor. 7. Western State (CO) Newberry 1 p.m. The Spartans have accumulated 427 points sOFTBAll after fi nishing fi rst in women’s soccer, fi fth in 8. Ashland (OH) Games played at the softball fi eld. women’s volleyball, ninth in men’s soccer, 10th 9. Massachusetts-Lowell fri., Apr. 18 nd Rollins* 7 p.m. in women’s cross country and 22 in men’s 10. UC-San Diego Sat., Apr. 19 cross country. UT Rollins* 1 p.m. (DH) On the Web For more information on UT athletics, visit www. Tailgate in style tampaspartans.com. UT with a UT Plate

et ready to cheer for the Spartans with a UT license plate. The next time you register your car, you can purchase a custom license plate for an additional fee. You don’t even need Gto leave home. You can do it by phone directly through the alumni offi ce. And when you purchase a custom license plate from UT, you’re not only sharing your Spartan pride with everyone on the road, you’re donating to the University. For each $27 spent on the license plate (in addition to the regular tag fee) $25 goes toward funding scholarships and University improve- ments. So far, more than 1,200 plates have been sold, raising nearly $100,000 for the University. To learn more about the UT license plate, call the alumni offi ce at (813) 253-6209, or e-mail [email protected]. (Florida residents only)

20 UT JoUrnal Basking in the Afterglow he National Alumni Association stardust. The head of the Music Department, presented two awards to distinguished Professor Lyman Wiltse, was enthusiastic T members of our alumni community at about our talents and we were given full the winter commencement. The Esse Quam scholarships. The University had never before Videri award was presented to Leo B. Berman presented a musical. Somehow Professor ’69, and the Outstanding Alumni award was Wiltse acquired $4,000 — a princely sum in presented to Jack ’61 and Sally Jenkins ’61. 1958 — and produced the Broadway musical, Before the presentation, Jack shared some Jay hardwick “Brigadoon.” Because Professor Wiltse was also Alumni Director thoughts with me on his time at UT and on E-mail: [email protected] what the award meant to him. I thought the UT the conductor of the Tampa Philharmonic, we community would enjoy hearing Jack’s message, had the entire orchestra in the pit. Having a full and he graciously offered to share it here: professional orchestra accompanying young music students was a rare experience and NAA raised our professional awareness which well “Sally would be as overwhelmed with Award this great honor, as I am. prepared us for what was quickly to come. Only months after graduating — through Nominees We had a wonderful marriage and a Sought successful career that was filled with memories. good fortune — we were booked on a national television show — “The Mike Wallace Show” To nominate someone Those memories had their beginning at The for an award from University of Tampa where we first met. We fell — The same Mike Wallace who just last year the National Alumni retired from “60 Minutes.” Mr. Wallace said, “I Association, visit alumni. in love as freshmen, married in our junior year, ut.edu or contact the Office and graduated in 1961. In hindsight, it seems would like to introduce you to a young singing of Alumni and Parent as though our time at UT was sprinkled with team making their first appearance on national Relations at alumni@ television. They were recently married and ut.edu. Nomination forms can be found online. UT just last June graduated from The University of Tampa down in Florida.” And in almost every personal appearance — more than 40 years of performances — we were proud to mention that we graduated from To make a contribution to the Sally Jenkins The University of Tampa. memorial My family and I are proud of the Scholarship, send checks (made payable to newly established “Sally Jenkins Memorial The University of Tampa) Scholarship,” which is still in the funding stage. to: The University of Tampa, Development Office, 401 W. And the many contributions already received Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL are greatly appreciated. 33606-1490, Attention: Sally Jenkins Memorial Scholarship. Sally and I realized — even in the afterglow For more information about the — that our days at the University were truly fund, contact Dan Gura, vice golden days in the sunshine of a happy youth. president of Development and University Relations, at (813) My wish is that in future years, when looking 253-6277. UT back, each student will feel that his or her time at UT was also golden.” UT

President Ronald L. Vaughn (center) presents Jack Jenkins ’61 (left) and Leo Berman ’69 (right) with their alumni awards at the winter commencement ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Bob Knight Photography)

spring 2008 21 helping to re-acclimate those traumatized in ’79 combat back into the Jody Weis is the new ’60 community. Chicago Police Department Diana (ray) stanley E-mail: frankzedar@ superintendent. Jody had announced that her gmail.com been working at the FBI for granddaughter, Tabatha, 23 years. got married in June. E-mail: stanleyd28@ ’74 yahoo.com arnold g. Hunter was ’82 promoted to a newly shannon (Brown) created position as the Calahan and her family ’62 director of corporate relocated to Colorado Real estate agent sue security for Integral Springs, CO. Shannon is an paskert was featured Systems Inc. He reports to emergency preparedness in an early December the CEO and ensures that liaison offi cer in the Army From left: Cece (Stepniewski) McKiernan ’85, Donna (Babian) Griffi ths ’87, Sandra episode of HGTV’s “House current and future security Reserve. She has three (Andino) Sequeira ’85 and Tracy (Ward) Stodart ’85. Hunters,” which was programs are managed children still at home. fi lmed in February 2006. A at the senior corporate E-mail: shannon. Cece (stepniewski) Rays baseball organization sales associate with Keller level. Arnold joined the [email protected] McKiernan met her friends after spending the 2007 Williams Gulf Coast Realty, company after more than Donna (Babian) griffi ths season with the Rays’ Sue specializes in homes three decades serving ’86, sandra (andino) short A affi liate, the in South Tampa and on in a variety of active ’83 sequeira ’85 and Tracy Hudson Valley Renegades. Little Gasparilla Island, military and Department Wernher Kuck was (Ward) stodart ’85 at the Selected by the Chicago one of the barrier islands of Defense security and promoted to a senior Victorian Christmas Stroll Cubs in the 5th round of the between Sarasota and Fort counterintelligence confi guration analyst at at UT in December. Cece 1991 June draft, he played Myers. Before becoming positions. Raytheon. He lives in lives on Davis Islands in professional baseball for a real estate agent, she Redondo Beach, CA. Tampa. 16 seasons with the Cubs, taught grades 2 through E-mail: wernher@ E-mail: digirl@ Reds, Mariners, Devil Rays, 10 at public and private ’75 raytheon.com tampabay.rr.com Braves, Diamondbacks schools. Mark Drebin started an and Mets organizations as investment company — well as Chunichi Dragons Drebin Investment Corp. ’84 ’86 of the Japanese Baseball ’69 He lives in Tampa. In August, Mexi ann grant Judith Tilton of Hernando League, the Mexican Clayton Kelley retired took on a new position as Beach, FL, became the League and Atlantic City of from San Jacinto College in Marc Kelman and his learning community leader new director of the non- the Independent Atlantic Harris County, TX, on Oct. father, Leo, received The for the Sister Islands, profi t job placement League. He owns a .235 31. Clayton’s last position Jewish National Fund’s where she is based at the service Connections in career major league was a dean of technical Tree of Life Award on Dec. Education Centre at the Tampa in April. Judith batting average with 20 education, and he worked 2 at the Arizona Biltmore Creek in the Caymans. She worked in publishing doubles and 20 home runs 32 years at the college. Resort and Spa in Phoenix. has been an education in New York before she in 186 games. They received the award in offi cer for the Sister Islands joined the Medical Society recognition of outstanding since 2002. In 2004, she of Wisconsin. She returned ’70 service to the community, received the distinguished to Tampa a decade ago ’92 John gram received the the country and the state Certifi cate and Badge of and worked for the Kevin strange married Justice Robert Benham of Israel. Honour from Her Majesty American Cancer Society Ericka Monger on Sept. 29. Award for Community the Queen for her many and LifePath Hospice. Kevin works as an airline Service on Jan. 29 years of dedicated service As interim director of pilot at ExpressJet Airlines. from the State Bar of ’76 to education in the Sister Connections, Judith helps They live in Newark, NJ. Georgia and the Chief linda (shaw) Blondheim’s Islands. the young and old fi nd www.kevin-and-ericka. Justice’s Commission on paintings were written work. She also oversees com Professionalism. about in The Valdosta Daily the expansion of services Times in November. Her ’85 to east Pasco County. Kim (nordt) Tompuri and work was on display in Matthew Destry, former her husband, Jorma, had ’73 the newspaper’s lobby assistant statewide their baby girl, Jorja Irene, James Blake is the leader when she was named prosecutor for the Florida ’89 on Dec. 11. They have of the U.S. Army Program artist of the month by the Attorney General, was Marc asturias is an another child, Gus, who Executive Offi ce (PEO) for Southern Artists League. chosen by Gov. Charlie author, editor, Web and is almost 4 years old. The Simulation, Training and Linda works “en plein air,” Crist to fi ll an opening as media expert at Cisco family lives in Carmel, NY. Instrumentation (STRI). which means she paints a judge in the Broward Systems. He published a outdoors. She earned a circuit court system. new book with Peachpit Vincent Daniels bachelor of fi ne arts from Matthew is a veteran of Press and Apple Computer, published a new book UT and attended the the U.S. Air Force and Desktop and Portable titled International Sales. University of South Florida a graduate of Stetson Systems: A Guide to For more information, for graduate study. She has University College of Law. Supporting, Servicing, and visit his Web site www. been painting for 30 years. He had a solo practice Troubleshooting Apple vincentdaniels.com. in Fort Lauderdale for Computers. He lives in Frank Durr received the seven years before joining Silicon Valley, CA. Frank zedar has started www.UsaBooknews. the Attorney General’s E-mail: masturias@ a Web site serving current com National Best Books Offi ce, where he handled mac.com and ex-military, fi refi ghters, 2007 Award in the General racketeering and white- and law enforcement History Category, for his collar fraud cases. workers called www. publication In the Shadow ’91 Matthew speaks and realEstateForHeroes. of the Sphinx: A New Look writes French, and was ozzie Timmons begins his com. In March he attended at the Bay of Pigs and JFK second season as a hitting trained to be a Russian Jorja Irene Tompuri training to become a Assassination. coach for the Tampa Bay “Sentinel of Freedom,” linguist in the Air Force.

22 UT JoUrnal leslie (Katzman) Heich- National Security Affairs Her other granddaughter’s ’94 man and her husband, at the Naval Postgraduate name is Evie Jo. Kelly Bennett and her Michael, welcomed their School in Monterey, CA. E-mail: sewingbydeb@ John rubsamen has a husband moved to a new new baby, Ava, on Sept. E-mail: tempi72@ aol.com new job as a convention home, still in Tallahassee, 14. They have another yahoo.com manager for SmithBucklin to better accommodate daughter, Sophie, who is 3 Corp. John lives in their family. They have years old. The family lives ’97 Washington, D.C. twin daughters, Katie and in Plainview, NY. ’95 Michael robeson is Christy, who are almost E-mail: 1mheichman@ Deborah (askew) pursuing his Ph.D. at the one year old and are very yahoo.com Tungate has a second University of Colorado. ’98 active toddlers. granddaughter, Allie Lynn, E-mail: popgen23@ John Kahne was promoted E-mail: kbandjp@ Terri raines is studying to who was born on June 15. mac.com to director of fi nance at embarqmail.com earn a master’s degree in Graybar Electric Company in Norcross, GA. He has been working at the same company for 20 years. E-mail: john.kahne@ sPOTliGhT gbe.com Janel Tackney married Rocket scientist Anthony Gonzalez in Plant It only took SzAbolcz M. de GyURky ’71 30 days to write a textbook on Park at UT on Nov. 10. The P reception was at the Don computer science, but it’s taking him much longer to write his novel. Vicente de Ybor Historic “I’ve done so many space craft systems, I can just sit down and write,” he Inn in Ybor City. The couple said. “But to write a novel … it’s the pits. I get depressed, and then totally elated spent their honeymoon in Australia and New Zealand. A sometimes. I get caught up in it.” E-mail: jtackney11@ De Gyurky worked in NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab at the California Institute of hotmail.com Technology for 25 years and is a recipient of the NASA Exceptional Achievement R Medal. He has written millions of lines of computer code used to direct $200 million ’99 satellites like TOPEX and Jason. These satellites helped scientists understand Jonique Hale moved from interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere, which result in climate events Atlanta to Miami to enjoy the Florida weather and like El Niño. the diverse cultures of T His textbook, The Cognitive Dynamics of Computer Science, published in 2006, Miami. describes how to construct large-scale computer software programs on schedule E-mail: miami_jonique@ yahoo.com and on budget. It also explores the philosophical underpinnings of software, drawing on Kant and Hegel. Computer science and philosophy may seem like an odd pairing, James Deschamps A married Jeanette in but de Gyurky is a study in contrasts. December 2006. They had He took the photo of Rodin’s “The Thinker” that graces the cover of his textbook. their fi rst child, Jaida, on He paints in oils. He has sung in a big band. He wrote an autobiography about his fl ight Feb. 9, 2007. The family has moved from Waikiki, n from Hungary to escape the Soviets. And now, he is working on an adventure novel. HI, to Tampa. The story begins with a young soldier from St. Louis arriving in Frankfort, E-mail: [email protected] Germany, on St. Nicholas Day in 1959. The book has parachuting, big game hunting, Brett McMullen MBa was hand-to-hand combat with machetes at night in Algeria, and singing with Glen Miller’s promoted to U.S. Air Force band. So far de Gyurky has written 400 pages. Reserve colonel on Nov. 1 at the MacDill Air Force He also has published a collection of poems he wrote as a soldier in Vietnam, Base Offi cers’ Club. Brett Refl ections During a Monsoon Evening, under the pen name Michael Simay. is the chief of procurement He attended The University of Tampa through the policy for the United States Special Operations bootstrap program, after three years of combat in Vietnam. Command. “I was really stressed out, and I needed to cool off,” he recalled. ’00 He said he remembers having some great professors, Kathryn Heintz MBa including Drs. Leith, Speronif and Stuckey. Though he was married Thomas

only at UT for a year, the atmosphere and the academics COnTinUeD On PAGe 24 made it a memorable place. Kathryn Heintz MBA ’00 and Thomas Once he graduated with a history degree, De Gyurky Meachum ’81 ended up taking a course offered by IBM through the army, and that’s how he got into computer science. He went on to work at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at CalTech, eventually becoming a technical manager and systems architect on a number of high profi le projects. He now works as a consultant and writer. UT

De Gyurky in 1969, as a company commander for the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam.

spring 2008 23 O’Donnell & Gillett PLLC in Seattle. ’01 Meachum ’81, MBA ’93 E-mail: kmmadigan@ Brian Simmons, a in the Plant Hall Music comcast.net member of the United Room on Nov. 3. They States Army Reserve, honeymooned in London Molly Marsters married was deployed to Iraq for and Paris. Matthew Paolino on July 7 the second time since E-mail: tmeachum@ at Christ the King Church graduation. The first time tampabay.rr.com in Kingston, RI. Molly is a was in 2003. Brian has professional makeup art- been a coach of the Wesley Kelly Madigan graduated ist and founder of Molly B Chapel wrestling team. From left: Alisa Amaral ’02, Heather Arndt ’02 and Megan Anttila’02 magna cum laude with a Cosmetics. She is a store law degree from Seattle manager for Origins at Christopher D. Willman Tampa Bay. Christopher president of lending for University School of International Plaza in Tam- MBA has been named as has served as the senior Gold Bank; vice president Law in 2007. She is an pa. Matthew is an acoustic the new president and lender in Tampa since of commercial real estate associate attorney at Preg guitarist and entertainer in chief executive officer the affiliate’s inception. lending at Colonial Bank; the Tampa Bay area. of Bank of Florida — Prior to joining Bank of and lending officer in the Florida, he served as vice commercial mortgage division at SunTrust. He was a real estate appraiser in the Tampa area for six spotlight years before beginning his career in banking. Where in the World is Scott Leonard? You may know Scott Leonard ’87 from the days he spent on the set of “Where ’02 p Heather Arndt ran the in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” but these days he’s the one crossing the globe. Nike Women’s Marathon Leonard found professional success in the early 1990s as a member of the a in San Francisco on Oct. cappella group Rockapella, the house band on the popular PBS children’s show. A 21, in support of the a spot on a mid-’90s Folgers coffee commercial cemented the group’s success, paving Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Fellow UT alumni the way for record deals and worldwide tours. Megan Anttila ’02 and These days, Leonard remains as Rockapella’s senior member and front man as Alisa Amaral ’02 flew to they showcase close to 100 shows a year at venues throughout Europe, Asia and California to cheer her on. r Heather also bought her North America. first house in Bolton, MA, “Rockapella is kind of unique in its own niche,” Leonard said. “There’s not really in October 2006. another group like us out there that’s kind of broken through the mainstream.” E-mail: heatherarndt@ gmail.com t While many recognize the group from their “Carmen Sandiego” days (the show’s theme song remains their most popular tune), their catalogue in recent years has Frank Marcantoni MBA, MAT ’07 is an 8th grade grown to include multiple hit albums. Leonard has also produced four solo albums. science teacher and was His latest, “1MAN1MIKE,” released in 2007, features all original songs performed by named Teacher of the Year a Leonard without any accompanying voices or instruments. at Webb Middle School in Tampa. Marcantoni is also In recognition of his achievements, UT chose Leonard in February to be the first- a volunteer at Teaching ever recipient of the UT Music Alumnus Achievement Award (see story page 4). It Tools for Hillsborough n was an unexpected honor from the school that Leonard says he made “a last-minute Schools. decision” to attend in the 1980s. Henry Robles Jr. is now Growing up in his native Indianapolis, IN, Leonard says he always had a gift for the office manager for Western Judicial Services. singing and an interest in music. But it was not until he arrived at UT on a baseball He supervises their scholarship and enrolled in the music program that he saw his operations for the Tampa talent as a potential career path. and New Port Richey areas. “It was really a gem of a music program that was under the E-mail: henry.robles@ radar — led by extraordinarily talented professors like David westernjudicial.com Isele and Terry Mohn,” he said. “It just turned out to be such a fortunate thing. It was fun to be involved but not be pressured ’03 by a huge music program like you would at other schools.” Kristina Brigiotta married As for the future, Leonard says he has more professional Derek Lazaro ’04 on May projects in the works, but his main focus is his family. He and 26 in Harvard, MA. E-mail: kbrigiotta03@ his wife, Lisa, live in Tampa’s Hyde Park neighborhood, with aol.com their son Jesse, 14, and daughter Natalie, 8. Kristen Chapman has Rockapella is scheduled to perform April 25 at the been promoted to director Tampa Theatre in downtown Tampa. More information about of special events at the this and other Rockapella shows can be found at www. Mohegan Sun casino. As director of special events, UT scottleonardmusic.com and www.rockapella.com. Kristen will be responsible for the development, Scott Leonard ’87 implementation and

24 ut journal operation of all special events. She will also organize and execute spotlight various on-site events, as well as develop and oversee the Mohegan UT Couple Radiates Knowledge Sun’s community and charitable events. Kristen p Jason Harris ’95 and Maria Okuniewski ’94 make the perfect “nuclear first started her career family.” at Mohegan Sun as An assistant professor of health physics at Idaho State University in Pocatello, an intern in 1998. She returned to Mohegan Sun Idaho, Harris teaches physics and works on the development of radiation detectors, in 2005 as rooms revenue a which can be used in such applications as protecting humans and the environment maximization analyst. from radiation, and in homeland security. From there, she became manager of special events. In the latter application, Harris is looking at how nuclear accelerators can be used to bombard particles at containers — such as those in ships in port — and Sara Dayley is a co-host r of the sports radio talk determine, via imaging, what’s inside the container. The same application can show “Mayhem in the AM” be used to see if there are radioactive materials inside the containers. He also on KFNS-590 AM in St. researches health and environmental effects from nuclear power plants. Louis, MO. t Okuniewski, who works at the nearby Idaho National Laboratory — known as Bonne Kramer made her the lead national lab for nuclear energy — does material research in nuclear reactor off-Broadway Debut in 2007. She played five dif- design. Basically, she looks at how radiation affects different materials used in the ferent characters in “Mark construction of nuclear reactors. Twain’s Blues.” www. a Both Harris and Okuniewski were marine biology majors at UT, and worked for marktwainsblues.com competing environmental firms after graduation. They both transitioned into nuclear Jennifer Leibe married physics and eventually received their doctoral degrees — she in nuclear engineering Joshua Marshall on Sept. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and he in health physics at Purdue 15 at St. Anthony Chapel n in Gloucester, MA. They University. live in Manchester, CT. “It’s odd how we both got into the nuclear Jennifer is a specialty area, but it’s different enough,” Harris said. “It’s nutrition representative for Tier Rx Pharmaceutical, nice to understand what the other is doing.” and Joshua is a territory Harris said his work in health physics manager for Zimmer and radiation biology draws heavily from his Dental. background in marine biology at UT. Nicole (Rucker) Misiura Harris and Okuniewski were married in 2002 earned a certification as and moved to Idaho last winter. Since their research a professional in human resources. areas are so specialized, they feel lucky to be in a E-mail: nicolemisiura@ location in which they both can pursue their fields hotmail.com of study – although it’s a long way from UT. Leah Ogle married Peter They still are avid SCUBA divers, but have Grenshaw on March 22 in enjoyed swapping beaches and flatlands for Florida. mountains. Laura Danielle Wachob “We appreciate the natural beauty of the married Michael Kidrick Lassiter on Oct. 26 at West,” Harris said. UT Hollis Garden. The couple took a wedding cruise Jason Harris ’95 and Maria Okuniewski ’94 at the Tulum Mayan ruins near Cancun, Mexico last summer. to the Greek isles and now reside in Lakeland, FL. Laura is employed by Digital Architecture. at Blake High School in They held their ceremony ’04 Tampa. in Plant Hall’s Music Kerry Sweeney ’04 and Justin Jones Kella Dawson married E-mail: andretomlinson@ Room and the reception Curtis Swift on Oct. 6, 2006 hotmail.com in Fletcher Lounge. in Lake Ridge, VA. Allison Dingivan ’05 E-mail: kelladawson@ Kerrie Sweeney is and Elizabeth Pytlik ’07 hotmail.com engaged to Justin Jones were bridesmaids. Allison and plans to get married (Gispert) Altemose works D. Todd Marrs MBA was in the fall. She is a sales as a sales coordinator selected for the Leadership representative for Novartis for Professional Screen Tampa Class of 2008. Pharmaceuticals and lives Printing Inc. in Tampa. E-mail: ridingout@ in Tampa. hotmail.com continued on page 26 Andre Tomlinson is now ’05 a high school teacher Allison Gispert ’05 and Allison Gispert wed David David Altemose Altemose on Feb. 9 at UT.

spring 2008 25 Jamie Faulkner MBa is a chief operating offi cer sPOTliGhT for Sterling Research Group Inc. She will focus on short- and long-term Alumna Cheers for Bucs, Appears in planning and executing for P Sports Illustrated the company. Kimberly Martin and her Weeks after the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition hit newsstands, Milly husband, Andrew, wel- (fiGUeReo) HiX ’01 said it’s still surreal to see her photo in the magazine. comed their baby girl, Ai- “I really still can’t believe that out of all the beautiful, talented, deserving women yana Renelle, on June 20. A on our squad, they picked little old me Brian Metz MBa joined to represent the Buccaneers,” she Sterling Research Group Inc. as a director of said. “It’s an amazing honor for me to information technology. R represent not only the team and my Brian will lead the teammates but, also, Tampa and this software development and the IT infrastructure team. community.” The magazine, which came out ’07 T in February, featured a spread with patricia Harvey-Maines cheerleaders from 12 NFL teams. Hix, MaT received the Pasco who works fulltime as a brokerage County’s 2007 Water Wise assistant, has cheered for the Bucs for award. She is a science A teacher at Paul R. Smith two years. Middle School in Holiday, In addition to cheerleading, FL. Hix is an all-around athlete and she adrienne Mcgill joined n competed in the Fort Desoto Triathlon. the Peace Corps and While at UT, she majored in communication and was is teaching science to children in Mozambique. involved with the dance program. She still keeps in touch with the director of the dance program, Susan Kim Muong moved to Columbus, OH, in July for Taylor Lennon. four months of training Lennon said that Hix still attends UT dance in operations. She also performances and has become a contributor to the traveled to Indianapolis, Milly (Figuereo) Hix ’01 Phoenix, and New York program. City. In November Kim “It’s heartening to see our students continue to grow and to give back to our program. We are moved to Chicago, he University of Tampa is interested in the progress of its alumni. Use Please check all appropriate boxes, and all very excited about her recent accomplishments,” Lennon said. where she works as an T operations analyst for this form to let us know your news. Be sure to provide all information, so that provide details to the right of each item: Hix met her husband at an adult kickball league, and they were married March 2 on the JPMorgan Chase. your news can be included in the Class Acts section of the next issue of the UT Journal. Alumni also can update their contact information and share news via beach. Someday, she said, she’d like to have a big family, with two children of her own and three E-mail: kmuong@ new job adopted children. For now, though, she said she hopes to continue her stint as a Bucs cheerleader. hotmail.com the Internet. Log on to alumni.ut.edu and type away. UT Victor o’Brien is a crime Please mail this form to job promotion reporter and staff writer for Offi ce of Alumni Relations • Box H the Killeen Daily Herald in Attention: Class Acts additional degree earned Ja’net Higgins is engaged Killeen, TX. The University of Tampa • 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. to Christopher Weston. Tampa, FL 33606-1490 marriage UT Comes to yOU! E-mail: jhiggins2005@

yahoo.com Name Maiden Name addition to family Jamal pope is a fi eld Take a stroll Through history Class Year relocation to a new city organizer for the Barack The D.C.-area alumni group will be heading out of the city to Obama campaign. He Social Security Number (for records verifi cation only) honor or award received Harpers Ferry on Saturday, May 17 for a walk though history. worked on the campaign in Sioux City, Iowa for other Dr. James Beckman ’90 will lead the group on a three months before Address guided walking tour through the sites of John following the campaign trail to Los Angeles. City State Zip Brown’s historic raid, based on his recently Photographs: Color or black-and-white photographs of E-mail Address newborns, weddings, etc., may be submitted along with items for published book. After the tour, Beckman will ’06 Class Acts. Photos will be published on a space-available basis only. open his antebellum house for a group lunch. Photographs should be sharp and properly exposed. Bryan Carey and a friend Home Phone (include area code) Identify those pictured, and include a contact phone To get involved with D.C.-area alumni contact drove 14,418.2 miles number. Photos will not be returned. Photos also from Rochester, NY, to Work Phone (include area code) may be provided electronically. JPEG and TIFF Abebi Wolfe ’98 at [email protected]. UT Anchorage, AK, and back. fi le formats are acceptable. Please make sure Their journey was 50 days Company Name Job Title resolution is a minimum of 300 pixels per inch, and long and was chronicled the shorter image dimension is at least 3”. Please compress fi les, and send as attachments to an e- on their Web site www. Spouse or Partner’s Name UT Class Year mail that includes identifi cation of all those pictured. ourdrivetoalaska.com. Signature (required by federal law) Jamal Pope ’05

26 UT JoUrnal Stay in Touch We want to know what you’ve been doing since graduation, and so do your classmates and friends. Stay in touch by sending us your Class Acts so we can include you in the next issue of the UT Journal. You can send in the form below, e-mail [email protected] or update your page on the alumni site. UT

on thick ice Rafnar Hermannsson ’95 (left) and Richard Turer ’83 (right) met unexpectedly in Iceland this winter. Hermannsson owns a production company in Iceland called Truenorth, which helps TV and movie studios when shooting on the island and provides support for conventions and meeting planning. Turer, vice president of marketing for Bonefish Grill, was in Iceland on business making TV commercials. Turer is a member of the John H. Sykes College of Business Advisory Board.

The University of Tampa is interested in the progress of its alumni. Use Please check all appropriate boxes, and this form to let us know your news. Be sure to provide all information, so that provide details to the right of each item: your news can be included in the Class Acts section of the next issue of the UT Journal. Alumni also can update their contact information and share news via new job the Internet. Log on to alumni.ut.edu and type away. Please mail this form to job promotion Office of Alumni Relations • Box H Attention: Class Acts additional degree earned The University of Tampa • 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, FL 33606-1490 marriage

Name Maiden Name addition to family

Class Year relocation to a new city

Social Security Number (for records verification only) honor or award received

Address other

City State Zip Photographs: Color or black-and-white photographs of E-mail Address newborns, weddings, etc., may be submitted along with items for Class Acts. Photos will be published on a space-available basis only. Photographs should be sharp and properly exposed. Home Phone (include area code) Identify those pictured, and include a contact phone number. Photos will not be returned. Photos also Work Phone (include area code) may be provided electronically. JPEG and TIFF file formats are acceptable. Please make sure Company Name Job Title resolution is a minimum of 300 pixels per inch, and the shorter image dimension is at least 3”. Please compress files, and send as attachments to an e- Spouse or Partner’s Name UT Class Year mail that includes identification of all those pictured.

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spring 2008 27 Goutoufas ’90 in his new cigar shop. (Photo by Christine Goodwin) not Hearing, but listening By Wayne Garcia If there’s one thing that Davelis “D.C.” Goutoufas ’90 learned while getting a degree in business at The University of Tampa, it’s the importance of listening to your customers.

outoufas, 40, puffs on a Diamond Goutoufas takes the cigars and promises to Crown Maximus while he relates this fi nd out. G bit of wisdom. As he does, a customer You have to listen to your customers, even walks into his Gaspar’s Cigar Shop in South if that means reading their lips. Tampa and hands Goutoufas two Goutoufas is deaf, the fi rst deaf graduate seemingly identical cigars, except for a of The University of Tampa. After more than 15 slight variation in the cigar bands. Same years in banking in Tampa Bay — a career that cigars, two different boxes, but also grew out of an internship for his management identical, allegedly the same stogie, the major at UT — Goutoufas opened Gaspar’s customer says, but the one with the gold last year with the help of a fellow Freemason band tastes different — better, much better. and the support of some of Tampa’s most fa- What gives, the customer asks.

28 UT JoUrnal mous lawyers and businessmen, whose names a different vision, turning his attention from the adorn the small metal placards on the private deal-making to the smoke. cigar lockers that line the northern wall of his One day last year, he got a telephone call shop. They are the result of growing up this from an old friend, a real estate investor. The city’s most politically influential neighborhood friend had put together a deal to purchase and going to its most socially connected high a small store on West Shore Boulevard that school, Plant High. used to house a UPS package business, with “The way rows of mailboxes and a place where a metal Building a Base barrier came across the middle of the store and the business Goutoufas’ roots run deep in Tampa Bay; allowed customers to pick up their mail after he is the great-grandson of a pioneering Greek hours. Would this building do? school [at UT] who helped settle Tampa in 1887. They also run Goutoufas drove over and took a look. “I deep at UT; his grandmother was a graduate, was thinking,” he remembers, “if mail boxes are works is it’s and his father and uncle attended classes here. there, why not turn them into cigar lockers?” His grandfather owned property across the So he did. Goutoufas replaced the “What about real-world street from Plant Park, in sight of the glistening can brown do for you?” vibe inside the building minarets. with dark woods, overstuffed leather chairs, experience.” vintage black-and-white photos of Tampa and After high school, Goutoufas wanted to go — Davelis “D.C.” HD flat-panel television sets. A cigar bar sits at to college, and he wanted to go to UT. He met Goutoufas ’90 personally with then-President Bruce Samson. the center of the shop, across from a small but The support from the highest levels of the ad- impressive selection of stogies. ministration, the smaller class sizes, and the Taking a Chance professional experience of the business profes- sors sealed the deal for Goutoufas to become a Gaspar’s Cigar Shop opened on the Spartan. Fourth of July 2007. Goutoufas threw a pig roast He had an interpreter who attended class for his friends and supporters. Three hundred with him, “and with the support of the profes- people turned up. sors and the people helping me, I overcame “The shop isn’t just about cigars,” he the obstacles,” Goutoufas said. The support of says. “It is an embodiment of something that his brothers in Theta Chi fraternity also helped; is uniquely American: the freedom to do and sometimes they would get away from campus become whoever and whatever you want.” for a cigar break, back at a time when you After hours, he slides a metal fence into Are You could still smoke in just about any business place, closing off the bar and the merchandise. Getting establishment. The rest of the shop remains open 24/7 for mem- He was always ambitious. At UT, he went bers who pay a fee for humidified locker space. Duped? to school in the mornings and then walked A keypad allows them to come in, grab a cigar Please, help us cut downtown to intern in the marketing depart- and relax at any hour of the night or early morn- down on mailing costs. If ment of First Florida Bank. ing. A closed-circuit camera keeps trouble away. your household is receiving “The way the business school [at UT] works It’s the adult version of a tree house. more than one copy of the Journal, send us the is it’s about real-world experience,” Goutoufas “This is like a home away from home,” inkjetted address area from said. Goutoufas explains. “I remember the days when the back cover. We will politics were about the city, county, state or review our records and correct any duplication. Running for Office country first, and then your party. You could Send your back cover After graduation, Goutoufas ran for a think what you wanted, heck, even fight for it. to The University of But at the end of the day, they came together, Tampa, Office seat on the Tampa City Council. He lost that of Alumni race and a second four years later, but already had a meal or even a cigar. Relations, made his mark on Tampa’s civic fabric by con- “Tampa used to be that way,” he adds. “My Box H, 401 W. Kennedy vincing city government to begin closed-caption Tampa will always be that way, as long as those doors stay open.” Blvd., Tampa, transcription of City Council meetings. FL 33606-1490. He put aside his ambition for politics (while Because you have to listen to what your You also may let keeping his love for it) and settled into his own customers want. us know you are receiving duplicate home in South Tampa, with his wife, Katie, and A version of this story first ran in Creative copies via e-mail at daughter, Olivia. And he eventually traded that Loafing newspaper, where journalist Wayne Garcia [email protected]. UT dream — with its smoke-filled back rooms — for works as political editor. UT

spring 2008 29 Alumni and Parents to do University ut.edu calendar of events Bookstore @ All events are free unless otherwise noted. is Online april may Saturday, May 17 Wednesday, April 16 Friday, May 9 Washington, DC-area Alumni Visit the University MBAA Leadership Meeting Graduation Reception Event Harpers Ferry Guided Bookstore at utampa. 5:15 p.m. 4 p.m. Walking Tour and Lunch bncollege.com for all of Sykes College of Business Vaughn Center Hosted by Dr. James Beckman your Spartan gear. Plus, 11 a.m. Room 148 Saturday, May 10 since the Campus Store is a Details at alumni.ut.edu part of the Barnes & Noble Thursday, April 17 124th Commencement Tampa Alpha Alumni 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 21 family, you get tremendous Chapter Meeting St. Pete Times Forum MBAA Leadership Meeting deals on software, books 6 p.m. social Downtown Tampa 5:15 p.m. and magazines. Contact Sykes College of Business 6:30 p.m. meeting Thursday, May 15 Mike Comiskey, Campus Room 148 Riverside Center Tampa Alpha Alumni Store manager, at (813) Alumni Conference Room 253-6230 for more Planning Meeting july information. 6 p.m. social Thursday, July 17 6:30 p.m. meeting UT A complete listing of NAA Board of Directors’ Meeting Check alumni.ut.edu for location 1 p.m. University events can be Riverside Center found at www.ut.edu. Alumni Conference Room

Victorian Holiday with the Parents Tampa Bay area moms and dads stepped back in time on Dec. 5 at the UT Family Association’s annual Parent Night at the Henry B. Plant Museum Victorian Christmas Stroll. More than 115 people turned out for the holiday tour and cider on the verandah. UT

Colleen Sweeney ’09 and Devin Shaw ’09, both nursing students, enjoyed cider on the verandah after taking the stroll with Colleen’s parents Beth and Daniel Sweeney.

30 ut journal Heat Wave in Boston Members of the New England Alumni Chapter experienced the heat of the Boston Celtics during freezing winter temperatures as the team defeated the Philadelphia 76-ers on Jan. 18. The group of 60 Spartan alums, parents and current students, gathered at The Greatest Bar before the game to catch up on UT current events. If you have ideas for future events or want to get involved in the New England Chapter, contact Dave Tedford ’84 at [email protected]. UT

spring 2008 31 Clockwise from top left: Ida Coe ’58, Carol Tortarelli ’02, Sheri Huestler ’05 and April Gillespie ’04 encourage scholarship support as they sell UT Gasparilla beads.

From left: Marsha Stone ’84, Ted Gasparilla Kick-Off Schwartz ’82, and Leona Peszka Gasparilla Brunch ’85 mingle while enjoying the Networking Social evening view of the minarets. The Tampa Alpha Alumni Chapter held its Alumni and friends gathered for a network- annual Gasparilla Pre-parade Brunch on Jan. ing social at Malio’s Prime in downtown Tampa 26. Nearly 300 alumni and friends enjoyed a on Jan. 25. The evening brought together more brunch buffet and spirits on the verandah before than 125 members of the Board of Counselors, heading down to watch the Gasparilla parade. Board of Fellows, Tampa Alpha Alumni Chapter, Despite the chilly morning, the Royal Krewe of the National Alumni Association and the Sparta wore their togas with pride. The Tampa MBA Association. Many guests prepared for Alpha Chapter and the Royal Krewe of Sparta Gasparilla by purchasing commemorative UT always welcome new members to join the fun. beads at the door. The beads, which are to If you are interested in becoming a member of support UT scholarships, are still available. If the Krewe, please visit their Web site at www. interested, please e-mail [email protected] for kreweofsparta.com. If you are interested in join- information. UT ing Tampa Alpha, please go to alumni.ut.edu. UT

UT

UT Twists in Atlanta The Atlanta Alumni Chapter held a networking social at Twist restaurant on Feb. 19. UT followed the Georgia tradition of hospitality and warmly welcomed the group of graduates, family and friends to the gathering. The group mixed and mingled while enjoying specialty drinks made just for UT: the Golden Spartan and the Spartini! UT

Alumni and friends (from left) Lisa Dwyer ’04, her friend, John, and Mark Novak ’83 enjoyed sharing stories and good times at Twist in Atlanta.

32 ut journal ace Fighter pilot Mourned onald S. Lopez, a World War II ace UT, through the Civil fi ghter pilot and former student at UT, Aeronautics Authority’s D passed away March 3 at the age of 84. Civil Pilot Training He died of a heart attack, according to an Program in 1941. In obituary in The New York Times. the cover story for Lopez gained ace status when he shot down the Spring 2005 UT In fi ve Japanese pilots in China. He later went on to Journal, Lopez recounted Memoriam teach thermodynamics at the United States Air how he took his fi rst lessons at the AlUMni Force Academy, before becoming a propulsion Peter O. Knight Airport on Davis Islands. He Nell B. Hippenmeier ’35 engineer for the space program. left school after receiving his pilot’s license and Domenic V. Giunta ’36 Jane P. Setzer ’38 Although he only attended UT for one joined the military in 1942. UT Mary Ann Yorkunas ’39 year, Lopez said he fi rst learned to fl y through Jane Hughey Hewit ’43 Elizabeth E. Burnside ’44 Donald S. Lopez ’45 Jennie C. Locicero ’48 grateful alumna, Chiseler Dies Donald Balsly ’48 James A. McPhail Sr. ’51 ary Ann Yorkunas ’39, described room and board at University of Tampa, her James P. Davis Sr. ’60 in the The Tampa Tribune as a family said.” Marion L. Foskett ’62 “teacher-turned-businesswoman,” “She was always grateful to this unknown Robert H. Buckley ’67 m Wilfred G. Hanson ’70 passed away on Jan. 19. She was 90, and had person,” said Peter Yorkunas, 57. “She never been active in The Chiselers, a nonprofi t group really knew who it was. She didn’t try. She just dedicated to the preservation of Plant Hall. A accepted it.” story in The St. Petersburg Times said “She was She was married to Alvin Peter Yorkunas, driven to go to college and be a teacher. Her also a member of the class of 1939 and later an grades were high, but so was tuition. Suddenly, emeritus member of the Board of Trustees, who a break came. A secret donor paid for her passed away in 1994. They lived in Tampa. UT

mark your calendar now!

Homecoming and Reunions 2008 will be celebrated on Oct. 16-19. The classes of ’88 and ’98 will commemorate their 20th and 10th respectively. Visit alumni.ut.edu for additional information. UT

Golden moments on hand to welcome their classmates and congratulate them on 50 years of being a The class of 1958 was offi cially inducted Spartan. The next Golden Spartan reunion into the Golden Spartan Society on Feb. 22. luncheon willUT be held on Oct. 16, during More than 170 Golden Spartan alumni were Homecoming. UT

spring 2008 33 D Four Years to Change

hen I came to UT a year ago, one outside perspective the effects 9-11 had on ev- of the first students I met was eryone in this country and the world,” she says. W Koya Belgrave, a student who She also spent a semester in Spain, where moved here from the Dominican Republic and she studied the history of the country while works in the Alumni Office. I was impressed by learning to flamenco dance and watching bull- her outgoing nature, but Koya says when she fights. taylor albertson pinke Director of the Annual Fund first came to UT she was a quiet freshman. Koya says UT provides more activities for E-mail: [email protected] Koya grew up in Trinidad and Barbados students than she could ever dream of doing. before moving to the Dominican Republic at She has become very involved on campus, act- age 8. She always attended school in English, ing as vice president of her sorority, Delta Sig- but spoke Spanish outside the classroom. When ma Theta, and The National Pan-Hellenic Coun- it came time to choosing a university, however, sel. She also has been a member of the Black it was important to Koya to continue her studies Student Union. On top of those activities, Koya The Top 8 in English. also has worked in the Alumni Office for four Reasons to From the beginning, she said, she was years, served as an Orientation Team leader for drawn by pictures of UT and the small class two years, and is a Gateways mentor. Give to UT sizes that would be similar to her high school “I like being an O-Team leader and Gate- By Julie Becker ’08 experience. So at 16 Koya packed her bags and ways mentor because it lets me help other Chair, 2008 Senior Giving moved a thousand miles away from her family freshmen come out of their shells,” she says. “I Committee and friends to her new home. know I needed guidance when I got here, and 1. Tuition doesn’t cover “When I first arrived on campus, it was it’s nice to know I can return the favor.” the entire cost of a UT education. intimidating,” she says. “I was in a new envi- Koya’s latest volunteer project involves 2. Every alumni gift ronment, submerged in a different culture, and educating her peers about the value of giving helps improve UT’s ranking I didn’t know a soul. But now looking back, this back. She has joined the Senior Class Giving in U.S. News and World whole experience has been wonderful; I have Committee and is challenging the class of 2008 Report. loved my time here at UT.” to raise $3,000 for the Annual Fund to create 3. For the cost of an evening out, you can make Koya says she’s seen many changes two scholarships for incoming students. a real difference at UT. in the last four years, including two new “Every student here at UT is touched by the 4. Your gift to UT helps dorms, improvements to buildings and a new generosity of those who were here before us,” send a powerful message dining facility (with great food!). Despite the she says. “Our campus is beautiful, the classes to corporate supporters and other major donors that our University’s increasing size, Koya says her are small, and our professors are top notch constituency is strong and classes are always small, so she can get help if because others cared to help us. Now we need growing. she needs it, she has one-on-one relationships to do our part for those who are following in 5. Your gift will help with professors, and she has been able to our footsteps.” UT provide students with internships, co-ops, better explore several classes, and more. academic programs 6. You’ll be recognized that she wouldn’t in the UT Journal. even think of trying. 7. It’s a way to show your appreciation. Last year, Koya 8. It’s the right took a course thing to do. UT about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, in which she was the only international student. “It was interest- ing to see from an

Koya Belgrave

34 ut journal A Peak Experience

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The Parnassus Award for Tampa Review ount Parnassus, home of the Muses, is the peak of inspiration for poetry, literature, and learning. The Council of Editors Mof Learned Journals (CELJ) refers to this classical seat of the arts in naming its Parnassus Award for Signifi cant Editorial Achievement, presented every third year for national distinction in literary publishing. This year there were just two seats offered on Mount Parnassus—and UT’s Tampa Review was honored to fi nd itself in the second one during ceremonies at the annual meeting of the MLA in Chicago. The judges’ comments say it all: “The magnifi cently produced Tampa Review represents a perfect blending of verbal and visual art . . . an experience of insight, outreach, and delight.” Subscribe now to the nation’s only hardback literary journal and share the Peak Experience!

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spring 2008 35 From the Barrio to the Bookshelf rank P. Urso, M.D. enrolled at The University of Tampa in the early 1950s, F at a time when students did not have to brian overcast submit their GPAs or take an SAT to be Planned Giving Officer E-mail: [email protected] considered. He simply showed up, filled out a registration card and was accepted. “It was a working man’s college,” Urso said, a place where he could live at home in Ybor City and afford to pay tuition. But his life as a working man conflicted with his studies from the start. His long hours at a local box factory made it difficult for him to fulfill the requirements of his University “Making a coursework. Frustrated by school life, Urso slept through classes and began to falter. After his major gift to UT first two years at UT, he was on the verge of quitting. was something An Rx for Success that I always His rescue from this inauspicious beginning Frank P. Urso, M.D. ’57 came from two professors at UT — Dr. Clyde T. thought about Reed and Dr. Charles Walker. Walker and Reed online booksellers as well as The University of saw something that Urso himself didn’t — that Tampa and other local bookstores). The book doing, and I he was gifted in the sciences. As great profes- has been endorsed by Leland Hawes, former sors do, they mentored him and encouraged writer of the History and Heritage section of The decided to do it him to turn his college career around. Tampa Tribune. Urso said he hopes students And turn it around he did, so much so that will read his memoir and learn to chase their now because I Walker not only pressed Urso to pursue a career dreams, no matter the hardships they may face. as a physician, he also wrote the letter of rec- Urso knows much about adversity. In his wanted to repay ommendation that helped Urso get accepted to memoir, he recounts the difficult circumstances medical school. Urso graduated from UT in 1957 of his youth. Urso was born into the barrio of the University with a bachelor’s degree, packed his bags, and Ybor City in 1935, when the city was a bustling drove south to the University of Miami School of cigar-making section of Tampa. He was raised while I am still Medicine where he graduated with honors. by his hard-working yet illiterate parents who Urso spent his entire career in the medical eked out a living by working in the local cigar alive.” profession, as evidenced by his impressive ré- factories. He grew up Sicilian-American in a —Frank P. Urso, M.D. ’57 sumé. Urso served as the director of pathology predominantly Latino city, living adjacent to an and clinical laboratories at three major hospi- African American neighborhood during the time tals, and worked as professor of pathology at of segregation. Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medi- A bookless home and the atmosphere of cine — where he was twice honored as lecturer illiteracy repressed Urso and kept him from of the year. considering ideas such as gaining an education or changing his lot in life. As Urso said, “No Beyond the Barrio one left Ybor; no one escaped the barrio.” This doctor and teacher is also a writer, Even in death, his relatives were buried in the having published not only numerous medical neighborhood’s Italian Club Cemetery, where he articles in national journals, but also a memoir, plans to be interred. A Stranger in the Barrio (available at major continued on next page

36 ut journal Barrio gift to UT was something that I always thought continued from page 36 about doing, and I decided to do it now because Making his Mark I wanted to repay the University while I am still alive.” Despite their plight, both parents pressed As the barrio in Tampa has left its mark Urso to finish high school; they wanted him to on Urso, so too will he leave his mark on The rise above the barrio, to find a job where he University of Tampa. In recognition of his sig- would wear a white collar and a tie. If watch- nificant donation, UT has chosen to honor its ing his father labor in various blue collar jobs illustrious alumnus by changing the name of and seeing his mother ill from acute nicotine Kennedy Place to Frank P. Urso, M.D. Hall. Ur- poisoning was not enough to motivate Urso, so’s transformative experience at UT represents his father would drive home the point by telling everything that’s special about a University of Thomas R. Giddens, Ph.D. him to “go to school so that you won’t break Director of Planned Giving Tampa education. UT your back like me.” Under the guidance of pro- Thomas R. Giddens, fessors Walker and Reed, he escaped the barrio Ph.D., is UT’s planned giving director, a post he has held and turned down a path that would lead him For Further Information since July 1996. He also has toward a better life. As he said, “My family and been a regular contributor Sicilian culture taught me to better myself but Thomas R. Giddens brian Overcast to “Leaving a Legacy,” a Director of Planned Giving Planned Giving Officer practical guide to financial had I not gone to The University of Tampa, I planning and planned giving would not have made the leap from the barrio.” The University of Tampa • Office of Planned Giving–Box H at UT. Recently, Urso donated $3 million to The 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. • Tampa, FL 33606-1490 Giddens also directs UT’s Institute for Estate Telephone: (813) 258-7400 • Fax: (813) 258-7798 University of Tampa to recognize the University and Financial Planning, for its role in helping him make this leap. As E-mail: [email protected] which assists alumni and he said, “UT changed my life. Making a major Web site: www.ut.edu/plannedgiving friends of the University with estate and financial plan- ning needs. This includes lectures, seminars, in-home study courses and other educational programs that Legacy Update focus on wills, trusts and The Charitable The Legacy Society is The University life estate contracts, taxes, investments, life insurance, Gift annuity of Tampa’s donor recognition society for long-term health care and individuals who have made a provision for the retirement planning. UT Make a gift that pays you back University in their estate plans. A charitable gift annuity is a simple arrangement We wish to thank the following supporters that allows you to provide future support to The who joined the Legacy Society in 2007: University of Tampa, and at the same time, obtain Planned • Sue Tennant Ackert, ’69 financial and tax benefits for yourself or a loved one. Giving on To establish a charitable gift annuity, you donate • Ann and Axel W. Claesges ’62 cash or marketable securities to The University • Augustina O. and Ali N. Garba ’81 the Web of Tampa. In turn, the University pays you or a Josephine P. LeGault ’49 Do you have questions designated beneficiary a fixed annuity for life. • Terrell T. Sessums about estate planning? Planned Some sample rates follow: • giving? Your will? Trusts? Frank P. Urso, M.D. ’57 Your Age Annuity Rate • Each month, we feature new • Mary G. Wade articles and interactive features 50 5.3% • Jack Windt ’56 that cover such topics at our 60 5.7% Planned Giving Web site. 65 6.0% To leave your own legacy of learning, Go to www.ut.edu/planned 70 6.5% please contact the Office of Planned Giving at giving to learn more. UT 75 7.1% (813) 258-7400. UT 80 8.0% Your age (and that of the person you might designate), your financial needs and interest rates determine the annuity rate the University can offer. Gift Annuity Calculator Annuity rates are subject to change. Once your gift is Did you know that you can check charitable gift made, the annuity rate remains fixed. annuity rates online? Go to our Web site at www. If you are curious about what a charitable gift ut.edu/plannedgiving, and click on “Gift Calculator” in annuity can do for you, please contact the Office the sidebar. Then, simply enter your birth date and the of Planned Giving at (813) 258-7400, or by e-mail at amount of your gift and the software will provide you [email protected]. UT with personalized calculations. UT

spring 2008 37

e e Why I Why I Gi v Gi v n 1965, while a student at The University of Interesting UT Connection Tampa, Monique Groulx was the subject of I taught French for about 10 years at The an article in the Tampa Times titled “Girl in a I University of Tampa as an adjunct faculty member. name Whirl.” The article featured Monique because Monique Groulx ’66 of the five part-time jobs she worked while Where She Volunteers completing her degree, including working as Major I’m on the board for the Alliance Française. the secretary for Dr. Eustasio Fernandez, then I’m one of the directors and we meet once Spanish, with a minor director of the foreign language department; as a month to plan a French program to help in French a student assistant at the language lab, as the continue the culture. I’ve been singing with coeditor of UT’s Poetry Review, as a librarian the Spanish Lyric Theatre since I was here at for the music department, and as a short order Current UT with René González, one of the founders cook at the local bowling alley. After graduating Profession of the theatre. His first performance was here from UT, she earned a master’s and a doctorate Retired school teacher on campus. It’s almost been 50 years now. I’ve from Florida State University in French language been with them since ’63, so I do one or two and literature before starting a 32-year career shows a year with them. I also volunteer at the as a teacher in Hillsborough County. Today she food bank and with other organizations. remains as busy in retirement as she was at UT. Why She Gives First Impressions of Tampa There is a need in me to support those We arrived in Tampa on New Year’s Eve in institutions that helped me grow in the past and 1958. I couldn’t speak a word of English. That continue to do so in the present. UT for me was was quite an experience. In those days they and is a second home, and I am proud to be didn’t have any special courses to help with a part of its history, its growth and development. new language. As you might imagine, when I I am not a millionaire, but as a board member went to East Bay High School there were not of Tampa Alpha, a donor and a volunteer, I too many people speaking French, so it was feel that in some small way I am paying back sink, swim or drown. UT for the pleasures, the education and the Proud Moment opportunities the University gave me. I have great memories from my time spent at UT and I was the teacher of the year finalist for shall cherish those as long as I live. UT Hillsborough County for the 1989-1990 school year. It was a great honor to represent my peers.

38 ut journal

Krewe Education Foundation Gives $125,000 for Scholarships he Krewe of Sant’ Yago Education “UT has a long history of being accessible Foundation has awarded $125,000 to to minority students, and to Hispanic students T fund scholarships for deserving Latin in particular,” Vaughn said. “This will help us to students at UT. continue that mission.” The award was made on Feb. 1 at the The Sant’ Yago Education Foundation was Krewe of Sant’ Yago Mayor’s Proclamation Lun- created 12 years ago to fund academically de- cheon at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. serving Latin students with financial need. The “The Krewe of Sant’ Yago Education President Ronald L. Vaughn receives Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago of Tampa a $100,000 check from the Krewe of Foundation has never been willing to rest was established in 1970 to preserve the Latin Sant’ Yago at a luncheon on Feb. 1. An additional $25,000 for scholarships comfortably when deserving students in culture and now boasts 275 members. The was presented later in the ceremony. Vaughn is flanked by (left to right) Dr. need are abundant,” said Dr. O. Rex Damron, Krewe’s mission is dedication to itself and the William D. Anton, Dr. O. Rex Damron, president of the foundation and member of the continued improvement of life and cultural Paul J. Sierra and Ernest Segundo ‘56. Damron and Segundo are members of UT Board of Trustees. “Perhaps our successes progress. UT the UT Board of Trustees. in offering higher education scholarships to students, who otherwise may not have this opportunity, will create a broader community- based philanthropic response to a pervasive national concern.” In the past seven years, Sant’ Yago has granted educational institutions more than $800,000 in the form of scholarships, endow- ments and matching funds. The Foundation already has endowed three scholarships at UT, and also has awarded scholarships and endowments to Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida. President Ronald L. Vaughn said he was pleased to continue the relationship with Sant’ Yago and support their efforts in making college possible for Hispanic students.

Mr. and Mrs. Leo B. Berman Bob Chambliss Mr. and Mrs. Reginald B. Mr. and Mrs. Reginald B. gifts in Honor and in memoriam Colvard Colvard Gifts made from Nov. 9, John F. Germany George H. Metzger Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Dickey Mr. and Mrs. James Clark 2007 through March 7, 2008. Helen C. Gibbons Donald M. Metzger Gene and Patsy McNichols/ Stephanie Davis and John Anne and Tom Henderson LTC Robert H. Peters McNichols Company Colvard in memoriam Rosemary Henderson Mrs. Sylvia A. Rivero Peters Mark Woodard and Mayor Peggy Donaghay Frances M. Knopke Pam Iorio J. Crochett Farnell Jane Setzer Laurie Woodard Dr. and Mrs. Stephen M. Krist Martha Vaughn Mr. and Mrs. John F. Ranon Mr. and Mrs. Alfred S. Austin Mrs. Frank Jackson Dana Myers Martin Cecelia D. Ferman Harold G. Gibson Kitty Levy Sheldon Stephanie Davis and John Ellen H. McLean Thomas and Shelia Hood Colvard Mr. and Mrs. Alfred S. Austin John H. Mueller Benjamin J. Sheldon Jr. Martha Carlton Ward Barbara and Sam Clayton Lewis Smith Martha Hall Bruce Samson Mr. and Mrs. Alfred S. Austin Lazzara Mr. and Mrs. Alfred S. Austin Patricia Sellas Alma P. Smith Charles Wildgrube Mr. and Mrs. Reginald B. C. Norman Stallings Jr. Jane Hughey Hewit Mr. William L. “Bill” Colvard Stoeltzing Sr. Bruce and Kimberly Wildgrube Rosemary Armstrong and Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Straske Ernest Segundo Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Alfred S. Austin Morris “Sandy” Weinberg Jr. Dorothy Stevenson in honor Tampa Bay Acupuncture Clinic Camille Oms Thomas David A. Straz Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Alfred S. Austin Judge and Mrs. Guy Brey & Company CPA, PA Lee and Tommy Touchton Mr. and Mrs. Alfred S. Austin Trudy Barkin Spicola Rosann M. Creed Evelyn J. Bowles Stephanie Davis and John Colvard

spring 2008 39 40

UT JOURNAL

Love and Marriage ollege and marriage went together like a horse and carriage for those C who attended UT in the 1940s when the University offered married student housing. This photo shows a couple having coffee in one of the apartments. It was labeled “Married Veterans Dormitory” in the 1947-1948 UT catalog. Rumor has it that these two weren’t actually married, but instead were students posing for the photograph. There is some debate about where the married housing units were UT located, but a note attached to the photo tells us it was on the fifth floor of Plant Hall. Tell us what you know about them by calling (813) 253-6232 or e-mail [email protected].

UT s early as 1949, The University s early as 1949, The University A Journey of 1,000 miles 1,000 of A Journey at UT These students began their journey with a single step. pictured are (from left) opened its doors to of Tampa Eleanor Camacho, Marguerite lee, students from around the world. perez, alhanassoir anastassiades and Evelyn Elizabeth Barron, now whose daughter, at UT as a reference librarian. They works came to UT from guam on a scholarship an american soldier who had sponsored by been based there during WWii. A A

40 UT JoUrnal Floored by the Floors e were wrong. At least, that’s Veterans Dormitory.” Dr. Jack King ’55 called in what some of our readers told us to tell us the married students lived on the third W about the caption for the photo in fl oor, along with the female students (who were last issue’s Minaret Moments. A note accompa- behind locked doors, he added). The men lived nying the photo said it was taken on the fi fth on the fourth and fi fth fl oors while he was there. fl oor, and it was labeled “1947-1948, Married Hugh J. Squitier ’52 also said the married students lived on the third fl oor while he was there (from 1948-1952), and he only knew one man who lived in a room on the fi fth fl oor. UT

40

UT JOURNAL

Love and Marriage ollege and marriage went together like a horse and carriage for those C who attended UT in the 1940s when the University offered married student housing. This photo shows a couple having coffee in one of the apartments. It was labeled “Married Veterans Dormitory” in the 1947-1948 UT catalog. Rumor has it that these two weren’t actually married, but instead were students posing for the photograph. There is some debate about where the married housing units were UT located, but a note attached to the photo tells us it was on the fifth floor of Plant Hall. Tell us what you know about them by calling (813) 253-6232 or e-mail [email protected].

UT Journal Change of address Please complete this form and return it to Offi ce of Alumni Relations • Box H The University of Tampa 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, FL 33606-1490 Old Address new Address s early as 1949, The University s early as 1949, The University

Signature (required by federal law)

A Journey of 1,000 miles 1,000 of A Journey at UT These students began their journey with a single step. pictured are (from left) opened its doors to of Tampa Eleanor Camacho, Marguerite lee, students from around the world. perez, alhanassoir anastassiades and Evelyn Elizabeth Barron, now whose daughter, at UT as a reference librarian. They works came to UT from guam on a scholarship an american soldier who had sponsored by been based there during WWii. Address changes also can be made online by going to www.ut.edu/alumni.

spring 2008 41 STUDENTS AFTER A FRUITFUL TRIP TO THE UT POST OFFICE.

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