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The UCF Report University Archives

3-19-1999

The UCF Report, Vol. 21 No. 17, March 19, 1999

University of Central Florida

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Volume 21 • No. 17 • March 19,1999 A publication for faculty and staff Taking a bite out of world market pie UCF business students help small- and medium-sized meeting earlier this month. markets. Working in teams of two, businesses tap into international In a unique program developed students are spending the semester are helping Florida's commerce. So far, students enrolled by UCF business professor Bob Taf t, working up an export strategy for businesses get spot in the program have helped generate companies can "hire" College of participating companies. $10 million in global sales for local Business Administration students for In May and June, the 28 graduates on international map enterprises. $3,000 to scout, research and develop and undergraduates will visit "The need clearly is to move more global opportunities. This year, for potential customers in the target ur small world is getting and more into international business the first time, the University of countries to prod the hot, hungry smaller thanks to UCF's ... Being global is not where you do Tampa, University of Florida and markets of Mexico, Argentina, China, o International Business 2000 business, but how you do business," Florida Atlantic University are joining South Korea, the Czech Republic, Program. Now entering its third year, President John Hitt told a group of UCF, representing more than 20 IB-2000 offers bargain expertise to business owners at a community Florida businesses in 10 overseas' Please see MARKET, page 5 Latest tests: Water is OK Expert says campus water may have been tainted by flaw in testing procedure n improper sampling practice is the prime A suspect for elevated traces of lead and copper in the drinking water of some main-campus buildings, according to a UCF report delivered earlier this week to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The report, prepared under the direction of UCF professor James Taylor, an internationally recog­ nized water expert, and Luke Mulford, a colleague in UCF's Environmental Systems Engineering Institute, concluded that the way the water was Jacque Brund collected contaminated the samples with higher- The beat of a different drummer than-permitted copper and lead concentrations. Music majors Jeff Williams, Chris Baker and Shannon Golden found an unusual The analysis was commissioned by UCF's place to practice playing the drums — a trash can outside Rehearsal Hall. The, Please see WATER, page 4 uh, instrument has the perfect sound they were looking for, the three explained. Graduates' film puts spell on Hollywood

Five alumni created year later, someone found their the toast of the filmmakers' world Sanchez and Myrick while still unfinished film. and the darlings of a host of horror students at UCF, was shown at the , 'The Blair Witch It's not fodder for a TV series fans waiting for "The Blair Witch Sundance Film Festival in January. Project" — a hit at the about mysterious happenings. It's the Project" to hit theaters. With that, the lives of the five men mock-documentary film by Haxan Two years of hard work along with have been altered forever. There have • Sundance Film Festival Films, a company owned by five UCF the stereotypical "starving artists" been interviews with the likes of film graduates who wanted to make a tribulation behind them, Eduardo Vanity Fair, Premiere Magazine and hree college students vanished movie that would "creep the audience Sanchez, Daniel Myrick, Gregg Hale, Showtime. Favorable reviews have while filming a documentary T out" — sans the usual prerequisite of Robin Cowie and Michael Monello whet the appetites of movie buffs. about the legend of the Blair blood and gore. A love of old- are looking at the fulfillment of all Witch, becoming the latest in a long fashioned scary movies with an their dreams — past and future. Please see line of unexplained disappearances. A innovative twist has made the alumni Their film, a brainstorm of BLAIR WITCH, page 4 n __\ • University of Central Florida Non-Profit Organization P.O. Box 160090 U.S. Postage Paid Orlando, FL 32816-0090 Orlando, FL March Address Service Requested Permit No. 3575 is http://www.pp.ucf.edu. let Physical Plant know how it and its The Work Order Request Form allows contractors did during the implementation Memo you to submit work orders over the of your A&l request. This will allow A&l to Good turn Internet rather than having to call the improve its services and choose contract­ To: Faculty and staff Work Management Center. This will save ors of the highest caliber and quality for From: William Merck, Administration time and allow Physical Plant to have a the university. We encourage your use of these forms. says a lot and Finance copy of the work order exactly as you Subject: University vehicles originally requested it for future reference. Should you have questions or concerns, Departments with university-owned A verification and work order number will call Dave Andrews, 823-3589, or send an vehicles must take steps to verity that all be e-mailed to you once the work order e-mail to [email protected]. about UCF employees (including student assistants) ticket has been initiated by professionals Sometimes, an act of kindness in the Work Management Department. To: Campus community who drive these vehicles on official busin­ can restore our faith in people. ess have a valid driver's license. Verificat­ The Complaint/Suggestion Form From: Richard Paradise, Physical Plant Gloria Lambert, office manager for ion may be documented by making a copy empowers you to effect changes and Subject: Alteration and Improvement ot each license or maintaining a log that improvements to the Physical Plant by (A&l) projects cutoff date the Honors College, can relate. will include the driver's name, license allowing you to submit comments about Departments wishing to use 1998-99 Recently, she left her purse in number and license expiration date. Res­ the Web site or Physical Plant service in fiscal year funds for A&l projects must the crowded Student Union after ponsibility for this verification rests with general. Complaints are welcome; without have A&l requests turned in to the Physical lunch. Besides the usual contents, the dean, director or chair of the depart­ them Physical Plant can't improve service Plant before April 30. A&l projects norm­ her purse was filled with cash — ment to which the vehicle is assigned. to you, which is the ultimate goal. ally require bids from outside contractors. part of her husband's paycheck. This deadline is necessary to properly bid The Alterations and Improvement Forty-five minutes had passed To: Campus community Request Form enables you to submit a and award these projects and encumber before she rushed back to the From: Physical Plant Leadership request for alterations and improvements funds before the purchasing deadline Council over the Web. This will speed up the (normally June 1). bench where she had been sitting. Subject: Physical Plant Internet based process of initiating an A&l request and A&l projects received after April 30 will The purse, of course, was gone. forms improve service by providing a printable be considered as 1999-00 projects to be Here's the twist. When Lambert The UCF Physical Plant now has four version of your request in your own funded from 1999-00 fiscal year funds. checked the Information Desk, the new Internet-based forms on its Web site words. If you have any questions or need purse — and all its contents — was to make contact with Physical Plant easier The Alterations and Improvements additional information, call Cheryl Colvin, there. Lambert and more efficient. The Web site address Questionnaire Form is designed for you to 823-2471. FrOm had fallen prey to tHp* the kindness of a stranger. "I want ' * UI y the person who Time to plan for commencement tOWGr turned it in to know how much I Spring commencement is Engineering, six tickets; and, College 26-April 29. Daytona Beach candi­ appreciate it," she says. Saturday, May 8, at the UCF Arena. of Health and Public Affairs, six dates should contact the Adminis­ The funny — and sad — thing The times for each ceremony are as tickets. trative Services Office (Building 34, is, most of us are surprised when follows: 8 a.m. — College of Arts and room 105) for tickets; Brevard campus Candidates on good things like this happen. Sciences; noon — College of the main campus candidates should contact the BCC Kindness and acts of honesty are Business Administration; must pick up Bookstore. hardly things we take for granted 3:30 p.m. — Colleges of tickets at the If a candidate misses the order nowadays. Take a trip to the Education and UCF Bookstore period, they will have to pick up Library— signs are pasted on Engineering; and, 7:30 between April 26 tickets on the main campus April 26- every floor, on almost every p.m. — College of and May 1. A May 1. Tickets not picked up by the column, warning you not to leave Health and Public photo ID is specified date will be given to valuables unattended. Affairs. required at the candidates desiring extra tickets. I salute the person who turned Each candidate time of pick-up. Candidates from all campuses in Gloria Lambert's purse. I thank who participates in Doctoral candi­ may pick up unclaimed and excess those strangers who smile at me. commencement exercises dates and platform tickets at the UCF Bookstore (main I'm grateful for those individuals will receive tickets party guests should campus) on a first-come, first-serve willing to strike up a conversation according to the contact the Constit­ basis on May 3. The number of in the elevator, rather than stare at following schedule uent Relations Office at additional tickets received will be the walls in awkward silence. These (based on the maximum 823-3802 for tickets — based on the number available. Any people remind us that the basic seating capacity and platform party participants will be tickets remaining after May 3 will be nature of man is good. In an number of participants at notified at a later date. available at the Bookstore through increasingly cynical world, actions each ceremony): College of Candidates on branch campuses May 7. such as those, says Lambert, Arts and Sciences, five tickets; College may order and pick up tickets at their Questions regarding this informat­ "restore one's faith in people." of Business Administration, seven area campus. Tickets must be ordered ion can be directed to the Registrar's — Suzanne Ball tickets; Colleges of Education and April 12-April 17 and picked up April Office at 823-3100.

March Open Enrollment Faculty/A&P Sick Leave Pool USPS Sick Leave Pool Application March Open Enrollment The USPS Sick Leave Pool is having an open enrollment period from The Faculty/A&P Sick Leave Pool will have an open enrollment period March 1-31. To join the sick leave pool, you must have been employed through the month of March. Please send your application form to the continuously by the state for more than one year and must have a balance of Office of Academic Affairs no later than March 31. Should you have any at least 64 hours of unused sick leave. Part-time employees must have a pro­ questions, please call 823-2496. portionate amount based on their FTE. The donated hours will be deducted TO: Frank Juge, Office of Academic Affairs on the first pay period following the end of the open enrollment period. Faculty and A&P Sick Leave Pool Application Return your completed application form to Human Resources no later than March 31. If you have any questions, please call 823-2771. NAME: Name: SS#: SS#: DEPT: Dept: Ext.:_ DATE OF UCF Date of UCF employment: If transferred from another EMPLOYMENT: EXT. state agency, date of employment with that agency: ______I, hereby, authorize the transfer of 16 hours of sick leave or a I have read the procedure for the UCF Faculty and Administrative and proportionate amount based on my FTE from my sick leave account to the Professional Sick Leave Pool and agree to abide by its terms. The transfer of sick leave pool. I understand that employees who are not members of the eight hours of sick leave from my sick leave account to the Sick Leave Pool sick leave pool at the time of a qualifying illness or injury shall not be is hereby authorized. eligible to utilize sick leave pool credits. Signed: SIGNED: (Applicant) (Date) (Applicant) (Date)

PAGE 2 THE UCF REPORT Regents give UCF clean bill of health medical education The Board of Regents voted last week to give South Florida's College of Medicine to plan for UCF a role in medical education in an effort to first-year medical school training at the UCF increase the number of primary care physicians in campus. UCF faculty will most likely provide Florida. instruction in basic and pre-clinical sciences, such Under a plan approved by the BOR, the state's as gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy, four medical schools at the University of Florida, biochemistry, embryology, molecular biology, UCF's best honored South Florida, Miami and Nova Southeastern will genetics, neuroscience and behavioral medicine. be expanded, a second year of medical education "This [BOR plan] is a wise and prudent move at Founders Day will be added to Florida State's existing program, that will address the medical educational needs in Florida without costing the state excessive amounts * The Founders Day Honors Convocation is and three schools — UCF, Florida International and of money," says Dennis Ross, BOR chair. "These Wednesday, April 7, beginning at 10 a.m. It will be Florida A&M — will establish first-year medical actions increase the capacity of our medical schools held in the Visual Arts Auditorium. Classes will be school programs. by 30 percent." « canceled 10-11:50 a.m. that day to allow the That action came after a $250,000 study was Chancellor Adam Herbert adds, "These university community to participate in the event. commissioned by the Legislature last year to exam­ ine the state's medical needs. The study identified recommendations are consistent with the very several areas in which the State University System careful, thoughtful and fiscally sound approach to could improve medical education and provided a academic program decision-making ... It is my Videotape showing sequential approach to achieve that goal. The BOR's sincere belief that if... the Legislature and governor plan still must be approved by the Legislature. support this plan, everyone associated with, or • off UCF available If legislators bless the plan, UCF will work with impacted by, its implementation is a winner." Videotapes promoting the university are available in VHS format for presentations. The eight- minute tapes, produced by the Public Relations Office, is an overview of the university's growth, representative classes and programs, and relationships with the business and cultural community. To get a tape, call Public Relations at 823-2730. i Program booking on university's help * The African American Studies Program is conducting a book and music drive for the Caribbean countries Antigua, Dominica, Barbados » and Grenada, all of which will be visited by students in the Study Travel Program. Book and music donations will be given to primary and secondary % schools in those countries. Especially needed are children's books and educat­ ional materials that are in good condition for children of all ages. Music can range from sheet music to records, classical to nursery rhymes. Gift certificates from local book­ stores are also welcome. For information, Jacque Brund call the Afri­ A piece of art outside the Engineering Building is one of many works on campus can American that makes UCF a sort of art gallery. Studies Pro­ gram at 823-0026. Campus art program meant Upcoming holiday * Just two more months to wait until the next to turn UCF into a masterpiece universitywide holiday. It's Memorial Day, May 31. With phenomenal growth and each new It's been moving forward at a frightening pace," building enhanced by one or more specifically says Martin. "We have eight projects on the This issue crafted works of art, UCF's campus is becoming a drawing board [now] with big budgets. There's a This issue of The UCF Report is for the weeks of virtual art gallery thanks to the Florida Art in lot of construction." March 19-25 and March 26-April 1. It is the 17th issue State Buildings Program. Many early pieces, like "The Flame of Hope," of fiscal year 1998-99. The UCF Report is published Since the early '80s, the program has provided outside the Library, grate on Martin like the dental 23 times a year (every other week in the fall and for half of 1 percent of the construction budget for drill he says the "flame" resembles. However, he spring, and every third week in the summer). new buildings to be spent on accompanying art. notes that UCF professors Steve Lotz's painting The art can be placed inside or outside the "Magic Garden" in the Computer Center and building and can be one spectacular piece or Johann Eyfells' "Power of Passage" in the Theater The UCF Report several smaller works. are examples of "very nice" early pieces. The UCF Report is a publication of the Office of Today, the mission of the UCF committee Helping Martin select art for new buildings are Public Relations, Division of University Relations, University of Central Florida, P.O. Box 160090, selecting that art is to break away from the "safe" Administration and Finance Associate Vice Orlando, FL 32816-0090, (407) 823-2504. Publication choices of the past. The more dramatic selections President Joyce Clampitt, representatives from the of announcements and official memoranda about on campus — like Tim Prentice's mobile, "Trio," departments moving into the new building, university policy and procedures in The UCF Report in the Student Union and Ray King's "Elliptic Facilities Planning Director Peter Newman and constitutes official notice to faculty and staff. Lens" on the outside of the CREOL Building — UCF architect Azita Dashtaki. "[Ideally, we] work David Finnerty, editor came after 1991, when former Art Department with the artist from step one, instead of decorating Sheila Anderson, editorial assistant Chair Jagdish Chavda asked art historian and a finished building," Martin says. Barbara Butterton, editorial assistant Joanne Griggs, writer professor Francis Martin to take charge of UCF's "Art, like anything else, you can't expect Susan Loden, writer Art in State program. Martin was appointed by everybody to love it," he adds. "[However,] the Jacque Brund, photographer President John Hitt to oversee the selection of state is interested in having this as a permanent Suzanne Ball, student assistant future art. collection housed here. It's a gift from the state." Anthony Felix, student assistant Paul Wilson, student assistant "Chavda and I organized it and got it working. — Susan Loden

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1999 PAGE 3 BLAIR WITCH, continued from

Mobs of festival-goers lined up to attend the first showing, some paying as much as S50 for scalped tickets. And there was a reaction from audiences to die for. Trailers of "The Blair Witch Project" had previously aired on the Bravo series "Split/ Screen," and on The Independent Film Channel. An article in The New York Times also mentioned "Blair Witch." With the exposure, more than 1,000 fans have logged on the Haxan Films Web site. "We tried to make the film look like a genuine documentary," says Myrick, co-writer and co-director along with Sanchez. "We kept it ambig­ uous, so it would play on the viewers' imagination. Some even think they've heard about the legend of the Blair witch, but we made it all up." the actors without making direct have these "Blair Witch" was the first film contact. "We provided the stage and tapes?' sold at the Sundance Film Festival — then gave them the freedom to impro­ thinking it for a reported $1.5 million to Artisan vise. Once you spin the top, it goes was real," Entertainment after an all-nighter where you want it to go. They gave Cowie says. with a lawyer, agent and several of amazing performances," Myrick says. The five the Haxan gang. To spook the actors, the film­ filmmakers "It's a real Cinderella story," says makers added unexpected twists to developed a strong Monello, co-producer along with the plot. They made scary sounds in camaraderie while studying at UCF. lowed their struggle to make the film. Cowie and Hale. "You've got five the night and bizarre totems were Sanchez and Monello were in the film "What astonished me about them guys without contacts, no agents or placed throughout the woods. Other program's inaugural class in 1990. The is each has the qualities for a great ( lawyers. The attention for our film actors were planted at a country store other three entered shortly thereafter. career in the business," says Johnson. was stunning. We couldn't have where the three main characters were "Each one of us has a different "They're all good writers with strong asked for anything more." told to go looking for information on strength," says Cowie. "But we have visual skills, but they have managed The innovative concept and exe­ the Blair witch. "They [the actors] were the same kind of appreciation for to maintain a unified vision." cution is an invention of the Haxan genuinely scared at times," Myrick says. certain esthetics. That's what has kept Says Harpole, "I always knew five. Hale dubbed it "method film­ The result was 18 hours of film us together." each of them was special. But it is still making," a technique they believe they edited to 87 minutes. All five attest to a great experience amazing they made it big this fast." created. "We always wanted to create All five UCF alumni eventually at UCF, giving the film program credit With the success of "Blair Witch," something so believable that you quit their regular jobs to form Haxan for providing freedom to work creat­ the greatest bonus for the Haxan five would suspend your disbelief," says Films, but to pay bills they had to ively, outstanding equipment and is now being in the position to do what * Sanchez. "We didn't want to do a hoax, continue working on projects for such opportunities to work under profess­ they want. "That's the kicker," says but make people almost believe it was companies as Walt Disney World and ional situations with UCF partners. Sanchez. "We're now paid filmmakers." real and react to that. The scariest Planet Hollywood. "We kind of did "The film program gave us a The group has nothing specific in < tiling can be what your mind invents." this communal thing, sharing good, solid background," says Hale. mind for their next film, though To create realism, three actors with whatever we made, really everything. "The facilities were only adequate scripts for horror movies are coming good improvisation skills — Heather It was tough," Monello says. back then, but we had access to good in and doors have suddenly opened. Donahue, Michael Williams and Also tough was getting financial gear. Still, it was the relationships "Ed and I are working on writing Joshua Leonard — were placed in the backing for the film. UCF has with the local film industry comedies. We have four or five Maryland woods with camera equip­ "It was the worse-case scenario," that really made a big difference. We possibilities," says Myrick. "But we'll ment for eight days. Their scripts Cowie says. "We would have to tell had access to locations, professional just take it as it comes and not lose outlined the general parameters of potential backers that we would not cranes. When we worked at Universal, our heads. We don't want to get what was to happen, but nothing be using a script; we were casting the people at Universal treated us like pigeonholed as horror filmmakers. more. The actors were told to be in unknown actors; we had never done a professionals, so you had to step up We do know that whatever we do certain locations at certain times and film of this nature before; and, there your level of professionalism." next will be quality stuff and we'll to film and react to each situation. was no ending to the story." UCF film professors Charles have fun doing it." Meanwhile, the filmmakers lurked The group prepared a propaganda Harpole and Mary Johnson are not — Joanne Griggs * unseen in the woods, using a basket film that tells the story as if it were a surprised by the success of their past each day to provide supplies and real documentary. "The potential students. Both have kept in touch with Editor's note: The Haxan Web page exchange film and information with investors would say 'My God, do you members of the group and have fol­ address is www.haxan.com <

WATER, continued from page 1 - Physical Plant Department, operator sampling practices, Taylor and samples revealed that lead and university's system for coating pipes of the water system, to obtain expert, Mulford drew samples in the copper concentrations were 200-300 and fixtures with a harmless chemical independent insight into the source of authorized manner from 33 of the percent higher than samples taken barrier to block lead and copper from the problem. EPA-approved sites without turning using the proper protocol. leaching was compromised because i Specifically, the report said, the off and then opening the shut-off "This finding strongly implicates the water in the distribution system technicians who drew the samples for valves beforehand. Analysis showed sampling methods as the cause of lead was slightly less (0.2) than optimum. the December tests turned shut-off that neither lead nor copper was and copper violations at UCF," Taylor The solution is to constantly monitor v valves beneath the taps at test above the EPA's "action level" says. "At no time were any UCF pH and to make adjustments to keep locations to guarantee that water standard of .015 parts per million (ppm) students, staff or faculty exposed to it in a range of 7.8 to 8.0. remained undisturbed for the EPA- for lead and 1.3 ppm for copper. water violating the lead and copper The report recommended that 1) required six-hour waiting period. In addition, four of the sampled action levels based on normal, every­ EIES personnel collect all future water Turning the seldom-used valves sites that historically had high lead day use." samples, 2) resampling and analysis dislodged copper and lead particles and copper concentrations were A contributing factor underlying occur immediately in accordance with within the valves, contaminating the resampled after valves beneath the elevated metal-concentration DEP criteria, 3) treated water in the samples, the report concluded. taps were shut off and then turned readings, the report also noted, could distribution system be regulated to To bolster the finding, which was back on as technicians had done in be improper water chemistry at the maintain a water pH between 7.8-8.0. based on investigation of past the December tests. Analysis of those time of the December sampling. The — Dean McFall «•

THE UCF REPORT MARKET, continued from page 1 Spain, Poland, Chile, Venezuela and Starburst Technologies Inc. in Orlando, Vietnam. In doing so, the students is interested in the program. "The will give central Florida's small more noise you make, the better you businesses a unique chance to bite the are," she says. "I believe students financially juicy global apple, an may have a foot in the door. A person essential nutrient to survive and who has been in business for awhile thrive in the 21st century. might be perceived differently. Stu­ The UCF-business community dents bring new ideas and excitement." partnership is linked with Enterprise The $3,000 business owners pay to Florida, City of Orlando, World Trade cover the students' expenses is a Association of Florida, Mid-Florida symbol of their commitment to the Economic Development Commission, program, says Tom Keon, dean for the U.S. Department of Commerce and College of Business Administration. overseas' sponsors. "Our college of business is very, very "Last year, working in eight coun­ dedicated to international business. tries, [UCF] students generated 92 This is one piece of many things we premier [business] leads," Taft says. are doing... It's a wonderful investment." Taft calls the project a labor of love Program veteran Bill Schwartz, and a new twist to international bus­ president of Schwartz Electro-Optics, iness. "Small- and medium-size comp­ says students generated leads for him anies don't have the time or dollars to in Chile, Argentina and Canada. "We spend on international business. feel like we benefited from the Properlv trained students have time program and that it was money well and we can come up with money. It's spent," he says, especially when he a win-win for companies and stu­ compares the $20,000 it cost for an dents" as well as the local economy. employee's recent marketing trip to Jim Sherry, president and CEO for six countries. "The students spend up Dearborn Electronics in Orlando, is to five weeks in [a] country" for one of the businesses owners who has $17,000 less. taken part in the program. UCF The payoff for students like seniors students generated half-a-dozen Santiago Mejia, a native of Colombia quality leads in Canada for his going to Mexico, and his classmate company. "It knocked our socks off," Alexandra Hardgrove from Ecuador, he says. "They [students] unturned all who is traveling to Argentina, is sorts of rock-solid leads we didn't experience and networking. know existed. Our experience was "I want to do international absolutelv incredible. The students business," says Mejia. "This will help are extremely capable, intelligent, me interact with the international mature and hardworking ... world. Orlando should be booming "Cold sales calls frequently go [with global trade]. International unanswered," he says, "Yet, a call business is going to be the key to from the United States embassy by a doing business." UCF student is warmly received, "Basically," Sherry concludes, particularly when the student is a "[the program] allows you to dip Jacque Brund mature, professional representative of your toe in export waters without Business professor Bob Taft's International Business 2000 your company." spending big bucks." program is helping Florida companies become players in the Vickye Ladd Lowry, owner of — Susan Loden and Jerry Klein world market. Autism Center set to serve community UCF center is the sixth run methods, strategies, agencies and individuals. //' "We plan to maintain a connection with the by five Florida universities: UF The center will provide families, but our main task is to provide direction (two centers), FSU, USF, Miami and advice ... Which method to choose will depend follow-up family assistance on the individual's needs. It is always the parents' Children and adults with autism and related at home, in school or work, choice," he says. disabilities have a new ally in central Florida: UCF's center will work within the consortium UCF's Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, and in the community, in formed by the six centers. the sixth of its kind at a Florida university. "We want to work closely with the school "One of the biggest problems for people who addition to its goals of districts. Families are interested in the education need help is that they don't know where to go or practices that are effective for their children. Some who can help them," says Chad Nye, the center's professional education, of these practices can be very difficult and executive director. "In addition to providing other expensive for schools. We want to help build a [free] services, the center will act as a clearinghouse technical assistance and liaison between parents and the school and provide for these people." assistance to help the child," Nye says. The center deals with autism and other public awareness." Chad Nye, executive director, Center for The center will also work to assist in employ­ pervasive developmental disorders — such as, ment, housing and leisure-time activities for adults Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Autism and Related Disabilities with autism. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder — that impair The center is the result of a statute passed by the social and communication skills and cause atypical Legislature in 1993, authorizing the establishment interest and attention patterns. The center also Jacksonville. UCF's center will provide service to of the first four centers. Increased funding since has serves people with dual sensory impairment. families in seven central Florida counties. allowed for the development of two more centers, While the center won't provide long-term direct "We'll focus on four major areas at the initial including the one at UCF. Each center has formed a treatment or formal diagnostics, it will help families stages of the center's development," Nye says. "We constituency board, consisting primarily of family find the professionals who do. The center will will identify appropriate specialists for services members, who help guide programs and set policies. provide referrals and offer informal evaluative needed by our constituents; we will work with the The other centers are at UF at Gainesville and Jack­ assessments and specific skill and behavior educational programs; we will determine areas that sonville, Florida State, Miami and South Florida. development programs, Nye says. It will also parents indicated a need for assistance; and, we will Nye says the next step for UCF will be hiring a provide education and training programs, work­ develop a program of information dissemination." full-time director and several part-time specialists, shops and seminars to help parents, teachers and Currently, the center is housed in a trailer near from such fields as social work, communicative professionals. Physical Plant, but Nye expects to move into the disorders, behavior or developmental psychology "The center will provide follow-up family Health and Physics Building in May. and special education. assistance at home, in school or work, and in the "Most of our work will involve going into the "Hopefully, several of those will become full community, in addition to its goals of professional homes and schools and working with agencies," he time in the near future," he says. "Also, there is the education, technical assistance and public aware­ says. "There are really effective treatments today. possibility of creating a graduate program to ness," Nye says. It's amazing the kinds of changes that are possible support us. The graduate students could receive The first step is to contact the 350 families with now." hands-on experience, training to work for us or autistic children or children with related disabilities The center will not advocate one method of other agencies. They might even become autistic who were formerly served by similar centers at the treatment over another; it will provide families specialists." University of Florida in Gainesville and with information about a variety of appropriate — Joanne Griggs

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1999 PAGE 5 Alumna has write stuff to be top teacher Orange County's Teacher of the Year is Oak Ridge High's Marianne Raver

It's not easy competing with MTV when it comes to the kids of the '90s. But Marianne Raver, 49, does it on a daily basis and with noted success. The UCF graduate is the 1999 Orange County Teacher of the Year. Raver, who teaches English at Oak Ridge High in Orlando, was recommended for the award by her principal, colleagues and students because of her extraordinary creativity, sensitivity and leadership. Raver sponsors the senior class, student newspaper and literary magazine. "No one thinks to ask the average kid what they're thinking. I ask them 10 share their opinions every day," she says. Among her daily assignments is for students to write for 15 minutes on either a proposed topic or some­ thing of their choosing. Then, students read the pieces to the class. "This is traumatic for some of them," Raver says. "I don't force them to do it, but Jacque Brund they get used to it and it builds English teacher Marianne Raver is giving high school students a new way to learn. community in the classroom. When one of the quiet students finally got process to produce an anthology of sessions. she became a teacher 14 years ago, up and read, the other students their writing. "They had to revise, "It creates such a great network of she spent 11 years in business with cheered her." edit and publish," she says. people who you can talk with about Disney Properties reservations. "I Raver tries to keep the writing Many of Raver's ideas come from writing strategies. The whole thing is supervised 200 women in one large assignments relevant to the students' the Central Florida Writing Project, uplifting," Raver says. "There are so room. It was a highly tense job. When lives. "We write on such topics as which is housed in UCF's College of many good ideas, for instance, from it wasn't fun for me anymore, I quit. I whether it's easier to be a boy or a Education. Raver has been co-director elementary teachers." thought it might be more fun to work girl, or about some incident at the of the project since 1994, while she A longtime Florida resident, she with teenagers ... school," she says. "For instance, some was earning her master's degree in graduated from Conway Elementary "I've never been disappointed students acted up at a pageant one education. The project conducts a and Boone High. "I attended Florida [with choosing a teaching career]. night, so we wrote about that. I try to four-week invitational institute every State University after high school. But They make me laugh every day. give them a reason for writing by summer for writing teachers to help when I got married, I got sidetracked," Sometimes I cry with them. And, at giving them an audience to write for." them research and put together a she says. least once a week, there is some sort For one class, Raver had students three-hour presentation for training Raver returned to college to earn of victory. It keeps you coming back." go through the entire publishing other teachers during in-service her bachelor's degree at UCF. Before — Joanne Griggs

The following excerpts are from December 1998 Words of wisdom commencement speeches.

Pete Panousis, president and Wiliiam Martin, shareholder, Cynthia Sucher, director, Linda Chapin, former CEO, Cirent Semiconductor Akerman, Senterfitt & Eidson, P.A. corporate communication, chairman, Orange County I have some good news and There is absolutely no doubt in Dynamic Healthcare Technologies Life is uncertain. We cannot some bad news. my mind that in 30 years — or UCF graduates are everywhere. absolutely guarantee that we will First, the bad news: It is a perhaps 30 minutes — you will not They're successful. They own bus­ be successful or accomplished. tough, cruel, unfair world out there. remember who spoke at your grad­ inesses. They're bank presidents. Even happiness or fulfillment in Full of trials, tribulations, fierce uation ceremony. And while I don't And judges. Heads of engineering one's work is sometimes difficult to competition, winning and losing — expect that you will remember what firms. Leading educators. They're achieve. The one thing totally within with no safety nets. Someone out I have to say, I do hope that your general managers of TV stations our control is the moral integrity of there wants to eat your lunch. future travels will reflect some of and television personalities. Prize- the choices that we make and the Now, the good news: You are the thoughts I share with you as winning scientists. Authors. Theme way we conduct our lives. more and better prepared than you begin the rest of your journey park presidents. Elected officials. You will have many opportunities anyone who has ever gone before through life. Community leaders. to perform credible acts. The you. And you can meet the There will be times when you A degree from UCF may very sweep of history will provide such challenge; you can compete will confront difficult decisions. well be the best value in the choices. But so will your everyday effectively, and you can win. If, and There will be pressures that may country. We're a young university. life, as each of you struggles with I emphasize the if, if you have a seem hard to resist. Be careful. We're open to new ideas. UCF is its complexities and, sometimes, its dream and a positive attitude. If Consider the consequences, and vibrant, academically rich, humming strangeness — some with more you believe, you can reach your do the best you can to make the with energy, in touch with today decency, and care, and generosity dream. choice to do the right thing, and primed for tomorrow. of spirit, than others.

PAGE 6 THE UCF REPORT where she was an Welcome administrative assistant at the Pima Jennine Cabot — police officer, UCF Police County Supreme Department; Meg Fitzgerald — head volleyball coach, Employee Court Clinic. Athletics; Bette Tallen — assistant director, Diversity Hobbies: "Believe it Initiatives; Randall Williams, assistant director ot or not, I love to do information/publications, Institute for Simulation and Training. of the yard work. I also love reading — Mary Higgins Clark is my month favorite. I also like movies, mainly old Kudos Name: Norien Torre Title: Receptionist movies." Kathleen Bell, associate English professor, presented Department: School of Optics/ Quote: "I really love "Between Theory and Practice: GTA Literacy Portfolios" CREOL it here. The staff is at the Watson Conference on Multiple Literaries for the Job description: Handles friendly and 21st Century in Louisville, Ky, in October. In November, telephone calls for entire facility, everyone is open to she presented "UCF Summer Credit Institute for AP Teachers" at the College Board in Atlanta. In December, assists students in a variety of helping each other. The students are she presented "Institutional Effectiveness: Portfolio fashions, schedules conference Assessment Matrix" at Florida International University in room for meetings, handles the fantastic. The day Miami. goes by so fast. Above security system. Jacque Brund Length of service: Four years all, I enjoy working James Campbell, assistant English professor, Background: She was born and raised in with the students. I like to see the international presented "Strange Palimpsest: The Trace of Wilfred Providence, R.I. After getting married, she became students gain more and more confidence. As far as Owen in Contemporary British Fiction" in Atlanta in a 'company wife.' Her family moved to Massa­ I'm concerned, students are the heart and soul of November. chusetts for 10 years, then Santa Barbara, Calif., the School of Optics/CREOL." and then moved to Tucson, Ariz., for six years — Suzanne Ball Pamela Hammons, assistant English professor, presented "A Protective Pulpit: Anna Trapnel's Lyrical Preaching," at the sixth annual meeting of the Group for Early Modern Cultural Studies in Newport in November.

Kevin Haran, director of the UCF Art Gallery, will have a one-person exhibition of new works on paper at South Caught in the Plains College in Texas, through April 8. The exhibit of 10 mixed-media images is in conjunction with a lecture President John on painting that Haran will be giving to students at Hitt and repre­ South Plains College. His work is also featured in the sentatives from regional juried exhibition and competition "Art with a Southern Drawl" at the University of Mobile in Alabama. the American His watercolor "Painting History III" will be displayed Resort Develop­ April 1-30. ment Association Judith Hemschemeyer, associate English professor, International published "The Harvest" (short stoy) in October. Foundation and the law firm of Susan Hubbard, assistant English professor, had a short story, "Night Crossing," published in TriQuarterly. Baker & Hostetler She presented "The Writer at the Gate: Revision and LLP celebrate a the Art of Lulling Cerberus" in San Francisco. partnership that will help UCF dev­ Suzi Katz, director of the Southeast region for the National Consortium for Academics and Sports at UCF, elop the nation's is one of only 14 people from across the nation selected first undergraduate 1999 Sports Ethics Fellows by the Institute for curriculum International Sport. Among other tasks, fellows promote sportsmanship, assist the institute in formulating targeting the time- programs for National Sportsmanship Day and evaluate share sector of the the success of the NSD program. Jacque Brund tourism industry. Valarie King, director for the Office of Diversity Initiatives, was featured in the February/March 1999 issue of Black Family Today magazine. The full-page article (on page 11) was titled "Strength in diversity: Art students shoot for moon UCF director coordinates dialogue on race." UCF art students are reaching for the moon ... or displayed across the nation. Visiting art instructor UCF's Pegasus Piano Trio was presented in a concert at least drawing it. Lonnie Knabel stresses that the project lends by Manatee Community College in March. The trio Advanced illustration students are working in credibility to UCF's Art Department. played an all-Rachmaninoff concert. The group also collaboration with Orlando advertising agency Fry- Wanting his students to participate in "real- spent some time during the day visiting with potential Hammond-Barr to create a poster commemorating world" projects, Knabel looked to UCF alumnus and UCF students. Members of the group are Ayako the 30th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon Fry-Hammond-Barr creative director Tim Fisher, Yonetani (violin), David Cedel (cello) and Gary Wolf (piano). landing. The Kennedy Space Center Visitors who agreed to give the opportunity to students. Complex is one of Fry-Hammond-Barr's clients. "We encourage students to 'think outside the Martin Wanielista, dean for the Each student designed a poster, and the top four box.' This is an excellent opportunity for our College of Engineering, has been will be presented to administrators at the Kennedy students ... and especially for the winner, who will named Central Florida Engineer of Space Center for their selection. The student with graduate having a piece of artwork printed by the Year by a consortium of 17 area the winning poster will receive a monetary award NASA," says Knabel. technical and engineering and the satisfaction of having his or her artwork — Suzanne Ball organizations. He was nominated by the Florida Engineering Society, an umbrella group for a number of engineering disciplines. Wanielista is a 29-year veteran of UCF; he has UCF art students been dean for five years. Wanielista presented their posters at Fry- Student leaders Hammond-Barr The following students were selected to serve for consideration as members of the 1999-2000 President's to commemorate Leadership Council: Gregory Auerbach; Sandra the 30th anniversary Baker; Charles Cho; Katie Cox; Matthew Doan; of the Apollo 11 Michele Fernandez; Kristy Glasenapp; Amanda Havill; Alicia Jones; Cara Kane; Laura Koeppel; moon landing. Sarah Kureshi; Jennifer Lindstrom; Rachelle Lucas; Celeste Miller; Jessica Mock; Sunita Modani; Melanie Pasternak; Lorraine Ritterstein; Crystal Rozanski; Michael Shutley; Jacque Brund and Amber Smith.

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1999 PAGE 7 CALENDAR

19 April Art (through March 26): Civility in classroom "Coupled Hands: 1 The Art ot Gretchen "Faculty on the Front Lines: Civility in the Classroom/' a Art (Library exhibits through and Steve Lotz," live teleconference sponsored by the Faculty Center for April 30): "In Fitting Memory," by paintings. Teaching and Learning, will be held in the Student Union's Eva Ritt, Holocaust Memorial drawings and Cape Florida Ballroom on April 8, 2:30-4 p.m. A tape of the Resource and Education Center; sculpture. UCF teleconference will be shown in BA 119 on April 9, also 2:30- "Spanish Across the Curriculum," by Maria Redmon; "Gay, Lesbian, Art Gallery. 823- 4 p.m. Faculty are encouraged to attend one of the events. 2676 Bisexual and Transgender Art (through For information, call 823-3477 or check out one of the Awareness Month," by Erika Pugh; March 31): following Web sites: www://reach.ucf.edu/~fctl or www:/ "Excellence in Computer Science," "Arabesque," /pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/-media te/conference.html. by Udaya Vemulapate; "College of by Ragda Kurdy; Education Faculty Publications," "Celebrating Women's Lives: by Larry Hudson; "Orlando-UCF Women's History Month 1999," by Shakespeare Festival 10th Shelly Park and Carine Heavenly sounds Anniversary," by Christine Card. Desroches; "UCF Celebrates The Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity will host a gospel music Leadership." by Edward Hampton extravaganza, "Let's Have Church," in the Visual Arts and Jan Lloyd; "Animal Liberation," Theatre (through May 1): by Greg Rivera; "Making a Auditorium on March 28 at 5 p.m. Performers include Manna "Twelfth Night," Orlando-UCF Difference through Social Work," recording artist Zanita Whipple & Company, evangelist Shakespeare Festival. 245-0985 by Mary Van Hook; "Celebrating Christopher Coleman and the Voices of Shekinah Glory, and Event: International Fashion Caribbean Unity," by David Steele the UCF Gospel Choir. Admission is free, but donations will Show, UCF Arena, 7 p.m. 823- and Shaina Smith. be accepted. Proceeds will benefit Greater Weekends of 5504 Concert: Sheryl Crow and Eagle Orlando. For information, call 673-8162. Eye Cherry, UCF Arena, 7:30 p.m. Event: The Passion According to 823-6006 St. John, Good Friday service, Open forum: Central Florida sponsored by Catholic Campus 24 Sports: Men's tennis vs. Wright Ministry, Student Union, room Quality Exchange, sponsored by State, 2 p.m. 823-1000 Lecture: National Science 218C, noon. 657-6114x226 UCF Quality Initiatives Office, Sports: Baseball vs. Jacksonville Foundation funding possibilities, 12424 Research Parkway, Ste. State, 7 p.m. 823-1000 225. free, 8:30-10:30 a.m. 275- Alex DeAngelis, coordinator of the 4330 East Asia and Pacific programs, Music: Faculty Recital — John Student Union's Cape Florida 26-27 Almeida, trumpet; Gary Wolf, 20 Ballroom, 3-5 p.m. 275-4397 or Event: American Cancer Society piano, Rehearsal Hall, 3 p.m. 823- [email protected] Relay for Life, UCF Arena track. 2869 Event: Solar Celebration, Sports: Baseball vs. Bethune- 823-3802 sponsored by Florida Solar Energy Cookman, Tinker Field, 7 p.m. Center. Cocoa, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 638- 823-1000 1017 27 Workshop: Promotion and tenure, Sports (through 21): Sunshine Event: Youth Sports Festival, 25 with President John Hitt and Invitational Basketball, UCF Arena, Athletic Complex, 9 a.m., $1 per Provost Gary Whitehouse, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 823-3070 Meeting: Faculty Senate, Student child includes lunch and goodie President's Dining Room, 3-5 p.m. Union Bldg., Garden Key, room bag, 9 a.m. 823-2586 22 221, 4-5:15 p.m. Sports: Women's tennis vs. Sports: Women's tennis vs. Tulane, 1 p.m. 823-1000 Sports: Bowling, Recreational DePaul, 2 p.m. 823-1000 Sports: Baseball vs. Jacksonville Event: Founders Day Honors Services. 823-2408 State, 1 p.m. 823-1000 Convocation, Visual Arts Sports: Women's tennis vs. Auditorium, 10 a.m. Cincinnati, 2 p.m. 823-1000 26 29 Job fair: School of Social Work, 22 23 Student Union's Cape Florida Job fair: Part-time and summer, Ballroom, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 823-3346 Student Union, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Event: Dr. John T. Washington Event: Volunteer UCF/TransLife or jkd20680 @ pegasus.cc.ucf.edu 823-2361 Awards Luncheon, sponsored by GET CARDED campaign dinner, Lecture: Noontime Knowledge Sports: Wrestling and golf, the African American Studies Florida Hospital TransLife. 897- Series — "Social Services for Recreational Services. 823-2408 Program, Student Union's Key 5560 X6735 Working-Class Women in Orlando: Lecture: Engendering Knowledge West Ballroom, noon-2 p.m. 823- Lecture: Noontime Knowledge A Historical Perspective," Kari — "Learning Communities," 0026 Series — "An Introduction to Frederickson, Downtown Center, Kathleen Bell, HPB 331, 10-11:30 Central Florida Theatre," Terry noon-1 p.m. 823-6502. a.m. 823-6502 Olson, Downtown Academic Music: Jerusalem String Trio — Sports: Men's tennis vs. Center, noon-1 p.m. 317-7700 piano quartets of Mozart and Jacksonville State, 1 p.m. 823- Sports: Men's tennis vs. Hawaii, Brahms, Rehearsal Hall, 1000 For a more complete calendar, 1 p.m. 823-1000 donations accepted, 8 p.m. 823- Sports: Women's tennis vs. check out the universitywide Sports: Women's tennis vs. 2869 Jacksonville State, 1 p.m. 823- listing on the Web (http:// Hawaii, 1 p.m. 823-1000 1000 www. ucf. edu/pubrel/). CLASSFED

Home, very nice 3/2, Alafaya Woods, quiet cul-de-sac, large fenced yard on greenbelt. $93,500 by owner. For Sale Roseann, 823-2830 or evenings 366-9122. Wanted Home for 2 stray kittens, spayed, vaccinated (rabies), Baby items, stroller w/ infant car seat and carrier 3-in-1, Home, 2/2 in Palm Valley, 55+ community, 1,056 sq. ft. lovable. Gray with light spots. I am allergic to cats or I $60; battery-operated swing, $25; portable Pack 'n' Play, (24'x44') move in condition. $34,500 obo. 366-0314. would adopt them, [email protected]. $40; battery-operated vibrating bouncer chair, $15; manual bouncer chair, $7; adjustable-height walker w/ wheels, Pickup, '94 Chevy S-10. Manual transmission, 4 cyl., Tennis partner (intermediate level). Fernando, 823-6053 $15; baby gym, $10; baby bath, $5. 366-3434, 7-9 p.m. 67K miles. Great shape, two-tone, A/C, stereo, bedliner, or 677-4739. toolbox. $7,200. 677-8703. Bike, lady's beach cruiser, blue, single speed, new tires, Treadmill, used. John, 856-6585. tubes, fenders, basket. Like new. $100 firm. 366-4570. Saab 900SE, 1994, spotless, garaged, 2.5 V6, auto, all power, climate control, ABS TCS, 180 watt sound system Condo, great rental in Tuskawilla, 2/2 1/2, all electronics. with 8 speakers, 1 owner, nonsmoker, all records, 55K. For Rent Near golf course, other amenities. Mitch, 856-6585. $12,500,657-4397. Vacation house in Asheville, N.C. Newly constructed 3/2 ' Exercise unit, Gold's Gym competitor series. Numerous Software (Turbotax), Federal Income Tax (1998) prepar­ cedar home. View of mountains. Furnished; 2 fireplaces. functions for complete workout. Great condition, rarely ation. Interactive, comprehensive, fast, accurate. Easy to Wrap-around decking. Sleeps 6. Available by week or used. $450 obo. Dave, 823-3589. use. CD-ROM, manual, $20. 366-3434, 7-9 p.m. month. 695-4416 or e-mail [email protected].

PAGE 8 THE UCF REPORT