10,000th student graduates

Music students share talents with children Get the 411 on climate change President’s Message

FGCU stays course in turbulent budget times Ed Cl e m nt

lorida Gulf Coast University remains a healthy and growing institution as we prepare to start our 13th academic year. Although the Florida Legislature reduced funding for state universities for theF third time in less than three years, FGCU fared better than early projections. It was an extremely challenging year for legislators and the Governor given the state’s unprecedented decline in revenue collections due to the economic crisis. FGCU felt the impact – deeply. The legislature reduced funds for our operating budget by $7.3 million, a 15.8 percent cut from last year. Infrastructure was funded at $5.2 million, rather than the $7 million we’d requested, and a $12-million request for a new health sciences building was funded at $3 million. Federal stimulus money totaling $3.5 million and a 15 percent tuition increase, which will generate another $4 million, will help offset the cuts somewhat, but it does not make us whole and we face the prospect of still more cuts during the 2009-2010 year. Where does that leave us? Let me start by saying that we are not in crisis here. We are managing this budget in a way that will continue to allow us to grow in a quality manner. The impact of budget cuts over the past 2½ years has slowed our growth, causing us to delay introducing some new academic programs, but it hasn’t stopped it. We continue to develop the core academic programs that are characteristic of a comprehensive univer- sity. We don’t have all of them yet – but we will in time. On a more positive note, we are not operating under a freshman enrollment freeze for the new year. Last year, we had to limit freshman admissions to our 2007 levels, which meant admitting 1,850 students, but turning away more than 200 who were qualified to enroll. This year, we will welcome 2,025 freshmen. That’s progress, although it still leaves us with a waiting list for the fall semester. To accommodate our growing enrollment, we continue to expand the campus as well. Our new classroom and laboratory facility – Academic Building 7 – should open by the end of the calendar year. Our third parking garage is under construction. Another freshman residence hall will be ready for the start of the school year and we will break ground on a performing arts building this summer. Our solar power field should be operational by late September or early October, supplying 15 percent to 20 percent of the energy needed to operate the campus. We will use the health sciences building funding we received this year to continue to plan and design the building, with the expectation the legislature will fund its construction during the next session. In these challenging budget times, FGCU has risen to the occasion, reducing spending across the University, holding vacant unfilled positions, cutting back on professional development travel, and achieving savings in utility costs, including raising the temperature in our buildings. We continue to look for additional ways to reduce expenses without sacrificing quality. All of us – administration, faculty, staff and students – are redoubling our commitment to protecting our core enterprise, that of delivering a high quality affordable education. We’re going to have to keep working smart to address the serious budget challenges, but I am confident the dedication and hard work on which FGCU was founded will take us to even brighter days ahead.

Wilson G. Bradshaw, Ph.D. President Florida Gulf Coast University Bo b Klein Sp r i n g 2009 1 Florida Gulf Coast University Table of Contents Su m m e r 2009 • Vo l u m e 3 • Iss u e 4 Editor’s Corner On the cover: Pinnacle Magazine Danielle Lail is Wilson G. Bradshaw FGCU’s 10,000th President graduate. Fran c is Garth Steve Magiera Publisher Now it’s your turn

Photo by Garth Francis Ed Cl e m nt Audrea Anderson Features Editorial Director ver since we launched Pinnacle Magazine in the winter Karen Feldman of 2007, this space has featured my musings and obser- Editor vations. As the magazine continues to evolve, I’d like to John Kemler change that. School of hard knocks Art Director E Journalism students join Starting with the fall issue, which will publish in October, forces to learn and report on lives of those who Kelly McCarthy I’m hoping you’ll feel inclined to share your perspectives as well. 5 Director of Communications Feedback from readers can play a critical role in shaping the are homeless ...... Lillian Pagan content of a magazine. Researcher Pinnacle is a multi-purpose publication, aimed at covering Taking the lead topics of interest to alumni, donors, the FGCU community and Four College of Health Carl Bleich, Brian Bovard, John Francis, Professions seniors turn dreams into reality for Pam Geiser, Linda Guerrine, Anne Hartley, the community at large. That’s a diverse audience, to be sure. 6 Peter Lefferts, Ai Ning Loh, Michael In deciding what to cover in each issue, we strive to include Special Equestrians...... Savarese, Lindsey Touchette, Chris news and features that touch on the interests of each of those groups, with an eye toward Wadsworth and Kim Williams new developments. In other words, we don’t write a story about a program simply Passing it on Contributing Writers College-age musicians instill joy of because it exists; we write one because there’s something new and noteworthy to report. playing violin in the next generation...... 8 Carlos Calante, Ed Clement, Stephanie Considering that most who receive this magazine have a direct connection to the Colaianni, Jim Dostie, Garth Francis, James Greco, Bob Klein, Andrew Morris, University, I’m willing to bet you have opinions and insights that would be of interest to An inquiring mind William Maples’ curiosity and Chris Perry and Dennis Snyder other readers. Do you have a fond recollection of something that happened at FGCU? Photography Was there a professor who was influential in your life that you’ve been meaning to skill helped make forensic anthropology a critical 14 Timothy Clark and Laureen Meyer thank? Or perhaps you have something to say concerning a story that appears in this tool in solving crimes...... page 8 Circulation issue. Most of the letters I receive express pleasure with a story or the overall magazine. Much ado about something Scientists race GET IN TOUCH But there’s an occasional question or criticism as well. to find a cure for accelerating pace of global Kevn McNamara, for example, recently wrote: “I have one child at FGCU and a Pinnacle Magazine second slated to start FGCU in the fall. I have enjoyed reading the Pinnacle, however, warming...... 16 [email protected] (239) 590-1081 would like to see coverage of all the sports. You included four pages of material on Office of Community Relations & Marketing/ athletics, however there was no mention of the swimming and diving team and their Two for two Eagle baseball team clinches University Advancement, FGCU, 10501 FGCU success. Blvd. South, Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565 conference title for second year in a row...... 23 “As a parent I would like to see more coverage in the University, alumni and local Advertising press on all the athletes, but especially this group of female athletes.” Defining life’s work Terry Brennen Our policy is to report on all the teams that play during the portion of the year in Artistic alumni juggle Director, Community Funding which a particular issue is published. daily necessities and creative desires...... 34 (239) 590-2366 page1 4 [email protected] It turns out that the swimming and diving team won a number of top awards in its second season, but the announcement occurred after we went to press with the spring

Garth Fran c is Garth Pinnacle may be obtained in an alternative format issue of Pinnacle. So a story appears in this issue. You can read about the team’s impres- by contacting the Office of Institutional Equity and sive performance – and see a photo of Karmin McNamara, who was named Conference Compliance at (239) 590-7405 or (800) 590-3428 or Columns and Departments the Office of Adaptive Services at (239) 590-7956. Diver of the Year – on page 26. Those with speech or hearing impediments may use I hope you’ll find the content of this issue relevant and interesting and that you’ll the Florida Relay at 711 (TTY, VCO, HCO, ASCII or be moved to add your voice to the mix. FromPresident’s the President Message...... 1 SportsDevelopment...... News...... 28 AlumniProfessional Director Briefs...... 41 Speech-to-Speech). Send e-mail to [email protected]. FGCU’s programs, events, activities and facilities are For standard mail, the address is: available to all without regard to race, color, marital Editor’s Corner...... 23 DevelopmentAlumni News...... News...... 3233 ClassArts Calendar Notes...... 4344 Fran c is Garth status, gender, religion, national origin, disability Karen Feldman or age. Pinnacle editor InAll Brief About...... Sports...... 224 AlumniClass Notes Profile...... 3837 Alumni Events...... 44 Pinnacle Magazine is published in July, October, Community Relations and Marketing/Advancement page 34 January and April by FGCU’s Office of Community Re- 10501 FGCU Blvd. South Elodie Cotton lations & Marketing, Division of University Advance- Happenings...... 5 Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565 ment. Material may be excerpted or reprinted for use

Bo b Kl e in in the news media provided that it is attributed to Social Scene...... 17 FGCU’s Pinnacle Magazine. Address changes may be sent electronically to Meet FGCU’s page [email protected] or via mail to address below. new athletic director POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pinnacle 22 Magazine, Office of Community Relations and Marketing/University Advancement, Campus Support Complex, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. South, Karen Feldman Ken Kavanagh Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565 Pinnacle Editor

2 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 3 A night at a homeless

Long-time McKinney took action, contacting the President’s Commission on Govern- shelter drives home ombudsman ment Contracts and the Urban League, among other groups. Two weeks later, retires – again he had his job back. powerful lessons The experience left him distrustful etirement didn’t take the first of the company, however, and he went time Charles McKinney tried it. back to school, earning a master’s After two decades at the Uni- degree in school administration at Editor’s note: During an April Bride” as the group versity of California, Santa Barbara, he Lincoln University and becoming the conference of the Society of Professional approaches. R Journalists in Hollywood, Fla., 25 Calant e Carlos Shelter director retired, but it wasn’t long before Florida university’s registrar and director of Charles McKinney Gulf Coast University’s first president, admissions. journalism students from five Florida Sean Cononie conducts Roy McTarnaghan, convinced him to He later earned his doctorate universities spent 24 hours at a homeless the short ceremony. give it one more try. where somebody will listen to them,” of education from the University of shelter, chronicling the lives of its residents “In marriage we say McKinney agreed to become the McKinney says. “I was fortunate to have Missouri and spent 19 years at the for the Homeless Voice, a paper published it’s for poorer or richer,” University’s seventh employee, at a time a very comfortable sofa in my office and University of California, Santa Barbara, by and for the homeless. FGCU Assistant he tells them. “You two when FGCU had no name or location. I would have people relax themselves. It in various capacities, ending as director Professor Lyn Millner assigned Pam are poor, but you’re rich He spent the next 15 years helping was a great experience.” of academic support services in 1994. Geiser, an FGCU senior communication in another way, and to nurture FGCU’s growing body of His ability to empathize with and That’s the job he started with at major, an audio report of a wedding. Here that’s this romance.” faculty, staff and students as University advise those who sought his counsel FGCU that same year, well before the is Geiser’s account. After exchanging Ombudsman. In June, he began retire- came, in part, from his own struggles. University opened its doors. When they vows, the couple heads By Pam Geiser ment anew. McKinney grew up in Pine Bluff, did open in 1997, he became director off for a two-day Ark., one of 13 children whose father of educational services, equal oppor- honeymoon at a nearby made a living as a minister and shoe tunity/diversity programs and campus one of the students has spent a hotel, funded by sales of repairman. When times were especially ombudsman, the post he held until his night in a homeless shelter be- the Homeless Voice. tough, George McKinney would pull retirement in June. fore. The only thing of which The journalism some of the children out of school to Besides his work in that capacity, they are certain is that it will be full of FGCU student Pam Geiser interviews Shawn Anderson, who is homeless. students return N to the shelter to a pick cotton for a few weeks. When they he served on numerous University challenges and surprises. complained about 10-hour days spent committees and on the boards of At 5 p.m. on a Saturday, the “I’ve waited my whole life for him,” makeshift newsroom at back-breaking work for $2.50 each, community organizations such as the student reporters arrive at the sprawling she says. “He’s the one who God chose. and set to work capturing in print, their father would remind them of the American Red Cross of Lee County, tan and brick building, its windows I’m very happy.” audio and video the powerful scenes value of an education. Fort Myers Christian School and the secured with imposing black steel bars. Meanwhile, Anderson, 37, paces they witnessed. It’s 4 a.m. before the Charles McKinney went on to Dr. Ella Piper Social Service Center. The shelter houses 150 men and around the open-air garage. He speaks emotionally drained group is done. earn a full scholarship to the University He drew on all of his life experi- women of all ages. The students meet about the promising nursing career he “All of us just got lost in what we Students, staff and faculty found their way to Charles of Arkansas, graduating with a degree ences to succeed. with residents and learn their stories: had and destroyed through prolonged were doing,” says Millner. “We forgot McKinney’s office when they needed a sympathetic ear and ourselves.” sage counsel. in business administration. He then “Business taught me principles in One young man is a nursing student cocaine abuse. enrolled in a business program at the interpersonal skills, how to delegate, who doesn’t earn enough to live on But whatever regrets he has vanish But none will forget the experience University of Washington, where his communicate ideas effectively and how his own. There’s a former insurance when the students ask about his bride- or the people who let them into their “As I go around the community, I first roommate quickly moved out and to hold individuals accountable,” he executive who lost his job and his home. to-be. He breaks into a broad smile, lets lives that humid April night. see the impact Charles McKinney has professors questioned his decision to says. “Despite challenges, I learned that Other residents struggle with mental out a nervous giggle and says, “I wanna had on Southwest Florida,” says FGCU get a graduate degree in business, an with a certain amount of determination, illness, drug addiction or disease. be with her all the rest of my life.” Read more student accounts of the shelter President Wilson G. Bradshaw. “He is a untraditional career path for blacks at you can achieve your goal.” But hope resides here as well. On It’s the first marriage for both, and those who seek refuge there at model to all of us. The expectation that the time. this night, there’s cause for celebration: and they know they face challenges. www.spjchapters.org/southflorida/homeless. Charles has lived up to so well is that After residents Crystal Vogelsang and Shawn Anderson still wrestles with his addic-

we are a part of, and not apart from, the working as Bo b Kl e in Anderson are getting married. tion; Vogelsang has AIDS. community.” a systems Armed with notepads, cameras, They have little income and As ombudsman, McKinney’s analyst for video equipment and tape recorders, no home, but they rejoice in role was to serve as a confidential, Boeing for the students interview the 45-year-old having found each other. st e phani c olaianni independent and neutral party to help three years, bride in a small, crowded bathroom The wedding party all members of the University resolve he was laid that serves as her dressing room. In the heads to a nearby park for conflicts. off. When he emerald dress she purchased at Kmart, the ceremony. A two-piece “I discovered in this role that, for immediately her face alight with joy, Vogelsang band playing near the the most part, when people come to saw an ad explains that the couple met at the bubbling fountains breaks see an advocate or an ombudsman, for a systems shelter five months earlier. They quickly into an impromptu version they are looking for a place to talk, analyst, fell in love. of “Here Comes the FGCU’s three presidents pay tribute to Charles McKinney at his retirement party. From left, founding President Roy McTarnaghan, current President Wilson G. Despite the hardships they face, Crystal Vogelsang Bradshaw, McKinney, and second President William C. Merwin. and Shawn Anderson happily tie the knot. 4 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 5 FGCU seniors blaze trail for challenged riders

mined to construct the course they’d “Our riders will now have the the new objects. The group works with about 50 riders opportunity to explore their a week who have conditions such as designed. Special Equestrians raised The trail offers an added benefit. cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, money through its annual Taste of Love five senses on horseback in an “It will not only help the riders, stroke, mental retardation and multiple event, and the students provided the exciting setting.” it will make the horses happier,” Fifer manpower. They enlisted the help of says. “They get so sick of just walking sclerosis. – Jan Fifer The students’ mission: Design a engineer Bob Murray of Hole Montes, around the arena.” who created an aerial view of the prop- She says the group was amazed by trail with features that engage all the our program. But now they’ll get to get senses, something Special Equestrians erty on which they could map out the the FGCU students’ dedication. trail, and made the technical drawings out and walk up and down a giant hill “Special Equestrians will never has wanted for years but hadn’t the and go through our car wash and have manpower or expertise to create. for each station (see below). forget this group of seniors who could Next, they gathered 25 volunteers plastic things brush their faces.” have taken the easy route and handed The students met with the group’s With so many sensory features, leaders and researched similar facilities to build it, enlisting Durkin’s fellow us a piece of paper with instructions on Publix employees as well as several they can work on skills they could not how to build this sensory integration around the country. The team found an develop before and have fun at the same excellent course developed FGCU students, family members and trail,” Fifer says. “This is all we hoped significant others. Publix donated time. for at the beginning of the project. by an Alabama program, Riders were expected to start says Durkin, and drew on breakfast and lunch. These women turned a 10-hour project Putting the finishing touches on the lifesaver tire squeeze are, from left, Margaret Giffin, Vanessa Durkin, Melissa They began at 8 a.m. on a using the course in June or July after into a labor of love.” Whitescarver and Gina Straub. The women not only designed a sensory trail for Special Equestrians but built it, those ideas along with their volunteers desensitized the horses to too. This station helps riders with color identification, planning and following directions. own to design activities that Saturday morning and, seven hours would help the Fort Myers riders later, they had built and installed all By Karen Feldman students – Vanessa Durkin, a human build the skills they needed. the stations. performance major; Margaret Giffin, a Over three months, they devised “When we showed up there were 11 our Florida Gulf Coast Univer- health science major; and two nursing 12 stations, including a beanbag toss, two empty pastures,” says Durkin. “At 12 sity students could have fulfilled the end of the day it was so colorful, students, Gina Straub and Melissa which helps with tactile, visual and 1 10 the requirements of their senior Whitescarver – began their senior gross motor skills, and identifying everything was painted in primary seminar by project by examining a list of 30 ideas shapes and colors; a bridge with a ramp colors. It was an awesome success.” F Countless riders will benefit from researching and submitted by local groups in need of that assists riders with balancing skills 9 writing a paper. assistance. Assistant Professor Tina and hearing as the horses’ hooves hit their efforts. “Our riders will now have the Instead, Gelpi served as the project mentor. the wooden surface; and a wind chime 2 they took their There were plenty of worthwhile station, where riders strike the chimes’ opportunity to explore their five senses 8 on horseback in an exciting setting,” 6 ideas beyond projects, but the Special Equestrians’ steel pipes, helping them work on 4 theory, creating hand-eye coordination, hearing and says Jan Fifer, the group’s president. “It request to design a sensory integration 5 7 a tangible and trail proved most appealing. seeing. offers them new ways to develop their 3 invaluable “It was the top choice for all four Throughout the trail are sound senses. The limited games we play in the facility that will of us,” says Durkin. posts – bells that ring and knockers that arena are wonderful and are the base of help those with The not-for-profit Special make various sounds. Riders must reach handicaps learn Equestrians program offers therapeutic for the item and produce the sound, To find out more about Special Equestrians, Station 2: The beanbag toss helps riders improve visual, tactile and important life riding at its Fort Myers facility, serving which helps improve balance, grasping, visit www.specialequestrians.net or call gross motor skills. skills for years mentally and physically challenged stretching, hand-eye coordination and (239) 226-1221. to come. people ages 2 to 60 linking their move- The four from Charlotte, Glades, ments with the creation Non-profit organizations interested in College of Health Hendry and Lee of sound. submitting proposals for College of Professions counties. The group could Health Professions senior projects may With trained volun- have handed over the contact Assistant Professor Tina Gelpi at teers guiding the horses, design and walked away. [email protected] or (239) 590-7551. riders complete a series “Our assignment of activities designed was to come up with to help them improve the list and plan it, but balance, posture, we wanted to make this Station 4: The dragon hand-eye coordination happen,” Durkin says. jump requires the horse and many other skills. They were deter- to walk over the tires, Station 5: At the object permanence helping riders improve station, riders insert balls in the Station 7: Volunteers Mark Willoughby, left, and FGCU engineering students Cyndele McVeigh and balance and visual skills. correct size holes. David Bryant construct the walking sensation station, which requires the horses to walk on a variety of surfaces so riders experience sensory changes as they move from sand to pea gravel to mulch. 6 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 7 ound instruction aims to inspire youngsters to scale greater musical, academic heights

Story by with 48 children who attend the center. “Al-li-ga-tor A-A-A-A,” the “I used to listen to my dad play old teachers call out as the children pluck Chris Wadsworth traditional folk music on his Spanish the A string. Photos by Garth Francis guitar,” says Omar Ruiz-Lopez, a In March, the child violinists 22-year-old junior from Panama and gave their first impromptu concert Puerto Rico. “I would sit right close for a group of 50 visiting donors and and listen to him and there was a dignitaries. warmth that emanated from the strings The instructors picked a 5-year-old and touched me inside.” girl to play a solo. Ruiz-Lopez, an FGCU music “She was afraid at first,” says education major, specializes in the viola, Samuel Chadwick, 20, an FGCU but also plays the violin. The Guadalupe sophomore music education major and program gives him hands-on classroom one of the three violin instructors. “She experience working with children. was tentative, but once she started, she Omar Ruiz-Lopez guides Jenno in a plucking technique. “They are listening. They are rapt did it perfectly. Since then, she has been ight children march into the room single-file, taking their positions and then to watch them express them- one of our best students. She found a in front of child-sized violins and carefully lifting them to their selves. It’s one of the most gratifying new confidence and realized she could shoulders. feelings to know that you have made a do it.” EInstructors adjust their tiny fingers to just the right positions on the positive change in a child,” he says. The informal recital was a revela- fingerboards, the silence broken only by an occasional ping as the 4- and At this young age, the budding tion for the spectators, too. 5-year-old musicians test the strings. musicians aren’t learning to read music. “They were amazed,” says Barbara The air of professionalism breaks for a second as one tyke runs his bow Instead, their instructors use word Oppenheim, the Guadalupe Center’s across his upper lip, perhaps going after a sudden itch. It’s a classic kid move no and rhythm patterns to guide them, executive director. “There were several matter how classical the subject matter. teaching them basic mechanics, such as people that it brought tears to their eyes TOP: Child violinists pay close attention during a Welcome to the twice-weekly violin lessons conducted at the Guadalupe the proper way to hold and use the bow – the fact that this type of enrichment music class at Guadalupe Center. Center in Immokalee. The teachers are undergraduates at Florida Gulf Coast and to pluck the strings, a technique is available for the children.” BELOW: Judy Evans encourages Alicia as she University’s Bower School of Music who are sharing their passion and knowledge called pizzicato. All of the children who attend the bows “Hoe Down.”

8 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 9 Samuel Chadwick reviews musical notes during a violin class. At ages 4 and 5, children learn best by associating words and rhythm. Here Julissa works on “Al-li-ga-tor.” Judy Evans and Omar Ruiz-Lopez repair a bow during violin class.

Guadalupe Center come from families Bower School of Music. She spent 36 the program to other schools. gaining hands-on instructional experi- “We’re with low incomes, with 87 percent years as an orchestra teacher in Collier While the fledgling program’s ence while they are still undergraduates. qualifying for free or reduced-price and Broward counties, then began worth can’t be statistically measured yet, “The biggest thing I am learning introducing them lunches. For most, music lessons working with underprivileged children Oppenheim says positive changes are is how to communicate ideas to would be out of the question without a in Orlando schools after retirement. A obvious. children,” says Chadwick, who played to music, but program such as this. friend told her the Guadalupe Center “Originally, it was a challenge for in the orchestra at Lely High School “It’s an important message,” says could use such a program – and the rest both the students from FGCU and in Naples. “We found out it’s mostly probably even Oppenheim. “Our children are capable is harmonious history. the children,” she says. “The children about pace and tempo. If you want to of doing anything the children in The project is a collaboration of the weren’t used to someone else giving keep them engaged, you have to keep more important Naples are capable of – if the opportu- Bower School of Music, the Guadalupe them direction and they were not everything at a good pace and keep nity is provided.” Center and the Lucie Jenny McCarthy focused. Their interest level wasn’t their attention.” are the academic There are benefits for the Music Foundation. sustained for a long period of time. Oppenheim is impressed with the University, too, says Associate Professor The benefits of the violin program, Now, having gone through the year, FGCU students’ efforts. benefits.” Rod Chesnutt, who is the head of which began in 2008, reach far beyond they are really able to focus their atten- “They have been terrific,” she says. instrumental studies at the Bower the ability to play an instrument. tion on tasks much better and we have “They have patience, patience, patience. – Judy Evans School of Music. “We’re introducing them to music, seen it carry over into other (academic) They interact very nicely with the “I like the idea that we as a but probably even more important are areas.” children and I think they have grown a University do not consider ourselves an the academic benefits,” Evans says. “The The children have grown attached great deal during the year in handling ivory tower institution, that we are an language and math skills the children to the FGCU students as well. the children. I think they have a sense integral part of the Southwest Florida learn through music put them at an “The teachers are really nice,” says of pride that the children have done so community and that we can make a advantage.” 5-year-old Jonathan. “Omar is kind of well.” difference here,” he says. A large body of research exists crazy, but he’s nice, too.” – Chris Wadsworth is a freelance The program is the brainchild of showing that children exposed to music The three FGCU student teachers writer based in Southwest Florida. Judy Evans, an adjunct instructor do better at academics, she says. That’s – Ruiz-Lopez, Chadwick and sopho- Avery practices her pizzicato technique. in string instruments at the one of the reasons she hopes to expand more Roland Forti – are learning, too,

10 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 11 G arth F ra n c i s Bo b Kl e in Garth Fran c is Garth Monumental Fran c is Garth milepost University graduates 10,000th student

ollege graduation, the culmination of a lifetime of education, is a momentous occasion in the life of any student. In Danielle Lail’s case, however, it was an historic moment as well as she became the 10,000th student Danielle Lail flips her tassel from right to left to symbolize her status as a graduate. Sharing an historic moment are, from left, Donna Price Henry, FGCU dean of the C College of Arts & Sciences; Wilson G. Bradshaw, FGCU president; and Danielle Lail, to graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University. A communication major who moved to Cape Coral four FGCU’s 10,000th graduate, at the commencement ceremony May 3. years ago from Syracuse, N.Y., she received a full-tuition fellowship toward a master’s degree in public administration “I think it’s an amazing opportunity from the FGCU Foundation, as well as lifetime membership and I’m really honored to be a part

from the Alumni Association and a commemorative gift Fran c is Garth from President Wilson G. Bradshaw. of FGCU’s history.” Lail, 23, says she was surprised upon learning that she – Danielle Lail was the 10,000th graduate. “I was excited about it then I learned that the Founda- tion was going to pay for my tuition and got even more “I learned that being involved in the community is a big excited,” she says. “I think it’s an amazing opportunity and part of life,” she says. “I didn’t realize until my senior seminar I’m really honored to be a part of FGCU’s history.” that you need to be part of the community, that it doesn’t While attending college, she’s also worked at Bonefish work unless everyone is doing their part.” Grill. According to Bradshaw, “Danielle Lail symbolizes the She hopes to begin her master’s degree in the fall, plans 10,000 graduates FGCU proudly calls alumni, the central to stay in Southwest Florida, an area she’s come to love, and achievement of this state university in Southwest Florida. As would like to work for a public relations firm when she’s a thriving young institution of 12 years, FGCU has reached finished with her education. this benchmark of 10,000 graduates, more than 55 percent Lail says that her education included more than what of whom remain in the region as educators, business leaders, Michael Rollo, FGCU vice president for Student Affairs, and Hudson Rodgers, FGCU she learned as a communication major specializing in public scientists, municipal and civic leaders, resort and hospitality associate provost and associate vice president, congratulate graduates. relations with a minor in interdisciplinary studies. managers, engineers, artists and musicians.” At right, FGCU faculty dressed in their academic regalia form a colorful processional during the May commencement.

12 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 13 Cranium of a savannah monkey

After working as a manager of a primate research to his wife, was where he planned to with the U.S. Army station in Kenya. It was there that retire someday. Central Identifica- he collected the various skulls and For Walsh-Haney, having these tion Laboratory, he bones that Walsh-Haney’s students materials here provides her with a way testified before Congress, use to study and compare anatomical to honor her mentor and continue his helping to reform and improve features. work. the laboratory’s methods of identifying There are dozens of slides from “Having his collection here is a military personnel killed in battle. And, the salvage operation of the ValuJet chance for me to highlight Dr. Maples while battling brain cancer, he worked crash, showing the pieces of debris, so people don’t forget him or his life’s to identify victims of the May 1996 people meticulously combing the work,” she says. g for th ValuJet crash in the Everglades. Everglades for more of them and the in e d Maples died in 1997 at the age of 59. huge structure in which everything ak e His widow, Margaret Maples- was catalogued and analyzed. His wife, e a Gilliland, donated an extensive collec- who accompanied him on many of his p d tion of his material to FGCU to ensure travels, took most of the shots. Walsh- S that it was preserved, in hopes that it Haney, a student at the time, worked might excite students about science and with him on the salvage effort. help educate future generations. Still other boxes hold his personal “It shows science can be extremely correspondence and photos, which help interesting and maybe it will turn on researchers understand Maples’ perspec- students to want to get into some aspect tive and how that might influence his of science,” she says. “There are all sorts work. of interesting aspects that some kids Andy Waters, ’08, who earned a

have never even thought about. This master’s degree in criminal forensic Skeleton of a squirrel will help give them a broader view of studies, spent a whole summer monkey the range of things they can do.” cataloging the 40 boxes full of Maples’ Renowned in reinventing the field of forensic material. Now a anthropology and inspired countless civilian special students to follow in his path. “They have tales to tell us, anthropologist agent who works Among those students was even though they are dead.” on criminal, Heather Walsh-Haney, now an assistant helped revolutionize fraud and coun- professor in FGCU’s Division of Justice – William R. Maples terintelligence Studies, who became a close friend of forensic science cases for the Maples and his wife. Because of that The boxes that sit on shelves in U.S. Air Force, friendship, FGCU holds an extensive Story by Karen Feldman the climate-controlled confines of the he says Maples collection of his research, including Photos by Garth Francis inspired him. primate bones and skulls he acquired FGCU Archives are like treasure chests “Ever since while working in Africa and reams of and just as intriguing to explore. n his storied career, William R. papers and photos chronicling many One is filled with photographs of I read about Maples came to know some investigations in which he took part. John Merrick, known as the Elephant Dr. Maples, of history’s most famous and Maples became a much-sought- Man because of severe disfigurements I associated infamousI characters as well as after expert on forensics, assisting law caused by neurofibromatosis. Maples with his type anonymous people to whom he used a technique called superimposition of work ethic, William R. Maples enforcement agencies and scientists gave names and voice. around the world in close to 1,200 to match high-resolution television the attention to Through his exacting investiga- cases. He was instrumental in identi- images of Merrick’s remains with detail,” Waters tions, the groundbreaking forensic whispers, and to interpret them for the fying Czar Nicholas II and family, who a bust that depicts him prior to his says. “He sees anthropologist assisted the departed living.” were killed by the Bolsheviks in 1918. death in 1890, making it possible to things through in yielding clues to who they were and Maples spent the majority of his He participated in an investigation of clearly see the relationship between the meticulously. FGCU Collections how they died. career at the University of Florida Zachary Taylor’s death that determined skeletal growths and Merrick’s distorted That’s something This is the third in a series of stories “They have tales to tell us, even in Gainesville, where he rose to that arsenic had not killed the country’s outward appearance. I do as well.” that will appear in subsequent issues though they are dead,” he wrote in his become chairman of the anthropology 12th president. He took part in a probe Other boxes hold papers, photos It seems fitting that Maples’ body of Pinnacle about collections in the book, “Dead Men Do Tell Tales: The department and eventually founded for new evidence in the killing of civil and newspaper clippings from his trips of work should end up in Fort Myers. possession of the FGCU Archives. Strange and Fascinating Cases of a Between Walsh-Haney’s presence and the forensic center that bears his rights activist Medgar Evers and was to Russia, when he supervised a team For more information about the Forensic Anthropologist,” co-written name. He also served as curator of the able to reconstruct the sword fight that that identified the assassinated czar and the fact that Maples had been good with Michael Browning. “It is up to Florida Museum of Natural History. killed explorer Francisco Pizarro by his family. Still another holds volumi- friends with a former medical examiner University’s collections, contact me … to catch their mute cries and In the process, he played a major role examining his remains. nous journals written during his time here, it’s a place he loved and, according Rebecca Donlan, assistant director, at (239) 590-7641, or [email protected].

14 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 15 Learn more about climate change every 6 or 7 years for the ©istockphoto.com/ A rtBoy M B thawed soils release Intergovernmental Panel more carbon dioxide on Climate Change. and methane into the • Intergovernmental Panel on Representatives of 100 atmosphere, acceler- Climate Change, Working Group member countries must ating the greenhouse 1 Report on “The Physical Science approve the assessments, effect. which indicates the And as ice melts, Basis” frequently asked questions: high level of consensus In the near more of the Earth’s www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment- map courtesy of N asa http://eob.gsfc.nasa.gov/ that exists regarding the future, Floridians land surface is exposed, report/ar4/wg1/ar4-wg1-faqs.pdf content. The most recent are expected to which allows Earth to reports concluded that experience more absorb more sunlight, • NASA Global Climate Change site: there is a greater than 90 extreme weather heating the planet more http://climate.jpl.nasa.gov/ percent probability that conditions, quickly. human-produced green- Closer to the

©istockphoto.com/pkline including droughts house gases have caused and floods. equator, warmer, more • National Academies of Science much of the increase acidic ocean waters are reports on climate change- in Earth’s temperatures bleaching coral reefs. related topics: over the past 50 years. In Florida, as sea level rises, saltwater http://dels.nas.edu/climatechange/ When the eminent economist, intrudes into freshwater aquifers, Rajendra Pachauri, accepted the Nobel reducing drinking water supplies. If • “The Rough Guide to Climate Peace Prize on behalf of the IPCC in sea level rises faster than mangroves 2007, he said the panel’s conclusions can migrate inland, valuable shoreline Change,” second edition, by Robert the air “can be seen as a clarion call for the protection will be lost, accelerating Henson (Rough Guides, 2008) Scientists race to find causes, protection of the Earth as it faces the beach erosion and making communities widespread impacts of climate change.” more vulnerable to hurricane damage. • United Nations Framework cures for climate change The panel’s conclusions are based In the near future, Floridians are Convention on Climate Change on computer model simulations as well expected to experience more extreme site: http://unfccc.int/2860.php By Anne Hartley as a large body of published observa- weather conditions, including droughts tions and experimental discoveries. The and floods. earliest impacts were detected at high latitudes and high elevations. Climate Spreading the word warming causes ice to melt at the poles Despite the growing body of and on mountaintops. As glaciers scientific evidence that climate change polar bear©istockphoto.com/coldimages disappear, so does vital fresh water. is accelerating and affecting Earth, There are secondary impacts misconceptions and skepticism remain. magine you are a physician treating describing current events on Earth. 1970 and 2004. Scientists have deter- as well. An increase in greenhouse One common misconception is a patient running a low-grade fever. The planet is the patient. The ailment: mined that atmospheric concentrations warming in the Arctic melts the frozen that weather and climate are the same. A lab test suggests a course of treat- Rising concentrations of gases in of these gases are higher today than soil, destabilizing forests, roads and Weather is a short-term phenomenon, ment, but to rule out other causes, you Earth’s atmosphere are trapping heat in the past 650,000 years. Research I homes. Milder winters allow insect such as a mild winter or a drought year. tilts and wobbles relative to the sun. consult with medical colleagues, read and warming the lower atmosphere and points to human activity, including the populations to flourish, making trees Climate change is temperature averaged These orbital changes regulate Earth’s published studies, order more tests and the planet surface, a condition called the destruction of tropical rainforests and susceptible to disease. Dying forests and over at least three decades. use the results to arrive at a diagnosis greenhouse effect. Emissions of green- the use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil 100,000-year climate cycles, known as Another ice ages. Because the planet’s surface is and treatment. house gases such as carbon dioxide and and gas, as major causes. misconception methane increased 70 percent between Earth’s physicians are policymakers warming at a time when natural factors Still, the patient’s temperature is that climate climbs. There’s no time to wait for a who use the best available science to would be expected to cool Earth’s warming is solely new treatment that’s more effective, less diagnose the problem and prescribe climate, scientists concluded that due to natural costly or free of side effects. In an effort treatments aimed at reducing damage. greenhouse gases are the primary cause causes. Research to stop the condition from worsening, Meanwhile, they remain vigilant for of recent warming trends. shows that you use the best available science to new symptoms, seeking to better One reason scientists, and human activity prescribe a treatment and watch for understand the problem and develop increasingly government leaders and plays a huge part. signs of improvement, ready to change more effective ways to combat it. concerned citizens, are calling for action course if the patient’s condition dete- Total incoming is that greenhouse gases remain in the riorates or a more promising treatment Growing body of evidence sunlight varies atmosphere from decades to centuries. becomes available. Scientists assess the latest research as Earth orbits Greenhouse-gas emission is like This scenario comes close to developments regarding climate change around the sun, water filling a bathtub. Even after and as the planet the faucet is turned off, the bathtub Plexiglass chambers at Kennedy Space Center allow researchers to gauge ef- fects of climate change by exposing plots of scrub oaks to carbon-enriched air. ©istockphoto.com/Geoffery H olman 16 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 17 In undeveloped portions of Southwest Garth Fran c is Garth Sea change Florida, particularly southeast of Naples, looms large freshwater wetlands give way to brackish remains full indefinitely. We can open water marshes and finally mangrove forests the drain to empty the bathtub faster, Global warming influences sea level as before the outer coast is reached. The for example, by changing forestry well as climate. As the atmosphere warms, distribution of these habitats is dramatically and agricultural practices so more melting glaciers and thermal expansion affected by accelerated sea-level rise. By carbon dioxide is taken up from the of sea water increase ocean volume. mapping historic and current habitats across atmosphere and stored in plants and Consequently, sea-level rise has accelerated these wetlands, coupled with sediment soil. But if the faucet continues gushing, in the past 200 years, particularly in recent coring results, we have demonstrated that opening the drain won’t empty the tub. decades, up from roughly 2 inches per mangroves are migrating great distances The fastest way to empty the tub is to landward at an alarming rate, reconfiguring century to almost a foot. FGCU Professor Michael Savarese uses a open the drain and shut off the faucet Beyond the hazards of flooding, rising sediment core to document barrier island freshwater wetland and upland habitats. completely – by conserving energy and development for a research project that explores seas may also change the coast’s shape, or Some grassy marshes are transforming switching to renewable energy sources how climate change influences the shape of geomorphology. Our research explores how Southwest Florida’s coast. Students Justin Barthle to mangrove forests while others fail to such as solar and wind power. rising sea levels affect the configuration of and Rehannon Ketover stand ready to assist. do so and become tidal ponds. We have Leaders of developed nations Southwest Florida’s coast and the ecology of documented the merger of many small tidal increasingly agree that delaying action Similarly, oysters build reefs that rest estuaries, bodies of water critical to marine ponds through time, creating expansive until the planet is significantly warmer above the water’s surface at low tide, life. By looking at the history recorded in sedi- provided they grow more rapidly than sea interior bays with inadequate marine and – until the patient is in critical condi- freshwater mixing, creating poor conditions tion – will be much more costly than ment cores – which preserve environmental levels rise. The reefs become foundations for changes in layers – we can reconstruct coastal red mangrove trees and eventually develop for marine life. investing in new energy sources now. If sea levels continue to rise at an FGCU Associate Professor Ai Ning Loh and marine science students collect water and sediment samples geomorphology dating back 5,000 years, into mangrove-forested islands, such as the in Estero Bay for carbon and nutrient analyses. which helps predict future changes. Ten Thousand Islands southeast of Marco accelerated rate, Southwest Florida is likely Our research shows the development Island. They also help create estuaries. to lose the estuarine ecology and the coastal geomorphology upon which our economy matter has been stored in the oceans. of barrier islands and oyster reefs create The history of oyster reef and barrier

©istockphoto.com/ A nutik and quality of life depend. Similar and Probing ocean’s Our research shows that organic estuaries. If sediments are deposited along island development suggests these structures the coast faster than sea level rises, barrier can withstand modest rises in sea level, but possibly more severe impacts are likely for matter in oceans comprises many chemicals coastal communities planet-wide. depths for clues and that different forms of organic matter islands form that entrap bay waters, creating if the current accelerated rate continues, it’s decompose at varying rates, with some brackish water estuaries, while the islands likely both will stop forming, which could – Michael Savarese, FGCU professor of Understanding how oceans store and remaining stored in the oceans for thou- provide storm protection for the mainland. endanger estuaries. marine sciences release carbon is a critical piece of the sands of years. climate change puzzle. Most of this organic matter is produced Oceans absorb carbon from carbon in oceans, however, some is transported There is a greater than 90 dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, as it from land. Because oceans are inextricably percent probability that dissolves in the water or is used up through linked to highly populated coastal areas such human-produced green- Research Center growth was far greater in elevated carbon photosynthesis by marine plants. (Photo- Rooting out the as Southwest Florida, our research seeks house gases have caused scientists began dioxide after 11 years, annual production of synthesis occurs when to understand where organic matter comes much of the increase in this research at plant tissue decreased over the course of the plants use carbon dioxide, role plants play from, what it’s made of and how it is stored Earth’s temperatures over the Kennedy Space experiment because of dwindling soil nutri- sunlight and nutrients to and consumed in estuaries and oceans. This the past 50 years. Scientists have conducted hundreds Center in 1996. ents. Also, below-ground processes reduced make food). After the carbon will allow us to better determine the oceans’ of experiments in the past few decades After 11 years of the amount of carbon stored in the forest. is absorbed in the ocean, it’s carbon storage capacity in a warming Because of climate risks and limited to determine how higher carbon dioxide exposing forest Like humans, plants and microbes either stored or released back world. Longer-term storage would suggest supplies of fossil fuels in much of the concentrations will affect ecosystem plots to doubled release carbon dioxide back to the into the air. the oceans could aid in reducing global world, many leaders believe shifting to processes, such as the growth of plants. atmospheric atmosphere through respiration. In this As ocean temperatures increase warming. More importantly, this information new energy sources is vital to promoting Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the Anne Hartley carbon dioxide experiment, respiration returned a significant because of global warming, carbon dioxide would improve the accuracy of climate economic growth, stabilizing the planet atmosphere and use it along with sunlight concentrations, the level predicted for the amount of carbon to the atmosphere. While doesn’t dissolve as well so more is released prediction models. and promoting peace. and water to make carbohydrates, the year 2050, plants produced 67 percent more increased plant growth shows the ecosystem into the atmosphere, which further contrib- We are also studying how the local chemical building blocks of plant tissue. tissue above ground than those not exposed is capable of taking up and storing more utes to global warming. Carbon absorbed by environment has responded to past climatic Facing the challenges Researchers want to know if plants are to additional carbon dioxide. carbon, that’s offset by below-ground marine plants and stored as organic matter conditions. By understanding these systems, Close to 200 countries, including able to absorb and store enough carbon When I joined the project in 2005, I processes that lower the storage potential. (large collections of carbon-based chemicals) the United States, have ratified the both current and historical, we will be dioxide to slow the rate at which this key investigated what was happening below The lesson from this and similar studies takes longer to be released back into the United Nations Framework Climate better able to form sound policies governing contributor to climate ground, attempting to determine whether in unfertilized ecosystems is that plants atmosphere. The respiration of marine plants Change Convention, an agreement to our estuaries and coastal oceans to more change increases in the nutrients, such as nitrogen, leak into the cannot be counted on to slow the rate at and animals releases some stored carbon, as stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations. effectively combat global warming. atmosphere. atmosphere faster in carbon-dioxide-enriched which carbon dioxide increases in the atmo- does the decomposition of organic matter by The countries meet annually to discuss My research conditions. We found very low losses of sphere. Other measures – including reducing bacteria. Using a technique called carbon- how to achieve their goals. – Ai Ning Loh, FGCU associate focuses on unfertilized nitrogen gases emitted from these forest soils. industrial emissions – are needed to lower

Eco bud©istockphoto.com/zoljo dating, we can determine how long organic The greatest challenges to reaching professor of marine science ecosystems, such as Most of the nitrogen was taken up from the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. an agreement may lie with rapidly Florida scrub oak forest. soil and stored in new plant tissue. (continued on page 20) Smithsonian Experimental Although above-ground plant tissue – Anne Hartley

18 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 19 FGCU Adult Continuing

Storing carbon Fran c is Garth in wetlands Education Online Courses

Wetlands will play a critical role in Florida Gulf Coast University’s Office of Continuing Education climate change because they serve as major reservoirs for carbon. has partnered with several leading online curriculum providers to My students and I are investigating ONLINE EDUCATION offer hundreds of instructor-facilitated and self-study professional how carbon storage in wetlands around development and training courses for business owners and Florida Gulf Coast University is impacted by employees wishing to improve their professional skill sets. development, changes in water levels and climate. Carbon storage starts when plants Career Training Certificate Programs photosynthesize, taking in carbon dioxide, www.gatlineducation.com/fgcu also known as greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere and converting it to chemical • In-depth, instructor-guided, career training certificate energy that is stored in their leaves, stems programs designed to help you achieve professional and roots. As plants and animals use this caliber positions for many occupations. stored energy for food, carbon dioxide is • Courses range from 12 to 580 hours and cost between $595 and $5,595. released into the atmosphere through • Course categories include Skilled Trades & Industrial, Business & Profes- respiration. This is the same process that sional, Healthcare & Fitness, Hospitality, Information Technology & Software occurs when humans exhale. All plants Development, and Media & Design. and animals respire. The balance between photosynthesis and respiration determines how much carbon is stored in an ecosystem. Instructor-Facilitated Prof. Training In wetland ecosystems, most of the FGCU Assistant Professor Brian Bovard and junior Sarah Larsen use an infrared gas analyzer to www.ed2go.com/fgcu carbon stored in plant tissues ends up in the monitor carbon dioxide and water vapor uptake and losses from soils, stems and leaves. soils, which are often flooded for significant • Six-week professional development and training portions of the year, limiting the ability of courses, many starting at $99. organisms to consume it. As a result, rela- change and human development are altering continue to store carbon as they have • Topics include Sales, Marketing & Accounting; Health Care, Nutrition, & Fit- tively small amounts of carbon are released this balance in the region’s wetlands. historically, they will help to slow climate ness; Law; Business Administration; Database Programming; Graphic & Web into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Since about 1800, roughly two-thirds warming. Understanding how these systems Design; PC Troubleshooting, Networking, & Security; Health Care; Child Care The comparatively high rates of of Florida’s wetlands have been drained or will respond in the future is important so & Parenting; Courses for Teaching Professionals. photosynthesis and low rates of respiration filled. If temperatures rise or wetland soils they can be managed in a way that will not FGCU Office of mean that energy in the form of carbon dry up as a result of human development exacerbate climate change and might help Continuing accumulates in wetland soils, making them or climate change, we expect carbon losses slow its progress. Education important reservoirs of carbon in the context from wetland soils to increase, which could Self-Study Short Courses & CEU’s of climate change. potentially accelerate global warming. – Brian Bovard, FGCU assistant 8695 College Parkway www.fgcu.theelearningcenter.com We seek to determine whether climate Conversely, if Florida’s wetlands professor of marine and ecological sciences Suite 1181 • The eLearning Center offers a comprehensive col- Ft Myers, FL 33919 lection of online, self-study, open enrollment courses 239-425-3270 starting at just $15. CEU’s for licensure maintenance may be earned through (continued from page 18) renewable energy. faculty are living up to the Univer- a wide variety of professional and industry-specific courses. developing nations. China, for example, In the United States, it’s primarily sity’s guiding principles, “instilling in [email protected] • Course categories include business, composition and design, education, is reluctant to cut greenhouse gas states and communities that are taking students an environmental conscious- (Email contact) engineering, environmental, finance, healthcare, industrial skills, insurance, emission because the government’s the lead. ness that balances their economic and languages, legal, electronics, real estate, service and hospitality, skilled main goal right now is to develop its At Florida Gulf Coast University, social aspirations with the imperative www.fgcu.edu/ced trades, public service, and more. economy and raise the standard of for example, the solar array under for ecological sustainability.” (CE homepage) living. Leaders of developing nations construction will supply 15 percent of This imperative requires that we want to know why they should be the University’s energy needs when it take full responsibility for how we use www.fgcu.edu/ole Regulatory, Pre-Licensing & Court denied an opportunity to develop becomes operational later this year. natural resources to leave a rich legacy (Online Education www.fgcu.amersc.com using fossil fuels when industrialized Environmental faculty are inves- for future generations. homepage) countries were allowed to do so. For the tigating changes in inland, coastal and • Courses include Florida Online Traffic School, First benefit of generations to come, world marine environments related to sea level – Anne Hartley is an FGCU associate Time Driver (D.A.T.A.) Program, Advanced Driver leaders will need to commit to reduc- rise, climate change and doubled atmo- professor in the Department of Marine Funding for Employee Improvement Program, Driving Records Check, Judge Technical Skill Training tions in greenhouse gas emissions and spheric carbon dioxide concentrations. and Ecological Studies and program leader Ordered 8-Hour Driving Program, Mature Driver Course, Florida Boating may be available through enact policies to promote investment in In classrooms, labs and in the field, of environmental studies. Course, New York & New Jersey Defensive Driving Course, Notary Courses, Workforce Development. Florida Incorporation Service, Florida Insurance Pre-license 2-15 Course, Call for more information. Parent Education & Family Stabilization Course, and OSHA 510 & 511 Courses. 20 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 21 Sports

Bo b Kl e in Eagles capture conference title again

The Florida Gulf Coast University baseball team has “I’d like to make NCAA triumphed in its first two years of Division I play, capturing tournaments events we have every

the Atlantic Sun Conference championship in consecutive year,” he says. De nnis S nyd e r seasons. Even without post-season This year, the team finished with a 36-18 overall record competition, the Eagles have and a 23-7 record in A-Sun play. Since entering Division I plenty of which to be proud. two seasons ago, FGCU is 74-33 overall and 45-18 in the Tollett was named A-Sun A-Sun. Coach of the Year for the second “We had a great year,” Coach Dave Tollett says. consecutive season. “Winning the conference in our first two years is a great “Being named the coach accomplishment. This was the first time that a team has of year is a great honor,” Tollett repeated as champions in the A-Sun.” says. “This honor is a reflection of Perhaps the sweetest win this season came against the what our team and coaches have FGCU coach Dave Tollett, left, with University of Florida. The Eagles recorded 20 hits as a team, accomplished this year. I consider umpire. stomping the Gators 17-5 in Gainesville. this a team award.” FGCU Athletic Director Ken Kavanagh In addition, four Eagle players made the Ken Kavanagh calls the baseball team’s performance – and that “We had a great year. All-Atlantic Sun First team. Sophomores of the women’s volleyball team, which won its Chris Sale, Tim Roberson and Zach second conference championship earlier in the Winning the Maxfield joined senior Josh Upchurch on the year – “remarkable achievements. It’s a testa- conference in our All-Atlantic team. Maxfield led the A-Sun New director sees bright future for FGCU athletics ment to the coaching staff, the athletes involved, with 20 home runs while Roberson finished Carl (McAloose, the former athletic director) first two years is a great right behind him with 19 dingers. en Kavanagh has been named here, to when I was nominated for the not a sprint. My role as A.D. is to lead and the administration. It shows FGCU was accomplishment.” Sale compiled a 2.74 earned run average Florida Gulf Coast University’s position, I kept hearing more positive and explain that we have to work to get ready to hit the ground running and compete at – Dave Tollett in 89.1 innings while Upchurch led the team new athletic director. He as- things about the University. It wasn’t where we want to go. the Division I level and have success.” in runs scored and stolen bases. sumed his new post on June 15. just that FGCU has good teams. It was Because FGCU is in its transition period Sophomore Stephen Wickens earned a K into Division I, its teams have not yet been eligible for post- spot on the All-Atlantic Sun Second Team. Freshman Jason He came to FGCU from Peoria, the quality of life, the administration, So that means no football for a while? Ill., where he was the athletic director at working for an individual like President I love football, but there’s a time season play, but the rules allow two teams to be “fast-tracked,” Forjet was named to the Atlantic Sun All-Freshman Team. Bradley University. His previous experi- (Wilson G.) Bradshaw. People I hold and place for everything. Right now which means that both the baseball and volleyball teams will Besides beating the Gators, FGCU also defeated other ence includes senior associate athletic in great esteem were using words unless the Board of Trustees and be eligible next year. in-state rivals including the University of South Florida, the director and assistant athletic director like “hidden gem,” “gold mine” and President tell me that’s the direction Kavanagh says he’s excited about what that means for University of Central Florida, Florida Atlantic University at Bowling Green State University in “tremendous potential.” That, combined we’re going, we’re going to work on the both teams and the University as a whole. It could include and Florida International University. Ohio, and positions at the University of with our visits here, made our family 14 teams we have, maximize them and hosting NCAA tournaments. Notre Dame and Yale University. feel it would be a good fit. keep our eye on the ball. Chris Pe rry Kavanagh earned his master of business administration from the What most excites you about the job? What will be the biggest adjustment University of Notre Dame, and a The challenge of taking the program for you and your family? bachelor’s degree from Boston College. to the next level from where (former The distance from family and He’s married and has four children. He Athletic Director) Carl (McAloose) and friends. My wife is from a close-knit recently shared his first impressions the administration grew it to get into farm family in northern Illinois. It will about his new job with Pinnacle Editor the NCAA. We’d love to be considered be hard to be so far away although Karen Feldman. a flagship program within the Atlantic we expect to see a lot of them during Sun Conference as we continue to the winter. Leaving friends is hard, What attracted you to FGCU? mature as a Division I team. but it should hurt when you leave a It was a combination of the right community. If it doesn’t hurt, you have time and the right spot for my family. What are the biggest challenges? no roots there. A lot of our friends have Our daughter just finished high school The main one is to get through had to leave Peoria and go someplace so making the move now works out the current economic situation. FGCU else for their careers. We’ve been blessed well. The challenges and opportunities went through a tremendous growth that we haven’t had to do it for 13 years. that exist at FGCU are both profes- period, but things have changed. We’ll That’s part of life, but if you make good sionally and personally exciting. From have to be patient. We’ll probably have friends, they’re friends for life. We’ll all the time I was first exposed to FGCU to take growth at a slower pace, but we make new friends in Southwest Florida, last November when Bradley played need to remember that it’s a marathon, but we won’t lose our old ones.”

22 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 23 Sports Sports De nnis S nyd e r De nnis S nyd e r

Headed ever “We were decimated with injuries this year,” Horton said. “In all my years of coaching I have never had a year with as many injuries as we had this year.” The Eagles finished the season with a 5-14 record and a 1-9 Atlantic Sun Conference record. A bright spot for the team this Jessica Carter year was the play of junior Thibaud

higher Jim D osti e Aime. He finished 8-7 overall in Dave Deiros said. singles matches and 5-4 in conference Eagles prove tough Softball “Our record was matches. He was named Atlantic Sun competitors in second one of the best in All-Conference Second Team in the The softball team garnered national the country and we No. 1 position. Division I season attention this year. FGCU finished had some very big Horton was particularly thrilled the season with a 47-9 record, ranked wins against some with Aime’s win over Ivan Salec of No. 23 in the country, according to the Eva Sambrano Radford, who was ranked No. 61 in the By Carl Bleich of the premier Ultimate College Softball Poll. programs. Our nation at the time. As a team, FGCU had a .351 hitting continues winning five consecutive matches in n land and in the water, batting average, the best in the nation. to be at the nine days, including three Atlantic Sun Florida Gulf Coast Univer- “FGCU softball had a fantastic forefront – we Conference wins. women’s golf sity’s Eagles showed they had second season in Division I,” Coach featured one of The team finished with a 6-16 De nnis S nyd e r Brandon Pena the stuff of which Division I teams are Junior Jessica Paulmann led a the top offenses in Courtney Platt record and 3-7 A-Sun record under O balanced FGCU effort April 13-15 at made. fastpitch softball.” first-year coach Jennifer Gabou. The golfers finished fifth out of 11 the Atlantic Sun Conference Champi- The baseball team captured the This year’s “I am extremely proud of the work teams with a three-round score of 882 onship tournament in Deland. Atlantic Sun Conference championship A-Sun runner-up team was led by ethic and tradition that was established (290-289-303), just 15 strokes behind The team finished fifth overall and for the second year in a row (story on senior Cheyenne Jenks, who was named in the 2009 season,” Gabou said. “The conference champion Campbell. Paulmann completed the tournament page 23). The women’s swimming and A-Sun Conference Player of the Year team learned this season that hard work Sophomore Daniel Mazziotta, with a 3-round score of 232, good diving team won a host of top honors, by a unanimous vote. She hit .473 for always pays off.” who shot a three over par (219) on enough for a tie for 18th place overall. including the Coastal Collegiate the season to go along with 23 home The hard work put in by juniors the weekend, rounded out the tourna- Sophomore sisters Katerina Swimming Association Swimming runs, 73 runs batted in (tying her Eva Sambrano and Priscilla Villemond ment as the highest Eagle as he took Toomalatai and Kastania Toomalatai and Diving Championships (story A-Sun record) and 61 runs scored. She clearly paid off. Both players were 11th-place overall. Freshman Brandon each shot a 233, while Laura Lindsey on page 26). And the softball team’s was one of 25 finalists for the 2009 named second team all conference. Pena finished with a three-round score and Malin Becker each shot a 238. 47-9 record placed it among the top USA Softball Player of the Year. In late The team will have five newcomers of 221, winning a spot on the A-Sun FGCU coach Brittany Bertilson 23 teams in the country. May, Jenks signed on with the Chicago in the fall and Gabou planned to spend All-Freshmen Team. expected the team to finish in the top The University’s new athletic Bandits of the Professional Softball much of the summer working with the “I thought that the team had a half of the conference, which they did. director, Ken Kavanagh, is impressed League. returning team members to prepare for fairly successful year,” FGCU Assistant She says she expects the top five with the performance of the Eagle Jenks, Jessica Carter, Courtney the 2009-2010 season. Coach Brent Jensen said. “We just players from this year’s team to return teams this year and says he’s not alone. Platt and Lauran Ziegler made the need to play at that high level more and expects to sign two or three “The respect that other institutions all-conference First Team while Jessica consistently. I plan on trying to get freshmen to add into the mix. have for our program is significant,” he Paez made the second. men’s our schedule as tough as possible (next “With recruiting as one of my top says. “And it isn’t just within the A-Sun. FGCU beat four teams that year) because we need to keep pushing priorities this season, I will sign a It’s spread to others that have played finished the season ranked among the Tennis ourselves against the best teams we can couple of very talented young ladies to our teams in Division I.” 25 best teams in the country and beat play.” This was one join the team next season,” Bertilson He expects the teams to reach even eight teams that qualified for the 2009 Mazziotta and freshman Alex of the toughest says. “Look for the FGCU women’s greater heights in coming years and NCAA Tournament. Medinis advanced out of a U.S. Open believes that FGCU’s reputation as a years in men’s golf team to be a top contender in the Local qualifier during the second tough competitor will continue to grow tennis coach J. A-Sun Conference next season.” week of May. Mazziotta took medalist as a result. women’s Webb Horton’s honors as he fired a one-under par 71 Here’s a look at how the 2009 career. at Old Corkscrew Golf Club in Estero. spring semester ended for the respective Tennis It wasn’t that his men’s golf Medinis finished with a 73. Eagle sports teams. team didn’t perform The women’s tennis team well; it was that The men’s golf team completed – Carl Bleich is an FGCU student put together an impressive run often it didn’t get its season by participating in its first and freelance writer who lives in Fort of victories in mid-March, the chance to. Atlantic Sun Conference Champion- Myers. De nnis S nyd e r Thibaud Aime ship tournament. De nnis S nyd e r Cheyenne Jenks 24 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 25 Sports Sports

hotos By Jim D osti e By P hotos Hockey Sports Saturday, Oct. 3 Friday, Oct. 23 clubs Women’s Soccer vs. Women’s Soccer vs. ETSU* Calendar Campbell* 7 p.m., FGCU Soccer 1 p.m., FGCU Soccer Complex place Tuesday, Aug. 18 Complex Men’s Soccer vs. Florida Saturday, Oct. 24 second in nation Southern (Exhibition) Thursday, Oct. 8 Men’s Cross Country - FGCU Leah Daniel Taylor Cooke FGCU Soccer Complex Volleyball vs. Mercer* Invitational They may live and train in the 7 p.m., Alico Arena 8 a.m., Fort Myers subtropics, but Florida Gulf Coast Saturday, Aug. 22 Men’s Soccer vs. Eckerd Friday, Oct. 9 Women’s Cross Country - University’s hockey clubs know their way Year. Sophomore Karmin McNamara earned the College (Exhibition) Women’s Soccer vs. FGCU Invitational around the ice. They proved that this spring Women swimmers, divers Conference Diver of the Year title. 6 p.m., FGCU Soccer Jacksonville* 8:40 a.m., Fort Myers when both teams went to their respective Complex 5 p.m., FGCU Soccer national championships and finished “The 2009 swimming and diving season was Complex Men’s Soccer vs. Campbell* second overall. leave competition in really for me a perfect season,” Studd says. “I don’t Friday, Sept. 4 7 p.m., FGCU Soccer The hockey club is an officially Men’s Soccer vs. Belmont* Complex think I could expect more from my second-year team Women’s Soccer vs. recognized student organization and a than we achieved both in and out of the classroom.” Tennessee-Martin (Embassy 7 p.m., FGCU Soccer their wake Suites Kick-Off Classic) Complex Sunday, Oct. 25 non-varsity sport. The team compiled an 11-4 record during the 7 p.m., FGCU Soccer Women’s Golf - 32nd Annual There were 154 teams in Division II. The FGCU women’s swimming and regular season and did not lose a meet inside the CCSA Complex Saturday, Oct. 10 FIU Pat Bradley Invitational, FGCU’s Division II team, which had a diving team capped a stellar season by conference. Volleyball vs. Kennesaw Fort Myers 34-3 record last season, went on to beat the winning the Coastal Collegiate Swimming Teammates and coaches voted Leah Daniel Saturday, Sept. 5 State* University of Connecticut, Michigan State Men’s Soccer vs. University 3 p.m., Alico Arena Women’s Soccer vs. USC University and Siena College to get to the Association Swimming and Diving Champi- Swimmer of the Year while Gabrielle of South Florida Upstate* championship game. The team lost 5-2 to onships. The Lady Eagles ran away with the Shaw won Diver of the Year. Taylor 7:30 p.m., FGCU Soccer Sunday, Oct. 11 1 p.m., FGCU Soccer defending champion Davenport University. team competition, defeating second-place Cooke won the Coach’s Award, given Complex Men’s Golf - FGCU Men’s Complex Georgia Southern by 181 points. Invitational The Division III team lost 3-2 to to the team member who gives Sunday, Sept. 6 West Bay Beach & Golf Club, Friday, Oct. 30 Saginaw Valley State University. There are The team also brought home every possible unselfishly to the team and represents Women’s Soccer vs. Army Estero Women’s Swimming & 160 teams in Division III. piece of hardware from the conference meet. Coach Neal Karmin McNamara FGCU in a positive manner. (Embassy Suites Kick-Off Diving vs. Florida Atlantic/ Coach Bob Brinkworth was selected Studd won Women’s Coach of the Year while Assistant Coach The team had a combined grade point Classic) Women’s Soccer vs. UNF* Tampa as the Division II American Collegiate Patricia Stringham was named Women’s Diving Coach of 1 p.m., FGCU Soccer 11:30 a.m., FGCU Soccer 6 p.m., FGCU Aquatics average of 3.48 and received the Eagle Complex Complex Center Hockey Association Coach of the Year and the Year. Team Spirit Award for most spirited sports team at FGCU will coach the Division II Select All-Star Freshman Victoria Cadge was named Rookie Female athletic events. Thursday, Sept. 10 Men’s Soccer vs. Lipscomb* Volleyball vs. East Tennessee Team on a European tour in December of the meet as well as Conference Swimmer of the Women’s Soccer vs. Palm 2 p.m., FGCU Soccer State* and January. – Carl Bleich Beach Atlantic Complex 7 p.m., Alico Arena Bret Galbraith was named a First 7 p.m., FGCU Soccer Team All-American player and Kevin Complex Tuesday, Oct. 13 Saturday, Oct. 31 Volleyball vs. Stetson* Volleyball vs. Campbell* Mixon won a spot on the Second Team. Sunday, Sept. 13 6 p.m., Alico Arena 5 p.m., Alico Arena Beyond their athletic acumen, nine Women’s Soccer vs. Austin players from the two teams were named Peay State Friday, Oct. 16 *A-Sun Conference Game Academic All-Americans. That’s the most Noon, FGCU Soccer Complex Volleyball vs. North Florida* of any of the 400 schools in the American 7 p.m., Alico Arena Collegiate Hockey Association, says David Friday, Sept. 18 Kakkuri, adviser to the clubs and director Volleyball vs. Belmont* Saturday, Oct. 17 of the Center for Leadership & Innovation 5 p.m., Alico Arena Women’s Swimming & ScoreScore Diving vs. Miami/Florida in the Lutgert College of Business at Saturday, Sept. 19 State moremore FGCU. Victoria Cadge Volleyball vs. Lipscomb* 11 a.m., FGCU Aquatics Local hockey fans will be happy to 3 p.m., Alico Arena Center sportssports know that FGCU will host the Division III National Championship Tournament Saturday, Sept. 26 Volleyball vs. Jacksonville* Keep up with all the at Germain Arena next year. Women’s Swimming 3 p.m., Alico Arena & Diving (Blue/Green Eagle teams at Scrimmage) Thursday, Oct. 22 www.fgcuathletics.com. 10 a.m., FGCU Aquatics Men’s Soccer vs. Mercer* Check it out

Center 7 p.m., FGCU Soccer Complex hockey player©istockphoto.com/Xonkdesign Find out more at www.fgcuicehockey.com

26 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 27 Development

forward. I hope they do more than we did.” That led to a job as engineer for the city of Lorain, Ohio. Today, Zepcevski owns and operates Zep Construc- Zepcevski got his first chance to work for himself when he tion, Inc. in Fort Myers. It’s worlds away from his youth, bid on a small bridge job in Ohio. He took a leave of absence, which was spent in what’s now known as the Republic of hired a couple of other men, and built it, then returned to his Macedonia, formerly part of Yugoslavia. He went to school city position. Engineer lives his there, dedicating himself to a career in engineering. Upon Knowing he wanted to strike out on his own, Zepcevski graduation, a government-run agency that operated dams earned his Professional Engineer license, then signed on with and other water-control structures named him the country’s a company hired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to best young engineer that year and hired him. build one of the biggest pump stations on Lake Okeechobee Despite what seemed like a promising start in his in Clewiston. It took two years to finish the job and, by then, American dream homeland, Zepcevski yearned for a life of freedom. he was ready to go independent. and helps students achieve In 1973, he formed Zep Construc- tion and got his first job – to build a small bridge and seawall for the Fort Myers Golf Course along McGregor theirs, too Boulevard. His company continues to operate from its Fort Myers base to this day. Story by Karen Feldman Over 36 years, he’s worked on many Photos by James Greco bridges and other structures throughout Florida, most recently the high-profile ovan Zepcevski knows first-hand the overpass job on Interstate 75 in Estero. immense value of a good education He loves what he’s doing and where and marketable skills in building a he’s doing it. Jsuccessful life. “It’s exciting to get up every It’s what helped him leave behind morning and try to solve problems, to his communist homeland of Yugoslavia try to make new things. I’m blessed to and create a free and successful life as be in this kind of business,” he says. a civil engineer and contractor in the “I never could have accomplished United States. everything I have if I hadn’t come to the And it’s why he chose to support United States.” Florida Gulf Coast University’s Because of his success, he’s been engineering program with donations able to help his children, other family that will fund scholarships and assist in LEFT: Jovan Zepcevski examines a Casagrande cup, a device used to members and many other young people equipping Holmes Hall, the recently determine the liquid limit of fine-grained sand. pay for college. Now he’s ready to help built home of the U.A. Whitaker School of Engineering. “The more education, the better ABOVE: When he learned the engineering program needed a golf cart, other aspiring young engineers build successful careers, too. Jovan Zepcevski purchased and donated one, turning over the keys to Susan “Mr. Zepcevski provides an excellent example to students “The more education, the better for everybody, not just Blanchard, founding director of the U.A. Whitaker School of Engineering. the kids who get educated but everybody around them,” he for everybody, not just the kids of how far one can go in spite of challenging beginnings and says. of how important it is to help others along the way,” says Zepcevski recently pledged $200,000 to name the who get educated but everybody “I always dreamed of coming to the United States, to a Susan Blanchard, founding director of the U.A. Whitaker Zep Construction Suite on the first floor of Holmes Hall. free country with so much opportunity,” he says. School of Engineering. “The U.A. Whitaker School of The University will apply to the state for dollar-for-dollar around them.” He subsequently obtained a visa to study in Great Engineering and its civil engineering program are very fortu- matching funds, bringing the value of the gift to $400,000. Britain, but instead landed a job there, then moved to Belfast, nate to have this generous supporter among our benefactors.” – Jovan Zepcevski The suite that bears his name includes a teaching laboratory Ireland for 18 months, where he divided his time between and a studio classroom. The money will be used to purchase working and learning English. scientific equipment for Holmes Hall. “Both of these opportunities will make for a stronger Then he applied for a visa to enter the United States. He pledged another $100,000 to establish the Jovan civil engineering program,” says Robert O’Neill, chair “They wanted civil structural engineers in the United How to help Zepcevski Engineering Scholarship Fund. FGCU will apply of the school’s Department of Environmental and Civil States then so it luckily came right through,” he says. “I got for 50 percent in matching funds, making the gift worth Engineering. my green card in the mail and a week later, I left my old car Opportunities for named spaces at Holmes Hall $150,000. Scholarships will be awarded to civil engineering Zepcevski made yet another donation. After finding out at the airport and came here.” remain, as well as the need for scholarships. majors in their junior or senior years who demonstrate that the program did not have a utility golf cart with which He entered the United States with $100 in his pocket. Contact Susan Blanchard at (239) 590-7390 or To preserve his resources, he ate frugally and slept at the financial need and have GPAs of 3.3 or more. to transport materials into the field for survey classes, he Linda Lehtomaa at (239) 590-1071 for details. Through these gifts, the school is able to furnish more purchased one and had it delivered to Holmes Hall. YMCA in New York City where the nightly rate was $1. scholarships to promising engineering students and supply “I’m in a position to help,” he says. “It’s good for the kids Nonetheless, he was almost out of money when he landed a them with the tools they need to learn. because they are the ones who are going to carry this country job as part of a team building a bridge in Chester, Pa.

28 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 29 Development Development

Naples resident makes 13 consecutive annual gifts Wanderlust gala has Midas touch Wanderlust 2009 served as more than a fundraiser for Every year since Florida Gulf lecture program,” says Steve Magiera, Florida Gulf Coast University’s resort and hospitality manage- Coast University opened in 1997, vice president for Advancement and ment program: It was also a real-life training ground for its Naples resident Jean Benson made a executive director for the FGCU Foun- students. year-end gift of support. dation. “She visited campus whenever The program’s Her generous gifts of cash or Glenview residents toured FGCU to see signature event appreciated stocks helped one of the and hear about the University’s growth attracted roughly country’s newest universities become and research, and encouraged others to 430 people to the one of its fastest-growing as well. take an interest in our students. Hyatt Regency “I want to support FGCU “She was a gracious and elegant Coconut Point annually, for it is a shining asset in lady. She will be missed by those of us Resort & Spa Southwest Florida,” Benson said in who knew her and remembered forever for an evening 2005. for her generosity to FGCU students.” of fine food and A long-time resident of The Gifts to FGCU provide vital tantalizing auction Glenview at Pelican Bay, she died support for academic and co-curricular packages. March 27. programs, scholarships and athletics. This 27-foot Grady White boat will help marine scientists explore area With a King Most of Benson’s gifts were These gifts complement state funds waters. From left: Darlene McCloud, FGCU director of Major Gifts; donors Midas theme, Betty and Jerry Mason; Bob Wasno, FGCU coordinator of Marine Education directed to scholarships, establishing and provide students with enhanced the event raised two endowed funds, the Mrs. Keith Jean Benson academic opportunities. and Outreach; and Aswani Volety, FGCU chairman of Marine and Ecological Studies. $95,000, which S. Benson Scholarship Fund and the For information about gift will be used Jean S. Benson Scholarship Fund. Since scholarships in her name in perpetuity. planning, contact Pete Lefferts, director to purchase the academic year 1999-2000, these “Mrs. Benson was interested in of Planned Giving, at (239) 590-1077. Masons donate boat for additional scholarships have benefited 95 students. lifelong learning and encouraged faculty To make a gift, contact the FGCU equipment for the The funds will continue to produce participation in The Glenview’s active Foundation at (239) 590-1067. marine science program program’s new TOP: Event management students played important roles in planning and producing this building, Herbert year’s Wanderlust fundraising event. Jerry and Betty Masons’ recent gift of a boat will aid J. Sugden Hall, Florida Gulf Coast University marine scientists and students BELOW: The Hyatt Regency ballroom had a and will benefit Iraq veteran grateful for Schoen scholarship in their research into conditions such as red tide blooms, salt golden glow for this year’s Wanderlust. water intrusion and climate change. the Wanderlust When William Schoen created of his own experience as a Marine and without the help of organizations such The Masons, who are part-time Bonita Springs residents, Scholarship Fund. an endowed scholarship for veterans, his gratitude for the scholarships he as The Schoen Foundation and the recently donated their 27-foot Grady White boat to the “It certainly was an event with a Midas touch,” says Hunter Chatters was the kind of received that helped him further his assistance I received from the United University for use by the marine science program. Sherie Brezina, director of the resort and hospitality manage- recipient he had in mind. education. States of America. It really makes me “We hope this boat will help the University advance ment program. “It was a golden moment in every way.” Schoen, chairman of The Schoen Chatters, the first recipient of The proud to be a veteran.” the research and study of some of the environmental issues This year, 65 event management students participated in Foundation, created the scholarship for Schoen Foundation Veteran’s Scholar- Chatters, who grew up in Bonita confronting Southwest Florida,” says Jerry Mason. “We look the planning and implementation of the gala with Wanderlust veterans pursuing business degrees at ship, is proud to be a veteran and looks Springs and Belleview, enlisted in forward to its active use by the marine science department.” committee members and Eventz Inc., she says. That’s more Florida Gulf Coast University because forward to the day when he can proudly the U.S. Air Force and spent a year The boat, which is docked at FGCU’s Norm and Nancy than twice the number involved in last year’s event and still call himself a college graduate as well. stationed at Minot Air Force Base in Vester Marine & Environmental Science Research Field more are expected to take part as the event management “I had the opportunity recently to North Dakota, where winter tempera- Station in Bonita Springs, will help to enhance marine concentration grows. meet with Hunter Chatters when he tures plummeted to minus 40 degrees research by allowing teams of faculty, staff and students to The students participated in the initial meetings to visited me at my office,” Schoen says. (minus 60 with the wind chill factor). venture into deeper area waters on scientific excursions. decide the theme and helped with the marketing, designing “Hunter is an example of a young man He was then shipped off to a The Masons are from Kalamazoo, Mich., where they the programs, soliciting auction packages, creating and who served in our military at a time of combat zone in Iraq, where tempera- still maintain a home. Jerry Mason is the former president of war and who has distinguished himself. tures routinely exceeded 100 degrees. installing decorations, registering guests and serving as bid Air Engineering and Conditioning Company in Kalamazoo. spotters during the auction. It is truly a pleasure for The Schoen After his tour there, he finished out his Elizabeth Upjohn Mason is the former president of Upjohn Foundation to assist in Hunter’s educa- enlistment in Minot. Of that group as many as 15 will return as seniors and National Leasing Company. will help teach the younger students how it’s done. tion at Florida Gulf Coast University “I take great pride in the fact that Up north, Jerry Mason served as a director of First through the scholarship program we I am a veteran and served in a time of “It’s a great event,” says Brezina. “As I watch the Federal Savings and Loan Association of Kalamazoo and a students grow and develop, it’s rewarding in a way that has established to serve individuals who war,” he says. past chair of the Borgess Medical Center board. nothing to do with money, but with students preparing them- have served on active duty in our While in the Air Force, he Betty Mason has served as chair of the Kalamazoo selves to get out and have a professional career in hospitality. military.” completed an associate’s degree in Community Foundation, trustee of Kalamazoo College, chair The students love taking part in the event and the guests love According to Chatters, attending financial management. He is pursuing a of the Borgess Foundation Board and as an appointee to the Hunter Chatters and William Schoen college “would not have been possible bachelor’s degree at FGCU. Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs. the student involvement.”

30 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 31 Development Alumni Couple’s bequest benefits scholarship funds Lillian and Clay Clukies of Fort department stores. scholarships are awarded to Florida “FGCU provided me with the opportunities Myers left a bequest of $77,951 to Their niece, Susan Clare, says students who need financial assistance Florida Gulf Coast University that will the brothers had widely divergent and whose parents have not earned I needed to advance my career.” benefit scholarships and WGCU public political views and always argued about college degrees at the baccalaureate – Laura Holquist media. politics, while their wives kept out of level. In 2008-09, thanks to generous Their gift included $39,451 for the fray. The one thing they all agreed community support, 370 students a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the the FGCU General Scholarship Fund, on, however, was the importance of received $1,000 First Generation University of Wisconsin. Employed by Allete Properties $37,500 to FGCU First Generation education and the value of Florida’s awards to help pay their college tuitions. since 1991, she has risen from senior business analyst to scholarships and $1,000 to WGCU newest state university, FGCU, which Community support also enabled chief financial officer, senior vice president and, in 2001, to public media. The First Generation was being built in Estero. the Foundation to award more than president. She has also been recognized as an authority on bequest is matched by the state, The Clukies’ gifts have opened $1.6 million in scholarships of all kinds land development. resulting in an additional $37,500 doors to higher education for dedicated last year. While serving as Allete’s chief financial officer, she contribution to that fund. students who might not otherwise enrolled in the EMBA program to enhance her skills. Within The couple moved to Fort Myers be able to attend FGCU. The FGCU Leave a legacy a year of graduating, she became Allete’s president. in 1976 to live near Clay’s two brothers. Foundation is grateful to Lillian Find out how to make a bequest or “FGCU provided me with the opportunities I needed Prior to that, they lived in Elmont, and Clay Clukies for their visionary gift by calling Judie Cassidy at (239) to advance my career,” she says. “Without my continued N.Y., where Clay painted houses and generosity. education I’m not sure I would have been promoted to where 590-1058. Lillian worked as a women’s sportswear Gifts to First Generation scholar- I am today.” supervisor for Abraham and Strauss ships are matched by the state. The Holquist’s expertise on land development and planning

Laura Holquist credits the knowledge she gained at FGCU with helping her make her highly sought after for many councils and boards. rise to president of Allete Properties, Inc. Former state House of Representatives Speaker Marco Rubio appointed her to the Century Commission for a Sustainable Alumni phone-a-thon affords chance to reconnect Florida. Governors Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist named her Laura Holquist honored as to the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council. She Every spring, Florida Gulf Coast Callers contact graduates they might also has served as regional chair for Leadership Florida and University alumni volunteers and know or with whom they might have 2009 Alumna of Distinction was a member of the Trust for Public Lands Calusa Advisory students join forces to reach out to the something in common, such as class Council. Story by Lindsey Touchette/Photos by James Greco University’s growing body of graduates year or major. She believes both she and the community benefit from during the alumni phone-a-thon. “The alumni that I spoke to shared her service. Conducted by the Office of Annual how the campus and community looked efore Florida Gulf Coast University had a name or “Participation allows me to use my expertise for Giving, one obvious objective is to raise when they were here, and I would campus, Laura Holquist played a role in its develop- public service,” says Holquist. “It also provides me with an money, but the campaign has another end up telling them about so many ment and growth. opportunity to learn from other developers through review of important goal: reconnecting alumni things that have been added since their BAs an employee of Allete Properties, Inc., a real estate their projects, and keeps me informed of current government with their alma mater. graduation,” says Brittani Earl, a junior investment and management firm, Holquist was involved in regulations and emerging issues.” This year, 15 alumni and students majoring in criminal forensics and the early stages of University planning as officials considered As a lifetime member of the FGCU Alumni Association, contacted 4,000 alumni during the criminal justice. potential campus sites in the early 1990s. She went on to Holquist maintains ties with the University through partici- fourth annual effort. Matt Visaggio, an Alumni Associa- become a student, then alumna and now serves on various pation on the Lutgert College of Business Advisory Council, “The phone-a-thon campaign is tion board member, says he enjoyed FGCU advisory boards. support of the Lutgert College of Business endowment fund, the best way to get in touch with a large making calls because “participating in For her professional accomplishments and her service to and as a member of the FGCU Foundation Board of Direc- number of alumni,” says Linda Guer- the phone-a-thon gave me an oppor- FGCU, Holquist was named the 2009 Alumna of Distinc- tors. Under her leadership as president, Allete Properties, Inc. rine, FGCU director of Annual Giving. tunity to support FGCU and regain tion, becoming the sixth recipient of the award. has supported the University through its endowment of the “Given our current economy, we feel it contact with some of the great people I Each year the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors Allete Faculty Lounge in Lutgert Hall. is vital to connect with our alumni and met while attending the University.” honors a distinguished graduate who serves the University Holquist is thankful for the relationships she has forged let them know that we are here to help and the community, and also excels in his or her profession. as a result of her involvement with FGCU. From the them weather the storm.” “It is a real honor to be recognized for this award, and I connections she shares with the rest of her EMBA gradu- Callers were trained to remind am humbled to have been selected,” says Holquist. “I am very Calling all alumni ating class to relationships alumni of the benefits of staying appreciative to have received this great recognition.” she’s built with connected to campus, especially depart- Holquist was nominated by Lutgert College of Business University leaders, ments such as Career Development Stay in touch by calling (239) 590- Dean Richard Pegnetter and Associate Dean J. Howard Finch. she believes her life Services, which offers guidance and 1062. Get the latest FGCU news or “Laura is a truly impressive business leader who brings and career have been employment opportunities. donate via FGCU’s secure Web site great pride to our Executive MBA program, her fellow enriched by FGCU. The phone-a-thon is a small, at http://giving.fgcu.edu. graduates and the Lutgert College of Business,” Pegnetter in-house operation that relies on a says. – Lindsey Touchette Sophomores Nathan Diaz, top, and Keith Green, working database, dependable callers, A 2000 Executive MBA graduate, Holquist is a real is the FGCU director of below, reach out to alumni during the annual phone-a-thon. thorough training and careful planning. estate broker and a certified public accountant. She earned Alumni Relations.

32 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 33 Alumni

painting and drawing program, artists have Art alumni balance Harmening’s latest work explores plunged into an a wider range of interests kindled urban art scene. Fran c is Garth throughout her art education. Lately, Christopher M. desire to create with she has been hand-stitching quilts that Brown (’08) and tell stories and videotaping performance girlfriend Jamie art in which she inhabits a character Brock (’08) moved need to earn income named Ilene based on her quirky to Minnesota Tennessee relatives. last year, jumping “My work is really autobiographic into the thriving as each fashions a and narrative,” she says. “My perfor- Northeast mance work deals a lot with ‘women’s Minneapolis Arts work’ and Southern culture.” District. Once the territory of An unexpected turn factory-working Like Harmening, Elodie Cotton immigrants, the (’06) of Fort Myers, has veered urban quarter now By John Francis somewhat from the path on which she hosts hundreds of began. She’d intended to major in busi- studios, galleries he demands of marriage and ness until an academic adviser nudged and performance parenthood pulled Megan her toward art, which she had loved spaces as well as Kissinger (’05) away from since childhood. resident artists like college when she was midway to her Now, when she arrives home from Brown. T her pay-the-bills job as a decorative “It’s an degree. After her two children had reached school age, the Fort Myers painter and faux finisher, she turns on inspiring area to woman returned to college even though her creative side, producing colorful be in,” Brown says. she thought she was too old to earn a acrylic paintings inspired by the Carib- “We moved here degree. bean landscape. to continue our But classes with drawing and “When you come home at night art careers. It’s a canvaspainting instructor Carl Schwartz of life you think, ‘Do you really want to paint large community of changed her mind – and her life. some more?’ ” she said. “But I have to. artists helping each “I am the painter I am because of That’s when I get to be an artist.” other.” Carl Schwartz,” she says. “He convinced “The Formers” exhibit provided Brown was me I really needed to get a degree. His a showcase for graduates who are preparing to open technique made my artistic ability soar.” following their true passions and his first solo show Like many who graduated from making art, she says. in Minneapolis in “It’s great to have, even if you can’t June. He juggles

Florida Gulf Coast University with art Fran c is Garth do it all the time,” she said. “It’s taking work as a custom degrees, Kissinger pursues her passion “To make a living, you have to be while also eking out a livelihood. She vant says. “It has been a reunion with “What I learned at FGCU was that art you to another world.” residential painter works as an illustrator, painter and old friends and a discovery of where doesn’t have to sell something or be The world of nature also inspires with creative outlets in mixed-media versatile.” sculptor and also teaches art classes. their diverging paths have taken them.” pretty. They released me from the client much of Kissinger’s work. Her drawings art, watercolor, oil pastel, acrylic painting – Megan Kissinger, ’05 “To make a living, you have to be The “Formers” have taken different and said ‘You can make anything you and paintings of Florida wildlife have and performance art involving poetry, versatile,” she says. routes to get where they are today, but a traditional hand-worked feel, but music, sculpture and animated video. That versatility was on full display several of the artists featured in the want.’ ” she also uses computer technology to Despite the grind of making a “It’s more than just making art,” in a recent exhibition on campus called exhibit said their University experience – Jeffrey Scott Lewis, ’04 enhance images. A common thread living while pursuing his artistic goals, he says. “Going to FGCU gave me the “The Formers: Current Works from steered them in the right direction. weaves through her work. Brown’s strong work ethic helps him tools to make my art the highest quality FGCU Art Graduates.” Professors such as Morgan T. Paine, “The main thing I’m trying to balance everything. possible and to be able to sell it. I’m reach is the wildness, something “I’m so used to working toward realizing the things teachers said, how Former Gallery Director Scott Patricia Fay and Mary Voytek encour- talent — you should keep doing it.’ The untouchable by people,” she says. “It’s something and not having much down true they are. You have to work hard to Snyder conceived of the show as a aged them artistically, while classes professors have a lot of range.” hard to capture that ethereal quality in time,” he says. “It’s just in me to be make it happen.” celebration of alumni continuing to like “Professional Practices in Art” She’s among the FGCU grads nature.” productive. My way of being productive pursue their artistic dreams. Interim taught them practical necessities like who are continuing their art education. is through art and music.” Weaving life into art Director Anica Sturdivant made it documentation and marketing. Harmening is working toward a Master Brown says being an artist involves Jeffrey Scott Lewis (’04) has made happen. “The faculty gave me a lot of of Fine Arts degree at the University of Urban landscapes While Kissinger immerses herself far more than sitting around and it happen. “Pulling this exhibition together guidance,” says Briena Harmening (’05). Tennessee in Nashville. in the Florida wilderness, other alumni painting. After becoming a widower with was a tremendous joy for me,” Sturdi- “They pushed me and said ‘You’ve got Although she’s enrolled in a

34 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 35 Alumni Alumni

Garth Fran c is Garth and new ventures for Virginia Tech ness Network International. She A ndr e w M orris Class Notes University. Rich is working in infor- will mentor a new chapter while mation technology acquisitions. making new networking contacts. „„Weddings, Tracy is also a member of Goal engagements ’99 Mirta Silvia Torres, Setters, a Naples-based chapter and births (Elementary Education), has been through which she promotes her awarded a Golden Apple. She is professional organizing company, Jeff and Rachel Faramo a third-grade teacher at Spring Straighten Up, Inc. Mansion in Rockville, MD. Creek Elementary in Bonita Kelly G. McCarthy, Kristie Paar,’07 (Legal Springs. (Master’s, Curriculum and Studies), and Devin Mace,’08 Instruction), was honored with a (Legal Studies), were married Feb. ’02 Kathleen Moye, $300 award 14. They have been accepted into (Theatre), is the public relations of merit Ave Maria School of Law. coordinator for Lee County prize at Catherine Mummert, Electric Cooperative. She National Art “The faculty gave me a lot of guidance. They pushed me and previously worked as a reporter Encounter said ‘You’ve got talent – you should keep doing it.’ ” ’05 (Master’s, Business Adminis- tration), and Jonathan Mummert at WGCU Public Media, where 2009, – Briena Harmening, ’05 announced the birth of their son, she met Brad Taylor, a broadcast a juried Owen, in November. Catherine engineer. The couple married on fine art is the credit officer at Bank of Feb. 22, 2008, and honeymooned exhibition Dino Bogie and Erin Cicinelli Kelly G. McCarthy Naples. Jonathan is pursuing in Jamaica. at The von a master’s degree in business Liebig Art Alumni art on the Web Erin Cicinelli, ’07 administration and works for Allen ’03 Todd Johnston, Center in Naples. Her photograph, (Master’s, Curriculum and Instruc- Systems Group. (Marketing), “Dunnellon 2,” was among 60 • Briena Harmening: Her performance- tion), and Dino Bogie,’06 has been pro- pieces chosen for the exhibition (Computer Information Systems), art character, Ilene, is featured in „ moted to area from more than 260 applicants were married Oct. 25 at Riverside „Newsmakers manager at and was one of eight winners. videos on YouTube.com. Search for Church in Fort Myers. They Gartner, Inc. As Kelly is the director of communica- “Ilene’s Trip Home.” celebrated their marriage with ’98 Crystal Drake, (Second- a student, he tions at FGCU. 140 of their closest family and ary Education), has graduated was a founding friends at the Estero Country member of Sig David Cox, (Manage- • Jeffrey Scott Lewis: from Leadership Hendry and Todd Johnston ’06 Club at The Vines. Erin teaches jeffreyscottlewis.com Glades Counties, Inc. She is Ep fraternity. ment), is a sales representative English at PACE Center for Girls working on her master’s degree Melissa Layner, (Master’s, for Florida Rock Industry/Vulcan in Immokalee and is a teacher Curriculum and Instruction), is the Materials. He married Ashley • Megan Kissinger: megankissinger.com in public administration with a consultant for the National concentration in environmental assistant principal for curriculum Jones, ’06 (Nursing), in No- Writing Project at FGCU. Dino policy at FGCU. at East Lee High School in Lee vember 2006. She is a registered is an airport firefighter at the County. nurse at Winter Haven Hospital. “When you come home at night you think, ‘Do you really want to paint Sarasota/Bradenton Airport and They live in Lake Alfred, FL. some more?’ But I have to. That’s when I get to be an artist.” plans to pursue a degree in fire ’04 – Elodie Cotton, ’06 science. They live in Estero. Suzanne Briana Diercks, ’06 Decopain, young children, Lewis began to ponder masculine and feminine dodge and client and said ‘You can make anything (Psychology), and Neal Hockett (Liberal gender roles in life and art. The result meet in the fabric of society.” you want.’ ” were married March 21 at Studies), has was “Women’s Work,” a series of torn Although Lewis had a successful The Fort Myers artist has had four Cardinal Mooney High School graduated Nick Gulick and painted canvas weavings that career in display art that included solo shows in Naples and Fort Myers Chapel in Sarasota. Family and Jennifer and Rich Sparrow and family from the Flor- received local media attention. four years with Walt Disney Co., his and won several grants, including one friends celebrated their marriage ida Coastal Nick Gulick, (Accounting), at University Park Country Club. “As I weave the painted strips perspective on art turned more intel- from the Creative Capital Foundation, Jennifer Sparrow, School of Suzanne Decopain is co-owner of Off Kilter, a of canvas together to create patterns, lectual when he enrolled at FGCU at a New York-based nonprofit that The couple honeymooned in Lake (Master’s, Curriculum and Instruc- Law. production/advertising company I envision the way men and women age 40. supports artists. Tahoe. tion), and Rich Sparrow, ’08 in Sarasota. The company’s clients weave themselves together to create “I think of my work in an academic “I’m on track to where I want to Rachel DiSalvo, ’05 (Accounting), have relocated to ’05 Tracy Colleran, include local restaurants and relationships,” he writes on his Web way, which is what FGCU gave me,” be – except I’m not rich,” Lewis says. (Communication), and Jeff Blacksburg, VA. Jennifer is the (Marketing), has been named night clubs as well as national site, jeffreyscottlewis.com. “The overlap- he says. “What I learned at FGCU was Faramo, ’04 (Marketing), were director of emerging technologies an ambassador for the Dough in video game franchises. Off Kilter ping and intertwining of personalities that art doesn’t have to sell something – John Francis is a freelancer based in married April 11 at Glenview the Morning Chapter of Busi- shoots television commercials makes us stronger as a group. The or be pretty. They released me from the Lee County.

36 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 37 Alumni Alumni

that air throughout Florida and the development Literacy Volunteers of Lee County. it is important to give back to FGCU.” television shows that range from of marketing Alumni chair spells out Alumni Board “I hope through my involvement Brad Piepenbrink, ’08, is the cooking programs to “This Week in materials and on the board I will be able to assist in legislative aide to state Sen. Garrett Sarasota.” communication goals for term of Directors the area of technologies as they relate Richter. He earned his bachelor’s degree with chamber to increasing the efficiency and avail- in communication and ’07 Jesse Bouchard, (Market- membership, My fellow Eagles, elects new ability of the Alumni Association to all was an active student It is with great honor that I ing), has been promoted to college the media and Corrie Edwards alumni,” he says. leader, serving as FGCU unit director at Northwestern general public, as recently assumed the position of chair members Melissa Felice, ’05, is the director Student Government Mutual. He has received certification well as all media relations. of the FGCU Alumni Association of development for North Collier president, Senate s the FGCU Alumni As- in long-term care and completed Jennifer Gallmeier, Board of Directors. As a 1999 graduate Hospital president and president sociation begins its fifth year, Dale Carnegie training. Jesse is also (Communication), joined RFB (back when we had only two academic Healthcare of Sigma Phi Epsilon. its board of directors recently studying for his stockbroker’s license. Communications Group, Inc. in buildings and a miniature library!), System. “I have a unique I jumped at the chance to serve on James Robinson elected three new members who bring Debra Hornick, (Master’s, February as an A She earned viewpoint due to my the board starting in 2005. I look diverse talents to the organization. The Reading Education), has been account coordi- her bach- leadership roles at the forward to working with you during my two-year term as we 19-member board works to promote awarded a Golden Apple. She is nator. She assists elor’s degree in University as a student continue to grow our programs and benefits. pride in, and involvement with, the Brad Piepenbrink a second-grade teacher at Tice in the planning, human services that I believe can add to To that end, we are introducing a new alumni insurance University among FGCU’s 10,000 Elementary in Fort Myers. coordination and from FGCU the board as we continue program. We’ve partnered with Marsh CampusConnexions, alumni. The new members are: in 2003 and to build our membership and depth of Kristi Lester, (Communica- implementation one of the country’s leading providers of alumni insurance Harry Casimir, ’05, Annual Joint tion), is the public information officer of public and completed the association,” he says. programs. Eagle alumni can access exclusive insurance Member, is Melissa Felice apprentice for the Collier County media relations her Master’s Piepenbrink hopes to increase programs through our new alumni benefits Web site the director of of Social visibility of alumni in the community Sheriff’s Office. She is pursuing a campaigns for (fgcualumniservices.com). The programs offered include: operations for master’s degree in public administra- national, regional Work in 2005. As a student, Felice and to “build on the student experience Jennifer Gallmeier discounted auto and homeowner insurance through the Atilus, LLC, a presented at Research Day and served and community atmosphere that is tion at Hodges University. Kristi and and local clients. Liberty Mutual Group Savings Plus program, long-term care, web development as the vice president of the Master’s exclusive to FGCU, continuing the her son, Davee, live in Naples. She lives in Tampa. short-term medical and dental plans. I encourage you to visit and Internet of Social Work student organization. experiences on to alumni.” the site to learn how to take advantage of the competitive marketing She remains active with organizations In addition to the three new board ’08 Christopher Betts, „„In memoriam group rates. firm. Casimir such as the National Association of members, six members have been (Management), is a financial repre- Over the next two years, we plan to expand program earned his bach- Social Workers, Society for Social Work selected for additional terms. They are: sentative at Northwestern Mutual Florida Gulf Coast University offerings while also striving to increase significantly our elor’s degree Harry Casimir Leaders in HealthCare, American Paul Allen, Cynthia Bennett, Carlos in Ames, IA. He is associated with expresses sympathy to the family and membership ranks. Our goal is for every FGCU graduate to in computer Association of University Women Cavenago, Vikki McConnell, Penny The Ames Group and the Erhard friends of the following alumnus: join the Alumni Association. information and as co-chair of the Collier County Mourer and Melissa White. Financial Group of Des Moines. Fred Halsworth, ’00 We also want to increase alumni giving to the University. systems. He and his wife, Esther, ’06, Habitat for Humanity campaign. For information on nominating Christopher provides guidance and (Environmental Studies), died Feb. Even in these troubled economic times, we want alumni to recently celebrated the arrival of a “The countless skills gained from or becoming a board member, visit innovative solutions to clients with a 25. He was a wildlife biologist at remember the critical role FGCU played in furthering their potential future Eagle, Ethan Benjamin. my time at FGCU have helped me to www.fgcu.edu/alumni. variety of financial needs and goals. Dexter Bender & Associates of Port education and increasing their employment opportunities. Casimir volunteers with the Small become a change agent in my commu- Adam Borchardt, (Finance), Charlotte. He enjoyed scuba diving One of the primary ways we give back to the University is Business Development Center and nity,” she says. “Because of this, I believe through generous financial donations. Giving opportunities has completed the American Society in the Florida Keys. Fred was a loving abound at FGCU and no donation is ever too small! of Pension Professionals and Actu- husband, father, grandfather and The Alumni Association has accomplished a great deal aries Retirement Plan Fundamentals, friend. e FGCU Alumni Association invites in a short time and I believe there are exciting times ahead. Part 1. He is employed by Pension During the past two years under Cynthia Bennett’s excellent you to save the date ... Planners Inc., a third-party adminis- leadership, our noteworthy undertakings included hosting Sept 26  6 p.m.  Beacon Bowl (Naples, FL) tration firm for pension plans. Adam our first reunion weekend, implementing a group travel Have a ball bowling for a good cause with fellow is a pension administrator for profit Reach out program, graduating our 10,000th alumnus and increasing sharing and 401(k) retirement plans. Alumni are encouraged to share their communication among alumni through social networking. ual Eagles as we raise money to bene t current nn A Joy Donahue, (Manage- news about new jobs, promotions, d We have created a firm foundation for our Association, which r students in pursuit of their education. Register a ment), is the community relations relocations, weddings, births and I look forward to seeing expand and flourish. 3 S team of ve or sign up as an individual for an coordinator for the Fort Myers other milestones. R s From one Eagle to another, lar evening of glow bowling, fun, and food. Miracle baseball team. Ahol Corrie Edwards, Send items to alumnirelations@ ch S Event Details fgcu.edu or mail to Office of Alumni (Communication), has been U $25 adults/$15 children (7 and under) named the communications and Relations, Florida Gulf Coast C Includes: 2 hours of bowling, shoes, buffet, marketing manager for the Northern University, 10501 FGCU Blvd. South, G Palm Beach County Chamber of beverages and FGCU giveaways. Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565. James N. Robinson, ’99 F Commerce. She is responsible for Chair, FGCU Alumni Association Board of Directors r Dfo Register online at www.fgcu.edu/alumni

38 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 39 Alumni Professional Briefs

Entries to Professional Briefs are compiled Ohio, pp. 380. Papers: The Effect of Library Instruction on Professions, Physical Therapy & Human from the PERFORMANCE E-newsletter Citation Quality,” Florida Conference of Performance, “Depression in Patients of professional accomplishments. FGCU Bob Diotalevi, William Statsky Historians, Florida Gulf Coast University, with Heart Failure (HF): Prevalence, faculty and staff are encouraged to submit and Pamela McCoy Linquist, College Fort Myers, Feb. 27-28. Pathophysiological Mechanisms and their outstanding accomplishments at of Professional Studies, Justice Studies, Treatments,” fourth annual Nursing www.fgcu.edu/CRM/form1.asp J.D. “The Florida Paralegal,” Cengage Lisa Crayton, College of Education, Research and Evidence-Based Practice Learning, New York, p. 544. Undergraduate Studies, Ph.D., Conference, Lee Memorial Hospital, Fort Newsletter – Volume 7, “Bilingualism and Cultural Assimilation: A Myers, April 15. Issues 6-8 John Domino, Rachel Cooke, Guatemalan Family Portrait,” 32nd annual College of Education Dean’s Office, M.L.S., Sunshine State TESOL Conference, Miami, Susan Kohler, Marci Greene, Ed.D., M.A., Ed.D., “Mentoring To-Go,” Divine April 16-18. College of Education, College of Education Rules of Etiquette 101 Art alums show their stuff Intervention Publishing of Southwest Alumni and current FGCU students learned the finer points of well-mannered More than 20 alumni artists displayed their works in the first alumni art exhibition Dean’s Office, M.Ed., “Evaluate and Florida, Fort Myers, p. 120. Sara Dustin, College of Arts & Sciences, dining during a four-course dinner presided over by protocol expert Nonnie at the FGCU Art Gallery. The Alumni Association partnered with the gallery to host Awards or Enhance Your Program: Right Questions, Language and Literature, M.A., “Designing Right Response, Right Results,” 19th Owens. Communication alums Peter Lechler, ’07, Mitch Kuhn, ’08, and the opening reception, where guests could catch up with friends and faculty, view Charlie Mesloh, Mark Henych 0 Recognitions Web 2.0 Resources for the University annual National Association for Alternative Danielle Ruh,’08, were among the participants. the array of works and sample wine and cheese from 55 Cool Wine and Cheese. and Ross Wolf, College of Professional From left: Michael Gibson; Casey Gibson, ’05 (Marketing); Vanessa Clarke, ’02 Classroom,” national conference, College Certification Conference, San Antonio, TX, Valerie Alker, WGCU-FM, 2009 Studies, Justice Studies, Ph.D. “TASER® (Elementary Education); Vikki McConnell, ’04 (Master’s, Social Work); Molly Grubbs, Regional Edward R. Murrow Award, Radio- English Association, Pittsburgh, PA, March Jan. 28-31. ’02 (Psychology); Matt Grubbs; and Lindsey Touchette,’05 (Communication). Conducted Electrical Weapons: Physiology, 26-28. Television News Directors Association, Pathology and Law,” Springer, New York, Susan Kohler, Peg Sullivan, Director, April 9. NY, pp. 23-40. Elizabeth Elliott, College of Education, SERVS, College of Education, College of John Davis, WGCU-FM, 2009 Regional Undergraduate Studies, Ph.D., “Keeping Education Dean’s Office, M.Ed. Special Edward Wimberley, College of Arts the Ps in line with the Qs,” The Q Factor - Education, “Support, Sustain and Retain Edward R. Murrow Award, Radio-Television and Sciences, Marine and Ecological News Directors Association, April 9. Quality Early Childhood Education, New Teachers,” Effective Pathways to Sciences, Ph.D., “Nested Ecology: The Place Manatee Community College - Manatee Teaching: A Time for Change, National Barbara Linstrom, Lynne Howard- of Humans in the Ecological Hierarchy,” Early Learning, Bradenton, March 28. Council for Alternative Certification, Frazer, Libby Boren McMillan, Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Washington, April 5-7. WGCU-TV, Telly Awards, 30th annual MD, p. 245. Shelby Gilbert, College of Education, National Telly Awards, March 20. Curriculum and Instruction, Ed.D., Tanya Kunberger, College of “Nativity Status Business, School of Engineering, Ph.D., Sandra Pavelka, Public Affairs, Ph.D., Grant Awards and Mathematics “Incorporating Microscopic Analysis and editor, International Journal of Restorative Achievement Visual Classification into Soil Mechanics in Justice, Feb. 25. Walter Rodriguez, College of Among Black an Integrated Lecture Lab Environment,” Business, Computer Information Systems Students in the International Foundation Congress and Karen Royal, Resort & Hospitality and Decision Sciences, Ph.D., $30,000, United States,” Equipment Expo 2009, Geo Institute of Management, finalist, Administrative Career Learning Company, eCertification- 72nd annual ASCE, ADSC, and PDCA, Orlando, March Professional of the Year, International Lab: A Virtual Resource for Certification meeting, Southern 15-19. Revved up and ready Cool night at Germain Association of Administrative Professionals, Information and Processing, May 1- Sociological Society, More than 5,000 fans turned out at Hammond Stadium to cheer on the Eagle Alumni spent some time networking at Beef O’Brady’s then headed to April 1. Barry Lipton, College of Professional April 30. New Orleans, Shelby Gilbert baseball team when it took on the University of Florida Gators on April 21. FGCU Germain Arena to watch the Florida Everblades take the ice against the LA, April 1-4; Studies, Justice Studies, D.D.S., “Forensic alumni got into the spirit at a pre-game tailgate party. From left: Danielle Palumbo, Charlotte Checkers. From left: Kevin Gaffney, ’01 (Accounting); Chase Halcyon St. Hill, College of Health “The Impact of Mathematics Education Odontology,” Young Forensic Scientists Estes-Gaffney; Amy Gaffney, ’02 (Master’s, Elementary Education); and Professional ’06 (Elementary Education); Andrew Kunkle, ’02 (Computer Information Systems); Professions Reform on the Mathematics Achievement Forum, American Academy of Forensic and Angela Hodge, ’04 (Communication). Aidan Gaffney. Presentations Dean’s Office, of African-American Students in the Science, Denver, Feb. 17; “Dentistry and Ed.D., M.S., Mass Disasters,” FEMORS Training, University Margaret B. Bogan, Michael D. United States,” 53rd annual conference, M.T. (ASCP), of Florida, Orlando, March 27; “Missing Bogan, College of Education, Graduate Comparative and International Education adviser, and Unidentified Persons,” FDLE Regional Studies, Ph.D., photo exhibit, “Traditions Society, Teachers College, Columbia Point of Training, FDLE/FBI, Tampa, March 12. of the Florida Creek Indians,” Museum University, Charleston, SC, March 22-26. Alumni Association Happenings Care Testing of Natural History, University of Florida, Elspeth McCulloch, AMTS Dean’s & Quality Shelby Gilbert, Marvin P. Gainesville, Dec. 8-April 8. Office, “Bringing the Cloud Home: Using Management Dawkins, Ph.D., University of Miami; Aug 3: Self-defense class at Tropicana Field. Stay after the Sept 14: Law School Fair to benefit current students pursuing Web Widgets in Learning Management Procedures: Halcyon St. Hill Lawrence Morehouse, Ph.D., Florida 6 p.m., Griffin’s Martial Arts Center, game for a live concert with the 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Student Union their degrees. Register a team of Doug Carothers, Ronald Taylor, Systems,” Florida Distance Learning Systematic Education Fund; Charles Jackson, LLC, 4150 Hancock Bridge Parkway, B-52s. Ballroom, main campus five or sign up as an individual Edward Ziegler, College of Education, Consortium, Tallahassee, Feb. 27. Approaches to Reducing Errors at Point of Undergraduate Studies, Ed.D., “Response Florida Education Fund; College of Education, North Fort Myers Cost: Tickets are available at a dis- FGCU alumni and students are for an evening of glow bowling, Care, Clinical and Laboratory Standards to Intervention and Portfolio Assessment: Curriculum and Instruction, Ed.D., “The Learn the latest self-defense counted rate of $36 ($70 value) and invited to visit with recruiters from fun, food and Eagle giveaways. Elspeth McCulloch; RuthAnn Institute, March 11. Are They Compatible?” Council for McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program: A Balla, Miami-Dade State College; Vicki techniques and safety tips in the include lower box seats, a Tampa more than 30 law schools from Companies interested in sponsoring Exceptional Children, Seattle, WA, April Successful Model in Producing Ph.D.s Among Tunde Szecsi, College of Education Westergard, St. Petersburg State company of fellow alumni and Bay Rays hat and drink specials in around the country. a lane may call (239) 590-1087. 1-4. African Americans,” annual conference, College; Wilma Hodges, Seminole Dean’s Office, 2009 Advisor of the Year friends of all ages. This is an interac- the Brew House Pub post game. Admission is free. Cost: $25 per adult, $15 for American Association of Blacks in Higher Community College; AMTS Dean’s Office, (Student Chapter Advisor), Association Patricia Coccoma, College of Education, Atlanta, GA, March 25-28. “ANGEL Southeast Users Group: Creating tive class; loose, athletic wear is children younger than 7 for Childhood Education International, Professional Studies, Social Work, Ed.D., a Virtual Conference,” Florida Distance recommended. Bring a friend, rela- Sept 10: Eagle Networking Night: Sept 14: Alumni Board of Directors March 20. L.C.S.W., “Ethical Considerations in a Carolynne Gischel, Karolyn King- Learning Consortium, Tallahassee, Feb. 27. tive or co-worker for this free class. Law Reception Meeting Clinical Practice,” Social Work: Purpose Peery, Lynn K Wilder, Heather Amy Tardif, WGCU-TV, 2009 Regional Space is limited so register today. 6-9 p.m., FGCU main campus 5:30 p.m., Student Union Room Check us out and Possibility, NASW – South Carolina Collins, College of Education, College of Charlie Mesloh, Komaal Collie, Edward R. Murrow Award, Radio-Television Find out what life in the legal field 214, main campus For the latest news on Chapter Annual State Conference, Myrtle Education Dean’s Office, Ed.D., “Simple as Justice Studies, Ph.D., “Police Dogs as Less News Directors Association, April 9. Aug 15: Celebrate Summer in Full is all about while networking with upcoming events and to Beach, SC, March 24. A.B.C. and 1,2,3: Teaching Parents to Use Lethal Weapons: A Quantitative Analysis Swing: Tampa Bay Rays Game friends. FGCU alumni who are Sept 26: Dollars for FGCU Scholars register, visit www.fgcu.edu/ Positive Behavior Supports,” sixth interna- of Effectiveness, 46th annual conference, 7 p.m., Tropicana Field, One practicing attorneys will take part 6 p.m., Beacon Bowl, 5400 Tamiami alumni. Details are available Rachel Cooke, tional conference, Association of Positive Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Book Publication Danielle Behavior Support, Jacksonville, March 26. Boston, MA, March 10-13. Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg in a panel discussion that covers Trail, Naples by contacting Kim Williams, Rosenthal, Join fellow FGCU alumni for an what to expect from applying to law The Alumni Association will host coordinator of alumni David Collier, Jim Evans, College of Library Services, Dennis Hunt, Debra Chapa, Ph.D., Charlie Mesloh, Ross Wolf, College exciting evening of baseball as the school through career opportunities. its third annual Dollars for FGCU programming, at Business, Computer Information Systems M.A., M.L.S., A.C.N.P.-B.C., Sharon Rothwell, R.N., of Professional Studies, Justice Studies, Tampa Bay Rays play the Toronto Alumni, students and friends inter- Scholars fund raiser. Have a ball [email protected] and Decision Sciences, Ph.D. “OM,” “Undergraduate M.S.N., Mary Lewis, Ed.D., M.B.A., Ph.D., “Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Blue Jays. Arrive with four or more ested in the legal profession are bowling for a good cause with or (239) 590-1087. Cengage Learning, South-Western, Mason, History Student M.S.N., A.R.N.P., College of Health K9 Units on University Campuses,” 46th passengers and receive free parking invited to attend this free event. fellow Eagles while raising money Rachel Cooke Register online at www.fgcu.edu/Alumni

40 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 41 Professional Briefs Professional Briefs

English professor embraces dual David Collier, Kurt Hozak, College that Shaped their Lives,” Adam Jones, ed., “Do Health Care Investments Hedge Tunde Szecsi, College of Education, roles as blogademic In his own words of Business, Computer Key Publishing, pp. 8-10. Health Care Liabilities?” The Journal of College of Education Dean’s Office, “As a blogging academic, I am as comfortable in a sweater Information Systems Investing, quarterly, pp. 69-74. “Integration of diversity standards in Douglas Harrison leads a double life. with elbow patches as I am in pajamas and bedhead. The trouble and Decision Sciences, John Cox, Immanuel Ness, Social the teacher preparation programs,” starts when I imagine some of the people who know me as the Ph.D., “RFID as an and Behavioral Sciences, “Socialism vs. Anna Goebel, Tom A. Ranker, Pedagoguskepzes, quarterly, pp. 97-107 As a Florida Gulf Coast University guy in elbow patches catching a glimpse of me in my pjs and the Enabler of Improved Nationalism in Inter-War Germany,” Paul S. Corn, (in Hungarian). assistant professor, he teaches courses in fright-night hair I wake up with in the morning. For academics International Encyclopedia of Revolution Richard G. accustomed to carefully controlled rhetorical situations and Manufacturing American literature and culture, composi- Performance,” and Protest: 1500 to Present, pp. 1373- Olmstead, Tunde Szecsi, I. Miklosne, College ethical appeals … blogging forces us to surrender a great deal of of Education, College of Education Dean’s tion and journalism. As a blogger, he writes control – much more than we are used to giving up as teachers Decision Sciences, 1381. College of Arts Office, “The door is locked, only love has and edits www.averyfineline.com, a site and scholars.” monthly, pp. 859-881. and Sciences, Lisa Crayton, Jongson Wee, College the key: Hungarian children speak up devoted to Southern gospel music and • Douglas Harrison, “Scholarly Voice and Professional David Collier Biological David Collier, of Education, Undergraduate Studies, for children worldwide,” in L.Staley & E. culture. Identity in the Internet Age,” Thought & Action, National Sciences, Ph.D., Education Association, fall 2008. For the full article, visit H. Zhou, D. D Wilson, College Ph.D., “Beyond Bedtime Story Reading: “Mitochondrial Zygmunt-Fillwalk (Eds.), Empowering chil- His observations about his experi- www2.nea.org/he/heta08/images/2008Harrison.pdf of Business, Computer Information Captive Audience,” Reading Today, DNA evolution dren’s global citizenship, http://egc.iweb. Douglas Harrison monthly, p. 32. ences as a self-described “blogademic” Systems and Decision Sciences, Ph.D., in the Anaxyrus Anna Goebel bsu.edu/itunesu/itunesu.html.. “The Relationship of Strategic Business recently earned him the National boreas species Alignment and Enterprise Information Karen Eastwood, Monika Renard, Glenn Thompson, Ann M. Education Association’s 2008 Award for Excellence in the Academy, which rather than on the margins.” group,” Molecular Phylogenetics and Management in Achieving Better Business College of Business, Management, Ph.D., Thompson, College of Arts and Evolution, monthly, pp. 209-225. recognizes outstanding research and publication by a new scholar. His It’s a way of taking a writing form with which this generation feels Performance,” Enterprise Information “Training the Trainers: Parlate Italiano? Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, An Experiential Exercise in International Ph.D., “Experimental evidence that the winning essay, “Scholarly Voice and Professional Identity in the Internet comfortable, he says, “and giving them a bit more shape and focus so they Systems, monthly, pp. 219-237. Charlie Mesloh, Komaal Collie, Human Resources,” International Business serotonin transporter mediates serotonin Age,” appeared in the NEA’s scholarly journal, Thought & Action. can begin to see digital technology as more than just a way to make dinner Brandon Wargo, Christopher David Collier, T.A. Clottey, M. & Economics Research Journal, quarterly, accumulation in LSO neurons of the post- The work chronicles the development of his academic and cyber lives dates or chat with people.” Berry, College of Professional Studies, Stodnick, College of Business, Computer pp. 1-9. natal mouse,” Brain Research, monthly, in a society that often views them as polar opposites in terms of content, Harrison began blogging about 5 years ago when he was a graduate Information Systems and Decision Justice Studies, Ph.D, “A Pilot Study pp. 60-68. language and literary worth. Although reticent about discussing his student seeking distraction from his dissertation about the psychology of Sciences, Ph.D., “Drivers of Customer Nicola Foote, College of Arts and of Kinetic Energy Transfer Based Upon blogging with academic colleagues at first, he’s now comfortable in both the American religious experience. Loyalty in a Retail Store Environment,” Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Police Baton Designs,” Law Enforcement Ara Volkan, C. Andrews, Ph.D. Executive Forum, quarterly, pp. 119-126. (College of Business); J. Brown (gradu- worlds and believes each enhances the other. Having grown up immersed in evangelical music and religious culture Journal of Service Science, quarterly, pp. Ph.D., “Review of Sex in Revolution: 35-47. Gender, Politics and Power in Modern ate student); J. Riley (graduate student); in the Missouri Ozarks, he says writing about it “helped me maintain a Eric Otto, College of Arts and “I’m not under any illusion it’s going to make me cooler or hipper Mexico,” Canadian Journal of History, C. Todd (graduate student), College of with students,” he says, “but it helps keep me current with the times and connection to the part of the world I’d left behind half a lifetime ago.” John Cox, College of Arts and Sciences, quarterly, pp. 575-78. Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Ph.D., Business, Finance and Accounting, “FAS media shaping their lives.” Some of the credit for his award-winning article belongs to FGCU, Social and Behavioral Sciences, “Lost “Environmental Science Fiction” and 141(R): Global Convergence and Massive “Gearhart, Sally Miller,” Women in Science Harrison strives to imbue his students with a similar appreciation of where he says he’s been able to explore his dual passions in ways Worlds: Genocide and Diego Rivera’s Steve Fraser, William W. Jennings Changes in M&A Accounting,” Journal ‘Tenochtitlán’,” “Evoking Genocide: and Brian C. Payne, College of Fiction and Fantasy, pp. 99-102 and 135- of Business and Economics Research, “that may not have been as readily available to me in more traditional the medium. Scholars and Activists Describe the Works Business, Finance and Accounting, Ph.D., 136. monthly, pp. 125-135. He has students write blogs in many of his classes and he teaches an institutions.” advanced creative writing course called “Styles and Ways of Blogging,” in He believes it’s made him a more effective teacher. which students create blogs and study blogging as a cultural phenomenon. “As someone who teaches writing and talks about literary style (For the uninitiated, blog is a contraction for Web log, a site typically main- and voice, regularly writing and publishing in these different voices helps tained by a person who produces periodic commentaries, subject-specific reinforce for me in practical ways the ideas I talk about in the classroom,” essays or videos.) Harrison says. “I hope that gives me an ability to speak with relevance and Blogging helps transform them from passive consumers absorbing credibility that I might not otherwise have with students, demonstrating information to “active participants in learning and the creation of that there’s a connection between the ordinary world and language knowledge,” he says. “It puts them at the center of the learning process encountered in blogs, and what an academic and scholar does.”

annual conference, Academy of Criminal Assessment Models,” American and Linguistic Competencies Through Teaching Tools for Advancing Young Justice Sciences, Boston, MA, March 10-13. College Personnel Association National Cross-Cultural Email Correspondence: An Children’s Development,” Children and Convention-2009, ACPA-College Student Innovative Approach in Teacher Education,” the Crossroads: Educating All to Move Eric Otto, Maria Roca, College of Educators International, Washington, DC, International Certificate Annual Conference, Forward, Association for Childhood Arts and Sciences, Communication and March 29. ICC International Language Network, Education International, Chicago, March Philosophy, Ph.D., “Girls’ Work: The Eco- Florence, Italy, March 27-29. 18-21. Heroine in the Films of Hayao Miyazaki,” Tunde Szecsi, V. Thirimurthy, international conference, International M. Salakaja, G. Potter, College of David Thurmaier, College of Arts Publications Association for the Fantastic in the Arts, Education, College of Business Dean’s and Sciences, Orlando, March 19. Michelle Angeletti, College of Office, “Using Children’s Literature to Help Bower School of Health Professions, Health Sciences, Sandra Pavelka, College of Children Construct Understandings about Music, Ph.D., “A M.S.W., Ph.D., “Breastfeeding Support Professional Studies, Public Affairs, Ph.D., Diversity: A Four Culture Perspective,” Figment of His in Emergencies: Policy Implications for “Exploring the Dark Matter of Juvenile annual conference, Association for Imagination: Elliott Humanitarian Relief Agencies,” Journal of Justice: Case Closing Outcomes to Create Childhood Education International, Carter on Charles Emergency Management, quarterly, pp. a Better Understanding of Our World,” Chicago, March 18-21. Ives and Musical 39-44. National Conference on Juvenile Justice, Borrowing,” Society Tunde Szecsi, College of Education, American Prosecutors Research Institute, for American Music Doug Carothers, Margarita College of Education Dean’s Office, David Thurmaier Orlando, March 12-14. Annual Conference, Bianco, Lydia Smiley, College “Unheard Voices of Minority Teacher Denver, March 21. of Education, Undergraduate Studies, J. Michael Rollo, Wayne Griffin, Candidates in Teacher Education Ed.D, “Gifted Students With Asperger Vice President’s Office - Student Affairs, Programs,” annual conference, Association Elia Vazquez-Montilla, Elizabeth Syndrome: Strategies for Strength-Based Ph.D., “The Troubled, Disturbing, and for Childhood Education International, M. Elliott, Undergraduate Studies, Ph.D., Programming,” Intervention in School and Disruptive: Behavioral and Collaborative Chicago, March 18-21; “Fostering Cultural “Puppets, Portfolios and Presentations: Clinic, quarterly, pp. 206-215.

42 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 43 Arts Calendar In Brief Jam e s Gr ec o

Black Box Theatre

“Doctor Faustus” Founding professor, Roy Mumme, dies Written by Christopher Marlowe Roy Mumme, a Directed by Barry Cavin Oct. 28-Nov. 28 groundbreaking educator in 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Southwest Florida, died at Tickets: $10 general admission; $5 FGCU faculty, staff home in his sleep June 18. and students. Call (239) 590-7268. He was 84. Not satisfied with his wealth of knowledge and his A founding faculty high social standing, Faustus sells his soul to the devil member at Florida Gulf for pleasures more magnificent than mortal boundaries Coast University, he also allow. Marlowe’s classic dark tale of flying too close to the sun is re-imagined in FGCU’s intimate studio played a major role in performance. educating Southwest Florida students for more than two Art Exhibits decades as director of the University of South Florida Kent Anderson Butler – Video Installations at Fort Myers. At the time and Projections of his USF appointment, Sept. 3-Oct. 9 the regional campus Opening reception with the artist: 5-7 p.m. Sept. 3 Roy McTarnaghan, FGCU founding president and consisted of an office in Roy Mumme during an event in FGCU’s early days. Purvis Young – Souls Grown Deep, A Gift downtown Fort Myers. from the Rubell Family Collection Mumme was among Oct. 22-Nov. 20 the community leaders who helped pave the way for the creation of a Opening reception: 5-7 p.m., Oct. 22 comprehensive university in Southwest Florida and became a founding faculty member when FGCU opened in 1997. By the time he retired in 2003, he had worked a combined 37 years International Week at USF and FGCU, and had earned professor emeritus status. In 2006, DonationsBecome help enrich a FGCU’sbenefactor art programs. FGCU conferred on him the honorary degree, Doctor of Laws. Contact Anica Sturdivant, interim gallery director, Mumme embraced the value of higher education and public service through his distinguished record of scholarship, service and education. at (239) 590-7199 or [email protected]. He is widely recognized for his energetic and vigorous pursuit of access to higher education in Southwest Florida. Criminal Those who knew him considered him a true Renaissance man – Bower School of Music pioneer, professor, poet, sports enthusiast, artist and lover of metaphors. He was well known for bestowing upon colleagues clever limericks Guest Artist Recital accompanied by original drawings and was an ardent FGCU Eagles fan. 18th Annual Charles Stegeman, violin, accompanied by Michael Baron, Mumme is survived by his wife of 42 years, Susan, their two sons, piano Brian and David, as well as two children from a previous marriage, Ron Founder’s Cup 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10 Student Union Ballroom and Patricia. The family asks that memorial gifts be in the form of dona- tions to the Roy I. Mumme Scholarship Fund at FGCU. Golf Tournament StudieS (m.S.) Faculty Chamber Concert Aaron Hilbun, oboe; Kirsten Bendixen-Mahoney, horn; Monday, October 12, 2009 Michael Baron, piano explore. engage. enhance. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16 Colloquium travel goes green with buses Join one of the most exciting fields of study at Florida Gulf Coast University. Student Union Ballroom 11:30 AM Lunch When Annette Snapp became the University Colloquium coordi- An interdisciplinary program, the Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminal 1:15 PM Shot Gun Guest Artist Recital nator last August, she discovered that students were driving independently Forensic Studies prepares students for work and research in advanced Sharon Mabry, mezzo-soprano to field trips. ‘til 7:30 PM Awards positions in the forensic field. 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12 Both students and faculty wanted a more sustainable means of Student Union Ballroom • Blending the behavioral and physical sciences, the curriculum prepares transportation so Snapp arranged for bus service, which began last spring. For additional students for specific skill sets in a variety of settings. Wind Orchestra/Symphony Orchestra Concert The result is a substantial reduction in the University’s carbon • Graduates are highly competitive in the marketplace with employment footprint. tournament event 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 in federal, state and local agencies. Student Union Ballroom According to Audubon of Florida, by the end of the year, using buses information • The faculty are nationally recognized. in place of cars will result in a reduction of 45 tons of carbon emissions please contact Darnell Faculty Artist Recital and eliminate 105,984 road miles. Michele Kroffke at Now accepting applications for fall 2009. accompanied by Michael Baron, piano “Everyone is happy – students, faculty, and our field trip destinations 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 239 • 590 • 1074 where student cars used to fill their parking areas,” says Snapp. Student Union Ballroom or visit Details at www.fgcu.edu/cj or contact Dr. Duane Dobbert at Fort Myers 239-590-7816 or [email protected]. to learn more. www.fgcu.edu www.fgcu.edu/foundation/events

44 Su m m e r 2009 Su m m e r 2009 45 NON-PROFIT ORG. Florida Gulf Coast University U.S. POSTAGE Pinnacle Magazine PAID FT. MYERS, FL 10501 FGCU Boulevard South PERMIT NO. 498 Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

Chris Perry The FGCU baseball team won the Atlantic Sun Conference championship title for two consecutive years.