friend spotlight

CREW Orlando and AIA Orlando continue to tee off for students

Valencia Foundation’s successes are the direct result of successful partnerships with organizations and individuals who do their part to contribute, advocate and invite others to learn about Valencia Community College. Partnerships with organizations like Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Orlando and American Institute of Architects, Orlando Chapter (AIA), take the important step in setting the philanthropic curve in today’s world – finding new and unique ways to bring funds to those who need it most and over an extended period of time.

CREW Orlando, formed in 1987, is the local chapter of CREW Network, an international organization comprised of over 8,000 members in 66 chapters. This association was formed to attract the most powerful and influential professionals in the commercial real estate industry. Offering a unique business development network, CREW Orlando represents key decision makers in virtually every discipline of commercial real estate. Over 63% of CREW Network members are chief executive officers, presidents, owners, partners or senior managers and CREW Orlando boasts an average of 15 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry.

With current foundation board chair Helen Von Dolteren-Fournier of AEGIS Law Firm PL and current foundation board member Sarah Kelly of Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers leading the charge for partnership with CREW, CREW’s support includes scholarship endowment, an annual golf tournament, a planned mentoring program and CREW Careers ™, an interactive program designed to introduce female high school students to the career opportunities available in the commercial real estate industry. The CREW Orlando Scholarship was created to support our students who seek a future in commercial real estate. Their scholarship endowment value stands at $230,663 with more than $22,000 awarded in student scholarships in recent years. Serving as a role model for AIA Orlando, CREW Orlando has raised some $80,000 including state match through their annual golf tournaments for student scholarships since 2002.

AIA was founded in 1857 to “promote the scientific and practical perfection of its members” and “elevate the standing of the profession.” Today, AIA has over 83,000 members with its Orlando chapter among the largest in the state of Florida comprising over 600 members. The Orlando chapter serves to create opportunities for professional development and fellowship, encouraging members to become active leaders in the community and the profession.

For 19 years, AIA Orlando has organized golf tournaments at some of the finest courses in Central Florida. Attended by the area’s top architectural design professionals, the tournament draws support from throughout the community in the form of sponsorships, golf teams and in-kind donations. Former foundation board member C.T. Hsu, FAIA, of C.T. Hsu + Associates PA and current foundation board member Alan Helman, FAIA, of HHCP Architects Inc. inspired the AIA Orlando board to devote their golf tournament proceeds to Valencia. With Michael Lingerfelt, AIA, and Nathan Butler, AIA, both serving as AIA Florida vice presidents and with Michael seated as golf committee chairman for 5 years, AIA’s golf tournaments have generated $227,000 for scholarships, including matching funds since 2002. Additionally, AIA Orlando established the American Institutes of Architects scholarship for those pursuing their studies in Architecture and Building Construction with more than $60,000 awarded to students in recent years. AIA Orlando’s total endowment is over $61,000.

Unique partnerships such as those with CREW Orlando and AIA Orlando helps Valencia Foundation give students opportunities to learn and succeed and keep within our goal to provide access for every person in our community who wishes to attend college.

Reprinted from: 2006-08 Valencia Foundation Biennial Report

open opera summer classes

Robert Swedberg, Former Orlando Opera Director, to Offer Summer Classes at Valencia

Following the success of last year’s summer opera program, visiting artist Robert Swedberg, former director of the Orlando Opera, will return to Valencia to teach two summer classes: Opera and Music Theatre Workshop, and Yoga for Performers.

 

Both courses are open to members of the community. Participants must enroll at Valencia and will receive two hours of college credit for each course they take. The fee is $174.72 per course. Seniors over age 59 and dual-enrollment students can join for free.

 

Opera and Music Theatre Workshop

This course addresses all aspects of opera and musical theatre production with a focus on music preparation, character analysis, and performance skills. The class will culminate in a program of semi-staged and costumed operatic and musical theatre excerpts. 

To join this class, participants must register for the Valencia course MUO2001, CRN # 32821. The class will meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:20-6:55 p.m. from June 8-Aug. 3 on Valencia’s East Campus. This course requires an additional fee of $35.  

 

This course is designed to help performers balance their physical, mental and spiritual practice through yoga. Professor Robert Swedberg is a certified yoga instructor, and has developed this course specifically for the needs of the performer, using elements of several different yoga styles. Each participant will be assisted in building an individual yoga practice relevant to body type, physical condition and goals. 

To join this class, participants must register for the Valencia course MUS2930, CRN # 32784. The class will meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:06-4:40 p.m. from June 8-Aug. 3 on Valencia’s East Campus. 

Robert Swedberg served as the general director of Orlando Opera from 1990-2007. Prior to that, he was the general director of Syracuse Opera and also held positions with Opera Carolina, the Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Wagner Festival. He also worked as a professional singer and voice teacher for several years. Currently, he serves as an associate professor of voice at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

Valencia’s East Campus is located at 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail in Orlando.

For more information, please contact Wendy Givoglu, dean of Arts and Entertainment, at 407-582-2218 or wgivoglu@valenciacc.edu.

Yoga for Performers

Source: Valencia Marketing & Strategic Communications

student gives thanks

You have not realized this yet, but you are helping me achieve my dreams in a country of limitless potential. Those dreams will be a foundation for my children and the generation that proceeds long after my legacy is nothing but a whisper.

I do not come from poor beginnings nor do I come from an extremely wealthy family line; however, my family has always reminded me of the importance of education. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing me with this type of assistance. Thank you for setting an example in a society that keeps our greater generation growing into bright individuals.

 Jayson F., computer engineering
2009/10 Foundation Scholarship Recipient 

$100,000

Valencia Receives $100,000 Walmart Minority Student Success Award

 Valencia Community College has been selected by the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) to receive a Walmart Minority Student Success Award—a $100,000 grant to help build on Valencia’s demonstrated successes in enrolling, retaining and graduating first-generation, minority college students. The $100,000 grant is being made possible by a $4.2 million grant to IHEP from the Walmart Foundation.

Valencia was selected as one of only 30 minority-serving institutions (MSIs) to help first-generation students get into and stay in college.

“Valencia is honored to be selected as one of several outstanding higher education institutions nationwide to receive the Walmart Minority Student Success Award,” said Valencia President Sanford C. Shugart. “Thanks in part to this award, we will be able to enhance and expand our work with first-generation students.”

IHEP President Michelle Asha Cooper said, “The institutions in our 2010 Minority Student Success cohort broaden and deepen the pool of MSIs committed to ensuring the success of first-generation students both at their campuses and beyond. We are pleased to be working with them on programs that are sure to serve as models to all of higher education.”

“At Walmart, we understand that education is critical to the lives and well-being of all Americans. We’re proud to support giving that enables the success of first-generation college students,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation.

The other 2010 winners include: Adams State College (Colo.), Bloomfield College (N.J.), Bowie State University (Md.), Coppin State University (Md.), Delaware State University (Del.), El Camino College (Calif,), Fort Belknap College (Mont.), Hampton University (Va.), Leech Lake Tribal College (Minn.), New Jersey City University (N.J.), United Tribes Technical College (N.D.), University of Houston- Downtown (Texas), University of New Mexico (N.M.), and Winston-Salem State University (N.C.).

For more information about the initiative and grantees, visit the IHEP Web site at http://www.ihep.org/walmartminoritystudents.cfm .

About The Institute for Higher Education Policy

The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) is an independent, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to increasing access and success in postsecondary education around the world. Established in 1993, the Washington, D.C.-based organization uses unique research and innovative programs to inform key decision makers who shape public policy and support economic and social development. IHEP’s Web site, http://www.Ihep.org, features an expansive collection of higher education information available free of charge and provides access to some of the most respected professionals in the fields of public policy and research.

About Philanthropy at Walmart Stores, Inc.

Walmart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart – and its domestic and international Foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

Source: News and Information, April 21, 2010, Marketing and Strategic Communications, Valencia Community College, 407-582-1015

donor spotlight: Helen Von Dolteren-Fournier, Esq.

Helen created the Valencia/UCF Frances Millican 2+2 Scholarship in 2007.

Helen’s roots in philanthropy and community run deep in Central Florida. She plays an indispensable role as one of Valencia Foundation’s key leaders and is the longest and among the top contributors. Her history as a volunteer at Valencia goes back more than fifteen years when she became involved with Valencia’s displaced homemakers program in the 1990s. Valencia Foundation’s board chair since 2008, Helen has helped the foundation thrive through even the most challenging of circumstances.

Under her leadership as chair of the board’s finance committee, Valencia Foundation implemented a new, comprehensive investment policy, revised financial policies, addressed audit issues, developed new financial strategies and continued to raise monies, meeting a $2.5 million first year external funding goal and more than $31 million in seven years. Under her leadership, the endowment has increased from $15.8 million in 2001 to more than $60 million in 2008. As head of the Valencia planned giving committee, Helen offers her professional guidance as a volunteer to field financial questions from donors and partners. In 2003, she spearheaded a campaign to raise $50,000 to name Valencia’s gallery in memory of a gifted faculty member, Anita Wooten.

Her personal contributions support the arts, women in transition, Valencia’s paralegal program and honors college, the Association of American Women in Community Colleges and scholarships that support access for all. She is gifted at cultivating new donations, bringing in American Express, BENCOR Inc. and other major corporations in support of the foundation. A master of nurturing new relationships, Helen uses the foundation’s special events as an opportunity to gather dozens of friends and colleagues and expose them to the goodness of Valencia – throughout the years, they have all become donors.

As an estate planning attorney and certified financial planner, she is in a unique position to help people reassess their priorities by giving to a cause whose mission the individual shares. In fact, she makes this a part of every presentation to show how charitable giving not only feels good but it also makes good fiscal sense. Her savvy in uniting people for collaboration has been of great benefit to Valencia and the foundation.

Helen created the Frances Millican Two Plus Two Scholarship in 2007, named in honor of the wife of UCF’s founding president, to help build a financial bridge for Valencia students to the University of Central Florida (UCF). And she created the Legal Eagles Pathway Scholarship in honor of her law school graduation, which funds students from Valencia through UCF and Barry University School of Law. 

Helen is a professional with great expertise who is willing to do whatever it takes. In the words of Valencia Community College’s president, Dr. Sanford Shugart, “Valencia Foundation is honored to have the passion, knowledge and friendship of this one-of-a-kind treasure.”

The President’s Circle

Click here for a list of current President's Circle members

Valencia Foundation’s board of directors created The President’s Circle to promote learning as the center of Valencia Community College’s work. The President’s Circle allows members to play a pivotal role in helping the college president and foundation provide scholarships for students with urgent financial need.

A minimum unrestricted gift of $1,000 entitles the donor to The President’s Circle membership. Membership allows participation in a wide array of exciting opportunities and a special partnership with college president Sandy Shugart and fellow advocates of learning. Members receive invitations to the president’s home for private receptions with artists, authors and other notable individuals, passes to Valencia arts events, an opportunity to attend our special-topic forums and invitations to the foundation’s annual donor gala.

One hundred percent of contributions to The President’s Circle support scholarships for students in need. For more information on this dynamic circle of the Valencia family, contact the foundation at 407-582-3150 or visit www.VALENCIA.org.

donor spotlight: Mary Collier

Mary Collier with Valencia President Sandy Shugart

A 1982 Valencia graduate, Mary was named the college’s first Distinguished Graduate. The owner of Collier Jaguar in Orlando, she serves as a foundation board member, capital campaign captain, leadership team member, and is among the largest individual donors through cash donations, in-kind contributions and a legacy gift.

Her scholarship donation in 2006 represents a $200,000 endowed scholarship. In addition, her family is represented through the David F. Collier Scholarship, honoring her late husband, and the Mary Smedley Collier and Family Scholarship.

Mary served two terms as president of the Valencia Alumni Association board and continues to support their work and fundraising efforts. She is a consistent supporter of foundation and college events, including American Institute of Architects (AIA) Orlando and Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Orlando golf tournaments, Valencia Foundation’s signature fundraising event, A Taste for Learning, and the alumni association’s Run, Walk and Roll event.

As a “non-traditional” student returning to college as an adult, Mary was well-versed in thinking outside of the box, especially as it relates to the success of students in need. Her foresight and willingness to make that first gift for transfer scholarships led to a major gift from Mayor Richard Crotty and a brand-new partnership with UCF to engage in joint philanthropy to support Valencia/UCF students. Without Mary’s leadership through the alumni association and the foundation, this type of scholarship assistance may never have taken route at Valencia. Consequently, we send hundreds of Valencia graduates to UCF, UF, USF, FSU and countless other institutions nationwide.

Mary’s story continues to inspire those who may at first be tentative at the prospect of going back to school. After her children had grown, she realized, “I was David’s wife, the kids’ mother and the dog’s owner. But I wasn’t Mary.” After some initial apprehension, she “dove in – it was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. It changed my whole life.” Her endeavors and unwavering support of Valencia are focused on the successful futures of learners of all ages. She truly exemplifies her own quote: “Anything you can imagine…you can do.”

 Reprinted from: Valencia Foundation Biennial Report

will we see you on the green?

21^st Annual AIA Orlando Golf Tournament

When: Friday, June 25, 2010

Where: The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club
4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32837

Additional Info: 8:30 a.m. shotgun start – scramble format. Individual spots are $150, non members are $175 and there are a number of sponsorship opportunities available.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit AIA Orlando and Valencia Community College Foundation.

For additional information, contact AIA Orlando at 407.898.7006

Dr. Philip Bishop: Adventures in the Human Spirit

Dr. Philip Bishop, dear friend and esteemed colleague to many.

On Tuesday, April 12th, a little after 10 p.m., Valencia Community College lost a dear friend and esteemed colleague, Philip Bishop.   After facing a two-year struggle with cancer, his body finally gave way and Philip moved on in his journey.  His twenty-one years of work at the college and in the community leaves a tremendous legacy and a tremendous loss.

Philip is a colleague and friend who will be greatly missed.  He will be missed in the classroom where he modeled excellence in teaching and encouraged deep thinking from his students.  A compassionate teacher, believing that we all deserve a second chance, he shared his values and influenced many of us across the college in our approach to students.   His own appreciation of the arts came alive in his courses and made the material accessible for our students.  Philip’s guiding principle was “Students First” as is evident in all his work at the college.

His influence reached beyond the classroom to many college-wide initiatives.  Our Provost Ruth Prather speaks of Philip in a beautiful way: “He is an exemplar of the collaborative process.  We have lost one of the most valuable faculty leaders that we have ever had.”   Philip helped mold the college into an institution that holds student learning as its central value.  His input into the Student Core Competencies, Valencia Educator Essential Competencies and General Education Outcomes will resonate throughout the college for years to come.  A great thinker, Philip had the ability to deepen a question, clarify a statement, and push thinking to a new level.  His influence in that work will be sorely missed, but remains our legacy of his powerful vision.

In the Humanities Department on East Campus where he acted as the department coordinator for ten years, many of the tenured faculty looked to Philip as a mentor and guide.  His textbook, Adventures in the Human Spirit, now in its 5^th edition, is used throughout the country as a core text in the Humanities, and A Beginners Guide to the Humanities (a handbook on experiencing art) is in its 3rd edition.  This excerpt from his Guide captures the vibrancy and keen delight he radiated about art and life:  “I am still hungry for life, and I trust the poet to tell me how it tastes.” He saw his Guide as the reader’s “ticket to get in the game and begin a lifelong enjoyment of the arts and culture [and] . . .  experience first-hand the artistry of the world’s creative people [and] . . . discover your own creative powers and tap your own creative imagination.” A self-taught appreciator of art himself, he thought that being “smart about art (and other things, too) doesn’t require a sophisticate’s birthright or a minimum intelligence score or even a college degree.  Art smarts come to an open mind that’s willing to reach out, take a risk, and encounter new experience.” 

In addition to teaching at Valencia, and the University of Central Florida part-time, Philip served the college and community in many ways.  His love for art and exquisite writing talents melded beautifully in his work as Orlando Sentinel art critic, a job he began in the mid 90’s and continued until a few short months ago.  Philip, also, had strong values that led him to stand firmly for his beliefs and to serve as the faculty advisor for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for a number of years and later to participate in the college’s Peace and Justice Initiative.  As busy as he was with book revisions, newspaper articles and paper grading–and at the end his struggle with cancer–Philip always welcomed anyone who stopped by, whether for professional advice, personal council, or a friendly conversation. Remarkably, he was on the East Campus one week before his death, doing all that he could to be present for his students and do what he loved most of all . . . teaching.  Philip faced his death openly and bravely.  He shared his experiences, the daily ups and downs of cancer treatment, allowing many to have a window into this painful and moving struggle.  His courage during this time was heroic and leaves a lasting impression on so many of us.

A tender and devoted father and grandfather, Philip took every opportunity to travel to Virginia, North Carolina and New York City to visit with his children, grandchildren, and mother.  For Halloween last year he delighted his grandchildren when he dressed as a pirate.   He was a proud father who boasted about the beautiful parenting skills of his son Aaron and the sharp intellect and leadership of his daughter Shaughna.

Upon his death, he was at home surrounded by family and dear friends.  He is survived by his mother, Verna Bishop; his brother Mark; his sister Elaine; his two children, Aaron and Shaungha Bishop; and his two grandchildren, Cole and Lillian.   Valencia’s loss is far overshadowed by theirs, and we enfold them with our arms of love.   

Philip Bishop helped us see a better vision of the college and of ourselves, and for this, and many other reasons, we will miss him for years to come.

And, finally, in the words of Horatio:  “Goodnight, sweet friend, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

recyclemania results announced

Final placing results in the national recycling competition, RecycleMania, have been announced and Valencia is proud to share that we placed 4^th in the waste minimization category! Over 600 colleges and universities participated in this year’s RecycleMania and over 84 million pounds of material was recycled or composted during the 10-week competition.

Thank you to all who made a commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle – and let’s keep up the good work!

The RecycleMania competition is a program of the RecycleMania Steering Committee in coordination with the College and University Recycling Coalition (CURC). Program management for RecycleMania is provided by Keep America Beautiful in coordination with the U.S. EPA’s WasteWise program. RecycleMania is made possible through the sponsorship support of The Coca-Cola Company, American Forest & Paper Association and Keep America Beautiful.

RecycleMania was launched in 2001 as a friendly challenge between Ohio University and Miami University to increase recycling on their campuses. The contest has expanded rapidly in nine years’ time from two schools in 2001 to 607 colleges and universities in 2010 spanning 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Over a 10-week period, campuses compete to see which institution can collect the largest amount of recyclables per capita, the largest amount of total recyclables, the least amount of trash per capita, or have the highest recycling rate. For complete competition background and details, visit the RecycleMania website at www.recyclemaniacs.org.

Source: Valencia Community College, www.recyclemaniacs.org

donor spotlight: C.T. Hsu

C.T. Hsu and Valencia President Sandy Shugart

Foundation Director Emeritus C.T. Hsu, president of C.T. Hsu + Associates, P.A., is a true philanthropist.

In 1994, he established the Hsu Family Endowed Scholarship at Valencia to support minority students pursuing higher education. In 2006, C.T. and his wife, Jean, contributed $150,000 to establish the Hsu Family East Campus Development Fund to support teaching and learning, which resulted in a $600,000 endowment. His family’s giving commitment also includes hundreds of thousands of dollars earmarked to scholarships, faculty endowed chairs and program support. 

He also helped bring the pre-architecture program to Valencia, which allows students to start the program at affordable tuition while remaining close to home. The program now matriculates directly to the University of Florida, and C.T. is committed to developing transfer scholarships. 

C.T. has been instrumental in attracting new donors and major contributors to The President’s Circle. In 2002, he secured the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Orlando Chapter as an annual donor to Valencia Foundation with more than $100,000 in contributions. Always one of the first to sponsor foundation events, C.T. also encourages his company and community organizations to sponsor Valencia Foundation events as well. 

His willingness to leverage both his professional and personal relationships in support of Valencia student scholarships has been instrumental in the continued success of Valencia Foundation and its fundraising efforts. 

Professionally, C.T.’s creative design genius is visible throughout Valencia’s campus locations, from the East Campus Criminal Justice Institute and Osceola’s flagship building to the soon-to-emerge UCF/Valencia joint-use facility on the West Campus. Personally, his leadership and enthusiasm are priceless assets to Valencia Community College and Valencia Foundation.

Will we see you on the links?

19^th Annual CREW Orlando Golf Tournament 
“A ‘Network Series’ of 18-Holes”

When: Friday, May 14, 2010

Where: MetroWest Golf Club
2100 South Hiawassee Road, Orlando, FL  32835

Additional Info: 8:00 a.m. shotgun start – scramble format. Individual spots are $150 and there are a number of sponsorship opportunities available.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit and fund the CREW Orlando Valencia Foundation Scholarship Endowment Program.

For more information, please visit http://creworlando.org/golf.html.

earth day – april 22

April 22 will mark the 40th anniversary of Earth Day! This is an annual event that is celebrated around the world as the greenest of holidays.

In conjunction with the college’s focus on sustainability, Valencia will be hosting a trade fair/supplier exhibit with green suppliers. See what the college and other businesses are doing to support environmentally preferred products and services which have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment. See what you can do to help support this issue.

This one day event will be located on our West Campus on Thursday, April 22 along the breezeway of SSB from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and open to faculty, staff and students.

Participating vendors will include Orange County Environmental Protection Division, OCI Associates, Bungo Box, Siemens, STORR Office Environments, Steelcase, Office Depot, Herman Miller, MarkMaster, PPI Construction Management, Florida Minority Supplier Development Council, American Ad Specialties, Peninsular Paper Company, Progress Energy and Valencia Sustainability Committee.

Source: The Bulletin, Valencia Community College, Vol. XXXIX, No. 13, April 12, 2010

is it really free?

You plan on going shopping after work, so you go to the internet to see if there are coupons available for the items you want to purchase. In your search you come across a “coupon club” that promises to send you coupons on a weekly basis for the items you purchase the most. Thinking this is going to save you some money, you sign up for the “free” club and install their “free” coupon printer. About a week later you notice some strange charges to your bank account. The free coupons are not so free anymore.

The reality is you unintentionally downloaded spyware onto your computer. Spyware is software that can install itself or run on your computer without providing you with adequate notice, consent or control. Spyware might not display symptoms after it infects your computer, but many types of malicious software or unwanted programs can affect how your computer runs. Spyware can, for example, monitor your online behavior or collect information about you (including personally identifiable or other sensitive information), change settings on your computer or cause your computer to run slowly.

Spyware is frequently piggybacked onto computers when “freeware” applications are installed. These applications are generally written with little thought to security and hackers target the code to load spyware on systems. Spyware is difficult to get rid of, can threaten computer security, and perhaps compromise personal information.

Lesson: Be safe when online and do not install non-essential applications on your computer.

Source: The Bulletin, Valencia Community College, Vol. XXXIX, No. 13, April 5, 2010

the scholars “wow” us again

Lisa Macon shared fun news with the college and its all about the scholars…the Rogue Scholars that is!!!

If you missed Valencia’s famous rock band, the Rogue Scholars, the first time around, you can catch them again! And our suggestion – you don’t want to miss their performance. They really know how to “WOW” a crowd!!!

When: Saturday, April 17, 2010 7-9pm
Where: Osceola Campus Auditorium (Building 2)
Cost: $5 donation at the door (concessions available for additional donations)
Why: All proceeds from this concert go directly to the Valencia Foundation to support student scholarships…

…and besides (the sentiment of many), the band simply rocks!

Who: The Rogue Scholars are Al Groccia (Math professor, vocals), Brian Macon (Math professor, drums/vocals), Danny Charriez (bass/vocals), David DaPonte (tutor, guitar), Brett Sholar (tutor, guitar), Johnny Nunez (tutor, bass), Martin Olvera (professional entertainer!), Lisa Macon (IT professor, vocals) and Andrew Becker (instructional support, guitar and all-around great guy).

This is an interactive rock concert featuring songs from various periods of rock and roll history.  Sing along, dance and party it up with the Rogue Scholars!  Kids, family, friends welcome! 

Foundation staff will be there. Will you?

valencia class of 2009/2010

 

CLICK HERE to make your class gift donation.

Breaking new ground:
1^st Class Song & 1^st Class Gift

 

The class of 2009/2010 has started a legacy that will live on and challenge future graduation classes with another first: the creation of a Student Class Gift.  Graduating students have challenged each other to make a donation for future student scholarships.  The Valencia Alumni Association will support these efforts by matching the donations up to $2000!!!

Donations of any amount are accepted by students, parents, faculty, staff and loved ones.  Graduating students are encouraged to become a ‘perfect 10’ with their $10 donation.  Credit cards are accepted online at: http://www.valenciacc.edu/alumni/classgift/ 

 The campaign runs through the end of April and closes with a special check presentation at the May commencement ceremony by this year’s Distinguished Graduate selected through the Valencia Alumni Association.  

Check out http://www.valenciacc.edu/alumni/classgift/ for the class song and more online Class Gift donation information. 

It’s gonna to be a great graduation and a good, good time! 

For the first year ever, the graduating class has replaced their traditional exit recessional march with a song selected by student class leaders.  All the tradition of commencement with an ending pop of flavor to celebrate!

donor spotlight: Sue and Steve Foreman

Sue got involved with Valencia in 1976, as part of a Junior Woman’s Club group working in partnership with Valencia Community College to create the Parent Resource Center, a parent education and family support center.

Through this twentyfive year endeavor, and working with other Valencia Community College community outreach programs, Sue and Steve’s commitment to Valencia grew. Sue has provided service to the college and foundation as a board member since the late 80s. Their call to service is to make college degrees possible for promising, eager students with financial need.

Sue and Steve, and the Foreman family, have been significant donors to the foundation, creating in 1994 an endowed faculty chair in honor of Steve’s mother, which today is worth almost $100,000; providing significant support to Valencia students during hurricane relief efforts; and supporting various specific scholarship funds. Their support to the scholarship capital campaign also exceeds $100,000.

Philanthropy is a Foreman family affair – Sue and Steve and their children, Karen and Doug and their spouses, are all actively involved in supporting Valencia. Most recently, the family created an additional scholarship in memory and honor of Sue’s mom, Esther Bagg Hubbard, recognizing her legacy as a businesswoman, friend, athlete, and sports fan who thrived in the most challenging of circumstances. This scholarship supports women who demonstrate grit and moxie and who just need a belief in their opportunity to open the door to a lifetime of success.

Steve and Sue believe in providing a bridge for individuals who need education as a pathway to their economic self-sufficiency and personal fulfillment. Currently, Sue is working to engage significant philanthropists in Winter Park to create an endowment to benefit qualified Winter Park graduates. Their continued and innovative commitment to Valencia is a stellar example of individuals who have made a remarkable difference in the life of this college.

Reprinted from: Valencia Foundation Biennial Report

donor spotlight: Bruce Williams

A member of The President’s Circle, Bruce joined the foundation board in 2006 and serves as one of Valencia Foundation’s capital campaign leaders, helping to jump start a $20 million campaign by first making his own major gift, the largest of all board members.

A company is only as strong as its leadership, and at the helm of Williams Company is Bruce Williams, chairman of the company.

Actively involved in the Orlando community his entire life, Bruce Williams learned from an early age that in order to live in an enriching society, he would have to take an active part in creating and fostering enrichment. The view makes philanthropy a priority in his familyowned firm and his own family – every member of the Williams family donates annually to Valencia, and the Williams Company can be counted on to support the foundation’s events and fundraising efforts.

 Bruce and the Williams Company have been giving to the foundation since 1987. In 2006, he made a $250,000 commitment to support scholarships for students with financial need.

He also supports the many networking relationships Valencia Foundation has with community organizations that help raise funds for student scholarships. The Williams Company has participated in several of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Orlando’s annual golf tournaments, and Bruce is always willing to leverage relationships with vendors to increase participation in fundraisers for Valencia.

Bruce’s innovative approach is also visible in his professional work.  Williams Company was awarded first place in the Florida Educational Facilities Planners’ Association Inc. 2006 Architectural Showcase, teaming with HuntonBrady Architects for their work as the builders of the Valencia Community College Health Sciences Building. The award was based on an innovative response to an educational program, aesthetics and use of materials, flexibility for community use, technology provisions and barrier-free accessibility.

Bruce and the Williams Company are instrumental to Valencia Foundation’s mission. His willingness to set, and attain, high goals and be an agent of positive change is a true benefit to Valencia Foundation and the community beyond.

Reprinted from: Valencia Foundation Biennial Report

message from osceola sga president, franklin velez

As a veteran of the United States Marines, I did not know much about issues that students have throughout their time in college. Valencia Community College Osceola Campus was the first college where I was a full-time student and was allowed  the college environment. My experiences while at Valencia were very eye opening.

As the President of the Student Government Association (SGA), I have had to tackle many issues to include helping students find the resources to assist them in paying for tuition and much more. Due to the current economic status, many students said finances were amongst their highest concern. Knowing this, the Osceola Campus SGA had put together two job fairs for the students. Due to the hard work and dedication of the SGA, we were able to attain 20 vendors, who hired over 150 students.

These Osceola Campus job fairs have received much recognition including 1st place for Exemplary Practice in our Florida Junior Community College Student Government Association (FJCCSGA). We have had many other events throughout the 2009-2010 school year which have educationally enlightened students, alleviated stress for many of our students, and have personally assisted our students in their day to day living. Events that we have had on our campus include the Holiday Festivities Bash, job fairs, Cram Jam, Hob Knob, and much more. I believe that we have succeeded in our attempt to be representatives for the students, advocate for the students, and have many services for the students.

I am very proud to say that I have humbly served our students as the Valencia Community College Osceola Campus SGA president. I hope that we have been able to reach out to many of you and make a difference in your lives, as you all have made a difference in ours. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

R/S,
Franklin Velez
Valencia Community College
Osceola Campus
Student Government Association, President

fore! crew golf tournament

19^th Annual CREW Orlando Golf Tournament – “A ‘Network Series’ of 18-Holes”

Friday, May 14, 2010

MetroWest Golf Club
2100 South Hiawassee Road, Orlando, FL  32835

8:00 a.m. shotgun start – scramble format

Individual spots are $150 and there are a number of sponsorship opportunities available.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit and fund the CREW Orlando Valencia Foundation Scholarship Endowment Program.

For more information, please visit http://creworlando.org/golf.html.

97,500

Remember good ol’ Corkey from the Save the Corks! campaign?

Well he’s back to announce the total number of corks the Valencia and UCF families and our wonderful community collected during the Save the Corks! campaign for A Taste for Learning!

Get ready for it……………………………………97,500!!!

Our most heartfelt thank you to all those involved in the campaign efforts – we couldn’t have done it without you!!!

And remember: you can still collect your corks and drop them off at local ABC Fine Wine and Spirit stores to benefit UCP – United Cerebral Palsy. Every cork counts!

another successful silent auction

Student Development Coordinator, Victor Collazo shared great news with the college yesterday afternoon!

We conducted our annual Lost & Found Silent Auction today at the West Campus Special Events Center. All proceeds go to the Valencia Foundation general fund for student scholarships. Thus far we have collected $1,125. This does not include those that have not picked up their items and proceeds from our sale next week. We expect to exceed last year’s record of $1,500.

 Thank you!!!

• Security for collecting and organizing the items.
• Zia-ur-Rehman Ansari, Valencia Volunteer Student Coordinator for organizing this event
• The West Campus Student Development Team (Staff and Students Leader Team) for doing an incredible job this week. The hard work was worth it in the end.
• All those that participated. Some even added more to what they owed knowing it is going to scholarships. (A special ‘thank you ‘ to you.)
• And the Valencia Foundation for their support today with collecting funds and for your great work assisting our students with scholarships.

Thank you for spreading the greatness that is Valencia Community College, Victor!

pain free knees

Need Pain-Free Knees? Start Here!
By Jen Mueller, Certified Personal Trainer

If your knees are giving you problems, and you feel like the Tin Man from “The Wizard Of Oz” when getting out of bed, you’re not alone. Nearly 50 million Americans feel the same way.

Knees are the most commonly injured joints in the body. Considering that when you simply walk up stairs, the pressure across your knee joints is four times your body weight, it isn’t surprising. Simple, everyday wear and tear can end up hurting your mobility.

But it’s not too late. Like a rusty door hinge, with care and maintenance, you knees can be trouble free. Even if you already experience problems, exercising the muscles surrounding the knee joints- Quadriceps (front of thigh), Hamstrings (back of thigh), Abductor (outside thigh), and Adductor (inside thigh}-will help make your knees stronger and less susceptible to injury. Exercise keeps your joints from stiffening and provides needed support, making movement easier and reducing pain. Here are some exercises you can do to both stretch and strengthen the knee area:

Stretches

1. Chair knee extension: Sitting in a chair, rest your foot on another chair so the knee is slightly raised. Gently push the raised knee toward the floor using only leg muscles. Hold for 5-10 seconds and release. Repeat 5 times on each leg. 

2. Heel slide knee extension: Lie on your back, with left knee bent and left foot flat on floor. Slowly slide the left heel away from your body so both legs are parallel. Hold for 5-10 seconds, return to starting position. Repeat 5 times on each leg. 

3. Knee flexion: Sitting in a chair, loop a long towel under your foot (resting on the floor). Gently pull on the towel with both hands to bend the knee, raising your foot 4-5 inches off the floor. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then release. Repeat 5 times on each leg. 

4. Hamstring stretch: Standing, put one foot in front of you, toes up. With hands on the small of your back (or one hand holding a chair for balance), bend the opposite knee and hip (not your lower back), until you feel the hamstrings stretch. The upper body comes forward at the hip. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then release. Repeat 5 times on each leg. 

Strength Training

1. Wall slide: Leaning with your back against a wall, bend your knees 30°, sliding down the wall, then straighten up again. Move slowly and smoothly, using your hands on the wall for balance. Keep feet and legs parallel, and do not allow knees to go out over the toes. Repeat 5-10 times. 

2. Bent-Leg Raises: Sitting in a chair, straighten one leg in the air (without locking the knee). Hold for about one minute. Bend your knee to lower the leg about halfway to the floor. Hold for 30 seconds. Return to starting position. Work up to 4 reps on each leg. 

3. Straight-Leg Raises: Sitting in a chair, rest your foot on another chair. Lift the foot a few inches off the chair while keeping your leg straight. Hold for 5-10 seconds. Return to resting position. Repeat 5-10 times. (Also work on increasing the time, up to 2-3 minutes if possible).

4. Abductor Raise: Lie on your side, propped on one elbow. The leg on the floor bent, the other straight. Slowly lift the top leg, hold for 5- 10 seconds, then lower. (Ankle weights will increase the intensity). Do 1-3 sets with 12-15 repetitions each. Remember to rest in between sets. 

5. Hamstring Curl: Stand with the front of your thighs against a surface (a table or wall). Flex one knee up as far as is comfortable. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then lower slowly. If possible, do not touch the floor between repetitions. (Ankle weights will increase the intensity) Do 1-3 sets with 12-15 repetitions each. Remember to rest in between sets. 

6. Step-Ups: Stand in front of a step, like a sturdy bench or stairs, about two feet high (or less if necessary). Step up onto the support, straighten your knees fully (without locking them) and step down. Maintain a steady pace. If you are comfortable with your balance, pump your arms while doing this exercise. Start with 1 minute, slowly building your time. Gets your heart pumping too!

7. Stationary Bike: Biking is a good way to increase strength and range of motion. Make sure you have the right positioning of the legs. At the bottom of the pedal stroke, the bend in the knee should be 15 degrees. Start with 10 minutes and slowly increase your time. Depending on your current level of activity and mobility, a good start is 3 stretching and 3 strengthening exercises, 3-4 times a week. Stretching can be (and should be) done every day if possible to prevent stiffness and achy joints. These stretches can be done a few times a day if needed.

Source: The Bulletin, Monday, March 29