Robert McCaffrey, professor of digital media

Robert McCaffrey, professor of digital media, used his 2015-2016 Sue Luzadder Chair in Communications to purchase an interactive LCD screen system to use with the journalism media production class. The class it was intended to accompany didn’t make the cut in the spring semester, but the equipment will be used as part of a revised Valencia Voice (student newspaper) starting this fall (2016).

“The students will learn how to send content to the device and we will test it in different locations on East Campus to see if we can connect the stories of the student journalists with a student audience on campus.”

Although it was bought primarily for the student journalists, this device will likely have a secondary benefit as a platform for the interactive design courses in the department. It gives students a different input device for which they can imagine and design interactive products.

“You can think of the device as a giant iPad. We can program it to run certain content, but then users can touch the screen to interact with the content. That might mean stopping a currently running story and starting a different one, or thumbing through a photo gallery, or tapping on a Twitter feed from the college new group, or even rearranging all the content on the screen into a different configuration.”

The students are really excited about the potential of the screen. One of the most active ideas at the moment is to create a ‘Know Your Candidates’ interactive news project in time for the presidential election.

 

 

Deborah Howard: math, the struggle is real–and good!

Deborah Howard, math professor at the east campus, is using the Lockheed Martin chair in Mathematics this year in several ways, including bringing in Jeff Kosovich and allowing Professor Howard to attend the “Learning and the Brain” conference last winter.

Jeff Kosovich is a psychological researcher from the University of Virginia. He came to Valencia to conduct several cognitive interviews with Valencia students and front door math instructors on experimental design, growth mindset and motivation theory.

“We learned several useful procedural strategies that will assist us in collecting meaningful data,” says Howard. For example, their first attempt in recruiting students to participate in a focus group consisted of them contacting random Valencia math students. Only a few students attended even after they were called and reminded. “Jeff suggested we have the student’s math instructor make the contact with the student, since they already had a relationship with the student, and we were able to recruit a much larger sample of students.”  A protocol was created to ensure that each student’s experience in the focus group was as similar as it could be compared with other focus groups and that the interviewers did not influence the group’s responses.

The “Learning and the Brain” conferences Howard attended were “Shaping Student Mindsets” and “The Science of Imagination.”

“I learned that mastery-based goal orientation promotes a growth mindset, whereas performance-based goal orientation fosters a fixed mindset. Some effective strategies are to make the learning criteria known to students, emphasize productive struggle, and encourage students helping others which creates autonomy and resilience. In addition, passion for learning is sparked when students’ curiosity is engaged. I aspire to challenge my students to “Wonder Boldly”!”

Additionally, they were able to fund materials—including 40 jump drives for the secure data transfer of confidential and student-sensitive data, and two literature books, The Brain-Targeted Teaching Model for 21st-Century Schools” by Mariale Hardiman and “Mathematical Mindsets” by Jo Boaler and Carol Dweck.

Howard said, “Valencia wins! The teaching pedagogy of twenty-three East Campus front door mathematics faculty who participated in the growth mindset and motivation theory training were enriched. In turn, the students for these instructors for this year and future years will benefit with potential decrease in course drop-out rates, increase in math interest, and increase in overall course success rates. I have been approached by some of my own students who are so thankful that they now have the ability to believe in their own success in math. They are no longer afraid or believe that they can’t do math!”

Angel Buckland—Dreamy Cakes Bakery

Angel Buckland, a 2012 graduate of Valencia, started out in Culinary Arts planning to become a chef. Once she completed her culinary degree, she pursued baking and pastry management as a secondary degree. “I also joined the Valencia competition team with Chef Ken Bourgoin and discovered I had a passion for baking and pastry.”

And that was the start. “I am a cake artist and bake a lot of cakes and create custom cake designs; however, I also bake many other sweet and savory treats using a lot of my training in French techniques that I learned from the Valencia Culinary program.”

She loves playing with flavor fusions—her favorite (right now) is chocolate salted caramel. Her favorite class at Valencia was Garde Manger, which is a class that focuses on things like reception foods, a’la carte appetizers, and grand-buffet arrangements, because it was so creative; and Restaurant Production, where students were able to create desserts from their own ideas.  “I also loved competition class where we were able to compete for Florida at the ACF competitions. Best experience of my life.”

She got her start right out of Valencia, in 2012, which is not to say she got her start right out of college—she had one of those winding paths to a degree, starting out in computer science and moving on to marketing management. But once she got her degree at Valencia, she started Dreamy Cakes Bakery, and the rest, as they say, is history.

She started out by renting a commissary kitchen and began baking. It took her a while at first, building a clientele, but now, three years later, she’s opened her first bakery in historic downtown Sanford, at 114 W. 2^nd Street (you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DreamyCakesBakeryFL)

You can also find her website at http://dreamycakes.net/store/ with dozens of pictures to drool over.

“I just want to say that it has been a life-long dream to graduate from college.  I was determined to get my degree before I turned 50. I was 48 years old when I graduated, so I would like to inspire those who have a dream, to never give up.  Pursue your dream and passion in life. I never wanted to look back at my life and say, I wish I could have. Now I can look back and say, I did it. To chase after my dream, accomplish something in my life and achieve my goal–that is the best feeli ng in the world.

“Valencia College gave me that chance to pursue my dream, and it was the best years and experience in my life.”

 

Colin Archibald – “Big Data” is not ready for Valencia

Professor Colin Archibald, computer programming professor, used part of his University Club of Orlando Chair in Advanced Computer Technology this year to explore the world of “big data.”

“In this project we explored the emerging field of big data. Also called data analytics, and closely related to other emerging fields in computing, such as predictive analytics and business intelligence. Big data is not a well-defined field of study. In fact, most of what is called big data is really the rebranding of well-known mathematics. The new part is that we have data being collected from many different sources, including from a myriad of internet-connected devices.”

 

Dr. Archibald attended an intensive three-day course during the Christmas break. This course was offered by Learning Tree International, and called Introduction to Big Data. This was a very valuable course – although what was learned wasn’t what was expected!

One of the most valuable lessons was that the computer science department has determined that “the week long, intensive, boot-camp style courses are not the most effective way to learn this material”; they chose to go a different route, and purchase some online video courses that would help people in the computer science department learn this new technology. One plus is that taking the courses on an ad-hoc basis means that they can take these courses as needed and as time allows, without disrupting their usual day-to-day teaching.

A series of several video courses were purchased instead, making it a very high learning-value. Additionally, they generated some interesting discussion among the advanced students. One student did his project for the honors program on “big data” (Correlation or Causation).

Although the original objective was to create a course for Valencia programming students in big data, that proved to be a bit beyond the reach of faculty and students at this time.  Dr. Archibald says “We’ll keep an eye on it. When it is a bit more solid, and a lot less ‘hype,’ we’ll have another look at whether it should be part of the curriculum.”

 

Mayra Holzer (Speech): intercultural traditions

“The purpose of my sabbatical work was to allow me to cultivate my intercultural competence and to become a more competent global citizen and educator.” Mayra Holzer, professor of speech, used her Rhymer F. Maguire Jr. Endowed Chair in Communications to that end.

Through her sabbatical, she “sought personal and professional renewal and development,” in large part by immersing herself in the culture of Argentina. While in Argentina, she visited museums, cultural and historical monuments, and was able to experience their food, music and community.

In addition to full immersion in the culture, she participated in a variety of professional development activities in the area of intercultural communication. She received personalized training in intercultural communication through Iceberg Inteligencia Cultural Iceberg, an international organization that promotes multicultural understanding and global competency for effective intercultural communication in professional and educational settings, specializing in Latin American cultures.

“My overseas experience enriched my world view in general, and my multicultural approach to education in particular.” Through her travels to Buenos Aires, Argentina, she was also able to re-connect with her Hispanic heritage, was able to practice her Spanish language skills, and learned about a new culture in a country she had never visited.

While on sabbatical, she worked on internationalizing her curriculum for SPC1017 (Interpersonal Communication) and SPC1608 (Fundamentals of Speech), with a strong emphasis on the impact of culture on communication styles. Upon her return she created two INZ toolkits (SAGE) for SPC1017 and have submitted a request to offer an internationalized course as part of Valencia’s Global Distinction Program. She has also developed a workshop to be offered in the 2016 fall term during Global Peace Week. The workshop is titled “Cultural attributions and their impact on communicating with others.”

 

Chef Manny Washington—Orlando Fire Department’s finest chef

“Chef Manny” has been cooking since he was eight. He started with desserts–in fact, the first thing he learned to cook was southern staple sweet potato pie. Next he graduated to sides, and finally to main dishes.

He learned from his grandmother, then his mother and his father, also a firefighter (in Miami).

He’s best known for his appearance on national cooking shows, which he’s been doing for only a year. (Since August, 2015, when he first appeared on Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen.) The one thing that scared him the most about competition cooking? Plating. “Firefighters don’t require plating; they just want good tasting food.”

With all this cooking, you’d think he majored in something culinary, but Washington, it turns out, is kind of a science geek. From Valencia, he got an AS in Emergency Medical Services. From there, he went on to UCF, where he got a BS in Chemistry Education, with a minor in Emergency Management. “My favorite class was Organic Chemistry I with Dr. Eric Crumpler (west campus). By far one of the hardest classes I have ever taken, but I love how I get to take an acid naturalization and apply it to work.”

He is an engineer/paramedic with the Orlando Fire Department, stationed at Fire Station 1 (downtown). He works on the Hazardous Materials team, which works with everything from gas spills to weapons of mass destruction.

How does he balance his career as a firefighter with this new “career” as a part time gourmet chef? Due to their schedule (24 hours on, 48 off) he has the time to do live food demos, private dinners, and even cook for other fire stations nationwide. His favorite thing to cook is skirt steak with chimichurri sauce, white rice, black beans and caramelized plantains. Did we mention he’s from Miami?

You can follow Chef Manny at @chefmannyfd on Facebook, Instagram, Twittter and YouTube.

 

 

Karen Cowden, professor of reading and EAP, and team, “Hands on Accessibility”

Dr. Cowden’s team has been working via the William C. Demetree Jr. Foundation Chair in Education for Special Needs. This project resulted in the “Hands-On Accessibility” workshop, offered in three sessions to full and part time faculty/staff. Additionally, they created the “Accessibility Advisory Group” in partnership with Dr. Deborah Larew, Director of Office of Students with Disabilities, which now has made in-roads with college-wide policy to have two full-time captionists on staff, and a required “Intro to Accessibility” course for all employees.

“Hands-on Accessibility” means that faculty and staff were able to come to a campus-based session hosted in the computer lab and work on their syllabi, tests, quizzes and videos to update and revise such with helping hands from the O.S.D. staff. Chris Cuevas is the technical support manager for the college and not only presented valuable information to the participants, but was there to engage with them one-on-one as they worked on their course material to make such more accessible. Stephanie Crosby was just as engaged with support for their needs, and Karen Cowden provided the faculty focus on the “best practices” for all learners and inclusion and diversity concepts.

Allowing faculty to participate in workshops that allow them to work in their own course materials with support while they are doing it has really empowered faculty with the skills and understanding to create materials that are accessible.

In meeting the diverse needs of students “we want to make sure that we do not assume we know our audience’s learning needs for support and that we design all course material with ‘best practices’ not as an after-the-fact response to paperwork for special accommodations.” As an example, when “our society was first introducing sidewalks, we didn’t consider cutting the curbs so wheeled items could easy flow on and off.  However, after a push from multiple facets of society inclusive of the ADA and others, having cut curbs now supports not only wheelchair access, but also that of children on bikes, moms with strollers, and others.”

So, it makes sense that all content is designed – college-wide information and course content – to be accessible for all, regardless of having paperwork for accommodations presented or not. To be accurate in the discussion of this topic it is important to realize the burden of paying for the documentation required to support eligibility for accommodations is on the student and therefore many times goes undiagnosed, which does not remove the need for support that the college can potentially provide by making all material more diversely delivered and designed.

Valencia’s student body includes students who have every type of disability, and some who have concurrent disabilities. The curriculum materials, student services, campus activities, and media must be accessible to students who have mobility impairments, are blind, are deaf, have learning disabilities, have processing disorders, have attention disorders, as well as other types of disabilities.

In order to meet this wide range of needs, Valencia’s OSD partners with CTLI and academic departments to provide training to faculty members and staff. Under the leadership of Dr. Deborah Larew, the Accessibility Advisory Group is developing processes that can be implemented institution wide to advance the use of technologies that can be used by any student, faculty, or staff member. Each term, the OSD creates alternative format textbooks that are compatible with screen readers for students. Chris Cuevas (pictured, right) works closely with faculty to insure that their Blackboard pages and online courses will be able to be accessed by students with various disabilities. On each campus, OSD advisors provide early advising to students, to allow them to plan for the use of their accommodations and to develop a schedule that will meet any unique needs. The OSD also provides services to Valencia’s deaf population. Donna Kimmeth schedules interpreters and captionists to guarantee that deaf students will have full access to courses, meetings, activities, and tutoring. Since access is provided in collaboration with each student, accommodations may vary greatly.

Valencia has been taking large steps in advancing the accessibility of all of its online materials to all students. Patti Davis has been an incredible ally in promoting accessible technologies and web design. Craig Blazejewski has also been instrumental in developing procedures to make sure that all online marketing materials can be accessed by any student interested in Valencia.

 

 

Kenneth Bourgoin–a taste of greatness

This year, the Hunton Brady Architects Endowed Chair in Hospitality Management allowed a select few of the Culinary Art Student Association club to attend the National Restaurant Association meeting in Chicago.

The show hosts purveyors from all over the world. There are about 65,000 attendees to the show and it takes about 2-3 days to see all of it. “It is like a food and beverage theme park,” says Bourgoin.

Sometimes, the trip alone is the farthest a student has ever travelled, and that can be challenging in and of itself. At the show they are networking, sharing education programs, involved in chef demos and learning about how the number one private employer hospitality industry works.

The students have to earn points doing volunteer hours within and outside Valencia College to get the privilege to go to the show. They are exposed to not only the show but the food of Chicago. The faculty and students meet after the show and go to places like Frontera Grill – Rick Bayless’s famous restaurant serving Mexican Cuisine, The Berghoff– a German Restaurant, and The “Girl and the Goat.”  The Chef there is a James Beard award winner.

One student’s reaction: “Getting the opportunity to meet and network with some of the biggest names in the food industry like Thomas Keller [chef at The French Laundry], Anne Burrell and Mauricio Londono, who is the Vice President of the World Association of Chefs,” was a predictably “wow” moment, one that the student is sure will benefit him in years to come

Diane Dalrymple–enhancing information literacy

 

The Freeda Foreman Chair in Collaborative and Creative Problem-Solving has been beneficial to both faculty and students at Valencia College. “The process of collaboration between myself, a librarian on east campus, and east campus composition faculty and administration was rewarding and insightful. The endowed chair offered me the opportunity to work with the east campus dean of communications (Dr. Linda Neal) and the composition division chair (Randy Gordon), which I have not had the chance to do in the past,” Diane Dalrymple, east campus librarian, says about her current project.

She brought to these administrators the concept of using a standardized test to measure the level of a Valencia student’s information literacy. In addition, Dalrymple met with classroom faculty who volunteered to offer the test through their classes to describe the test and to answer any questions or concerns they had.

This project was a larger-scale attempt to measure a general education student learning outcome than the assessment tools the librarians have been recently employing. Students polled after taking the tests related that they found the questions very enlightening.

One student responded, “I just do research. I really don’t think about how I do it. Maybe I should.” Another student added, “This was hard. I usually just go to Google to find what I need. I never knew there were special places to go for special facts.”

The results from the test showed that Valencia College students scored above average on understanding economic, legal, and social issues related to information. That is, their understanding of copyright and plagiarism is a much higher level than at comparable schools.

The areas where Valencia student need to improve are in retrieving and evaluating sources. Future students will benefit from these assessment results because faculty and librarians now know where we need to focus our efforts in teaching information literacy.

“My conversations with Dean Neal and Professor Gordon were very enlightening to me. I personally had to think about aspects of program assessment that were new to me because of discerning questions about the standardized testing raised by Dean Neal and Professor Gordon. Their questions included what type of results would be received from the testing, were the results actionable, and were the results linked to particular students in particular classes.”

The questions related to application will be answered in future conversations between the librarians as a group and fellow faculty members and administrators interested in using this type of assessment tool. Currently, future conversations have been scheduled with Dr. Laura Blasi and the Valencia College
Librarians Assessment Committee. The hope is that with the support of Dr. Blasi and the
Assessment Committee to be able to offer open sessions for faculty where the results of the test can be presented and robust conversations can be continued. Some of the assessment changes have been implemented already, and the results of the test as a whole will be shared with classroom faculty this fall.

“This project took a village to accomplish and it will take a village to determine where we go from here.”

Christy Cheney, life skills = travel

Christy Cheney, professor of student life skills, and Jocelyn Morales, counselor, headed up the REACH (Reaching Every Academic Challenge Head On) student experience, traveling to Venice, Italy. The University Club of Orlando Chair in Humanities was key to funding this project.

The REACH student experience was transforming because these students had very little experience traveling and being away from the families, which resulted in more growth and development than we expected. “For example, one student in particular spent time in my [Cheney’s] office (almost daily) preparing for the trip. Through her questions as well as my input on expectations, she felt fully prepared for her travels. Upon arrival at the airport and saying goodbye to her mother and grandmother, it was evident she was nervous and seemed a bit unsure of her decision. She sat right next to me on the plane, but was still connected to her family and friends through her cell phone. Once we departed and arrived in Venice, Italy, her connection seemed intermittent due to lack of WIFI. She seemed apprehensive and concerned that her family would be worried about her, but we reassured her that it would be okay, and to embrace this new opportunity by ‘disconnecting.’”

 

The REACH students roomed together for the first couple of nights, which helped them feel a bit more comfortable, but they were eventually mixed up as they traveled throughout the country. The students quickly realized that the adult leaders were not always available for their every need, and they were forced to break out of their comfort zone and engage with other students on the trip.

The transformation/adaptation to this new environment and cultural experience became apparent as they progressed through their trip. REACH students made new friends, took advantage of their free time in unique ways (from each other) and really explored the cities separately.

 

Jocelyn’s role began in the spring term when she met with them one-on-one at their meetings. In addition, Jocelyn developed a Qualtrics survey to identify student fears and apprehensions. “We knew students were excited about their travels, but we also wanted to know their concerns about leaving the country.”

 

Through Jocelyn’s time with the students over the term and, of course, throughout their travels, a few viewed Jocelyn as a role model and even as an adult family figure. One student in particular didn’t leave her side for a large portion of the trip. In many ways, Jocelyn was her “safety net” and she felt very comfortable as long as she was with her.  Jocelyn slowly “let go” so that the student gained the confidence to experience her travels with her fellow classmates and embrace being in a new place with a set of different values (daily living style). “We could see their growth and development (transformation) by the second half of the trip, and we are incredibly proud of the positive impact this journey had on them.”

In addition, Jocelyn held a session on personality traits, emailed students throughout the term and also called all students (including REACH) to ensure they were prepared for the journey (moral support, tips, etc.).

They also met with the students after the trip was over, looking for additional feedback.

 

rogue scholars rock ‘n roll benefit concert

Rogue Scholars Rock ‘n Roll Benefit Concert
Date: Friday, April 12
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Osceola, Building 1 Auditorium

The Rogue Scholars will present a Rock ‘n Roll Benefit Concert on Friday, April 12 at 7:00 in the Osceola Campus, Building 1 Auditorium. A $5 minimum donation is requested per person for admission.

The April 12 performance is being held in honor of the parent of a Phi Theta Kappa officer who recently passed away after a battle with Amyotrophic Later Sclerosis (ALS). Often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. All proceeds from the concert will be donated to the ALS Association.

This is a Phi Theta Kappa sponsored event. For more information, please contact agroccia@valenciacollege.edu.

earth day 2013 – activities to take place on all campuses

To demonstrate the college’s growing willingness to learn from and act for the environment, Valencia will host Earth Day events on its five campuses this April. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend the festivities.

The Lake Nona Campus will be first to host Earth Day events, which will take place on April 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the courtyard. Student and outside groups will have displays and information on sustainable practices, including the “green features” of the Lake Nona Campus. Smoothies will be served and students can pot a plant to take home. If you have any questions, contact Jason Dodge, coordinator of student development at the Lake Nona Campus, at jdodge4@valenciacollege.edu or 407-582-7122.

West Campus Earth Day is scheduled for April 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the SSB (Student Services Building) Patio. Activities include a Lake Pamela nature walk, and tours of Building 11’s “green features” and the campus chiller plant. A new film on renewable energy titled “Switch” will be shown. Festivities will include games related to recycling, the opportunity to pot a plant to take home, and tutorials on how to calculate your carbon footprint. Displays by different student clubs and outside nonprofits will show how participants can lower their environmental impact through home energy use, transportation and diet. Healthy food will be served, and the Sustainability Committee will be selling plants. If you have any questions, please contact Maeleesa Strong, student development advisor on West Campus, at mstrong3@valenciacollege.edu or 407-582-5515.

Winter Park Earth Day will be on April 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the courtyard. Activities include challenging your recycling knowledge, planting seeds, creating your own recycled bottle cap key chain, a campus-based resource fair that includes information on Energy Efficiency and Transportation, as well as Peer Educator activities. Healthy free food will be available, along with eco-friendly giveaways. For more information, please contact Sunni Prevatt, student development coordinator at the Winter Park Campus, at sfavaliprevatt@valenciacollege.edu or 407-582-6889.

East Campus Earth Day will take place on April 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event, which is sponsored by Valencia Earth Studies Association (VESA) and student development, will include animal exhibits by Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge, and Gatorland. Other displays will be provided by the Sierra Club, Friends of the Wekiva River, Save the Manatee, KELA Energy, and the Florida Native Plant Society. Activities will include a campus nature walk and tour of the greenhouse, music, games, and prizes. Refreshments will be provided by Jeremiah’s Ice and Chai Tea. Students will learn about local and global environmental issues, and how they can reduce their impact on the Earth. If you have any questions, please contact James Adamski, Earth science professor and sponsor of the VESA club, at jadamski1@valenciacollege.edu or (407) 582-2478.

Osceola Campus Earth Day is on April 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Clock Tower. Employees and students are welcome to get started early at 9:00 a.m. to participate in planting three trees near the planned butterfly garden by the Clock Tower. Local utility representatives will have water/electric conservation tips, and local environmental groups will inform participants about Earth friendly practices and how to create a wildlife friendly yard. Information on “green features” that enhance the campus’ new Building 4 will be shared. Students can participate in “recycled bag trash toss,” learn about recycling and plant a seed to take home and grow. Exotic animals ranging from Purse the Alligator to Mindy the Monkey will be on campus. Refreshments will include java chip smoothies. Osceola Campus Earth Day is organized by Valencia Volunteers and student development. Please contact Bernard Huggins, Valencia Volunteer coordinator, at bhuggins5@valenciacollege.edu or 407-582-4952 for more information.

Source: http://thegrove.valenciacollege.edu/earth-day-2013-activities-to-take-place-on-all-campuses/

peace ambassador program kicks off with retreat

By Krystal Pherai and Linnette Bonilla

It was Margaret Mead who asserted, “Never doubt that a small group of dedicated people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has,” and the Peace and Justice Initiative’s (PJI) new core group of student volunteers, known as the Peace and Justice Ambassadors, is doing just that.

On Saturday, February 9, 2013, thirteen students and four faculty/staff members gathered at Valencia’s Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) for the Peace and Justice Ambassadors’ first retreat. The day was centered on three major themes: bonding, exploration, and formation.

Activities began with each participant choosing a partner. The pair would then ask questions about one another that would later be shared with the whole group. During this time, the room was filled with laughter and smiles. After introductions, groups of three were formed to create posters that represented each of the PJI Principles for How We Treat Each Other, a practice of respect and nonviolence. A shared perspective of what the principles meant was drawn, shared, and then displayed on the walls.

Following the principles project was the “Me Bag” activity. Attendees were asked to bring three items from home: one symbolizing their culture, one revealing their connection to Valencia, and one representing what peace and justice means to them.

After lunch, the ambassadors read a Hopi Indian story on teamwork before gathering outside for a team building activity, with the goal of working together to bring a metal pole to the ground using only their fingertips (see photo above). Although this activity may seem simple, each individual was required to work cohesively to reach the goal.

The group then met back inside to create visual depictions of peace and justice. While several different perspectives were shared during this activity, each piece of art carried common themes: unity, community, respect, and equality.

At the end of the day, participants were asked to individually reflect upon the day and write a letter to themselves, which will be mailed back to them at the end of the year as a reminder of the effect the retreat had on their life. For the finale, the participants had dinner at Olympia, a Greek restaurant, where they relaxed, enjoyed each other’s company, and discussed ideas for the future of the Peace and Justice Ambassadors.

Since its formation in 2007, the Peace and Justice Initiative has been heavily supported by faculty and staff at Valencia. The PJI is now happy to say that it is also supported by determined, dedicated, peaceful students.

Check out the Peace and Justice Initiative on Facebook to view more images from the Peace and Justice Ambassador retreat.

This article was contributed by two of the founders of the Peace Ambassadors, Krystal Pherai, staff assistant to the Peace and Justice Initiative, and Linnette Bonilla, Peace and Justice intern and Valencia graduate.

The Peace Ambassadors is a partnership between the Peace and Justice Initiative and the office of diversity and inclusion. A special thanks to Linda Freeman, professor of psychology, Eli Solis, professor of foreign language and peace studies, and Rachel Luce-Hitt, coordinator for the office of diversity and inclusion, for offering their support and guidance in the development of the Peace Ambassadors program. For more information, contact peaceandjustice@valenciacollege.edu.

humanities professor granted an exceptionally rare opportunity

Photo of the Vindolanda Tablets from The British Museum website.

Dr. Jeffery Donley, professor of Humanities on the West Campus,  has been granted special permission and access by the British Museum’s Curator of the Romano-British Collection to translate one of the greatest archaeological finds, the Vindolanda Tablets, which are the oldest surviving, Roman, handwritten documents in ink.

The research archaeologist of The Discovery Programme, an institution for advanced research in archaeology, has welcomed Dr. Donley to meet with him to discuss the archaeological excavations at Vindolanda – where the tablets were discovered – and their most recent research project titled, “The Late Iron Age and Roman Ireland Project.”

Congratulations, Dr. Donley!

Two Winter Park Employees Receive Grapevine Awards

Christina Hollie (right) receiving the Grapevine Award.

Two career staff employees from the Winter Park Campus received the Grapevine Award for the month of January. The award was presented by out-going Career Staff Association (CSA) chair, Peggy Johnson.

Christina Hollie, custodian, was recognized for her consistent and thorough cleaning of the classrooms and labs; efficiency in her job; and helping to keep the campus beautiful and clean. Christina also has a remarkable team spirit, and recently when a co-worker was out on a family crisis,
she cheerfully took on her job responsibilities.

Brian Bellissimo (left) receiving the Grapevine Award.

Brian Bellissimo, ITS technical supervisor, was recognized for his enthusiasm in assisting the campus with computer technology needs. No job is too big or too small for Brian, and he always goes above and beyond the call of duty.

rotary club of winter park hosts chili for charity event

Join the fun as the Rotary Club of Winter park presents Chili for Charity!

Wednesday, February 20 • 5:30 – 8 PM
Winter Park Farmers’ Market
200 W. New England Ave. • Winter Park, FL 32789

Enjoy creative chili dishes from Winter
Park area restaurants and caterers, as
well as beer, wine and desserts

Entertainment by Papa Jack Express

Live Auction at 6:45 PM
All-inclusive tickets $25 in advance

$30 at the door
Ten tickets available for $225

Tickets and information at
www.chiliforcharity.org

Net proceeds benefit Rotary Club of
Winter Park Charitable Foundation, Inc.
for distribution to local charities

2013 Chili Flyer with Registration Form

valencia to hold free tax preparation clinics at east campus

Valencia College accounting students and professors will be offering free tax help to the public on selected Saturdays during February, March and April at the college’s East campus.

The tax help is free and open to anyone, but preference will be given to senior citizens, the disabled and low-income individuals. The volunteer tax preparers will be e-filing (electronically filing returns) for free.

At East Campus, the tax sessions will be held on selected Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Building 7, rooms 113 and 117. The sessions will be held on Feb. 9, Feb. 16, Feb. 23, March 16, March 30, April 6 and April 13.

The East Campus is located at 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando. For more information about the East Campus tax preparation sessions, call 407-582-2849.

Those interested in getting tax help are asked to bring the following:

• All W-2, W-2G and Social Security statements
• 1099s, 1099R, interest and dividend statements
• Documentation to show other income
• Total day-care costs and day-care provider’s tax ID number
• Copy of last year’s return, if available
• Social Security cards for you, your dependents and/or spouse
• Driver’s license or photo ID for you and your spouse
• Proof of bank account for direct deposit of refund (a voided check, for example)

A complete list of materials needed is available at http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers

Source: http://news.valenciacollege.edu

 

learn how sunrail can help your commute

Over the next several weeks a series of Lunch & Learn (bag lunch) presentations will be given by SunRail’s public involvement team, and will provide a basic overview of the SunRail project. One of the SunRail stations will be only a few blocks from the Winter Park Campus. These workshops will show how SunRail can save the average commuter hundreds of dollars a month compared to commuting by car. Attending one of these workshops presents an opportunity to communicate our needs as potential users to SunRail staff.

All Sunrail presentations will be from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on the following dates.

• February 11   – West Campus, 6-202
• February 13   – East Campus, 3-113
• March 11   – Winter Park Campus, Room 242
• March 14   – Osceola Campus, 4-308
• March 18   – Lake Nona Campus, Room TBD

In conjunction with the SunRail workshops, presenters from ReThink Your Commute will be on hand to explain how to use this program to find a ride-match for carpooling to campus. For further information about the workshops, contact Deborah Green, director of sustainability at dgreen1@valenciacollege.edu.

valencia wins green building award for west campus university center

ORLANDO – The United States Green Building Council’s Central Florida Chapter has awarded Valencia College a “Building of the Year LEEDership Award” for 2012 for the college’s University Center, a joint-use facility that Valencia shares with University of Central Florida (UCF) on Valencia’s West Campus.

The award was made to college representatives at the annual LEEDership banquet at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel on Jan. 17.

Recognized as the chapter’s “New Construction Small Project of the Year Award,” University Center is a three-story, 100,000 square-foot building on Valencia’s West Campus, located at 1800 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando.  The $23 million facility opened in August 2010 with more than 40 classrooms, a state-of-the-art testing center, computer labs, study rooms, faculty offices and a cafe. Study rooms are filled with natural light and offer sweeping views of the campus.

The principal architect was Nathan Butler of the firm C.T. Hsu + Associates.

The building has many sustainable features, including:

• The building’s orientation and outer shell capitalize on the use of daylight.
• The building uses 28.5 percent less energy than a conventional building, so the college spends about $35,000 less on energy costs each year.
•  16% of the building’s electricity comes from a photovoltaic array on the roof.
• Potable water use is 48.4% below similar buildings.
• More than 300 tons of construction waste was recycled.

The LEEDership award, Valencia College’s first, was accepted by Lamar Powers, Valencia’s facilities director and project manager for the University Center, and Helene Loiselle, Valencia’s assistant vice president for facilities and sustainability.

Valencia College’s commitment to “green building” extends to its renovations as well as new building, and the college’s facilities department continues renovating to improve energy efficiency and create a healthy environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Valencia College has constructed six new buildings since its 2006 commitment to build only to LEED Silver or above, or the equivalent. The first three were built on West Campus in 2009 and 2010, and each was awarded LEED Gold certification.

In 2012, Valencia opened three more buildings. Two (the Lake Nona Center and Building 10 on West Campus) were certified as Three Green Globes, which is equivalent to LEED Gold.  The third, Building 4 on Osceola Campus, is anticipated to be certified LEED Gold. Building 4, which is Valencia’s largest building at 150,000 square feet, was completed in December 2012 and opened for classes in January 2013.

All six of college’s new buildings include extensive energy-efficiency features, which lower their operating costs.

Source: http://news.valenciacollege.edu/

black advisory committee honors eighteen valencia students

On Friday, December 7, 2012, the Black Advisory Committee (BAC) held its 36^th annual Incentive Awards to recognize the achievement of Valencia students who are succeeding in school and life, despite the adversity and personal challenges they face.

To be eligible for the BAC award, students must be nominated by faculty or staff, have completed at least 12 hours of course work at Valencia with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better, and be seeking an A.A. or A.S. degree.

This year, eight students were selected as award recipients and were presented with an etched glass picture frame and a check for $400 dollars, and 10 nominees were presented with gift cards to the Valencia Bookstore.

This year’s honorees are:

Award Recipients: Doris Beccara (A.A. General Studies); Daniel Hatcher (A.A. General Studies); Thomas Howard (A.A. General Studies); Adonis Labady (A.S. Nursing); Steven Patterson (A.A. General Studies); Lecia Paul (A.S. Business Management, Marketing & Administration); Angel Sanchez (A.S. Paralegal Studies and A.A. General Studies), Sharrina Ward (A.S. Radiology).

Nominees: Nadirah Burgess-Gutierrez, Tashawna Hannam, Stephen Hernandez, Colon Jones, Agueda S. Alfonso Martin, Grevener Mertune, Hieu T. Nguyen, Graham Oakley, Giancarrios Toro-Caraballo, Angel Troncoso .

For questions about the event, please contact Deborah Xavier at dxavier3@valenciacollege.edu or at extension 8054.

new buildings open on west and osceola campuses

As a new semester begins, Valencia campuses continue growing to accommodate the learning needs of thousands of students. While Osceola opens what is now Valencia’s largest building, Building 4, West Campus opens Building 10 – the new home to the office for information technology (OIT), Continuing Education, and assessment and institutional effectiveness.

With the move of Continuing Education (formerly Valencia Enterprises) to Building 10, Valencia will no longer lease Sand Lake Center, which the college had occupied since 2004.

Building 10 cost $13.3 million, and will house classrooms, technology labs, a testing center and a state-of-the-art space designed to promote creative discourse and collaboration.

The 60,000-square-foot building was created by the design-build team of SchenkelShultz Architecture and McCree General Contractors, both of Orlando.

Osceola Building 4 is 150,000 square feet, cost $35 million to construct, and will be shared with the University of Central Florida (UCF). It is home to a new campus library, as well as a cafeteria and bookstore – both of which were formerly operated out of portables.

At a time when state officials are urging more students to study STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – Osceola’s new building is designed for science education. The 10 science labs will enable more class offerings in biology, chemistry and physics.

While the third and fourth floors are devoted to science classrooms and labs, much of the first floor is dedicated to learning support.  The building also includes some unique features, such as a video room with a green-screen wall where students and faculty members can create their own videos.

Osceola Building 4 was designed by Hunton-Brady Architects. Clancy & Theys was the contractor.

they’re all heart: behind the scenes at valencia’s cardiovascular technology program

Inside the cardiac catheterization classroom at Valencia College, Professor Polly Keller spends her days trying to stump her students.

The students, who are studying to become cardiovascular technicians, are learning how to help cardiologists perform life-saving procedures – putting stents in patients’ arteries, inserting catheters and balloons and implanting pacemakers.

And because they have patients’ lives in their hands, Keller pushes her students hard.

Using a computerized mannequin, she simulates the worst possible scenarios that a student might encounter when trying to help a patient with heart problems:  A patient who’s allergic to the contrast dye injected into his veins; a patient who goes into anaphylactic shock; a patient who starts hemorrhaging during a procedure;  or a patient whose kidneys begin to fail.

“Our goal is to simulate every complication they’ll encounter in a hospital,” says Keller, professor of cardiovascular technology. “We want them to be prepared for every scenario.”

For students in the program, the instructors’ scenarios are a challenge. “We love problem-solving,” said Nalini Ghisiawan, a second-year student who transferred from the University of Florida into Valencia’s CVT program “We love hands-on work.”

 

And it’s that kind of problem-solving attitude that students need to excel as a cardiovascular technologist, Keller says.  While many of the students in the program started out as nursing majors, they gravitated toward CVT for different reasons.  Some decided that nursing wasn’t for them, while the more technically-oriented work of a CVT fit their personalities better. Some are adrenaline junkies – excited by the prospect of working in an environment as demanding and fast-paced as an emergency room.

Oria Marrero, 27, was working at an Orlando cardiology group, scheduling patient surgeries, when she decided to go back to college. In anatomy class, she knew that becoming a cardiovascular tech suited her – especially when her class began studying different organs. “When they teach you the different organs, the heart was the only one that I really found cool,” she says. “I’m not attracted to the lungs and other organs.”

It’s high-stress and hard work, but the students who stay in the program tend to be detail oriented (though some may describe themselves as “anal”), and visual learners. They are also happy to be studying and preparing for a career that will keep them busy – and challenge them every day.

Graduates of the two-year program earn $22 to $25 an hour or about $60,000 a year upon graduation. And last year, 100 percent of the program’s graduates found jobs – most working in catheterization labs at Central Florida hospitals.

“People in this field are constantly learning something new,” says Keller. “The equipment’s always changing.”

During the two-year program, students not only take classes and practice in Valencia’s cath lab, but they also must spend at least 800 hours working in cardiac cath labs at area hospitals. These “clinical rotations” allow students to learn at the side of other cardiovascular technicians and cardiologists.

As CVTs, they work side by side with cardiologists.

And, just as a caddy anticipates what golf club a golfer wants, the CVT anticipates what the cardiologist will do next – and is ready with the correct catheter or guide wire or equipment.  “At that table, you’re like husband and wife,” says Marrero.

And eventually, cardiologists often turn to CVTs for advice. “They earn respect from the physicians.  There will come a point when a cardiologist will turn to them and say, ‘How does Doctor So-and-So do this?’” says Keller. “They ask the CVTs because the CVTs perform these procedures all day long, every day.”

The respect from the physicians is gratifying, but it’s the joy of seeing the patients – before and afterward – that excites these students.

Moise Louis, also in his second year in Valencia’s CVT program, says there’s no greater feeling than watching a patient perk up within minutes after a stent is placed. Someone who has been drained of color and is listless often feels better – and looks better —  immediately after blood begins flowing through what was once a blocked artery.

“That’s what’s so wonderful about this field,” he says. “And patients and their families thank you for saving their lives.”

Source: Linda Shrieves Beaty, Marketing and Strategic Communications, Valencia College; Valencia News; http://news.valenciacollege.edu

governor scott visits valencia; challenges colleges to produce $10,000 degrees

 

Gov. Rick Scott visited Valencia College’s Lake Nona Campus on Monday, Nov. 26, and issued a challenge to the state’s two-year colleges: Create bachelor’s degree programs that will cost students $10,000 or less.

“I am issuing a challenge to our state colleges to find innovative ways to offer a bachelor’s degree at a cost of just $10,000 in fields that will provide graduates with the best opportunity for employment,” Scott said.

At Valencia, the governor was met by the presidents of several area colleges, who said they are working on such programs.

“Governor, you have come to the right place,” said Dr. Sandy Shugart, president of Valencia College.  “We in the community college system care about affordability.”

Shugart noted that while the cost of tuition has skyrocketed in the private sector over the past 40 years, community colleges have raised tuition only 1 percent, when prices are adjusted for inflation.

To answer the governor’s challenge, Valencia officials are planning to cut the cost of a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering technology to under $10,000 — which they would do by steeply discounting tuition in the final year of the program for students who qualify. The idea, said Shugart, is to provide incentive for students to stay in college and earn their degree. The electrical and computer engineering technology program, which is based on Valencia’s West Campus, is one of two bachelor’s degree programs that Valencia offers.

At Monday’s press conference, other college presidents also offered up the outline of basic plans. At Seminole State College, president Ann McGee said her college will offer a bachelor’s degree in construction for under $10,000, and will fund the cost cuts by using scholarship money provided by local industry. At Daytona State College, officials said that if students come to college with 15 college credits already — earned through dual enrollment or Advanced Placement classes taken during high school — they could earn any of the college’s bachelor’s degree programs for under $10,000.

Valencia’s B.S. in electrical and computer engineering technology was developed in partnership with local engineering professionals and industries to prepare engineering technologists for the growing number of jobs that deal with application, manufacturing, implementation, engineering operation and production — as opposed to the conceptual design and research functions performed by certified professional engineers. Engineering technologists translate the plans and designs of an engineer into actual products and technologies related to robots and robotic devices, space communication systems, lasers and electro-optical devices, telecommunication systems, navigation systems, wireless and mobile networks, power plants, fuel and solar energy cells, transportation systems and many more.

The Labor Market Statistics Center of the Florida Department of Education projects there will be more than 450 openings annually for electrical engineers and engineering technologists in 2013. And earnings for graduates in that sector are high. In 2010 (the most recent data available),Valencia students who graduated with an Associate in Science degree in electrical engineering technology earned an average of $57,448, according to the Florida Education and Training Placement Information Program.

Employers who have hired Valencia graduates applaud the college’s plans.

“We are pleased to learn that Valencia College will be offering even more affordable opportunities for students to earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering technology,” said Alex Fong, senior vice president of Gooch and Housego,which manufactures precision optical components. “At a time when many college graduates are struggling to find jobs, engineering, particularly electrical and computer engineering with a specialization such as photonics offers graduates tremendous opportunities.  In fact, at Gooch and Housego, we’ve hired recent Valencia grads and we look forward to working with Valencia graduates in the future. Moreover, these are skills that can be applied and are needed in a broad variety of industries. Training in engineering sciences provides incredible flexibility in terms of career options and is a great return on investment!”

Source: Linda Shrieves Beaty, Marketing and Strategic Communications, Valencia College; Valencia News; http://news.valenciacollege.edu

2012 veterans day activities

 

This year Veterans Day is on Monday, November 12, and to celebrate our veterans – students and employees – each campus is hosting appreciation events throughout the next two weeks.

Valencia is home to the second largest enrollment of veterans among Florida’s 28 state colleges, second only to Florida State College in Jacksonville, home of the Mayport Naval Station. We provide veterans services on all campuses, including assistance with VA benefits, student support, workshops and activities.

This September, Valencia made a military-friendly schools list, honoring the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members and veterans as students and ensure their success on campus.

Show your appreciation for our veterans by attending one of the many events on campus this year.

Thursday, November 8
West Campus Veterans Day Celebration
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: SSB Patio

A flag ceremony will be held to recognize fallen soldiers, and will include the flag that flew over the U.S.S. Arizona at Pearl Harbor. Sergeant Anthony Cali a student veteran has been selected to play Taps and give remarks, he has been deployed to Iraq three times and is currently a Florida National Guard Reservist. Representatives from all branches from the armed forces and the Orange County Veterans services office will be present. Any veteran who arrives at 12:00 p.m. will be invited to participate in a group photo that will be posted on Valencia’s Facebook page. For more information please contact Anthony Cali at acala@mail.valenciacollege.edu or at extension 1159.

Monday, November 12
East Campus Veterans Day Celebration
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: East Campus Mall Area

The East Campus celebration will include food tables, a DJ, and the Color Guard. The East Campus SGA president will give a speech. Songs, including the National Anthem will be sung, and there will be a slide show of Veterans. Service members are invited to pick up ribbons to wear throughout the week, and goody bags will also be given out.

Osceola Veterans Breakfast
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Location: Osceola Campus

Osceola’s SGA will be hosting a breakfast for all Veterans at the Osceola Campus.

Lake Nona Salutes Veterans Day
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Lake Nona, Little Bean Café and the Information Station

American flag pins will be distributed at the Information Station. Also, those who are wearing red, white, or blue, or a pin will be eligible for a free coffee, tea, or muffin from the Lake Nona Little Bean Café (limited to the first 100 people).

Veterans Awareness Information Table
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Winter Park, Portico

Themed refreshments will be offered, including cupcakes and Gatorade. American flags, and “Valencia Supports Veterans” ribbons for each branch will be offered. There will be information resources for Veterans, as well as Veteran’s Jeopardy, and a memory/message board for Veterans or anyone who knows or supports a Veteran to write messages on and sign.

Recognition of Veterans and Reception
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Osceola Campus, Clock Tower

The recognition event will feature local Civil Air Patrol Cadets and local high school ROTC students. There will also be a keynote presentation by Jasmin Cruz, a current Valencia employee who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps. The reception following the event will be held in the Exhibition Hall. There will also be a panel discussion by our student and employee veterans in the Auditorium from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday November 13
Morning Stretch and PT Cadence Run
Time: 7:00 a.m.
Location: CJI

Put yourself in their shoes, and experience a taste of what it’s like to train in our military. Wear comfortable clothing and get ready to sweat!

Greeting Cards for Soldiers
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Osceola Campus, Atrium

Tables will be set up in the Atrium for students and employees to create greeting cards that will be sent to soldiers serving overseas during the holiday season.

Wednesday, November 14
Morning Stretch and PT Cadence Run
Time: 7:00 a.m.
Location: CJI

Put yourself in their shoes, and experience a taste of what it’s like to train in our military. Wear comfortable clothing and get ready to sweat!

Thursday, November 15
Drill and Ceremony Demonstrations (Tentative)
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: East Campus Mall Area

Veterans 5k Walk/Run
Date: Thursday November 15
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Osceola Campus, Clock Tower

Come show your support for veterans by participating in this 5k walk/run! This event is free and is open for veterans and non-veterans alike, students, staff and community members. Team Red, White and Blue (RWB) is helping to coordinate the run. Their mission “is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.” To learn more about this organization visit their website http://teamrwb.org/.

Military Ball (Tentative)
Time: TBD
Location: West Campus, SEC

Friday, November 16
Hand to Hand Combative Level 1: CJI Defensive Tactics Area Obstacle Course
Location: CJI

Saturday, November 17
Ruck Sack March for Camaraderie Foundation
Time: 7:00 a.m.
Location: UCF

Participants will choose from a three, six, or 12-mile March with a 45 pound Ruck Sack.

valencia college receives grant to train workers for high-skill jobs

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded Valencia College and a consortium of Florida community colleges $15 million to develop training programs to help fill the shortage of skilled workers needed by the state’s manufacturing industry.

The Florida consortium project, which is being led by officials at St. Petersburg College, is called Florida TRADE (Transforming Resources for Accelerated Degrees & Employment) in Advanced Manufacturing.

For its role, Valencia will receive $683,412 in funding to create a program that will be aimed at veterans and the unemployed. In partnership with Workforce Central Florida, Valencia officials will create a series of online classes and certifications to provide workers with the basic skills they need to work in high-end manufacturing.

“The grant is about closing the gap – getting skilled manufacturing workers to employers,” said Carolyn McMorran of Valencia’s Continuing Education program. “We want to take these people, especially veterans, and train them in manufacturing. The kind of work that they’ll be doing is not your grandfather’s factory job. It’s automation; it’s simulation. It’s very high tech.”

One of the certification programs being developed is a new credential created by the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council. After completing that certificate program, a student will be considered a “certified production technician” and Valencia and Workforce Central Florida will help connect the graduates with local employers.

Local manufacturers looking for high-skilled workers include a global medical-device manufacturer that uses computerized machines to create radiation therapy equipment.

Valencia plans to hire a grant coordinator in June 2013 and college officials plan to start training classes in fall 2013. Workforce Central Florida, as a central partner in the project, will recruit participants and serve as case managers during the program, while Valencia will provide the training. Over the course of the three-year grant, Valencia plans to train about 200 workers.

The grants are part of a $2 billion, four-year initiative that the federal government kicked off last year. The Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative focuses on training workers in fields such as advanced manufacturing, transportation, health care, as well as science, technology, engineering and math careers. The grants are being administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education.

Nationally, 297 colleges are receiving grants as part of the program.

“The beauty of this program is that all of our grantees have formed strategic partnerships with local employers,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, in announcing the grant. “With these moneys, schools can develop training programs that will help grow the most promising local industries. They can invest in staff and education resources and provide students with access to free, digital learning materials. All of the course materials developed through these grants will be available for use by other education providers through a Creative Commons license.”

St. Petersburg College will serve as the lead college and grant administrator. Other participating state colleges are: Broward College, Daytona State College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Gulf Coast College, Hillsborough Community College, Polk State College and Tallahassee Community College.

Statewide, the consortium has lined up partnerships with more than 35 employers , including Florida Power & Light, Jabil Circuit, ConMed Livatec, AO Precision Manufacturing, Belcan Engineering Group and Rybovich Yachts.

Source: Linda Shrieves Beaty, Marketing and Strategic Communications, Valencia College; Valencia News; http://news.valenciacollege.edu

register now for the 2012 UCREW event

WHO: College students interested in or pursuing career opportunities in commercial real estate.

WHEN: Saturday, November 3, 2012
Check-in: 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Program: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: TLC Engineering for Architecture
Magic Room – 11th Floor
255 South Orange Ave, Ste 1600
Orlando, FL 32801

WHY: Have you ever considered a career as one of the following: interior designer, attorney, banker, broker, marketing consultant, architect, engineer, property manager, operations supervisor, business manager or environmental consultant? If so, join us for this year’s 2012 UCREW interactive program as we introduce young women in Central Florida to the exciting career possibilities surrounding commercial real estate. This event will allow participants to hear first-hand from working professionals as they detail their roles in this cutting edge industry and learn from their experience on how to take the first steps towards a successful career. Guests will be able to network with CREW professionals, learn about internship opportunities with various companies and take a tour of the construction of the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Orlando.

COST: FREE! Continental breakfast and snacks will be provided.

HOW: If you are interested in participating, please click here:
http://tinyurl.com/UCREW12P

Sign up as a sponsor online here:
http://tinyurl.com/UCREW12S

Questions, please contact:

Christyne Albury
407.237.1737
christyne.albury@suntrust.com

 

valencia recognized for accelerating latino student success

Valencia was recently selected as the 2012 Example of Excelencia honoree at the associate level for our work to accelerate Latino student success in higher education through the DirectConnect program.

Examples of Excelencia is a data-driven initiative that recognizes programs and departments with evidence of effectiveness in accelerating Latino student success at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.

“This honor is recognition of Valencia’s commitment to Latino student success by building pathways for students to complete a bachelor’s degree,” explained Joyce Romano, vice president of student affairs.

The DirectConnect to the University of Central Florida (UCF) initiative is designed to build pathways, reduce barriers and encourage student success. Since the program began in 2006, Valencia Latino student transfer to UCF has increased by 300%, while the number of Valencia transfer students who complete a bachelor’s degree from UCF has increased by 200%.

“DirectConnect includes specific advising, communication, and process improvement to make it easier for students to transfer to UCF,” Joyce said. “Curriculum alignment and course planning makes Valencia graduates’ transition to UCF more successful.”

As a result of this recognition, Valencia’s DirectConnect profile will be included in the 2012 edition of What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education: Examples of Excelencia Compendiumand in the Growing What Works database. The college will also receive a check for $5,000.

On Wednesday, October 3, Joyce will represent Valencia and the entire DirectConnect to UCF initiative on a panel at the Accelerating Latino Student Success Workshop in Washington, D.C.

progress energy 2+2 scholarship – $4,275 annually

Progress Energy is boosting access to female students who would like a career in the engineering field. So to serve the needs of our community, this generous donor is looking for female, engineering majors in Orange or Osceola counties. Students must demonstrate financial need and students must be at least 19 years of age or older to be considered.

The scholarship is a 2+2 allowing students to study for two-years at Valencia and two-years at the University of Central Florida to earn a bachelors.

Don’t delay – apply TODAY!

valencia coming to lake nona medical city

Valencia College will soon open its fifth campus in Lake Nona Medical City, where it will train students for careers in the life sciences, as well as offer traditional coursework toward the associate degree. Although the fall semester officially begins Aug. 27, student services staff will be available to help students starting Aug. 20.

The three-story, 83,000 square-foot building replaces shared space at nearby Lake Nona High School, and is the first of four buildings proposed for the branch campus. This month, the campus received its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

When the new campus opens, it will feature 18 “smart” classrooms, six science labs—including a biotech lab—a library, a bookstore, small café and student services offices. Sitting areas throughout are meant to encourage studying in groups, catching up with friends, or just contemplating the third-floor view of Lake Whippoorwill.

But the primary focus—at least for campus leaders—will be on math and science. And students seem to be responding, with those courses filling up as fast as the college can offer them.

Teaching part-time are four scientists who work in Medical City labs. Other scientists will be invited to campus to share their research projects with students in a monthly lunchtime series called “Hungry Minds.”

“We are also in the process of developing a Life Sciences Institute,” said Michael Bosley, executive dean of the Lake Nona Campus, “and are exploring opportunities for collaborations with UCF’s College of Medicine, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, the Orlando VA Medical Center, and the University of Florida Academic & Research Center.”

Together with Valencia’s Osceola Campus, a new Associate in Science degree in biotechnology is planned for the fall of 2013 and programs in physical and occupational therapy are also in the works.

Valencia has offered college courses in a wing of Lake Nona High School since 2009, both to the general community and through its Collegiate Academy, where high school students can enroll in advanced placement and dual enrollment courses leading to an Associate in Arts degree. As of last spring, there were 400 students enrolled in the Collegiate Academy, up from 33 two years ago.

Built at a cost of $21.7 million by the design-build team of SchenkelShultz Architecture and PPI Construction, the campus features an environmentally friendly design. “Green” features include energy saving lights and air conditioning, reflective roofing materials, recycled construction materials and native landscaping that requires very little piped irrigation. It is slated to achieve a Level 2 Green Globes Certification based on specifications set by Green Building Initiatives, a Portland, Oregon based non-profit.

The Lake Nona Campus website has construction updates and additional information: http://valenciacc.edu/lakenona/

purchase tickets online now!

Tickets to attend A Taste for Learning are available for purchase online!

Join us as vintners from around the world serve their finest wines, complemented by exquisite cuisine from local chefs.Tempting auction items will include everything from travel to truffles, wine and wild nights out. There’s something for everyone!

The event will be held on September 15, 2012 at Rosen Shingle Creek and reduced room rates will be available for guests! To purchase you tickets to this exciting event, follow the link below:

https://donate.valencia.org/taste

To book your room accommodations, follow the link below:

https://booking.ihotelier.com/istay/istay.jsp?groupID=816162&hotelID=6840

silent auction sneak peek!

Thanks to the generous support from local organizations, this year’s silent auction at A Taste for Learning is sure to be memorable! Check out some of the great items you’ll be able to bid on:

Hotel Stay in Cancun, Mexico for 4 people
Orlando Magic Team Autographed Basketball
High Performance Glider Flight Experience
Hotel Stay at the Grand Bohemian Celebration
Grand Pines Golf Club Foursome
60 Day Golf Membership at Tuscawilla Country Club
4Rivers Sandwich a Week Gift Basket
Tampa Bay Rays Fan Pack
Richard Petty Driving Experience
90 Minute Massage at Euro Day Spa
Disney Park Hopper Passes
Busch Gardens Tickets

If you are interested in donating a silent auction item OR if you’d like to purchase tickets to attend the event, you can access more information at www.ATasteforLearning.com.

valencia magic scholarship

Valencia Magic Scholarship Recipient – Davon Sherman

There was something truly amazing that I was able to be a part of yesterday. The Orlando Magic Youth Fund and McCormick Foundation have created a new scholarship for Valencia College students.

Three deserving high school seniors were selected to begin their educational journey at Valencia beginning the 2012-13 academic year. Each student received a two year scholarship in the amount of $6,000.

Valencia Magic Scholarship Recipient – Joan Marcelin

As we surprised each student in their classrooms, hallways and at lunch each moment was a great experience. To see the joy and excitement on their faces, is a memory that I will take with me for year’s to come. What a fabulous way to start the week!

Valencia Magic Scholarship Recipient – Shaiquan Williams

Edgewater H.S. student Davon Sherman will attend Valencia College and plans to study creative writing or journalism; Joan Marcelin (Evans H.S.) will attend Valencia College and plans to study business or hospitality; Boone H.S. student Shaiquan Williams will attend Valencia College in the area of gaming.

students support from brazilian film festival

Brazilian Film Festival Student Volunteers

This past February Valencia College was taken on a brief adventure to Brazil during the 5th Annual Brazilian Film Festival. Over the course of eight days students, faculty, and members of the community enjoyed 5 films picked by Professor Richard Sansone along with renowned Brazilian filmmakers Elisa Tolomelli and Malu de Martino. In addition to these films attendees also partook in Brazilian sweets, listened to traditional Brazilian music, and even purchased commemorative t-shirts to help raise funds for a student trip to Brazil. This event was made possible through the support of Valencia’s Student Development Office and through a partnership with the Central Florida Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce.

In 2008 Sansone was inspired by his students to help spread Brazilian heritage and traditions to the Valencia community. When asked why he thinks this festival is a valuable experience for students and employees, Sansone stated, “It is my hope that the viewers will take away a broader and richer understanding of the Brazilian reality, and that it may inspire them to return to see more films, to study Portuguese, and to better understand marvelous Brazil.”

Professor Sansone believes that learning about a people’s culture goes hand-in-hand with learning their language. To help students gain a better understanding of both, he leads study abroad trips to Brazil and also organizes the annual Valencia Brazilian Film Festival. Currently, Sansone is working on creating a more immersive study abroad experience for Valencia students, where they’ll be able to attend a Brazilian university and live with local families during their stay.

Through the efforts of Sansone and student volunteers, they were able to raise $270 towards a scholarship for student travel to Brazil which will give students the opportunity to truly learn more about the Brazilian language and culture and experience all that Brazil has to offer.

fafsa frenzy february (cont…)

More and more students need financial aid to pay for college. Simplifying the process is the purpose of a month-long event dubbed FAFSA Frenzy February. Valencia’s financial aid experts will assist students one-on-one with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA, whether they are first-time applicants or are reapplying for next year.

Those students who complete their FAFSA on site are also eligible to enter a drawing to win one of three laptop computers. Attendance at Valencia is not required to participate in the event or the drawing.

FAFSA Frenzy events have been scheduled for the following locations and dates:

Feb. 22, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., East Campus, Bldg. 4, Rm. 122

There are a number of documents students will need to bring with them, including a social security card, driver’s license and proof of 2011 income. If they are dependents, they will need to bring the same information for their parent or guardian.

For details and to register visit valenciacollege.edu/fafsafrenzy.

This event was made possible with support from Valencia’s Student Development office, Bank of America and USA Funds^®, a nonprofit organization that helps American families benefit from postsecondary education.

Valencia participates in most federal, state, and local financial aid programs, awarding over $192 million each year to students. Approximately 54 percent of Valencia students receive financial aid. Among those students is the largest enrollment of Bright Futures recipients among Florida State Colleges.

student shares her gratitude

I would like to say THANK YOU so much for sponsoring this trip as a scholarship donor. I can’t express enough how much I am truly grateful for this wonderful opportunity to be a part of something so amazing here at Valencia such as the study abroad program. This will be an experience that I will be happy to share with not only my family but to my friends, current and future classmates.

Coming from a single parent household and being the oldest of 5 kids I have never had the opportunity that I have now to travel, I’ve always had to work to help my mother provide for my other siblings so there was never any time or room for me to explore or to enjoy going on vacations.

Again, I am truly thankful for this opportunity, this is the confidence that I needed to push me to continue to work hard. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

A. Austin
2011/12 Study Abroad Scholarship Recipient

fafsa fenzy february – west campus

Where: Valencia College West Campus, Student Services Building (SSB), Room 142
1800 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando Florida

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Get the experts to help you fill out the FAFSA so that you can get money for college.

In order to receive financial aid, you must submit a FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) each year. Let Valencia’s financial aid experts assist you with the process. Help is available for first-time applicants and those who are updating their information/renewing their application.

Participants will have the chance to WIN A LAPTOP. There will be three giveaways per campus event. You must complete the FAFSA onsite to be entered to win.

What to bring with you to the event:

1. 2011 Income information (taxable and untaxed income)
2. Social Security Card
3. Driver’s License
4. Alien Registration Card (eligible non-citizens)
5. Your parent and your parent’s information for question 1, 2 and 3 (if you are a dependent student)
6. Your FAFSA application PIN #. Get yours online at www.pin.ed.gov (before or during the event)

For more information, visit: valenciacollege.edu/fafsafrenzy or call 407-299-5000, ext. 3.

women behind liberia’s peace movement inspire students and faculty

The scenes were heartbreaking. Little boys carrying guns, bragging about how many people they’d killed. Children on crutches, missing limbs that had been chopped off by soldiers. Women recounting how their husbands were killed and their daughters raped by soldiers.

All were victims of a civil war that raged in Liberia for 14 years. The war engulfed the nation and destroyed families — until ordinary women banded together to demand peace.

More than 150 students, faculty and members of the public gathered at Valencia’s West Campus on Jan. 26 to watch and discuss ”Pray the Devil Back to Hell,” an award-winning documentary that tells the gripping account of a brave group of women whose sit-ins and demonstrations finally led to peace for their war-torn country.

The leader of that movement, Leymah Roberts Gbowee, was one of the three women who won the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize. Gbowee helped organize the women’s Mass Action Campaign, which started in one community and spread to over 50 communities across Liberia. They dressed in white T-shirts and white headbands and confronted warlords, demanding peace. They sat in the sun and rain in markets and on the sides of roads, demanding that leaders listen. 

When peace talks in nearby Ghana stalled, the women protesters surrounded the building, linking arms and refusing to let the different parties leave until they hammered out an agreement. Finally, after more than two years of protests, President Charles Taylor was exiled and the West African nation elected a new president,  Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female president in Africa.

The one-hour documentary, which has won a string of awards at film festivals around the world, is an uplifting look at how ordinary people can band together to change the world.

After watching the 60-minute documentary, students and members of the public participated in a discussion led by Agnes Kamara-Umunna, a Liberian radio host and author of the book, “And Still Peace Did Not Come: A Memoir of Reconciliation.”

Umunna, whose visit was part of a three-day residency called “Conversation on Compassion,” served as a statement taker for the Liberia Truth and Reconciliation Commission after that country’s brutal civil war. In Liberia, she works with the child soldiers who were co-opted to fight in the war — but who have been rejected by their families and much of Liberian society. They are victims too, said Umunna.

Many now live on the streets of Monrovia, homeless, doing drugs and drinking alcohol, though Umunna has built a center in Monrovia, Liberia’s capital, to help them. “I talk to them, one-on-one,” she told the audience. “It’s hard…. Because these kids are ex-fighters, nobody wants to donate money to help them.”

Although Liberia has made progress, she warned the audience that the peace there is fragile. ”We are sitting on a time bomb right now. There is real tension between the presidential candidates,” Umunna said. (Because no candidate received a majority of the votes in the presidential election held in October, a run-off election was held in November — and president Sirleaf won the runoff, but the results have been contested by her opponent.)

For audience members, the film was touching and inspiring. ”These women were heroes,” said Valencia student Juanita Islam. “I don’t know if I could have done that.”

But the discussion, and the failure of the West to intervene in a war that ravaged the country, was eye-opening to many. ”We say that Hitler and Stalin and Mussolini could not happen today,” said Valencia student Kris Boodooram, “but why didn’t anyone stop these men (in Liberia)? This happened in this millennium.”

The event was sponsored by Valencia’s Peace and Justice Initiative, the Global Peace Film Festival and the West Campus Human Empathy & Rights Organization.

Source: Linda Shrieves Beaty

fafsa frenzy february

Interested in a new laptop computer? Sure you are!

Register today for FAFSA Frenzy February – a program offered by Valencia’s financial aid department to educate students about the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA), college goal sunday in Florida, veteran’s affairs and much more.

So why should you attend? A FAFSA must be submitted every year to receive financial aid. Applying early can increase your financial aid award and you’ll have experts in this department to assist you! Drawings for laptops will occur for students who complete their FAFSA onsite.

Help is available on the following campuses, dates and times:

West Campus
Student Services Building (SSB), Room 142
February 8, 2012
1:00-7:00 p.m.

Osceola Campus
Building 3, Room 100
February 17, 2012
10:00-7:00 p.m.

East Campus
Building 4, Room 122
February 22, 2012
1:00-7:00 p.m.

What are you waiting for? Visit http://valenciacollege.edu/finaid/fafsafrenzy.cfm to register today!

orlando declares monday ‘valencia college day’

Orlando Declares Monday ‘Valencia College Day’

In honor of Valencia College winning the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the Orlando City Commission on Jan. 9 paid tribute to the college that has been recognized as being the top two-year college in the nation.

“They were not named one of the best community colleges in the nation, but the best, number one community college in the entire nation,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said, proclaiming that Jan. 9 would be recognized as Valencia College Day in the city of Orlando.

Last month, Valencia was named the winner of the inaugural Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. The award comes with $600,000 in prize money.

During Monday’s city commission meeting, Dyer and members of the commission said the nation is finally discovering what they’ve known for a long time: the excellent reputation of Valencia.

“Congratulations to Valencia College,” said Commissioner Samuel B. Ings. “It was Valencia Community College when I was there and graduated from Valencia in the 1970s. It was really great that the Aspen institute recognized the great things they’re doing.”

Ings noted that Valencia prepares a lot of minority students for the job market and helps them find employment as they near graduation. “They really do move a lot of students along, particularly African-Americans,” Ings said.

Several members of the Valencia College staff attended the city commission meeting to hear Mayor Dyer read the proclamation, including Valencia President Sandy Shugart, who  said his staff was deeply proud of the honor awarded by the Aspen Institute, and equally proud to be serving the Orlando community.

“A great college like Valencia College is only as good as the community we’re in,” Shugart said. “We’re grateful for that honor and that support.”

Dyer said the Aspen recognition is valuable to the city’s business leaders too. In a recent meeting to discuss economic development efforts in the city of Orlando, business leaders said one key to the city’s future growth will be having well-educated students and college graduates, Dyer said. “They talk about education being one of the most critical components,” Dyer said. He noted that Valencia College has a wide curriculum, offering 700 courses each semester, and that the college “produces more associates degrees each semester than any other community college in the nation.” These courses, Dyer said, “link students to well paying jobs” both in Orlando and other parts of Florida and the nation.

Commissioner Daisy W. Lynum also noted that those courses have first-rate reputations as well. “It’s real good to stand for intelligence and brilliance in education,” she said.

valencia in the spring

As another major term is upon us – I have to ask myself, are students aware of all of the deadlines that come with a brand new semester?

Although registration began in early November, flex courses are still available for the spring term. If you are intersted in searching for possible classes – visit http://net5.valenciacollege.edu/schedule/ to see what’s still available! Monday, January 9, 2012 will start another school term and you have until January 17 to add or drop classes. Please remember that this is a critical deadline, you don’t want to be a “no show” if you decide a class isn’t for you!

Remember to always check www.valenciacollege.edu for important dates and deadlines and login to your atlas account for important announcements from the college, faculty and staff.

Here’s to a healthy, safe and successful school term!

achieving the dream president congratulates valencia on aspen prize

The following statement was released by William E. Trueheart, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream Inc., a national nonprofit dedicated to helping low-income students and students of color stay in school and earn a college certificate or degree.

Silver Spring, MD (December 12, 2011) – We are proud to congratulate Valencia College for winning The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.  Valencia College – an Achieving the Dream Leader College and 2009 winner of Achieving the Dream’s most prestigious award– the Leah Meyer Austin Institutional Student Success Leadership Award – was recognized today for demonstrated excellence in improved student performance over time. Valencia College was also recognized for achieving high levels of equity in outcomes among all student populations, and for its deliberate and sustained focus on using data to guide practice and policy to sustain student success and program completion. Today’s recognition is the culmination of an intensive, year-long process that included the review of institutional-level, disaggregated data on completion, labor market, and learning outcomes, and two-day site visits to each of the ten finalist colleges.

We want to especially applaud Valencia College President Sanford C. “Sandy” Shugart and the entire faculty and staff, who are outstanding leaders in every sense of the word – serious, committed, and effective exemplars of the student success process.  The work of improving student success is difficult, important, and urgent. Across the nation, more colleges are committing to raising persistence and graduation rates. Achieving the Dream Institutions like Valencia College are national exemplars of what is possible with an institution-wide commitment to student success and equity.

We are also proud to congratulate Achieving the Dream colleagues at Mott Community College and Southwest Texas Junior College who were among the top ten finalists for the Aspen Prize.  

Source: Marketing & Strategic Communications

Smoke-Free Campus Coming in 2012

Following an announcement last summer, Valencia College is moving forward with plans to go smoke-free on all its campuses by August 2012. Several other Florida colleges and universities, including the University of Florida in Gainesville, have enacted smoke-free policies, meaning they don’t allow students, employees or visitors to smoke anywhere on school grounds. The University of Central Florida (UCF) is considering taking similar steps.

“I hate to interfere in people’s private lives and habits, but secondhand smoke affects everyone,” said Valencia President Sandy Shugart in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel.

The college will spend the next eight months preparing students, faculty and staff for the change in policy, and has launched a communications effort with the theme,  “Share the Air.”

The Share the Air campaign includes campus banners, ashtray decals, printed informational materials and a new website, among other things.  Valencia, in partnership with the Quit Smoking Now program, is also providing free on-campus quit-smoking programs for students, employees and members of the community who wish to kick the habit.

In November, student groups at all four campuses held events in conjunction with the America Cancer Society’s Great American Smoke-Out, an event that challenges people to stop smoking cigarettes for a day, hoping their decision not to smoke will last forever. The students used the occasion to introduce the college’s new smoke-free policy with a focus on health and nutrition (“Smoke a turkey, not your lungs” was the fun theme of Winter Park Campus’ event).

To see a video of the East Campus festivities and hear the views of smokers and non-smokers alike on the college going smoke-free, click here:

Tags: All In, Cigarettes, Great American Smoke Out, nicotine, Orange County Health Department, Sandy Shugart, second hand smoke, Share the Air, smoke-free, smoker, Smoking, smoking cessation, Student Development, tobacco free, Valencia College

Source: Carol Traynor, Marketing & Strategic Communications

Valencia literary magazine wins statewide awards

PHOENIX Cover 2011

Phoenix, Valencia College’s art and literature magazine, has been named the first place winner of its division in the Florida College System Publications Association’s 2011 magazine competition.

Phoenix competed with others from around the state, and once again, the magazine was awarded the “General Excellence” plaque.  In addition to the overall prize, magazine contributors won nine first-place awards and one third-place award.  The Phoenix features art, poetry, and prose from Valencia students.

In the poetry category, Valencia received first place award for the collection of poetry submitted by students Michael Martin, Helen MacMaster and Philip Pantely. Michael Martin also received a third-place prize for his poem, “Delayed Reaction.”

In addition, MacMaster won the Debra Vazquez Award in Poetry, which is given to one poet annually to honor a slain English teacher and poet who was a key presence in the FCSAA until her untimely death in 2004. This was the first time a Phoenix poet has won the award.

In the nonfiction category, Merlaine Sivels won a first-place award for her article, “Daddy Issues.”  

In the art category, Alyssa Aviles won first place for her “Self Portrait,” and she also was awarded another first place prize for her work, “Endless Adoration,” in another category. Aviles and Angel Rivera’s illustrations combined to help the magazine with first place in the collection of illustrations with text.

In the design category, Meg Lavinghousez and Patrick O’Connor won first place in overall magazine design. They also landed a first-place prize for the magazine’s cover, and another for the magazine’s content page.

In the editing category, Echo Slocum won first-place.

Source: Marketing & Strategic Communications

Valencia president named one of Orlando’s most influential businessmen

Dr. Sanford "Sandy" Shugart

Dr. Sanford “Sandy” Shugart, Valencia College’s president, has been named one of the Orlando Business Journal’s Most Influential Businessmen for 2011.

The business publication selected Shugart as the most influential businessman in the education field.

Shugart, 55, has led Valencia since 2000. He came to Valencia from North Harris College near Houston.  Prior to that, the North Carolina native served as vice president of the North Carolina Community College System. He received his doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Shugart is the fourth president of Valencia, one of the nation’s largest and most celebrated two-year colleges. Earlier this year, Valencia was named one of 10 finalists for the inaugural Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, which rewards the best and most innovative community college in the nation. Valencia is also ranked first in the nation among all community colleges in the number of associate degrees awarded, second in the number of associate degrees awarded to Hispanics and third in the number awarded to African-Americans. 

Shugart is well known on campus as a poet and musician. But the Orlando Business Journal article spotlighted a few things you may not know about Valencia’s president. For instance, did you know that his favorite movie is “Twelve O’Clock High,” a 1949 film about a general who takes over a bomber pilot unit suffering from low morale and whips them into fighting shape?  Or that he describes the birth of his first child as his “most life-changing experience”?  And who would have guessed that his pet peeve is aggressive drivers?

Source: Marketing & Strategic Communications

reading by poet Paul Guest canceled

Sadly, our poet Paul Guest had to cancel – his caregiver has a family emergency and is unable to travel with him to Orlando this weekend, and Paul was unable to find a suitable replacement.  We are attempting to find a good date to reschedule this event in the spring.

We will let you know when the event has been rescheduled.

author, paul guest, will be reading on october 28

Paul Guest, author of the memoir One More Theory About Happiness and four award-winning poetry collections, will be reading on Friday October 28^th at 7pm at the Winter Park Campus of Valencia College in Rooms 224-226. 

 At age 12, Guest was paralyzed from the neck down from a biking accident.  He has triumphed over extreme physical challenges to become an acclaimed writer and teacher.  Currently, Guest is a professor at the University of Virginia and continues to write about his experiences. 

 from One More Theory About Happiness:

 “It was terrifying to no longer be a patient. To no longer be inrehabilitation. In recovery. Unspoken, but quietly feared, was the assessment, by doctors, by nurses, and therapists, that you had reached an endpoint in this process. That your rehabilitation had come to its expiration date. That nothing more could be done. What awaited was the rest of your life.”

This event is made possible by funding from the Dr. P. Phillips Chair in Education for the Physically Challenged.  For further information, please contact Dr. Ilyse Kusnetz at ikusnetz@valenciacollege.edu or at extension x6937.

dia latino en ICE! on saturday, november 19

dia latino en ICE!

This year the Gaylord Palms ICE! is hosting a whole day scholarship fundraising event called Dia Latino en ICE! on Saturday, November 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The Gaylord Plams’ is offering a 47% discount off general admission. The price for an adult is $12.00 and $8.99 for children. Half of the discounted ticketed price will be donated to the Hispanic Business Council Scholarship fund to support Valencia students!

For donations to be made to the Hispanic Business Council and to get your discounted rate, please purchase your tickets online and use the discount code SENOL

The ICE sculptures are new and the hotel has other activities to make it a fun day.  Even thought it is a Latin day promotion, all the shows are in English, same as a regular day.     

The chamber is also working on having a “meet the chamber” event from 5 p.m. to
7 p.m. where they will have free hot chocolate and coffee. All groups are welcome!

Dia Latino en ICE!

grainger is one of five finalists for the best partnership award

We wanted to share some exciting news.

Grainger is one of five finalists for the “Best Partnership” award, one of the prestigious U.S. Chamber of Commerce Corporate Citizenship Awards that recognizes companies that make a positive difference in society. Grainger and the American Red Cross were nominated for the Ready When the Time Comes™ volunteer program. 

Today there are 14,000 trained volunteers from more than 460 organizations and businesses across the country who serve as Red Cross emergency responders.

The nomination for the Best Partnership Award reflects their deep commitment to the Ready When the Time Comes™ program and emergency preparedness.

We are reaching out to partners in hopes that you will consider the opportunity to help garner national exposure for this volunteer program. For additional information on the volunteer program, visit Ready When the Time Comes™

The winner is selected by popular vote and voting ends on October 28, 2011. We encourage you to take a minute to view the strong partnerships nominated and then cast your vote at: http://bclc.uschamber.com/best-partnership-finalists-2011

news from Russia

Steve Cunningham, professor of ESL and English is currently in the Russian Federation as a Fulbright Scholar, lecturing at the Orsk Humanities and Technology Branch or Orenburg State University.

“After almost two days of travel with a nine hour layover in the Moscow airport, I arrived in Orsk, Russia, at 2:00 in the morning on Friday, September 30th.  The head of the Institute’s English department, Marina, and her husband were there to welcome me, and move me into my room at the student dispensary.  What is a student dispensary, you wonder?  So did I.  I thought it was going to be a student dormitory.  It is far from it.  The dispensary is actually a facility where students can live while they are being treated for minor medical problems, and it also has guest rooms for special guests.  I am in one of the guest rooms, and it more like being in a hotel than a dorm.  My room is not huge, but it has a comfortable bed, a stuffed arm chair, a private bath, refrigerator, a radiator heater, and a 13″ color TV with rabbit ears.  The only thing I’ve noticed missing so far is a laundry facility, so I’ll be washing my clothes in the sink and drying them on the radiator – a very workable solution.”

To find out more about this post and Mr. Cunningham’s other Russian adventures, visit his blog at http://steve-cunningham.blogspot.com

classes for bachelor’s degree program in radiology set to begin this fall

Valencia is rolling out a new degree program this fall – one that will give students in the health profession a chance to earn their bachelor’s degree.

One of only two bachelor’s degrees offered at Valencia, the Bachelor of Science in Radiological Imaging Science will begin online classes this fall. Students who earn their bachelor’s degree in radiology science can boost their earnings, in some cases significantly, depending on the field they work in.

According to a 2007 salary survey from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, a student who earns an associate’s degree in radiography earns an average starting salary of $46,376, while a student who holds a bachelor’s degree in the field earns between $64,000 and $85,744 a year.

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in radiography also gives current sonographers and radiographers a chance to move into administration and management jobs, said Penny Conners, dean of Valencia’s Division of Allied Health. The bachelor’s program will allow the students to specialize in high-demand areas of the radiology field, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and quality management.

The University of Central Florida offered the B.S. program in radiology science, but dropped it in July 2009 because of state budget cuts. Valencia has picked up the program – and that’s good news for students. Why? Because the estimated cost of four years of study for a bachelor’s degree in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences at Valencia would be $13,554. The estimated cost at a state university would be $19,308. The cost at a private school could be as high as $37,120.

To sign up for courses for the new bachelor’s degree in radiography, students must have completed their associate in science degree and must have passed the national certification exam.

Most of the courses will be taught online, Conners said, which makes the program ideal for those who are already working in the field, but want to earn their bachelor’s degree. “There’s only one course doing clinical work” – a practicum – “so it’s very doable, even if you’re a full-time employee,” Conners said.

Meanwhile, demand for employees with a bachelor’s degree in radiology should continue to be strong. By 2014, there will be 801 project job openings in the field of radiology in Orange, Osceola, Lake, Sumter and Seminole counties, according to Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc.

“It’s a good opportunity,” Conners said, adding that the bachelor’s degree program fits Valencia’s mission of serving both its students and the community. “A community college still brings that ability for someone in the community to advance themselves professionally.”

Source: Marketing & Strategic Communications

Valencia named top 10 finalist of community college contest

Valencia College math tutor Marisela Rey helps Valencia student Deidre Dungee

By Denise-Marie Balona, Orlando Sentinel
12:05 a.m. EDT, September 13, 2011

Valencia College today was named one of 10 national finalists for a big new award — the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, which comes with prizes totaling $1 million.

The award seeks to spotlight community colleges with a track record for excellence that will ultimately become models for the rest of the country. Community colleges, which serve nearly half of all college students, are a main focus of President Obama’s plan to boost the nation’s number of college graduates.

One other Florida school — Miami Dade College — was selected as a finalist from among the 120 institutions in the competition.

The schools were chosen based on high performance and their improvements in graduation rates and other indicators of student success.

For example, Valencia students graduate or transfer to other higher-education institutions at a rate of nearly 12 percent above the national average, college officials said.

Last year, 94 percent of Valencia nursing graduates passed their national exam, surpassing the state and national averages.

Community College Week magazine recently ranked Valencia No. 1 in the country for the number of associate degrees awarded.

Valencia’s president, Sandy Shugart, said being a finalist for the Aspen Prize is an affirmation of his faculty’s hard work.

“For more than 15 years, Valencia has been deeply focused on improving student graduation and learning, and we have begun to see extraordinary results in the last five to six years, especially,” he said. “The whole country is interested in those results.”

The $1 million in prize money will be awarded in December. The winner will receive $700,000. The rest will be split among three runners-up.

dbalona@tribune.com or 407-420-5470

Copyright © 2011, Orlando Sentinel

our take on: Valencia College’s national award

Head of the class

Valencia College doesn’t have a football team, but it has cracked a more meaningful national ranking.

Valencia — with six locations in Orange and Osceola counties and more than 70,000 students — has been named one of 10 finalists for the $1 million Aspen Prize, a national award recognizing “community college excellence.” Only one other Florida school, Miami Dade College, made the top 10.

The Aspen Prize winner will be named in December. Meanwhile, Valencia’s president, Sandy Shugart, has been invited to the White House next week to discuss his ideas about education with other community college leaders and Obama administration officials.

Shugart has a good story to tell. Valencia’s overall graduation rate is almost three times the rate at other large urban community colleges. Its graduation rates among African-American and Hispanic students have risen sharply over the past decade.

The White House has been highlighting community colleges in the president’s plan to “out-innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest of the world.” They’re a more affordable option than universities for high-school graduates to prepare for the working world, and for the unemployed to gain new job skills.

Valencia began offering some four-year degrees this year, but its primary focus is still its two-year associate’s programs. Its success in that area, good enough to turn heads nationally, makes Valencia a real asset for Central Florida.

Copyright © 2011, Orlando Sentinel

valencia announces new initiatives at academic assembly

What’s up for the coming year at Valencia?

Administrators are urging faculty to find ways to cut textbook costs for students, the college will urge faculty and staff to adopt energy-saving habits, and the college will go smoke-free on all its campuses by 2012.

Those new initiatives — along with the addition of 31 new full-time tenure-track positions – were announced by Valencia President Dr. Sanford Shugart at Valencia’s annual Academic Assembly. In addition, Shugart said he will begin holding regular online conversations with 36 Valencia students who’ve been handpicked to provide the president with input on the college experience. 

Financially, the upcoming year will be a challenging one for Valencia College,  but one that the college can weather,  Shugart told the assembled faculty.  “So far, we’ve managed to navigate through the budget area rather well,” Shugart said, but he warned that the coming year will be tight  and it’s unlikely that the college will hire many new faculty members next year.

Because rising textbook prices are students’ highest expense after tuition, Shugart urged faculty members to work together to find solutions — whether that means collaborating to write textbooks, using textbooks that can be rented, or agreeing to use the same textbook, which would reduce the resale price of the book.   

Some faculty members are already working toward that goal. Biology Professor Robert Gessner has written his own textbook for his microbiology classes – and by using Powerpoint presentations and extensive notes that he provides to the students in lieu of a textbook, he has cut the students’ book costs for his microbiology class from $240 to about $90.

Shugart also announced the launch of a new video contest for students, with the winners receiving free tuition. The contest, which will launch on Sept. 1, invites students to submit videos about their lives and their college dreams  — why they chose Valencia, why they want to attend college, how they’ve struggled and been motivated to continue. The videos will be submitted and viewed on Valencia’s Facebook page, with students voting for their favorites via Facebook. A team of judges will select five winners from the top 10 vote-getters — and on Nov. 15, five winners will be named. Each will receive free tuition for the remainder of their Valencia careers — up to 60 credit hours.

Among the other changes that Valencia students, faculty and staff will see in the coming year:

• The college is continuing its push to go green. By Earth Day 2011, the college had recycled 1 million pounds of paper, cardboard, plastic and metal. Changes already undertaken in the college’s air conditioning systems are saving $900,000 a year and an estimated 1 million gallons of water a year.  Next, the college is asking students, faculty and staff to start changing their behavior. ”We think there’s another million dollars to be saved, but it will be through behavioral change, the little habits that we can change,” Shugart said. 
• Valencia is launching its new James M. & Dayle L. Seneff Honors College and expanding the honors program on all campuses.
• Inspired by the popular TEDTalks videos available online, Valencia will create a series of 4-minute videos that tell the stories about the work that individual professors are doing.
• Although this is the final year of a three-year, $743,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the college’s Developmental Education Initiative will continue to research the best ways to provide remedial education and support for students who aren’t ready to tackle college coursework. The goal is to increase the number of students who graduate from college — particularly those who come from low-income homes. 
• Valencia continues to expand – adding a new campus at Lake Nona, a new building at the Osceola campus and a new building on the West Campus, which will house Valencia’s continuing education division.  Valencia is also exploring new sites in Apopka and Poinciana, as well as a potential location at Horizon West in west Orange County.
• The college will decentralize some of its academic operations, giving campus presidents more authority to innovate.  “Our capacity to innovate is being limited by our size,” Shugart said. “The people who’ve been trying to nourish innovation are finding it immensely difficult to coordinate with 19 deans.”

Source: Marketing & Strategic Communications

 

fall semester begins aug. 29; classes still available

More than 42,000 students will return to college classrooms at Valencia College on Monday, Aug. 29, when the fall semester begins.

But the number of students enrolled this fall will likely rise, because students who register late may be able to start classes in October.

Whether they start in August or October, this will be the first incoming class to enter as students of Valencia College. The college changed its name on July 1, dropping the name Valencia Community College.

The semester also launches two new bachelor’s degree programs, the first offered at Valencia. Students can now earn their bachelor’s degree in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences or a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology.

Both degree programs will be based at Valencia’s West Campus on Kirkman Road. However, all of the bachelor’s coursework in radiologic and imaging sciences will be online, except for the practicums.

In addition to the two new bachelor’s degrees, Valencia is offering a new Associate in Science degree in Business Management, Marketing and Administration.

And for parents aggravated that their son or daughter didn’t register in time for fall classes, here’s good news. It’s not too late to sign up for Valencia’s “Flex Start” classes – which start on Oct. 5 and Oct. 22.

“Flex Start” classes are typically eight to 10 weeks long. The fall semester, by contrast, lasts 16 weeks. For more information on “Flex Start,” go to  http://net5.valenciacc.edu/schedule/default.cfm?request=flex

Source: Marketing & Strategic Communications

Valencia president to perform at Orlando Science Center

He may not be the next American Idol, but Valencia president Sandy Shugart will show off his guitar chops in an upcoming performance at the Orlando Science Center.

On Aug. 20, Shugart will perform some of his original songs at the Orlando Science Center, where the museum is currently hosting the traveling exhibit, “Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked the World.”

Shugart’s performance will be part of the science center’s quarterly Cocktails & Cosmos event.  The August event, “Where Science Meets Mystique,” offers adult guests a chance to experience Arabic culture – in celebration of the new big-screen film, “Arabia,” which is opening in the science center’s Dr. Phillips CineDome theater.

An accomplished musician and poet, Dr. Shugart has performed for crowds worldwide

A published poet and songwriter, Shugart will be performing on a performance stage inside the “Guitar” exhibit. The event opens at 7 p.m.; Shugart performs at 8 p.m.

Shugart has performed in acoustic and folk-rock venues in California, Texas, the Midwest and Canada. In recent years, he has combined his musical life as a singer-songwriter with his speaking life as an academic, weaving songs and poems into his speeches.

Shugart has completed three recording projects over the past 10 years and has a fourth CD ready for release this fall, available through cdbaby.com or direct from Flat Foot Records.

The Cocktails & Cosmos event will run from 7 to 11 p.m. and is only for those ages 18 and up. Admission is $13 per person and includes admission to the Guitar exhibit. Admission is free for science center members.

“GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked the World,” explores the history and evolution of the guitar-from lutes and lyres to modern high-tech instruments-and show how the instrument became the cultural symbol it is today. It will be on display at the science center until Sept.  11.

And, in case there’s a quiz later, remember this: Shugart plays a Taylor Custom Concert Grand Auditorium guitar.

The Orlando Science Center is located at 777 East Princeton St., Orlando. For more information about Cocktails & Cosmos, contact Heide Evans at 407-514-2036 or visit www.osc.org

internship reflections…

The following post was contributed by our intern for the past two semesters, Ben Kuykendall. Ben is studying for his Master of Nonprofit Management Degree at the University of Central Florida and will be graduating in December. We asked Ben to write a reflection on his internship experience and this is what he had to say.

“My internship experience at Valencia Foundation has made a significant contribution to my career development. Before interning with Valencia, my experience working in nonprofit organizations was limited, and my passion to make a difference outweighed my knowledge of how to do so effectively. After spending the last 7 months learning under the staff at Valencia Foundation, I can say with confidence that I am prepared to enter the challenging field of nonprofit management and contribute to an organization’s success.

Our handsome young intern, Ben.

Before interning at Valencia I knew little of how to actually go about raising support for a worthy cause. Sure, I had read about what was expected in my textbooks, but I had no direct experience and, to be honest, the idea of asking for money intimidated me a bit. Taking part in the various aspects of development and donor relations for Valencia Foundation gave me the experience, and with it the confidence, necessary to overcome any hesitation I may have had about developing support.

Whether I was writing letters to donors, organizing information in the Raiser’s Edge database, managing the Wall of Scholars donor recognition program, or even creating my own grant proposal, the foundation staff was there every step of the way; guiding me in my projects, while giving me the freedom to learn and take ownership of my work.

I can’t think of a better introduction to nonprofit management than to have interned with Valencia Foundation for the past two semesters. The work I was given was meaningful and applicable to my degree program and eventual career goals, but the people I was able to work under are who made my time as rewarding as it was. Specifically, Donna Marino, manager of donor stewardship, poured into me her wealth of knowledge and experience. Donna showed me daily how to effectively maintain relationships with donors and, most importantly, how enjoyable and how rewarding working for the benefit of others can be.

Armed with the knowledge and experience passed down to me from Valencia Foundation’s 37 years of success, I’m much more prepared now to begin my career in nonprofit management after graduation this December.

Thanks Valencia Foundation!”

Ben Kuykendall

Master of Nonprofit Management Candidate

University of Central Florida

bird’s eye view: professor wins coveted prize for photo

Jack Rogers, East Campus geology professor, won the grand prize in a photography contest sponsored by WildBird magazine, one of two national birding magazines in the country.

Rogers said his winning image of a sandhill crane was taken on the edge of a retention pond near a friend’s house in southeast Orlando.

“I found them along the pond’s edge, the parents digging for food and the chick (known as a colt) following along waiting to be fed,” said Rogers. “The shot captures the moment when the colt is flipping a mole cricket to better get it into position to swallow.”

Rogers used a Sony DSLR camera with a 400-millimeter telephoto lens to bring the viewer up close. As the grand prize winner, his photo appears in the September/October issue of WildBird which is on newstands now. He will also receive a pair of Zeiss binoculars.

Rogers has dabbled in bird and nature photography most of his life, but took it up seriously when he moved to Florida eight years ago to teach at Valencia.

“I like to use my photography to share with others the beauty of our natural world and hopefully lead them to consider the value of preserving it,” Rogers said.

His images have been published in Florida Wildlife Magazine, National Wildlife Magazine, and a variety of other publications, including a National Geographic book on bird coloration that came out last year. You can find some of his published prize-winning images here: http://www.pbase.com/paleojack/award_winning_and_published_images

Rogers also regularly donates his images to conservation organizations such at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Florida Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society.

In addition to geology, Rogers teaches a course on nature photography which is offered in the spring on the East Campus. The course includes four field trips where his students practice in the techniques they learn in the classroom. Examples of the students’ work is now on display around the East Campus.

Source: Carol Traynor, Marketing and Strategic Communications

student support services

The Answer Center

Even before you become a Valencia student, the Answer Center is there for you. It should be your first stop for questions about admissions, residency and financial aid. The Answer Center has locations on every Valencia campus and provides help on a walk-in basis.

Student Success Course

This course is a great elective for new students looking to gain some college survival skills. It will help you develop techniques for managing your time, studying, taking tests, setting educational and career goals, and using Valencia resources.

Tutoring and Academic Help

Free tutoring services are available for all subject areas. With group and one-on-one tutoring options, you can get the academic assistance you need, no matter your learning style. Math, reading and writing support is available on all campuses, while offerings for other subjects vary from campus to campus.

 Career Centers

Located on each campus, the Career Centers are available to assist you with making career decisions, setting career goals, writing résumés and cover letters, and interviewing techniques. We also offer assessments, internship opportunities, recruitment fairs and job-search tools to help you explore your options.

 Libraries

Valencia has a library on each campus, offering a wide variety of educational resources – from books and periodicals to eBooks, CDs and videos. The libraries also provide computer workstations for accessing the Internet and over 140 online databases. Librarians and other qualified staff are available to help you with research, reference documentation, interlibrary loans, and learning technologies.

 Online Resources

In addition to free Wi-Fi and campus computer labs, Valencia offers a host of online services through Atlas, our online learning community. Each student receives their own Atlas account where they can check email, register for classes, access admissions and financial aid records, and connect to educational and career planning resources.

 Advising Services

Academic advisors and counselors are available to assist with career and educational planning, academic and personal challenges, transferring to a university and more. Current Valencia students can get help on a walk-in basis at any Student Services office. In addition, A.S. and A.A.S. students will be assigned to a Career Program Advisor who can provide program-specific academic advising.

We also offer specialized advising services for veterans , international students and students with disabilities.

valencia’s new bachelor’s degree programs

Valencia will, for the first time, offer bachelor’s degree programs starting in Fall 2011. Students on a specific career track can transfer into programs that lead to:

Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology

Concentrations in computer systems, electrical/electronic systems and lasers and photonics.

Valencia College, Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program was developed in partnership with local engineering professionals and incorporates the same state-of-the-art equipment found in the research and development departments of major companies. That way, you’ll be prepared to meet both industry demands and employer expectations by the time you graduate. And with small class sizes of only about 22 people, you’ll get the same individual instruction and support that students have come to expect from Valencia.

Bachelor of Science in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences

Concentrations in computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and quality management.

Valencia College, Bachelor of Science in Radiological Imaging Sciences program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), Valencia’s bachelor’s program is designed to help you meet industry demands and employer expectations. Thanks to our partnerships with local healthcare providers, this program was designed to meet the local workforce needs and can provide placement for you to conduct your practicum. In addition, this program is especially ideal for working professionals, since all courses, except for the practicum, are offered online

 

dance summer repertory concert will showcase student performances and guest choreography

Valencia College will hold its 11^th Annual Dance Summer Repertory Concert on July 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.) in the Performing Arts Center on Valencia’s East Campus.

The concert will showcase the work of Valencia students enrolled in the Associate in Arts Dance Performance program and will include choreography from faculty and guest artists, including alumni from the dance program. Also, students from Valencia’s Summer Dance Institute will participate in the performance.

The Valencia Summer Dance Institute is a four-week program that provides free quality dance instruction to high school students from Central Florida. Participating students are given the opportunity to work with college and guest instructors in the areas of dance and costume.

Choreographers for this year’s Dance Summer Repertory Concert include: Leslie Brasseux Rodgers, Valencia’s artistic director; Jeanne Travers and John Parks, dance professors from the University of South Florida; Sarah Harkness-Sebastian, guest choreographer; Casey Saxon, dance adjunct faculty member at Valencia; Emily Cordell, Ashley Hymson, Nikki Peña and Jessica Smith, alumnae of Valencia’s Dance Performance A.A. Pre-Major; and Alayna Catella, a current student in Valencia’s Dance Performance A.A. Pre-Major.

Ticket prices are $8 for the general public and $6 for senior citizens and Valencia students, faculty and staff.

The East Campus is located at 701 North Econlockhatchee Trail in Orlando. For further information and tickets, please call the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 407-582-2900 or visit http://valenciacollege.edu/summerconcert.

Source: Melissa Tchen, Marketing and Strategic Communications

visit valencia

Wherever you happen to live, Valencia is easy to get to. The college has four main campuses and two centers throughout Orange and Osceola counties, with plans for a fifth campus in southeast Orlando.

 Campus Tours/Information Sessions

The best way to get a sense of what Valencia is really like is to stop by for a visit. You’ll have a chance to explore campus, ask questions, hear from current students, and decide if Valencia is right for you.

 There are two options for your visit:

Sign Up for a Campus Tour (30-minutes)

• 30-minute walking tour of the campus guided by a Valencia Student Leader
• Check out classrooms, labs and the cafeteria
• Receive answers to your general questions

Sign Up for a Valencia Preview (90-minutes)

• 1.5 hour introduction to Valencia
• Presentation by the Transition Services Department
• Discussion on steps to enrollment, admission process, financial aid and career options
• Guided campus tour

To request a campus tour or schedule a preview, please visit http://valenciacollege.edu/futureStudents/whyValencia/visit.cfm 

 

valencia professors love for math knows no borders

Cliff Morris retired from Valencia in 2005, but that doesn’t mean that his days as an educator are over. In fact, the former West Campus dean of mathematics is back in front of the classroom—it just happens that the classroom is halfway across the world— in South Africa.

Cliff's students at Portland High School, Cape Town, South Africa

As often as three times a year, Morris makes the trip to Cape Town, South Africa, where he teaches mathematics to students at Portland High School for two and three week intervals. “I connect with educators around the world, especially in South Africa,” said Morris. “They have the same concerns and challenges that we do. They don’t have enough teachers or enough resources. That’s where I can help.”

Morris first realized his calling in South Africa back in 2000, when he traveled there through a nonprofit group called People to People International. He joined 37 other U.S. math educators for 10 days to tour South African schools and meet with education officials. Wanting to help improve the state of education there, Morris and the other group members asked how they could be of assistance. They were told to share their expertise in the classroom. Morris decided to do just that, making his first solo-teaching trip to Portland High in 2002 and sparking a long-term relationship with the school.While Morris’s trips to Portland High have become routine, his experiences there certainly haven’t. Sometimes he’ll spend an entire visit assisting one teacher, other times he’ll hop around from class to class. Oftentimes he ends up being the on-call math substitute, stepping in to teach anything from algebra to calculus.

In addition to teaching, Morris has helped in many other ways. In the beginning, this meant raising funds for students’ tuition. (In South Africa, even public schools charge tuition, which can range from $30 a year, to $300, depending on the school.) Eventually though, he felt he could make a more lasting impact by helping to bring more resources to the school. The first thing that Morris accomplished was to get Texas Instruments to donate graphing calculators to the school. He and other volunteers also painted classrooms to cover graffiti, outfitted classrooms with new cabinets and chalkboards, and got the school its own router and server so that it could receive quicker Internet access.

One of the biggest resources that Morris has brought, and continues to bring, to South African schools is more volunteer instructors. Morris partnered with some of his colleagues from his first trip to create the Volunteer Education Support 4 Africa Trust, or VES4A. The purpose of the trust is to create a cross-educational exchange program where U.S. educators can travel to South Africa to teach both the students and instructors there.

By focusing on collaboration and remaining constructive rather than critical, Morris and the other visiting instructors are able to have the greatest influence. “We don’t want to export the common philosophy that America’s way is the best way,” said Morris. “We’re there to export help.” It is this philosophy that has made Morris a welcomed visitor, colleague and friend to Portland High and the students and faculty there. Lending a hand is a tradition that he hopes to continue long into his retirement. “I was fortunate that I got paid for 30 years to do something I loved and fortunate to be able to continue on,” said Morris. “I retired at 52 and at 58 I can still travel, get around fluidly, and I have the pleasure to teach— so I do.”

Source: Melissa Tchen Valencia Vitae http://valenciacollege.edu/alumni/documents/Valencia_Vitae_7.pdf

valencia expands influence through study abroad programs

While Valencia may be known as a Community College for a few more months, it has already established a global influence. Valencia students looking to expand their horizons as well as their job opportunities have traveled to Denmark, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and even as far as China through existing programs and faculty-led projects. In an effort to produce graduates who will keep the United States competitive in a global economy, Valencia works to help students “learn to appreciate and value different ways of doing things”, according to Jennifer Robertson, director of Valencia’s Study Abroad and Global Experiences (SAGE) program.

Educators maintain that spending time immersed in a foreign culture greatly impacts students’ lives and career choices, gives them a wider perspective on the world, and allows them to relate in a genuine way to people from many different cultures. All of these benefits and more have led to Valencia’s decision to expand study-abroad opportunities.

Through SAGE, Valencia has partnered with Community Colleges for International Development, Inc. and the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, among others, to provide opportunities for students to learn through cultural immersion. One trip in particular, to the Dominican Republic, has spawned follow-up efforts at home to assist those in great need overseas. Valencia student Vanessa Hornedo sold handmade jewelry at local events and also contributed to a student written book “In Our Village” that is sold to raise scholarship funds for Dominican students. Lana Powell, the Valencia professor who accompanied students on that trip, has found that her experiences abroad translate into powerful learning tools that she often includes in lectures to fortify her teaching.

Whether a short term class trip, service learning project, semester program, or student exchange opportunity, Valencia students can easily select the study abroad option that best suits their needs. Currently students can study in over 45 countries as well as U.S. Territories Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. The average cost of a short-term study abroad trip is $3,000, with semester long programs ranging from $5,000 – $15,000+. Scholarships are available to help fund trips and in many cases financial aid applies toward payment for study abroad.

For more information, visit www.valenciacc.edu/international/studyabroad; http://ccid.kirkwood.cc.ia.us or http://www.iie.org/en.

happy new year

congratulations

Congratulations to our Valencia Foundation President and CEO, Geraldine Gallagher for receiving the Women’s Achievement Award in Education at the 39th annual Women’s Executive Council luncheon.

 

Additional kudos to Ilene Wilkins, President UCP of Central Florida for her dedication and volunteer service she received Central Florida Woman of the Year.

With thanks to all of the 2010 honorees for your support within of our community: 

– Hillary Bressler, .Com Marketing, Inc., Founder and CEO

– Christi Ashby, Editor, Owner of Orange Appeal Magazine

– Elinor Steele Zegelbone, VP Global Comm and PR, Tupperware Brands

– Leigh Ann Horton, Advantage Integration Technology

– Eva Krzewinski, Pearls for Women

– Geraldine Thompson, Representative District 39

– Geraldine Gallagher, President and CEO, Valencia Foundation

– Laura Lee Shields, Bodiford Law Group

WEC’s first annual Women’s Achievement Week was held in 1972 honoring women in the categories of Arts & Science, Business, Community Service, Education, Government, Communications and Downtown Woman of the Year.  The program was expanded in 1987 to include awarding of scholarships to deserving students enrolled in our local colleges.

The 2010 Women’s Executive Council scholarship recipients included Valencia students Deborah Bukowski and Francoise Kogan with additional community scholarships to Randi Alberry, Traci Campana, Jaquelyne Fulco, Alice Pham Le, Tracey Oliver, Marie Sabbagh, Lynn Slivinski and Haydee Torres.  We wish you all great success as you pursue your academic goals!

one more week! one more week! i repeat, one more week…

…before the 21^st Annual AIA Orlando Golf Tournament.

Don’t wait to sign up for an incredible day on the links. AIA’s annual golf outing continues to prove itself successful as an excellent opportunity for strengthening professional relationships within the architectural industry. Additionally, each year’s tournament promises to provide all participants with an opportunity to contribute to the local community by raising scholarship funds for students in financial need. With a portion of the proceeds benefiting Valencia Foundation’s American Institute of Architects Scholarship, the AIA has raised $139,500 in scholarships since 2002.

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 for AIA members are $150, non-members are $175. There are also a number of sponsorship opportunities available. Feature your company by becoming a hole sponsor for only $600 or be recognized as a friend of AIA and Valencia for $300.

For additional information, contact Karen Jones with AIA Orlando at 407.898.7006 or karen@aiaorlando.com or Anissa Alvarez with Valencia Foundation at 407.582.3153 or aalvarez35@valenciacc.edu.

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.”

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

look to this day

creating healthy bodies and minds

Have you checked out Valencia’s wellness activities yet?

Fall offerings start a week after classes begin, the week of September 7th, and ending the week before classes end, December 12th. For questions about wellness events or classes, please contact Debi Jakubcin at 2281 or djakubcin@valenciacc.edu. These classes are for faculty and staff only.

No pre-registration required. Please just show up. You may attend any campus.

East Campus

• Yoga PM- MONDAY, 5:15pm – 6:15pm, Dance Studio (6-104)
• NEW -Yoga AM – WEDNESDAY, 7:00am – 7:45am, Dance Studio (6-104)
• Boot Camp- Tuesday/Thursday, 6:45am – 7:45am, gym (6-105)
• Basketball- Tuesday and Thursdays, 5:00 – 6:00pm – gym (6-105)
• Weight Watchers- Wednesday – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – 6-217
• Dancing- Learn ChaCha, Rhumba and Foxtrot- Thursday – 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm – gym(6-105)
• NEW -Zumba – Monday/Wednesday, 5:15pm – 6:15 pm – gym (6-105)
• NEW Guided Relaxation- TUES-6weeks only – 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm – 9/8 thru 10/14

West Campus

• Yoga- Monday, 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm – Dance studio – HSB 123
• NEW Yoga- Wednesday 12:00 noon – 12:45 pm – Dance Studio – HSB 123
• Cardio Sculpt, Tuesday/Thursday, 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm – Dance studio – HSB 123
• Weight Watchers- Friday, 11:30 am – 12:30 am – 5-258
• NEW Guided Relaxation – Wednesday – 6 weeks – 1 pm – 1:45 – 10/21 thru 11/25 – HSB 123

Downtown Center

• Yoga- Wednesday, 5:15 – 6:15pm – Conference room

Winter Park Campus

• Yoga -Tuesday, 5:15pm – 6:15pm, room 224
• Boot Camp- Saturday – 8:00 am – 9:00 am – Lake Island Park across from Winter Park campus
• New Boot Camp- Wednesday – 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm – Lake Island Park
• Weight Watchers- Thursday, 12:30 pm -1:30 pm – 108

Sand Lake Center

• Yoga- Tuesday, 5:15pm – 6:15pm, 2-120

Criminal Justice Institute

• Yoga- Tuesday, 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm, Auditorium

Osceola Campus

• Yoga- Monday, 4:45 pm – 5:45 pm, 2-219B

Be sure to visit the wellness site at http://valenciacc.edu/wellness.

class notes: our valencia graduates

Ron G. Sword III

RON G. SWORD III 2007, 2009

Ron is a member of The Institute for the Advancement of the Aural Arts (IAAA), an international visiting group of seven musicians and educators who present concerts, master classes and workshops based on the most
contemporary musical thinking on a worldwide basis. Ron’s company, Sword
Guitars, builds guitars in microtonal tunings. His second book, titled
“Tricesimoprial Scales for Guitar,” is available through IAAA Press.

CORINA PASCAL 2006

Corina graduated cum laude from the University of South Florida in May 2009 with a degree from the College of Business Administration. She works as a financial coach in Tampa and is in the process of opening up her own family financial service business later this year.

DAVID NICHOLAS TORRE 2002

David recently became a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP). He also recently graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and is currently studying
for the Florida Bar exam.

LAURA (BAKER) DARNELL 1992

Laura is currently working on her Master of Science degree in nursing administration through the Indiana University School of Nursing while working as the clinical manager for the Emergency Department at
Community Hospital North in Indianapolis, Ind. She has been happily married for 10 years and is the mother of three children ages 8, 6, and 4.

NANCY (POORE) LANFERSIEK 1999

Nancy will graduate with a master’s degree in reading education from the University of Central Florida in August. She holds certifications in reading, elementary education and early childhood, and hopes to teach at Valencia in the future.

For information on how other Valencia graduates are doing pick up a copy of the Summer/Fall 2009 VITAE.

in memory of justin harvey

Justin Harvey was a dedicated Alumni Association Board member and founder of the inaugural Valencia Annual Run, Walk & Roll on Feb. 26, 2006. He was also a student at UCF at that time and worked tirelessly to coordinate his fellow UCF Student Athletic Trainers Organization members as 5K partners. Justin was well-known and admired as one to always make things happen, especially if it was something new. UCF SATO has been a valued 5K partner each year since then. The Valencia Alumni Relations office received this note earlier this year:

“Three years ago on March 6th, my son Justin Harvey passed away. At the time he was hospitalized, he tried to continue his work on the 5K Run for Valencia Alumni. I will also be grateful to VCC Alumni and PTK for continuing his memory each year through the 5K and the PTK Justin Harvey Scholarship. -Sincerely, Sharon Skoloski (Justin’s Mom)”

Justin Harvey is loved and missed by his many, many friends.

(Article courtesy of the Summer/Fall 2009 VITAE)

$1 million seneff family gift endows honors college

The foundation celebrated the successful culmination of its $27 million capital campaign, recognizing board members and major donors. Keynoting the event was Jim Seneff, chairman and chief executive officer of CNL Financial Group Inc., who explored the role of Valencia and philanthropy in the community, sharing the reasons his family had made the college a philanthropic priority. The foundation board also recognized the Seneff family for their capstone gift, which created the James M. and Dayle L. Seneff Honors College.