Friday, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried recognized Insurance Fraud Detective DeWayne White, along with eight other law enforcement officers across the state, for their dedication to protecting Floridians during the 2019 Law Enforcement Officers of the Year Ceremony. [Read more…] about Insurance Fraud Detective DeWayne White Honored as 2019 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Leaders
UT President Ronald Vaughn Named Citizen of the Year
University of Tampa President Ronald Vaughn was honored last week with the Tampa Metro Civitan Club’s 2019 Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award. [Read more…] about UT President Ronald Vaughn Named Citizen of the Year
First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces Daniel Wynn as Florida’s Featured Artist for Black History Month
First Lady Casey DeSantis today announced Jacksonville native Daniel Wynn as Florida’s Featured Artist for Black History Month. [Read more…] about First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces Daniel Wynn as Florida’s Featured Artist for Black History Month
Math Success Multiplies Student Opportunities, Adds Up to a $25,000 Milken Educator Award for Teacher Kristen Musgrove
Florida educator raises test scores and sixth-graders’ spirits at Hilliard Middle-Senior High
Less is more in Kristen Musgrove’s sixth-grade math classes, where small-group instruction has led to big gains in test scores and an increased student appetite for mathematics. [Read more…] about Math Success Multiplies Student Opportunities, Adds Up to a $25,000 Milken Educator Award for Teacher Kristen Musgrove
Florida Poly alum finds tech success with new Facebook partnership
For Andre Ripley ’19, Facebook provides much more than a way to stay connected to friends and family.
The social media and technology company is giving him a chance at a lucrative career and success as a tech entrepreneur.
Ripley, who graduated from Florida Polytechnic University with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, was awarded a $120,000 partnership deal with Facebook and Oculus VR to develop and run virtual reality gaming tournaments for the new Pistol Whip VR game. His company, Virtualities, will track elements such as players, prize money, teams, rules, and cheating.
“We negotiated with Facebook for probably four months and we finally closed the deal on New Year’s Day,” said Ripley, chief technology officer of the Salt Lake City, Utah, company. “That was a great start to the year.”
Andre Ripley ’19 is developing a software-as-a-service platform to host Pistol Whip virtual reality gaming tournaments as part of a $120,000 partnership with Facebook and Oculus VR.
Virtualities is hoping to land a $1 million deal with Facebook this spring.
“We have to launch our platform and meet all the requirements for Facebook and as long as we keep our platform running, we have a good chance of closing the million-dollar deal,” Ripley said. “We’re almost done and ahead of schedule right now.”
Ripley said the traditional way of running gaming tournaments involves many people working on spreadsheets to track scores and other data.
“That’s really outdated and hasn’t been automated. Since the demand for esports is getting higher, we’re trying to solve that with the Facebook deal,” Ripley said.
The U.S Virgin Island native said that Virtualities ran a Beat Saber tournament last year with competitors from 78 countries.
“With the power of Facebook, I can’t imagine how many people will compete in the Pistol Whip tournament, but we’re prepared for anything,” Ripley said. “I never expected to be funded by Facebook – my first round of funding was from my dad, who gave me $300 to develop a prototype for a box that does appraisals for diamonds.”
In addition to his work with the growing tech start-up, Ripley also works with flight simulators as a software engineer at Collins Aerospace in Salt Lake City.
Ripley discovered his passion for entrepreneurship at Florida Poly after being encouraged to enter – and win – several entrepreneurship competitions throughout Central Florida and the state. This included a third-place victory in the 2018 Governor’s Cup competition with his team’s product, Insta-List – a product that captured, scanned, and listed items for digital selling in less than 10 seconds. His collegiate victories earned him 20,000 LinkedIn followers and a thirst to continue his efforts.
“The single best thing I’ve done was getting involved with the entrepreneurship program at Florida Poly because you don’t even need to have the best idea or be completely thought through, you just have to try and get feedback,” Ripley said.
“Even when I’ve failed it’s like I’ve won because I got crucial feedback and I implemented it into the Facebook deal.”
For the most recent university news, visit Florida Poly News.
About Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Polytechnic University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is a member of the State University System of Florida. It is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Connect with Florida Poly.
Appointments by Governor Ron DeSantis for Friday, January 31, 2020
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Jeanette Rubio
to the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking
Governor Ron DeSantis today announced the appointment of Jeanette Rubio to the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking.
Jeanette Rubio
Rubio, of Miami, is the president of JDR Consulting, Inc., which she founded in 2011 and assists philanthropic organizations in evaluating grant requests. Aside from her professional work, Rubio has been dedicated to important social causes. Rubio has served on the board of directors for the Agape Network, a non-profit organization that specializes in comprehensive healthcare. Rubio has partnered with community organizations to help victims of human trafficking. In addition, she and her husband, Senator Marco Rubio, have worked in support of Kristi’s House, a child advocacy center dedicated to the eradication of child and child sex trafficking. Rubio is appointed to a four-year term.
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Candace Falsetto
to the Florida Commission on the Status of Women
Governor Ron DeSantis today announced the appointment of Candace Falsetto to the Florida Commission on the Status of Women.
Candace Falsetto
Falsetto, of Coral Gables, is a senior private banker with Wells Fargo. Previously, she served as vice president of Northern Trust Bank. She has been a board member of the Junior League of Miami, Inc. since 2000. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and her master’s degree in finance from Florida International University. Falsetto is appointed to a four-year term.
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Three to the Board of
Commissioners of the South Broward Hospital District
Governor Ron DeSantis today announced the appointments of Brad Friedman and Dr. Luis Orta and the reappointment of Doug Harrison to the Board of Commissioners of the South Broward Hospital District.
Brad Friedman
Friedman, of Hollywood, is the president and owner of Artisan Foods Catering, Inc., a catering and event planning company which has managed over 10,000 events since 1975. Friedman is a member of the James Beard Foundation. Friedman is appointed to a four-year term.
Dr. Luis Orta
Dr. Orta, of Miramar, is a school psychologist with Miami Dade County Schools. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor with Carlos Albizu University’s Miami campus and with St. John Vianney College Seminary. Dr. Orta is a former chair of the Board of Psychology and served from 2008-2015. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Thomas University and his master’s degree in psychology and doctorate in clinical psychology from Miami Institute of Psychology. Dr. Orta is appointed to a four-year term.
Doug Harrison
Harrison, of Pembroke Pines, is a senior assistant city attorney with the City of Miami. Previously, he served as the senior litigation counsel for the City of Hollywood. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and juris doctorate from the University of Florida. He is reappointed to a four-year term.
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Two to the Board of Dentistry
Governor Ron DeSantis today announced the appointment of Karyn Hill and the reappointment of Dr. Claudio Miró to the Board of Dentistry.
Karyn Hill
Hill, of Parkland, is a dental hygienist with the office of Dr. Daysy Pinero. She has over 20 years of experience in the dental field as a hygienist, hygiene educator, practice consultant and pharmaceutical educator. Currently, she serves on the Florida Council on Dental Hygiene and is a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association. She earned her dental hygiene degree from Palm Beach State College. Hill is appointed to a four-year term.
Dr. Claudio Miró
Dr. Miró, of Miami, is a dentist at Miró Dental Centers, a practice he has owned since 1988. He serves on the boards of the Robert Morgan Dental Implant Clinic and the Larkin Community Hospital. He earned his doctor of dentistry degree at Universidad Central del Este in the Dominican Republic. He is reappointed to a four-year term.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Three to the Board of Medicine
Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointments of Barbara Fonte, Dr. Eleonor Pages and Dr. Luz Marina Pages to the Board of Medicine.
Barbara Fonte
Fonte, of Miami, is the vice president of managed care and population health for Jackson Health System. Previously, she served as vice president of business development for Vohra Wound Care Physicians from 2017 until 2018 and as chief administrative officer of the University of Miami Health System from 2013 until 2017. She earned her bachelor’s degree in health services administration from Florida International University and her master’s degree in health services administration from Barry University. Fonte is appointed to a four-year term.
Dr. Eleonor Pimentel
Dr. Pimentel, of Miami, is a physician who has served patients in her private practice since 1987. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the Universidad Central Dell Este in the Dominican Republic and her doctorate of medicine from Universidad C.E.T.E.C. in the Dominican Republic. She completed her internal medicine specialty and nephrology fellowship at Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center in New York. Dr. Pimentel is appointed to a four-year term.
Dr. Luz Marina Pages
Dr. Pages, of Miami Beach, is a physician with Pediatric Associates of South Florida. She earned her doctorate of medicine from the Universidad Del Norte in Colombia, completed her internship at the Hospital Militar Central in Colombia and completed her pediatric residency at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Dr. Pages is appointed to a four-year term.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Two to the
Broward College District Board of Trustees
Governor Ron DeSantis today announced the appointment of Zachariah “Reggie” Zachariah, Jr. and reappointment of Matthew Caldwell to the Broward College District Board of Trustees.
Zachariah “Reggie” Zachariah, Jr.
Zachariah, of Ft. Lauderdale, is a shareholder in Greenberg Traurig, LLP., where he specializes in private equity transactions, mergers and acquisitions. Previously, he was a clerk with the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida from 2009 until 2011. Zachariah has previously served on the Judicial Nominating Commission of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit from 2012 until 2018. Zachariah earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and his juris doctorate from the University of Florida. Zachariah is appointed to a four-year term.
Matthew Caldwell
Caldwell, of Ft. Lauderdale, is the president and chief executive officer of the Florida Panthers Hockey Club. Previously, he was the vice president of the investment management division at Goldman Sachs from 2010 until 2014. He served in the United States Army from 2002 until 2007. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy West Point and his master’s degree in business management and juris doctorate from Northwestern University. Caldwell is reappointed to a four-year term.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Two to the
Florida International University Board of Trustees
Governor Ron DeSantis today announced the appointment of Gene Prescott and the reappointment of Leonard Boord to the Florida International University Board of Trustees.
Gene Prescott
Prescott, of Miami, is the owner, president and chief executive officer of Seaway Hotel Group, operating as the Biltmore Hotel. He has served on the board of Florida International University’s Foundation since 2001. He earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Idaho and his master’s degree in industrial administration from Carnegie Mellon University. Prescott is appointed to a five-year term.
Leonard Boord
Boord, of Miami, is the founder of Slon Capital, an investment firm, and is the managing director of Lydians Capital. He is the co-founder of Intotheblock, a crypto asset company. Currently, he serves on the board of Master Concession Air, an air travel concessions operator. Boord is reappointed to a five-year term.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Two to the
Board of Governors of the State University System
Governor Ron DeSantis today announced the appointment of Aubrey Edge and the reappointment of H. Wayne Huizenga, Jr. to the Board of Governors of the State University System.
Aubrey Edge
Edge, of Jacksonville, is the president and chief executive officer of Petro Services, Inc., and First Coast Energy, LLP, a gasoline and convenience store management provider. He has been a member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce since 2007 and a member of the Shell National Wholesale Council, where he also served as chair. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Emory University. Edge is appointed to a seven-year term.
Wayne Huizenga, Jr.
Huizenga, of Delray Beach, is president of Huizenga Holdings, Inc., a diversified company that manages the Huizenga Family owned private businesses and real estate. He is also chairman of the board of Rybovich, a super yacht marina and refit facility based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Huizenga earned his bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Tampa. Huizenga is appointed to a seven-year term.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Chief Justice to present Guardian ad Litem volunteer attorney Mary Ann Etzler with Florida Bar’s highest pro bono award
Mary Ann Etzler, a Florida Guardian ad Litem volunteer and Orlando attorney, will be honored today by Chief Justice Charles T. Canady as the State’s top pro bono attorney. [Read more…] about Chief Justice to present Guardian ad Litem volunteer attorney Mary Ann Etzler with Florida Bar’s highest pro bono award
Jane Goodall, World Famous Animal Behavior Expert and Conservationist, to Speak at UT on Monday, April 20
2020 marks the 60th anniversary of Goodall’s pioneering wild chimpanzee research in Gombe, Tanzania; Tickets will be made available on March 23; Goodall’s visit is the first of a new Distinguished Speaker Series at UT.
Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and a U.N. Messenger of Peace, will speak at The University of Tampa on Monday, April 20, at 7 p.m. [Read more…] about Jane Goodall, World Famous Animal Behavior Expert and Conservationist, to Speak at UT on Monday, April 20
Commissioner Nikki Fried Appoints New State Leadership for Florida Forest Service
Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried today announced two new leadership appointments for the Florida Forest Service. [Read more…] about Commissioner Nikki Fried Appoints New State Leadership for Florida Forest Service
Joseph Lopano, TIA CEO, to Speak at UT Feb. 5
Joseph W. Lopano, the CEO of Tampa International Airport, will speak as part of The University of Tampa’s Leadership Speaker Series on Wednesday, Feb. 5. [Read more…] about Joseph Lopano, TIA CEO, to Speak at UT Feb. 5
