Flagler College President William T. Abare Jr. has been awarded the Council of Independent Colleges’ 2017 Charles W.L. Foreman Award, the highest honor given by the organization’s State Councils.
The award is presented annually to someone who has “demonstrated truly exceptional commitment and leadership.” CIC President Richard Elkman said Abare was selected because of his work over the years with the Florida Independent College Fund. The Fund works closely with the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida to provide expanded access to higher education for students from all backgrounds.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for your work, and it is particularly meaningful when that recognition comes from a highly-respected organization,” Abare said. “It is also gratifying to know that the award recognizes leadership and service to an organization that advances independent institutions of higher education.”
The award is named in honor of Foreman, who served as president of the UPS Foundation and board chair of the Foundation for Independent Higher Education, which merged with CIC in 2010.
Abare has been president of Flagler College since 2001, and has worked at Flagler College since 1971 when he was hired as director and dean of Admissions. Prior to serving as president, Abare was executive vice president and dean of Academic Affairs at Flagler for 12 years. He served as chair of the Council of Presidents of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) and previously served as chairman of the ICUF Legislative Committee for seven years.
Abare will retire as president this summer after serving in the position for 16 years.
Flagler College
Fulbright scholar from Brazil visiting Flagler College to study Deaf Education program
Dr. Margaret Finnegan with Fulbright visiting scholar Dr. Maraisa Lopes
For the first time ever, Flagler College is hosting a Fulbright scholar. Dr. Maraisa Lopes, from the Federal University of Piaui Teresina, Brazil, is working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program in the Education Department to study differences between Brazilian and American higher education experiences in the field.
She is working closely with Professor Dr. Margaret Finnegan, Deaf Education coordinator — from now until June and again in the fall — to examine teacher education experiences, which include the structure and impact of student practicums, coursework, curriculum, internships, testing practices and state and federal standards. The aim of the cross-cultural collaboration is to share expertise and improve deaf and hard of hearing programs.
“Dr. Lopes is a consummate professional, asking questions and making observations about our program that prompt me to reflect on my practice and our course of study,” Finnegan said. “This has been an unexpected benefit, encouraging me to look at our D/HH program and to view our courses with an eye on how we might improve them.”
Lopes received a Fulbright “Junior Faculty Member Award” from the organization’s Core Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, which provides grants to 800 faculty and professionals from around the world for advanced research and university lecturing in the United States.
The Brazilian scholar said she chose Flagler as a host site for two reasons: place and people.
“I was looking for a university with a long history of experience in the deaf education field,” Lopes said. “Other universities in the U.S. could have offered that, but then I came upon Dr. Finnegan’s name. She is very involved in the deaf community, and leads a deaf education program.”
Flagler College, she concluded, was the right place.
As part of her studies, Lopes is currently observing and examining various elements of Flagler’s teacher education program. One of the difference she’s already noticed is the emphasis on practical experience at Flagler, and the benefits it offers students. When she returns to Brazil this summer, she will administer a questionnaire to her colleagues and students at Federal University in Piaui to gauge their experience in their teacher education program. When she returns to Flagler in the fall, she will do the same and compare the results of both groups in a final report.
In addition to research and collaboration, the Fulbright grant has encouraged cross-cultural exchange.
“This kind of program is really good because beyond having a project, having people from different cultures and places interact is really important,” Lopes said.
Finnegan agreed. “I believe Fulbright scholars can bring not only their knowledge and skill, but also energy, intellectual curiosity and new cultural perspectives,” she said. “It is a very real benefit to our department and to the college. We are so fortunate to have Dr. Lopes. I am learning from her every day.”
The Fulbright Scholar Program oversees the visiting scholar program and is organized by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Pulitzer Center awards international reporting grant to Flagler College student
Flagler College junior Jessica Rowan was recently awarded a prestigious international reporting grant from The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting in-depth engagement with underreported global affairs.
The Journalism major plans to investigate the struggle of Costa Rican children whose families can’t afford or find medical supplies to treat Type I diabetes. The topic is close to her heart: Her brother was diagnosed with the disease at a young age. When Rowan traveled and surfed in rural areas abroad, she wondered about the impact of restricted access to medical education and supplies. The Pulitzer grant is an opportunity for her to examine further the plight of affected Central American children.
“I am still in shock that my dream of investigative reporting and photojournalism is actually becoming a reality,” Rowan said. “It is just now sinking in that this is really going to happen.”
As part of the award, grantees are mentored by Pulitzer Center staff and journalists on their projects and their final work is featured on the organization’s website, with possible publication via other news media outlets.
Flagler College is a member of the Pulitzer Center’s Campus Consortium, a network of partnerships between the Center and colleges to engage with students and faculty on the most critical global issues of our time. In 2016, 31 students nationwide received Pulitzer reporting grants. This is the first year Flagler College has received one.
Rowan, along with 14 other students, prepared a grant proposal by taking a class titled “Global Issues and the Pulitzer Center,” taught by Dr. Brenda Kauffman. Assistant Professor of Communication Tracey Eaton, a seasoned journalist who also contributed to the course, spoke to the value of Pulitzer’s reporting grant.
“Students who are awarded travel grants journey to far-flung spots around the world in search of underreported stories of global significance,” he said. “These are amazing learning opportunities for student journalists. Jessie is a wonderful student and I know she’ll do a great job. I am confident that her project will help raise awareness of the struggle of diabetes patients in rural Costa Rica.”
Rowan will spend two weeks in Costa Rica in June conducting her research and reporting. She was one of five Flagler College finalists being considered for the award. The four others were Kathryn Ascher, Danielle Gellerman, Katherine Keithly and Katherine Lewin. To learn more about all of the Flagler projects proposed to the Pulitzer Center, visit here.
Flagler College’s ‘Giving Day’ to be held May 9
Flagler College will be raising money for student scholarships and financial aid on Tuesday, May 9, as part of its annual “Giving Day” campaign. This year’s goal is $25,000 — the lead gift amount the college’s Board of Trustees will be donating, and the amount the Board challenges alumni, donors and friends to match, in honor of retiring President William T. Abare, Jr.
“Alumni participation is important at Flagler College, and Giving Day offers the perfect opportunity for alumni to show their Flagler pride and give back to their alma mater,” said Dr. Beverly Carmichael, the college’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “This year, gifts will also recognize President Bill Abare for his 46 years of service and his 16 years as president. Giving is a fitting way to recognize and thank him.”
The campaign will specifically raise funds for “Flagler Fund – Academic Programming,” which directly benefits students and helps to create an exceptional experience for them in the classroom.
Providing quality education while keeping Flagler affordable is one of the institution’s top priorities. Ninety percent of students rely on some form of financial aid. To meet this need, the college has increased funding for need-based Flagler grants by nearly $700,000 in the last six years. Fundraising efforts have contributed to the increase in funding: More than 1,000 students receive financial aid through the Flagler Fund each year.
“Every gift counts, and all alumni and donors can make a difference,” Carmichael said.
All friends and supporters — not just alumni of the college — can contribute on Giving Day. People can make a gift to the Flagler Fund by donating to www.flagler.edu/abare, calling 904-819-6437 or by mailing a check to Flagler College, Attn: Office of Institutional Advancement, 74 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
Flagler College’s retired association awards scholarship to triple major Chloe Petito
St. Augustine, Fla. — Flagler College student Chloe Petito, a triple major who balances working 35 hours a week with taking six classes, was recently awarded, for the second time, the retired faculty’s annual scholarship of $1,000 on April 17.
“Flagler has helped my dream of graduating from college with no student loan debt,” she said.
Each year, Flagler’s retired faculty, members of Sociable Association of Satisfied Saints (SASS), hold a luncheon to announce the recipient of its scholarship. Petito is pursuing degrees in Accounting, Finance and Economics while juggling work and taking six 400-level classes, three of which are senior seminar or capstone courses.
“Receiving it (the scholarship) a second time only proves further that the Flagler community wants to help and support other Flagler students to achieve their dreams,” said Petito, who graduates this fall.
During Monday’s luncheon, President Dr. William T. Abare, Jr., also recognized the many contributions of retired faculty members and their efforts in helping to establish the college. Incoming Flagler College President Dr. Joseph Joyner was also in attendance.
The SASS scholarship is open to any student with a superior grade point average and financial need, regardless of rank or major field of study. To see photos of the scholarship luncheon, visit here.
Photo caption: Scholarship recipient Chloe Petito (third from right), with members of Flagler’s retired association
Motivational speaker Doug Dvorak to give commencement address at Flagler College
Flagler College will hold its spring commencement ceremony Saturday, April 29, for graduating seniors. Approximately 358 students will receive diplomas at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre.
The commencement speaker will be Flagler alumnus Doug Dvorak,’84, the CEO of DMG International, a worldwide organization that assists clients with sales excellence enhancement workshops, productivity training and motivational excellence management workshops. He has earned an international reputation for his powerful educational methods and motivational techniques, as well as his experience in all levels of business, corporate education and success training. His background in sales, leadership, and management has allowed him to become one of world’s most sought-after consultants, lecturers and teachers. He is a member of the National Speakers Association and is an Advisory Board Member of Best Buddies International, Inc., an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. In August 2014, Dvorak was inducted into the Motivational Speakers Hall of Fame.
The commencement speaker holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Flagler College and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing Management from American Century University. He is also a graduate of the Player’s Workshop of the Second City, one of the oldest and most prestigious improvisational comedy schools in the world.
Commencement begins at 9 a.m. and is not open to the public. It will be streamed live here.
The Flagler College Public Administration (PAD) program will graduate 14 seniors in a second ceremony later that day at 4 p.m. in the Flagler College Lewis Auditorium.
The PAD program at Flagler College is designed specifically to meet the educational and career objectives of public sector professionals and includes courses such as management, program evaluation, public budgeting, human resources, administrative ethics, public policy and grant writing.
Judge Poland retires from Law program he helped launch at Flagler College
Judge Poland (center) with Flagler alumna Colby Keefe, ’12, and President William T. Abare, Jr.
The founding director of Flagler College’s Law program, Professor Richard Poland, is retiring this year after serving the college for 25 years. Judge Poland, as he is often referred to on campus, has taught nearly 30 courses, fulfilled various leadership roles — including Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs — and has twice received the Faculty of the Year Award (2007-2008 and 2009-2010).
“I will soon be 70 and that is a magic number for me,” he said. “I want to travel and do charity work, reading, softball and spend more time with my family. Every year here at Flagler has been a wonderful experience.”
A retirement ceremony was held for Poland this week. College administrators, faculty, staff and alumni gathered at Markland House to celebrate the memories and contributions of the retiring professor — now a Professor Emeritus. Associate Professor of Law and History Tracy Upchurch was one colleague in attendance. He became the law program’s director in 2013 when Poland began his phased retirement.
“Rick deserves all the credit in the world for creating a pre-law program that’s second to none,” he said. “He has attracted a high number of high-performing students that have gone on to prestigious law schools.”
Alumnus Jonathan Growick, ’08, is one of those students who recalls vividly the impact of the famous judge.
“He is the reason I came to Flagler College,” he said at the reception. “I knew I wanted to do pre-law and was really impressed by him.”
Growick, who is now the 7th Judicial Circuit Managing Attorney for the state’s Children’s Legal Services, said that Poland did everything in his power to ensure that students in the program were more than prepared for the rigorous demands of law school.
“He really went the extra mile with us,” Growick said. “He’s big on writing well, and made it clear from the first class that he was here to teach us how to write like a lawyer. It made all the difference.”
The Flagler alum graduated from Regent University School of Law in 2011.
Prior to coming to St. Augustine, Poland served as a practicing attorney and judge in Maine. At Flagler, he held various roles beyond that of a professor, including chair of the Academic Program Accessibility Committee, Flagler College Senator, chair of the Faculty Welfare Committee and faculty sponsor of Phi Alpha Delta, among others. He has written and published articles in publications such as The Chronicle of Higher Education, National Jurist, USA Today and the Florida General Practice Journal. Some of his courses at Flagler included “Introduction to U.S. Law,” “American Law and Justice,” “Legal Research and Writing,” “Philosophy of Law,” “Leadership in Law and Politics” and “Ethical Issues in the Courts.” He received his Juris Doctorate degree from Northeastern University in Boston in 1974.
Flagler College recognizes top students during Honors Day ceremony
Flagler College recognized its best and brightest students in its various majors Wednesday during an Honors Day awards ceremony, organized by the Student Success Committee and College Relations.
Thirty students were presented the “Distinguished Major” award by professors who personally taught and knew them.
“The purpose of Honors Day is to celebrate scholarship and creative activities in the academic life of our campus,” College President Dr. William T. Abare, Jr., said. “We assemble here this afternoon to recognize and honor outstanding students who have distinguished themselves at the college through their hard work, diligence, perseverance and personal sacrifice. I offer each of you my heartiest congratulations.”
From juggling full-time jobs with demanding academic course loads to holding multiple leadership positions and serving others in the community, awardees clearly represented achievement.
Below is the list of “Distinguished Major” awardees:
Art and Design
Art History
Lindsay Fallot
Fine Arts
Adrian Gonzalez
Graphic Design
Michael Maiocco
Business
Economics
Patrick A. Bissell
Finance
Jack M. Kegelmeyer
Business Administration
Nicholas A. Pappas
Accounting
Chloe S. Petito
Communication
Journalism and Media Production
Natalie Alford
Media Studies
Chad Collins
Strategic Communication
Carly Meltzer
Education
Elementary Education
Yasmeen Anis
Art Education
Taylor Nicholson
Elementary Education – Exceptional Student
Cassandra Kelly
Secondary Education – Social Science
Debra Maffeo
Elementary Education – Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Dallas McClellan
Secondary Education – English
Samantha Sharp
English
English
Hannah Betz
Humanities
Philosophy and Religion
Stephanie Austin
History
Logan Brennan
Public History
Ellen Fogel
Spanish
Matheus Cezar Menezes
Liberal Arts
Sarah Strohminger Vaccaro
Natural Science
Coastal Environmental Science
Madison Skidmore
Social Sciences
Political Science
Andrea Hartung
International Studies
Pedro Romero
Psychology
Manon Herbinet
Sociology
Adria Mankute
Criminology
Annie Narducci
Sport Management
Sport Management
Megan Hooks
Theatre Arts
Theatre Arts
Rebecca Woods
Flagler students take a stand against sexual assault and ‘take back the night’
Flagler College’s ‘Take Back the Night’ group
Nearly 150 Flagler College students clutching candles and posters while chanting “People Unite Take Back the Night” marched against sexual assault Thursday night, as part of the school’s third annual “Take Back the Night” event. Held on campuses throughout the world, the event raises awareness of and calls for an end to sexual violence of all forms.
“Sexual assault happens whether people believe it or not,” said Colleen Turkiewicz, student chairperson for the event. “By coming, people are increasing their awareness for sexual assault and standing up against it. Take Back the Night is where everyone can come together and stand up for themselves and say that they will no longer be victims, but survivors.”
Turkiewicz was one of the many Flagler students participating in the night’s events, from writing inspirational letters to other survivors and handing out teal beads for all attendees to wear, to painting students’ handprints on a board to take an empowering stand against sexual assault. The college’s counseling center and the local domestic violence support organization Betty Griffin House were also available for support.
“Take Back the Night symbolizes a commitment to end sexual assault,” Betty Griffin volunteer Katelin Maloney told the crowd in the college’s Virginia Room. “Everyone needs to be involved in this prevalent issue. But this night, this full room gives me hope that young people on campuses can be safe. Just remember you survived, and that makes you a survivor.”
A “Special Victims” unit detective from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office noted ways in which people can prevent sexual assault from happening, including being aware of one’s surroundings, paying attention to others, and monitoring one’s social media accounts. After the event’s guests spoke, the students and staff members shared their flames from candle-to-candle in a ceremony to create a supportive community as they “took back the night.”
Students then headed to the streets — specifically down King Street, to Cordova and Valencia Streets and back around to Sevilla Street — chanting “No means no!” and “Yes means yes!”
“We want students to take away empowerment and a call to action after this event,” said Michelle Holland, event facilitator and director of Residence Life. “It is an event to raise awareness, and at the same time we want those who attend to think about what they can do to make our campus safer for everyone.”
According to the non-profit organization Take Back the Night, the foundation serves to create safe communities and respectful relationships through awareness events and initiatives. They seek to end sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse and all other forms of sexual violence. One in three women and one in six men worldwide experience some form of sexual violence. Less than 50 percent of victims report these crimes.
To end the night, students gathered outside the school’s Ringhaver Student Center to sing Kari Kimmel’s “Where You Belong,” and to blow out their candles as one. Flagler’s “Take Back the Night” was co-sponsored by the Career Development Center, Residence Life, Alpha Delta Kappa, Campus Activities Board, Flagler Softball, Flagler Dance Club and Glee Club.
Students secure competitive internships with National Science Foundation program
Three Flagler College students have earned coveted internships at major research institutions this summer, thanks to National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. Coastal Environmental Science majors Cody Burns, Madeline Musante and Alexis Morris will be heading to Oregon and Virginia for their highly-competitive research experiences.
“This is the pinnacle of all internships,” said Dr. Terri Seron, chair of the Natural Sciences Department.
The REU program funds opportunities for undergraduates, who work in research programs of the host institution. Students are associated with a specific research project, where they work closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel.
Burns will be traveling to Old Dominion University, where he will investigate the impacts of climate change on urban communities. Musante will be interning at the Hatfield Marine Science Center at Oregon State University, where she will work on a collaborative project between the Lab and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to study the early development of rockfish off the coast of the state. Morris will also travel to Oregon State, where she will study the effects of anthropogenic activities on marine communities found in underwater sediments.
Musante was thrilled to learn she secured an internship: “It’s the perfect fit for me because it builds on the knowledge and experience I have gained at Flagler,” she said.
Flagler alumni Kyle Jennette was awarded the prestigious internship in 2010, and Kassi Ferguson and Daphne Pariser in 2012; all students have since entered doctoral programs. Jennette is working on his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Ferguson at Florida State University and Pariser at New York University.
“This demonstrates how important undergraduate research here at Flagler really is, and how much work and time our Science faculty and students are putting in outside of regular classes,” Seron said. “I am so proud of the way research has grown here at Flagler.”
