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CRC Public Hearing in Jacksonville at UNF Herbert University Center

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The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) invites all interested Floridians to participate in a public hearing being held today at the University of North Florida’s Adam W. Herbert University Center from 1:00-7:00 PM. This is the third public hearing being held on the CRC’s 2018 “Road to the Ballot” public hearing tour.

Public hearings are free events open to all Floridians who would like to attend. No tickets or RSVPs are required. Free public parking will be provided. Floridians planning to attend the public hearing are respectfully requested to observe the CRC Public Hearing Participation Guidelines.

WHAT: Northeast Florida Public Hearing of the Constitution Revision Commission

WHEN: TODAY, Tuesday, February 20, 1:00 – 7:00 PM (Doors open at Noon)

WHERE: University of North Florida
Adam W. Herbert University Center
12000 Alumni Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224

PARKING: Free parking is available to the public in Lot 16 adjacent to the University Center.
PARKING MAP LINK (PDF)
GOOGLE MAP LINK

SIGN-UP TO SPEAK: To speak at a CRC public hearing, Floridians must fill out an appearance form and hand it in to CRC staff at the Citizen Services Desk. The appearance form is available online at flcrc.gov and printed copies are available at public hearings. Appearance forms will not be accepted in advance of the public hearing.

Public speakers will be called in the order in which appearance forms are received by CRC staff at the Citizen Services Desk at the public hearing. The Citizen Services Desk will be open to accept appearance forms starting at 12:00 PM (Noon). Appearance forms received by 7:00 PM will be accepted.

Additional information for the February 20 public hearing is available online at flcrc.gov/Meetings/PublicHearings.

UNF Women’s History Month Luncheon Features Activist Dorothy Pitman Hughes

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The Women’s Center and Department of Diversity Initiatives at the University of North Florida present advocate and activist Dorothy Pitman Hughes as the keynote speaker for the Women’s History Month Luncheon at noon Wednesday, March 14, in the Student Union, Building 58W, Ballroom, Room 3703.

This year’s national theme for Women’s History Month is “Nevertheless She Persisted.” Pitman Hughes, who gave voice to the reality that issues of race and gender are inseparable in the fight for civil rights, will be discussing her personal journey.

In the early 70s, she teamed up with Gloria Steinem, and the duo inspired women throughout the U.S. to shed their fears of economic, social and political self‐empowerment and to exercise their right to self‐determination. Pitman Hughes and Steinem fought tirelessly to knock down barriers of sexism, racism and classism, working to unify and strengthen the women’s movement through community organizing and job creation.

Pitman Hughes co-founded New York City’s Agency for Child Development, the forerunner to one of the agencies that now provides care for over 250,000 children daily and employs thousands of workers. She organized the first shelter for battered women in New York City and was one of the original founders of the Women’s Action Alliance. Pitman Hughes was also part of the research team that created the Business Resource and Investment Service Center, which focused on the development of small, locally owned businesses in Harlem.

Locally, Pitman Hughes opened the Gateway Bookstore in Jacksonville’s Northside neighborhood to bring educational resources, community outreach initiatives as well as reading and homework coaching to marginalized young people seeking mentorship and advocacy. She has continued to work with Steinem and other Jacksonville activists to address poverty with the creation of community gardens.

She is the author of “Wake Up and Smell the Dollars” and “I’m Just Saying…It Looks Like Ethnic Cleansing (The Gentrification of Harlem).” She also wrote a chapter in “When We Were Free to Be,” a collection of essays documenting the rise of non‐sexist children’s culture during the 70s. She recently released a collaborative work written with J.R. Schuman, titled “Ain’t I a Woman Too?,” which offers readers a unique and personal insight into her life and work. A biography, “With Her Fist Raised,” is expected to be published early next year.

Pitman Hughes has received numerous awards, including the Esther Award, which was presented by Bishop S.N. Snipes on behalf of the Martin Luther King Educational Foundation and the Women of Valor Award for raising money to support organizations providing services for battered women.

Following the luncheon, there will be a book signing and a Q&A session. Tickets for the Women’s History Month Luncheon can be purchased here or at the UNF Ticket Box Office, Building 8, Room 1100. General admission tickets cost $25. Tables are also available for $250; each table seats eight guests and includes table signage, preferential seating and recognition during the program.

For more information about the event, contact Joanna Hillman, Women’s Center coordinator, at (904) 620-5515 or at [email protected].

New UNF Poll Shows Florida Governor Candidates Lack Name Recognition

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Respondents Show High Support for Restoring Felon Voting Rights

The Public Opinion Research Lab at the University of North Florida has a new poll that reveals an overwhelming lack of name recognition among Democratic candidates and Republican candidates running for Florida governor. The survey also shows that a majority of respondents support restoring the voting rights of individuals with felony convictions.

The poll, comprised of Florida registered voters, asked respondents to give their opinion on Andrew Gillum, Gwen Graham, Phillip Levine, Richard Corcoran, Ron DeSantis and Adam Putnam, all candidates running for Florida governor. Concerning the Democratic candidates, the percentage of respondents who had never heard of them ranges from 73 percent for Levine to 81 percent for Gillum. Graham had the highest favorability of the three Democratic candidates, with 11 percent viewing her favorably and 4 percent unfavorably, while 78 percent had never heard of her.

The Republican candidates didn’t fare any better as 67 percent had never heard of Putnam, 72 percent never heard of DeSantis and 78 percent never heard of Corcoran. Putnam received the highest favorability among Republicans, with 14 percent viewing him favorably and 7 percent unfavorably.

“It’s a little surprising that so few people have heard of the candidates, particularly Adam Putnam who has won two statewide races, and Gwen Graham, who is a former member of Congress and the daughter of former Gov. and Sen. Bob Graham,” said Dr. Michael Binder, faculty director of the Public Opinion Research Lab at UNF. “These results highlight both the opportunities for the candidates to shape the voters’ perception of them and the challenges they face in getting out their message.”

The poll also shows that respondents show high support for restoring felon voting rights. When asked whether they would vote yes or no on a proposition to restore the voting rights of Floridians with felony convictions, 71 percent of registered voters claimed they would vote “yes” on the proposition, with 22 percent who would vote “no.”

“Amendment 4, the voting rights restoration measure, facing voters in the fall is so widely supported, even a majority of Republicans support it. What remains to be seen is whether or not an influx of money opposing this ballot measure will knock off enough support to prevent it from reaching the 60 percent necessary to pass,” Binder said.

When asked whether they support or oppose lifting the bans on offshore oil drilling, 55 percent of registered Florida voters polled either strongly or somewhat oppose, while 37 percent strongly or somewhat support lifting the bans. Regarding DACA, respondents were asked about their views on illegal/undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. A large majority, 82 percent, supported letting them stay in the U.S. to eventually apply for citizenship, while 5 percent stated they could stay but not apply for citizenship. Nine percent claimed they should be required to leave the U.S.

“Even though DACA and offshore oil drilling will likely get sorted out at the national level, Floridians have strong opinions on these issues—very supportive of a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and opposed to opening up offshore oil drilling—and these opinions could very well influence the upcoming senate and gubernatorial elections,” noted Binder.

Regarding some policies facing Florida’s legislature, 59 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat oppose allowing concealed weapons to be carried on university and college campuses, with 35 percent in support. When asked about removing Florida’s home rule, 47 percent strongly or somewhat oppose giving the state government additional power over local government decisions, while 30 percent support it either strongly or somewhat. A majority of respondents, 62 percent, strongly or somewhat support legalizing and regulating recreational marijuana, with 35 percent in opposition.

“This is the third time over the past year we’ve asked about concealed weapons on college campuses, and the results are remarkably consistent. Voters are opposed to changing the current restrictions, and it will be interesting to see if the legislature listens to their electorate,” Binder said. “There is also opposition, though not nearly as strong, in scaling back Florida’s home rule, something legislators may want to pay attention to before acting to fundamentally alter governance in Florida.”

When asked about the most important problem facing Florida today, the most popular response was education at 20 percent, followed closely by health care, 16 percent, and crime, 15 percent. Out of all respondents, 52 percent either strongly or somewhat approve of the way that the Florida legislature is handling its job, with 33 percent disapproving either strongly or somewhat.

For details about the methodology of the survey and additional crosstabs by partisanship, sex, education, race and age, click here.

New UNF Poll Shows Sen. Bill Nelson Leading Gov. Rick Scott in 2018 Senate Election

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The Public Opinion Research Lab at the University of North Florida has a new poll that reveals Sen. Bill Nelson in the lead for the upcoming Senate election, with Gov. Rick Scott trailing close behind. The survey also shows that President Trump’s job approval rating has risen some since last fall.

The poll, comprised of Florida registered voters, shows that of likely voters in 2018, 48 percent plan to vote for Nelson, the Democratic candidate in the upcoming election for U.S. Senate, while 42 percent plan to vote for Scott, the Republican. Of those likely voters, 7 percent don’t know who their choice will be.

Regarding the U.S. House of Representatives, when asked who they would vote for if the election were held today, 42 percent of likely voters indicated they would vote for the Democratic candidate, 40 percent would plan to vote for the Republican candidate and 14 percent didn’t know.

“Even though it appears Nelson has a reasonable lead in the poll, the election results will ultimately get determined by who shows up in November,” said Michael Binder, faculty director of the Public Opinion Research Lab at UNF. “Historically, Republicans have enjoyed a turnout advantage in midterms, but with the current mood of the country, and a large number of Republican retirements, Democrats are optimistic about an impending blue wave.”

Of registered voters who were asked whether they approve or disapprove of the way Nelson is handling his job as senator, 52 percent of registered voters claim to somewhat or strongly approve, with only 20 percent somewhat or strongly disapproving. Notably, 26 percent of voters expressed they don’t know how Nelson is handling his job. When asked about the way Scott is handling his job as Florida governor, 63 percent reported to strongly or somewhat approve, with 31 percent disapproving either somewhat or strongly.

“Both senate candidates have net positive job approval ratings of 32 percentage points,” said Binder. “This high level of job approval is very unusual and is going to lead to a hotly contested election.”

When asked about how Sen. Marco Rubio is handling his job, 55 percent strongly or somewhat approve, compared to the 35 percent who reported to somewhat or strongly disapprove.

When asked about President Donald Trump’s job approval rating, 43 percent of the overall sample strongly or somewhat approve of how he’s handling his job, with 53 percent disapproving somewhat or strongly. A large amount of registered Democrats—87 percent—disapprove of Trump, while only 16 percent of registered Republicans disapprove. On the contrary, Trump held 81 percent job approval among registered Republicans, compared to 40 percent approval among nonpartisans and a dismal 10 percent job approval among registered Democrats.

“Most presidents would consider 43 percent approval and net negative 10 percentage points a troubling number, but Trump’s approval is up 6 percentage points from his approval level in October, and his net negatives have improved by 12 percentage points,” noted Binder.

In light of the recent investigation into Russian involvement in the 2016 election, when asked about the way Robert Mueller is handling his job as Special Counsel for the United States Department of Justice, 40 percent of registered voters somewhat or strongly approve, 28 percent of voters somewhat or strongly disapprove and 29 percent of voters don’t know how he’s handling his job.

“Even though Mueller is acting in a legal capacity, and has a 12-percentage point net positive job approval, there are partisan divisions as Democrats are much more supportive than Republicans in their views on Mueller,” said Binder.

For details about the methodology of the survey and additional crosstabs by partisanship, sex, education, race and age, click here.

UNF Features Anne Frank’s Stepsister in ‘Historic Evening with Eva Schloss’

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The University of North Florida and the Chabad of Southside will present a “Historic Evening with Eva Schloss,” a Holocaust survivor and Anne Frank’s stepsister, 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, at the Adam W. Herbert University Center, Building 43, in the Banquet Hall, Room 1044.

During an interview with UNF President John Delaney, Schloss will share her experiences as the childhood friend and stepsister of Frank, including accounts of the publishing of Anne’s famed diary, which was first printed 70 years ago.

In 1938, Germany invaded Austria, causing many Jewish families to flee the country to avoid persecution. Schloss was 8 years old when she and her family moved and eventually resided in Holland, where one of her neighbors was Frank, a German Jewish girl of the same age.

The two girls became friends and playmates, passing the time by skipping, playing hopscotch, marbles and drinking lemonade. Ultimately, both Schloss and Frank, as well as their families, were deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp. Schloss survived her concentration camp experience and made her way to England, where she married and raised three daughters. Although Frank didn’t survive, her diary did. Later, the two would become stepsisters.

Since 1985, Schloss has devoted herself to holocaust education and global peace, recounting her wartime experiences in over 1,000 speaking engagements. Her documentary, “116 Cameras,” follows Schloss as she embarks on a project to preserve her story as an interactive hologram that will have conversations with generations to come. The film is in the running for an Academy Award.

Schloss has authored two books and has had a play written about her life. In 1999, she signed the Anne Frank Peace Declaration, along with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and the niece of Raul Wallenberg, a legendary figure who rescued thousands of Jews in Budapest.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, click here or contact Rabbi Shmuli Novack, Chabad of Southside, at (904) 646-4434.

Best of the Best UNF Alums Recognized During Annual Awards Ceremony

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The University of North Florida Alumni Association announces the recipients of its alumni awards, honoring several notable graduates for exemplary service and contributions to the University during its annual Alumni Recognition Dinner and Awards Ceremony, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the Adam W. Herbert University Center, Board of Trustees Room, Room 1058, on campus.
“The UNF Alumni Association is proud of the 80,000 alumni worldwide who continue to achieve great success in their professions while supporting the communities they serve,” said Greg Corcoran, president of the UNF Alumni Association Board. “Our current recipients continue that tradition by setting examples that reflect most favorably on our University and its graduates.”
Honorees include Dr. Debra Harrison, assistant professor of nursing for Mayo Clinic’s College of Medicine; Tyler Morris, Independent Living Resource Center director; Judith Eisen, retired human resources professional; Dr. Walter Graham Jr., retired dermatologist; and Gerald Hurst, owner of Awards Unlimited Inc.
Harrison, a Southside resident, is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, the highest award given to a UNF graduate by the Alumni Association. This award recognizes alumni who have made a significant contribution to their profession, community and/or society, having consistently maintained the pursuit of excellence as a representative and graduate of the University.
“I am honored to be receiving this prestigious award from the Alumni Association. UNF, the faculty, staff and colleagues have all played an important part in my life both professionally and personally,” she said. “I value the long-term relationships I have developed because of that and so appreciate what a special place it is.”
Harrison has spent nearly 40 years with the Mayo Clinic organization, serving as chief nursing officer for the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville campus from 2006-2016, where she led Mayo Clinic Florida to achieve the nationally acclaimed designation of Magnet Status. Recognized as an expert in the field of nursing, Harrison’s commitment to community is reflected in the educational and informative presentations she has given over the years in various community settings, contributions to research studies and keynote addresses. She’s received several awards, including the Nursing Excellence in Leadership award from the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and Great 100 Nurses of Florida and Northeast Florida.
UNF nursing students at all levels have benefitted from clinical site opportunities made available through Harrison’s efforts, relationships and renowned career. Her further commitment to the University is illustrated in her role as an adjunct assistant professor and guest lecturer for nursing and health administration graduate students in the Brooks College of Health.
Morris, who lives in Riverside, is the recipient of the Young Alumni Achievement Award, presented for outstanding professional achievement, contributions to the community and exemplary service to the University. He began assisting people with disabilities in 1996 at the Caribbean Christian Center for the Deaf. Morris has served on several community boards, including as chairperson for the Mayor’s Disability Council, president of the American Advertising Federation – Jacksonville Chapter and marketing chair of Riverside Avondale Preservation. He’s received several awards, such as the 2017 EverBank Builds Community Champion and the 2014 City of Jacksonville’s Community Service and Leadership Award.
Eisen, a resident on the Southside, is the recipient of the Alumni Service Award, presented to alumni who have demonstrated continuous outstanding volunteer service to the University and/or meritorious public service. She serves on the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville Board of Trustees and UNF College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Leadership Council. Eisen’s impact has been felt by students through her support of the Department of Art and Design in the form of guest lectures, print/painting donations and creating new opportunities. As a long-serving member of the Dean’s Leadership Council, she has provided guidance and supported students. Eisen was also instrumental in the COAS dean search process during the 2016-17 academic year.
Graham, an Atlantic Beach resident, is a recipient of the Honorary Alumni Award, given to friends and supporters for exemplary service to the University. He was one of the founding members of the Thomas G. Carpenter Library Dean’s Leadership Council. Since 2007, Graham and his wife, Cynthia, have been actively involved with the Library, where they’ve contributed generously to several enhancements. The couple named a reading alcove on the second floor, two study rooms and a graduate carrel. Combining their love for art and the Library, they funded a student sculpture installation and, most recently, a student art gallery.
Hurst, who lives in St. Augustine, is also a recipient of the Honorary Alumni Award. He was one of five people who founded the Osprey Club in 1982 and has supported the Club as a member for 35 years. Hurst was selected to the UNF Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008 and is an honorary UNF Athletics letter winner. He was instrumental in leading the funding for the construction of Harmon Stadium, the Dusty Rhodes Batting Facility and the UNF Tennis Complex. Additionally, he established the Gerry Hurst Endowed Athletic Scholarship and has made other significant gifts to numerous UNF endowed scholarships, all of which are still in effect today.
Tickets to the Alumni Recognition Dinner and Awards Ceremony are $35 each and are available online. The last day to purchase tickets is Friday, Feb. 2. The UNF Alumni Association’s purpose is to foster, maintain and support a mutually beneficial relationship between alumni and the University.

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Names UNF 2018 ‘Best College Value’

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The University of North Florida has been named to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance “300 Best College Values of 2018” list. The rankings highlight public schools, private universities and private liberal arts colleges that combine remarkable academic quality with exemplifying affordability.

UNF earned spots on the magazine’s list of 100 best values in public colleges for in-state and out-of-state students. This is the seventh consecutive year the University has been recognized by Kiplinger for its public college value.

            “We take great pride in being recognized by some very elite organizations for our efforts,” said UNF President John Delaney. “With top-notch academic programs and amazing out-of-classroom experiences, all at an affordable cost, UNF provides an exceptional value that’s hard to beat.”

            This latest recognition comes on the heels of UNF receiving several other national designations, including 2018 “Best in the Southeast” by Princeton Review, 2018 “Best Regional” University by U.S. News & World Report, 2018 “Best Colleges” by College Factual and the 2017 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from Insight into Diversity magazine, to name a few.

“Our rankings, which weigh affordability alongside academic quality, are a great resource for students and their parents when sorting through college choices,” said Mark Solheim, editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. “We start with a universe of nearly 1,200 schools and trim the list using measures of academic quality. We then rank the schools based on cost and financial aid data. All 300 schools on our list are worth a look.”

The editors at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance start with data from nearly 1,200 public and private four-year schools, provided by Peterson’s. The list is then narrowed to the top schools based on measures of academic quality, including SAT or ACT scores, admission and retention rates, student-faculty ratios and four-year graduation rates. The editors then rank the schools using cost and financial aid measures. Academic quality carries more weight than costs.

The complete rankings are now available online at kiplinger.com/links/colleges and will appear in print in the February 2018 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance on newsstands in early January.

For nine decades, the Kiplinger organization has led the way in personal finance and business forecasting. Founded in 1920 by W.M. Kiplinger, the company developed one of the nation’s first successful newsletters in modern times. The Kiplinger Letter, launched in 1923, remains the longest continuously published newsletter in the United States.

UNF, a nationally ranked university located on an environmentally beautiful campus, offers students who are dedicated to enriching the lives of others the opportunity to build their own futures through a well-rounded education.

UNF Named Military Friendly School for Ninth Consecutive Year

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   For the ninth consecutive year, the University of North Florida has been designated as one of the most military friendly schools in the country by Victory Media, the leader in connecting the military and civilian worlds.                        

            The 2018 Military Friendly Schools list honors the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools nationwide that are doing the most to embrace America’s military students and to dedicate resources to ensure their success both in the classroom and after graduation.

            “Our ability to apply a clear, consistent standard to the majority of colleges gives veterans a comprehensive view of which schools are striving to provide the best opportunities and conditions for our nation’s student veterans,” says Daniel Nichols, a Navy Reserve veteran and chief product officer at Victory Media. “Military Friendly helps military families make the best use of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other federal benefits while allowing us to further our goal of assisting them in finding success in their chosen career fields.”

The list of Military Friendly® Schools and Military Friendly® Schools ratings are assessed through the evaluation of both public data about the institution and proprietary data gathered through the free Military Friendly® Schools survey. The annual, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey assessment is offered at no cost to more than 8,800 institutions nationwide. Each year, schools taking the survey are held to a higher standard than in previous years via improved methodology, criteria and weightings developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and Victory Media’s Advisory Council. More than 1,300 schools participated in the 2017-18 survey, with 849 earning the designation.

Survey responses are weighted according to the categories below. Final survey results and ratings are determined by combining an institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet minimum thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans. The benchmark is set by the score of the leading institution.

            Institutions competed for the elite Military Friendly® School title by completing a survey of over 100 questions covering 10 categories, including campus military support, graduation/employment outcomes and military spouse policies. Survey responses were scored against benchmarks across these key indicators of success. In addition, data was independently tested by Ernst & Young based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media with guidance from an independent advisory board of higher education and recruiting professionals.

            “UNF is committed to veteran success from the time they start the admissions process until they graduate and embark upon a new career,” said Bob Buehn, UNF Military and Veterans Resource Center director. “Our new, larger location makes us even more capable to serve veterans and military-affiliated students, who are our passion.” 

            UNF’s veteran population using the Post-9/11 GI Bill has grown at an average of 6 percent per year for the last five years and now numbers more than 1,300 veterans or military-affiliated students—with 1 one of every 13 students at the University being a veteran. UNF has 64 active duty, 588 veteran students and 653 military dependents.

            In 2009, UNF established a Task Force and received a grant for more than $200,000 from the Florida BrAIve Fund at The Community Foundation in Jacksonville, which allowed the University to establish the MVRC on campus. The Center opened its doors in August 2010 and moved to a larger space on campus this year. 

            Additionally, UNF started offering the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corp, an educational program of leadership and military skills training, on campus in 2009. The UNF program gives students a chance to get Army training while in college. 

The MVRC’s mission is to provide a broad range of student services and resources focused on the unique needs of today’s military veterans, service members and their families in order to enhance their smooth transition from the military environment to campus life, leading to academic success, graduation and employment opportunities.

            The Military Friendly Schools website, found at www.militaryfriendly.com, features the entire list, interactive tools and search functionality to help military students find the best school to suit their unique needs and preferences.

UNF Honoring Student’s Exceptional Service During Fall Commencement

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The University of North Florida will honor a student with an outstanding record of volunteerism, when it hands out over 1,000 degrees Friday, Dec. 8, during fall commencement at the UNF Arena, Building 34, on campus.
UNF senior Nikki Adams, who is graduating this week with a bachelor’s degree in biology, will be recognized as the recipient of the Senior Service Award, which is presented to a graduating senior for outstanding volunteer service to the University or community by the UNF Alumni Association. She will be honored during the 10 a.m. ceremony.
Adams, a Jacksonville native who grew up in Riverside, realized she could spark change and awareness through volunteerism and found she could accomplish this through the University’s Environmental Center, where she became deeply involved with the Center’s student-led organization, the Environmental Center Student Coalition. Adams served as club president last fall and facilitated open discussions with students about environmental problems and ways in which they could enact change.
Through the UNF Environmental Center, Adams began to participate in activities that also helped improve the Northeast Florida community by volunteering at clean-up events organized by the St. Johns Riverkeeper, North Florida Land Trust and Groundwork Jax. By “getting down in the dirt” with a team of impassioned individuals, she was able to work as part of a team committed to making a positive, visual change.
Additionally, Adams has interned with the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve as well as the National Park Service and volunteered with the North Florida Land Trust’s Team Terrapin, where she contributed to a database that served to quantify the amount of diamondback terrapins present in the marshes on Big Talbot Island. She’s also volunteered with The Girls Gone Green, the U.S. Green Building Council, Dreams Come True and Rising Tides Young Professionals group.
The ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction will take place at 10 a.m., while the ceremony for the Brooks College of Health, Coggin College of Business and the
College of Education and Human Services will start at 2 p.m.
The University expects to award a total of 1,022 bachelor’s degrees, 165 master’s degrees and 38 doctorates this term. Including the fall 2017 graduates, UNF has issued a total of 73,956 bachelor’s degrees, 18,591 master’s degrees and 531 doctorates since first opening its doors in 1972.

OneJax Institute Hosts 100th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Gratitude Service

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The OneJax Institute at the University of North Florida will celebrate its 100th annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Gratitude Service at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Congregation Ahavath Chesed—The Temple, located at 8727 San Jose Blvd. A fellowship reception will follow at 7 p.m.
This annual service has taken place in Jacksonville since 1918 and pays homage to the sacred passages, prayers, songs and traditions that exalt the quality of gratitude for the community’s blessings.
“This is a remarkable milestone. One hundred years ago, Rabbi Israel Kaplan at the Temple on Laura and Ashley Streets, invited Rev. Walter Pierce at the Unitarian Church to join in a ‘Union Service’ on Thanksgiving Day,” said Nancy Broner, OneJax executive director. “Over the years, additional faiths joined in to offer thanks and gratitude for all we appreciate as a community. We look forward to celebrating with the entire community.”
The theme of this year’s special service is “Reasons for Hope” and will include a procession of faith leaders and clergy. Expressions of gratitude from each tradition will follow and will include representatives from the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Native American faiths, among others. An interfaith choir will also participate. This year, more than a dozen faiths and traditions will be represented.
“If ever there was a need to be reminded that we aren’t alone and that, despite our differences, we share many of the same values and beliefs, it’s right now,” said Broner. “Our world is divided, we’ve endured and observed natural disasters and have witnessed unexplainable acts against innocent victims. In the midst of all this, the interfaith service reminds us to treat one another with kindness, to be grateful for all that we have and to approach each other with compassion.”
The service is free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring canned and dry goods, which will be donated to Feed a Needy Neighbor. RSVPs are appreciated at https://tinyurl.com/100gratitude or call 904.620.1529.
Since 2012, OneJax has been an Institute at the University of North Florida. Through education, community building and advocacy, OneJax Institute works to make Northeast Florida a better place for everyone by celebrating differences and identifying all we have in common. Its core programs include Metrotown, an intensive, week-long teen diversity program; LOUD (Leaders of United Diversity), where Metrotown graduates bring the message of respect and appreciation for religious, racial and cultural differences into their schools; Interfaith and Community Forums, periodic forums for public dialogue on diversity and community building; and Advocacy, working to promote issues of importance to the OneJax mission.
In addition, OneJax partners with the UNF College of Education and Human Services on Project Breakthrough, an initiative to change the story of race in Jacksonville. The organization also partners with The Florida Times-Union, WJCT Public Broadcasting and the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission on Civil Discourse Forums, promoting civil conversations around difficult or uncomfortable topics and issues. For more information go to www.onejax.org or call 904.620.1529.