J A C K S O N V I L L E U N I V E R S I T Y

Teaching Students the

Business of entertainment

A conversAtion with dr. Kinne

men’s bAsKetbAll: dolphins rising

spring 2008

Greetings JU Alumni & Friends,

Happy Birthday Nellie!

JU’s mascot and the oldest dolphin in captivity, Nellie, celebrated her 55th birthday February 27. President Romesburg was on hand for the celebration and presented Nellie with an honorary degree. The birthday festivi-ties started at her home in Marineland and continued on JU’s campus with a happy hour at Nellie’s restaurant, named in her honor. See highlights at www.ju.edu/nellie.

Our Vision here at Jacksonville University is to develop distinctly well-prepared students. To accom-plish that, we continually strive to develop new program offerings, as well as strengthen our existing pro-grams. Two new programs in the College of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Arts in film and a Bachelor of Science in music business (page 4), are designed to teach students the skills they’ll need to succeed and give them opportunities for practical experience in their field.

Aviation Accreditation Board Interna-tional just granted our Aeronautics program accreditation (page16). This achievement increases the attrac-tiveness of the program to prospec-tive students and their parents, as well as ensures employers that our aviation students possess a broad range of skills.

There has also been excitement surrounding the renewed success of our Men’s Basketball program and the rise of our Women’s team as well. Both have made impressive showings in their respective tourna-ments (page 8).

The Wave also had a chance to learn more about Dr. Fran Kinne (Q&A page 12). It’s a fun glimpse of one of JU’s most respected leaders and loved student-advocates.

With innovative programs and our athletes reaching new levels of suc-cess, there is a lot to be energized about around the JU community.

Kerry D. RomesburgPresident

VOLUME 11 • NUMBER 2www.ju.edu

PUBlisHeR Kerry D. Romesburg

ediToR Traci Mysliwiec

ART diReCToR Krista Freeman

CReATiVe diReCToR Derek Hall

AssisTANT ediToR Kristi Mace

PUBliCATioNs MANAGeR Robin Bangert-Lenard

CoNTRiBUTiNG WRiTeR Joel Lamp

ClAss NoTes Patricia Reeves

MAiN NUMBeR (904) 256-8000

AdMissioNs (904) 256-7000 admissions@ju.edu

AlUMNi (904) 256-7201 alumni@ju.edu

UNiVeRsiTy MARkeTiNG (904) 256-7042 & CoMMUNiCATioNs media@ju.edu

ReGisTRAR (904) 256-7091 cbarret@ju.edu

iNsTiTUTioNAl (904) 256-7021 AdVANCeMeNT dyazbec@ju.edu

PUBlisHed University Marketing & seMi-ANNUAlly By Communications Office

CHANGe oF AddRess To Institutional Advancement Jacksonville University 2800 University Blvd. N. Jacksonville, FL 32211-3394

JACksoNVille UNiVeRsiTy BoARd oF TRUsTees

All contents © CoPyRiGHT 2008 Jacksonville University. All rights reserved.

Ron A. Autrey ’01Margaret Black-scott ‘85 Walter P. BussellsMichael Cascone, Jr. ’65kevin F. delaney Buck Fowler Wayne A. GallowayJ. Phillip Garcia ’90John M. Godfreyy. e. Hall, Jr.John G. Harrison ’67david C. Hodges, Jr. ’03Michael Howland ’76Cyrus M. JollivetteMatthew kane ’01Bruce kernTimothy Mann Raymond k. Mason, Jr. ’78Michael J. Mckenny

F. Andrew Moran ’78Victoria M. Mussallem ’98 elizabeth Anne P. NimnichtFrank Pace ’73 Timothy d. Payne Gilbert J. Pomar, Jr. Fred G. Pruitt ’69, ’85kerry d. Romesburg John A. “sandy” semanik ’72H.W. shad (Mike) ’85linda Berry stein ’69Mary Virginia TerryNina M. Waters ’80Gordon keith Watson ’71lisa strange WeatherbyTerry l. Wilcox Carolyn Munro Wilson ’69, ’77, ’89 Charles J. o. Wodehouse

Cover

4 TeACHING STUDeNTS THe BUSINeSS oF eNTerTAINMeNT by Kristi Mace

CONTENTS

DePArTMeNTS

16 NeWS

22 SPorTS

26 ALUMNI NeWS

28 ALUMNI eveNTS

32 CLASS NoTeS

FeATUreS

8 A LoNG reBoUND Men’s Basketball returns to relevance by Joel Lamp

12 Q&A: Dr. FrAN KINNe “Life is Not About Us, but About other People”

14 orTHoDoNTICS: Leading the Way to Clearer Smiles

8

12

14

Two new programs in film

and music business, under

the direction of

Dr. Carolina Conte and

Dr. Thomas Harrison, are

teaching JU’s student-artists

the practical skills they’ll need

to succeed in the competitive world

of show business.

We have all seen a film or heard music that inspired us. But the

efforts put in behind the scenes often go

unknown. From creative writing, digital and sound editing to live concert coordination and negotiation, two

new programs at Jacksonville

University are teaching those skills

and helping aspiring student-artists make a name for themselves.

The programs, a Bachelor of Arts in film – the first degree of its kind in Northeast Florida – and a Bachelor of Science in music business, are led by film-maker Dr. Carolina

Conte and musician Dr. Thomas Harrison.

Teaching Students the

Bus iness o f En te r ta inment

“Both curriculums have become great compliments to the College of Fine Arts,” said Dean Bill Hill. “Not only can students learn in an environment that supports creative exploration, but they can also incor-porate students from other majors into their projects, including theater students as actors or musicians composing music for a film.”

A Focus on F i lmLaunched in the fall of 2007, the film program introduces students to every aspect of screen production from screenwriting fundamentals such as idea development, story structure and stage directions to interpreting screenplays through camera and performance.

Students choose to specialize in screenwriting or directing and learn invaluable production techniques such as digital and time-based art and nonlinear editing. Not only is the program helping students unveil their untapped potential, but it’s bringing a lot of excitement to those who were eagerly awaiting such an opportunity.

“I was elated to learn about the new film program at JU. I’ve had to develop a do-it-yourself attitude, but I’ve longed for a home where I

By Kristi MacePhotography by Krista Freeman

Dr. Carolina Conte

4 The Wave

Teaching Students the

Bus iness o f En te r ta inment

could express my creativity with my peers,” said junior Anthony Brooks.

Brooks spent the last three years absorbing everything he could about film. In 2006, he bought his first pro-fessional camera along with editing software and began making frequent trips to the bookstore to read about film and the film business.

In addition, Brooks interned at local production companies. His first real credit came in March 2007, when he filmed the Gate River Run with Starr Media Design. Since then, he has filmed a commercial for a local clothing company and landed a role as a cameraman in an HBO movie shot locally.

Even with these experiences, Brooks was eager to continue his education at JU.

“I believe with JU’s new film program, I can make a name for myself, as well as learn more about film history, lighting techniques, special effects and logistics.”

Another student hoping to make a name for herself is senior Kymberly Dixon.

“When I was a little girl I dreamed of being in the Hollywood atmo-sphere,” said Dixon. “Fortunately, I had the chance to produce a video documentary of JU’s Helford Prize- winning play, ‘Isaac, I am.’ This was the first time I worked with professional equipment.”

According to Conte, students like Brooks and Dixon acquire a broad range of valuable skills through the program that will help them confi-dently seek professional film/video opportunities in the community or pursue advance studies.

“Students not only learn to analyze, synthesize and discern important

information,” said Conte. “They learn to read and write scripts effectively and look at the world with a critical eye, while working independently and as part of a group.”

A native of Brazil, Conte’s passion for film grew after attending Pontificia Universidad Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre, Brazil and interning at Zero Filmes, an advertising and film company in Sao Paulo, Brazil. With a film career in sight, she applied to several graduate schools in the United

States, a country she believed excelled in the craft. Conte chose Ohio University (OU), a school close to where her mother had lived as an exchange student years before.

At OU, Conte received a Master of Arts in film and a doctorate in film/theatre and directed many theatre and film projects. Today, she continues working as a resident artist for ARTS/West in Athens, Ohio and developing theater projects in New York and film and video projects in Los Angeles.

“Students not only learn to analyze, synthesize and discern

important information. They learn to read and write scripts

effectively and look at the world with a critical eye.”

—Dr. Carolina ConteAssistant Professor of Film

Dixon (left) and Conte (right) set up a camera for a class exercise.

Spring 2008 5

The Bus iness of MusicIn the fall of 2006, JU began offer-ing a Bachelor of Science in music business, introducing students to music production and operation, artist management, live concert coordination, publishing, music and intellectual property law, contract management and more.

The program is musician-focused and enables students to grow as entrepreneurs in the rapidly changing music industry. According to Harrison, the record business, in light of illegal Internet downloading, is evolving and musicians need to be more versatile. They will have to perform at a higher level in concert and rely more on income from live performances.

“The movement toward perfor-mance makes a successful audition crucial when considering new students,” said Harrison. “I always emphasize that practice, as well as learning to become business savvy, are important. This is what will set our students apart when they compete in the marketplace against non-musicians.”

During the audition process, students are required to play songs from two different styles and read music they have not seen before.

Once accepted, students learn to produce and write their own songs, as well as interact with each other through real-world exercises, such as selling a potential new artist to

a panel of other music business students who act as publishing or recording company executives.

“Dr. Harrison’s classes are full of exercises that mimic real-life situa-tions,” said senior Gregory Boccieri. “After you complete a couple, you feel empowered.”

Boccieri has learned to scout artists, sell those artists to record labels and then market them. After graduation, he plans to start his own production company.

Like Boccieri, senior Kristin Kusic also believes Harrison’s practical teaching has helped her prepare for the real world.

“I have learned so many things, all relative to the industry,” said Kusic. “Everything has been very realistic and less textbook study. Even the tests have been more practically based.”

This spring, Boccieri and Kusic, along with other music business students, combined their work into a CD entitled “Dolphinium Records 2008 Compilation.” The $8 CD features music from R&B to heavy metal, and can be purchased at www.ju.edu/dolphinium.

“Dolphinium Records is JU’s student record label,” said Harrison. “All of the music on the CD has been written, sung or produced by music business students.”

“Dr. Harrison’s classes are full of exercises that mimic real-life situations;

After you complete a couple, you feel empowered.”

— Gregory BoccieriSenior Music Business Major

Harrison (left) and music business student Jason Wilkerson (right) work in the studio.

6 The Wave

A native of Hawaii, Harrison fell in love with music while playing the guitar and listening to heavy metal as a teen. Aspiring to teach, he attended the University of Denver, where he received a music scholar-ship and became the guitarist for the band “Dogs of Pleasure.”

After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he and the rest of the band moved to Los Angeles, where he attended graduate school at California State University. He later went on to obtain a doctorate at the University of Salford in England, while simultaneously teaching at Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, N.C.

“I flew back and forth from North Carolina to England because I wanted to obtain a doctorate in musicology, and Salford had two of the most respected musicologists in the international academic community,” said Harrison.

Harrison has since worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including multi-platinum producers Geoff Workman, Michael Wagener, Ric Browde and Greg D’Angelo, as an artist, engineer and/or second engineer. In addition, he contrib-uted backing vocals on the Ringo Starr album “Vertical Man” and is the author of “Van Halen: The Music and the Fans 1978-1986.”

Whether on the set or in the studio, students in both programs are immersed into a collaborative world that combines technical skill, practical experience and creative problem solving – helping them succeed in the competitive world of show business.

Dr. Thomas Harrison

Spring 2008 7

From a One-Win Season to One Win Away from the NCAAs

A LONG REB OUND

Lehmon Colbert #41, Allen (center) and Ayron Hardy #108 The Wave

Three years ago, Cliff Warren took con-trol of the men’s basketball program at Jacksonville University. With his arrival, he brought a renewed passion and sense of hope for a once-proud program that had been trampled upon during the previous 20 years.

With the momentum of a young, fresh face leading the program, along with a new administration and returning fan base, there were hopes that Warren would have a “Midas touch” with the program.

Men’s basketball at JU has long been a preeminent program at the school, dating back to its junior college roots. The Dolphins have made nine postseason appearances in their history, with four trips to the NCAA Tournament – including the Cinderella run to the 1970 national championship game against UCLA.

But before Warren took over, the program had fallen into a rut. While JU tallied the occasional winning season, there was no excitement as the Dolphins failed to produce in conference play or advance deep into the conference tournament.

While Warren and the new administra-tion dreamt of a quick turnaround, the program had to hit rock bottom before rising again.

After winning just one game in his first season as head coach,

Warren was staring directly into the abyss trying to find

answers. What he found was confidence in himself

and his staff. His plan to revive the program was built on bringing in a solid group of young

men that could grow together and succeed for years to come.

No quick fixes. No dipping into the junior college ranks for a couple of players that would provide some success in the short term, but not set the program up to succeed in the long term.

“When I took the job, everyone I talked to told me that the key to being successful was to get good players,” Warren said.

Warren and his coaching staff hit the roads throughout the Southeast scouring for talent – wherever it could be found.

His first recruiting class had found a gem in Marcus Allen (left, #45). Allen finished his first season by being named to the conference all-freshman team and had moved into the spotlight by the end of the season.

With plenty of playing time avail-able to potential student-athletes, Warren brought in six new players who would help fully implement his up-tempo system.

The results were instant and beyond belief. JU completed the largest turnaround in Division I history, improving from one win to 15 and claiming a winning record en route to a third place finish in the conference.

While all the accolades were nice, Warren’s young team missed a chance to capture the eyes of the nation as they were upset in the first round of the conference tournament.

“That was a tough loss because we had played so well over the last month of the season,” Warren said. “But it was part of the building process and as we have shown, sometimes you have to take one step backward to go two steps forward.”

For Alan Verlander, JU’s newly named director of athletics, his first year was setup to be a glorious return to his hometown as he led the athletic program back to its previous heights. After all, it was his hire that was running the men’s basketball program – a man who he had complete faith in doing the job.

But that first year came and went, and in the process JU put up just one win. Crowds dwindled from a packed house for the home opener to less than 200 people in Swisher Gymnasium for the season finale.

Verlander had now overseen the worst season in school history with the man he had hand picked holding the reins.

Verlander remained confident in Warren’s abilities and helped polish some of the rough edges of

Cliff Warren

A LONG REB OUND By Joel Lamp

Spring 2008 9

the first-year head coach. It was similar to what JU President Kerry Romesburg was doing with his first-year athletic director.

“Throughout that first year, Cliff and I talked almost nightly,” Verlander recalled. “We would discuss ways we could improve the program. We would talk about his philosophy and how he handled things. He did a great job of maintaining a positive attitude at all times with the team, despite the mounting losses.” Warren had the full support of the University administration – and was ready to get some even better news: a new home facility.

The Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena became the new home of JU basketball during the summer of 2006 – coming off the NCAA announcement that the first and second rounds of the men’s basket-ball tournament would be returning to the Arena in 2010, hosted by JU.

The move Downtown gave JU the nicest facility in the conference, easier access for fans across the city and a recruiting edge that makes many schools envious.

“When Cliff and I first discussed it, it seemed like the right thing to do in building this program,” Verlander said. “We wanted to put the program back in view of the main-stream sports fan in Jacksonville. The Arena is one of the best in the country and we couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with than them.”

The relationship has taken off, with JU seeing its attendance increase each of the past two seasons. Close to 7,000 fans came to the East Tennesse State University game this past season, the most to attend a JU home game since a sellout against North Carolina in the early 1990s.

While the relationship has worked well off the court, it has worked on the court as well, with JU losing just two games on its new home floor – Billie N. Nimnicht, Jr. Court – since moving back Downtown.

“Any time you have a facility of this caliber, it helps in building a program,” Warren said. “Moving our games Downtown has created a buzz around the city and that has resonated with the student-athletes we’re trying to recruit.”

As the horn sounded at Allen Arena in Nashville, Tenn. for the final time in the Atlantic Sun Conference champi-onship game, the Dolphins retreated to the locker room disgusted, disap-pointed and determined to do bigger and better things next season.

JU had just watched Belmont become the first three-peat champion in league history to advance to the NCAA Tournament.

Originally picked to finish fifth in the league, Warren’s third season finished with the belief that the program has turned a page and is ready to write a chapter on the next championship in school history.

After dropping the regular season finale at Stetson, it seemed the Dolphins might have lost their momentum enter-ing the tournament. Instead, the team responded by putting together one of its best defensive performances of the season in the quarterfinals against Mercer before racing past Gardner-Webb in the semifinals.

Dolphin nation was on alert to dust off its dancing shoes, which have been in hibernation since JU’s triumph in the 1986 Sun Belt Conference tournament.

While the loss in the championship game, nationally televised on ESPN2, was disappointing, it’s hard to believe that just two seasons before the Dolphins won just one game and were just one game away this season from going to the NCAA Tournament.

“It’s another step in the right direction, but we’re not where we want to be yet,” Warren said after the champion-ship game. “We’re building a program that contends for championships every year. We had a good year, but there is still a lot of work to be done for us to get back here next season.”

Brian Gilbert

10 The Wave

Lasting Mark Ashley Williams (right), a lanky post player from Jacksonville, Fla., has made her mark on the JU women’s basketball record books in just three seasons. Single-season records she has set are: points (509), field goals made (197) and field-goal percentage (.562). She also owns the JU career records in: points (1,489), field goals made (579) and blocks (128), while ranking second in field-goal percentage (.534) and free throws made (321) and third in steals (145). Williams has also been recognized by the Atlantic Sun Conference by being named first team all-A-Sun three times and A-Sun preseason all-conference, as well as A-Sun’s preseason “Player of the Year.”

“I never pay attention to where I’m at in the record books,” Williams said. “I knew I was close to breaking 1,000 points but I didn’t know I was about to break the school record until someone mentioned it to me.”

Along with Williams’ individual achievements, the team has also enjoyed success this season. JU finished the 2007-08 season with a program record 23 wins and reached the A-Sun Tournament finals for the first time. The Dolphins also tallied a program-best 17-game winning streak, earned their first vote in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Top 25 Poll (Jan. 8-22) and put up back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time.

But through all of the awards, stats, records and ceremonies, Williams is the most reluctant star you will find. “I just don’t like to talk about myself like that,” Williams said. “I prefer to go out on the court and just play.”

Williams possesses an abun- dance of athleticism mixed with natural instincts.

“Ashley knows how to score,” said head coach Jill Dunn. “She has a lot of different ways to beat you, but she understands the game very well and is extremely smart on the court. She doesn’t force bad shots if she is double- and triple-teamed and will find her open teammate.”

Defensively, Williams is just as terrorizing for opposing head coaches because of her quickness and smarts. An unorthodox shot blocker, she prefers to trail her assignment in the paint in order to rip the ball away from behind. Her instinct in the passing lanes, fast reflexes and ability to maneuver quickly in the post creates many opportunities for steals.

The records, accolades and team achievements will conclude as her career comes to an end, but the mystique surrounding her accom-plishments and the impact she has had on the program will continue to linger long after she hangs up her shoes.

“The two words that I’d use to describe Ashley’s time at JU are consistency and dominance,” said Dunn. “She’ll leave JU with her name in almost every record book. She has been a huge part of our program since she stepped on campus her sophomore year. She has made an impact on this program and is a huge reason why we’ve been successful as a team.”

Spring 2008 11

WAVE: What is one thing people might not know about you?FK: When I was 18 years old, I made a record that got the attention of the Freddy Martin Orchestra. They offered me the chance to come to Hollywood to sing and play piano. I was so excited. However, I had just signed a contract to teach music and English…so I ended up turning the offer down to fulfill my commitment. I have never regretted the decision because the teaching job led me into my 50-year career in education.

What advice would you give to students today?To uncover the one thing in their DNA that enables them to do something better than anyone else, and then to use it to help other people. I always say that life is not about us but about other people. One of my favorite books, “Magnificent Obsession” by Lloyd Douglas, has a message that I believe people should live by. It says if you do something for someone and they know it, you should not want them to do something back for you but want them to do something for someone else. My parents also taught me that.

Knowing how technology has advanced, what do you think about how we’re all so accessible but communicate less?Well, there’s nothing like the personal touch, and it concerns me that students are losing that. There’s

nothing like reading and writing and text messaging doesn’t give you the opportunity to write. Proper social skills are so important to learn, and I think these communication channels are limiting them.

Of all your roles at JU, which did you enjoy the most?I’ve loved every single thing that I’ve done at JU. It’s funny because I never applied to any job here and initially came just to help out for a couple months as an assistant professor of Humanities. Those months, however, turned into years when I was asked to create a College of Fine Arts. After doing that in 1961 and bringing many well-known entertainers to JU, they asked if I wanted to become president. I had no interest in it. At the time, there were very few women with administrative experience. However, I never wanted to get anything just because I was a woman, I wanted it because I deserved it. Many people on the board and faculty petitioned me for the role, I told them I would take it for one year under one condition; that my door always be kept open for students and there would always be students working in my office. Of course, that “one year” turned into 10 years.

What sets JU apart?The quality and stability of the faculty. We’ve been fortunate to retain such gifted professors. Our outstanding academic programs are

Spend any length of time around Jacksonville University and you’ll hear people talk about Dr. Kinne. An enthusiastic student-advocate and tireless fundraiser, Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne is JU.

The WAVE had a chance to learn a little more about one of the most popular figures in JU history. While two pages can’t even begin to scratch the surface of such a remarkable life, she shares some of her thoughts for a glimpse of the person behind the name.

“Life is Not About Us but About Other People”Q A&

12 The Wave

the direct result of their teaching. The quality is well above that of other schools, and the opportunity students have to receive one-on-one guidance from them is what makes them want to come.

How were you able to bring so many celebrities and well-known leaders to JU?Persistence. I worked for years making phone calls and attending social gatherings to become acquainted with them. I never went through their managers; I’d always go directly to them. I wanted students to be able to rub shoulders with them so they could understand how real they were and discover their similarities. What I knew to be the common denominator is every single one of them had a sense of humor.

Who has influenced your life the most?Without a doubt, my parents. I was fortunate to have parents who were intellectual, loving, tolerant and active in the arts. My father was a journalist and my mother a librarian. My mother achieved a lot of “firsts” in her life, including becoming the first woman to be President of the Board of Education. She was such a trail-blazer that I considered it natural for women to compete in the professional arena.

What makes you most proud?Each time my students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. These moments have been the most gratifying I have ever had in education. Another thing that still amazes me is how I managed to obtain my doctorate from the University of Frankfurt after World War II. I experienced a lot of opposition trying to attend as an American. One of the professors didn’t even want an American in

his class. Nevertheless, I overcame those obstacles and got through my classes – all of which were in German – with the support of my husband and three remarkable, internationally recognized professors who tutored me.

You’re currently on 16 active boards, that doesn’t leave much down time. How do you relax?I have a hard time saying no, but when I do “land,” I play the piano or swim.

What is your favorite food?I grew up on Norwegian food and I love it. I really like Kumla, which is a potato dumpling. But having lived in Florida for so long, I’m eating more and more fruits and vegetables.

Is there anything you collect?I love perfume. I’ve collected about 30 different fragrances. I change them with the seasons and each outfit. One of my favorites in winter is called Joy. I also like Chanel and Gucci.

Who is one person (living or deceased) that you would love to meet?I would love to meet Sir. Winston Churchill. He was truly a great man of the last century. I am good friends with his grandson Winston S. Churchill, who made numerous visits to JU.

What has been the secret to your success?The people in my life and my students and graduates. I’m also a positive thinker. I think it’s in my genes, but I also believe that you can develop it. I don’t let things deter me. I’m like a little dog chewing at the bottom of a pant leg…if I think it is for a good cause, I’ll keep going and going.

“Life is Not About Us but About Other People”

Spring 2008 13

Leading the Way to Smiles

For many of us, having braces is not a time we’d like to remember. Not only does it trigger memories of pain but of embarrassment brought about by the unsightly nature. To alleviate those issues, the orthodontic industry introduced aesthetic alternatives to metal brackets. As technology advanced, a similar alternative to metal wires was created by BioMers Products, LLC to complete the overall look. The alternative wires, called BioMers Translucent Arch Wires, have been successfully tested along with the clear brackets at Jacksonville University’s School of Orthodontics. The wires are virtually invisible and function similarly to metal wires. There is also an alternative to a metal retainer called the BioMers Astics™ Translucent Retainer. “As an adult, I was very hesitant about getting braces,” said Jasmine Murphy, who has been wearing the wires for six months. “However, as soon as I found out about this new alternative, I felt confi dent about the

SCHOOL OF ORTHODONTICS OFFERS AN AESTHETIC SOLUTION TO METAL BRACES

decision. I love the fact that no one can tell I have them on and I haven’t had any discomfort.”

In addition, the School has acquired sophisticated technology equipment, including a Cone Beam CAT scan unit and two soft tissue lasers to esthetically reshape gum tissue and expose certain types of teeth. The School also has a state-of-the-art physical testing laboratory to study and test many of the dental materi-als used in orthodontics.

Resident orthodontists also utilize advanced computer software, such as Dolphin ImagingPlus™, allowing students to easily capture, retrieve, print and present patient image records and Dolphin Aquarium™, allowing patients to see the process and their projected outcomes using 3-D animation.

Leading the way is a team of internationally recognized faculty, including Dr. Dipak Chudasama and Dr. Marc Ackerman.

Chudasama joined the faculty in 2005 and is the School’s director of research. He received his degree in dentistry in 1988 from Kasturba Medical College in Karnataka, India. After practicing general dentistry in Kenya for 10 years, he obtained a Masters in Orthodontics in 2003 from Eastman Dental Institute in London.

14 The Wave

Chudasama shows the BioMers Astics Translucent Retainer (above) and

Dolphin Aquariaum (upper right) to patients at the School.

In 2007, Chudasama was honored as the School of Orthodontics’ Academic Professor of the Year.

Ackerman, author of “Enhancement Orthodontics: Theory and Practice,” is coordi-nating the development of an evidence-based orthodontic curriculum.

“My role is to help integrate the best available evidence in literature into the clinical education our students

receive,” said Ackerman. “This is a truly innovative approach to teaching clinical orthodontics.”

Ackerman and Chudasama are also students enrolled in JU’s Executive Masters in Business Administration (EMBA) program. “When we gradu-ate, we will bring what we learned back to the School of Orthodontics and develop a curriculum for teach-ing the business of orthodontic practice,” said Ackerman.

Hands-on patient interaction is also a hallmark of the program’s teaching method. “I have a lot of friends in other orthodontic schools and they don’t start treating patients until they

are about six months in, we start at two weeks,” said Dr. Lily Workman, a fi rst-year student.

According to Dr. Laurence Jerrold, dean and program director, tracking student achievement is just one of the primary measures of the School’s success.

“Our last two graduating classes have achieved a 100 percent success rate on the American Board of Orthodontics Exam. That’s way above the mean.”

With cutting-edge research, impressive faculty and fees that are about 40 percent lower than local practitioners, it’s no surprise that the clinic is currently treating more than 2,000 patients. The clinic also has 28 students – one of the largest classes in the country – who have the opportunity to receive either an Orthodontic Certifi cate or a combined certifi cate and MBA degree.

“I love the fact that no one can tell I have them on and I haven’t had any discomfort.”

—Jasmine Murphy

One Small Smile at a Time

Faculty and students at JU’s School of Orthodontics are making the community a brighter place this year, one small smile at a time. This fall, the School launched an ambitious yearlong outreach program designed to raise awareness and treat the problems of orthodontic disease among local low-income and foster children.

Through its “1000 Small Smiles Across Jacksonville” campaign, they’ve started providing free oral health screenings to as many as 1,000 First Coast low-income and foster children. Additionally, the School is raising and donating funds to treat up to 100 of the children diagnosed with problems through the screenings.

Children lose much more than teeth to oral disease, says Dr. Laurence Jerrold, dean of the school. The craniofacial tissues affected by this healthcare epidemic represent the essence of children’s interaction with their world.

“They are what allow a child to speak, smile, taste, touch, chew and swallow,” Jerrold said. “Additionally, healthy oral tissues provide protec-tion against microbial infections and numerous other health problems.”

The School is partnering with several private and public organizations that help the more than 3,000 foster children in our area.

To donate or fi nd more information about how you can help support the campaign, visit www.JUSmiles.com.

Spring 2008 15

Translucent brackets with the BioMers Translucent Arch Wires

Consumer advocate and fifth time presidential candidate, Ralph Nader, spoke at JU on November 9 in Swisher Theater. He cautioned that today’s students are passive observers of what goes on around them while they need to learn to be skilled voters.

“It’s important to ask what makes you indignant enough to act,” Nader told the crowd of more than 200. “The ticket for citizen action is available to everyone; we just need to pick it up.”

He said people are not taught how to mobilize and to question power. “We don’t learn civic skills or how to practice democracy. When you don’t learn the skills of how to do something, you don’t do it.”

He discussed how people put so much time into analyzing sports, but not politics and what is going on in the world. “There are so many

Nader Brings Message of Active Citizenship to Campussolutions out there that we are just not applying,” he said.

Discussing the many options for constant entertainment from iPods to video games to Facebook, he asked “Is this the kind of commercialism that turns our brains to putty?” He continued, “It’s like we can’t stand for our brain to be alone with our mind.”

To bring more compelling speakers such as Nader back to campus, Campus Activities partnered with Dolphin Productions.

“We wanted to engage students in a dialogue about responsible citizenship,” said Justin Camputaro, director of Campus Activities and the Student Commons.

Honored recently as “One of the 100 Most Influential Figures in American History,” by The Atlantic, Nader has devoted his life to giving ordinary people the tools they need to defend

themselves against corporate negli-gence and government indifference.

To learn more about what you can do to make a difference, visit www.uspirg.org

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The Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) has granted accreditation for Jacksonville University’s Division of Aeronautics. This puts JU among the first 30 universities in the nation to have an accredited aviation program.

“It is noteworthy that AABI accredited our aviation degree programs without any recommendations,” said Dr. Juan Merkt, director of JU’s division of aeronautics. “This is quite rare.”

The accreditation is the culmination of a two-year process that included an evaluation by JU of its own

JU Aviation Program Earns AABI Accreditation programs and an on-site visit from an AABI team.

“It was a team effort involving the entire aviation faculty and staff, with the assistance from many others at the University and our partner, Delta Connection Academy,” said Merkt.

The two accredited programs are Bachelor of Science degrees, one in aviation management and the other in aviation management and flight operations.

“We’re thrilled that AABI has granted our aviation programs accreditation,”

said Dr. Kerry Romesburg, president of JU. “This achievement increases the attractiveness of our program to prospective students and their parents, as well as ensures employers that our aviation students possess a broad range of skills.”

AABI is the only agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit collegiate aviation programs in the nation. At least half of the membership of AABI consists of industry representatives from airlines such as American and Delta and manufacturers such as Boeing and Cessna.

16 The Wave

Otis Smith Night held a big surprise for the JU athletic department as Smith (right) announced at halftime that he was personally matching the $50,000 donation by the Otis Smith Kids Foundation to endow a scholar-ship for the men’s basketball program.

The former Dolphin basketball star and current general manager of the Orlando Magic announced his dona-tion in a taped message played during a special halftime presentation.

“I am indebted to Jacksonville University for giving me an opportunity

Former JU Star Matches $50,000 Gift Made by Foundation to chase my dreams while getting an education,” Smith said. “I wanted to give something back to the University that will give students these same opportunities in the future.”

“We are extremely appreciative of Otis’ gift and everything he has done for the Jacksonville community,” said JU Director of Athletics Alan Verlander. “It is a tremendous honor to have one of our own give back in such a way that will be beneficial to student-athletes for years to come. It sets a standard for other student-athletes to give back to their alma mater.”

This fall, Jacksonville University honored the entrepreneurial spirits of two alumni whose businesses have been helping the Jacksonville community for more than 35 years.

John Foye Sessions ’59, founder of Bug Out Service, received the Colonel Harry L. Kinne Free Enterprise Award and Thomas L. Grimes, MBA ’85, founder of The Grimes Companies (TGC), the Entrepreneurial Leadership Award.

“I knew at the time I started my business in 1963 that it would not fail because pest control services were needed in Florida and I hired the right people,” said Sessions. “However, with the help of my son-in-law, it has done much better than I ever dreamed.”

Like Sessions, Grimes also realized a need in Florida after working at the Clark & Lewis Company, a Grimes family business that sold

Alumni Honored for Entrepreneurial Leadership

Sessions, Dr. Frances Kinne, Grimes and President Romesburg at the November awards luncheon.

and distributed food products to restaurants, hotels and hospitals. The need was for additional warehousing services and in 1972, he founded Grimes Warehouse Company, now known as TGC in Jacksonville.

“Starting a business is probably the most exciting thing I have ever

done,” said Grimes. “Watching people grow as your business grows only adds to that experience. The opportunities that I have had remind me that as business leaders, we should do our part to give back to our profession and to learn from one another.”

Spring 2008 17

One Generation to the Next: JU Alumni Make an ImpactOne fundamental theme emerges from the stories of Michael Hightower ’72 and DJ Walton ‘02 – that of continuity and how one hungry gen-eration after the next has seized the opportunity provided by Jacksonville University to pursue their dreams and seek fulfillment.

Both men, who graduated 30 years apart, have not only sought fulfillment, but achieved a level of professional success that has enabled them to give back to the community and University.

Hightower, vice president of govern-mental and legislative relations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida in Jacksonville, was named JU’s 2007 Distinguished Alumnus and Walton, founder of Frum Tha Ground Up (FTGU) Inc., received JU’s inaugural Scott Amos Recent Alumni Award of Distinction. Both were honored at Homecoming during the President’s Welcome Reception and at halftime of the football game.

Hightower, one of only 39 alumni to receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award, has spent nearly 20 years

working with leaders in Florida’s local and state government, business and academic communities, along with volunteer organizations to enhance Floridians’ quality of life.

Among his affiliations, he is the 2008 Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce Chair-Elect and serves on the board of directors for Jacksonville Electric Authority. In addition, Hightower is past chairman of the Duval County Republican Party.

In February, he was one of only six civilians appointed by the President of the United States to the U.S. Naval Academy’s Board of Visitors.

“It is truly an honor to be the 2007 Distinguished Alumnus,” said Hightower. “To be a JU graduate is a privilege, as well as a source of personal pride and accomplishment.”

Walton, who also feels that same sense of pride and accomplishment, spent the last five years developing FTGU, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping America’s

N EWS

Hightower (right) with his son, Parker (left) and his wife, Sue.

President Romesburg with DJ Walton.

youth define and achieve success. While promoting the organization, his leadership skills attracted the attention of Grammy award-winning artist Alicia Keys, who now serves on FTGU’s board of directors.

In 2005, Walton founded FTGU Music, Inc., a full-service tour management and artist representation firm that is currently representing Keys. This year, Walton and Keys founded the FTGU Open Door Scholars Program, which offers scholarships to exceptional high school seniors.

“JU provided me with a first-class education, and I am grateful when I have the opportunity to give back,” said Walton.

The Scott Amos Recent Alumni Award of Distinction commemo-rates the achievements of Amos (1979-2006), who was active in student government and served as president of Sigma Nu Fraternity while at JU. At the age of 24, he was appointed chief assistant tax collector of Duval County.

18 The Wave

Thirty-six percent of employees, including faculty, staff and administra-tion, made personal gifts to the University this past fall. Contributions like these demonstrate the level of commitment employees have to the future of our students.

Every contribution adds up, that’s why the payroll deduction option has increased in popularity. Employees are finding this option an easy way to par-ticipate. “I consider JU family. Families support each other,” said Ruby Brobek, registrar administrative assistant. “Although sometimes our contribution might seem small, it counts.”

Leading by Example: Employees Support the UniversityThe Athletic Department was again recognized for having the highest percentage of employee participation. “I am proud of and thankful to all the people in our department for their generous donations,” said Alan Verlander, director of athletics. “Their dedica-tion to the University is not just shown in their jobs, but in the way they give back to help the University grow. I’ve challenged them to raise the bar even higher.”

JU employees’ generosity not only directly helps the institution reach its goals, but also sets an

example of the importance of philanthropy for students. A com-munity of giving begins at home, and our home is thriving!

Simulator Allows NROTC Students to Navigate Seas in ClassroomThe Navy ROTC program at Jacksonville University recently became the first in the country to give students the opportunity to use new technology designed to simulate what it’s like to navigate the high seas. The Mariner Skills Simulator puts students

technology,” said Lotring. “We owe it to our students to give them the best tools for learning, and there is no better way to start that learning than right here.”

on the cutting edge and the computer-ized navigation allows instructors to better assess individual abilities.

The simulator consists of two computer-based training devices for navigation and seamanship. The devices, which are already used by the Navy, allow students to accurately gauge a ship’s navigation and handling, enhancing its contact management. Students learn as a team on a larger, interactive simulator and at individual stations that act as their own ship.

The $250,000 simulator was brought to JU with federal funding that Dr. A. Quinton White, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, helped secure. Rear Adm. Arnold O. Lotring, commander for the Naval Service Training Command, explained its importance.

“This is the future of learning and a marvelous introduction of

Spring 2008 19

“We need a broader range of understanding. We actually train creativity out of our students…The biggest challenge is keeping that creativity alive,” said JU President Kerry Romesburg at the 2007 Festival of Thinkers Conference, in Dubai.

Romesburg, along with 20 Nobel laure-ates, collaborated on fostering creativity at the scientific as well as social level. They said conventional teaching methods may block creative instincts to continue learning and solve personal and professional crises, and discussed how ‘creative learning’ is critical to students reaching their full potential.

Romesburg Travels to Dubai for World Thinkers ConferenceRomesburg also took part in a panel entitled “Preparing Creative and Responsible Citizens: Role of Educators” with higher education officials from around the world.

“This was a great opportunity to represent JU on a global stage,” said Romesburg. “Teaching students to use creative thinking skills throughout life is crucial in helping shape our future.”

The Festival of Thinkers is a biennial event, organized by the Higher Colleges of Technology in the United Arab Emirates.

Romesburg with Sheik Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology.

The Riverside School gives students who haven’t performed to their full potential in high school a chance to prove themselves while developing the tools they’ll need to succeed in college. An intensive bridge program, the school hosted its inaugural class this past summer.

According to national studies, participants in programs like this are more likely to matriculate in college and have higher retention rates in the second year. Students live on campus for six weeks and complete

Riverside School Helps Students Develop Success Skillscollege-level preparatory courses in English and math, along with a course about adapting to college life.

“This program promotes academic and social integration along with decision-making,” said Dr. Lois Becker, senior vice president for academic affairs at JU. “Students have potential they haven’t realized; this program can help them reach it.”

Riverside School goes beyond academics – students participate in team building activities such as daytrips

to Universal Studios and community service projects. Peer mentors facilitate student success and academic success coaches are available daily.

“The foundations for success are woven into the curriculum and co-curricular activi-ties,” said Tasha Green, director of the Riverside School. “The school is unique and the experiences go far beyond the traditional college experience.”

Students who participated in the first group have already achieved grade point averages of 3.5 and higher as freshmen.

Following national trends, Jacksonville University now offers a five-year Master of Education program to replace the Bachelor of Arts. It’s divided into two available concentrations: Elementary (ESOL and Reading endorsed) and Physical Education (K-12).

School of Education Creates New Master’s Program“Completing a master’s degree will benefit students immediately in their careers,” said Dr. Christina Ramirez-Smith, dean of education. “Not only will they start at a higher salary and have more career options, but they will gain valuable experience in real-life classrooms.”

During the program, students progress from student to professional-level think-ing through teacher-preparation mod-ules supported by field experiences. Courses will be taught around themes such as: Reflective Constructivist Teaching, Leadership and Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Teaching.

N EWS

20 The Wave

The former Russell Boat House has undergone a transformation, expand-ing to four times its size. Integral to the development of the $3 million project, Brad ’76 and Annette ’80 Negaard (right) were honored during the official dedication of the new Negaard Rowing Center.

“Jacksonville University is proud to name the rowing center after the Negaard family, and thrilled to recognize a family who has been instrumental in achieving national

Honoring JU’s First Family of Rowing: The NegaardsBrooks Adaptive Rowing Program Opens in New Negaard Rowing Center

recognition for JU,” said President Kerry Romesburg. “Their dedication to see the program reach higher levels is infectious, and a great example of what our alumni mean to the University.”

The two-story facility features a storage bay for 20 boats, locker rooms, offices for coaches, a video room and lounge. There is also a multi-purpose room overlooking the St. Johns River which is home to the JU Athletics Hall of Fame.

Not only will the facility serve a major purpose at JU, but now members of the community with disabilities can row with the opening of the Brooks Adaptive Rowing Program. The program is a result of a partnership between Brooks Rehabilitation, JU and the City of Jacksonville.

The Negaard family (see below), honored by JU in 1988 with the Distinguished Service Award, has

now seen their dream of a new rowing facility finally become a reality.

“The Negaard’s have meant so much to JU, and their dedication to build this facility makes it only fitting to name it in their honor,” said JU Director of Athletics Alan Verlander. “They’ve been the back bone of the program for 30 years and with this facility, they’ve guided JU into a new era.”

Brad began rowing in 1972 and won three consecutive Dad Vail National Pair Championships. He placed 5th in the Olympic Trials in 1976 and 2nd at the U.S. Team Trials in 1979. He volunteered as head coach from 1976-88. In 1987, he coached the Puerto Rican National team at the Summer Pan American Games and represented the U.S. with the JU rowing team at the Festival of the Oars in Egypt. Married to Annette since 1982, they have two sons who now row for JU, Stephan and Erich.

Annette rowed, coxswained and managed the program during her four years at JU. In 1979, she coxed the Women’s 4 to 1st place at the Florida State Championship, 3rd at the Southern Championship, 1st at the Women’s Regional National Championship and 3rd at

Dad Vail National Championships. She also continued as manager until 1987.

Kristen ’81, received JU’s first rowing scholarship. She placed 2nd in the first Women’s Olympic rowing trials and won a junior national singles title. Continuing her 32-year

coaching career, she has coached at JU, Episcopal High School and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy among others.

Robert, Brad and Kristen’s father, supported their dedication by becoming a National Rowing Referee for 28 years and

volunteering as JU’s shell repairman for 15. He designed single rowing shells and invented the “winged-rig,” now in the American and British History of Rowing museums. Robert has also won several senior single rowing titles.

Shirlee, Robert’s wife, a JU art department adjunct professor and an artist, designed t-shirts, posters and medals for JU and Florida rowing. She also designed the Florida

Intercollegiate Rowing Association’s (FIRA) state rowing medal and their Women’s FIRA Points trophy was named after her before she passed. Some of her artwork hangs in the Negaard Rowing Center today.

Brad and Annette Negaard at the dedication.

Spring 2008 21

BASEBALL HOME SCHEDULE

APRIL1 Florida A&M 6:30 p.m.2 Florida State 6:00 p.m.4 Mercer* 6:30 p.m.5 Mercer* (DH) 1:00 p.m.18 Florida Gulf Coast* (DH) 2:00 p.m.19 Florida Gulf Coast* Noon29 Bethune-Cookman 7:00 p.m.

MAY2 at North Florida* 7:00 p.m.3 at North Florida* 1:00 p.m.4 at North Florida* 1:00 p.m.13 Georgia Southern 6:00 p.m.15 Kennesaw State* 6:30 p.m.16 Kennesaw State* (DH) 1:00 p.m.

* Atlantic Sun Conference Games

All Times are EASTERN - Dates and times subject to change

REMEMBERING COACH LAMABEFormer major league pitcher and legend-

ary college coach, Jack Lamabe, died in

Baton Rouge, La. He was 71. Following a

seven-year major league career, Lamabe

led JU to a 156-136 record from 1974-78.

In 1976, he led the program to a school-

record 46-14 and an NCAA Tournament

berth. He later served as Louisiana State

University head coach from 1979-1983,

before working in professional baseball

as a minor-league pitching instructor and

evaluator for the San Diego Padres.

JU Baseball Celebrates 50 YearsThe past two seasons have seen the JU baseball program return to prominence, making back-to-back NCAA Regional appearances for only the second time in program history with a group of experienced veterans who were determined to succeed.

In celebrating the 50th anniversary of baseball at JU, the Dolphins will feature a young team – with at least fi ve new starters in the lineup and a bumper crop of young arms who are some of the most talented to wear the green and gold.

“We’re excited about the season, but we also know that we’re going to be extremely young and make a lot of inexperienced plays,” said JU head coach Terry Alexander. “This group has a lot of talent and we’re playing a diffi cult schedule that will have them ready for our conference.”

One of the strengths of this year’s team is a pitching staff who have developed into one of the deepest in recent history. Matt Dobbins, an All-America selection his sophomore year, has returned to form after an

injury-riddled junior campaign.

In the lineup, shortstop Matt Lopez (top left),

center fi elder Kevin Ferriera, third baseman

Chuck Opachich (left) and catcher Brad Simmons return

from last year’s squad. Opachich was an Atlantic Sun Conference all-freshman team selection a year ago en route to hitting .326, which was the second best on the squad.

To show the depth of the recruiting class, the Dolphins had one of

the top 50 classes in the country for the second

straight year, with two players being

taken in the Major League Draft.

22 The Wave

SPORTS

For his excellence on the fi eld and in the classroom, senior forward Anton Axelsson was named the Academic All-America “Player of the Year” by the College Sports Information Directors of America and earned a spot on the Academic All-America fi rst-team. He is the fi rst Dolphin to win the award.

Axelsson was named Atlantic Sun Conference “Player of the Year” and fi nished the season with 16 goals and 36 points. Each of those totals ranked him fi rst in the A-Sun and second in the nation. He also led the A-Sun in points per game (1.80), goals per game (0.80) and game-winning goals (6). He fi nished third and fourth in the nation in points per game and goals per game, respectively.

Originally from Vaxjo, Sweden, Axelsson has a 3.98 grade point average and is double majoring in philosophy and

psychology. He had been named to ESPN The Magazine’s Academic all-district team earlier in the season and was also chosen as their “Player of the Year.”

A team captain, Axelsson led the Dolphins to the 2007 A-Sun regular season title and a berth in the A-Sun Tournament championship match. For his efforts in the tournament, he was named to the all-tournament team. He was also named to the All-South Region Second Team by

the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Axelsson Scores in Class and on the Field

Men’s Soccer Wins First Atlantic Sun TitleThe JU men’s soccer team won the 2007 Atlantic Sun Championship after defeating Belmont 2-0 in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 28, bringing home the fi rst A-Sun title in the program’s history.

“I am very proud of these guys. They really deserve to be champions,” said head coach Mike Johnson. “They set their goals high this year and fought all year long to get to this point. They did it the hard way and we had gutsy performances from a lot of guys who were playing hurt or sick. Our four defensive backs have played outstanding this year when we needed them the most. Everyone on the roster was a part of this weekend and this championship.”

The Dolphins won their fi rst A-Sun championship since joining the league in 1998, though the team previously won as members of the Sun Belt Conference. This is Johnson’s fi rst championship in charge of the men’s team, having previously won an A-Sun title as head coach of the JU women’s team in 2000.

Jonathan Jackson

Spring 2008 23

Dolphins to Practice and Play Like the Pros JU men’s and women’s golf teams had Christmas come a little late this year. The Dolphins added the prestigious Tournament Players Club (TPC) at Sawgrass, home of THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, to their collection of home venues.

“This is a great opportunity for our golf programs to get on one

of the fi nest, if not the fi nest, facili-ties in the world,” said JU Director of Athletics Alan Verlander. “Our student-athletes now have access to a premier golfi ng venue, which gives them the opportunity to hone their game on a tough layout, as well as a great practice facility.”

The deal with the TPC at Sawgrass enhances the Dolphins home facilities in and around Jacksonville. The teams also play and practice at Hidden Hills Country Club, Timuquana Country Club, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, The Palencia Club, St. Johns Golf & Country Club and Deerwood Country Club among others.

“Adding the TPC at Sawgrass to our rotation gives us a lot of ways to prepare for tournaments on the dif-ferent layouts,” said head coach Jim Taketa. “We are always appreciative to have each course open to us and for its representatives who make us feel at home.”

“This also enhances our recruit-ing package as our facilities are now on par with most any program in the country.”

Joshua Kinsey

24 The Wave

SPORTS

Softball Building for the FutureThat direction includes additions to the JU Softball Complex. The Dolphin’s home is being refurbished this spring, with a new grandstand and press box.

“Once we get the seating and press box, we will have one of the best facilities in the conference,” Lehotak said. “We’ve put a lot of work into upgrading our home fi eld and this will help us raise the bar for

the program.”

In her second year as head coach, Amanda Lehotak (top right) is putting the pieces together, building a top-notch softball program at JU.

The Dolphins played the toughest schedule in school history and just missed out on advancing to the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament, despite being ravaged by injuries.

With her fi rst recruiting class in school, the Dolphins are poised to make progress and begin their ascent in the league standings as 14 of the 19 players on the roster are underclassmen.

“Last year was a learning experi-ence for everyone,” Lehotak said. “We faced some of the best teams in the country and it helped us when we got into conference play. This year, we have a lot of players returning but we also have some new players that mesh well. We’re still a young team that is a work in progress, but we’re moving in the right direction.”

Jillian Mirante

Spring 2008 25

JU Star Returns to Give Back to the Community

Legendary basketball player Artis Gilmore ‘71, joined the University staff in January as Special Assistant to the President. Working with alumni and donor development, Gilmore will further connect the University with the city of Jacksonville by developing community relations and service initiatives with JU students.

“There are a lot of great things going on at JU, and I’m looking forward to the positive influence that I can bring to make a difference,” Gilmore said. “Giving something back is what it is all about.”

Gilmore has been active in local charities such as Harbor House as well as visiting troops abroad. He has made multiple trips with the USO during the last few years, visiting Kosovo and Bosnia in 2001, then Kuwait and the Persian Gulf in 2005.

“It was an experience seeing how war-torn those areas are and what has been destroyed by bullets and bombs,” said Gilmore. “You really get a chance to sit down and talk with them while you’re there.”

He finished his collegiate career with 1,312 points. In 1993, he was inducted into the inaugural JU Athletics Hall of Fame.

Gilmore was drafted in the first round of the 1971 ABA Draft by the Kentucky Colonels. He played there five seasons, earning “Rookie of the Year” and MVP honors in 1972 and leading Kentucky to the title in 1975. As the ABA and NBA merged, Gilmore was the top pick of the Chicago Bulls in the re-entry draft. He went on to play 12 seasons for the Bulls, San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics before retiring in 1988. Gilmore was an All-Star in 11 of his 17 years as a pro, his last selection coming at age 36. The left-handed Gilmore posted a career .599 field-goal percentage. He finished his professional career with a total of more than 20,000 points – making him one of only 24 players to reach the plateau (ABA & NBA combined).

ALUMNINEWS

“We are excited to have Artis join the University staff and use his skills and talents to benefit his alma mater,” said JU President Kerry Romesburg. “His athletic accomplishments speak for themselves, but it is his lesser known outreach in the community that shows his true commitment toward positive change for Jacksonville. He was a key part of a golden era at JU – and will always be a key part of this University.”

Gilmore starred at JU for two seasons and led the Dolphins to the national championship game against UCLA in 1970. One of the few college players ever to average at least 20 points and 20 rebounds over a career, he led the nation in rebounding as both a junior and a senior. He owns the school record for rebounds (1,224) and still holds the highest career rebounding average (22.7 rpg) in NCAA Division I history.

Setting the standard in blocked shots with 269 in his career, Gilmore recorded 12 triple-doubles as well.

Gilmore talks with current students about the changes since his days on campus.

26 The Wave

Most patients at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) in Bethesda, Md. know the real meaning of peace. They are wounded soldiers, sailors and marines who just hours earlier were brought in from Iraq and Afghanistan. Reaching out to these American heroes is a team of nearly 4,500 dedicated and skilled profes-sionals, including 10 Jacksonville University nursing alumni. “We are considered a center of excel-lence in the management of traumatic brain injuries because of the numbers and types of them we see,” said Cmdr. Mark Marino, MSN, RNC ’91, clinical nurse specialist and medical/surgical nursing advisor to the Navy Surgeon General. “All of us in one way or another contribute to the care of war heroes and their families.” Marino, who became the senior nurse executive in 2007 onboard the USNS Comfort in Baltimore, joins the following alumni: Lt. Cmdr. Manny Santiago ‘92, staff education training officer; Lt. Cmdr. Chris Gillette ‘94, command emergency manager; Lt. j.g. Lorelei Flinn ‘05, charge nurse on the Telemetry ward; Ensign Laura Tate ‘06, staff nurse on the Telemetry ward; Ensign Sarah Kimball ‘05 and

Nursing Graduates Heal the Wounded Together

Ensign Julee Smith ‘07, staff nurses on the Labor and Delivery ward; Ensign LaTarya Smith ‘06 and Ensign Leslie Schnieder ’07, staff nurses on the Internal Medicine Ward; and Ensign Brandi Epperson ‘06, staff nurse on the Surgical Ward. Epperson, who has served in the Navy for 15 years and was commissioned through its Marine Environment Protection Committee program, has worked at NNMC for a year and a half, witnessing first-hand the effects of combat.

L to r: Mark Marino ‘91, Lorelei Flinn ‘05, Julee Smith ‘07, Leslie Schnieder ‘07 and Manny Santiago ‘92.

“We see a lot of traumatic injuries to the brain and spinal cord caused by roadside bombs, as well as gun shot and extremity wounds,” said Epperson. “It has definitely been a learning experience.”

While there was no grand plan for the alum to work together, the coinci-dence helps make the environment a little more familiar. “I love knowing that there a lot of JU grads here,” said Epperson. “NNMC is a great place for us to learn and interact with each other. We went through a six-week internship where we got to go to several floors and experience different types of patient care followed by a four-week orienta-tion on our own unit.”

As the Navy’s third-largest health care delivery system, NNMC has treated more than 1,600 war wounded service members since 2003 and provides more than 12,500 ambulatory surgeries and almost 8,000 inpatient admissions each year. With such a high volume, the center is sure to see more JU graduates eager to impact the lives of our troops.National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

Spring 2008 27

5

AugustAtlanta Braves Baseball Game

Beaches Alumni Event at Ragtime

Happy Hour at University Club for Recent Alumni

SeptemberCharlotte, N.C. Happy Hour and Foot-ball vs. Gardner-Webb University

Chicago Happy Hour for Alumni Professionals

OctoberSan Diego Happy Hour and Football vs. San Diego State University

Alumni House Kickoff at the Riverclub

South Florida Happy Hour and Alumni Professionals Lunch

NovemberHappy Hour at Ale House for Recent Alumni

College Scholarship Night at the Jacksonville Agricultural Fair

Season Opener Reception for Men’s Basketball

Women’s Spa Day at Sawgrass

Holiday Gathering at R. Roberts Gallery

DecemberMen’s Basketball vs. Florida Gators Reception

Men’s Basketball vs. American and Georgetown Universities Gatherings

JanuaryBeef O’Brady’s and Men’s Basketball vs. UNF

St. Augustine Happy Hour at O.C. Whites

Happy Hour and Men’s Basketball vs. Kennesaw State

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A LUMNIEVENTS

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28 The Wave

1211

For the most up-to-date alumni events schedule, visit www.ju.edu/alumni

Pictured: 1) Betty Spoont ‘78 & Scott Goodman 2) Scott Romero ‘78 & Michael Howland ‘76 3) Gary Flower ‘82 & Steve Piscitelli ‘75 4) Melinda Friedlin ‘98 & Richard Billings ‘73 5) Lucy Villanueva ‘85, Heather Schmidt ‘86, Michael Goldberg ‘93, Ali Prakin ‘93 & Ralph Schmidt ‘85 6) Fran & Bill Nash, Patti & John Donahoo 7) JU Cheerleaders with future JU Alumni 8) Bonnie Barnes ‘06 & Margaret Widman Dees ‘86 9) David Cameron ‘66, Patty Parrish ‘67 & Bill Bakai 10) Felicia Day ‘06, Stephanie Potts ‘02, Dave Wholey ‘05 & Diana Whitkop ‘06 11) Renee Goodwin ‘06 & Will Glover ‘07 12) Artis Gilmore ‘71, Dane Gilbert ‘76 & Steve Tutson ‘82 13) Mary ‘71 & David Walker ‘73, Anne Herbster ‘77 14) Jason Delaneuville ‘03 & Jen-nifer Concordia ‘05 15) Diana & Ray Turnier ’71 & Fran Tesche ‘69 16) Atlanta Area Alumni & Friends

10

13

14

16

9

15

Spring 2008 29

HOMECOMIN

GA

AA

B

A

A

ALUMNIEVENTS

30 The Wave

B

Homecoming Events: A) President’s Welcome Reception B) Alumni BBQ and Football GameC) Mock RockD) Return of the Rat PartyE) Jaguar Football Game

E

C

D D

D

E

D

Homecoing 2007 was a blast!Mark your calendars now

for Homecoming 2008 September 12-14.

We hope to see you there!

Spring 2008 31

1970sDr. Lloyd Leschuk ’71, lives in New Jersey and recently got together with his JU fraternity brothers at his son’s wedding. Pictured are (left to right) David Borneman ’69, Leschuk and Edward Pomaski ’71.

Nancy Sanford ’71, lives in St. Petersburg, Fla., and has been a part of the Expedition 360 (formerly known as Pedal for the Planet) since 1994, providing team support and maintenance for the expedition’s ocean-going, pedal-powered boat, ‘Moksha.’ Sanford was honored to be asked to pedal up the Thames River.

Warren Grymes ’72, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida, lives in Jacksonville. The agency was recognized as a top performer by the national organization for its revenue and match growth of 20 percent or higher and match retention.

Pamela Kirk Prentice ’77, (white shirt) raises and shows appaloosas in North Carolina. In October 2007, she and her mare, Cowboy’s Bonnie Lass, won their first title at the 2007 Appaloosa World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas.

Suzanne Semanik Taylor ’98, lives in Wichita, Kan. with her husband, Wade. After receiving master’s degrees in business administration and health administration, Semanik Taylor worked in a hospital as director of physician practices. She works part-time for the hospital and enjoys raising her two children, Caroline and Hampton.

2000s

Sonny Martin ’73, lives in Jacksonville and has opened Barley, Martin & Wild, CPA, PL. Martin has been in the public accounting field for almost 30 years.

1980sLt. Cmdr. Michael D. Collier ’88, retired from the U.S. Navy on September 1, 2007, after serving at Jacksonville Cecil Field, Meridian, Miss., and also Washington, D.C. Collier earned his Master of Aeronautical Science degree at Embry-Riddle University. He is now employed by Boeing Commercial Aircraft in Everett, Wash., where he lives with his wife, Lisa.

1990sJeremy Cohen ’96, was recently named managing editor of Sales & Marketing Management magazine. He and his wife, Megan, live in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Todd Snyder ’98, lives in Fair Lawn, N.J. with his wife and two children. Snyder is the project coordinator, R & D developer and effects engineer for Center Stage Productions. His projects include working as an effects technician, carpenter and sculptor for The Spoon Group, a company that builds props and special effects for Broadway.

CLASSNOTES

Father-and-son duo Robert A. Lytle Jr. and Robert A. Lytle, III both graduated summa cum laude on December 15, 2007. The men had a running bet to see who would graduate with the highest GPA. Lytle, III, won the bet with a GPA of 3.99. His father, Lytle Jr., with a 3.95 GPA, made a payout of $1,000 on the day of graduation. Lytle Jr. earned a double major in management and business administration, and Lytle III a degree in business management.

32 The Wave

WeddingsJennifer Lavoie Gallton ‘96, mar-ried Capt. Daniel Gallton, USAF, on April 29, 2006. In attendance were fellow JU alums, Denise Colabella Hopkins ‘96 and Elizabeth Larsen ‘95. The Galltons are now stationed at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, Calif.

Shawna Himelright ’98, married Travis Trader ’96 on November 4, 2007. Several JU alums attended: (left to right) Ben Miles ’97, Marcy Trader-Schwartz ’99, Trader, Himelright, Lisa Emmel McKenna ’85,

Shawna Bell Karlson ’99 and Jeff LeBel ’96.

New ArrivalsKevin Haga ’92, and his wife Dr. Susanne Haga became the proud parents of Kyle James in June, 2007. Kevin is the financial planning and analysis man-ager for National Cooperative Bank in Arlington, Va.

Class Notes is compiled by your friends in the Alumni Relations Office. If you’ve got news to share, let us know! We want to stay connected with you so e-mail your information and photos to alumni@ju.edu. Please do not send hard copy photos.

The Larry Riddle Endowment Fund honors Riddle ’62 (1939-2007), (top left) who had a long and successful career in theatre. Riddle developed his passion for theatre at JU, where he served as a designer and technical director for many of the University’s plays. Riddle earned a Master of Fine Arts in theatre from Carnegie Institute of Technology and worked for several local theatre companies in Jacksonville, including The Little Theatre and the Alhambra Dinner Theatre. He also taught stage design at Florida State University in the 1970s. The fund will provide annual scholarships to promising fine art students specializing in technical theatre.

The Gerald “Pappy” F. Hughes Endowment Fund honors Hughes ‘62 (1909-2007), (bottom left) a former Navy Chief Petty Officer. Hughes was recognized by the city of Jacksonville as its oldest veteran on November 12, 2007. After growing up in the Pittsburgh area, he joined the Navy in 1931, and served through World War II and the Korean War. The fund will provide annual scholarships to students needing financial aid.

Donations to either fund can be sent to Dona Yazbec, Institutional Advancement, 2800 University Blvd. North, Jacksonville, FL 32211.

Jennifer Kugler ’94, and husband Jay became the proud parents of Nathan Gedaliah on August 20, 2007.

Michelle Hache ’97, and husband Michael Quatro, became the proud parents of Soren Emmanuel on May 11, 2007.

In MemoriamMary L. Peck ’72, on January 11, 2008.

Wally Seward ’76, on March 3, 2007.

Carol B. Roberts ’02, on February 3, 2008.

Spring 2008 33

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