THE SEAHAWK
Features
The Alumni Magazine of Keiser University
Volume 1 | Issue 1 | November 2017
A Look Back....
A Message From The Chancellor
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40 Years of Students First
The Seahawk is published twice a year under the direction of the Alumni Relations department. Inquiries about content can be sent to alumni.info@keiseruniversity.edu
THE SEAHAWK The Alumni Magazine of Keiser University Board of Trustees, Keiser University Gregg Wallick, Chairman Tom Foster Frank Frione Dr. Anita Harrow Dr. Bill Kent Maria Kondracki Craig Perry Thea Scott Andrew Wright Board of Advisors, Flagship Campus Yvonne Boice JT Bruce Tom DeRita Debra Elmore Tom Feltenstein Dr. Meenu Gupta Joseph Herrod Chuck Laser John McGowan Michael Nichols Maureen Smith Karen Stedman Paul Tanner Harold "Sonny" Van Arnem
Dear Keiser University Alumni: As Keiser University enters its 40th year, I wanted to take a moment to wish you and your families the very best. It is an exciting time to be a Keiser University Seahawk. As I look back on 40 years, I am amazed by the progress and innovation that has taken place at our University. As you may know, we began with a vision to bring a new Higher Education opportunity for adult learners into our communities. With just one student and an entrepreneurial dream, Keiser University was established in 1977. Because of our students, long-serving team members, and many industry partners and friends along the way, today we are the 3rd largest private, not-for-profit University in Florida serving 20,000 students, 3,800 employees and over 60,000 alumni. Now with 19 campuses, including a 100-acre residential campus in West Palm Beach, over 22 athletic teams, Keiser University continues to propel into the future. Our Alumni Relations Office will keep you connected to your Alma Mater with the launch of a new alumni website. Utilize the site to apply for your alumni membership card, view the calendar of events, network with former classmates, and enjoy special alumni benefits including free tickets to all home sporting events at the Flagship Campus, as well as alumni only discounts. As we look forward to the future, we embrace the past and all of the positive impact our students have made along our journey. Here is to many more years ahead. It is truly an exciting time to be a Keiser University Seahawk! Arthur Keiser, Ph.D. Chancellor, Keiser University
Contents 2 Message from the Chancellor 4 Remember When 10 Did You Know 13 Alumni Spotlight 16 Making It Count 18 KU Football 20 Board of Trustees 22 Board of Advisors 24 Campus Happenings 38 Alumni Donor Recognition
A University Was Born
1977 A Look Back James Earl Carter, Jr. President of United States 220.2 Million America Population November 1977 Keiser University is Founded Other Significant Events January 3 Apple Computer is Born March 28 Rocky Wins Academy Award June 9 Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II is Celebrated September 11 Atari Home Video Console Released October 18 NY Yankees win their 21st World Championship
Our history as a university began with a dream. A dream envisioned by two individuals who believed that they could change the world. In 1977, Evelyn Keiser and Dr. Arthur Keiser took a risk and set out to change the Higher Education landscape with a vision and enduring committment to "Students First."
Remembering When...
How to Join For your $15.00 annual membership, your child will receive a valid membership for one year from the date of purchase. If you have questions or concerns pertaining to Skylar Kids Club, please contact John Hoatson, Director of Alumni Relations at 954-249-2083 or alumni.info@keiseruniversity.edu. Go Skylar! Go Seahawks!
Buy A Brick Today Leave a Legacy at Keiser University Special 40th Anniversary Pricing $40.00 Per Paver Includes three lines of text Add $6.00 if you want to add clip art *Until December 31, 2017* **Pavers Will Cost $100.00 Next Year, 2018** Get Yours Today! Don’t Miss Out!
Keiser University Alumni Association is excited to launch the Skylar Kids Club and is open to all students in eighth grade and younger. Sign your child up today to receive special benefits from their best pal Skylar. Signing up for the kid’s club definitely has its perks. Membership Benefits Fun Activity Kit Downloads Skylar Kids Club T-Shirt Official Membership Card Birthday Card from Skylar Seahawk Future Mentorship Opportunities
Order Your Keiser University License Plate Today!
Got Your Title? Get Your Keiser University License Plate Today! The license plates are in stock ready for shipping to you or for pick up at your county's tax collector's office or private tag agency. To makes things even easier for you, the Indian River Tax Collectors office has created a dedicated link to allow you to purchase the KU License Plate from the comfort of your own home. Cost & Fees The following fees will be charged in addition to your regular registration fees: $30.00 Specialty plate fee ($25.00 of which goes to the Keiser Mills Foundation to support student scholarships) $28.00 One-Time plate replacement fee (If within 3 months of your birthday) Note: Replacement fee is $39.85 if not within 3 months of your birthday. You will be showing your school spirit, knowing $25.00 of every purchase will go to fund the Keiser Mills Foundation to provide scholarships for deserving students attending Keiser University.
Keiser University has three campuses that have the Center for Culinary Arts. Tallahassee, Melbourne and Sarasota campuses offer degrees in Culinary Arts.
Keiser University is celebrating it's 40th Anniversary this year. The University started in 1977 by Mrs. Evelyn Keiser and Dr. Arthur Keiser.
October 24, 2016, Keiser University announced it would add football to its slate of varsity athletic programs, with intercollegiate action beginning in Fall 2018. Doug Socha is the head coach of the football program.
Go Seahawks! Keiser University changed it's mascot from an Eagle to Seahawk. We encourage all alumni to become a part of Seahawk Nation.
Keiser University now has a traditional residential campus located in the heart of Palm Beach county. We invite all of our alumni to check it out.
Keiser University ranked #52 by US News and World Report in its 2018 Best Regional Universities South category.
Port St. Lucie campus has a new two-story, 74,000 square foot building at 9400 Discovery Way 25 percent larger than the school's previous location.
Keiser University now has 22 sports teams housed at the Flagship campus. Keep up on Keiser sports by checking out the website: http://kuseahawks.com/
In August 2016 Keiser University opened the first College of Chiropractic Medicine in South Florida (West Palm Beach) They just celebrated their fourth White Coat Ceremony.
Alumni Spotlight
The Keiser University New Port Richey campus library is a brighter, more welcoming space thanks to help from local art students at nearby Gulf High School. Several art students worked for months designing, drawing, and painting the colorful mural and companion library sign. The students volunteered their time from March until May. As a token of our appreciation, the New Port Richey campus is presenting Gulf High School with a plaque to display at the school. The new librarian, Treva Cunningham, used the mural as a theme for creating a more vibrant and welcoming space for the New Port Richey students. Computers and a study area have been added to the space giving students an inviting place to study, do research, and learn.
Keiser University provided me with everything I needed for my future career as a licensed Florida Bar Attorney. While at Keiser University I retained an Associates Degree in the Paralegal Studies Program. The Program helped me develop not only the essential skills a paralegal is required to hold but also long-term practical and professional skills. The sole faculty member of the Program is Attorney Giselle Franco. Mrs. Franco guided me every step of the way, and because of her excellence, I excelled in my legal education. Mrs. Franco taught beyond words and more than any student can desire to learn from any professor. In fact, what Mrs. Franco has taught me stuck with me through college and beyond. So, thank you, Mrs. Franco and everyone at Keiser University that played a role in my education. Overall, I highly recommend the Paralegal Studies Program at Keiser University! Arisnelvys Gonzalez, J.D. Keiser University, Class 2011
New Port Richey Library Renovation
We Want Your Photos! In honor of our 40th Anniversary Celebration, we would love to see your KU Photos! If you come across any photos and memorabilia of your time at Keiser, please take a moment to upload your photos to our website. We would love to include you in our special album!
Tell Us About It SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE TODAY AND RECEIVE A GIFT! ENGAGEMENT * MARRIAGE * CAREER HIGHLIGHTS * BIRTHS & ADOPTIONS * AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS * MILESTONES * AND MORE! ALUMNI.KEISERUNIVERSITY.EDU Your note and photograph may be featured on the Alumni Website. Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations with questions. John Hoatson, Director of Alumni Relations 1900 West Commercial Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 954-249-2083
Over the past 40 years, Keiser University has become Florida's third largest not-for-profit University serving approximately 20,000 students, 3,800 employees, and over 66,000 alumni.
Keiser University has a campus in 18 of Florida's major and mid-sized metropolitan areas / Florida communities.
At Keiser University, students are pursuing degrees in over 100 doctoral, specialist, master's, bachelor's, and associate fields.
Fun Facts About Keiser University
The University's campuses provide an annual statewide economic impact of over $3 billion and directly and indirectly impact over 30,000 Florida jobs.
Keiser University was founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser in 1977, when they set out to create a University to better serve adult learners seeking a career-focused education.
Keiser University is a Level VI regionally accredited university by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels.
Dr. Arthur Keiser, Chancellor of Keiser University, announced in October 2016 that the University would be adding a football program at its Flagship campus in West Palm Beach. “The extraordinary athletic programs at the Flagship campus have provided countless opportunities for graduates to demonstrate their leadership skills and teamwork abilities while instilling motivation to strive for greatness,” said Campus President Dr. Gary Vonk. “Our students have demonstrated success in the classroom and on the field. The students and the University are better as a result.” Dr. Keiser said that he expects the first official game to be played in fall 2018. Completion of the stadium, track, and additional athletic facilities are anticipated for completion late summer 2018. Doug Socha was chosen to be the head coach of the university’s new football program at its Flagship campus. “Having a strong and proven leader like Doug Socha as our head coach will help to build our football program into a respected team in our division,” stated Dr. Keiser. “Socha has experience in building robust programs from the ground up, and the Seahawks are excited to grow under his direction.” Selected from over a hundred highly qualified candidates who hailed from all areas of football including the NFL, CFL, the NCAA, CBS Sports, and more, Socha comes to the Seahawks from the Buffalo Bills, where he spent the past season as an offensive assistant. Prior to his season in the NFL, Socha was the head coach of the Oxbridge Academy Thunderwolves. As the first head coach at Oxbridge Academy, Socha built the program from the ground up, and in 2015 led the team to a 9-3 record and the district title. Overall, Socha has coached in 4 state titles games, won one as a head coach in 2011 and has an overall record of 50-11. In addition to his team success, he has also been named the Sun-Sentinel Coach of the Year (2011 and 2015), the Nike Coach of the Year (2011), the Miami Dolphins Coach of the Year (2011), the Gulf Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year (2013) and the Gulf Coast Conference Coach of the Year (2014).
Dr. Anita Harrow
Maria Kondracki
Keiser University Board of Trustees
Tom Foster
Andrew Wright
Thea Scott
Craig Perry
Frank Frione
Dr. Bill Kent
Gregg Wallick Chairman
It is with great Seahawk pride that I introduce to you the Board of Trustees for Keiser University. Our Board of Trustees has provided guidance and stellar leadership in partnership with the University administration and faculty to firmly establish Keiser University as the third largest private, not-for-profit University in Florida serving 20,000 students, 3,800 employees and over 60,000 alumni. Our Board of Trustees are passionate about the University’s mission and dedicated to achieving our common goal to transform lives through teaching and service. The Keiser University Board of Trustees is made up of a chairman and eight board members. Each of these board members is well-respected in our business community. Together these individuals provide the governance for the institution. Peter Crocitto Executive Vice Chancellor / COO Keiser University
Michael Nichols
Dr. Meenu Gupta
Tom Feltenstein
Debra Elmore
Mrs. Belinda Keiser
Paul Tanner
Maureen Smith
Yvonne Boice
Harold "Sonny" Van Arnem
Joseph Herrod
Chuck Laser
JT Bruce
I'm proud to introduce and recognize the Board of Advisors to the Keiser University Flagship campus. These well respected business leaders provide advice for the campus. Each of these members is passionate about the mission of Keiser University. We are proud of the commitment that each of these members makes to our Flagship Residential campus. Mrs. Belinda Keiser, Vice Chancellor of Community Relations and Student Advancement
Tom DeRita
Karen Stedman
Flagship Campus Board of Advisors
John McGowan
TOP 2017 HEADLINES FOR EACH KEISER CAMPUS
FORT LAUDERDALE Had five successful accreditation visits encompassing program specific accreditations and a regional accreditation for all our Keiser University campuses. These visits range from newly accredited programs to re-accreditations. Developed and launching the accelerated / fast track Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. To date this program has successfully enrolled two cohorts and is looking forward to accepting new cohorts in January 2018.
FORT LAUDERDALE
ECAMPUS/GRAD SCHOOL
ECAMPUS Raised $3,124.95 for the American Diabetes Association. Extended its global outreach to support Venezuela relief hosted by the Latin Division. Rallies locally for Northside Elementary, their adopted school. Grad School Programmatic accreditation for Masters of Accountancy, Nutrition and Occupational Therapy. Expanded online graduate education to all Keiser University Campuses.
SARASOTA
DAYTONA
TALLAHASSEE
MELBOURNE
Sarasota Launched our Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-DPT (Doctorate of Physical Therapy) Graduated our first class of BSN students. Approval for new Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement Operations (merger between Criminal Justice and Forensics program). Lakeland Launch of hybrid graduate program on-site (MSOP). Launch of the hybrid BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing ) program on-site. Partnership agreements with Lakeland Regional Heath and Bay Area resulting in scholarship opportunities for employees of these facilities. MIAMI Miami campus was approved for a chapter of Psi Chi (the international Honor Society in Psychology). Sheila Martinez (BAAC) was awarded the UPS Scholarship and Juliette Rodriguez (BAPSY) was named ICUF Presidential Fellow. Two major events on campus: Doing Business in Cuba representing our business program with a concentration in logistics and transportation and Dr. Stanley Fish (renowned author, legal scholar and literary theorist) lecture.
LAKELAND
MIAMI
Melbourne Career Fair (over 60 Employers, Over 400 Attendees) Started new student organization - Alpha Delta Nu Started new student organization - Student Association of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (SAND) Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. Started new student organization - SPARK (Sports Medicine & Fitness Technology Student Organization for the Bachelor Degree. Tallahassee The Tallahassee Campus's OTA program received a perfect accreditation visit. Began a Student Veterans Association. Added a Hospitality Degree. Celebrated 25 years in Tallahassee! Hosted a meet and greet with local sports officials announcing our new football program. Achieved 2017 Cystic Fibrosis fundraising goal. Daytona Approval from Florida Board of Nursing to offer the ASN Nursing Program. Excellent re-accreditation visits of DMS and RT Programs. Starting of Medical Administrative Billing and Coding Program.
WEST PALM BEACH
PEMBROKE PINES
FORT MYERS Initiated Keiser Fort Myers President's Award. Initiated a new Alumni tradition where graduates can leave a mark on campus. Celebrating 1,000 graduate in October Phi Theta Kappa largest induction ceremony (30 students) in October West Palm BEACH Addition of Doctor of Chiropractic Program. They just celebrated their fourth White Coat Ceremony. Successful Blue Line 5K - The Keiser University Blue Line 5K is a celebration of the men and women in law enforcement and public safety. This event has become a signature event for the campus. This year the event raised $5,777.00 Successful accreditation visits for OTA and SACS. PORT ST. LUCIE Ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration of the new facility. Winning and accepting the Keiser Cup for the sports initiative. Congressman Brian Mast visited the Port St. Lucie campus. St. Lucie County professional development workshops for CTE held on campus.
JACKSONVILLE
FORT MYERS
ORLANDO On Campus Career Fair (62 employers) First ever Alumni Board established under the direction of Student Services. Sponsored and held Region 10 (4 country) HOSA (future health professionals) event for several hundred area high school students. Fall "Scare Fair" Campus Open House with over 700-1200 visitors to campus. Jacksonville The KUJax Sports Medicine & Fitness Technology program organized a campus softball game. KUJax campus bookstore grand opening. Program Director G. David Huber announced that the KUJax Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree program has changed its offering to provide night hybrid classes. Held first Criminal Justice Day Expo and tribute to social service workers March 14, 2017. PEMBROKE PINES As the College of Advanced Technology, Pembroke Pines is now offering the Master of Science Information Security in hybrid format at the campus. As the College of Advanced Technology, Pembroke Pines is a Red Hat Academy and a Cisco Academy. Information Technology and Network Systems and Data Communications students have the opportunity to take courses that prepare them for four Cisco certifications.
PORT ST. LUCIE
ORLANDO
TAMPA SOTA club raised money for the Arthritis Foundation. They also particpated in the Arthritis Foundation walk that took place in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Medical Assistant Club volunteers monthly for Feeding Tampa Bay. Feed Tampa Bay focuses on providing food to more than 700,000 hungry in the 10-county area. The Nursing Association has done car washes, raffles and taco bar for fellow students. All proceeds are used to help offset cost to go to the Florida State Nursing Convention. SAN MARCOS, NICARAGUA The Latin American campus now has a bookstore and a cafe bistro. Hispamer and El Molino are now part of the campus. A new auditorium is now open for students and staff. It seats 80 people and provides a comfortable environment for everyone. It is ready to receive guests speakers and host conferences. The Seahawks are killing it! The male basketball team is undefeated on the university league and they are looking at the gold. Some members play on the National team. NEW PORT RICHEY The New Port Richey campus added 4 new Bachelor programs to its on-ground offerings. A Bachelors in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Informational Technology are now available in an on-ground setting. Campus also added a new Campus President, Chuck Gibbons, a new Dean, Dr. Andrea Brevnik, and a new Director of Admissions, Dorothy Romito, to its administrative staff. Criminal Justice program has made a relationship with the Pasco County Sheriff office to offer Sergeant and Lieutenant training on site.
CLEARWATER Toastmasters International conducted their annual meetings on campus. This was kicked off in January of this year. Student Government Association is a new group for Clearwater campus and has been active with volunteering in the community. Orchestrated a Women of Letters Symposium that featured a Q&A panel of women who are literary leaders in the Tampa Bay Area. FLAGSHIP RESIDENTIAL October 24, 2016, Keiser University announced it will add football to the slate of varsity athletic programs with intercollegiate action beginning in fall, 2018. Coach Rollie Massamino, who admirably guided Keiser University men's basketball program over the past 12 years, and famously achieved 816 wins during his 45-year coaching career passed away at the age of 82. 5% increase in Fall 2017 enrollment. Go Seahawks!
NEW PORT RICHEY
NICARAGUA
CLEARWATER
FLAGSHIP
TAMPA
Clearwater Daytona Beach Flagship Residential College of Golf Fort Lauderdale Graduate School Online Division Fort Myers Jacksonville Lakeland Melbourne Miami New Port Richey Orlando Pembroke Pines Port St. Lucie San Marcos, Nicaragua Sarasota Shanghai, China Tallahassee Tampa West Palm Beach
Continue Your Journey At One Of Our Exciting Locations
Keiser University supports the following wonderful charities
Stay Connected To Your Alma Mater! #KeiserAlumni Use this hashtag for social media applications Alumni.KeiserUniversity.edu Website Office of Alumni Relations Keiser University 1900 West Commercial Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 954-776-4476 or 954-249-2083
Please consider making a donation to the Keiser University Alumni Association. There are several wonderful initiatives you can get involved with. Add your name to our donor list. Check them out:
Brick Paver Program
Talon Club Donations Silver Membership Michael Quaintance Bronze Membership Cameron Nevins Keith Queliz
Thank You Donors
Adam Stafford George Stamas Douglas Steslow Karen Steverson Brandon Strassburger James Strickland Dawn Taggblom Nancy Tedros William Tycoliz Anna Vazquez Patricia Velazquez Michael Wiles Pam Wiley Eric Wilson Lisamarie Winslow Michelle Witherspoon Peter Zanzonico
Thank You For Your Generous Gift!
Peyman Abdollahi Jo Jean Allen Linda Allen Mathew Anderson Vickie Babinski Brandon Barnhill Marion Bechtold Patricia Bentley Joseph Berardinelli Ellen Bernhardt Kris Bishop Jacqueline Boneri Luis Boneri Brad Brewer Colleen Browne Mark Burns Luciene Cali Lynne Carr Jose Centeno David Champlin Gina Cossey Donna Crawford Peter Crocitto Jesse Dake Tracy DeAngelis Donald DeSormoux Jane Diamantis Thomas Ertner Linda Fitzpatrick Rhonda Fuller Annie Gannucci John
alumni.keiseruniversity.edu
Eusebio Martinez Theresa Martinez John Mathias Suzi McCreery Rebecca Mcdonnell Maria Mead Maria Medina Laura Melendez Jonathon Miller Garfield Mitchell Jayne Moschella Rebecca Monk Michele Morgan Louise Nicholson Sherry Olsen Robert Oneal Murielle Pamphile Carmen Perez-Padron John Phelan Sandra Porta-Merida Michael Quaintance Mary Ralston Michael Record Jennifer Rector Alison Redd Ryan Reis Alberto Roldan Elizabeth Ronayne Laura Ronayne Natasha Seecharan Kimberly Sheffield
Charles Gibbons Niyah Glover Bianca Grayer Sally Han Anide Harrigan Bernice Hersman Harold Hickey Brent Hirschy John Hoatson Linda Horton David Hrnciar Liddia Isom Barbara Jacobowitz Jacksonville Campus Debora Johnston Jennifer Jordan Andrea Keiser Arthur Keiser Belinda Keiser Evelyn Keiser Robert Keiser Arlene Kinney Brenda Kinsey Madonna Kubichka Kelli Lane Marta Leonida Peter Lipinski T.J. Long Shari Lynn Victor Malo Jennifer Manzella
John Hoatson | Director of Alumni Relations Keiser University Alumni Association 1900 West Commercial Boulevard | Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 Email: Alumni.Info@keiseruniversity.edu | Phone: 954-249-2083
Happy Holidays From Seahawk Nation!