The Dolphin Network Blog

A Dolphin Can Do Anything! - June 2011

2011-06-15T14:08:00.000-04:00

We received tremendous feedback on our post a few weeks ago on what your fellow JU alumni are doing across the country. So much tremendous feedback that we have decided to follow it up with several more articles from the spring of accomplishments of your fellow Dolphins:

How a Black Democrat Won Mayor's Race in Florida GOP Enclave

Passing the baton at Warwick Symphony

Trailer Bridge Appoints Seasoned Shipping Executive Scott W. Fernandez as Chief Commercial Officer

Teach for America: Ride of their lives

Nonprofit News: Highlighting Jacksonville’s Philanthropic Community

Trident Health System names Finch as CFO

Workspace: Matthew Kampfe, Baptist Health Foundation

Former JU golfer wins inaugural JAGA match play tournament

Price of gas causes lifestyles changes

As we have said before, these stories represent a small percentage of what the 23,000 JU Alumni are accomplishing through hardwork, focus and leadership.

For more information on JU Alumni, Faculty and Students in the news, click here.

A Dolphin Can Do Anything: Ashley Cupaiuolo

2011-05-12T08:47:00.000-04:00

Another outstanding JU commencement has come and gone, but at the Alumni Office, our work is just getting started making sure all the new graduates are also ready to become new alumni.

Recently, we wrote a post about what some of the amazing JU Alumni are doing out in the world, but we have one more to add. 2008 graduate Ashley Cupaiuolo recently made an appearance on the The Ellen Show and walked away quite happy (well, not quite walked). While some of may have seen the recent article on the JU website about this, we were lucky enough to receive a note from Ashley herself about her new-found fame (as a note, she had quite a lot to say, so the letter has been condensed):

Hello all! I hope you all remember me, this is Ashley Cupaiuolo, I graduated in 2008 with a B.S. in Psychology and Sociology. I just wanted to send a big thank you for all that you have done for me! You helped to make my time at JU wonderful, and I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for you!

Just a little recap of what I have been doing, after I graduated I was working at JU through AmeriCorps. I started the non-profit Campus Kitchen, in collaboration with Artie and Sodexo, that helped feed a low-income subsidy housing complex just 5 minutes down the street (among other events). In August 2009, I moved to California and completed my second year as a full-time volunteer through AmeriCorps. I taught Adult Basic Education classes for adults who took the initiative to go back to school to receive either their high school diploma or their GED to further their future.

After completing two years of AmeriCorps, I wanted to continue working for organizations like AmeriCorps, so I started to apply for Teach For America. The application process was an extremely long 8 months, then finally I was accepted!! I am actually going to be moving back to Jacksonville! The West side this time! I will be teaching secondary math, not sure exactly the grade, but the school will most likely be Jeffrey Davis Middle. I start this position in August 2011, and I will definitely be visiting JU.

In the meantime, while I was waiting/hoping for my acceptance into Teach For America, I have been volunteering my time with military families. I currently live in Virginia Beach, VA and babysit for two families who have husbands deployed. Also, I volunteer with the Navy base here hosting events in support of military families with loved ones deployed.

Anyway, other than sending all my gratitude and many thanks for being a big part of my life's journey so far, I wanted you all to watch this clip:

Thank you so much again!!!! You all mean so much to me! and do such great things with your lives!!!

Fondly,

Ashley Cupaiuolo

Do you have an interesting story about your life to share with your fellow Dolphins? If so, send us a note.

JU Commencement: Two Days from the Next Chapter

2011-04-28T20:58:00.000-04:00

Before we hit May, which has long list of events we are excited for, first thing is first. It is Commencement Time:

Here is what JU has in store for graduates, family and guests:

Friday, April 29th:

4:00 - Graduation Reception (Alumni House) - All graduating students and their families are invited to celebrate commencement and enjoy light hors d'oeuvres & refreshments. Attire is business casual.

6:00 - School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony (Terry Concert Hall)

Saturday, April 30th:

Commencement Day Schedule

8:45 a.m. - Graduates Assemble in Swisher Auditorium

9:10 - Graduates process out of Swisher Auditorium to staging area

9:20 - Processional into the Graduation Area of the Science Green

9:30 - Ceremony begins on Science Green with Carla A. Harris serving as Commencement Speaker

Noon - Ceremony ends

2:30 - Naval Reserve Officer Corps Commissioning Ceremony

6:00 - JUAA Hall of Fame Induction Awards

Dr. Fran Kinne
Coach Jack Lamabe
Gus Bell
JoAnne Steele
Ernie Fleming.

For more information, visit the commencement schedule. We hope to see nice contingent of past graduates in attendance to welcome the newest members to the JU alumni family.

A Letter from the Alumni Office

2011-04-25T10:44:00.001-04:00

Dear Class of 2011 -

We are so happy to welcome you to the ranks of the Jacksonville University Alumni Association, a group of over 23,000 individuals, including Amazing Race winner Alex Boylan, Hall of Famer Artis Gilmore, and many, many others. With graduation just a few days away, we have compiled a list of the top five things that every new Alum should know to make your Alumni experience the greatest it can possibly be!

1. Get Social! Join the Jacksonville University Alumni Facebook fan page to stay up-to-date with campus news and Alumni events!

2. Join the Club! Find a JU Dolphin Club in your area. Dolphin Clubs are a great way to network and keep in touch with other Alums. No club in your area? No problem! Request to create one by emailing us!

3. Attend Happy Hours! We invite you to attend your very first "Recent Dolphin Network" Happy Hour on Thursday, May 5 at Caribbee Key at 5:30 p.m. All new grads get their first drink on us for your inaugural Happy Hour! For more information or to RSVP, email us or go to the News & Events section of the Alumni website. RDN Happy Hours are held the first Thursday of every month for graduates of the last decade.

4. Make Your Degree Count! A component of JU's national ranking is based on the percentage of alumni that donate money (that's percentage, not amount - even $5 helps!). The more Alums that donate, the more value your degree has. So the best thing you can do for yourself is donate! Click to give today!

5. Connect with MyDolphin! Help us keep track of you by keeping your contact information up to date. MyDolphin also provides a place for career and professional networking, as well as a place to share your news with other Alums!

After your tassel is turned, you are officially a member of the Jacksonville University Alumni Association! We encourage you to be an active member - it's easy, it's fun, and it's free! We hope you come to think of us as a great resource; we can help you with anything from finding a long lost friend to publicizing your new book! We are always available at alumni@ju.edu or 904.256.7201.

So congratulations, Class of 2011, soon-to-be JU Alums! Join us for an event soon and become a Dolphin for Life! See you at Caribbee Key on May 5!

With many thanks and congratulations,

Your Alumni Office

A Dolphin Can Do Anything!

2011-04-14T18:19:00.001-04:00

With the Jacksonville University's 2011 graduation inching closer, and the next set of JU alumni about to become official, it is an important time to discuss the type of role some alumni are playing in the world and how they are serving as models for current and future alumni, as well as ambassadors for the Jacksonville University philosophy and educational curriculum.

Admittedly, it is difficult to mention Jacksonville University alumni and not immediately think about the news of Artis Gilmore being named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, but A-Train is by no means the only Dolphin alumni making an impact on society in their own way. Here is just a sample of articles published throughout the country thus far in 2011, all of which include a former JU student and how they are pursuing their goals:

Flying high ...Princeton native finds passionate career in the friendly skies

Will Jacksonville Elect its First African American Mayor?

Former 'American Idol' contestant holds CD release party at San Marco's Square One

Callahan music teacher Mary Salis helps students 'succeed in music'

Nassau Neighbors: Nassau County educator taught other educators

These stories represent a small percentage of what the 23,000 JU Alumni are accomplishing through hardwork, focus and leadership. We invite the next batch of alumni to look to these fellow members of the Dolphin family and strive to make a difference like them in order to become role models for the generation of JU graduates.

For more information on JU Alumni, Faculty and Students in the news, click here.

A Few Words with Artis

2011-03-16T19:33:00.003-04:00

It is one of the best times of the basketball year, and when you think Jacksonville University Alumni and basketball, there is one letter and one mode of transportation that comes to mind:

A – Train!!!

NBA legend Artis Gilmore’s on-court résumé is widely known and celebrated, but it is his works off-court, especially as an ambassador for his alma mater, that truly makes us proud. He consistently puts forth an effort to connect with his fellow alumni and participate in events and functions on behalf of the school. No better example of this was his trip to Los Angeles, where he took part in some JU events while attending NBA All-Star Weekend, as well as traveling with the Dolphin team to the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament.

Artis took time to give The Dolphin Network some exclusive comments to share with the JU alumni about his past several weeks of travel, his thoughts on All-Star Weekend, the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament outcome, and some views on basketball in general (and even a couple of predictions):

On traveling to Los Angeles for NBA All-Star Weekend:


Artis with JU Alum (and Amazing Race winner) Alex Boylan in L.A.

Obviously, the All-Star Game is a little different these days as the game has grown in popularity. I played in an All-Star game in L.A. in 1983 though, and there is just nothing like the experience of playing in Los Angeles. My fondest memory of it was actually Marvin Gaye singing the national anthem. I remember that everyone was in awe about that experience.

It was great catching up with my former colleagues and getting to meet some of the new players. One thing that I always notice is the shape these athletes are in. The players today are finely tuned machines.

The other great part of the weekend was getting to visit and meet some JU alumni on the west coast. It always makes me proud to see fellow Dolphins across the country doing well.

On the Slam Dunk Contest and how it has changed:

This year’s dunk contest – unlike the contests of the past couple years – I thought was really enjoyable. There were a lot of impressive, creative dunks (and I still can’t believe the Clippers let Griffin jump over a car).

This event has truly grown over the years. Many people may remember that I was in the very first dunk contest in 1976 with great players like George Gervin, David Thompson (who we expected to win because Denver was his city) and Dr. J (who ended up being the winner). What is forgotten though is that I was the FIRST player in the FIRST dunk contest. While we all knew how to dunk, we were all trying to figure out exactly what we should be doing and what they were expecting from us. I remember there were officials there giving advice like, “try starting from over there.”

Additionally, unlike today, I think there were only two cameras filming it. They weren’t replaying the dunk in slow motion from all different angles…in HD. Plus, of the two cameras, one of them was way up in the rafters. If it weren’t for my hair, I don’t think anyone would have known it was me.

On the Atlantic Sun Tournament:

Obviously, we were disappointed about the outcome in Macon, and UNF being the one to beat us didn’t help . However, the Belmont team that won it is very good, and has a great shot in their first round match-up against Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament. It will be a battle of two contrasting styles with the up-tempo game of Belmont vs. the ball control game of Wisconsin. Obviously, I will be pulling for Belmont because anytime an Atlantic Sun team does well, it reflects positively on the entire conference.

On the NCAA Tournament:

Right now, if I had to pick the Final Four teams, I would have to go with the four #1 seeds: Kansas, Pittsburgh, Duke and Ohio State. From there, I’m not sure what will happen. I know picking all the top seeds isn’t exciting, and I am sure there will be some upsets along the way and dark horses that come out of nowhere, but based on what I have seen, these four teams, who have been playing well all year, are going to end up on top.

For more about Artis and other JU Alumni, click here.

Michael Howland: Five questions with...

2011-02-25T16:17:00.010-05:00

On February 1st, JU Alumni Michael Howland returned to campus, as he has done quite a bit since receiving his degree as part of the class of 1976. Instead of touring the grounds or watching a sporting event, this time he returned to begin the next phase of his career as Vice President for University Advancement.

Michael Howland

Mr. Howland is joining the JU staff from his previous position as president and CEO of the Southeastern Council of Foundations (SECF), one of the nation’s largest regional associations of grantmakers. He has also been CEO of Noble of Indiana, an Indianapolis-based community organization that serves people with developmental disabilities; CEO of four associations in Springfield, Virginia that raise funds on behalf of more than 150 diverse national charities; and director the U.S. Small Business Administration in San Francisco.

Early on, JU students and faculty could see Mr. Howland’s potential as he won the Outstanding Leadership Award at his graduation, primarily for his work as Student Government Association president and newspaper editor. He has always been committed to helping JU succeed, serving as a member on the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors (where he received the Distinguished Service Award) and, in 2009, was named a Distinguished Dolphin as part of the university’s 75th Anniversary.

The Dolphin Network is honored to kick off its second year with an exclusive interview with Mr. Howland as he discusses his goals for the school and his thoughts on educational issues.

1. You have literally viewed Jacksonville University from nearly every angle possible (student, alumni, board of trustee member and now, administrator). Can you share your thoughts on how your Alma mater has grown since you first set foot on campus?

When I arrived at JU, we were defined to a great extent by the success of our basketball team. I don’t say that in a negative way – Artis et. al. put JU on the map for much of the country and ultimately helped to attract a lot of students here. However, we’ve grown well beyond basketball in the four decades since that foray into the national spotlight. On the athletic front alone, we’ve moved into new frontiers like football, lacrosse and track, and women’s sports have gained in prominence. More importantly, we’ve moved beyond a typical liberal arts offering and developed a strong reputation in nursing, aviation and even orthodontics. We have added some extraordinary buildings to enhance student life, and we’ve begun to take advantage of our spectacular riverfront location.

2. What types of goals or projects do you hope to have implemented by the beginning of the 2011 fall semester?

I hope to have a full, strong Alumni Board of Governors in place, along with a new Director of Alumni Relations. I want us to plan and orchestrate the best - and the best attended - Homecoming in years, and I am going to ask our faculty and retired faculty to help make that happen. I expect by that time to have a good handle on all of our needs as a university, beyond scholarship funds and general support, and to have begun the process of identifying individual donors, Dolphin Clubs and community partners to meet some of those needs.

3. Define the role a four-year college experience plays in today’s world. How does JU – and other similar institutes of higher education – need to evolve to continue being an essential part of an individual’s path to success?

I think that the privilege of defining the role that JU, or an institution like JU, plays in today’s world belongs to President Romesburg and the Board of Trustees, and that they have done so quite admirably with JU’s bold strategic plan developed under the leadership of Fred Pruitt. Our challenge now is to develop the connections and partnerships that can help to fund the implementation of that vision.

4. As this interview is part of the Dolphin Network blog, we would be remiss if we didn’t ask about your thoughts on social media as a way to learn, connect and share information.

Let’s face it, anyone 25 and under has grown up communicating via social media, and the rest of us have embraced it, accepted it or adapted to it with varying degrees of enthusiasm. We have, and will continue to have JU alumni, friends and donors that will want to see everything in print… but that population will continue to diminish, and we will be able to re-engage and stay connected, disseminate more information, celebrate all things JU and even raise funds faster and less expensive via social media.

5. This new position is the latest chapter in a remarkable career. Is this what the Michael Howland of 1976 – fresh out of college and ready to conquer the world – imagined he would be doing?

Back in 1976, I envisioned a life in politics and public service. It didn’t take long to conclude that I could enjoy a life of public service, even have an influence on public policy, without running for public office. I have been incredibly blessed to enjoy the myriad experiences I’ve had in government, philanthropy and the non-profit arena, to have lived all over the country and made so many wonderful friends. And while my new life at JU today is certainly not what I imagined doing in 1976, I can’t imagine anything I’d rather be doing today than to take all of these experiences and use them to help grow JU’s resources for both today and tomorrow. We’ve just begun to scratch the surface of our immense potential. That’s what is really fun to imagine!

For more information on the role of University Advancement, please visit the JU website.

Happy Birthday to Us!!!

2011-02-16T13:59:00.000-05:00

This week, The Dolphin Network Blog is celebrating its first birthday. If you haven't been a loyal reader, here is a quick synopsis of the type of interesting facts you could have learned sooner through our posts and interviews:

The cause of the unique weather patterns throughout 2010 (resulting in 49 out of 50 states having received snow at one point) was the position of the jet stream and the Arctic Oscillation were interacting in a manner that was conducive to polar, arctic air sinking down into the U.S., resulting in below average temperatures and record snowfall events.
One of the biggest keys to preparing your team for an unknown opponent in a postseason tournament is to make sure the players are getting rest, both mentally and physically because to get to this point in a season is grueling, so any opportunity to allow the team to recharge their batteries is beneficial.
For most of the University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff basketball team and band members (who were in Jacksonville for the first round of the NCAA Basketball tournament), it was the first time they had visited a beach. They had such a blast, and the band even rehearsed on the beach because they wanted to take every opportunity to stay outside.
The JU Marine Science Program graduates have gone on to careers that range from Art (Glassblowing) to Zoology, with a wide variety in between, including pharmaceutical sales, health care, veterinarians and engineers. They hold positions with federal, state, regional and local government agencies, as well as private businesses and major corporations.
The Dolphin Fine Arts Camp is a week-long endeavor for children ranging from 6-16 that allows them to learn and explore their abilities in art, theater and dancing, as well as make new friends. The camp has been running for over 15 years, and has been quite successful because of the relationship the JU student body has with making the camp work. JU students act as camp counselors for the younger campers (age 6-13), while some older teenage children (14-16) will assist as a junior-type director as well as receive more advanced lessons.
According to two JU Alumni who work in human resources, the most popular website used by organizations to identify the best candidates for hire is LinkedIn because it is an outlet for people to talk about their professional proficiencies, experience and goals. Additionally, it is a way to increase networking opportunities and research companies of interest to get an idea of the type of people they employ and what they do.
Independence Day is an example of a holiday that has always been a monumental event in this country. Even during the 19th century, when the country was divided leading up to the Civil War, both the north and the south continued to celebrate Independence Day in glorious fashion because they viewed themselves as Americans first.
The difference between the 17th best stroke average and 125th best stroke average on the PGA tour in 2009 was exactly one stroke.
To get to the finished product of JU's Orientation Week, it takes a lot of preparation work. Starting in May and going through the summer, student coordinators and faculty begin planning all the events.
The Community Foundation in Jacksonville (whose President is Class of 1980's Nina Waters) is 46 years old, making it the oldest community foundation in Florida and offering an example of just how young philanthropy is in the state of Florida.
In 1971, in an effort to improve JU's enrollment issues, Dr. Robert Spiro opened the first NROTC in the state of Florida.
The 2012 election season will determine the future of the Tea Party. In order for the Tea Party to endure, they must present a viable presidential candidate. If they fail in doing this, then they are likely to wind up on the pile of failed third parties.
The first Thanksgiving actually happened in October. It was not until the New Deal era under President Franklin Roosevelt that the present date of Thanksgiving was installed. Additionally, it was not until this time that the holiday was even officially named a holiday. Presidents up until this time appreciated this event in history, but never established it as an event worthy of a national holiday.
The Freshmen Leadership Retreat, held during the summer, has been very successful in helping incoming first-year students prepare for the transition into college life (at least according to one energetic student).
The success of the Green and GOLD (Givers of the Last Decade) grew throughout 2010. A program for recent graduates, Green and GOLD asks alumni of the past 10 years to give $100 x the numbers of years they have been out, in exchange for a nice package of perks. In 2010, participants grew by 30% and we look forward to many more recent alums stepping up to support their university.
A JU education can prepare you for almost everything, including winning a race around the world!!!

Who knows what other interesting facts you will learn in our second year. I guess you will just have to keep checking in to find out.

Alex Boylan: Five questions with... (Part 2)

2011-01-17T12:54:00.000-05:00

To continue our "Five questions with...." blog with JU alumni Alex Boylan, we asked about some of his most recent achievements, and the work it took to earn them:

3. The objective of the “Around the World for Free” project was to create a “one of a kind interactive video series.” Creating something that is truly unique is difficult, but your team accomplished it. What were the initial brainstorming sessions like? How did you all land on this concept?

We wanted to create a series that the audience could be part of and literally affect the outcome of the show on a daily basis. Every brainstorm session was coming up with unique ways to get the audience involved. A big part of this show is the "6 degrees of separation" concept (everyone knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone). We are all connected through the internet like never before in history. Besides the fact that the audience can be part of this show like nothing else out there. We also wanted this to be a true look on what the world is really like (trust me...it's not as bad as the media portrays it). The creators of this show - Burton Roberts, Zsolt Luka and myself - have been blessed to travel a lot and have a real passion for finding places off the grid from the mainstream tourist spots. That was another major hook we wanted with this show, to show what a real family was like who lived in barrios of Caracus, Venezuela; what the daily life of a Monk in Thailand looked like; how the Masai Warriors of Africa survived, etc. And the only way to really get this true perspective and access was literally to live with these people. So we used the power of the internet to connect the dots around the world...

So, the original idea of Around The World For Free was pretty simple (could one person make it around the world with no money by grabbing odd jobs here and there?). Around this time, (2005/2006), Myspace and Facebook were just becoming popular and was they key to the shows format, so we tapped the online audience by having them assist with places to stay, rides, etc? We would shoot and deliver the show nearly live every day in the form of 3-5 minute videos. The audience could watch daily and write in with ideas and connections they had around the world. We thought it was pretty clever, but there was a major problem...no one would buy the show. We pitched it everywhere...multiple times. Everyone liked the idea but said it was too much of a risk and outside their "network box." Eventually a good friend over at CBS said we should meet with the Early Show as they might follow the journey and at least give us press. We met and they agreed to give us a live launch from their show and follow up with us once a week as we trekked around the world. 129 webisodes (over 159 days) later - spanning 4 continents and 16 countries - we completed the first season. We then got a TV deal to redistribute the show on WGN America as 11 one-hour episodes, meaning we were actually going to make money on a show we had risked so much to accomplish. Then a major international distributor came into play and sold those 11 episodes to every market around the world. So, the risk definitely paid off and things took off from there.

This led the Rachael Ray Show to approach us to produce a similar series for their show, as well as many other top companies such as Travel Channel and Lonely Planet. Even with all the new work coming in, Around The World For Free was our baby and we were trying to get someone to pick up the property so we could continue making more seasons.

While in Australia filming for Travel Channel, I got the call everyone dreams about. It was from CBS wanting to talk about a potential deal for Around The World For Free. It all worked out great and we moved forward with the show. We just completed Season 2 with a host (Jeff Schroeder who is a Big Brother & Amazing Race alumni). Two weeks after wrapping the show in NYC, we took home "Best Web Series" at the DIVA Awards Show. As you can imagine this was extremely rewarding after working so long to get the project to where it is today.

4. What roles did you play throughout the overall development and implementation of this project?

I am one of the Creators and Executive Producers for the show. Like I said above this show is my baby so I try to stay as hands on as possible with as many aspects of the show as possible. We are currently in pre-production for Season 3, which will launch late spring/early summer.

5. We can’t let you go without having you share some thoughts with your current and future alumni. How did your years at JU help prepare you for the steps you have followed to develop your career?

My years at JU were awesome. Some of my best friends to this day are students I met at the university. Like all college experience, this time in your life is all about management. You learn how to manage time between school, sports, parties, girlfriends, etc. JU is a great school that will keep me connected to the city of Jacksonville for the rest of my life.

To read all the "Five questions with..." Interviews conducted the Dolphin Network, click here.

Alex Boylan: Five questions with...

2011-01-13T17:59:00.001-05:00

Before Alex Boylan was "Amazing Race winner and celebrity" Alex Boylan, he was "Jacksonville University undergraduate and soccer player" Alex Boylan. But since leaving the JU campus with a B.S in International Business, his career has been a roller coaster ride (or perhaps mountain climb is more appropriate, based on this picture).

With numerous accomplishments since becoming a JU alumni, the Dolphin Network had a chance to speak with Alex on the heels of his latest achievement. In true Alex fashion, he had plenty to say, and we didn't want to edit a word of it, so we have decided to break this post up into two parts, with the conclusion to be published in the upcoming days:

1. You have been out of JU for about 10 years now. What memories (academic, athletic, socially, etc.) still resonate with you and have helped you grow since you left school?

So where do I start...obviously going through the business program at JU equipped me in a number of ways to be successful in life. The close relationships I had with my professors is something I will always remember. Professor Pamela Prentice was my advisor, as well my communications professor. Considering communications is pretty much my life these days, I need to give her a lot of credit. What at the time seemed unrealistic, I can vividly remember her keeping our workload at an extremely high level. We never would be working on just one project..she would have the class juggle 15 projects simultaneously. And that was a very realistic glimpse of what would be needed on my path to success. It always seemed like she had a smirk on her face as she ended class knowing the amount of preparation and work we would need to get done by next class. Nonetheless I am very grateful for her pushing me.

Also I fondly remember Professor Thorton. It is hard to make Business Statistics and Quantitative Analysis classes exciting, but somehow he did it. Professor Thorton was also interested in his students activities outside the classroom. Many times I would see him at the soccer games rooting us on...and would regularly shoot pool with him down the road at the local pub.

Playing soccer for JU was probably the highlight of my time at JU. Making it to the sweet 16 my senior year is something many athletes shoot for, but never achieve. The coaches and players from years past, current and future are a family and is probably the strongest bond I felt through my college years.

2. You and your team recently won an award for your “Around the World for Free” video series, but as many people know, your career in media started well before then. Can you discuss some of the career steps you have taken that led you to this most recent success?

I have certainly been blessed in my career. In short this is how it went. After school, I took the path I guess I was supposed to do. Get a job, make money, repeat. But after 9 months, I realized that sitting in a cubical analyzing numbers was not the future for me. So I quit...moved to St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands and took up bartending for a year (as you can imagine my parents were very proud). Nonetheless I had to do it to clear my head and figure out what I was going to do with my life. After a year in the islands, I returned to my home in Boston and began seriously looking into what career and life path was meant for me. This was the summer of 2001, and the first reality show was on air: Survivor. I was hooked to the show and for the first time started regularly watching tv.

During that summer, a pop up came on my computer saying:

"Race Around The World For A Million Dollars for the TV Show 'The Amazing Race!!'"

I though, "I can do that." Heck, by this point in my life I, had lived in Brazil, Germany and the Caribbean, not to mention traveled to over 35 countries around the world. Well, as luck turned out I got picked to do the show and blessed to actually win it. Being a competitor on the show was, well, amazing in and of itself...but I was fascinated with the production and what happened behind the scenes to pull this show off. And it was then that I knew what I want to do with my life.

From there, PineRidge Film and Television in Jacksonville tapped me to start hosting shows for them. Soon after the first series, I started producing the shows I was hosting. I had a great run and still work with the team back there from time to time. Then I decided to move back to Los Angeles where I wasn't 100% clear what I was going to do. I did some freelance work here and there and was trying to sell a surf series (that I am still trying to sell). A fellow reality contestant and good friend, Burton Roberts, was on a very similar path. He too worked in the corporate world but fell in love with reality TV after competing on Survivor. We would share war stories of pitching and developing show concepts. And one day over a few beers, we decided to join forces and start Around The World Productions. The first project we developed was "Around The World For Free." We saw the path of reality TV moving to become more interactive with shows being decided on audience votes like American Idol....

In Part 2 of this interview, Alex will talk about the brainstorm behind this award-winning concept, as well as thoughts for the JU Community.

Dolphins are like Elephants: We Never Forget!!

2010-12-30T14:56:00.000-05:00

As we move into 2011 in just a few hours, we at the Dolphin Network are looking forward to bringing you more original and exclusive content regarding all things Jacksonville University, and will do so for one simple reason: You - the JU Community - enjoy reading it.

Throughout 2010, we have brought you interviews and perspectives with alumni, faculty and students discussing an array of topics. From first-hand reports of the NCAA tournament games that JU staff worked - to career tips - to a discussion of the election results, we have worked hard to combine issues of the day with a local tie-in that past and present Dolphins can relate to.

In that vein, we would like to thank all those that worked with us in creating these posts. We hope it demonstrated that JU is always looking for new and interesting ways to help you grow in any way possible. Additionally, we would like to thank those that participated and added their own commentary to what we wrote. Increasing interactions on social media is among our main goals for 2011.

Beyond just words, 2010 also had some positive results on how the community is helping JU grow in other ways:

The success of the Green and GOLD (Givers of the Last Decade) continued to grow throughout 2010. A program for recent graduates, Green and GOLD asks alumni of the past 10 years to give $100 x the numbers of years they have been out, in exchange for a nice package of perks. In 2010, participants grew by 30% and we look forward to many more recent alums stepping up to support their university.
On a wider scope, despite a very tough economy, giving and donations to JU stayed steady throughout 2010 because we believe that you continue to appreciate the value of the education you received at JU.
Beyond consistency in giving, we also received a number of first-time gifts due to our extended online presence and our efforts to connect and interact with you through social media channels.

As we all move into the new year, which always contains new goals, projects and opportunities for each of us, it is important to reflect back and remember the steps you have taken to get to where you are now, and we hope your Alma mater has played a significant role in one or more of those steps.

So, continue to check in with us at JU. Read the Dolphin Network Blog, check in on the Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages and don’t be afraid to participate. These channels exist for your benefit because while 2010 has been a tremendous year, we hope 2011 is even better.

My First Semester at JU

2010-12-09T17:53:00.002-05:00

One thing that most of the readers of the Dolphin Network blog have in common is that we all had a first semester at JU. No matter what age you started or finished, everyone had to deal with a first class, a first interaction and a first impression of life at Jacksonville University.

In order to bring us all back to those firsts, we asked first year student Marissa Garcia to share some of her thoughts about her initial semester at JU. She gave a lot of honest insight, and we think you may find that while time moves on, there are some things that still stay the same.

What did you think college would be like before you got here?

Before I got here, I thought college was going to be…interesting. I was afraid I would get distracted with living in a coed dorm; I was terrified I would fail a college math class (I’m a dance major!); and I was genuinely nervous for everything to come at the start of Fall 2010. But thankfully, I went to the Freshmen Leadership Retreat in the summer which put my mind at ease when I saw I was not the only incoming freshmen silently having a heart attack. It seemed like the only questions in my mind after the retreat were, "Is the food good?" and "What am I suppose to do without my toaster?" Now, it seems like all I think about is Chicken Finger Wednesdays at Nellies, and how much I love it here at Jacksonville University.

Did you know anyone else at JU?

I actually knew four people before I went to the Freshmen Leadership Retreat in the summer (and thank goodness for that). The Orientation Staff had a huge impact on me which really motivated me to get involved and to be out going. To this day, I hang out with a majority of the freshmen I was with during the retreat, which is great because we’re all involved in such different activities, i.e. I’m a dance major, then there’s the ROTC girls and boys, the new members of Greek Life, Sports Teams, Theater majors, and so much more.

How difficult did you find the classes?

Honestly, it’s not so much the difficulty of the classes that’ll get you, it’s more of the focus aspect that one has to watch out for. Being in college and on your own already sounds terrifying, but then you’re even expected to keep track of all of your rehearsals, work schedules, meetings, sorority events, etc. I’m not complaining and even though I am still getting adjusted, it is great!

What clubs/activities/sports have you joined?

Since I’ve been at JU, I’ve gotten involved with Greek Life (Alpha Epsilon Phi), The Student Ambassador Program, The Sailing Club, and work in Campus Activities, which has definitely helped me get to know many people who I could go to for absolutely anything (Dr. Kristie Gover, Kelly Dunnmon, and Kaitlin Chambers are only a few of the many).

What have you learned about yourself?

Personally, I’ve grown so much since being at JU. This place gives everyone such amazing opportunities to get involved, and the more one gets involved, the more you can experience and learn. Since I’ve been here, my outlook on college has altered and matured dramatically, and I’m only a freshman! I’ve learned that I’m strong enough of an individual to get my work done, to stay focused, be myself (and even do my own laundry). :)

What memories do you have about your first semester on campus? Share them with Dunk'n on his Facebook page.

Thanksgiving: Thoughts from Dr. Walker Blanton

2010-11-24T10:30:00.002-05:00

In July, JU History Professor, Dr. Walker Blanton shared a couple stanzas with the Dolphin Network on some unique aspects of Independence Day history. It was a very popular post, so this week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving in this country, we asked Dr. Blanton to yet again share his thoughts:

With Thanksgiving upon us, I find it interesting to reflect back on stories we have heard throughout our lifetime about the history of this holiday.

For example, many of us have heard various versions of the first Thanksgiving, and while the Pilgrims are rightfully credited with being the hosts, if it weren’t for the Patuxet Tribe’s Tisquantum (also known throughout history as Squanto) the event would have never happened.

In the early 1600's, Tisquantum’s was kidnapped and taken from North America to Europe to be sold as a slave. However, he instead fell in with different individuals who taught him English and the Christian faith, which enabled him to eventually return to America as part of an expedition. Upon returning to the home of his tribe in 1619 - which was now named Plymouth – he worked with the Pilgrims that now called this land home. His assistance was critical to the Pilgrims surviving and also established a relationship between the two cultures, which two years later, led to what many attribute as the first Thanksgiving.

This 1621 event in Plymouth also has a number of variations so some may be surprised by the truth. For example:

The event happened during an autumn harvest moon….in October:
It was not until the New Deal era under President Franklin Roosevelt that the present date of Thanksgiving was installed. Additionally, it was not until this time that the holiday was even officially named a holiday. Presidents up until this time appreciated this event in history, but never established it as an event worthy of a national holiday.
The event began as a regular dinner…but it turned into a potluck supper:
As the story goes, the Pilgrims invited the local tribes to this meal and the menu primarily consisted of shell fish and other food they had with them and knew how to obtain. However, after seeing this spread, it is said that the local tribes left to hunt for some wild game (including wild turkey....the animal, not the beverage) and bring that back for all to eat. This is where the tradition of the main Thanksgiving course arose from.
No matter which versions you have heard of these stories though, the end is usually the same, which is that this week, we collectively as a nation are asked to reflect on those things worth giving thanks for.

On behalf of all those at the Dolphin Network, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

The 2010 Election Results: Perspectives from the JU Community

2010-11-19T12:33:00.007-05:00

This week, the Dolphin Network wants to go beyond blogging to the JU Community. We want to interact with the JU Community, and think we have found the perfect topic to do so: The Midterm Elections

Yes, the results have been in for weeks (except in Alaska and a few other places). However, because of the advent of pundits, rapid-response communication and a 24 hour news cycle, we have come to think of something that happened this long ago as 'old news' when in truth, there are thoughts and reactions to be had that necessitate sitting back, letting things play out, synthesizing the information and then reacting to it.

With this in mind, the Dolphin Network wanted to get a fresh perspective on what these results mean, and wanted to do so from from a couple different angles. So, we asked two JU professors the same questions, and asked them to give us their thoughts based on their area of expertise.

Dr. Stephen Baker, Professor of Political Science, provided his comments from the perspective of the political direction the country is / may be heading in.

Dr. Nathan Rousseau, Associate Professor of Sociology, provided his comments from the perspective of the electorate as a whole.

However, we want to get a third perspective: The JU Community perspective.

Over the next couple weeks leading into the new year, we will be using the JU LinkedIn Discussion Group page to collect your thoughts on the election results. So, after reading this post, please visit the page (join it if you haven’t already), and give us your perspective. We expect (and hope) that the responses are diverse, and we just ask that all those that choose to participate do so politely and respectfully.

Here are the questions we would like your thoughts on:

1. From the perspective of your discipline, how will the results of this election effect the direction the United States takes in both the short-term and the long-term?

Professor Baker: The changes in the U.S. House of Representatives resulting from the 2010 elections will be dramatic. First the shift of power will move sharply from Democratic control to Republican dominance; second, each committee—and subcommittee—chair will go from being a Democrat to a Republican. This latter change is particularly important because virtually all congressional work, both legislative and oversight, is done in the committees and subcommittees.

Additionally the Republicans will have the power to conduct any investigation of the executive branch they wish. Frequently the party opposite from the one that controls the White House uses this opportunity to embarrass and frustrate the administration. With the large proportion of new blood among the freshman members of congress—a group chomping at the bit to make substantial change—this becomes a likely scenario.

Professor Rousseau: As a sociologist, I would prefer to not speculate too much on the longer term consequences of the 2010 election. I would say that in the short-term, the election has shown that the Tea Party has some real political capital. However, it is unclear if much of what they ran on will be legislated into law and a source of division both within the Republican Party and the nation. Many people are understandably concerned about the national debt that President's Bush and Obama have run up, what is less clear is the means of lowering it. Many individuals elected in 2010, particularly Tea Party candidates have proposed measures, such as raising the age for social security, cutting back on medicare, phasing out these and other programs like unemployment compensation, proposals that I am not sure the majority want to see enacted. It is clear though that how well Tea Party, Republican, and Democratic legislators can work together will determine if the next two years are productive or detrimental to the nation's wellbeing.

2. Again, from the perspective of your discipline, what specifically will be the biggest change we see between now and the 2012 election season?

Professor Baker: The 2010 election reflects a continuation of a trend indicating large-scale dissatisfaction of voters with the direction of their government that began in 2006. Since then each election resulted in a rejection of the current status: the Republicans as the majority party in both houses of congress in 2006, the past president in 2008 and the Democratic Party control of the House—with a reduction in the Senate—in 2010. The impact will likely be a widespread sense that politics as usual will no longer suffice and ideas that might have previously been unacceptable may suddenly receive serious consideration.

For example, since the 2010 elections three nonpartisan groups have introduced serious proposals for controlling the budget that contain ideas people were previously afraid to consider. All of these serious recommendations, principally submitted by Democrats and Republicans who were part of the earlier balanced budget successes of the late 1990s, have suggested details that were “off the table.” Finally we can realistically discuss limitations to entitlements as well as investigate alternative revenue sources. If the dynamics of the political dialog suddenly become realistic, this will be the biggest short-term and long-term impact.

Professor Rousseau: Again, it depends upon the climate in Washington - whether or not people of different ideological stripes can work together. I do think that the 2012 election season will determine the future of the Tea Party. In order for the Tea Party to endure, they must present a viable presidential candidate. If they fail in doing this, then they are likely to wind up on the pile of failed third parties of American history. What I would like to see happen by 2012 is a revisiting of campaign financing laws. At the present time, election results seem to me to be determined by whoever has the most money. While voters say that they make up their own minds and that they are not influenced by negative political ads, the 2010 election showed an unprecedented amount of money spent on negative advertising. Unless something is done about it, Americans will continue to spend billions on elections while having no money to spend on solving the nation's problems.

Now it is time to hear from YOU. Visit the JU LinkedIn Discussion Group and share your thoughts .

Natasha Harvey: Five questions with...

2010-11-05T13:39:00.004-04:00

While the Dolphin Network spent the month of October posting about all the Homecoming festivities (all of which turned out great, based on the pictures), there were other events going on throughout the campus that we didn't get a chance to cover and talk about.

One of those was the latest in the ongoing Alumni Speaker Series. October's speaker was JU standout athlete Natasha Harvey (Class of 09), who spoke to friends and family of the JU community about her successes and struggles throughout her career (much like Class of '08's Chris Carter will be doing on November 10th).

The Dolphin Network had a chance to speak with Natasha following her event to ask some additional questions about how JU has played a role in her past, present and future.

1. You have always said that you remain happy with your choice to attend JU, despite having the opportunity to attend larger schools. Can you describe the process you went through in making the decision and how JU ended up on top?

The recruiting process was a very stressful time for me. I was heavily recruited my senior year by various schools across the country. Some big, some small. Some public, some private. Some far, some near. One thing was consistent, they were all offering the same thing: a full scholarship. After my third official visit, I thought I knew for sure what school I wanted to attend....and it wasn't JU! My coaches along with my mother decided to have an 'intervention'. During this 'intervention' they challenged me to identify my needs and wants. Through that process, I realized that I would be setting myself up for failure on many levels if I chose to attend this other university. That night I decided that Jacksonville University could provide an atmosphere conducive for learning, a Track and Field program that had untapped potential, and the opportunity for me to flourish as an individual. So I committed and haven't regretted since.

2. You were invited to train at the Olympic Training Center, an honor for any athlete. What was the experience like and what athletic and non-athletic knowledge did you take from your time there?

Being invited to train at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California was an experience that I will never forget for many reasons. It was an honor to be able to tell people that I was training for the 2012 Olympic Games at what is said to be one of the elite programs in the country. Unfortunately, it wasn't the program for me. At first listen, people question how this could be, but for me it was a realization that I had to accept. The things that led to such a successful Track and Field career at JU were non-existent. Yes, it was a beautiful facility. Yes, we ate the healthiest food possible. Yes, I was surrounded by Olympians. But was I happy? No. I didn't feel like I was giving myself the best possible opportunity to challenge for a spot on that 2012 Olympic Team, and after all, wasn't that the whole reason I was there? So, in June of 2010 I left.

3. We all know about your athletic achievements as a Dolphin, but many may not know that you also were named “Outstanding Exercise Science Student” at your graduation and are currently working on your Masters at JU. What area of expertise are you focusing on and what are your career goals?

Currently, I am in the Sports Management and Leadership Master's Program at JU. When I received my undergraduate degree, I thought I was done with school! My heart was set on preparing for the next Olympic Games and that was it. But during my time at the Olympic Training Center, I noticed that I actually missed school. I missed being in a learning environment. I missed going to class, having intelligent conversations, challenging myself to do better. Once I was offered the opportunity to return to JU, I decided that Sports Management and Leadership would be the best fit. In the future, I can see myself working in collegiate athletics, specifically Track and Field, and I believe that both my undergraduate and Masters degrees will set me apart from the rest.

4. You have been open about your initial struggles academically when transitioning into college. As a current part of JU’s Student Athletic Academic Recovery (STARR) Program, what advice do you offer to student-athletes - in high school or college - that may be struggling to maintain their GPA?

Everyday I challenge the student athlete's in the STAAR program to look inside themselves. Find out what the heart of the matter is. The truth is we were all purposely created different! So, what has worked for me in the classroom may not work for others. So, it is important that each person knows how they best learn, what motivates them, what their strengths and weaknesses are, then we can figure out a plan to achieve success. One thing I would tell every student though is to use your resources. That means go see your instructor if you are struggling, set up an appointment with the tutoring center, form study groups with your friends. Remember that your school wants you to succeed, but you have to want success too!

5. The track and field season starts in just a couple weeks. What are the goals for season?

Track and Field season is approaching rapidly and my goals for this season are a bit different from years past. Currently, I am not training, partly due to an injury and partly due to my new position at JU. Everyday at 3pm, I get to leave the office and head to the track for practice. Technically, I am a coach, but right now I am playing the role of observer/motivator. Trying to learn from the coach that taught me so much and motivating the current athletes to challenge themselves everyday. So this season instead of setting personal achievement goals, my hope is to help influence this championship team in any way I can. If that comes by way of administering a core sessions or timing repetitions, for now I am totally fine with that.

For more information on the JU Speakers Series, CLICK HERE.

More Alumni Thoughts on Homecoming

2010-10-22T16:07:00.000-04:00

While we at the Dolphin Network always enjoy reaching out to the JU alums, to be honest, we are hoping that you are to busy to read this post because you are en-route to the Homecoming festivities this weekend (or, perhaps, already there).

For those still considering attending, but were not swayed by by our posts from two alumni that are coming to Homecoming or why Marine Scientists should attend, we wanted to share a couple other quick comments from other alumni on what Homecoming means to them:

I am going to alumni weekend to see my best friends and to row in the alumni race. I know its going to be weird seeing the new building next to the boathouse and knowing no one on the current crew team anymore, but I still love visiting Jacksonville because that is where my best and favorite memories are.- Amanda Soukup

Why am I looking forward to Homecoming? I come to Homecoming every year, but this is my 10 year reunion. My favorite event is the tailgate BBQ and the game. It is also a great event for the entire family. My 5 year old has a blast and I think I have all ready passed my love for JU onto her. Looking forward to a great weekend.- Tralyn Reeves Hodson

Homecoming is a tradition. I like being able to continue a tradition that JU takes pride in. Coming back to campus sparks great memories -- heading down University, passing Brest Hall, through The Valley and by Swisher Gym. Once you have been removed from that scene it is always nice to come back and revisit those memories.- Steve Command

For those attending, have a fun, safe weekend.

Click here to register for Homecoming.
For more information on the Homecoming schedule of events, visit the JU website or the Dunk'n Facebook page.

Why Marine Scientists Should Attend Homecoming

2010-10-12T00:07:00.000-04:00

Recently on this blog, we explored some of the reasons why people are coming back for Homecoming by having two alumni give us 100 words on why they are attending. The blog was very well received, with several comments and phone calls coming in, and even some sending us their own reasons (which we will be publishing next week, so if you would like to participate, please send your 100 words to alumni@ju.edu).

One person who wanted to get in on the fun was Dr. Quinton White, Marine Science Research Institute Executive Director and a good friend of the Dolphin Network blog. He wanted to spend his 100 words encouraging Marine Science Alumni to return and join him for a special event. Because we owed him for the extensive coverage we gave Dr. Spiro for the NROTC Dedication which was on the same day as the MRSI Dedication, we agreed....and even found a special font:

It is with great pleasure that we at the Marine Science Research Institute invite all Marine Science Classes to a special reunion and low country boil during Homecoming Weekend 2010! Please join us as we celebrate the new Marine Science Research Institute Building!

Who: Jacksonville University Marine Science Alumni

What: Marine Science All Class Reunion

Where: The NEW MSRI Building

When: Saturday, October 23rd @ 5:30 p.m.

To RSVP, CLICK HERE.
This event will lead into the RAT Party at the Alumni House at 7 p.m.

To register for Homecoming, click here.
For more information on the Homecoming schedule of events, visit the JU website or the Dunk'n Facebook page.

Why I am Attending Homecoming in 100 words

2010-09-29T11:17:00.000-04:00

Homecoming is upon us. In just a couple weeks, graduates from 5 years ago to 50 years ago will be convening on campus to reunite with their friends, roommates, study partners, and teammates. For those still debating on whether to visit their alma mater, we at the Dolphin Network strongly urge you to consider it. The school has worked hard to pack the week of October 18th with events that combine fun with nostalgia.

However, instead of listing the reasons we think you should attend, we thought it might be more convincing if you heard from a couple of your classmates on their reasons. So, we asked two noted alumni - Pat Hogan (Class of 1977) and Randy Hart (Class of 1976) - to give us 100 words on why they are returning to campus:

I will attend Homecoming because I want to reconnect with old NROTC friends, visit family in Jacksonville and see the world’s most beautiful campus. I grew up in Jacksonville and always loved the JU campus. Walking the grounds gives me a sense of comfort. The campus became even more significant when I graduated and was commissioned on the same day 33 years ago. Now, my son, Will, and his wife, Teresa (both JU graduates) reside in Jacksonville. JU will always hold a place of honor in my heart. I look forward to sharing great memories with other attendees and making new ones in one of my favorite places.

Randy Hart (Class of 1976; Major: Political Science)

I'll be at Homecoming as part of a reunion gathering of the Dutch Boys, an intramural sports group from the '70s (and two-time campus football champs!). We became sort of a "non-frat" frat, with none of the Greek stuff, but all of the revelry and camaraderie. Many of us went on to earn graduate degrees, and while we now live all over the country, we stay in touch via email and social media. This year, more than a dozen of us will be in Jacksonville to reminisce and to regale each other with exaggerated tales of glory from our days along the banks of the St. Johns.

To register for Homecoming, click here.
For more information on the Homecoming schedule of events, visit the JU website or the Dunk'n Facebook page.

JU and the NROTC: Thoughts from Dr. Robert Spiro

2010-09-24T11:01:00.000-04:00

This week was a big week for those with allegiances to Jacksonville University. Beyond the announcement of this year’s homecoming theme, two building dedications occurred, signifying the continued improvement to the JU campus.
This morning, the Admiral Robert H. Spiro NROTC Training Center was officially dedicated. The center, which includes a new gazebo and obstacle course, was named for JU’s longest serving President, Dr. Robert H. Spiro.

Before his time at JU, Dr. Spiro had an illustrious career that took him all over the world. At 19, he voluntarily enlisted in the Navy, and over the next 20 years, traveled the globe serving his country both as an officer and in preparation for what would be his next career (which, not coincidentally, also is a great service): Becoming a teacher.

In 1964, after traveling from North Carolina to Okinawa; Boston to Scotland; Dr. Spiro was nominated to become President of Jacksonville University. In his 15 year tenure, he accomplished a great number of things on campus (including hiring Dr. Quinton White, whose Marine Science Research Institute was the other building dedication today), but one of his proudest was bringing the Navy Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. (NROTC) to JU’s campus.

He relayed his thoughts on this to the Dolphin Network:

In 1971, JU was suffering from enrollment issues. We faced this challenge head on by improving and increasing the number of buildings on campus and adding new curriculum. It was also in that year that we made the decision to open the first NROTC i n the State of Florida. It seemed inconceivable to me that despite having the most maritime coastline in the contiguous 48 states (Alaska does have us beat), the state of Florida contained no NROTC programs.

At the time, I had just been honored with the rank of Rear Admiral, so I had made some new friends in the ranks of the Navy (including former Governor and future U.S. Senator of Rhode Island John Chaffee and future U.S. Senator of Virginia John Warner). I presented them with the idea of bringing an NROTC facility to Jacksonville, and it was met with surprise. In 1971, we were also in the midst of the Vietnam War, which had this country (especially its students) heavily divided. Many college campuses were consistently holding protests against the war, and we wanted to open a military office on campus?

It was a big risk, but I knew that the NROTC is about more than just the military. It is about service and providing opportunities to students. Now, nearly 30 years later, I look back on that decision and what it has meant. There are now four NROTC facilities in the state, and 63 across the country.

Today, as the building is officially dedicated, it represents more than just a building to me. It represents opportunities for students to participate in their campus, community and country. In short, in my 15 years as president of this great institution, bringing the NROTC to the school was amongst my proudest achievements, and to see it continue to this day makes me even prouder.

For more information on the Admiral Robert H. Spiro NROTC Training Center, CLICK HERE

Nina Waters: Five questions with...

2010-09-16T09:46:00.000-04:00

Nina Waters (Class of 1980) currently serves as President of The Community Foundation in Jacksonville, a community of donors and the charitable giving funds they have established to build a better community. With responsibilities including the leadership and management of the donor services, grantmaking services and administrative services functions, the Foundation's assets have have more than doubled and annual grants to the community have grown from $9M to $21M in 2009.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Ms. Waters garnered significant experience in the philanthropic industry as Executive Director for the PACE Center for Girls Jacksonville program. Under her leadership, the initiative expanded its daily enrollment from 40 to 80 students and developed a new, 20,000 square-foot facility.

A native of Pittsburgh, Ms. Waters moved to Jacksonville in 1976 to attend Jacksonville University.

Following her presentation as part of the JU Speakers Series, the Dolphin Network caught up with Ms. Waters to discuss the philanthropy industry.

1. You have been involved in the business-side of philanthropy for nearly 10 years. Can you explain how the industry has evolved over that time?

The Community Foundation in Jacksonville is 46 years old making us the oldest community foundation in Florida. This is an example of just how young philanthropy is in our state. Over the past ten years, our assets have more than doubled. Thanks to philanthropic leaders such as Sherry Magill at the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, the largest independent foundation in our area, and Wayne and Delores Weaver who give generously as individuals as well as through the Jaguars Founda tion and the Weaver Family Foundation, philanthropy has grown significantly in Northeast Florida. Local Foundations partnered together to create new organizations - like the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida and the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC), that help build the capacity of the nonprofit (independent) sector in our community.

2. Looking back at the numerous people and groups you have been able to assist via grants and funding, do any stick out as your something you were particularly glad you could help grow?

Two bodies of work stand out for me. The first is our investment in the arts. The Community Found ation in Jacksonville will celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Art Ventures program in November. Over the past 20 years, we have made grants to over 90 individual artists and 35 small arts organizations. Our work in public education reform – Quality Education for All - is in its sixth year. We have built two successful partnerships – the Forum on Quality Education and The Learning to Finish collaborative - to address the low graduation rate in Duval County Public Schools. In addition, we raised $2.5M in 2008 to create the Jacksonville Public Education Fund.

3. Many alumni are part of a non-profit that may be trying to obtain some funding, either through your organization or another. What are some tips and techniques that you would offer to them in developing a proposal.

The most important thing to remember when developing a grant proposal is to follow directions. This sounds very simple but you would be surprised how many people do not do so. I could tell some stories!!! Answer the questions that are asked as clearly as possible and then give the completed proposal to someone who knows nothing about your organization and see if they understand what you are trying to accomplish and how you will know if you accomplished it.

4. How would you say your time at JU help you in developing a career path and pursuing it? What advice would you offer to upcoming and recent graduates?

Many experiences at JU helped me to realize my full potential. The quality of the academic advising, the individualized attention – especially by professors in my major, the placement in an internship and the ability to participate and hold leadership positions in organizations such as Alpha Delta Pi, Green Key, Homecoming chairman, and many others were invaluable. As far as advice to upcoming and recent graduates – NETWORK. Meet with people, ask your parents and your friends parents to open doors for you. In this age of applying for jobs online, it’s very difficult to have your application stand out. A personal contact makes a tremendous difference.

5. What is the one "takeaway" you hope people that heard your presentation take with them?

When you hit a brick wall (and you will), don’t stop! Figure out a way around it, over it, under it or blast a hole right through it. You can, and when you do, you will be very happy that you did.

For more information on the Community Foundation, CLICK HERE.

For more information on the JU Speakers Series, CLICK HERE.

Diana Donovan: Five questions with...

2010-08-25T17:01:00.000-04:00

It is that time of year again. Parents know what we are referring to because of the melancholy (or perhaps excitement) they are feeling because their child is leaving for school again, while recent alumni know what we are talking about because they feel just a bit off since they are not preparing for classes or buying textbooks right now.

Of course, we are referring to the beginning of the fall semester, and this year (like every year), there is a contingent of individuals that are experiencing the adventure and stress of starting their college career.

Whether you spent four (or more) years at JU or transferred from another school, we all had to experience the first days of college. The emotions first-year students can have range from excited to terrified. For some, they see it as a genuine opportunity to start a new chapter in their life. Others worry about leaving the comfort zones they have known for so long.

At Jacksonville University, we recognize the stress that can be involved in this transition, which is why first-year students are invited to school early for Orientation Week. This series of activities allows students to learn more about the campus and community, as well as network and build new friendships with those going through the same process.

JU’s Orientation Week is primarily organized by current students. Heading the New Student Orientation this year was Diana Donovan, a senior majoring in psychology. In collaboration with a team of students, they spent the spring and summer planning they types of events that would allow the incoming class the most fun and interactive way to start college.

With the orientation events now complete, the Dolphin Network sat down with Diana to talk about how everything went and what her advice is for this year’s (and next year’s) first-year students:

1. You were in the same position as these incoming, first-year students just a few years ago. What do you remember about those first days and how did that help you develop ideas for this year?

As a freshman, I remember the immense intimidation of a new university in a completely different state. The sudden rush of independence was definitely my favorite part, however, like every freshman, my biggest concern was making college a second home. Familiar, friendly faces were my favorite kind and as we began orientation this year, I tried to spread that same warmth and welcoming feeling to the new families and especially the new students.

2. The incoming students will see the finished product of Orientation Week, but to make it possible, a lot of work had to go into its preparation. Can you talk about the time and effort it took to develop the finished product?

Starting in May, myself and three other coordinators began chipping away at what turned out to be a great series of events. There were many early office hours, many meetings, and much hard work put into refining each individual piece. Each coordinator pulled their weight and took initiative wherever needed. Fortunately, we had the guidance of Assistant Dean Kristie Gover, whose strong character and infinite patience helped motivate us to keep working towards completion.

3. What aspects of the Jacksonville University community do you feel make it a comfortable place for new students to assimilate into?

For me, Jacksonville University’s most welcoming attributes are held within the people. I find myself most at home with the friendly student atmosphere, congenial staff and the personal interest of the professors. Everyone - from the president, to campus security, to the newest faculty members, to the landscapers - put so much of their heart into JU, and you can’t help but feel that enthusiasm radiate within you. With the help of the Jacksonville University community, students can be assimilated with great ease.

4. What types of questions / concerns do first year students typically have?

Giving tours and through Orientation Week, I expect to get asked a range of questions because everyone has individual concerns on what they need to know to feel the most comfortable with a new situation. For example, I typically get asked questions about the safety of the campus, the quality of the café food and what happens if they are less than thrilled with their roommate.

One of my favorite questions to answer is whether freshman are allowed to have a car on campus because the answer is yes…..and parking is free (Every student loves free!)

5. With the orientation process over and classes beginning, what is your advice to freshman for a successful semester? What advice would you give to the high school seniors that are just a year away from being part of this orientation process?

My advice to the freshmen this year is to get involved. Find something you are passionate about on campus and pursue it. Invest your time and efforts and you will find that J acksonville University will invest in you.

For the high school seniors, enjoy the closure of high school, friends and family at home, as well as all of your favorite home cooked meals. It’s fine to be nervous, as long as you are excited, know that everything will work out fine, and prepare yourself for some of the best four years of your life.

To learn more about the application and admission process at JU, click HERE

Coach Mike Blackburn: Five questions with…

2010-08-02T15:44:00.000-04:00

We are in the heart of the professional golf season right now, but in northeastern Florida, when the pros are near the end, the JU Dolphin’s season is just beginning, and for the women’s golf team, it is starting in dramatic fashion.

Just as the men’s golf team did in February with their JU Invitational, the women will play the TPC Sawgrass PLAYERS Stadium Course on September 6th in the inaugural Labor Day Shootout. This tournament will be the start of their 2010-2011 season

Outside of the players, the person most excited about this event is Head Coach Mike Blackburn, who enters his third season as both the head men’s and women’s golf coach. Since coming to JU, Blackburn has revitalized the golf programs and increased their visibility in the community and improving its play on the course each season. A two-year letter winner at Florida himself, Blackburn turned professional in 1979 and won 10 mini-tour events over nine years, participated in both the U.S. Open and the U.S. Senior Open, and spent a year on the PGA Tour in 1988. Over the past 19 years, Blackburn has focused on teaching, working at golf courses around Jacksonville – including The Ravines Golf Club, Baymeadows Golf Club and Windsor Parke Golf Club.

In between rounds and instruction, the Dolphin Network sat down with Coach Blackburn to discuss the upcoming tournament and season, as well as his views on the pro game.

1. You will be starting the season with the Labor Day Shootout, which is a big event. A number of schools from across the country will be participating and you will be playing one of the premier golf courses in the world. Talk about what it took to put this together and what some of the benefits will be in the long run.

We saw great success with a similar event with the men’s team last season at TPC Sawgrass and are excited to be hosting a similar event for the women’s team. We have the University of Florida, Chattanooga, UCF, Coastal Carolina, and USC Upstate participating in this event, and as this event continues to grow, we expect even more teams to want to participate.

Beyond how well JU performs (which we hope will be strong), whether this event is a success or not is based on a number of other components. The quality of the course is important (something that isn’t a concern with the PLAYERS Stadium Course) and obviously how well the event is run is important. However, what would really set us apart is a good turnout from the students, alumni and fans. That would go a long way towards putting this tournament beyond just a typical college event.

2. The shootout is just the beginning of your season. What are your expectations for the upcoming season? What will be some of the tougher teams and courses the Dolphins will be seeing?

In general, my expectation is that each player works and strives to get better every day. An interesting statistic that I carry with me is that the difference between the 17th best stroke average and 125th best stroke average on the PGA tour last season was exactly one stroke. One stroke! So, I tell my players that if you do something every day to get better, and at the end of the week, that work translates into you becoming one stroke better, your performance - and in turn, the team’s performance - will benefit by leaps and bounds. Therefore, our expectation isn’t necessarily a defined end point, but rather that each day we do something to be better than the previous.
As for whom the best teams we will face, right out of the gate, we have the University of Florida at the Shootout, which may be the best team we see all season. Beyond that, we expect to be facing a number of good teams at the Furman Invitational, which is at the end of October.
Beyond the TPC Sawgrass, the toughest courses will see will probably be in February at the Kiawah Island Classic, which is traditionally a huge field and then April playing at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine.

3. The golf season is one of the longest seasons in collegiate sports, with events happening sporadically during both the fall and spring semesters. As a coach, how do you and keep your athletes focused?

While there is a significant break between the two parts of the season, it does go for the entire school year, and for student-athletes to be able to handle those rigors, they have to be self-motivated and want to want to compete. That being said, the coaching staff is there to help them work on their game and keep them focused.

In individual sports, there is an inherent desire to consistently get better for yourself and to beat your competition. In a team golf setting, if handled properly, that individual desire actually helps produce better team success.

4. The recruiting process for individual sports compared to team sports can be different. What are some characteristics you look for in a potential Dolphin?

Beyond the obvious of being able to compete at the collegiate level, one of the most important characteristics I like to see in a potential student-athlete is proof that they are more than just able, but willing, to take on their responsibilities outside of golf. For example, a willingness to pursue a solid academic course load that they enjoy and are passionate about. Additionally, we want athletes that will represent the university well. This team participates in tournaments across the country throughout the year, and we want individuals that are respectful and considerate.

5. In addition to being the JU men’s and women’s coach, you have also been a PGA professional for more than 20 years. So, as we are head towards the final stretch of the professional golf season, what are your thoughts on what you have seen thus far in the PGA and LPGA?

The highlight of this year has been the emergence of the next generation of golfers of both genders. You have your Phil Mickelson’s and Cristie Kerr playing well, but then you have your Rory Mcllroy’s and Alexis Thompson’s that are clearly prepared to take over in the not too distant future. Both tours have bright, bright futures.

To learn about the Labor Day Shootout, JU men's and women's golf, and other JU team sites, check out the brand new JU Athletic page by clicking HERE.

Dunk’n on the Road

2010-07-16T20:27:00.000-04:00

Over the past several months, we at the Dolphin Network have been primarily conducting our own interviews to offer news and insight from JU students, faculty and alumni from around the globe. However, we recently received a “Letter to the Editor” from our very own Dunk’n that we thought was worth publishing:

Dear Dolphin Network:

I just had to send a note letting you know how much I have enjoyed reading about all the amazing things the JU community has been up to. From alumni Rebecca Barry discussing being a meteorologist to Coach Warren’s thoughts on postseason basketball to Professor White talking about the environment, it is clear there are a lot of exciting things going on in a lot of exciting places. So, I was hoping I could ask for a favor from your readers.

Last fall, JU and I turned 75. When that happened, there were events happening almost every weekend to celebrate. But with the summer halfway over now, and my 76th birthday fast approaching, I have decided I need a vacation.

Not just any vacation though. I want to see the country….no, I want to see the world!!

The problem is that I don’t want to travel alone and would really love to visit and vacation with some fellow Dolphins…JU Dolphins that is. Luckily for me, one of the benefits of being part of Jacksonville University is that there are alumni EVERYWHERE, so I’m hoping that some of them will want to have me visit.

So, if any Dolphins out there are going on vacation and wouldn’t mind me tagging along, I would love to join you. No need to book me a seat or rent me a room though. Just visit the JU Alumni page, print me out and take a photograph with me wherever you are headed. Then, send it to the JU Alumni Office at alumni@ju.edu so we can post it for all to see. To see where I have been already, check out my travel album.

Hope to see you all soon,

Dunk’n

P.S. If you want to see some of the places I have already visited, plus keep in touch with my travels, make sure to friend me on Facebook!!!

If you would like to be part of the Dunk’n on the Road project, visit the JU Alumni page HERE.

If you have a picture with Dunk’n and would like to share it with the Dolphin Network, please email it HERE.

You Can't Spell July 4th without JU

2010-07-01T14:58:00.000-04:00

With Independence Day weekend on the horizon, the Dolphin Network would like to wish all the JU alumni, students, faculty and staff a happy and safe holiday, hopefully filled with plenty of fireworks and barbecues (and if you are traveling, , we have a fun project we think you might be interested in).

However, while you are celebrating, we urge you to take a few moments to reflect on why this day - of all days - is being honored. The Fourth of July is a date steeped in an obvious history for the United States. With this in mind, we asked JU’s own Dr. Walker Blanton, an accomplished staple of the Jacksonville community and one of the most popular professors on campus to share a few thoughts on this holiday:

The Fourth of July is the most American day of the year. It is a time to celebrate our God given right to be free and remind ourselves that all it takes for evil to prevail is for the good to do nothing.
This day celebrates the final stages in the evolution of not just a document, but a philosophy which shaped the development of this country. The Declaration of Independence, while drafted by Thomas Jefferson, was actually a compilation of several documents, as well as thoughts from those in support of the cause. The final version did not include all opinions presented, but the compromises that were reached became the fundamental rules that we still hold true to this day.
When the signers put their names on the final version, they understood that they were laying their lives on the line for a cause in which they were deeply committed. In fact, so linked were the 56 signers that two of them (Jefferson and John Adams) died on the very same day in 1826. That day: July 4th.
While every year, celebrations of this event seem to become bigger and more grandiose, Independence Day is an example of a holiday that has always been a monumental event in this country. Even during the 19th century, when the country was divided leading up to the Civil War, both the north and the south continued to celebrate Independence Day in glorious fashion because they viewed themselves as Americans first.
So, this weekend we celebrate not just our freedom, but the people and actions that were essential to achieving that freedom, and we remember that despite the rises and falls that this nation has encountered and will encounter, we must remember to be grateful for the opportunity to have opportunities.

Finding a job: Advice from Dolphin Alumni

2010-06-24T15:48:00.000-04:00

With the newest JU alumni becoming official just a few weeks ago, one question most of them are asking is, “what will my next step be?”

While some will be headed to graduate schools or time off, most will be entering a difficult job market that is still in a recovery phase. Because this process can be a highly stressful situation, it is easy to feel like you are in it alone. The Dolphin Network is here to tell you that you aren’t.

There are a range of resources available to all JU students and alumni that can help find that first or next job. The Career Services Office has a number of programs that can help in everything from job listings to interview techniques. In addition, the Alumni Office is also hoping to play a part in helping the members of the JU family. With access to graduates scattered throughout the country and globe that are making a difference in a number of industries, there is a world of practical, substantive advice that we can help provide.

Recently, we reached out to two alumni that are recruiters for their organizations in order to offer an idea of how their companies view the hiring process. The question we asked was:

Discuss how you and your company view and use social media channels as a tool in the hiring process. Is it considered a credible resource for finding and researching potential recruits? Which sites do you utilize the most? What tips would you offer to those trying to differentiate themselves using these sites.

Lauren Calhoun, (Class of 2005), is a recruiter for Incepture:

Social media sites such as, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are most useful in initiating a conversation with a potential candidate or company. You cannot complete the entire recruiting lifecycle through one of these outlets, but all are excellent tools for the process.
The most common and useful social media site used by my company and myself is LinkedIn. LinkedIn provides an outlet for people to talk about their professional proficiencies, experience and goals and reach out to those with similar backgrounds. It is also a useful site for researching companies of interest and getting an idea of the type of people they employ and what they do. I encourage candidates to use LinkedIn before interviews to research not only the company but also their interviewers. You would be surprised what you can learn-- trust me, they are researching you!
LinkedIn provides many tools to help you differentiate yourself, including the opportunity for fellow co-workers to recommend you. These are like living references and are extremely valuable when someone who has never met you is trying to learn about your professional skill and character. Also, making efforts to maintain and add credible connections will increase your profile status and ultimately make you more relevant as people conduct searches. Just like on Google, where the most popular sites get preference in search results, the same thing happens with your LinkedIn profile. Another tip is to make sure that you put a picture up for your profile (a professional one of course). This is helpful for several reasons; the most important one being that everyone likes to put a face with a name. It helps to personalize your resume and makes you real and relatable. However, I would not encourage that you put a picture on your actual resume.

Social media has its place in finding a new position but nothing can replace a good, old-fashioned, face-to-face meeting and a solidly built resume.

Tiffany Outlaw (MBA Class of 2009) has been a human resources professional for eight years and is currently a Senior Human Resources Recruiter for St. Vincent’s Medical Center:

St. Vincent's HealthCare is currently moving towards being more active in social media and looking for more ways to utilize social media channels for recruiting opportunities. However, our website (www.jaxhealth.com) is currently the top resource for finding candidates.

One of the most popular websites used by our organization is LinkedIn. St. Vincent’s have several leadership professionals that have accounts with LinkedIn and it is a great way to increase networking opportunities.

In this trying economy, I would highly recommend students becoming more actively involved in internship opportunities at least 1-2 years prior to graduation. This will contribute to experience and allow students to be more competitive and marketable when searching for career opportunities after graduation. Also this is another great way to improve networking opportunities, such as joining local business or leadership organizations or any organization that pertains to students’ majors

Please visit the Dolphin Network blog in the future as we address the issues of the day. If you have questions you would like to see answered by JU alumni, please forward them to alumni@ju.edu.

To contact the JU Career Services Office, call 904-256-7054 or click here
To contact the JU Alumni Office, call 904-256-7201 or click here

Coach Mike Johnson: Five questions with...

2010-06-08T12:18:00.000-04:00

The Fine Arts camp isn’t the only camp happening on JU’s campus this summer. For those families that are coming down with a case of 'World Cup Fever', the university has the prescription with the Dolphin Soccer Camp.

Running the camp is Mike Johnson, who is in his 13th year as a head soccer coach at JU (seventh with the men’s team preceded by six with the women’s team). Since joining the men's team in 2004, Coach Johnson has taken them to new heights, most notably with back-to-back Atlantic Sun Conference Championships in 2007 and 2008, as well as a NCAA tournament birth in 2008. Additionally, he has coached 19 all-conference players, which include two “Player of the Year” award winners, and is the only coach in conference history to win “Coach of the Year” accolades with both the men’s team (2007) and the women’s team (2000).

The Johnson family is pure Dolphin through and through. Coach Johnson played for the Dolphins from 1981-1985, being named to the all-Sun Belt Conference team twice before playing professionally in the United Soccer League and the U-Sector Indoor League. Additionally, all three of his children have attended JU.

With soccer on the minds of every country on the globe right now, the Dolphin Network sat down with Coach Johnson to get his insight on the camp, the upcoming JU season and the progression of the sport in the U.S.

1. JU is hosting two soccer camps this summer. Can you talk about the differences between them and what the campers should do to get ready for them?

The first camp is our day camp for ages 5-12. This camp is designed to develop the techniques and skills required to play soccer. Each camper will be instructed in the proper fundamentals of dribbling, passing, first-touch control, shooting, heading and tackling. We will incorporate these skills into small-side games and fun training games.

The second camp, which is held in July, is for players that have the ambition and desire to take their games to the next level. This camp will provide training and a competitive environment that will allow players to develop both their technical and tactical skills. The players that attend this camp will want to start training three weeks early and several hours a day to meet the physical demands of the camp. During the camp there will be two 2-hour training sessions each day plus evening games.

2. The JU soccer program has seen tremendous success over the past several years. What do you credit this success to and what will it take for the Dolphins to once again return to the top of the Atlantic Sun Conference?

Our success started with a vision of being champions and winning championships. Winning is a byproduct of hardwork, dedication and a commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom and therefore, it is vital at this level to recruit talented student-athletes. We have been very fortunate to have brought in not only highly-skilled players, but very driven and committed players that wanted to be champions and great students.

In the last four years, we have won a Conference regular season championship and a Conference tournament championship; participated in the 2008 NCAA Tournament and beat Louisville in the first round then eventually losing to the University of North Carolina, the national runner-up, 1-0. During this time we have produced two Conference Players of the Year, numerous all-conference players and the National Academic Player of the Year. We also had the first conference player drafted by Major League Soccer and now have produced six professional players (the most in our conference) and one player reached the pinnacle in the sport by representing the U.S. National under-20 (and JU) in the 2010 World Cup in Egypt.

To answer the question of how do we get back on top, the formula is simple: Talent + Hardwork + Character = Champions. We need to continue to recruit talented, hardworking players that want to win CHAMPIONSHIPS and be great ambassadors for our program and the university.

3. Soccer is truly a global sport, and the JU roster is reflective of that. Can you discuss the recruiting process for perspective players overseas?

Our roster is very diverse, averaging 6 to 7 international players a year. Recruiting internationals can be difficult, as there is a lot more involved in the process, compared to domestic players. The international players must meet the same academic requirements as the American players to be eligible, as well as clear their amateurism with the NCAA, which can be time consuming to do based on the club structure in their countries. However, if these extra steps end up being a key component to the team’s success, it is well worth it.

We have been fortunate to have very good international players on our team and they have been good students as well. I think the key is knowing the systems that they come from both academically and soccer-wise. I was very fortunate to travel and train in Europe three times during my last years playing at JU and after graduation, and I have stayed in contact with people I met more than 20 years ago. I also played with and against some very good international players that have been great resources for our recruitment process. It is also easier now that we have had a string of successful international players, which then refer other players to our program.

4. Traditionally, the popularity of soccer in the United States significantly increases every four years when the World Cup is promoted and played. What do you think needs to be done for the popularity of the sport to be maintained in this country beyond the “World Cup bump?”

Yes, the World Cup. The world's biggest sporting event. There is nothing on the planet to compare it to. Countries all over the world compete in qualifying matches for four years to become one of 32 teams that make the World Cup. It is truly a global sport in which the final game is expected to be watched by six times more people than the Super Bowl.

The U.S. still considers soccer a lower-tier sport based on the popularity here, but great strides are being made. Despite being held half-a-world away in South Africa, the U.S. fans had bought more tickets than any other country for this event. Americans love a challenge and will get behind our National Team. Even non-soccer fans in this country will support the team, if for no other reason than patriotism.

A successful World Cup will generate more enthusiasm to the states and boost our growing domestic league Major League Soccer (MLS). This has already been happening with league expansion and the building soccer-specific stadiums across the country. But television and major corporate sponsorship is the key to a successful pro sport. The World Cup has the support of ABC and ESPN and all games are being shown live (which is awesome). The U.S. is also attempting to secure either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, as we did in 1994.

First thing is first, though. For the sport to continue to grow in popularity in this country, the U.S. must have good showing in South Africa. Their match against England on Saturday is one of the most anticipated games in the tournament and would be a catalyst to increase the fan base here and put us in better standing to host the event in the future.

5. You have played professional soccer as well as coached a number of players that have gone on to play professionally. What advice would you give to younger players that are seriously considering pursuing soccer as a means to attend college and beyond?

My advice to any player that wants to play in college or professionally is to ask yourself, “how hard am I willing to work to make this happen?” If the answer is easy and you are willing to outwork others and to put in as many hours of training that is necessary to reach these levels, then you have an attainable goal. Setting the goal is only one step though. You must put a plan in to action by working extremely hard on developing the technical tools necessary to be successful. This will require thousands and thousands of hours working on your own or with teammates to develop your skills to the highest level. Work on the physical side of the game (speed, strength, agility, endurance, etc.) and when everything is equal, the intangibles will determine success or failure. Put yourself in the most competitive training environment that you can find and play at the highest level you can find. The game of soccer itself is the BEST teacher.

Don’t just watch high level games, analyze them. Find a top player at your position on the world stage to emulate and to want to be like. Be able to break down your own game from time-to-time to determine the areas you need to work on, and be willing to work on these things very hard. Develop your mental toughness and confidence, always believe in yourself because if you don't, no one else will.

As for college soccer, it is a great opportunity to play at a high level and create security for your future by receiving a degree. The United States is the only country that combines a university-level education system and high level soccer competition.

The Dolphin Soccer Camp will be held throughout the summer. For dates and more information, click HERE.
The JU Men's Soccer season begins September 1. For the full schedule, click HERE.

The Art of Teaching Fine Arts

2010-05-21T13:59:00.000-04:00

While May saw a wonderful commencement ceremony for the recent graduates, the truth is that the education process never stops at JU. On top of the summer session for students to take advantage of, the university also offers several summer camps for the youth of the northeastern Florida community.

One of these is the Dolphin Fine Arts Camp, a week-long endeavor for children ranging from 6-16 that allows them to learn and explore their abilities in art, theater and dancing, as well as make new friends. Held throughout June, this tradition brings together current and future performers and artists to share and learn new skills.

JU Associate Professor of Music Theory Thomas Harrison oversees the entire program. A music enthusiast to say the least, Professor Harrison has been an active participant in the industry from both the artistic side and the production side. In addition to teaching all aspects of music, he also runs Dolphinium Records, the student-run, campus based record label. His creativity and expertise should provide the campers with a tremendous learning experience.

Before the camp begins, the Dolphin Network interviewed Professor Harrison on the different aspects of the camp, as well as why a camp like this can be beneficial to younger students:

How involved is the student body (past and present) with the camp?

The camp, which has been running for over 15 years, has been quite successful because of the relationship the JU student body has with making the camp work. JU students act as camp counselors for the younger campers (age 6-13), while some older teenage children (14-16) will assist as a junior-type director as well as receive more advanced lessons.

Theater, music and dance are all based on teaching the skills and techniques that are necessary, and then rehearsing them. For that process to be the most beneficial, it takes those that have the knowledge to teach those that don’t. That is the only way the performance arts can continue to grow.

What will some of the day-to-day activities include for the students and what will they have accomplished by the end of the camp?

Unlike many camps, where there are a broad range of activities, but no real end goal, this camp is geared completely towards the production that is performed at the end of the week. The Arts instruction will be tailored towards the production; the Visual Arts will focus on items for display in the lobby and the scenes for the productions; and the theater, music and dance instruction will all be included in the performance. So, aside from learning and growing in specific disciplines, the campers also are part of something larger than just themselves, with each playing a key role in a final, finished product that they themselves had a hand in creating.

With school district budgets across the country being consistently cut, it is typically the theater, music and arts curricula that are reduced or eliminated. What are the reasons for keeping these classes in schools?

It is a well known fact among arts teachers that keeping arts curricula in schools helps for better retention and attendance rates. This is particularly important at the high school level, where, if kids have more freedom to make choices on what they want to learn, it not only gives them a stronger reason to attend, but also provides them with the opportunity to truly consider the type of career they want to pursue.
However, to take it a step further, if arts classes were maintained at the elementary level, there would be a more solid foundation for kids (especially those interested in those subjects) to keep going to and enjoying school.

What it unfortunately comes down to is that the people that are making the decisions are not always the people most equipped to do so. Teachers and administrators should be the ones developing the policies for school curriculum because they have the primary knowledge on what is important and what works, but too often, there are others that have their hand in the final decisions.

There are a number of specific skills that the students will learn (singing, dancing, acting, etc.) during the session, but what are some of the broader life skills that the students can take with them after attending the camp?

The study of the arts is important at a variety of levels, especially in the area of identifying a task and completing it for a panel that will assess you (i.e. putting a production on for an audience). Study in the arts involves self-centered commitment and study, problem solving, and setting goals, areas that are transferable to any discipline.

In addition, because everyone at camp is working on projects that will be used for the final production, there is a team-building component and a sense of responsibility that is taught. When everyone has a hand in the end goal, there is not only a greater incentive to do your best, but also a stronger camaraderie.

For more information, or to register your child for the camp, please email judolphincamp@ju.edu

Dr. A. Quinton White: Five questions with...

2010-04-29T13:30:00.000-04:00

Dr. A. Quinton White has been a staple of the Jacksonville educational community for more than three decades and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI). Since 1998, the MSRI, which began as collaboration between Jacksonville University, Duval County Public Schools, U.S Department of Energy and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, has been housed on the JU campus, and will soon be enhanced by a state-of-the-art facility.

A published author, a popular professor and a renowned expert on the St. Johns River, Dr. White goes above and-beyond to share his knowledge. On May 15^th, the MSRI will co-host a fun and interactive event entitled “Ripples on the River,” and in July 2011, he will be taking his expertise on the road when he travels with JU students and alumni to the Galapagos Islands for the sixth time.

Before this very exciting summer starts for Dr. White, the Dolphin Network was able to sit with him and discuss some of the issues of the day, as well as some of the exciting announcements that are in store for the JU campus.

1. To the general public, the topic of Marine Science has several key phrases associated with it ("environmental awareness," "water quality," "wildlife preservation," etc.). What are some topics and terminology heavily related, but not typically associated, with the program?

To many, I guess Marine Science (MSC) is just Environmental Science…with salt added. But in reality, it is much more, since it also includes the biological, chemical and physical processes of the world’s oceans, rivers and estuaries. The JU MSC major has focused on the St. Johns River (SJR) and its estuary (OK, all you MSC alumni---in unison—an estuary is a semi-enclosed body of water, open to the ocean and diluted with sea water….ok, not bad). We continue to focus on the SJR, but also work and study coastal ecosystems, coral reefs and other near shore environments.

Perhaps the latest topic that is also marine-related is the sustainability initiative that is gathering energy and momentum nation-wide. JU is also “Going Green.” Our new Marine Science Research Institute will be JU’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building. We hope to achieve a GOLD certification. The biggest component of sustainability in relation to marine science is the impact of water consumption on marine environments. That topic is getting a lot more attention now, much more so than in the past. We are working on several issues relating to the environmental impact of water withdrawal from the SJR and the impact of dredging the SJR to 50 feet in order to accommodate post-PanaMax ships. These are the ships that will be able to use the new and much larger Panama Canal set to open in 2014. All of these topics will have a lasting impact on Jacksonville and the St. Johns River.

2. The JU Marine Science Program has graduated a number of outstanding students. What are some of the different career paths pursued by JU Alumni that have specialized in this field?

Our JU MSC majors have gone on to careers that range from Art (Glassblowing) to Zoology, with a wide variety in between, including pharmaceutical sales, health care, veterinarians and engineers. Our graduates hold positions with federal, state, regional and local government agencies, as well as private businesses and major corporations. Perhaps my biggest surprise over the years is the number of alumni who own their own businesses. It seems like we have lots who operate environmental consulting and engineering firms.
Plans are underway for a Marine Science reunion during Homecoming 2010 that coincides with the opening of the MSRI. So stay tuned and watch for details…

3. A hot topic of late is off-shore drilling. President Obama recently announced that new oil exploration will be conducted off the Atlantic coast and parts of the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Can you discuss some of the obstacles in developing this project safely?

I am opposed to offshore drilling due to the potential environmental impact. Despite the best of intentions and engineering, mistakes and accidents will happen. Just last week, 11 people were killed on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico…and it continues to burn. Last month, I was in Mobile Bay where oil platforms are within swimming distance of the shore. Oil leaks are frequent and potentially hazardous to marine life. There are better and less environmentally damaging ways to get energy for the U.S. than to, as the phrase has been coined, “drill-baby-drill”.

4. The Marine Science Research Institute will be the next step in the evolution of JU's Marine Science Program. How the project is coming and what will be some of the key features?

Now you really have hit my HOT BUTTON! As I mentioned earlier, we have almost completed a new LEED-certified Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI) as part of a planned complex focusing on the St. Johns River estuary and coastal marine ecosystems. We are on time, on budget, and in fact, just received a million dollar gift from the Bert and Maggie Reid estate. This is the same couple that helped fund the Reid Medical Sciences Building about 20 years ago.

The goal of the university in establishing the new institute is to provide a premier biological and marine environmental research and educational facility for northeast Florida. JU has offered a marine science major for over 30 years, and plans to offer a Masters level degree in marine science beginning fall 2011. The MSRI is a multidiscipline facility that will house the St. Johns Riverkeeper, the Millar Wilson Laboratory for Chemical Research, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Laboratory for Northeast Florida. The institute has also partnered with Terry Parker High School to offer a career academy focused on marine environmental sciences within the Lucy Gooding Educational Center.

The 32,000 sq. ft., two-story building will open July 2010 and will provide research opportunities for JU students, visiting high school and college students, scholars, scientists and engineers engaged in research involving local, state, and national ecosystems. The first floor area will be for working with live specimens in ambient temperatures as well as showers and restrooms. The second level will have teaching and research laboratories, classrooms, faculty offices and administrative space along with a small kitchen, conference room/library and screened observation deck. The marine science laboratories will also convert into a larger multi-purpose conference room. The river front location will also allow easy access to the St. Johns River estuary. Some of the sustainable features include rain water harvesting for wastewater processing and boat wash down, an innovative wetlands for storm water treatment, energy efficient design, and extensive use of recycled building materials.

What this means is that individuals and groups will be afforded opportunities for hands-on research on environmental and ecological issues confronting the St. Johns River as well as for gathering information on the life, history and current condition of the river itself. The knowledge gained from the research accomplished at JU will have a national benefit.

5. You have been involved in some level of higher education for more than 30 years. Can you discuss some of the biggest changes you have witnessed in the college community over those years?

Without a doubt it is the impact of technology. When I first arrived on campus in 1976, in the Biology office there was one phone and zero desktop computers for 6 faculty. We got an Apple IIe in about 1983 that we all shared. Now, I can sit at my desk and monitor - in real time - the environmental conditions around the world. I suspect that I have more computer power in my laptop than the main frame I used for my doctoral research. Now I get upset if I can’t see the weather radar on my cell phone. Communication has become almost instantaneous and if someone doesn’t respond to an email within a few hours, we wonder why. Long gone are the days of telephone tag and letter writing. But I would not go back for anything. And I wonder what someone like me will say in 2050?

For more information on the JU Marine Science Research Institute, visit their webpage HERE.

Craig Roy: Five questions with…

2010-04-15T10:19:00.000-04:00

Craig Roy (Class of ‘05) received his Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management from JU followed by his Masters Degree in Aviation and Space Science at Oklahoma State University.

Prior to joining CIT Aerospace in April 2007 as a Marketing Analyst on the Commercial Airlines sales team, Craig was employed with the Flight Inspection branch of the Federal Aviation Administration, verifying the safety and accuracy of instrument approach procedures in the United States and abroad. His duties included the composition of FAA orders and notices and providing subject matter expertise on safety issues related to the national airspace system.

In January 2010, CIT promoted Craig to Marketing Officer and relocated with his family to Dublin, Ireland, where he directly supports the marketing and sales efforts for customers in the Middle East, India, Eastern Europe, Greece, Cyprus, UK, Ireland and Iceland.

Despite his new workload, travel schedule and the time difference, Craig took time to answer some questions for the current and future Dolphin Alumni related to his career.

1. For many, the aviation industry seems both broad and difficult to enter. What was your path for pursuing your positions and how did your time at JU help you?

On the education side, I took full advantage of the Division of Aeronautics’ ties with the College of Business. I feel it is important to differentiate oneself from other job applicants, and I knew if I offered an employer aviation knowledge with applied business skills, I would significantly better my chances of securing employment. For each interview I made sure to highlight what my aviation knowledge would bring to the organization and how I could contribute from day one on the job.
Going back to my point on differentiating, I firmly believe this allows candidates to stand out from the pack (for the right reasons of course). When I became focused on sales and marketing roles, I took advantage of industry conferences to begin networking. To this point, I attended the National Business Aviation Association conference to try and network my way into an aviation related job. While I found a conference setting to be less than ideal for job hunting, it afforded the opportunity to network with managers and executives in the industry. This networking afforded the opportunity to begin learning about real-life issues that impact aviation and gave more direction to my career aspirations.

2. You have worked in both the public and private sector. What advice would you offer to the upcoming graduates that are pursuing jobs in either?

The public and private sectors are very different from an applicant’s perspective. The public sector is a very structured process across all job levels. On the private side, managers have more authority to hire well qualified candidates without some of the formalities that exist on the government side; this is a great example of how networking can pay off.
Regardless of the public/private sector, having a polished and professional resume along with a cover letter is a must. Resumes that include poor grammar, unappealing formatting or inappropriate information are an immediate turnoff for managers. Work with Career Services, family and friends, or utilize the internet for ideas on formatting and have friends and family review your resume for grammar and spelling errors. In today’s competitive environment, a strong resume is absolutely required
Internships give a terrific opportunity to get a foot in the door of the aviation industry. In the current employment environment, internships are great ways to gain experience and build a solid resume. They afford terrific opportunities to gain real-life experience in a professional setting, and provide networking opportunities that can be leveraged towards future employment opportunities.

3. At the time of this blog, you are working overseas. Can you compare and contrast the business practices of the organizations in different countries to those operating in the United States? Is the method for developing a deal or project similar?

Business practices differ greatly between regions, and even between organizations within the same jurisdiction. To contrast the US versus international, I have found that in the U.S., a lot of business can be conducted remotely via telephone, with occasional face to face meetings. In Eastern Europe, for instance, face to face meetings are more productive than a simple telephone call. Forgive the cliché, but it allows the customer to put a face to the name. This approach yields a stronger business relationship that can help in gaining the first call advantage when an opportunity arises. When it comes to finalizing a deal, the methods to bring the deal to closure will differ depending on the complexity of the deal more than they will the region/country. If there are jurisdictional or legal issues, there may be a lot more involvement on all sides necessary to bring the deal to closure.

4. While many offer different advice on how to get hired, a common recommendation is mastering the art of networking. How have you used networking and has it benefitted you in attaining different career goals?

As noted above, networking can significantly improve job prospects. Part of the interview process is for both the employer and applicant to understand if they would be a good fit for each other. By networking, the uncertainty about fitting into the job role or company culture is somewhat removed. This reduces the risk for both sides, which will yield more immediate results when it comes to starting a job. For my current position, I used alumni networking to learn of the opportunity and speak with one of the interviewers to gain an understanding of the job responsibilities and expectations. This allowed me to understand the aircraft leasing industry and to prepare for the interview process. If not for the alumni networking, I would have never learned of the opportunity.

5. You have shown allegiance to your alma mater by hiring a number of Dolphin alumni in positions within CIT. What common traits have you noticed amongst JU graduates that make them a good hire?

What draws me to JU students is the affinity to aviation combined with strong business acumen. The aviation business in itself is a dynamic industry that is continuously evolving; having an understanding of the issues relevant to the aviation industry help to think proactively of how the bottom line will be impacted by industry evolution. The business courses that are core to the aviation management curriculum are the reason for JU producing quality aviation business leaders for the future.

The Dolphin Network will be posting additional alumni profiles throughout the summer. For more information on alumni events and information, please visit the JU Alumni webpage HERE.

Jacksonville’s Post-Season Experience – Both Home and Away

2010-04-02T10:10:00.000-04:00

While Coach Warren and the men’s basketball team were traveling to Arizona and Texas for their post-season games, the city of Jacksonville was preparing to host the first and second round of the NCAA tournament. For so many student-athletes, this time of year offers unforgettable moments, and for that reason, we at JU welcomed the opportunity to work with the eight colleges and universities from across the country to make their NCAA Tournament experience as memorable as possible.

To make that happen though, it took a lot of time and effort. Those sitting in the stands at the Veterans Memorial Arena or watching on television saw the action happening on the court, but the work it took to get the teams situated and the behind-the-scenes process involved action of a different sort. Here is how some of the JU staff remembered the week:

Athletic Director Alan Verlander:

"The tournament was literally one of the busiest times in my life. Four years ago, when Jacksonville was a host city, it was crazy, but this time around, we added to the insanity because the Dolphins were still playing in the postseason, so we were forced to balance the schedules of our own team, plus the schedules of the eight participating NCAA teams.
The best example of this craziness happened on Selection Sunday. We didn’t know that we would be traveling to Arizona until 3 a.m Monday morning…..and then we had to be on a plane eight hours later. I know a number of other teams were scrambling just as much as us.
With all that said, the entire week was great (well, except for the outcome of the Texas Tech game). Those moments of calm before the doors were opened to the public, when the carpet was vacuumed, the court was clean, the media was tame and the TV lights weren’t on allowed you to just take everything in. Once the doors opened though, watch out....I do remember telling my colleague Joel Lamp on our way to Texas though, “you know, this is chaos, but imagine all the people who think that we have the coolest job. We are so fortunate to have the experiences and we won’t appreciate them until a month or two from now.”

Kim Hernandez, Assistant Vice President of the JU Alumni Office, was on-site at the arena most of the week as a Band/Cheerleader Liaison. Here is how she remembered her time:

"Well, aside from seeing all sorts of celebrities, such as Jim Nantz , Pat Riley, Adam Duritz (the Counting Crows singer is a HUGE Cal fan), and Maurice Jones-Drew, I think my favorite story from the week was when I was walking out of the tunnel where the teams run out and there was a group of four 10-year-old boys hanging over from the stands waiting for autographs/high-fives/even a glimpse of a favorite player or coach. As I was rushing hurriedly onto the floor at a million miles an hour, they said “oh, oh, oh…over here,” motioning for me to fist bump them. I said “oh guys, I’m nobody,” to which they responded, “nooooooo…..you ARE somebody cool to us!” It was a really cute moment and shows the NCAA Tournament experience isn’t just about the games."

The Alumni Office's Pat Reeves was a team host, working primarily with the University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff on their stay:

“The team, coaches and band all stayed at a hotel right on the ocean, and for some of them, it was the first time they had visited a beach. The band members had no idea they would be that close to the ocean and hadn’t even packed bathing suits, so we had to make a run to a local department store. They had such a blast that they even rehearsed on the beach because they wanted to take every opportunity to stay outside.
But more so, the memory I will take with me is how excited the community was to welcome the teams. Al’s Pizza, which was right near the hotel, closed off half their restaurant to serve the team and Sonny’s BBQ remained open late in order to feed the team after practice. Oh, and the coach’s wives really liked the crab cakes at the Sun Dog Diner. They ate their twice.”

The competition in Jacksonville, much like the other NCAA Tournament sites throughout the country, left some joyous and some heartbroken, but it is clear that the experience is what really matters. Congratulations to all the teams and thank you for playing hard in our city.

Coach Cliff Warren: Five questions with...

2010-03-18T16:49:00.000-04:00

In five seasons, Coach Cliff Warren has taken the JU men’s basketball program from a one-win team to a perennial league champion, directing the Dolphins to consecutive Atlantic Sun Conference regular season titles and two straight invitations to the postseason.

With more than 15 years of coaching experience at all levels of college basketball, Coach Warren brings a unique level of knowledge and success that has rejuvenated the JU program. His genuine love for the game, as well as his enthusiasm for teaching student-athletes and his ability to recruit talent that fit in with his vision for the program and the University has been widely recognized. Because of his commitment to excellence, the future of JU basketball looks bright.

With the 2009-2010 season still going strong, Coach Warren took some time to discuss the team’s season and keys to success this time of year:

1. With a 19-12 regular season and an invitation to the NIT, overall, how will you remember this season?

In a single word: Progress. Our program is clearly moving in the right direction, and with a second consecutive Atlantic Sun league title and two straight NIT bids, we have put together a body of work over the short-term which demonstrates that our efforts are generating positive results.
Moving forward, I believe we are in a position to continue to improve. We are creating an atmosphere of success here at JU. However, that doesn’t mean we are about to become complacent. We know we still have work to do to reach and surpass our goals.

2. Unlike games during the regular season, an invitation to a postseason tournament means you only have two or three days to plan for a first-round opponent that is unknown to you until Sunday night. As a coach, what needs to be done differently to prepare and how do you keep your players focused?

Facing an unknown opponent on just a couple days notice is unique. The first step is to make sure the players are getting rest, both mentally and physically. To get to this point in the season is grueling, so any opportunity we get to allow them to recharge their batteries is beneficial.
Next, we have to be sure we are playing our game to the best of our ability because that is what got us here. Once we know who we are facing, we will study their plays and tendencies, but until then, the key is to emphasize that no matter who the opponent is, we have to play our game.
As for how to keep our players focused, our team is led by players that understand that playing at this point in the season is a privilege and that they owe it to themselves and their teammates to play to the best of their ability.

3. As someone that has been to the Final Four as an assistant coach with Georgia Tech, you have a unique insight into what it takes for a team to be successful this time of year. What are some of those characteristics?

The key is to play and perform as a team. Everyone – players and coaches – has a role in preparing and executing a successful game plan. The team that understands that every single person contributing is necessary will have a leg-up in the postseason.
Also, you have to play with toughness. Every team that is competing at the end of the year has proven that they are both talented and hungry. Being both mentally and physically tough against this type of opponent can be the difference between winning and losing.
Lastly, it doesn’t hurt to have a little luck on your side. Preparation has its place, but sometimes it comes down to the ball bouncing off the rim just the right way.

4. Which coach – past or present – would you like to face in a tournament game?

I would truly love and enjoy facing my former college coach at Mount St. Mary’s, Jim Phelan (and if I did, I would be sure to be wearing a bow tie).

5. There have been arguments made on both sides of the NCAA tournament expansion issue. Some say that it is once again time to increase the number of teams invited. Others say that if it is only being done to earn more money or to help more coaches keep their jobs, it shouldn’t be done. How do you feel about the issue?

Having coached at mid-major schools and large schools, I have heard both sides of the issue and understand the arguments. I think the idea of expansion has merit. The Atlantic Sun, for example, is traditionally a one-bid league, which goes to our tournament champion. However, there are a number of teams in this conference that can (and have) competed favorably against the larger programs.
Additionally, playing in the NCAA Tournament is an unforgettable experience, and if we can provide that experience to a broader range of deserving student-athletes – many of whom won’t play at this level again – then perhaps expansion is worth the effort.

The Dolphins play the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the second round of the NIT on Saturday, March 20th @ 3:00 p.m. Check your local listings.

Rebecca Barry: Five questions with...

2010-03-04T16:25:00.000-05:00

Rebecca Barry (Class of ’05) received her communications degree from JU and her masters in meteorology from Mississippi State University before returning to northeast Florida to be part of the on-air meteorological team at WJXT-TV. She appeared at JU on March 2nd to discuss her career and offer insight through the Dolphin Alumni Speaker Series. Here is a sample of what she shared.

1. What is the typical day like for an on-air meteorologist? What portion focuses on the “on-air” part and what portion focuses on the “meteorologist” part?

My day starts early. I am up between 4:00-4:30 a.m. and heading into work by 5:30. I do my own hair and makeup and formulate my own forecast. Most of my morning is spent building and rendering the graphics that appear behind me when I'm at the “chroma wall.” I spend a lot of time figuring out how to best tell the weather story of that day and how it will influence your day. The weekend morning show runs from 7-9 a.m. and I do two weather updates every half hour, as well as help co-host interview and cooking segments. After the show I update our Facebook page, Twitter pages, JustWeather.com, and News4Jax.com and shoot a web forecast. I go home for a couple of hours, hit the gym and get ready for the evening shows. I am back at the station by 4:30 p.m. where I get ready for the 6 and 10 p.m. shows. I am usually back home by midnight, which gives me a couple of hours to sleep and get ready to do it again on Sunday.

As for how my day is divided, I would say most of it is spent on the meteorological aspect. At least 60%.

2. The United States has seen some unique weather patterns thus far in 2010, with 49 out of 50 states having snow at one point. Why is this year so unique?

A combination of factors has contributed to this chillier-than-usual winter. Not to get too technical, but the position of the jet stream and the Arctic Oscillation are interacting in a manner that is conducive to polar, arctic air sinking down into the U.S., resulting in below average temperatures and record snowfall events. We have had years similar to this one in the past - in fact 2003 was similar - but we love our mild winters here in the Sunshine State.

3. Who are some of your heroes, both personally and professionally?

Professionally- George Winterling. He is a legend in the meteorological world, and one of the kindest, most considerate people I've known. Working with him will always be one of the high points of my career. I admire Kelly Ripa also. I'd love to have an ounce of her magnetic personality and humor.

Personal heroes include my parents, who worked incredibly hard to ensure I had the best chance for success in life. I also look up to Dr. Green, my speech professor while I was here at JU. He leads a driven life to help others, and I truly admire that.

4. A question we ask all participants in our “Five questions with….” series is when you were a college freshman, what did you think you would be doing when you were 30?

As a freshman, I imagined myself at thirty trying to break into the Jacksonville market, or at least get close. I thought I'd have a family and a career that was just getting into high gear. Now I'm rethinking that. I was hired in Jacksonville at 22 and still have four years until 30, so now more than ever, I am not sure what lies ahead, but I am excited. Life has been faster than I'd planned on my career path. No complaints though!

5. It is estimated that only about a quarter of the meteorologists in the country are female. What advice would you offer a woman (JU alumni or otherwise) attempting to get into the industry?

Being a female in this field has clearly been advantageous for me in my career, and if you are looking to do the same, you will have perks as well. What you should know is there is a stereotype you will encounter. You should get the education you need to shatter that stereotype. Don't let anyone have the opportunity to judge your intelligence purely based on being a female. Every day, every moment you will fight that battle of credibility. While you will get hired in larger markets faster and move up more quickly than most of your male counterparts, breaking into Senior and Chief Meteorologist positions will be much more difficult.

Learn more about what Rebecca at News4Jax.com.

As part of the Dolphin Network blog, we will conduct interviews with distinguished guests and alumni that visit the JU campus.

Are you a JU alum and a blogger? Send us and email with a link to your blog to be featured on one of our social media channels.

Ted Simendinger: Five questions with...

2010-02-18T21:33:00.000-05:00

Ted Simendinger (Class of ’76) is a JU Distinguished Alumni that has done everything from professional sales to standup comedy. During his recent visit to campus as a part of the Alumni Speakers Series, he entertained and informed throughout the day, including a session at the Davis College of Business and his talk at the Ross Theatre. Despite a full schedule, Ted gave more of his time to answer a few questions to share with his fellow Dolphins:

1. How did your time at Jacksonville University prepare you for your life immediately after college and beyond?

I worked my way through school as a full-time meat-cutter for Winn-Dixie and graduated on time in eight semesters. The time management processes and decision-making I was forced to embrace, plus a learned work ethic thanks to the fellows I worked with, especially a fellow with a grade-school education named Marvin Fisher, have carried forward with me every day since. I remain grateful the Davis family extended guys like me a chance to earn a diploma. The night before graduation I calculated that I had cut a quarter-million pork chops, over 13,000 t-bones, gotten 24 stitches (in both hands), and could completely dismember a whole chicken into nine pieces in 26 seconds. And all of it remains worthwhile.

2. You develop teaching strategies that are grounded in life skills . What are some of the key attributes that people need to have to be successful?

These five can change a life:
1. Time Management. Waking hours pass one of four ways: they are wasted, spent, invested, or cherished. Successful people minimize the first two and maximize the last two (investment time and cherish time).
2. Passion. Happy high-achievers also live and work with passion; achievement and personal growth can keep a person young forever. A sofa makes you old in a hurry.
3. A great work/life balance. I pity burnouts, but celebrate positive people who continue to great things over time because they’re wired to safely do it. There’s a big difference between being busy and being productive. It’s vital to respect those differences and make behavioral choices that enable you to produce meaningful results that you’re proud of.
4. It’s important to pursue what you want to be in life. Do you aspire to a role player or an impact player? A person who leaves footprints in the sands of time or buttprints? Someone who’s significant in the lives of others or not? Own it, chase it, and be proud of it.
5. Manage the Worry Circle. Forty percent of what people worry about doesn't belong in their heads at all. Manage this and life gets real easy, real fast. It takes about three hours to learn. Once you learn it, teach others you care about how to manage it, too.

3. You have given motivational speeches, workshops and presentations all over the country, what are your thoughts on motivating in the current economic climate? Has it become more difficult to motivate people to reach for the brass ring?

Yes and no. Yes because no one motivates you except you, and with so many technology portals filling heads with noise of blathering doom and gloom, it’s tough for a lot of people to sort, sift, or block out noise. The reason the answer is “no” is because “stinkin’ thinkin’”(a negative, downtrodden attitude) is easily fixable. People simply need to learn a few vital life skills — which colleges do not teach and companies rarely do — in order to regain a positive outlook and reenergize what’s possible in life rather than mope about what’s wrong. This is the essence of the global gratification I’ve received from coaching people around the world. These things are doable, they work, and then the folks go on and teach others, too. There is a relentless battle for mindshare going on in the media, juxtaposed against technology’s direct impact on shaping and reshaping habits and behaviors. People must stay in control of their minds. Just because someone has access to the mind does not mean that he or she has the right to be there. When people own and balance these things, and they’re passionate about their pursuits, self-motivation is easy.

4. A question we ask all participants in our “Five Question with….” series is when you were a college freshman, what did you think you would be doing when you were 30? What were you actually doing when you were 30?

Are you kidding? Thirty was six light years away from seventeen. When I was a freshman, all I worried about was paying for school, finding cheap beer, and maybe convincing a nice girl to pity me enough to go on a date. My aspirations didn’t stretch too far beyond that. I worried about 30 when I was 29. What was I doing at 30? Hawking Xerox machines in Tampa, Florida. Got stuck with a bum territory but I soon segued into standup comedy and found happiness that way.

5. What advice do you have for the JU class of 2010?

Chase what you love to do and the heck with everyone else. There are a lot more people in the world who know what they don’t want to do than what they truly do. Join the happy minority. If it works for you, chase it to the very best of your passionate ability. If money matters, you’ll figure out how to make it. If someone had told me on graduation day I’d have burnt through three passports, flown 2 million miles and shrunk the world to the size of a Superball, written ten books and had three stories optioned for movies, I’d have politely suggested they have me confused with someone who graduated in the top half of the class, not the midpoint. Life goes to those who persevere. So persevere and love every minute. Do that.....and you’re winning the game.

Learn more about what Ted at his website and follow him on his blog.

As part of the Dolphin Network blog, we will conduct interviews with distinguished guests and alumni that visit the JU campus.

Are you a JU alum and a blogger? Send us and email with a link to your blog to be featured on one of our social media channels.

Being a Dolphin’s never been easier

2010-02-04T10:10:00.000-05:00

If you could bottle up what it means to be a Jacksonville University Dolphin, recent, or past – would you keep it as a secret all to yourself?

Connecting with long lost classmates, sharing photos of your family, or getting better networked with the Dolphin business community, Social Networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin have simplified being connected. They quickly eliminate the distance between people and provide the opportunity to be a more active participant in the things we all wish we had more time to do.

As Director of Alumni Relations, and a proud double graduate of JU ’06 MBA’08, I’m helping to launch this blog in conjunction with our Alumni Speakers Series. Our goal is to maximize the use of social networking sites to better connect with you. Keeping news and information up to date while providing expert opinion on relevant topics from our very own Alumni we hope will continue to keep everyone connected and create or renew your relationship with the Dolphin network across the country.

In my dual role as alum and serving the Alumni Community, it’s important to recognize:

1. We are a team. The Dolphin Network is made up of more than 24,000 individuals and like a Pod (of Dolphins!) we all have a role to play in the success of the university. Dolphin pride continues to grow across the country with budding alumni chapters from San Diego to Boston. The local and national network of dolphins continues to work together for the benefit of the students and alumni alike. Our mission is to produce successful, community-minded graduates who will make a difference in their careers and in the world. To continue this trend we need your help! Spread the word! Join the network!

2. Continuous improvement! We continue to improve our facilities, academic programs and internship opportunities. Building the bridge between classroom theory and real world application is a major component to our shared future success. JU offers more internship and service learning programs now than ever. We even offer community service projects for alums!

So how do you get involved?

Join us on Facebook, Linkedin, or Twitter to get updates on Alumni, Fine arts, Athletics and campus events and activites! Staying connected has never been so easy and you’re sure to find an area of interest among our diverse offerings.

A re-occurring question I keep hearing is… “I really need to increase my network professionally and personally” or “how do I get more sales or leads”? Tapping into the Dolphin network is an easy answer; specifically here are a few tips that may help guide you on how to network more effectively. These ten points are a compilation of other people’s ideas – so don’t give me all the credit! They have been shaved down to a “Top Ten” list.

1. Know what your purpose is for networking.
2. Arrive early (This is one of the best times for meeting like minded individuals and the food is fresh!) Make sure you’ve scheduled enough time for the event, don’t leave early, or slip out the door.
3. Identify yourself and your organization with a name tag (on your right side).
4. Become a great listener.
5. Spend more time with the people you don’t already know.
6. Networking isn’t gossiping, remember to stick to your purpose for being there.
7. Be respectful of people and their conversations, don’t barge in.
8. You don’t have to meet everyone, and if you miss someone, it’s a great way to introduce yourself outside the event.
9. Be helpful to the people you meet first and watch the good fortune return to you.

If you have any networking tips of your own you’d like to share, post them below, or e-mail them to alumni@ju.edu.

Thanks for connecting and following our blog and remember there is no better time than NOW to be a JU Dolphin!

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Learn more about Matthew Kampfe in The Spring Edition of The Wave Magazine, on the Jacksonville University website, or find and connect with him on Linkedin.