BlueWave News

February 2023

Commencement Events Begin Soon

FSCJ's 2023 Commencement will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. We are in need of volunteers to help with different tasks throughout the day, such as setting up the arena, signing in graduates, helping guests to their seats, assisting with student line-up and cleaning up after the ceremony. If you are interested, talk with your supervisor and contact Bryan Stewart at bstewart@fscj.edu.

In addition to the in-person ceremony, Grad Fest events will be held at the locations listed below:

• Downtown Campus: March 27, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
• Kent Campus: March 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• North Campus: March 29, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• South Campus: April 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Nassau Center: April 3, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Join us to help make these events memorable for our graduates!

Q&A with Dr. A

You are invited to an open conversation with Dr. Avendano to talk about important College priorities and future goals and initiatives for the upcoming year. Bring your thoughts and questions for Dr. A.

Join us for any of the remaining events:

• Downtown Campus, February 27 at 2 p.m., ATC T-140/141
• Kent Campus, March 1 at 2 p.m., D-120
• South Campus, March 2 at 2 p.m., Lakeside Room
• Nassau Center, March 21 at 2 p.m., Nassau Room
• Cecil Center, March 28 at 2 p.m., Auditorium
• Deerwood Center, March 30 at 2 p.m., Academy B-1204

Student Success Awards

Faculty and staff are invited to nominate one to three students from your respective courses, academic programs, student organizations or workplace for the Celebration of Student Success.

Students may be selected from the Summer 2022, Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Terms for the following categories:

Academic Achievement, Inspirational Achievement, Outstanding Student Worker, Outstanding Student Leadership. Click on the green button to submit your nominations via the online form.

I'M IN Employee Giving

“I’M IN," the FSCJ Employee Giving Campaign began on February 1 and ends March 10. Each week, the Foundation will be sharing information, holding fun contests, asking for your support and sharing the amazing impact we make possible when we give to FSCJ.

Watch the introduction video from Dr. A and click on the button below to visit the webpage to join us.

Here's why some of our colleagues say they support FSCJ:

• "FSCJ has such a great diversity of students, a multitude of backgrounds and needs. The FSCJ Foundation exists, among various reasons, to assist students whose only obstacle to attend college is a financial obstacle. A foundation, any foundation, signifies stability, permanent support, and structure by providing a solid base on which the community can lean. I give to the FSCJ Foundation because of those that need such support, to build a base to grow someone’s future. I give to build for the future of FSCJ." - Beth Harvey
• "I’ve always had gratitude for the education I received as a first-generation college graduate. Giving to the FSCJ Foundation is one way I say thank you for my opportunity and share it with current and future students." - Dr. Kip Strasma

The New FSCJ.EDU is Live

In case you missed it, the all-new FSCJ.edu is now live! The new site launched last week, bringing a more dynamic experience for all site visitors, but especially for students and those who are interested in coming to FSCJ in the future.

You will notice more streamlined navigation, enhanced search functionality and program information cross-referenced with the academic catalog, ensuring the latest, most accurate information is presented. We continue to add new content and make enhancements to provide the best user experience possible.

With questions, contact communications@fscj.edu.

SACSCOC Reaffirmation Update

Make note of the following important dates in the SACSCOC reaffirmation process:

• March 1, 2023 – FSCJ submits compliance certificate
• Late April/Early May – Off-site review report returned
• May 31, 2023 – SACSCOC VP virtual advisory visit
• September 11, 2023 – Response reports and QEP due to on-site committee
• October 23-26, 2023 – On-site visit
• June 2024 – Review and decision by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees

Over the next few OnPoint calls, updates will be shared regarding various aspects of the reaffirmation process and the QEP.

Professional Development Day Recap

The seventh annual Professional Development Day was held last month with a focus on Strategic Priorities, Teaching and Learning, Student Support, and Workplace Culture. More than 200 employees attended and participated in the various sessions.

Keynote Speaker Dr. Johnetta Cole's presentation focused on issues that affect student enrollment and included suggestions for increasing the number of diverse students in a college community. An additional speaking session on Pedagogies of Care was presented by Dr. Jesse Stommel.

Veterans Upward Bound

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded FSCJ a federal TRiO Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) grant. This five-year grant will assist low-income, potential first-generation, and high-risk veteran students in successfully transitioning into college.

VUB is the first precollegiate transition program within Duval and Nassau counties. The grant will serve approximately 125 U.S. military veterans annually, with the primary goal to increase the rate at which veterans enroll in and complete postsecondary education programs. In addition, VUB is designed to motivate and assist participants in developing the skills necessary to be accepted into, and succeed in, postsecondary degree programs. It will also help students interested in pursuing technical and workforce certificates and adult high school completion. Essential VUB services include assessment enhancement, college application completion, FAFSA completion, advising, mentoring, and tutoring in math, English, writing and computers, and college tours.

VUB also assists participants in securing support services from the VA, state veterans' agencies, Vocational Rehabilitation, veteran associations, Military Veteran Student Services and other local agencies that serve veterans.

For more information, contact vub@fscj.edu.

February Recruitment Update

On Friday, January 20, we hosted our annual principals and counselors meeting at North Campus. With over 50 attendees, our K-12 partners from Duval and Nassau high schools and middle schools were able to learn more about our programs while engaging with several College support services.

There was a presentation on our Workforce Development programs, they toured several classroom spaces and participated in breakout sessions as well. Thank you to all who helped make this event a huge success!

If you know someone who is interested in joining the FSCJ family, be sure to send them our way at welcome@fscj.edu.

Faculty and Staff Accomplishments

Congratulations to Professor Catherine Rifkin, who was appointed to the statewide Adult Education Curriculum Advisory Committee.

Check out the January/February issue of Florida Design to see their spotlight on our very own Professor Dustin Harewood and his latest art series, "36 Views of a Dying Reef."

Professor Harewood also has a solo exhibition at the UNF Gallery of Art through April 7 that you can visit to see more of his work.

TRACES, Voices of the Second Generation

In 2018, Professor of Communication and Media & Digital Media Isaac Brown partnered several of his classes with a local nonprofit, Searching for Identity, on a service-learning project to film interviews of children of holocaust survivors.

Along with his wife, Ana Paula Habib, Professor Brown has continued working with Searching for Identity Director Stacey Goldring to sculpt the dozens of hours of interviews into an hour-long documentary film, "TRACES, Voices of the Second Generation." They worked with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in D.C. to obtain invaluable archival films for the project. The animator for the documentary, Brian Oakley, also teaches in FSCJ's Digital Media program and Thomas Doughty, the documentary's composer, is a recent addition to the Digital Media team.

"TRACES" had its world premiere at FSCJ’s Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts on January 28 to commemorate the United Nations International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The documentary will be shown on WJCT soon but, in the meantime, you can watch the trailer by clicking on the green button below.

FSCJ Colleagues Making Moves in the Association of Florida Colleges (AFC)

Associate Director of Dual Enrollment Matt Wetzel currently serves as President-Elect for the AFC and served as the Vice President for Commissions in 2022. He is a 2022 graduate of the Certified College Professionals program. Matt joined the AFC in August of 2014 and attended his first Annual Conference in November of that year. He served as Chapter president-elect in 2015, Chapter president from 2015-18, and was the Career and Professional Commissions Chair in 2017 and Region II Director elect in 2018. Matt served as the Region II Director in 2019 and was awarded Region of the Year.

Administrative Support Manager Bryan Stewart is currently serving as Region II Director, having previously served as the President of the FSCJ Chapter of AFC from 2021-23. He joined AFC in the spring of 2019 while attending the Region II Spring Conference. He is the Region II Representative for the Student Development Commission (2021-present), a member of the 2023 Faculty Symposium Series Committee, and a 2020 graduate of the Certified College Professional program.

For more information on the AFC, please contact Shannon Oliver at s.oliver@fscj.edu or call (904) 632-3211.

Congratulations to FSCJ's Marketing and Communications team for their recognition as National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) Medallion Award winners for the following projects:

• High School Postcard-Gold
• Health Sciences Overview Brochure-Gold
• Workforce Outdoor Bus Series-Bronze
• Imagine Your Future Postcard-Bronze

Congratulations to the following employees for completing FSCJ Certificate programs!

Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Certificate

• Lyn Noble, Professor of A&P Mathematics
• Dr. Yakup Bilgili, Professor of BAS Early Childhood Education

Technology Certificate

• Eleana Demeritt, Administration Support Manager

Facilities Updates

The Facilities Team has been hard at work, updating and upgrading spaces across the College. Check out some highlights below:

Recently completed

• North Campus Cardiovascular Tech (CVT) Remodel

Projects in progress

Ongoing Collegewide:

• Scan/Digitize Facilities Plans
• Master Plan, 5-Year Plant Survey
• Air & Ventilation Enhancement (CARES Act), Downtown, Kent, North and South
• Exterior Door Lock Conversion to Access Control System, Downtown, Kent and North

Cecil Center:

• Construction, San Jose Early College

Deerwood Center:

• Center Stage Elevator Modernization
• Nursing Expansion (Phase I & II)

Downtown Campus:

• Human Resources Renovation, AO
• 150-Ton Chiller Replacement, ATC
• Chillers, Pumps and Cooling Tower Replace (C Bldg)
• 20+ Year Re-roof, Multiple Bldgs
• Building Envelope Study (A, B, C & D Bldgs)
• Building Envelope Removal/Replace Curtain Wall, URC

Nassau Center:

• Commercial Vehicle Driving Grant
• Nursing Expansion (Phase I & II)
• Classroom Upgrades, Furniture

North Campus:

• Parking Lots 1-4 and 6 Repave & JTA Bus Stop Relocation
• Restroom Upgrades (A Bldg)
• Door Access Control Upgrades

South Campus:

• Chiller and Pump Replacement
• Veteran Support Center (U Bldg)
• Door Access Control Upgrade (D & T Bldgs)
• Cybersecurity Lab (B-107)

Projects in planning

Collegewide:

• Science Lab Upgrades

Cecil Center:

• Gun Range Assessment

• Exterior Door Access Control Upgrade (Cecil-North & South)
• BAS Controls Upgrade (A, G, H, J & K Bldgs)

Deerwood Center:

• Common Area Flooring
• Classroom Furniture Upgrades

Downtown Campus:

• Classroom Furniture Upgrades
• Student Housing Suite Repairs
• Follett Bookstore Renovation

Kent Campus:

• Classroom Furniture Upgrades
• Pavement Repairs, Borings/Restripe
• Continue Door Access Control Upgrade (E, F & G Bldgs)
• Follett Bookstore Renovation
• Student Life (SGA) Meeting Room

Nassau Center:

• Exterior Door Access Control Upgrade (A/B & T Bldgs)

North Campus:

• Nursing Faculty Office Furniture
• Student Services Update
• Surgical Tech - 2nd Floor (A Bldg), Programming & Conceptual Design
• Tower 3, Restrooms
• Towers, Nonslip Coating & Treads
• Ceiling Tiles, 3rd Floor (C Bldg)
• SIM Center Restrooms (E Bldg)
• Negative Pressure Correction (C & D Bldgs)
• Pavement Resurface (CJC Skills Pad & Track)

South Campus:

• Classroom Furniture Upgrades
• Follett Bookstore Renovation
• Science Lab Negative Pressure Correction (E & F Bldgs)
• Replace existing duct board with metal duct (C & D Bldgs)
• Wilson Center Sculpture
• 20+ Year Re-roof, Multiple Bldgs
• Pavement Resurface (Skills Pad & EVOC Course
• Relocate Testing Center (T-Bldg)
• Fire Academy/EMS Public Service Upgrade (P Bldg)

Get to Know Your A&P Colleagues: Dr. Thomas Gauthier

February's Administrative & Professional Collaborative (APC) spotlight shines on Dean of the School of Professional Studies and Public Safety Dr. Thomas Gauthier. He was appointed in July of 2022, and in this role, he provides mentorship, oversight and leadership facilitation for multiple career, technical and workforce programs.

Board Highlights

Review the highlights of the February 14, 2023, meeting of the FSCJ District Board of Trustees:

• The District Board of Trustees authorized College administration to negotiate and enter into a satisfactory contract with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc. for property insurance.
• The District Board of Trustees approved the authorization of the President of FSCJ to enter into a collaborative agreement with the University of Florida (UF) regarding their plan to bring graduate and postgraduate programs to Jacksonville.
• The District Board of Trustees approved the fee change for the EMT Clinical Experience course to be effective Summer Term 2023.
• The District Board of Trustees approved the Academic Calendar for 2023-24.

You can find more information on the Board of Trustees meeting on our website.

Comings and Goings

Who's New

This list includes those individuals who are filling the newly appointed Faculty full-time positions, full-time A&P positions and full-time Career Employee positions.

Faculty Full-Time

• Schane Brown, Professor of Cosmetology
• Lea Cason, Librarian Level 2
• William Dando, Professor of Aviation
• Linda Malone, Professor of Nursing (Pediatrics/Maternity)
• Emmanuel Ntui, Professor of Business - Finance

A&P Full-Time

• Ahmed Al Zaidy, Associate Dean of Information Technology
• Jennifer Chester, Associate Controller
• Matthew Colee, Instructional Program Manager
• Alisha Deleston, Associate Director of Budget and Auxiliary Service
• Beatrix Dunn, Director of Campus/Center Enrollment and Student Services
• Christianna Fail, Project Account Officer
• Denise Giarrusso, Associate Director of Student Success
• Naita Guine, Director of Program Development
• Nichole Harris, Associate Director Student Recruit
• Kelly Herndon, Director of Program Development
• Aaron Holland, Director of Admissions and Enrollment
• Juliene Lancto, Interim Associate Director of Academy Advising Services
• Taylor Mejia, Director of Government and Community Relations
• Amanda Miller, Instructional Program Manager
• Susan Mythen, Dean of Library and Tutoring Services
• Stephen Nickell, Certification - Assessment Center Manager
• Peggi Patrick, Interim Library and Learning Commons Manager
• Jessica Swint, Student Housing Residential Coordinator
• James Tynan, Functional Analyst - Student Financial Systems
• Kristie Ward-Cangelosi, Department Chair
• Elisa Westberry, Interim Certification - Assessment Center Manager
• Shelly Young, Project Account Officer

Career Full-Time

• Thomas Acevedo, Student Records Specialist
• Emma Adams, Student Services Coordinator
• Tanika Adams, Project Coordinator
• Tonya Alford, Administrative Assistant I
• Ahkiah Allah, Retention Specialist
• Tara Bennett, Duplicating and Mailroom Coordinator
• Dennis Bent, Senior Plant Service Worker
• David Carroll, Interim Department Coordinator
• Jocelyn Covington, Business Office Specialist II
• Marilyn Craig, Financial Aid Advisor II
• Yankela Cuartas, Academic Department Coordinator
• Jakhya Dailey, Administrative Assistant I
• Eleana Demeritt, Administration Support Manager
• Christina DiLorenzo, Program Coordinator
• Virginia Drake, Interim Case Manager/Career Specialist
• Allison Edney, Vision Rehabilitation Case Manager - Career Specialist
• Sierra Ejankowski, Project Coordinator
• Madeline Figueroa, Student Accounting Compliance Coordinator
• Nattyaris Garcia Vazquez, Human Resources Coordinator

• Catherine Guibbert, Student Success Advisor I
• Alex Hackett, Distance Learning Assessment Specialist
• Jeffrey Hall, Student Success Advisor I
• Stephanie Hamilton, Retention Specialist
• Shakura Jackson, Student Recruiter
• Jessica Jenkins, Administrative Specialist - Student Success
• Lasabra Johnson, Project Coordinator
• Lucetia Johnson, Security Officer I
• Haley Jones, Administrative Assistant III
• Leola King, Administrative Assistant II
• Syvannah Kois, Student Success Advisor I
• Beth Lasher, Library Assistant I
• Gerald Lee, Security Officer I
• Maiah Leon, Financial Aid Advisor I
• Vicki Lowe Kelsey, Administration Support Manager
• Irene Luna, Academic and Career Advisor
• Andrea Martinez, Case Manager/Career Specialist
• Darling Martinez, Duplicating and Mailroom Coordinator
• Ravyn Mette, Student Success Advisor I
• Kevin Moser, Academic Department Coordinator
• Neil Orr, Student Services Coordinator
• Kenny Nguyen, Student Engagement Advisor I
• Giselle Palacios, Student Engagement Advisor II
• Kifimbo Parnell, Academic and Career Advisor
• Samantha Phaff, Accounts Payable Specialist II
• Gregory Pauling, Security Officer I
• Heather Peters, Senior Specialist
• Christine Pope, Administrative Assistant II
• Megan Potts, Case Manager/Career Specialist
• Jessica Pugh, Student Success Advisor I
• Jennifer Reid, Call Center Representative II
• Nur Rischmaui, Financial Aid Advisor II
• Shakera Rodgers, Case Manager/Career Specialist
• Alexa Rosa, Student Services Coordinator
• Allie Runnestrand, Student Success Advisor I
• Jennifer Sanchez, Project Coordinator
• Alexa Sanders, Library Manager
• Sandra Shines, Academic Tutor
• Donna Speegle, Academic Department Coordinator
• Andre Speight, Central Services Clerk
• Jennifer Sykes, Administrative Assistant III
• Amelia Thompson, Administrative Specialist
• Danielle Thompson, Student Services Coordinator
• Raymond Trescot, Campus HVAC Facilities Manager
• Maria Uresti, Veteran Affairs Enrollment Services Processor
• Julia Velezon, Academic Department Coordinator
• Valerie Vinson-Anderson, Case Manager/Career Specialist
• Mary Williams, Retention Specialist
• Randall Wolffis, Security Officer I
• Syvannah Wood-Kois, Student Success Advisor I

Who's Retiring?

The following employees have recently retired, or will soon be retiring, from FSCJ:

• Janet Meigs
• May Mason
• Donna Martin
• Robert Oberholtzer
• Dawn McGinley

In the News

FSCJ's faculty, staff, students, programs and leadership are often highlighted by local and regional media outlets - online, on air and in print. Read articles featuring important updates and activities happening within the College by clicking here.

Did You Know?

If you happen to miss an OnPoint call, the meeting notes are compiled and posted for your reference. Please note: The location where these notes are stored has changed. You can now access them via myFSCJ. Find the Quick Link named OnPoint.

The next call will be held March 22 at 2 p.m.

FSCJ In Action

On Saturday, January 14, the FSCJ STARS Computing Corps student club sponsored a morning social event for students to kick off the first Saturday IT courses held at the South Campus, allowing students to interact with their peers, faculty and administrators. Attendees included Andrew Pierce (South Campus Dean), Dr. Ahmed Al-Zaidy (IT Department Associate Dean), Julia Velezon (IT Department Academic Program Coordinator), and the three faculty members teaching the courses (Dr. Jim Huskins, Profs. Pamela Brauda and David Singletary). The courses include Introduction to Programming, Spreadsheet Concepts and Java Programming.

On Friday, February 3, FSCJ joined the First Coast American Heart Association (AHA) in the fight against heart disease in women by participating in National Wear Red Day.

Thanks to all faculty, staff and students who showed their support and raised awareness by wearing red.

North Campus Events Recap

On Saturday, February 11, 2023, North Campus hosted two large community events:

After a six-year absence, the FSCJ Family Literacy Fair returned. Despite the rain and chilly weather, 66 young readers and their family members attended. Approximately 500 new and gently used books were available, and all children in attendance were able to select at least two age-appropriate books to take home.

Leftover books will be distributed to local elementary schools and the Lending Library outside of the Downtown Campus Childcare Center.

Thank you to the 26 students and 17 employees who volunteered at the event.

We also appreciate representatives from Early Childhood Education, TRiO: Educational Opportunity Centers and TRiO: Veterans Upward Bound programs who shared information at the event, along with the Jacksonville Public Library and READ USA.

The annual Give Kids a Smile Day returned to North Campus. All activities took place inside the newly renovated FSCJ Dental Labs.

A mandatory prescreening occurred on Thursday, February 9 and follow-up treatments were scheduled on Saturday, February 11 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over the course of the day, 65 patients were seen with most receiving multiple procedures (cleaning, fillings and extractions). We are grateful to the community dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, as well as our dental hygiene students who made this event a great success.

The annual Give Kids a Smile Day event is organized through the Jacksonville Dental Society and provides free dental services to children ages 4-18, including cleaning, fillings and extractions.

Upcoming Events

BlueWave News Quiz

Test your knowledge. To ensure all faculty and staff have an opportunity to submit answers, the quiz winners will be selected at random from entries with all questions answered correctly. You have until 6 p.m. on the day the newsletter is distributed to email your answers to bluewavenews@fscj.edu. The three winners will receive a BlueWave prize pack! Please note: Previous quiz winners, while eligible to submit answers, are not eligible for additional prizes for six months.

1) When is the Nassau Center Q&A with Dr. A event?

a. February 21

b. February 27

c. March 21

d. March 28

2) Approximately how many military veterans will be served annually by the Veterans Upward Bound grant?

a. 200

b. 125

c. 25

d. 150

3) When is the next OnPoint call?

a. March 15

b. February 22

c. March 8

d. March 22

4) Where will this year's Commencement Ceremony be held?

a. Prime Osborn Convention Center

b. South Campus

c. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

d. Online

5) What is the name of the FSCJ employee giving campaign?

a. I'M IN

b. I'M ALL IN

c. ARE YOU IN?

d. FSCJ Employee Fund

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