NSU Horizons Fall 2006

is produced by the Offices of Public Affairs and University Relations at Nova Southeastern University 3301 College Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314-7796. ADVISORY BOARD Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D., President/CEO, Nova Southeastern University George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Frank DePiano, Ph.D., Vice President, Academic Affairs Frederick Lippman, R.Ph ., Ed.D., Chancellor, Health Professions Division Richard E. Dodge, Ph.D., Dean, Oceanographic Center Brad A. Williams, Ed.D., Dean of Student Affairs David Dawson, B.B.A., Executive Director, University Relations Thomas Dieters, M.P.A., Executive Director, Development MANAGING EDITOR Gariot P. Louima, M.S., Editor, Public Affairs ART DIRECTOR Susan A. Tischenkel, Associate Director of Publications/ Senior Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Barbra A. Gonzalez, Director, Public Affairs Gabriela J. Vignolo, Director, Marketing Communications Mara L. Kiffin, Assistant Director, Public Affairs Lourdes Rodriguez-Barrera, Public Relations Manager/Editor OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS Ron Ryan, Director of Publications Sheryl Koral, University Editor Dana Kantrowitz, Associate Editor Roberta Harris, Graphic Production Manager Send letters to the editor to nsumag@nsu.nova.edu or use our online contact form. Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of CollegesandSchools(1866SouthernLane,Decatur,Georgia 30033-4097, Telephone number: 404-679-4501) to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist, anddoctoraldegrees. ■ NovaSoutheasternUniversityadmits students of any race, color, sex, age, nondisqualifying dis- ability, religion or creed, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate in admin- istration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. 07-188-06SAT H orizon S To the Friends and Family of NSU: According to Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus, happy individuals are those who are “healthy of body, resourceful in soul, and of a readily teachable nature.” The Academy, which Plato founded in Athens c.387 B.C.E., was a place for physical activity, cultural and religious observation, and spectator events, in addition to academic instruction—a combination that allowed students to reach their greatest potentials. While the content and the delivery systems have changed through the centuries, today’s “academies” must continue to provide balanced learning experiences to be successful. This issue of Horizons introduces you to NSU’s magnificent new University Center, a 366,000-square-foot “fusion” facility that provides for our students, faculty and staff members, and the community at-large, a modern space for the connection of mind, body, and spirit. The facility includes a 5,500 seat arena/convocation center, world-class wellness and fitness center, and a state-of-the-art sports medicine compo- nent. It is also home to NSU’s student union, and in the next few months, will house NSU’s visual and performing arts center. We hope the news of this exciting addition to the campus inspires you to join us at the University Center. I can guarantee there is no other place like it in South Florida. As always, this issue also contains several feature stories on campus life, current events, and ongoing research. This includes an expository piece on the important work of doctors Michelle Gagnon Blodgett and Naushira Pandya, who strive to provide our students with one of the nation’s most comprehensive curriculums in geriatric medicine, a task that has become increasingly more important as demo- graphic shifts indicate the “graying of America.” Additionally, in “The Achievement Factor,” we examine the advancements of education experts at the Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies, the Fischler School of Education and Human Services, and the Center for Psychological Studies, whose work is helping children from preschool to grade 12 overcome obstacles and succeed academically. Finally, honors student Stephanie Repaci writes about NSU students who give back to our community by participating in outreach programs, volunteering with social organiza- tions, and raising funds to support important causes. Each of these stories highlights the value of the partnerships between the disciplines and schools that make up NSU. Such collaborations provide us with the greatest opportunity to cultivate in each of our students the kind of person Thales of Miletus described as one who is “healthy of body, resourceful in soul, and of a readily teachable nature.” Enjoy this issue of Horizons . Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D. President/CEO, Nova Southeastern University 2 horizons