NSU Horizons Fall 2007

horizons 7 NSU HOME TO GUY HARVEY’S LARGEST MURAL R enowned marine wildlife artist Guy Harvey, Ph.D., unveiled his largest mural at the new University Center. Measuring 40' x 175', the mural towers over passers-by, and features 19 different species of shark—the university’s mascot—as well as stingrays, fish, and coral. Giving the mural a three-dimensional experience are the life- size fiberglass mounts of various shark species. The permanent installation also includes two smaller shark murals measuring 50' x 40' and 25' x 50'. Harvey flew in from his home in the Cayman Islands earlier this year to put the finishing touches on the mural and add his unmistakable signature. During the much anticipated unveiling ceremony of the mural installation, Harvey added to the day’s excitement by presenting NSU with a gift in the amount of $96,301.32 for research operations at NSU’s Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI). Guy Harvey and NSU have an established relationship that goes far beyond the creation of this mural. NSU’s Oceanographic Center is home to the GHRI. The institute was established in 1999 as a collaboration between the renowned marine artist and biologist and NSU’s Oceano- graphic Center, assuming a leadership role in providing the scientific information necessary to understand and save the world’s fish resources and biodiversity from drastic, ongoing declines. GHRI is one of only a handful of private organiza- tions dedicated exclusively to expanding the scientific knowledge base needed for effective conservation of fish populations and maintenance of fish biodiversity. n New Commons Residence Hall Combines Functionality with Personality O n August 17, 2007, The Commons, the newest residence hall at NSU, opened its doors. This state-of- the-art living/learning community includes 525 beds, 5 classrooms, 2 conference rooms, 16 community living rooms, 16 study rooms, the offices of Residential Life and Housing, and plenty of indoor and outdoor programming space. The Commons is unique and dynamic because of the way it incorporates communities within the residential community. All 16 of the community living rooms and study rooms have comfortable furnishings, creating unique spaces for students and groups to conduct study sessions and group meetings, or just congregate with friends. The floor plans provide students with an opportunity to choose between single or double room options. Of the 16 communities, 10 are reserved for returning and incoming residents. The remaining six communities are based upon themes and academic initiatives. Developed by the 2006–2007 residential population, each uniquely named community was designed to increase involvement academically and socially. They are • Sorority-Themed Community (The Sisterhood) • World-Themed Community (Global Village) • Leadership-Themed Community (LEAD) • Quiet-Themed Community (Quiet Corridor) • Business and Entrepreneurship Living and Learning Community (Executive Suites) • Wellness-Themed Community (The Well) The Commons is equipped with a card access security system for suite rooms, key access for individual rooms, a building surveillance system, and 24-hour security. Residential Life and Housing will provide free laundry and wireless Internet access, as well as a 42-inch plasma television with a DVD and a VCR player in each community living room. n