NSU Horizons Fall 2010

Educators at University School of Nova Southeastern University have long been lauded by parents and peers as the behind-the- scenes superstars helping the children they educate achieve great things. So, it’s no surprise that Jerome S. Chermak, Ed.D., University School headmaster, is the 2010 recipient of the Richard and Dorothy Lear Distinguished Educator Award. The award is the highest honor given by the Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF). Named for the founders of the Lear School of Miami, the award annually recognizes one person who has shown extraordinary leadership and achieved special distinction by developing educational opportunities for Florida children. Chermak, past president of AISF, has served as an adminis- trator at University School for the past 26 years. “Dr. Chermak has helped the school foster academic, artistic, and athletic excellence,” said Ray Ferrero, Jr., NSU chancellor. “As a result, 100 percent of University School graduates are accepted to colleges and universities. This is a stellar record, and we are very proud of our graduates and the educators who have helped them achieve so much.” More than 75 percent of University School’s 181 faculty members hold advanced degrees. Through Chermak’s direc- tion, they provide individualized attention and promote each student’s ability to learn, grow, and succeed. “Dr. Chermak is a dedicated and talented educator,” said George L. Hanbury II, NSU president. “We are very fortunate to have him at University School and look forward to his continued leadership there.” As a recipient of the Richard and Dorothy Lear Distin- guished Educator Award, Chermak is in good company. Former recipients include Abraham S. Fischler, Ed.D., president emeritus of NSU; Modesto A. Maidique, Ph.D., former president of Florida International University; and John Silber, Ph.D., former president of Boston University. For more information, please visit www.uschool.nova.edu. n Around Campus 7 horizons Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Representative Marco Rubio, and Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink don’t often cross paths. However, all three will be at Nova Southeastern University during October to participate in debates to become Florida’s next U.S. Senator and governor. Crist, an Independent, Rubio, a Republican, and Representative Kendrick Meek, a Democrat, are running for the U.S. Senate seat. They will square off on October 19 at NSU’s Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center. On October 20, Sink, a Democrat, is scheduled to debate health care executive Rick Scott, a Republican. Each debate will be televised live throughout Florida and run from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on their respective days. “These debates are important for Florida residents, who will go to the polls this fall to make decisions that will have a lasting impact on the state,” said Ray Ferrero, Jr., NSU chancellor. “NSU is pleased to host these debates in conjunction with Leadership Florida and the Florida Press Association.” NSU also hosted both debates in 2006. The Senate race has drawn intense national coverage as the result can tip the balance of power in Washington. Both debates will focus on issues such as health care, oil drilling, Social Security, foreign policy, the economy, NASA’s future, and the environment. Each debate will feature a moderator and a three-member panel. CBS affiliate WFOR-TV will televise the debates. The debates are not open to the public, but the public can submit questions by visiting www.beforeyouvote.org . n NSU Hosts Live Political Debates University School Headmaster Receives Distinguished Educator Award