NSU Fall 2012 Horizons Magazine

2 HORIZONS 3 HORIZONS To the Friends and Family of NSU: Here at Nova Southeastern University, we believe in investing in our students. What we teach them, the ways we prepare them to meet the challenges of the work place, and how we help them become productive members of their communities illustrate NSU’s commitment to our undergraduate and graduate students. This investment in students pays huge dividends and is highlighted in this issue of Horizons . We are immensely proud of the new Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Ecosystems Research, now open at the Oceanographic Center. The new, state-of-the-art, 86,000-square-foot facility is a crown jewel of vital research and academic excellence urgently needed for improved understanding, managing, and conserving coral reefs. The Center of Excellence is the only research facility in the United States dedicated to coral reef ecosystems science. The center will advance coral studies for generations of students, faculty members, and researchers. Florida is projected to be home to the largest population of veterans in the nation within eight years. NSU gratefully salutes these veterans and their families for their service to our country. The university’s community outreach programs, research, and counseling initiatives show our apprecia- tion to our student-veterans and their families. The first weeks of college are an important, life-changing time for new students. NSU’s incoming students find instant help and friendship from those students who serve on NSU’s orientation committee. Likewise, NSU keeps the welcome mat out year-round for our large population of interna- tional students. You’ll meet some of these students in this issue. Finally, Horizons will introduce you to some of NSU’s outstanding professors and student-athletes. NSU’s successful alumni have made an impact from NASA to Disneyland’s Paris location. NSU’s investment in our students continues to pay off each day. George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer, Nova Southeastern University Horizons is produced by the Office of University Relations at Nova Southeastern University 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314-7796 ADVISORY BOARD George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer Jacqueline A. Travisano, M.B.A., CPA, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Frank DePiano, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs and Provost Frederick Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D., Chancellor, Health Professions Division Richard E. Dodge, Ph.D., Dean, Oceanographic Center Honggang Yang, Ph.D., Dean, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences Brad A. Williams, Ed.D., Vice President, Student Affairs David Dawson, B.B.A., Executive Director, University Relations Julie Spechler, M.A., Director, Public Affairs EXECUTIVE EDITOR Mara L. Kiffin, Director, Internal Communications MANAGING EDITOR Oline H. Cogdill ART DIRECTOR Susan Tischenkel-Hayward, Associate Director, Office of Publications/Senior Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTING EDITORS AND WRITERS Felecia Henderson, Associate Director, Public Affairs Brandon Hensler, Associate Director, Public Affairs Andra Parrish Liwag, Associate Director, Public Affairs Kenny Ma, Associate Director, Public Affairs Elizabeth Serioux, Coordinator, Public Affairs OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS Ron Ryan, Director, Office of Publications Sheryl Koral, University Editor Suki Eleuterio, Associate Editor/Copywriter Roberta Harris, Graphic Production Manager Send letters to the editor to mkiffin@nova.edu or use our online contact form. H orizon S To make your gift, please return the inserted envelope; visit www.nova.edu/giving/; or call Michael D’Eugenio, director of annual giving, at (954) 262-2100. Yineth Sanchez Class of 2013 Whether a graduate, student, parent, or friend, you have a stake in NSU’s future. Gifts to the NSU Fund enable students like Yineth Sanchez to achieve their dreams.Thanks to the generosity of donors like you sponsoring her pursuit of bachelor’s degrees in both legal studies and philosophy, she is working toward her goal of becoming an attorney. 85 percent of NSU students rely on scholarships, grants, loans, or university-provided student employment. Please consider making an annual gift today . Your participation will be counted among those who are strengthening NSU’s growing reputation for educating quality students and forever changing their lives.