NSU University School Viewpoint Spring 2018

Head of School William J. Kopas, Ed.D. Associate Head, Academic Affairs Elizabeth C. Brennan, Ed.D. Associate Head, External Relations Giovanna Stincer, M.Ed. Director, Upper School Scott Fech, Ph.D. Director, Middle School Robyn Kaiyal, Ph.D. Director, Lower School Adam Carswell, M.S. Board of Advisers 2017–2018 Editor in Chief Giovanna Stincer, M.Ed. Managing Editor/Writer Debra Gonzalez Communications Coordinator (954) 262-4446 Art Director Danelle Gilles Cover Photo Hannah Kuker, grade 9 On the cover: From left, Ethan Lyans (grade 4), Lucas Tsung (grade 4), Nina Anderson (grade 3), and Samantha Stewart (grade 4) NSU University School 3375 SW 75th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314-1400 (954) 262-4506 Viewpoint is a publication of the External Relations Office. Comments and suggestions are welcome. As I walk around our beautiful campus, I am inspired every day by our incredible students. It has truly been an eventful year with much to celebrate within our school community. Our seniors continue to impress us with their outstanding community involvement and college acceptances to schools such as Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Chicago, Columbia University, and Duke University. Our Lower School students have been introduced to an innovative new program called Thrive and are exploring engineering through robotics, and our Middle School students are becoming environmentally aware through the fascinating study of aquaponics. We recently celebrated Cy Gruberg, Ph.D., who made a new gift to fund the existing Dr. Cy Gruberg Key Club Endowed Scholarship Fund and the newly established Dr. Cy Gruberg Endowed Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Community Service, and Character. In recognition of his generosity, we are proud to announce the naming of the Dr. Cy Gruberg Center for Guidance and College Counseling at NSU University School. We also have partnered with the NSU Department of Writing and Communication for our second fellowship opportunity, and our alumni relations department continues to make important connections with those who have graduated. During these more difficult times, our students have demonstrated strength, compassion, and resilience with kindness. I know that they will grow from their experiences and continue to stand up for what they believe in as advocates, activists, and leaders. Please enjoy this issue of Viewpoint . Sincerely, William J. Kopas, Ed.D. Head of School 2 First Joel Ronkin, chair Marc Cannon, vice chair Jon Clark Lesley Clark-Loeser Jessica Dornbusch Jessie Gilley Evan Glasser (‘94) Amy Hoffman, ex officio Susanne Hurowitz, ex officio Laurie Jennings Pam Kochav Cori F. Meltzer Mark Paresky Tamara Rodriguez Cindi Samson Jeff Steiner Scott Weiselberg Michael Zager (‘87), ex officio ADMINISTRATION Word