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SPC Foundation
Board of Directors
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Kenneth P. Cherven
Chairman
Joseph G. Blanton
Stephen O. Cole
William A. Emerson
Theresa Furnas*
Calvin D. Harris, Ed.D.
Beth A. Horner
William D. Law*
Willie H. "Bill" McCloud
Frances Neu*
Walter L. "Skip" Schafer Jr.
Steven Shepard
Shan Shikarpuri
Richard B. Winning
David Zillig
Directors Emeriti
Dan Carlisle
Leon R. Hammock
Helen K. Leslie
Alfred T. May
Thelma Rothman
Henry B. Sayler
Honorary Director
Wendell R. Ware
*Ex officio members
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This year, St. Petersburg College students will travel to Italy, Ireland, Belize and beyond as part of the college's study abroad program. In all, 64 students will embark on an unparalleled educational experience that will broaden global awareness and provide the leadership skills necessary to lead our communities and our nation in the years ahead.
SPC is committed to preparing its students for success in a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive global marketplace. The Foundation's Study Abroad Scholarship program is grounded in that goal. By following this link, you can join our efforts to provide our students access to the learning opportunities that will help them keep pace with their peers across the state and around the globe. I hope you will consider joining us.
Sincerely,
Frances Neu
VP Institutional Advancement
Foundation Executive Director
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Student success on the rise
President Law's initiative to enhance student success is showing impressive results. In a presentation to the College Board of Trustees, Dr. Tonjua Williams, SVP for Student Affairs, reported that this spring the success rate for African American students increased 10.6% over last year; for Hispanic students the success rate jumped 15.2% over the same period. Dr. Law's five-pronged approach includes face-to-face orientation for new students, individualized academic advising, an early alert system, out of class support/tutoring, and academic planning. The new focus is being embraced across departments and disciplines. "We have transitioned ourselves to a student-centered college," said Dr. Williams, in a recent article in the Tampa Bay Times.
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SPC celebrates 121st Commencement
Last month, more than 2,600 students graduated from St. Petersburg College, bringing the number of degrees awarded by the College since its inception in 1927 to 134,639.
At the commencement ceremony at Tropicana Field on May 4, College President Bill Law congratulated the 2,605 students receiving Associate, Baccalaureate, Certificate and Applied Technology diplomas. He noted that the class, which ranged in age from 17 to 77, included 128 veterans and 259 students who would receive more than one credential. He added that for every two male graduates, there were three female graduates. Overall, Law said, more degrees and certificates will be awarded by St. Petersburg College this year than in any prior academic year.
Several special recognitions were announced during the ceremony: SPC Alumni Association President John Brown presented the Apollo Award to Brandon Fong and the Alumni Achievement Award to Elizabeth Van Scoyoc. Brown also announced that State Representative Ed Hooper received SPC's 2013 Outstanding Alumnus Award. Later in the program, Maria Thurber was recognized the college's first Gates Millennium Scholar (see related story below).
See photos from the graduation on the college's Facebook page and tweets at #spcgrad. Watch the ceremony on SPC's YouTube channel.
Dr. Law, Alumni Association President John Brown, and Apollo Award recipient Brandon Fong
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SPC student receives Gates Scholarship
Maria Daniela Thurber has a lot to celebrate. In addition to graduating from SPC this spring, Maria was awarded the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship. The highly coveted award provides leadership training, professional development and a "full ride" scholarship through her doctorate degree. Only 1,000 students nationwide are chosen for this scholarship each year.
As a participant in SPC's Early College program, Maria earned an Associate in Arts degree concurrently with her high school diploma. She has been an active member of the Honors College, Student Government, the Hispanic Leadership Council, Phi Theta Kappa, and the Model United Nations program. Maria was an Apollo Award finalist and was named a 2013 Coca-Cola New Century Bronze Scholar by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.
This Fall, Maria will move to Washington, D.C. where she will attend Catholic University of America to pursue dual bachelor's degrees in education and political science with a focus on international relations. She also plans to pursue a PhD.
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SPC Board of Trustees welcomes new member
 Bridgette Mill, president and publisher of the Tampa Bay Business Journal, has been appointed by Governor Rick Scott to serve on the college's Board of Trustees.
"St. Petersburg College is on the cutting edge of meeting the workforce needs of the Tampa Bay business community, and the future of economic development for our region," Ms. Mill said in a Tampa Bay Business Journal article. "I am proud to have been selected to be part of such an important organization that will lead us to be the No. 1 state in the country to live, work and play."
Ms. Mill, who resides in Seminole, fills a vacant seat on SPC's Board of Trustees.
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SPC in national spotlight
The Chronicle of Higher Education recently reported on the college's newly developed system of capturing data to help improve student success. At the direction of President Law, the Pulse system was created to provide administrators an array of timely data on such metrics as enrollment and student progress. In turn, the data are used to guide discussions as new programs and services are considered.
Kay McClenney, director of the Center for Community College Engagement told the Chronicle that, "Community colleges are well ahead of universities when it comes to using data for student success." And while many college use data these days, she said that SPC's "efforts are more comprehensive than most."
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SPC Student entrepreneurs benefit from Silverberg Endowment
The SPC Business Plan and Elevator Pitch Competition has been selected to receive the annual Silverberg Endowment Grant of $5,000. Seminole Provost Dr. Jim Olliver and Business Department Chair Nicolle Panuthos lead this college-wide competition that provides students an avenue to sharpen their business acumen and hone presentation skills.
"We are deeply grateful to the Silverberg Family for their support of what we feel will soon be the premier entrepreneurship program in the area." said Dr. Olliver
"The Silverberg Endowment Grant was established in 1982 to help develop programs that benefit SPC, its students, and the local community. We greatly appreciate their partnership," said Frances Neu, VP of Advancement and Foundation Executive Director.
The Business Plan and Elevator Pitch Competition will be held in April 2014.
Proud winners of the 4th Annual Business Plan and Elevator Pitch Competition held April 2013.
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Writing symposium helps prepare students and educators
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Susan Demers, Dean of College of Policy, Ethics and Legal Studies, Dr. Dana Ferris, University of California Davis, and Roy Peter Clark, Poynter Institute present at the
Symposium
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St. Petersburg College in partnership with The Poynter Institute recently held the second annual Writing with Integrity symposium. Sponsored in part by the SPC Foundation, the two-day event entitled From Noise to Knowledge: Making the Transition across Disciplines was designed to help educators learn the latest developments in teaching integrity in research and writing. Among a full slate of presenters, University of California professor, Dr. Dana Ferris, provided the key note address and led an interactive discussion about the Expectations of/for College Writers.
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Palladium Sculpture lights the way
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Artist Russell Whiting, Christine Carter, Bonita Cobb, Dr. Law, and Paul Wilborn celebrate "Soul Survivor"
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Friends, donors and staff celebrated at the dedication of the "Soul Survivor" at the college's Palladium Theatre in April. Majestically standing 12 feet tall, the carved steel sculpture is part of the SPC Foundation's College Collection and will serve as a beacon to St. Petersburg's downtown cultural corridor. The sculpture was relocated from the former Gulf Coast Museum of Art to the Palladium's front lawn and is a powerful presence that evokes the spirit of performance and triumph. Palladium Executive Director Paul Wilborn thanked Louisiana artist Russell Whiting for creating the magnificent work and recognized benefactor Bonita Cobb who led the effort to install the lighting. Prior to the dedication, guests were treated to a rousing performance by Young Concert Artists Noe Inui and Vassilis Varvaresos.
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Create a Legacy
Bequests, charitable remainder trusts, gift annuities, IRAs, and gifts of property are some of the ways you can provide significant and lasting support to SPC. To learn how your planned gift can meet your financial objectives while supporting the work of the College and the aspirations of students, call us at 727-341-3302. Change a life today!
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Class Notes
Class of 2011: David Owen, A.A., is currently working as a CNA with Grace Healthcare and a HHA with Visiting Angels.
Class of 2010, 2012: Lauren Weber, A.A., continued her education at St. Petersburg College, earning a bachelor's degree in Business Management and Organizational Leadership. She is now working as a paralegal and plans to attend Stetson University to earn her J.D.
Class of 1995: Jan DeGraw-Higgins, A.S., in Veterinary Technology, is actively volunteering as a puppy raiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs. Her passion is puppy raising and she has a solid love for dogs.
Class of 1990: David Starr, A.A., earned his B.A. degree in Sociology/Anthropology at Florida International University. He became a Certified Bookkeeper, A.I.P.B., in 2008.
Class of 1978: Leonard Phillips, A.A., went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Central Florida in 1980.
To share your accomplishments with your fellow alumni, contact Tiffany Hughes at 727-341-3055.
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