Miss Florida Memorial University

featured in Onyx Magazine, November / December 2015 Issue

When Yolanda began her attendance at Florida Memorial University, she immediately embarked on leadership positions in several organizations. She served as Miss Goode Hall 2012-2013; Executive Board Secretary for the Bahamian Connection Organization; Miss Honors Council for the 2013-2014 school year; a member of the Iota Alpha Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Spring of 2014; and during this semester, Yolanda was also elected as Miss Homecoming for the 2013-2014 academic school year. She is currently a member of Delta Mu Delta and the FMA Honors Society and holds a position on the Dean’s List. Yolanda’s apparent dedication to academics is vividly exemplified through her numerous scholastic achievements. She believes in succeeding academically and also being actively involved in her community. Upon graduation, she aspires to attend Columbia University where she hopes to attain a degree in Corporate Law. Her all-time favorite Bible Scripture is, “Psalms 51: 10 Create in me a clean heart; O God and renew a right spirit within me.”

Global African Diaspora Communities Seminar

Explore the rich culture and history of Brazil, with a specific emphasis on the lives of people of African descent in Rio de Janeiro, Cacheoira, and Salvador de Bahis.

A deposit of $300 is due by February 1, 2016. A 50% balance payment will be due on February 1, 2016 and the full balance by March 15, 2016.

PAYMENTS MUST BE *RECEIVED* BEFORE DEADLINE.

Visit www.fmuniv.abroadoffice.net for more information.

Register now at https://destinationpartners.wufoo.com/forms/fmu-brazil-may-18-30-2016/

ACCESS TO THE DREAM

Celebrating The Past: Preparing For The Future

Thursday, February 18, 2016
Lou Rawls Center For The Performing Arts
From 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Please RSVP at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nsmg6m8
Join the Conversation #ACCESSNBMBAA

FMU’s Law & Government student Yokasta Glasco and Dr. Olivia Jackson attended the 10th Annual ASPA Best Practices Conference Friday February 12, 2016 held at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center. The conference theme Public Service in a changing Climate featured expert practitioners from government, nonprofits and the private sector. Several topics of discussion included Redevelopment and Gentrification: The Price of Progress, Challenging the Status Quo: Nonprofits Leading by Example, and Moving Ahead with South Florida Transportation. To say the least, this conference afforded the opportunity for our Law and Government student to network with many public servant administrators and leaders as she pursues her degree in Law and Government. Her ultimate goal as a future public administrator is to serve as an executive director for a nonprofit organization.

Law and Government student Yokasta Glasco with Dr. Terry Murphy, President of the South Florida APSA-chapter and Sr. Policy Advisor for Miami Dade County Board of County Commissioners.

Law and Government professor Dr. Olivia Jackson and student Yokasta Glasco with Dr. Willie F. Logan, President and CEO of Opa Locka Community Development Coalition and former state representative of Florida.

Dr. Richard Yaklich
Associate Professor of Music
FMU Director of Assessment

Dr. Richard E. Yaklich, currently serves as an Associate Professor of Music at Florida Memorial University; Conductor of the South Florida Youth Symphony and the former  Director of the Jubilate Chamber Orchestra. Prior to coming to Florida Memorial University, he served as a String Orchestra Consultant for the Brevard County School District in Titusville, Florida, and was the Director of Orchestra Activities at South Miami Middle School for the Performing Arts.

He has conducted orchestras throughout the United States and Eastern Europe including the Maikop Philharmonic and the Socchie Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Yaklich  has conducted the  Alhambra Orchestra of Miami, FL on several occasions, served as the Assistant Conductor of the Kingsport Tennessee Symphony Orchestra and Choir;  Music Director of the Kingsport Youth Orchestra and as the Artistic Director and Conductor of the University of Southern Colorado Chamber Orchestra.   Dr. Yaklich attended the Tanglewood Music Center where studied conducting with such musical notables as  Gustav Meier, Charles Dutoit, Leon Fleisher, Maurice Abravanel, and Seiji Ozawa.  While studying at the Conductor’s Institute in 1993, he performed with Donald Portnoy, Samuel Jones, Larry Newland, and Paul Vermal.

Dr. Richard Yaklich
Associate Professor of Music
FMU Director of Assessment

Dr. Richard E. Yaklich, currently serves as an Associate Professor of Music at Florida Memorial University; Conductor of the South Florida Youth Symphony and the former  Director of the Jubilate Chamber Orchestra. Prior to coming to Florida Memorial University, he served as a String Orchestra Consultant for the Brevard County School District in Titusville, Florida, and was the Director of Orchestra Activities at South Miami Middle School for the Performing Arts.

He has conducted orchestras throughout the United States and Eastern Europe including the Maikop Philharmonic and the Socchie Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Yaklich  has conducted the  Alhambra Orchestra of Miami, FL on several occasions, served as the Assistant Conductor of the Kingsport Tennessee Symphony Orchestra and Choir;  Music Director of the Kingsport Youth Orchestra and as the Artistic Director and Conductor of the University of Southern Colorado Chamber Orchestra.   Dr. Yaklich attended the Tanglewood Music Center where studied conducting with such musical notables as  Gustav Meier, Charles Dutoit, Leon Fleisher, Maurice Abravanel, and Seiji Ozawa.  While studying at the Conductor’s Institute in 1993, he performed with Donald Portnoy, Samuel Jones, Larry Newland, and Paul Vermal.

Behavioral Health Communications Promotion Campaign 2015-2016

February 15 - 21, 2016

Click here to view 2015-2016 PSA Entries
Click here to vote for your favorite HBCU-CFE public service announcement

Behavioral Health Awareness Day Webcast!
Winners will be announced Thursday, February 25th 2016 between 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Register at www.hbcucfe.net

For more information contact:
Toll-free 1-866-988-HBCU (4228) or E-mail: jtrent@msm.edu

Dr. Olivia Jackson is an Associate professor of Political Science & Public Administration at Florida Memorial University. She holds a PhD from the University of Miami in International Studies, a Masters of Public Administration from the Ohio State University, and a BS degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Florida.

Prior to coming to FMU, she served as a Budget and Program Analyst for the Ohio Governor’s budget Office, overseeing over $200 million in budgets for several state agencies such as Department of Corrections, Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio Lottery Commission, and the Department of Highway Safety and Administration.
While at FMU, Dr. Jackson served as Chairperson for the Division of Extension and Continuing Education during the1999-2005 period, where she was instrumental in generating approximately 20% of the University’s enrollment each year and in penetrating the Broward County market by establishing a new site in that area. Given her love for research and teaching, she chose to return to full-time faculty status in 2005. During that transition, she was successful in obtaining a Fulbright Study Tour grant to travel to Thailand and Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) to meet with other professors at several universities throughout both countries with the goal of developing “Best Practices” for internationalizing the curriculum. By 2010, she was awarded another Fulbright; it covered a 5-year period (2009-2014) as a Senior Specialist which entailed short-term teaching assignments abroad, with her most intriguing assignment occurring in Vladivostok, Russia, teaching Public Policy at the Far Eastern National Technical University.

In all, Dr. Jackson has traveled to over 40 countries. Her research interest is terrorism and its impact on U.S. multinational companies and developing economies. Published articles include: “The Impact of Terrorism on Foreign Direct Investment in the Middle East” as well as “The Impact of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the US Economy.”

You should major in Law and Government if you are interested in the following career areas:

• Federal, State, or Local government;
• Lobbying on behalf of various interest groups;
• International Relations;
• Law Enforcement and Corrections Administration;
• Law Practices/Legal Services;
• Legislative Assistants;
• Political Campaigns;
• Political Party organizations;
• Political Writing Services;
• Poll Surveying;
• Public Planning, Public Policy, Budget Analysis and Public Service in general; and
• Other areas, i.e. education, journalism, advocacy groups, and non-profit organizations

Good Monday Morning (on Thursday) FMU Family!

What an amazing Homecoming 2016!

Homecomings are usually celebrations for alumni to gather, remember, and renew the sense of kinship, belonging, and community they experienced as college students. Preparations for Homecoming 2016 at Florida Memorial resulted in the election of a new Mr. and Miss Homecoming, a well-attended concert, numerous student performances, various alumni events, basketball games, and the must-have event—tailgating! Yet, it may have been the Homecoming Parade that best illustrates the core spirit of FMU—faculty, staff, and students working together becoming a powerful and awesome force. Special thanks to Dr. Abigail Mobley Bellinger for her efforts in coordinating an awesome Homecoming Parade! In addition to Dr. Mobley Bellinger, kudos go to the entire Homecoming Committee, Chaired by Mrs. Shelia Powell as well as the entire staff in Advancement, Finance & Administration, Student Affairs, Board of Trustee Members, Alumni, Volunteers, Friends and Community Partners, including the City of Miami Gardens, Miami Dade County, numerous businesses, and the School Board of Miami Dade County.

The caliber of our Homecoming activities made it clear to anyone in doubt that Lion Country has just begun to ROAR! The best is yet to come!

Photo: Float Sponsored by Finance and Administration

I am pleased to inform you that Salzburg Global Seminar, Inc. has approved a grant of US$10,000 to Florida Memorial University for the implementation of the Study Away program! Special thanks to Dr. Keshia Abraham for her outstanding work in this and other global outreach efforts!

Kudos to the FMU Presidential Fellows of Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF), Joanna Sinclair and Jarvis Thomas (Finance seniors in School of Business) who attended the ICUF annual legislative day events held in Tallahassee, Florida on January 25 – 26, 2016. The purpose of ICUF Presidential Fellows Program is to organize students-led campaigns in support of independent higher education in general and the Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG) in particular. Dr. Cheulho Lee accompanied them as their mentor. The Fellows visited the Capital with Fellows from other ICUF schools. They met Senate President Andy Gardiner, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Commissioner Adam Putman to thank them for their continued support for FRAG. They also visited offices of several legislators and delivered a thank you card they personally made: Senators Oscar Braynon, Denise Grimsley, Joe Negron, Representatives Sharon Pritchett, Gayle B. Harrell, and Larry Lee, Jr.

FMU’s Law & Government student Yokasta Glasco and Dr. Olivia Jackson attended the 10th Annual ASPA Best Practices Conference Friday February 12, 2016 held at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center. The conference theme Public Service in a changing Climate featured expert practitioners from government, nonprofits and the private sector. Several topics of discussion included Redevelopment and Gentrification: The Price of Progress, Challenging the Status Quo: Nonprofits Leading by Example, and Moving Ahead with South Florida Transportation. To say the least, this conference afforded the opportunity for our Law and Government student to network with many public servant administrators and leaders as she pursues her degree in Law and Government. Her ultimate goal as a future public administrator is to serve as an executive director for a nonprofit organization.

Law and Government professor Dr. Olivia Jackson and student Yokasta Glasco with Dr. Willie F. Logan, President and CEO of Opa Locka Community Development Coalition and former state representative of Florida.

Trustee John Ruffin has been recognized for his career during Black History Month in Coral Springs, Florida. Please click on the following link to learn more about his many contributions to African American life and culture in South Florida!

http://www.coralsprings.org/living/diversity/black-history-month/day-11

Congratulations to Dr. William Hobbs, who headlined the Valentine’s Day edition of the Jill Tracey Show to discuss the latest novel Ultimus Primed. The novel takes a hilarious look into the role of men in modern dating and is available on Amazon.com. http://amzn.to/1JMTOym

Maria Mora Hired to Lead Lady Lions Women’s Soccer Program

Florida Memorial University Director of Athletics Robert Smith has completed the search for a new women’s soccer coach at FMU with the hiring of Maria Mora to lead the Lady Lions into the 2016 season and beyond. Mora most recently coached at Johnson & Wales University and Pinecrest Premier Soccer Club. “I am thrilled to welcome Maria Mora,” said Director of Athletics Robert Smith. “It was evident throughout the process that Coach Mora had the experience we were looking for in our next head coach. Mora’s strong ties in the Miami local recruiting scene will help us as we continue to build a championship program.”

A Miami native, Mora earned a scholarship coming out of high school to play for St. Thomas University and graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.

Mora brings an abundance of coaching experience to the program, which includes time at the youth, high school and collegiate levels. She comes to Florida Memorial after being an assistant/goalkeeper coach at Johnson & Wales University, under the leadership of The Sun Conference 2014 Coach of the Year, Eric Dobrzanski. Mora helped lead JWU to their very first conference tournament appearance, with a major upset, beating Thomas (GA) in the quarter-final. She has coached at Gulliver Prep & Westminster Christian Academy and is also involved with youth soccer, currently coaching at Pinecrest Premier Soccer Club. She holds a USSF National Coaching License. “I am very excited for the opportunity to be part of the Women’s Soccer program. I look forward to getting started and making a mark this upcoming season,” Mora said.

Mora will begin her duties with Florida Memorial University immediately. The Lady Lions get their 2016 season underway in September.

Men’s Baseball Downs Benedict College 7-4

Florida Memorial University’s baseball team defeated Benedict 7-4 in a non-conference game on Thursday afternoon on the campus of Benedict College. Florida Memorial won the first contest 7-4 by scoring two runs in the sixth inning to tie the game, then pushed across three unearned runs in the top of the eighth inning. The Lions tied the game in the sixth inning on a two-out, two-run double by Cesar Temes.

Have a Blessed Week!

Go Study Abroad

Want to win a $10K scholarship to #GoStudyAbroad? Enter here: GoOverseas.com/GenerationStudyAbroad

Looking for funding to #GoStudyAbroad? This is your chance! Enter to win a $10k #GenerationStudyAbroad scholarship: GoOverseas.com/GenerationStudyAbroad

Did you know that less than 10% of U.S. students ever study abroad? Enter for a chance to win a scholarship so that you can #GoStudyAbroad! The grand prize is $10k. Enter at: GoOverseas.com/GenerationStudyAbroad. Brought to you by the #GenerationStudyAbroad initiative.

Studying abroad is no longer just an option — it’s a necessity. From education to public health, solutions to the world’s most complex problems will come from global thinking and cross-cultural collaboration. Enter for a chance to win a scholarship so that you can #GoStudyAbroad: GoOverseas.com/GenerationStudyAbroad. Brought to you by the #GenerationStudyAbroad initiative.

DON’T MISS OUT ON YOUR SUMMER PAID INTERNSHIPS AND PART TIME POSITIONS WITH THE TEAM AT TALENT DEVELOPMENT NETWORK!
Thursday, March 3, 2016 / 3:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
1440 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL

Celebrating 137 Years

It’s a Birthday Party!
Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 12:00 p.m.

Florida Memorial University
Market Place Dining Hall
15800 NW 42nd Avenue
Miami Gardens, Florida

Susie C. Holley

Susie C. Holley Religious Center

In National Women’s History Month, President Roslyn Clark Artis, and the faculty and staff of Memorial University, recognize the life and work of Susie C. Holley.
Susie C. Holley is remembered as a strong advocate for the Baptist Church and of African Americans in South Florida. Her contributions and benevolence extended to local, state, and national causes.

Across the street from the campus of Florida Memorial University is the Susie C. Holley Religious Center where faculty and students gather for the annual Founders’ Day Convocation, religious services, and other special events. Sitting on top of the Susie C. Holley Religious Center is a bell that reportedly was employed to call slaves for orders in the Old Hanson Plantation.

Susie C. Holley was the wife of Reverend Robert Holley, who served as the president of Florida Memorial College in Live Oak from 1926 until it merged with the St. Augustine campus in 1941. During these years in Live Oak, Susie Holley created what has become Donation Day when in the 1930s she began soliciting produce, canned goods, and clothing to support the institution on “Love Gift Day.”

By the time of her death in 1981, Susie Holley was credited with raising $1.6 million for the support of Florida Memorial.

Susie C. Holley is also known for establishing the Cradle Nursery in the early 1950’s at the Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Ft. Lauderdale, where her husband was pastor. Mrs. Holley recognized the need for such a day care center, as she watched children play in front of the First Baptist Church Piney Grove—where the nursery was first housed. Mrs. Holley and the Board (she established) solicited the support of community leaders and various organizations to help construct the children’s daycare facility. The Pilot Club of Fort Lauderdale donated the land and helped raised funds to help construct the site where Cradle Nursery has been located for the past 55 years.

Outside of the church, Susie Holley worked with the Northwest Woman’s Club, the United Way, Provident Hospital, the NAACP, the United Nations Association, the Juvenile Court Advisory Board, and the Quality Education Committee of the Broward County School Board. The City of Ft. Lauderdale named her its “Woman of the Year” in 1955.

Susie C. Holley left a legacy of positive social action and stewardship in the Baptist Church.

Good Monday Morning (on Friday) FMU Family!

What an amazing Homecoming 2016!  – In fact, I was so excited to share it last week that I neglected to share the names of our Mr. and Miss Homecoming 2016-2017!  Congratulations to Miss Samantha Mason and Mr. Jamique Campbell, Jr.!

McArthur award winning author, Edwidge Danticat, was a guest on FMU’s campus as part of our Black History Month activities.  The turn-out was tremendous!  One of the greatest aspects of her visit was seeing the light in our Haitian students eyes as they had a chance to meet a treasure from their homeland.

Edwidge Danticat is the most celebrated Haitian American author in the literary world. The National Book Award finalist and McArthur Fellow’s work focuses on the lives of women and their relationships. She also addresses issues of power, injustice, and poverty. Her visit and message proved especially inspiring to women, artists and the Haitian population of our student body.

The Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality, and the National Black Women’s Justice Institute hosted a public Town Hall on the campus of Florida Memorial University to discuss the relationship between Girls of Color and School Resource Officers in high schools. Kalisha Dessources – Policy Advisor to the White House Council on Women and Girls, as well as Chief Ian Moffett and Commander Deanna Fox-Williams from the Miami Dade Schools Police Department attended the lively and important discussion.

Florida Memorial University partnered with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services to co-sponsor the SEDNET (Multi-Agency Network) Emotional Behavioral Disabilities (EBD) Contact Statewide Meeting held in Orlando, Florida on February 18-19, 2016. Eight Project SIAIMESE scholars co-presented a 75-minute session on 2 Intensive Interventions to support students who are EBD. Over 100 school leaders on behavior attended the conference. Scholars are mentored and supported by Dr. Annamaria Jerome-Raja and Tamar F. Riley.

The Second Annual FLIRT Symposium

On Friday, February 19, 2016, the Health and Natural Sciences Division hosted the Second Annual FLIRT Symposium. Dr. Rose Mary Stiffin (Chair) came up with the acronym, Former Lions Involved in Research and Technology, as a way both to entice and inform the public about the Division’s efforts in successfully graduating students in STEM (mainly biology and chemistry/engineering) who go on to pursue graduate or professional degrees in their area of study.

The speakers for Friday’s event were Dr. Trevis Huggins (PhD in Plant Physiology); Miss Vanessa Sanders (who will receive her PhD in nuclear chemistry, making her the first black female to do so, in the summer of this year); Miss Shalonna Battle, a Nurse Practitioner; Mr. James Louis – Jean, a graduate student in nuclear chemistry; and Mr. Ralph Valentin, a graduate student at Florida International University; and Miss Josy Travieso, a recent graduate in biology who is studying for the MCAT. Dr. Dimitri Tamalis invited and sponsored Mr. Louis – Jean’s and Miss Sanders’s attendance to and presentation at this event. Dr. Ayivi Huisso invited Miss Akiva Fraser, although she was unable to attend. Former students who could not make it but sent either videos or PowerPoint presentations were Dr. Osi Iyalomhe, who will graduate with his MD from Howard University this spring; Dr. Anna Major, practicing in the Bahamas; Mr. Dejon Maloney, a third – year medical student at Florida State University; and Miss Sandya Jiandani, a third – year medical student, native to St. Maarten, who is attending medical school in the Caribbean.

Dr. Gershwin Blyden, an oncologist/hematologist and member of the Board of Trustees for the University, served as the moderator, and Dr. Claude – Henry Volmar, a researcher in Alzheimer’s disease at the University of Miami, was the Keynote Speaker.

The students who attended were excited to see students who successfully pursued or are pursuing their dreams. Having met the former students, they know that they too have the skills and intelligence to achieve their goals. Dr. Stiffin stated that, while several graduates were invited, many could not come due to prior obligations in their careers, which, she told the audience, reflected their success in their careers. She also stated that next year, the symposium will grow because she will ask Dr. Ben Wongsaroj, the Chair of Computer Science and Mathematics, to invite his graduates to participate, making the FLIRT a way to showcase successful graduates in STEM disciplines.

Dr. Stiffin wishes to thank all the faculty and students, as well as administration, who came to support this successful event. “I’ve already started making plans for the third symposium,” she told the audience.

Lions giving back!  Please see the photo of our FMU students volunteering at Habitat for Humanity.

FMU students and BMCEP students also volunteered at the UNCF Walk for Education 5K. Thanks to our young people for always representing us with PRIDE!

Ms. JaRenae E. Whitehead, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP—FMU’s Director & Chief Human Resources Officer, shared her Internal Communications expertise with the students enrolled in COM 318: Public Relations Cases.  She spoke about the importance of having an internal communications plan and reviewed the 12 steps for an effective internal communications strategy and plan, among many others.

The UNCF 70^th Anniversary National Alumni Council and the 58^th National Pre-Alumni Council Leadership Conference was held Thursday, Feb. 18 – 20 in New Orleans.  Florida Memorial University was represented at the conference with the following awards:

Siyaka Yakubu is this year’s recipient of the UNCF William “Bill” McGill Male Scholarship Award.  Siyaka is a sophomore majoring in Business Administration and has a 3.66 GPA.  Siyaka recently suffered the loss of his mother, but he continues to persevere.  He is an active member of the Pre-Alumni Council (PAC), supporting all fundraising efforts, community projects and volunteering with alumni events.  He encourages fellow students to become active members in PAC and to support UNCF.  Siyaka serves as an intern at the Trayvon Martin Foundation.  Passionate about working with youth, he is known for his genuine concern about the next generation, especially their productivity and growth at an early age.  Congratulation Siyaka !

Councilman Erhabor Ighodaro, Ph.D. class of ’97 was inducted into the UNCF National Alumni Council Hall of Honor 2016.  Each year Florida Memorial University selects an outstanding alumnus to receive the UNCF Hall of Honor.  We would like to thank Councilman Ighodaro for his significant contributions to his alma mater and his community.  We salute you Councilman Erhabor Ighodaro!

Devonte Byrd Leads Lions with 30 Points in Blowout Win Over Ave Maria University

Florida Memorial Men’s Basketball team used a big second half of precision shooting to defeat Ave Maria University 58-46 and pick up a key conference win at the Fernandez Family Center.  Florida Memorial’s Devonte Byrd scored a career-high 30 points, knocking down 11-of-18 of his attempts, while going 6-8 from the three point line.

In the first half, the Lions quickly erased a deficit by Ave Maria with a pair of baskets and went on a 15-3 run to put the Lions on top, 25-15, at the 1:42 mark. The teams went into the locker room with Florida Memorial up by 11 points, 29-18.  In the second half, both team’s offenses continued to exchange baskets, with FMU leading by as much as 11 points.  With less than 18 minutes to go, Ave Maria made a run and cut the lead to 4 points, but Devonte Byrd hit six baskets in a row and put up 19 points in the half. The Lions turned up the heat and held Ave Maria scoreless for most of the second half.  The Lions slowed the tempo, controlled the clock, and scored down the stretch to close out the game and seal the win.

Florida Memorial out-shot Ave Maria 34.8 to 30.6 percent, while out-rebounding their opponent by a 29-28 margin. The Lions shot 36.4 % from the three point line.

Devonte Byrd led the Lions with 30 points and 5 rebounds. Samuel Dorismond had 15 points, 2 rebounds,and 2 steals.

Diamond Colebrook Honored on Senior Night

Florida Memorial Women’s Basketball senior Diamond Colebrook celebrated Senior Night 2016 against Johnson & Wales University Saturday night, inside the Wildcat Center on the campus of  Johnson & Wales University. Diamond Colebrook was honored on Senior Night by Head Coach Gregory Stanback at the start halftime for her hard work and dedication to the program. After the festivities, she helped the Lady Lions battle Johnson & Wales University.

In her final regular season home game as a Lady Lion, Diamond Colebrook led a balanced scoring attack for FMU with 14 points, 9 boards and 1 steal.

Thank you Diamond Colebrook!

Lady Lions For Life!!

Corion Knight and Brittany Starling Qualify for NAIA Nationals Indoor Championship

Florida Memorial University Men’s & Women’s indoor track and field teams closed out the regular season at the Embry-Riddle Last Chance Meet on Saturday. Corion Knight and Brittany Starling qualified for the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championship.

National qualifier Corion Knight, currently ranked 7^th in the nation in the High Jump with a leap of 6’10, hit the NAIA “A” qualifying mark for the High Jump with his second place finish with a mark of 2.09m.

Brittany Starling, the reigning Conference 100 Meter Champion, cruised to a second place finish in her heats of the 60 Meter dash in a time of 7.65 seconds, also the NAIA “A” qualifying mark.  Starling is currently ranked 9th in the nation in the 60 meter dash. Starling returned later in the day to run an impressive performance in the 200m dash with a season-best time of 24.94 seconds, which placed her 7th in a field of 30 runners.

The 2016 Men’s & Women’s NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships will take place March 3 – 5, 2016 at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Florida Memorial Men’s Basketball Five seniors, Samuel Dorismond, Davonte Byrd, Clive Smith, Shaquille Harding & Sean Daniels Jr celebrated Senior Night 2016 against visiting Johnson & Wales University Saturday night, inside the Wildcat center.

The five players were honored on Senior Night by Head Coach Artis Maddox at the start of the game, for their hard work and dedication to the program. After the festivities, they helped the Lions battle Johnson & Wales University.  In their final regular season home game as a Lion, Samuel Dorismond led a balanced scoring attack for FMU with 15 points, 2 boards and 3 steals,Davonte Byrd chipped in 9 points, 3 boards and 3 steals and Shaquille Harding poured in 6 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Clive Smith scored 2 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and had3 assists. While Sean Daniels Jr scored 4 points and grabbed 2 rebounds.

Thank you Lions!

Edil Pavon Hired as FMU Men’s Soccer Coach

For the first time in seven years, the Florida Memorial University men’s soccer team will have a new face on the sidelines leading the Lions, with the hiring of the second coach in program history.  Edil Pavon has been hired by FMU to lead the Lions starting immediately, FMU Athletic Director Robert Smith announced Thursday.

“Florida Memorial University is very fortunate to have the opportunity to hire a coach with the experience and character of Edil,” Athletic Director Smith said. “We feel this is a great hire for the program and we look forward to the success that Edil will bring to our institution, on and off the field.”

Pavon has had a long and distinguished coaching career, and excellent reputation in Miami’s soccer community.  While coaching the La Salle High School Soccer team, he received The Max Press, Positive Coaching award in 2013, being the only High School coach from Miami to receive such recognition.  Most recently, he worked for Semi-pro team Lyndhurst Alliance in New Jersey and for the New York Red Bulls Training Academy Program (MLS team).

“It is an honor and privilege to become a part of this team and institution,” Pavon said. “I am ready and eager to see what the players have in store for me and help them further develop their soccer skills. It will take hard work, and lots of discipline to work as a TEAM and accomplish greater results. My goal is to leverage each and every one’s potential for the benefit of the team,” Pavon said.

Pavon takes over a FMU program that went 10-8 last season and made the TSC tournament for the past five straight seasons.

FMU Intramural Sports participated in the Barry University 5-On-5 Flag Football Tournament on Friday, February 26, 2015. All games where held on Barry University soccer fields. The FMU team dubbed “Total Package” came away as the champions for the third year in a row.

The FMU Team “Total Package” Players: (standing L to R) Jean Charles, Jamari Leak, Lovis Baker, Montre Carson, Malik Williams, Montrell Snell, Vincent Clayton & Terrance Gibson. (seating L to R) Taliyah Russ, Brianna Davis & Courtney Robinson.

Have a BlessedWeekEND – looking forward to sharing more good news on Monday Morning!

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
March 10, 2016
10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Smith Conference Center

Dr. Olivia Jackson is an Associate professor of Political Science & Public Administration at Florida Memorial University. She holds a PhD from the University of Miami in International Studies, a Masters of Public Administration from the Ohio State University, and a BS degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Florida.

Prior to coming to FMU, she served as a Budget and Program Analyst for the Ohio Governor’s budget Office, overseeing over $200 million in budgets for several state agencies such as Department of Corrections, Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio Lottery Commission, and the Department of Highway Safety and Administration.
While at FMU, Dr. Jackson served as Chairperson for the Division of Extension and Continuing Education during the1999-2005 period, where she was instrumental in generating approximately 20% of the University’s enrollment each year and in penetrating the Broward County market by establishing a new site in that area. Given her love for research and teaching, she chose to return to full-time faculty status in 2005. During that transition, she was successful in obtaining a Fulbright Study Tour grant to travel to Thailand and Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) to meet with other professors at several universities throughout both countries with the goal of developing “Best Practices” for internationalizing the curriculum. By 2010, she was awarded another Fulbright; it covered a 5-year period (2009-2014) as a Senior Specialist which entailed short-term teaching assignments abroad, with her most intriguing assignment occurring in Vladivostok, Russia, teaching Public Policy at the Far Eastern National Technical University.

In all, Dr. Jackson has traveled to over 40 countries. Her research interest is terrorism and its impact on U.S. multinational companies and developing economies. Published articles include: “The Impact of Terrorism on Foreign Direct Investment in the Middle East” as well as “The Impact of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the US Economy.”

You should major in Law and Government if you are interested in the following career areas:

• Federal, State, or Local government;
• Lobbying on behalf of various interest groups;
• International Relations;
• Law Enforcement and Corrections Administration;
• Law Practices/Legal Services;
• Legislative Assistants;
• Political Campaigns;
• Political Party organizations;
• Political Writing Services;
• Poll Surveying;
• Public Planning, Public Policy, Budget Analysis and Public Service in general; and
• Other areas, i.e. education, journalism, advocacy groups, and non-profit organizations

Miss Sanders received her Bachelor’s in Radiochemistry in 2009 from Florida Memorial University. A native of Cocoa, FL and a member of the basketball team while on campus, she was among the first to be involved with the Nuclear Science program at FMU and the first one of our graduates to be accepted into a Ph.D. program in radiochemistry (at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. She participated in two summer research internships. Her current research interests deal primarily with the characterization of Rhenium/99Technicium complexes for radiopharmaceuticals. When she receives her doctorate in the summer of 2016 Miss Sanders will be the first African American female and the second African American to ever hold a Ph.D. in radiochemistry.

Cessna Pilot Center presents Florida Memorial University with official plaque: (from left to right) Dr. Michelle Howard-Vital, Provost; Josh Colton, Manager of Cessna Pilot Centers; Captain A. J. Tolbert, Chair of the Department of Aviation & Safety; Freddy Antolinez, President of Endeavour Flight Training; Dr. Keshia Abraham, Dean of Art and Sciences.

Good Monday Morning FMU Family!

As always, great things are happening on the campus of Florida Memorial University…

The final week of Black History month we presented several educational and exciting events ranging from Open Classes (where community was invited to learn with students and faculty about a range of topics involving the African diaspora to a theatre performance in the Lou Rawls “black box” intimate setting.

Wednesday night as part of the Black History Month Series, Arts & Sciences hosted a screening of Latinegras ® Documentary. LATINEGRAS are women of African Descent with roots in Latin America and the Caribbean. In a performative style documentary, Filmmaker and Adjunct French Professor Jessica “Omilani” Alarcón combines the arts, music, and reflective voice-overs as echoes of the journey in the Diaspora to seek one’s inner-“beautiful”. The Q&A session after the film was heart felt, enlightening and at times painful as people discussed the intersectionality of identity, race, class and gender.

Thursday evening featured a powerful performance of a play written, directed and produced by adjunct drama professor Keith Wade. In addition to the dynamic actors in our drama troupe, the Obsidian Order, we were fortunate to have the amazing Ms. Jo Marie Payton (who played the matriarch in the TV show “Family Matters”) in the performance with our students. “The Cycle” was about ending the cycle of violence which has been plaguing Black families.

On Friday, we ended our series of programs with our Annual Pan-African food festival, in partnership with Samuel’s Call, a local non-profit that supports the education of girls all over the world. This partnership also enabled us to feature a fashion show representing African fashions from a range of different countries modeled by FMU students. Special thanks to Dr. Keshia Abraham and the entire Black History Month Planning Committee for a job well done!

Congratulations to Dr. Tameka Hobbs, whose book, Democracy Abroad, Lynching at Home: Racial Violence in Florida, has won the 2015 Bronze Medal for the Florida Book Awards Florida Nonfiction Category! She will be recognized at the Florida Book Awards annual banquet on April 7th, and at a luncheon held at the Governor’s Mansion on April 8th. We are so LION PROUD of your success Dr. Hobbs!

Thanks to the tremendous support and collaboration with Dean Valerie Hall and the Office of Student Affairs, the Dade County (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated took a group of students participating in the Lean Forward with Mentoring Program on a cultural outing on Friday evening, February 26th. Mentees and their mentors travelled to the South Miami-Dade County Cultural Arts Center to experience Ladysmith Black Mambazo. It was a wonderful evening filled with humor, dance, and the music of South Africa.

The School of Business and the Career Development Center collaborated with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dade County Alumnae Chapter’s Economic Development Committee to co-host the 1st Annual Business and Dining Etiquette Workshop. It was held in the Faculty/Staff Dining Room on February 24, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Students in Dr. Barbara Edwards’, Business Internship and Seminar (BUS 450) class and Executive Board members of the Senior Class were given formal dining tips and treated to dinner as part of the workshop. The facilitators, all members of the sorority, covered interviewing strategies for interviews conducted during meals, proper grooming and professional dress for interviews, resume critiques, and networking techniques. Special thanks to the Economic Development Committee for underwriting the cost of the meals, and Thompson Hospitality for providing the table settings as a courtesy. It was an outstanding learning experience for Florida Memorial University students designed to enhance their marketability.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Florida Division in collaboration with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida Memorial University (FMU) hosted the 5th Annual Florida Forum for Minority Institutions of Higher Education (MIHE): Partnering in Transportation on February 24-25, 2016 at Florida Memorial University in the Smith Conference Center.

The Forum was designed to facilitate discussions of MIHE opportunities in transportation programs nationally and here in Florida, particularly those in research, safety, technology, recruitment, economic development and contracting. The Forum also seeks to encourage strong partnerships between FHWA, FDOT, Florida’s Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and other agencies in the transportation arena.

Tracy Duval, Transportation Specialist for the Federal Highway Administration Florida Division stated the purpose of the forum was to promote awareness to Minority Institutions of Higher Education, engage in research and development opportunities and increase diversity in transportation. MIHE also identify and implement programs that would increase participation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Asian and Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (APIs) in the Federal Highway Administration and other federally sponsored programs.

The second day of the Forum was nothing short of a beneficial experience for the students here at Florida Memorial University. This year’s student participation and coordination of events was said to be the most impressive which in turn elevated this year’s theme as the “Mile Marker”. More interestingly, with Women’s history month only a few days away; the entire panel was made up of four very leading women in their fields. (Ann McNeill, Jill Cappadoro, Debora Rivera, and Elizabeth Rockwell) Each discussed their passion for the career and how each of their role coincide with the ever changing developments in Transportation. Though they all serve in different capacities, the element that really connected with each panelist and the students was their climb. As a result, there are great things in store for Florida Memorial University as it relates to the development of Business plans, collaborations, Internships, job placement and Sponsored project opportunities.

A few words from our very own..

Jada McGill (Freshman, Law and Government major) “During this forum, I learned that each panelist didn’t begin in the department they are currently working in and it’s okay to get a taste of every department before you settle just for one.”

Jelonia Rump (Sophomore, Biology major): “The forum provided information on a wide variety of career opportunities in the Transportation field ranging from Engineering to Mechanics.”

Cameron Newton (Junior, Computer Science major): “The transportation forum opened my mind up to the new possibilities that are open in my field. It is also inspiring to meet so many successful people in transportation.”

Yolanda Christophe (Senior, Finance Major, and Miss Florida Memorial University): “It was really an informative session for myself, particularly since I’m an intern in the transportation department for Miami Dade County. It was interesting to draw the connection between Miami Dade DOT and FDOT and the projects they work on collaboratively. One thing that also peaked my interest was the Underline project and how both entities would work to make the project a reality since the development would be taking place on Le Jeune Road which is also, a state road. Even more exciting was the opportunity to witness women who are making great strides in the community and the world at large! Thank you for the opportunity.”

Acknowledgements

The Grants & Sponsored Research Department would like to thank the faculty, staff & leadership team who were instrumental in the hosting this event. Moreover, we would like to thank the students!

• Miss Shieda Castillo – Student Moderator
• Miss Aiysha Lindsay – Presenter
• Miss Sydney Chanlatte – Presenter
• Mrs. Letitia Calhoun – Presenter
• Mr. Shawn Smith – Photographer

And to all of the other students who served as greeters, registration volunteers, and guests; we truly appreciate you as the success of this event could be counted towards you!

Special thanks to Ms. Kaneesha Hawkins for serving as the principal coordinator of this phenomenal event!

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Florida Division in collaboration with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida Memorial University (FMU) hosted the 5th Annual Florida Forum for Minority Institutions of Higher Education (MIHE): Partnering in Transportation on February 24-25, 2016 at Florida Memorial University in the Smith Conference Center.

The Forum was designed to facilitate discussions of MIHE opportunities in transportation programs nationally and here in Florida, particularly those in research, safety, technology, recruitment, economic development and contracting. The Forum also seeks to encourage strong partnerships between FHWA, FDOT, Florida’s Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and other agencies in the transportation arena.

Tracy Duval, Transportation Specialist for the Federal Highway Administration Florida Division stated the purpose of the forum was to promote awareness to Minority Institutions of Higher Education, engage in research and development opportunities and increase diversity in transportation. MIHE also identify and implement programs that would increase participation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Asian and Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (APIs) in the Federal Highway Administration and other federally sponsored programs.

A big Lion Thank You to Ms. Kaneesha Hawkins, principal organizer of this event – job well done!

Special thanks to Dr. William Hobbs for giving back through the Save Our Sons organization. He was called upon to speak to inmates at a local Juvenile Detention center to try to resolve an ongoing dispute that has already taken too many lives in Liberty City. The kids were receptive and the community is grateful!

Special thanks to Professor Russell Motley, Dr. William Hobbs and the Chapter 3 Poetry Troupe for participating in the Annual Jack & Jill Oratorical Workshop – Florida Memorial was well represented!

Additionally, Dr. William Hobbs, Chapter 3 and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., participated in the Bridgeprep Charter School’s African American History Showcase – thank you for always representing FMU with excellence!

From the Desk of Melton Mustafa, Sr.

To the entire FMU Lion’s family,

I would like to personally thank everyone who helped to make the 19th Annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival/Workshop an enjoyable success. We had such a wonderful four day extravaganza where students of jazz from various high schools participated workshops and showcased their talents-they were great. I will send out a list of the schools and band directors that participated.

We had a tremendous Opening Reception hosted by Florida Memorial University, with President Dr. Roslyn Artis, Mr. Burgess and Board of Trustees Chairman George with other members of the Board, Dignitaries, City Officials and the list goes on. Thank you Dr. Artis.

The culminating concert with Wycliffe Gordon, Winard Harper and The Melton Mustafa Orchestra conducted by my son Melton R. Mustafa better known as (Mustafa on Sax) was a treat to see and hear.

Thank you once again Friends, family, jazz lovers and supporters from all over the world. Melton Mustafa.

Samuel Dorismond Named To Second All-Conference Team

The 2015-16 Sun Conference men’s basketball postseason awards were handed out on Sunday night and Florida Memorial University’s Samuel Dorismond was named a Second Team All-Conference selection. Dorismond led the Lions to a 10-19 regular season record and a 5-11 mark in conference play.

Dorismond led the Lions this season playing in 29 games, making 26 starts as a senior. On the season, Dorismond scored at least 10 points in 19 of his 29 games and finished 17th in the conference, with 12.38 points per game. Along with his points per game average, Dorismond also finished the regular season amongst the best in The Sun Conference in steals (12th) and 3Pt. FG Made (15th). The senior guard recorded his 1000th point during a game against Lynn University on December 19th.

Ashley Henry Named To Sun Conference All-Defensive Team

The Sun Conference announced the 2016 Women’s Basketball All-Conference team at the conference tournament banquet hosted by Southeastern on Thursday. The All-Conference team, which features seven first team and seven second team selections, was voted on by the league’s head coaches. Ashley Henry was named Sun Conference All-Defensive Team honor.

Henry, a sophomore forward from Chicago, Illinois was named to the All-Defensive Team. Henry lead the team in scoring at 11.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. Henry also ranks number 1 in NAIA Division II in offensive rebounds per game (4.704), ranks number 28 in NAIA Division II in total rebounds per game (9.000) and ranks number 45 in NAIA Division II in total rebounds (243). Ashley Henry was also named Sun Conference player of the week earlier in the season.

Florida Memorial’s Corion Knight is this week’s 2016 Sun Conference Men’s Track & Field Athlete of the Week.

The Sun Conference announced that Corion Knight from Florida Memorial University is the Men’s Field Athlete of the Week for his performance on February 20 at Embry-Riddle Last Chance Meet. Knight led the Lions on Saturday hitting an NAIA “A” standard in the Men’s High Jump. Knight finished in second place out of 11 mostly NCAA I competitors with a new mark of 2.09m.

Men’s Baseball Team Splits Weekend Series with Trinity Baptist College

Florida Memorial University’s Baseball team earned a split of Saturday’s doubleheader with Trinity Baptist College, winning game one of two in the series. The Lions won the opener 6-1, and fell in the afternoon game 5-1.

In Game 1, The Lions got off to a fast start in game one, scoring four runs in the first four innings and added two more in the 5th inning. Trinity Baptist’s only run came in the 1st inning. Ruben Sanchez pitched six scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out ten with one walk in the first game, to pick up the win on the mound. Daniel Morales led the charge with two runs in the game. Cesar Temes went 1-for-1 with 2 RBI’s and one run scored. Gianfranco Garlobowent went 2-for-4 with 1 RBI and one run. Emilio Marrufo added two runs for the Lions.

Corion Knight and Brittany Starling will travel to the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships

Florida Memorial University Track and Field team members Corion Knight and Brittany Starling are set to compete at the NAIA Nationals Indoor Championship. Corion Knight competed in the Men’s High Jump and Brittany Starling competed in the 60 Meter and 200 Meter Dash. Congratulations to our comptetitors!

Have a Blessed Week!

FMU Lion Legacy Spring Break Community Service Project – Bridging the Past with the Future

On March 5th through 7th, Florida Memorial University (FMU) Executive Vice President, Cynthia Curry, University Historian Archivist Dr. Tameka Hobbs, and Director FMU/Lou Rawls Theatre of Performing Arts, Keith Allen, led FMU students on a Lion Legacy Spring Break Service Project in St. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida.

Lion Legacy Spring Break Service Project engaged Florida Memorial University students, alumni, staff, and faculty in the maintenance and care of the gravesites of our University Founders, Drs. Nathan W. Collier and Sarah A. Blocker, while also fostering within them an appreciation of FMU’s unique history in and relationship to the Cities of St. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida, as well as cultivating the value of service among FMU students.

In addition to acting as caretakers of the gravesites of our founders, students toured historic sites in St. Augustine related to the history of Florida Memorial and the Civil Rights Movement, including the Collier-Blocker-Puryear Park, the former site of the Florida Memorial College campus, and the ACCORD Civil Rights Trail. The group also met with Nancy Shaver, Mayor of the City of St. Augustine, and Jeb Smith, Chairman of the St. Johns Board of County Commissioners.

On Sunday, the group worshiped with Rev. Ron Rawls Jr. at the St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Lincolnville, the historic black neighborhood in St. Augustine. The church was a center of civil rights activism in the city during the 1960s and hosted meetings conducted by Dr. Robert Hayling and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In Jacksonville, the group toured the Clara White Mission. Clara White was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Florida Baptist Academy. They also visited the Historic Bethel Baptist Church, where the Florida Baptist Academy, the predecessor of FMU, was founded in 1892.

The trip concluded with a tour of the Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Plant in Jacksonville, Florida, where students learned the history of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., the Largest Healthcare Company in the world. The students and faculty of Florida Memorial University were also introduced to Johnson & Johnson Vision Care’s Senior Leaders of various areas of the franchise and review potential internships and employment opportunities.

Student members of the Lion Legacy Spring Break project include: Katherine Beltres, Ashley Nobles, Jelonia Rump, Courtney Wright, Will Hobbs, Quamari Passley, Cheryl Simmons, Akelia Thomas and Emerson Fertil.

Click here to view photo gallery