Good Monday Morning FMU Family!
As always, great things are happening on the campus of Florida Memorial University…AND WE HAVE MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!
It is my great pleasure to announce that Cindy Rosero has been awarded the prestigious Gilman Scholarship at the highest amount Gilman awards for a study abroad program in the countries she will be going to. The IES Abroad Program Cindy will participate in during Spring 2016 is focused on Emerging Economies: A Global Perspective of the Causes, Consequences, and Challenges in Chile & Brazil. Cindy is a Business Administration major.
Also, Music major/ Finance minor, Chelsea Moss has been accepted into ISEP (International Student Exchange Program) to study at the University of Ghana in Accra in Spring of 2016.
Additionally, Dr. Keshia Abraham applied for and secured FMU’s participation in the CIEE Passport Caravan project which is part of CIEE’s Generation Study Abroad commitment, to go to selected schools and provide FREE passports to their students. The Caravan will be coming to us in 2016-2017. She has asked them for the maximum number of passports possible which is 150. Keep your fingers crossed #FMUgoesGLOBAL!
From November 16th to November 20th, FMU’s Black Studies Committee’s fourth annual MAPEMA KWANZAA celebration brought a full week of culturally enriching and engaging activities to campus. The festivities began on Monday with a traditional entrance processional and culminated on Friday with the Kuumba Fest. This outdoor festival featured performances by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts Pop Ensemble, Chapter3, Prof. Jessica Alarcon. There were also a record number of vendors at the festival, including five members of the FMU family. Other activities during the week included the announcement of FMU’s Global Citizenship Portal for International Education Opportunities; a screening and discussion of the film The Black Candle, by M.K. Asante; a panel discussion on Black Culture, Ethnicity, and Identity; and the ever popular, Kwanzaa Jeopardy. Special thanks to members of FMU’s Royal Court, Student Government, School of Business, Future Educations of America, and the FMU Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists for their contributions in making each day special.
During this year’s Mapema Kwanzaa celebration, six Adinkra symbols were installed on the glass wall between the Lou Rawls Center for the Performing Arts and the lagoon. The symbols represent greatness, charisma and leadership; the importance of learning from the past; unit and human relations; examination and quality control; wisdom, knowledge, and prudence; and the supremacy of God. Additional photos will be posted on the Lou Rawls Center for the Performing Arts Facebook page.
The FMU Theater Department under the leadership of Mr. Keith Wade traveled to Santa Fe College in Gainesville, FL., to attend a regional theater conference and returned with exciting news! For the first time in the illustrious history of this institution, one of our students, Ms. Clitauna Dykes, has been selected to perform and compete in the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC). Over 200 of the most talented and experienced theatre students from around the state of Florida auditioned at this year’s Florida Theatre Conference. Ms. Dykes performance was evaluated as superior and among the very best this state has to offer. As a result, she is one of the selected few chosen to represent the state and this institution at SETC this year. Congratulations!
What is SETC? The Southeastern Theatre Conference is the largest and most active regional theatre conferences in the nation. The most elite theatre students from around the region gather at the conference every year to compete for scholarships, professional opportunities, and internships with professional theatre organizations from around the nation. It is the gateway to a thriving career in the theatre industry. What does this mean for Florida Memorial University? Ms. Dykes selection is the first step in the validation of our institution as a viable training ground for students that passionately dream of pursuing a professional career in Theatre. It is practical proof that this art can translate into a viable career and field of study. Ms. Dykes’ success is a badge of honor not simply for the artistic training she has received here, but the scholastic excellence, the discipline of dedication, and the true meaning of character instilled at our institution. She has given this family of Lions a true reason to Roar!
Mr. Keith Wade and students (shown from left to right)
Dante Buckson Jennifer Beltres Katherine Beltres Nekisha Murrell and the National Representative Clitiuana Dykes
I am pleased to share that the University has been awarded the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) Mini-Grant for Talent Pipeline Initiative ($15,000)!
Ashley Henry Named Sun Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week
Ashley Henry, Florida Memorial
University Park, Ill. / Eastern Michigan University
Florida Memorial’s Ashley Henry is this week’s Sun Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week.
Henry averaged 17.5 points and 12.5 rebounds over two games for the Lions. She tallied 13 points and 10 boards in a 56-54 loss to Edward Waters. She followed that up with a 22 point, 15 rebound effort in a four point loss to Florida A&M. She shot 57.1 percent (12-of-21) from the field on the week.
Natasha James Named To Academic All-Sun Conference Team
Arasay Guerra Named To Honorable Mention All-Sun Conference Team
Six Women’s Soccer Named to Academic All-Conference Team!
- Maria Kecskemeti
- Johana Salcedo
- Camila Scobino
- Hohebeth Vega
- Leilani Bellieni
- Cindy Rosero
Ameena Shaheed, Gerald Pattilo and Erica McKinney represented the University at the Give Miami Community Block party at the Miami Marlins Ballpark. They had an opportunity to meet other representatives from community based organizations, speak with vendors. They also met quite a few young people who were interested in visiting our campus. We were the only University that was represent at the event. #weareallrecruiters!
From the Desk of Dean Valerie Hall
The Links Incorporated
Florida Memorial University’s, #ThisIsWhereIBelong, ‘Linking with Lions’ initiative is proud to announce that we are partnering with the Dade County Chapter of The Links Incorporated, with their ‘Lean Forward with Mentoring’ Program. As a part of our retention and persistence initiative #ThisIsWhereIBelong, 60 students was selected to participate in the program. The students joined with the members of the Links and participated in a vision board designing exercise.
Pillow Talk
In an effort to help our students, more so females, to deal with the emotional challenges they may experience, the Office of the Dean of Students within the Division of Student Affairs has officially launched Pillow Talk. On Thursday, November 5, 2015, over 20 females joined the Dean for an emotional and enlightening wrap session.
The program provided a creative outlet and a conversation piece for students, especially females, to discuss and debate some of the plaguing issues in their society and circle. It also allowed time for positive fellowship and invited a notion or strong feeling of sisterhood among the young ladies through the concept of talk therapy.
Residential Life ‘Kick Ball’ Tournament
On Thursday, November 12, 2015, the Department of Residential Life in collaboration with the Intramural Department hosted a ‘Kick Ball’ Tournament on the Florida Memorial University Baseball Field.
The teams were split up amongst male and female residence halls. During the fun-filled afternoon event, although the girls played their hearts out, the males reigned supreme and were declared the winners of the tournament.
Thanks to everyone who made the event such a huge success.
Professor William Hobbs spoke at the Job Corps Men’s Conference to the young brothers about the importance of responsibility at the Betty T Ferguson Center (Nov. 20th). The price for greatness is not responsibility anymore. The average man should be responsible. The price for greatness should be responsibility and constant self -improvement!
FMU Music Students present awards to Music Faculty to thank them for their hard work and dedication! #FMUsGOTTALENT!
Have a Blessed Week and A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!