CF Ira Holmes International Film Series Features ‘Honeyland’

The College of Central Florida Ira Holmes International Film Series will feature the Sundance award-winning film “Honeyland” on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

In Macedonia, the last native beekeeper relies upon traditional methods to harvest honey deep in the mountains. However, her livelihood is jeopardized when a nomadic farming family attempts to infringe on her beekeeping and competes with her for resources, all the while ignoring her beekeeping knowledge.

A screening will begin at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., and is free to all museum and film series members; nonmembers pay museum admission. A second screening will begin at 7 p.m. at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, Building 8, Room 110. The screening at the CF Ocala Campus is free and open to the public.

For more details, visit CF.edu/FilmSeries.

CF Again Named to National Top 150 College List, Eligible for $1 Million Prize

The College of Central Florida has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The institutions selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success. It is the sixth time that CF has made the prestigious list.

“Recognition by the Aspen Institute reflects the commitment by CF faculty and staff to our students and our belief in the power of education to transform lives and enrich our community,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “We continue to focus on what is best for our students and are looking forward to providing the additional documentation to show that we are one of the best colleges in the nation.”

The Aspen Prize spotlights exemplary community colleges in order to drive attention to colleges achieving post-graduate success for all students, and is a central way Aspen researches highly effective student success strategies that are shared with the field. The 150 eligible colleges have been invited to submit student success data and narratives about strategies to achieve better and more equitable student outcomes as the next step in an intensive review process that culminates in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2025. The eligible colleges represent the diversity and depth of the community college sector. Located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across 30 states, these colleges serve as few as 169 students and as many as 49,619.

“The Aspen Prize is rooted first and foremost in an assessment of whether colleges are walking the walk,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “As community colleges face enrollment variations, enroll students with pandemic-related learning loss, and graduate students into a rapidly changing labor market, it is easy to lose track of what matters most. The best community colleges are continuing to focus on advancing the core mission: making sure as many students as possible graduate with credentials that lead to fulfilling careers and reflect the development of diverse talent that communities, states, and our nation need.”

While community colleges are an essential contributor to our nation’s success, student outcomes vary substantially among institutions. Aspen measures those variances using multiple data sources and honors colleges with outstanding achievement in six critical areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success, equitable access to the college, and equitable outcomes for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

“These 150 colleges have achieved high and improving levels of student success for all students, including those who are often failed by our institutions,” Wyner said. “We’re excited to learn over the coming months how they achieved that success so we can share the most impressive practices with others in the field.”

In this first round, eligibility for the Aspen Prize is based primarily on publicly available data. Colleges must show strong, improving and equitable student outcomes in first-to-second year retention, credentials awarded, and completion and transfer rates. Nationwide, about 15% of community colleges have been invited to apply. The full list can be accessed on the prize homepage.

The next steps in the process include:

  • April 2024: Announcement of 25 semifinalists, selected based on assessments of extensive data and strategy documents by the prize selection panel, a group of 16 experts in community colleges, higher education and workforce training, and interviews with institutional leadership teams
  • June 2024: Announcement of 10 finalists, selected by the prize selection panel
  • Fall 2024:  Site visits to each of the 10 finalists, during which the Aspen Institute and partners will collect additional information, including employment and earnings data and insights about promising practices
  • January 2025: Prize award decisions made by distinguished, independent prize jury
  • Spring 2025: Announcement of the Aspen Prize winner and celebration of the 10 finalists in Washington, D.C.

For a full list of the top 150 eligible institutions and to read more on the selection process, visit
https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize/.

CF Ira Holmes International Film Series Features ‘Fantastic Planet’

The College of Central Florida Ira Holmes International Film Series will feature the classic film “Fantastic Planet” on Tuesday, Oct. 31, along with a Halloween costume contest.

Nothing else has ever looked or felt like director René Laloux’s animated marvel “Fantastic Planet,” a counter culture classic and visually inventive work of science fiction. The film is set on a distant planet called Ygam, where enslaved humans (Oms) are the playthings of giant blue native inhabitants (Draags). The 1973 French film is 72 minutes and is rated PG.

A screening will begin at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., and is free to all museum and film series members; nonmembers pay museum admission. A second screening will begin at 7 p.m. at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, Building 8, Room 110. The screening is free and guests who attend in a Sci-Fi inspired Halloween costume will be entered to win a prize. Refreshments and giveaways will be provided by the CF Student Activities Board.

For more details, visit CF.edu/FilmSeries.

CF Receives $302,105 Grant For Cybersecurity Enhancement Program

The College of Central Florida has received a $302,105 grant from the National Science Foundation to support the growing need for cybersecurity professionals. The funds will be used to increase awareness about careers in cybersecurity, upgrade equipment in existing CF Information Technology classes, and launch a cybersecurity-focused, 30-credit hour College Credit Certificate in fall 2024.

The grant will also fund internship opportunities for CF Information Technology students with local businesses, allowing students to get paid, hands-on experience at no cost to the employer.

As part of its awareness campaign, the grant will include outreach activities that reach high school and adult students, and the larger community. An educational seminar on artificial intelligence and how it will affect future technology careers will take place in spring 2024.

“Cybersecurity is high-demand field, and the local need for skilled IT professionals is only going to grow,” said Dr. Jennifer Fryns, vice president of Workforce Development and Innovation. “This generous investment from the National Science Foundation will allow us to provide CF graduates with cutting-edge skills and strategies, and also support local employers.”

For more information about CF’s Information Technology degrees and certificates, visit CF.edu/IT.

The National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program has been funding innovation at two-year colleges for over twenty years. With a focus on the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive our nation’s economy, and strong partnerships between academic institutions and industry, ATE promotes improvement in the education of science and engineering technicians at the undergraduate and secondary school levels.

To learn more about the National Science Foundation, visit NSF.gov.

CF Presents Free Fall Concert

The College of Central Florida Wind Symphony and Vocal Ensembles will present a free fall concert on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the Charles R. Dassance Fine Arts Center at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road.

The Patriot Singers will present music relating to beginnings, endings and everything in between, while the Vocal Jazz Ensemble will perform a set of standards and favorites. The Wind Symphony will perform new and contemporary music written in 2023, with a new composition by instructor Joshua Mazur and another by student Michael Crumpton.

” ‘The Desert Shall Bloom as the Rose’ is a solemn, introspective look at the first steps of a long journey,” Mazur said of his composition. “The title references the book of Isaiah 34 and 35:1-2, (“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.”) as an acknowledgement that, though there is hope and promise of joy and peace, often the road to such bliss is difficult.”

Tickets are not required for this event. For more information or to learn about other Visual and Performing Arts events, visit the CF.edu/VPAEvents or call 352-873-5810

CF’s Appleton Museum of Art Celebrates The Holidays With Annual Exhibition, Community Day

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, welcomes back one of Ocala’s best holiday traditions. On view Nov. 4-Jan. 7, “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition” features themed trees and much more from the collection of Ocala cardiologist Dr. Paul Urban, his wife, Joyce, and daughters, Katie, Kristie, Kassie and Karlie.

In addition to ornately decorated trees, see the architecture, customs and history of Victorian England come alive in the popular miniature Dickens Village, alongside an extensive collection of nutcrackers from all around the world and much more. The display is different every year.

Adorning the second floor of the museum are trees decorated by community groups and organizations. Participants include Bridge to Hope, CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Hands Up Communications, Hiers-Baxley/Highland Memorial Park, Jack and Jill of America, and Urban Counseling. Outside, the museum’s majestic oaks will shine again with twinkling lights. Additional large-scale decorations will deck the grounds with holiday cheer.

“The fall and winter holidays have a way of bringing the community together, said Appleton Director Jason Steuber. “There’s no better way to spend time with family and friends than visiting the Appleton from November to January to enjoy festive holiday displays and world-class art.”

On Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the annual Holiday Community Day event offers free admission sponsored by the Urban Family. Visit the permanent collection and special exhibitions including “A Dickens Christmas” and “Skylines to Hemlines: Art Deco Design from the Permanent Collection,” make holiday crafts in the Artspace, and have your photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. From 10 a.m.-noon, enjoy Face Painting by Tonya. All activities are free. Food trucks will be onsite throughout the day. Visit AppletonMuseum.org for more details.

If you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift, an Appleton Museum of Art membership is truly the gift that gives all year. A variety of membership levels are offered to fit the needs of every individual, couple or family. Visit AppletonMuseum.org for membership details. We also invite you to visit the Appleton Store any time with no admission fee to find unique gifts for all ages including artist-made jewelry, art books and activities for adults and children, holiday greeting cards, home décor, fine glassware and more.

About the Urban Family Collection

Joyce Urban’s love of Christmas began when she was a child in the city of Philadelphia. Every year, she would go see the elaborate decorations at the department stores that were set up along the path she walked as she went to see Santa. This wonder of Christmas has stayed with her through the years. She began publicly displaying her collection in 1989 because she wanted to provide a place for children of all ages to experience the holiday magic she enjoyed as a child. Over the years, her Christmas Tour has raised money for many local charities including Harvest International, Interfaith, Pilot Club, Women’s Pregnancy Center and the Counseling Resource Center, where she once worked as a counselor. In 2012, Joyce opened Urban Counseling where she continues her legacy of helping others.

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

 

CF to Launch Two New Health Sciences Programs in 2024

Two new health science degrees are coming to the College of Central Florida in 2024. These specialized pathways will offer new routes for students to enter the competitive health care industry.

In CF’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology program, participants will study medical imaging, developing the skills required to perform ultrasounds as registered sonographers. Graduates can be employed in hospitals, medical centers, clinics, outpatient centers and OB/GYN offices. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the national credential examinations given by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography in the Abdomen and OB/GYN specialties.

CF’s new Respiratory Care degree will be offered at the Ocala and Wilton Simpson Citrus campuses. This program will prepare students to evaluate and treat cardiopulmonary symptoms and disorders in a career as Respiratory Therapists. At the completion of this program, students will be eligible take the National Board of Respiratory Care exam to apply for licensure in the state of Florida.

Both two-year Associate in Science degrees offer hands-on learning at CF’s state-of-the-art training facilities, as well as clinical experiences with local health care providers to prepare graduates for high-demand, high-skill careers.

Each program will undergo its own accreditation process, with first classes anticipated for fall 2024. Interested students can begin taking general education courses starting in spring semester.

These programs are limited access, with admissions processes and criteria beyond general college admissions. Attendance at an information session is mandatory before applying to either program.

To learn more about CF’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology program, visit CF.edu/Sonography.

For more details about CF’s Respiratory Care program, visit CF.edu/Respiratory.

 

CF, Marion County Public Schools Partner For CF Collegiate Academy

The College of Central Florida and Marion County Public Schools have partnered to offer CF Collegiate Academy, which expands dual enrollment opportunities beyond the Associate in Arts to include Associate in Science pathways – all at no cost to the student or family.

This new opportunity, which will begin fall 2024 at the CF Ocala Campus, will allow eligible Marion County students to complete programs that lead directly to career opportunities in accounting, agribusiness, criminal justice, early childhood education, emergency medical services, engineering technology, equine studies, computer information technology, supply chain management, and many more. Students pursuing limited access programs such as nursing may complete all required prerequisites for a seamless transition into the Associate in Science program upon high school graduation.

“We are excited about this expansion of dual enrollment to include an even greater number of programs and degrees,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “While students have been able to complete courses leading to an Associate in Arts for many years, students in workforce programs can now benefit by completing high school and college credits at the same time. Our CF partnership with Marion County Public Schools is ensuring that students have the greatest opportunities for education and career success.”

“The CF Collegiate Academy opportunity will allow students to choose the best pathway. A student may work toward an Associate in Arts for the college transfer pathway or students may choose the Associate in Science, which leads to a career upon completion,” said Dr. Diane Gullett, superintendent of Marion County Public Schools. “The partnership between College of Central Florida and Marion County Public Schools will prepare students for careers that are in high demand in our community leading to local employment. The Equine Studies program is one example of a featured Associate in Science which can lead to equine employment here locally which benefits Marion County. The CF Collegiate Academy supports parental choice and increases student access for their success.”

Students will apply to the CF Collegiate Academy as a magnet program in eighth grade, remain at their base high school in grades 9 and 10 while completing required high school courses, and then become a full-time dual enrollment student at the CF Ocala Campus or online in grades 11 and 12. Academy students choose from an A.A. or A.S. pathway and make as much progress toward the degree as possible prior to high school graduation. They will have access to all of the resources, support services and engagement opportunities offered at CF.

While students may still participate in traditional dual enrollment without enrolling in the CF Collegiate Academy, completing CF courses at the Ocala Campus or online during their junior and senior years, many benefits exist for Collegiate Academy students. Students can also partner with local employers to support work-based learning experiences such as internships, shadowing, co-ops and apprenticeships. And students who would like to continue their education can benefit from CF’s formal transfer partnerships with Florida A&M University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida Online and University of South Florida. Students in the CF Honors program are also guaranteed acceptance into the UCF Burnett Honors College.
To learn more about the CF Collegiate Academy, including admissions requirements, please visit www.CF.edu/CollegiateAcademy.

CF Appleton Museum of Art Announces Master Class Workshop With Anthony Ackrill

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, will host a Master Class workshop in figure drawing, led by visiting artist Anthony Ackrill. The Master Class series of workshops is designed for adults who wish to advance their skills, or try their hand at something a little more challenging.

Ackrill’s three-part figure drawing workshop is scheduled on Saturdays, Nov. 4, 11 and 18 from 1-4 p.m.  The artist will teach participants how to establish a solid rendition of the model and train the brain, eyes and hand to work together to see and record more, with greater accuracy.

The Gainesville-based artist trained as a student at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy for five years before becoming an instructor there, teaching anatomy, figure painting and figure drawing. In his own work, Ackrill’s figure paintings are realistic and literal. Those who have visited the Appleton might recognize “Reaper,” a visitor-favorite painted by Ackrill.

The workshop is $210 for Appleton members; $245 for nonmembers. Advance registration is required; registrations are being accepted at AppletonMuseum.org. Email questions to AppletonEducation@cf.edu.

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

CF IRA Holmes International Film Series Features ‘Utama’

The College of Central Florida Ira Holmes International Film Series will feature “Utama” on Tuesday, Oct. 10.

In the arid Bolivian highlands, a couple has been living a tranquil life for years. While he takes their small herd of llamas out to graze, she keeps house and walks for miles with the other local women to fetch precious water. When an uncommonly long drought threatens everything, they know, Virginio and Sisa must decide whether to stay and maintain their traditional way of life or admit defeat and move in with family members in the city. The 2022 film from Bolivia and Uruguay is 87 minutes and is not rated.

Screenings begin at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., and at 7 p.m. at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, Building 8, Room 110. Films at the Ocala Campus are free and open to the public. Films at the Appleton are free to all museum and film series members; nonmembers pay museum admission. Films may contain mature content.

 

For more details, visit CF.edu/FilmSeries.