CF Celebrates $1 Million Health Care Scholarship Donation with Renaming Event

College of Central Florida students training in health care fields at the CF Citrus Campus now have a new source of financial aid, thanks to a $1 million donation from the Citrus County Hospital Board.

Charles S. Dean Sr.The Charles S. Dean Sr. Endowed Scholarship for Health Sciences will provide tuition assistance for Citrus County residents seeking a Health Sciences degree from CF. Dean, one of the founders of the hospital board, is a CF alumnus and received the college’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2011. He is a lifelong resident of Citrus County who served in the Florida Senate from 2007 to 2012, the Florida House of Representatives from 2002-2007 and was Citrus County Sheriff from 1981-1996.

In recognition of this gift, the CF Citrus Campus Learning & Conference Center will be renamed the Charles S. Dean, Sr. Educational Center. A celebration and naming ceremony will be held at the Citrus Campus, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, on Friday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m.

“Now more than ever we see a need to recruit and train qualified health care professionals to meet the growing demands of our local communities. The new Charles S. Dean Sr. Endowed Scholarship for Health Sciences is a game changer for our Health Sciences programs and the educational opportunities it opens up to countless students each year,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, president of the College of Central Florida.

“The Citrus County Hospital Board is pleased to support the Charles S. Dean Endowment Fund at the College of Central Florida,” said Deborah L. Ressler, BSN, chair of the Citrus County Hospital Board. “This support will ensure Citrus County students can participate in health care programs offered at the Citrus Campus and will enhance the students’ opportunities to participate in the delivery of health care in our community.”

The CF Foundation, founded in 1959, is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation that enhances the college’s programs and services through the development and management of private contributions and community partnerships. To learn more, visit CF.edu/foundation.

CF Webber Gallery Presents ‘The Parts and the Puzzle’ Jan. 10-Feb. 10

“The Parts and the Puzzle,” an exhibition of artwork by artist, author and Florida State University Professor Emerita Mary Stewart, will be open to the public at the College of Central Florida Webber Gallery Jan. 10-Feb. 10. The Webber Gallery is located at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road.

In her art, Stewart incorporates her background in printmaking with mediums including linoleum prints, paintings and drawings.

“At age 69, I am especially interested in continuity and change,” Stewart said. “What ideas and experiences remain significant or become even more engrossing as we mature? What ideas and experiences can be put aside or even forgotten? How can my artwork be as fulfilling as possible to me and as engaging as possible to viewers, both visually and emotionally?

“Greek philosopher Heraclitus noted that we can never step into the same stream twice,” Stewart said. “Both we and the water change constantly. This simple premise generates many questions. What forces drive change — in nature and in ourselves? What is the rate of change, and how might it vary from person to person and from site to site? How does change in one person or environment trigger change in another?”

There will be an opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 20, at 4:30 p.m., and an artist talk with Mary Stewart on Monday, Jan. 24, from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

The Webber Gallery is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and admission is free. For more information, call 352-854-2322, ext. 1664.

Maharajah Flamenco Trio in Concert at CF Appleton Museum of Art

Rescheduled from 2020, the Appleton is pleased to host the rich musical sounds of the world-famous trio. Blending the flavors of Spain, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and more, they have performed nationwide from Gainesville to Harlem, on NPR and on television, and now back at the Appleton.

At this evening event in the Appleton auditorium, enjoy two amazing sets, including music from their new album, with a short intermission. A cash bar will be available.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased via Eventbrite. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit AppletonMuseum.org and select “Music” from the Events menu.

This event has been generously sponsored in part by Fine Arts for Ocala and Angie Lewis State Farm.

 

About the Members of Maharajah Flamenco Trio

Silviu Ciulei, Ph.D.

Romanian born guitarist Silviu Ciulei began his music career at an early age. His interest in flamenco was first awakened while on a family holiday in Spain and it was not long before he moved to Cadiz, Andalusia, the heartland of flamenco. After intense study of Flamenco guitar, he brought his talent to Tequila, a group that gained national attention in his native Romania. Silviu graduated with his Ph.D. in classical guitar performance under the tutelage of Bruce Holzman, director of the guitar program at Florida State University’s College of Music, one of the leading figures of guitar teaching in the U.S. Silviu is currently the director of Guitar Studies at the University of Florida.

David Cobb, MM

Bassist David Cobb began his musical journey in the middle school brass section but was soon lured by the sound of strings and began teaching himself guitar and electric bass, expanding his classical background into the American styles of blues, rock, jazz and soul. The feel of soul, a wealth of Latin American/Caribbean rhythms and melodic sensibilities from Africa, Western Asia, and Eastern Europe are reflected in his style. He earned his master’s degree in musicology from Florida State University, with an emphasis in ethnomusicology. Cobb is currently an adjunct professor of music at Palm Beach State College.

Ramin Yazdanpanah, Ph.D.

Percussionist Ramin Yazdanpanah’s sounds echo the Outback, the Silk Road, the Caribbean and his native Florida home. He expresses the soulful and passionate rhythms of his Cuban-Iranian heritage on cajón, dumbek, and a variety of percussion from around the globe; his skill on the Australian didjeridoo has redefined the possibilities of flamenco. Yazdanpanah received his Ph.D. in International Development and Education from Florida State University, and is the director of Full Circle Language Learning and Teaching, LLC.

 

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.

HEERF III/American Rescue Plan Report: Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2021 Report

The College of Central Florida (CF) has signed and returned the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) Certification and Agreement Form. CF has used, or intends to use, no less than the required amount of funds received to provide HEERF grants to students.

CF has been awarded $18,645,368 under the American Rescue Plan (ARP). It is our goal to reach as many students as possible and comply with all U.S. Department of Education guidelines. Under the ARP (a)(1) program, as authorized under section 2003 of the ARP, fifty-percent ($9,322,684) of the awarded funds is to be distributed to students. The other fifty percent will be used for allowable institutional needs.

As of December 31, 2021:

CF has disbursed a total of $4,841,113 to 4,587 students under the ARP (a)(1). Distribution of funds is anticipated to occur in two phases in the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters.

In Fall 2021, CF has disbursed $4,841,113 to 4,587 students.

  • Eligible students are currently enrolled students. Eligible students were not required to apply to receive funds. It is estimated that 5,900 students are eligible to receive funds.
  • Federal Pell Eligible students received $1,500.
  • Non-Federal Pell Eligible students who are eligible for other Title IV funding received $1,000.
  • Non-Title IV Eligible students received $500.

HEERF II/CRRSAA Report: Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2021

The College of Central Florida (CF) has signed and returned the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) Certification and Agreement Form. CF has used, or intends to use, no less than the required amount of funds received to provide HEERF grants to students.

CF has been awarded $5,063,708 under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). It is our goal to reach as many students as possible and comply with all U.S. Department of Education guidelines. The college is required to disburse the same amount on student grants under CRRSAA as was required under the CARES Act. Therefore, $2,531,854 (50 percent) of CRRSAA funds is to be distributed to students. The other fifty percent will be used for allowable institutional needs. In addition, the institution received $427,179 in Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) funds.

As of Dec. 31, 2021:

  • CF has disbursed a total of $2,958,633 to 4,895 students under Section 314(a)(1) of CRRSSA. Funds have been disbursed in two phases as of December 31, 2021.
    • In Spring 2021, CF disbursed $2,222,800 to 4,128 students (restated/see Mar. 31, 2021 report for award levels.)
    • In Summer 2021, CF disbursed $706,846 to 2,328 students (see June 30, 2021 report for award levels.)
    • In Fall 2021, CF had net disbursements of $28,987 with funds disbursed to 35 students.
      • Eligible students are currently enrolled students. Eligible students were not required to apply to receive funds.
      • Federal Pell Eligible students received $1,500.
      • Non-Federal Pell Eligible students who are eligible for other Title IV funding received $1,000.
      • Non-Title IV Eligible students received $500.

HEERF/Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds Cumulative Report

December 31, 2021

The College of Central Florida (CF) has signed and returned the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) Certification and Agreement Form. CF has used, or intends to use, no less than the required amount of funds received to provide HEERF grants to students.

CF has been awarded HEERF allocations in three phases:

HEERF I/CARES Act – Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Security Act, CF was awarded $5,063,708. Fifty percent of those funds ($2,531,854) were required to be distributed to students. The other fifty percent will be allowable for institutional needs.

HEERF II/CRRSAA – Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, CF was awarded $5,063,708. The college is required to disburse the same amount in student grants under CRRSAA as was required under the CARES Act. Therefore, $2,531,854 (50 percent) of CRRSAA funds is to be distributed to students. The other fifty percent will be allowable for institutional needs.

HEERF III/ARP – Under the American Rescue Plan, CF was awarded $18,645,368 and is required to distribute fifty percent ($9,322,684) of the awarded funds to students. The other fifty percent will be used for allowable institutional needs.

In addition to the funds listed above, CF has received Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) allocations, of which $675,933 has been designated for student assistance.

Funding methodology (eligibility and funding amounts) for HEERF I, II and III awards and SIP awards can be seen at Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Required Reporting. For HEERF I allocations, eligible students were awarded HEERF funds and were instructed to submit a HEERF application for consideration for additional funds. An application process has not been used for HEERF II or HEERF III distributions. Students receiving distributions receive an email notification.

Cumulative Report – As of Dec. 31, 2021:

  • CF has been allocated a total of $28,772,784 in HEERF grants, of which $14,386,392 must be distributed to students.
  • CF has distributed $9,904,821 of HEERF and $675,933 of SIP funds to a total of 8,744 students.

Association of Florida Colleges Honors CF

The College of Central Florida was honored with several awards at the Association of Florida Colleges virtual annual conference Nov. 16-19.

CF Marketing and Public Relations earned 10 Awards of Excellence from the Communications and Marketing Commission, including gold awards for CF’s annual report, website, “Connection” magazine, “Library Out Loud” flyer, and article/story pitch resulting in publication – “CF Licensed to Cultivate Hemp.”

The Marketing and Public Relations team earned silver awards for promotional face masks and “Connection” magazine as well as print and digital advertising. The team also received a bronze award for a direct mail postcard.

The CF AFC Chapter won Platinum chapter status, and CF staff member Carol S. Smith was honored with the 2021 AFC Distinguished Service Award. CF staff member Amanda Camp was the Region 3 Unsung Hero winner. In addition, CF staff members Dr. Alton Austin and Rory Wells graduated from the Next Level Leadership program.
During the conference, Ocala City Council Member and CF alumnus Ire Bethea Sr. was presented with the AFC Leroy Collins Distinguished Alumni Award in the Hometown Hero Category.

To learn more about CF, visit www.CF.edu.

CF Closed for Winter Break Dec. 20-31

All College of Central Florida campuses will be closed for winter break Monday, Dec. 20, through Friday, Dec. 31. The CF Post Office and Print Shop on the Ocala Campus will also be closed.

The Ocala Campus Bookstore will be open Dec. 20-23 and 27-30, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and will be closed Friday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 31. The Appleton Museum of Art is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. The museum will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

The college will reopen Monday, Jan. 3. Spring 2022 classes begin Monday, Jan. 10.

For more information, call the Ocala Campus at 352-873-5800, Citrus Campus at 352-746-6721, or Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus at 352-658-4077.

CF Earns Marketing and Public Relations Honors

The College of Central Florida Marketing and Public Relations Department received seven commendations in this year’s National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District 2 Medallion Awards.

CF earned a Gold Award for its “Workforce Bound” video shorts; Silver Awards for its website, Rapid Credential recruitment program, and computer-generated illustration (“Connection” magazine, “Workforce or Bachelor’s Bound” cover); Silver and Bronze awards for “Connection” magazine; and a Bronze Award for the annual report.

NCMPR connects marketing and PR professionals at community and technical colleges throughout the nation and supports their professional growth.

To learn more about CF, visit www.CF.edu.

CF Receives Grant for College Park Elementary Partnership

Thanks to a $13,000 Empower grant from Siemens Industry, CF staff, faculty and teacher education students will help the elementary school develop an indoor/outdoor science lab to engage students with hands-on science activities.

The project is designed to address very low student grades and learning in science, particularly in fourth and fifth grades, by offering activities including observations of fruit-bearing trees, measuring rainfall and growing hydroponic vegetables.

“The Community Partnership School at College Park Elementary is very thankful to receive this grant from Siemens Industry Inc.,” said Caron Reid, Community Partnership School director. “Our project will now be able to move forward to improve student learning in the areas of sustainable science and STEM.

“We look forward to the exciting lessons and activities that will take place in our indoor/outdoor science labs and, ultimately, improved science scores for our students. This is the beginning of a long-term relationship as, together, we send our students into the 21st century with an understanding and appreciation for science,” Reid said.

“We’re both happy and proud to help support this important, evolving linkage between CF and College Park Elementary School, namely in the way it promotes student learning and achievement in STEM critical disciplines through hands-on learning,” said Steve Hoiberg, director of Siemens Empower Program.

“CF staff and faculty work closely with the elementary school in a variety of ways,” said Dr. Jennifer Fryns, CF associate vice president for Career and Professional Programs. “We’re excited about taking this already transformative partnership further into the classroom.”

For more information about the College of Central Florida, visit www.CF.edu.