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SRQ DAILY Apr 9, 2016

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"Developing a lifelong love of learning is a noble pursuit that puts curiosity, wonder and amazement right at the forefront. "

- Jennifer Vigne, Education Foundation of Sarasota County
 

[Education]  Collective Wisdom
Jennifer Vigne

Does education ever stop? Educational attainment is much more than academic achievement alone and developing a lifelong love of learning sets the foundation for curiosity, wonder and amazement to flourish in our hearts and minds well past our impressionable childhood years.

Just this past month, I had the incredible pleasure to listen and learn from a variety of well-respected individuals—some of whom are world leaders and others who are experts in their chosen craft. The wisdom that flowed from these accomplished individuals provided an inspiring compass for me in my role as the Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. They each shared their stories with humility, authenticity and passion, and it reinforced for me the awesome responsibility we have as a community to ensure our children—each and every one of them—is given the opportunity to develop his/her own love of learning. 

Good Morning America television anchor Robin Roberts spoke at a recent Ringling College Library Association Town Hall Series. With her powerful gift of public speaking and grounded personality, Robin spoke with ease and fluidity as she described life experiences that taught her valuable lessons. “Get outside of yourself,” she declared. “Make your mess your message and remember when fear knocks, faith answers the door.” I could feel myself quietly cheering for her as she recounted the immeasurable odds of overcoming circumstances that statisticians would believe to be insurmountable. Inspiring?  Indeed.

I next found myself in a sea with 4,000 professional colleagues throughout the country as we listened to former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan set the framework by stating “It all begins with WE, the people.” As I heard his words, I reflected on a book I’m currently reading called Boundary Spanning Leadership and quickly realized I had a lot to learn about breaking barriers and dissolving boundaries from this leader.  It is not about us versus them with this man as he then continued, “the way to expand capacity is to extend partnerships—if you wish to go quickly, go alone. If you wish to go far, go together.” His words flowed like honey as he also reminded us that “leaders should understand words have power and they should always be aware of this.” As the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize winner, I knew he walked a journey of a thousand miles in pursuit of peace and respect for human rights, and it was evident that his magnanimous accomplishments were teachable moments for me. Mark Brewer, president of the Central Florida Foundation, served as the keynote speaker at a recent SB2 program. Accompanied by a panel of local philanthropic experts, Mark challenged our current view of nonprofits and prodded us to re-define nonprofits as the independent sector. With this re-thinking, Mark persuasively made a strong case for us in the “independent sector” to find creative and innovative ways to solve problems using risk capital, not simply donations. We need to “fail our way to success” as a dramatic shift is now occurring in how people get together to solve problems. In short, collective impact is here to stay.The final compelling speaker was Ellen Galinsky, president and co-founder of Families and Work Institute and author of over 40 books including Mind in the Making (which I’m now reading!). Ellen was a keynote speaker for the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and, thanks to The Patterson Foundation, I was able to have a seat at the luncheon to hear her imbue her expert knowledge to this eager crowd.  Ellen’s comments struck a chord with me as she emphasized “it is never too late to learn, you already have what it takes, and learning involves social, emotional and cognitive elements.”  Moreover, as she stated that “20 percent of learning occurs in schools and 80% occurs elsewhere,” it reinforced the powerful notion for us at the Education Foundation to help provide opportunities for our students to develop a lifelong love of learning whether it occurs in the classroom or out.

As I listened to the collective wisdom of these incredible people, I was reminded that education is indeed a continual process. Developing a lifelong love of learning is a noble pursuit that puts curiosity, wonder and amazement right at the forefront. I personally learned valuable lessons from these leaders which served as an awesome reinforcement of our commitment at the Education Foundation of Sarasota County to continuously provide impressionable, teachable moments for our children.

Jennifer Vigne is executive director of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. 
 
[Higher Education]  The University of the Future is Here
Donal O'Shea, doshea@ncf.edu

The announcement that the University of Florida will establish its first Engineering Innovation Station in Sarasota is thrilling news. The Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice region does not have, and badly needs, an engineering presence. We have CEOs of global companies who make their homes here, but who cannot move their operations here because we cannot supply the engineering talent. We have some very fine local high schools and universities. Some of the colleges offer rigorous science courses, but no local institution offers a credible first year engineering design course, let alone some of the more advanced engineering courses. Students interested in engineering must leave the area, and they often do not return. The new engineering presence can only help with pipeline issues from the local high schools, with hack-a-thons and design competitions, and with entrepreneurship curricula. The articulation program with State College of Florida will give local students a route into engineering, and New College and others are eager to explore dual degree programs with UF engineering. All of this will help local start-ups.  

Our region already has a number of distinguished nonprofit educational institutions: a fine, open access former community college (State College of Florida), a separately accredited regional comprehensive university (the University of South Florida at Sarasota-Manatee) that offers some professional masters degrees, a top-ranked national residential arts and science college that focuses on undergraduate education (New College of Florida) and a high quality arts and technical undergraduate institution (Ringling College of Art and Design). In addition, through the Ringling Museum and the Asolo Conservatory, Florida State University offers an MFA program, and is adding some additional masters programs in the arts. These schools comprise one of every Carnegie-type institution with the exception of a research intensive university. Their missions are complementary, and they do not compete. In January 2016, these institutions and Eckerd College announced the establishment of the Consortium of Colleges of the Creative Coast (the C4 group). The group, itself supported by a collaboration among three local foundations (the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice, the Community Foundation of Sarasota, and the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation), has embarked on a number of cooperative efforts. A student at any one of the institutions will soon be able to take courses for credit at any other institutions without money changing hands, and we will see even more collaborative degree programs.

The Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice area has a rich cultural and artistic life and some very interesting start-ups and businesses. Yet it is one of the few developed areas of Florida without a full-scale research university. It does have, however, most of the components that comprise a research-intensive university with the exception of a first-rate engineering program. And the UF program promises to plug this gap. The C4 members offer diverse undergraduate programs, as well as some graduate programs. For example, in addition to FSU’s celebrated MFA program and future graduate programs in museum education, USF-SM offers an MBA and graduate education degrees, as well as very strong degrees in Hospitality Management. FSU also offers a medical residency program in conjunction with Sarasota Memorial Hospital, a very highly rated nonprofit hospital. New College has just started a cutting edge graduate program in data science with a focus on large data sets, and Ringling College is contemplating some graduate programs. The University of Florida has established a satellite facility called City Lab-Sarasota that offers a Master of Architecture Degree, as well as an IFAS extension in Sarasota.  We have a number of high-quality, non-profit private research institutes in the area:  these include Mote Marine Laboratory which focuses on ocean and environmental research, the Roskamp Institute which focuses on biomedical research, Selby Botanical Gardens which has a strong botanical research group, and the Eiling O. Eide Center, Research Library and Preserve, which will become a magnet for research in Asian studies

In thinking about the university of the future, I can hardly think of a better model than having three of Florida’s research intensive institutions—FSU, UF and USF—offer satellite operations in this region that draw on the distinctive intellectual strengths of those institutions, and that together with local institutions, afford the region the economic and human capital that a full scale research intensive university would bring. This sort of collaboration realizes some of the deepest goals of the State University System Board of Governors, the Florida College System, and national educational organizations. It will provide the nation and the state with a new and vibrant model for higher education and research. And, most importantly, it offers our students and our region an unparalleled opportunity to take their place in our ever more global world.

Dr. Donal O'Shea is the president of New College of Florida. 

[Arts Alliance]  Where the Real Magic Happens
Jim Shirley, jshirley@sarasotaarts.org

There is something really special about seeing the beautiful lights and sets of an exciting play in the theater or hearing the breath-taking melodies of a professional symphony or viewing a spectacular painting on the wall of our favorite gallery. It all seems to appear with such effortless precision that we realize we are seeing or hearing something magical.

We are, indeed, experiencing something special that inspires our lives.The actors, musicians and artists all possess special gifts that allow their art to touch our souls. However, another large part of the real magic takes place behind the scenes through the hard work of stage hands, electricians, set maker, carpenters, instrument technicians and a multitude of others who we never see that make it all possible. Without the marketing staff, secretaries, costume designers, janitors, ticket takers and plumbers it would not be possible to have these special moments.

These behind-the-scenes people are at the heart of what makes the Florida Gulf Coast the Cultural Capitol of Florida and a significant factor driving the impact of arts and culture on our local and State economy. In Sarasota County alone, our nonprofit arts and cultural organizations employ more than 5,000 people in full time jobs, making them one of the largest employers in the region. These same people buy or rent homes from our local Realtors, they pay taxes into our local governments, they buy food and clothing from our local retailers and their children attend our local schools.

Another large contingency in that “invisible magic” are the thousands of people who volunteer their time and talents to help make our cultural community possible. These loyal, dedicated people provide an invaluable work force that our cultural organizations could not afford to hire, and yet without them they could not begin to achieve their mission for the community.

The next time you attend a performance or exhibit at your favorite cultural venue, please remember to think about that invisible army of behind the scenes professionals that truly make the magic happen. Also, consider becoming a volunteer for one of our great organizations and help them bring that magic to everyone.

Jim Shirley is executive director for the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. 



[Veterans]  Sarasota Military Academy Makes Donation to Goodwill Manasota

Goodwill Manasota was one of eight nonprofit organizations benefiting from recent charitable activities at Sarasota Military Academy. Thanks to the efforts of a sophomore, Cadet Timothy “Drew” Taylor, Goodwill was the recipient of a donation to benefit its Veterans Services Program. Taylor is the son of Goodwill Manasota employee Bryant Taylor, who encouraged his son in his efforts and helped him come up with the idea for the fundraiser. With guidance from staff members from Goodwill's Veterans Services Program, Cadet Taylor coordinated a paid "dress down day," during which students who donated to his cause were released from having to wear their normal uniform on that day. Sophomores and seniors were eligible to participate in Taylor's fundraising project. From left to right: Goodwill Veterans Services Program advisor Edwin Robinson,  Alexandria Hostetler, Lexi Williamson, Keaton Clark, Drew Taylor, Goodwill’s director of the Veterans Services Program C.J. Bannister, Matthew Gilbert, Alexa Fontecha, Megan Jones and Veterans Service Program team member Karrie Jewel during the check presentation.  

More on Goodwill

[Wellness]  Children's World Uniform Supply Recognized as Healthy Sarasota County Worksite

Today Children's World Uniform Supply, a worksite of 12 employees, received a "Platinum" level Healthy Sarasota County Worksite designation certificate. Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) Health Officer Chuck Henry and Cara Williams, the program's coordinator co-presented the certificate to Tim Holliday of Children's World Uniform Supply. Tim was flanked by several store employees who proudly displayed their 5210 Healthy Lifestyle bracelet and pedometers provided to them by DOH-Sarasota. "We typically think of larger organizations supporting employee wellness; however, DOH-Sarasota through the Healthy Sarasota County Worksite Initiative, reaches out to businesses of all sizes including retail organizations," says Ms. Williams. Tim and Cynthia Holliday own Children's World Uniform Supply. Cynthia Holliday has been recognized by SRQ Magazine as a "Women in Business" Ambassador, Leadership Class of 2014.  

Healthy Sarasota

[Recognition]  DWY Wins HGTV Ultimate Outdoor Awards

HGTV.COM announced that DWY Landscape Architects principal David W. Young, RLA, ASLA, was the Overall Winner in the 2016 HGTV Ultimate Outdoor Awards. Young's winning project was also named People's Pick in the category of Love at First Sight. As the overall winner, DWY will receive recognition on HGTV.com and the HGTV team will visit the firm to film editorial and promotional videos. The Ultimate Outdoor Awards program was created to honor top design professionals across the country with only 35 finalists nominated among six categories. Young was one of only four from Florida and the only professional to have two designs showcased for voting: one in the category of Water, Water Everywhere and a second in Love at First Sight. 

Check Out the Awards

[Board]  Doctors Hospital Welcomes New Board of Trustee Members

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota recently welcomed three new Board of Trustee Members, Joe Hembree, Patricia Courtois and Richard Duckworth, MD. Joe Hembree is the President & Owner of Hembree & Associates, Inc., a commerical real estate veteran with over 25 years of experience. Hembree is also affiliated with the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and is serving as the President of the Argus Foundation. Patricia Courtois is the CEO & President of C • Suite Communications. She has been affiliated with multiple successful companies and local brands in public relations including Tropicana, Sugar in the Raw and Southeastern Guide Dogs. Richard Duckworth, MD, recently retired as an Internist with Intercoastal Medical Group after practicing medicine for more than 35 years in the Sarasota area. 

[Expansion]  Grapevine Communications Continues Growth by Expanding Staff

Grapevine Communications, the area’s leading full-service advertising, marketing and public relations agency, is pleased to announce the addition of two members to its staff. Britney Guertin was hired as PR & Social Media Associate and Heidi Cook, who previously worked with Grapevine from 2006 to 2013, rejoined Grapevine as Special Projects Coordinator. “Britney brings the persona and experience to help us continue creating and achieving effective public relations and social media campaigns on behalf of our clients,” said Grapevine Founder and President Angela Massaro-Fain. “It’s also our pleasure to welcome back Heidi, who will lend her expertise, industry knowledge and exceptional organizational skills in the facilitation of some large projects.” 

Connect to Grapevine

[Leadership]  2016 Leadership Sarasota County Class Holds Ribbon-Cutting for Enhanced Organic Garden

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Leadership Sarasota County class is holding a ribbon-cutting event to reveal the enhanced Academy Farms organic-certified garden, maintained by Easter Seals Southwest FloridaThe unveiling is scheduled for Friday, April 22 on Earth Day at 10 am at Easter Seals Southwest Florida’s 350 Braden Ave. campus in Sarasota. Guests will receive a fresh sample from the garden and see the improvements made by the 2016 class for their project – dubbed Academy Farms: Project Grow! The Leadership Sarasota County group added to the three existing hoop houses, installed concrete walkways to allow for easier wheelchair access, transported garden and compost areas and provided outdoor wash stations. During the four-month project, several generous donations were received. Donors included USA Fence Co., Lowe’s Fruitville Road, Irrigation Design, Cemex, Gator Plumbing and Yonker’s Tractor Service. Academy Farms’ herbs are sold to local restaurants, including Arts & Eats, Melange, Eat Here, Beach Bistro and Jack Dusty at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. All proceeds from the purchase benefit the mission of Academy Farms, which is to combine teaching necessary life skills with revenue generation. 

More on the Chamber

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