Dec. 10, 2018
Dear CF Team:
As our semester comes to an end, I would like to thank each of you for your dedication to our students, the college and our community.
I enjoyed visiting with many of you at our Holiday Reception at the Appleton Museum last Thursday. The annual celebration is an opportunity for me, and the entire leadership team, to let you know that your work and dedication are appreciated — today and every day.
Speaking of the Appleton Museum of Art, I am pleased to share some positive news regarding our efforts to get the state operational funding restored. Last week, I presented our legislative priorities to the Levy and Marion County delegation. At both meetings Senator Rob Bradley, a member of our legislative delegation and chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee gave strong support for restoring the museum funding. This is very encouraging and I will continue to be optimistic as we move forward. We are very fortunate to have a delegation that sees the value that the museum has for our region and the state. In addition to the Appleton, we are also asking for operational funding for capacity expansion and support services as well as continued funding for our Health Sciences Technology Center on the Ocala Campus. These requests will greatly support our focus on helping our students transform their lives.
You are truly making a difference to students like Natascha Kehri, who will graduate Friday with her bachelor’s degree. Natascha has overcome a number of challenges, but has thrived at CF. Midway through her internship this semester, she was hired full time by Front Street Realty. She won’t miss a beat in transitioning from her education to an exciting career.
And you are making a difference to students like Allison Potts, who is graduating with a certificate in Mechatronics, one of our newest programs. A faculty member recognized the potential in Allison, who is legally deaf. This fall, she was one of only 13 students nationwide to receive a scholarship from the National Fluid Power Association.
We will celebrate the accomplishments of Natascha, Allison and all summer and fall graduates at commencement Friday beginning at 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Ocala. We will honor Dr. Cash Pealer, former president of the CF Foundation, with the Distinguished Service Award, and Natascha will be our student speaker.
I hope you enjoy the We Are CF slideshow that is linked here. I absolutely love the message and am so thankful for all of you and how much you help to make CF a great place to learn and work! Have a wonderful holiday season!
Jim