Nov. 29, 2017
Good afternoon, CF Team,
Cool weather is in the air and reminds us that the end of the semester is right around the corner.
We recognized many of our outstanding students at the Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony Oct. 25. It’s great to see these students succeeding at CF. Chriseanna Mitchell, pictured right, was among those honored. Chriseanna is our student speaker for graduation and will continue her education at the University of Florida in spring semester.
We had strong representation at the Association of Florida Colleges Annual Convention in Orlando Nov. 1-3. The CF AFC Chapter earned Gold Status. Kim Sellers and Sharon Altany were presented with the CF UnSung Hero Awards at the Region III Meeting. Marketing and Public Relations won eight awards in the Communications and Marketing Commission Awards of Excellence. Jean Scheppers was a finalist in the Faculty Commission Professor of the Year. Ron Kielty is the incoming 2018 Chair of the Technology Commission. Doug Prevatt is the incoming 2018 Chair of the Campus Safety Commission. Mikel James is serving as the 2018 Exemplary Practice Chair on the Student Development Commission. Marjorie McGee received the Leadership Service award for her work as 2017 Vice President of Commissions, and is the incoming 2018 President Elect for the Association. And Mark Ross graduated from the Certified College Professional program.
We earned three new rankings this fall: No. 9 Business Administration program, No. 22 Best Online Community College in the nation and third most affordable nursing degree in Florida. These rankings reaffirm that the College of Central Florida is high quality for a great value.
We were also recognized as Best of the Best in the Ocala StarBanner’s Readers Choice Awards. CF was named Best Local College, Best Community Learning Center, Best Place to Work and Best Green Business or Organization. The Appleton Museum was named Best Art Charity/Nonprofit, Best Event Venue, Best Museum, Best Local Tourist Attraction and Best Wedding Venue.
Once again, our AFC chapter organized a pre-Thanksgiving luncheon with the residents of Evangeline Booth Garden Apartments. This was the 17th year the college has prepared and shared a traditional meal of turkey and all the trimmings with the residents of the senior citizen subsidized complex run by the Salvation Army. Students decorated and set tables and helped serve the meals to the residents.
Mark your calendars for the CF Holiday Reception Thursday, Dec. 7, 2:30-4:30 p.m. We will enjoy catering by Rosemary & Thyme and holiday treats from faculty and staff as we bring back the CF Holiday Bake Off for a third year. Dust off your rolling pin, get out your apron and submit your favorite baked goods to earn bragging rights and a cash prize.
Graduation will be held 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at First Baptist Church of Ocala. We will posthumously honor Jack Wilkinson, namesake of the Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, with the Distinguished Service Award. Our guest speaker will be Ira Holmes, who has served the college for 56 years as a full-time instructor and adjunct. Our student speaker will be Chriseanna Mitchell, a recipient of STEPS, Scholarships Taking Elementary Promising Students to CF.
November is known as the month of giving thanks, please know that I am especially thankful for our CF faculty and staff who are focused on helping our students to be successful. Together, we are transforming lives. Thank you for all that you do for our students, our college and our community!
Jim