Skip to Main Content
A-Z Index
Marketing and Communications
oneColumn handbook

Inside UNF — June 7, 2024

UNF DHI helps memorialize Civil War veterans

By Byron E. Jones
 
Student browsing through files for old documentsA University of North Florida Digital Humanities Institute (DHI) project aims to identify and memorialize Black veterans of the American Civil War many of whom were denied pensions for their service in the U.S. military. 
 
UNF DHI collaborates with many community partners on interdisciplinary projects through in-depth research and the use of digital technology and practices. Many of these projects hold historical significance and provide an opportunity to learn about individuals and events of the past. Their project, “USCT Pensioners: Rejection, Resilience, and Redemption,” lives up to the Institution’s mission to “Embrace the Past. Design the Future.” 
 
UNF DHI students found that United States Colored Troops (USCT) and their loved ones were denied pensions nearly every time they applied. Often, these black soldiers and their relatives, unlike other soldiers, had to endure a yearslong, arduous task of finding witnesses, affidavits and other forms of verification to prove they were who they claimed to be in order to collect their pensions. 
 
Student using a tool to flip through an old documentThe project’s origins began in 2020 when Dr. James Beasley, UNF DHI director and associate professor of English, was teaching a class that was assisting with a project at the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center in St. Augustine. The museum’s personnel inquired if Beasley would be interested in researching USCT soldiers from the Lincolnville neighborhood. From there, Beasley received a list of soldiers’ names that were cross-referenced with records from the Thomas G. Carpenter Library’s Special Collections. Acquiring help from faculty at Flagler College, UNF students taking the Rhetoric and Digital Humanities course in spring 2021, were able to publish their findings in the form of virtual posters in the “Resilience” Omeka website. Omeka is an open-source web-publishing platform for scholarly collections. 
 
Beasley said he is honored to help preserve the memory of USCT pensioners and help UNF students engage in research that impacts the community. 
 
“Students were able to take the skills that we teach in our classes and have it affect social change,” Beasley said. 
 
Nearly two years after publishing the posters online, Beasley was contacted by Kristopher Smith, community development program officer for Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Jacksonville, which was the beginning of the current collaboration between UNF DHI and LISC Jacksonville. Through this project, UNF students aid LISC Jacksonville in rehabilitating abandoned USCT gravesites in Northeast Florida. Together, Beasley and Smith serve as co-directors of the USCT project.  
 
Smith was looking for burial locations of USCT pensioners and their descendants as part of LISC Jacksonville’s “Operation Final Honors” initiative, which aims to assist families seeking to obtain headstones for loved ones buried in unmarked graves throughout Northeast Florida. 
 
Forgotten and cracked tombstoneA stolen headstone
Beasley says he recognized one of the names mentioned by Smith — Corporal William Johnson of the 33rd Infantry Company F — as a soldier the UNF DHI had found within the pension records they reviewed. Johnson is buried in the Chaseville Cemetery on the campus of Jacksonville University. When the cemetery was discovered in 1989, Johnson’s grave was marked with a headstone. Sometime afterward, the headstone went missing and was never recovered. 
 
Using the pension records provided by UNF DHI, Smith successfully petitioned the U.S. Army for a new headstone for Johnson earlier this year. The headstone was presented during a memorial ceremony at The River House on the JU campus in May. 
 
New Tombstone "In Memory of William Johnson, CORP CO F, 33 USCI, Civil War, 1841Smith is grateful for the assistance of UNF DHI and others in helping the LISC’s efforts to preserve the memory of the many overlooked USCT soldiers. 
 
“Working with UNF DHI has accelerated our efforts to understand and celebrate the contributions of USCT Company F throughout U.S. history,” Smith said. 
 
Moving forward, UNF DHI will continue to work with LISC Jacksonville to look for the gravesites of other local USCT pensioners and obtain headstones commemorating the lives of these brave individuals. 
 
Beasley said working on this project has been an incredible experience, especially seeing the efforts of UNF DHI culminate in acquiring a headstone for Corporal Johnson. 
 
“It’s been extremely inspiring to see how looking for information and conducting research has led to the physical manifestation of the headstone being created,” said Beasley. “No matter how small what you’re doing in the classroom is, it might have a large effect in the community.”

Workday is only weeks away

Workday logo
Practice Workday with Training Tenant
UNF’s Workday launch is only weeks away — July 1! As the date approaches, UNF is pleased to provide Workday training for all employees, which includes access to the Workday training environment.
 
Complete learning opportunities and practice in Workday. The training environment is a safe place to explore full Workday functionality – and you can’t break it! Changes will not carry forward to Workday when we go live on July 1.
 
As you use the Workday training environment, please keep in mind:
  • Employees hired after Jan. 22, 2024, will not have a personalized training tenant. Tenant access will be available during in-class sessions.
  • Some personal information, such as salary, has been data scrambled in the tenant for security purposes. Your information is expected to be accurate in the live environment on July 1.
 
Additional Workday Training
For your convenience, additional Workday training sessions are now open for registration in Osprey Ascend (access in myWings portal). The topics convered in the trainings include human capital management and finance, along with more general courses.
 
 
Find out more about the transition to Workday at unf.edu/ospreyrising.

Associate instructor enhancing STEM education for deaf community

Michael Stultz, associate instructor in the College of Education and Human Services, and colleaguesMichael Stultz, associate instructor at the University of North Florida, is enhancing STEM education for the deaf community through his work with Atomic Hands. This mission-driven organization, co-founded by Dr. Barbara Spiecker, a research scientist at the University of New Hampshire, and Dr. Alicia Wooten, an associate professor of biology at Gallaudet University, fosters curiosity in STEM through ASL-centric resources, creates engaging STEM-related videos and encourages networking among deaf STEMists.
 
Recently, Stultz, who is deaf, has been actively involved in coaching two talented deaf women in creating educational videos based on children’s books by Mary Kissinger.
 
 
Also, Stultz has become somewhat of a social media sensation — his daughter frequently posts videos of him signing to his granddaughter. One video had more than 4 million views. Watch the video here.
 
Information provided by the College of Education and Human Services

Prepare for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

hurricane eye taken from high aboveBe Smart, Know Your Risk
The first step in preparing for hurricanes is to know your risk. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Impacts from wind and water can be felt hundreds of miles inland, and significant impacts can occur regardless of the storm’s strength. Know if you live in an area prone to flooding, if you live in an evacuation zone, and identify any structural weaknesses in your home. Find out today what types of water and wind hazards could happen where you live. Visit noaa.gov/know-your-risk-water-wind for more information.
 
Prepare a disaster supply kit for your entire household, including pets, for at least seven days. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Kit for a complete disaster supply kit checklist. The 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays will take place Saturday, June 1 through Friday, June 15, and Saturday, August 24 through Friday, September 6.
 
Eligible items include:
  • Flashlights, lanterns and pet beds costing $40 or less;
  • Batteries and weather radios costing $50 or less;
  • Coolers costing $60 or less;
  • Tarps costing $100 or less; and
  • Generators costing $3,000 or less.
A full list of tax-free items is available at FloridaRevenue.com/DisasterPrep.

Summertime reading suggestions: Part 2

Book covers of You Dream of Empires and Harlem ShuffleAttention Ospreys! Here are more summer reading recommendations from Thomas G. Carpenter Library’s faculty and staff to check out and enjoy.
The Carpenter Library is open this summer for all your browsing and research needs!
 
Article submitted by Maria Atilano, Student Engagement Librarian

Staff Spotlight: Jon Askins

headshot of Jon Askins
Jon Askins is a law enforcement liaison (LEL) with the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM) at the University of North Florida and holds a B.A. from Columbia College. He retired as a captain from the Winter Park Police Department after more than 25 years, utilizing a data-driven approach to address crime and traffic issues and representing the agency on the Winter Park Pedestrian and Bike Board. Jon has trained law enforcement nationwide with the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training, helped develop Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety training programs and served as an instructor for IPTM. He is certified as a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Practitioner and has instructed for the Florida Attorney General’s Crime Prevention Training Institute. With over three decades in public safety, Jon is currently the District 5 Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL) for the Florida Law Enforcement Liaison Program, promoting traffic safety enforcement campaigns across Central Florida and serving on the Florida Impaired Driving and Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Coalitions.
 
What were your career aspirations growing up?
To help people and create a safer community where I lived.
 
What was your first job?
I volunteered during summers as a helper on a Red Cross Bus.
 
How did you learn about the opportunity to work at UNF and why did you choose to work here?
While collaborating with IPTM staff on traffic safety projects, I found an opportunity to become a full-time team member. By joining the IPTM team, I was able to continue promoting traffic safety and working to save lives on our roadways.
 
In your current role at UNF, what are your specific duties?
The LEL's job is to partner with law enforcement agencies to promote and increase participation in state and national traffic enforcement waves and mobilizations. We promote the annual Florida Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Challenge to increase awareness and participation in traffic safety-related efforts.
 
What do you enjoy most about working at UNF?
Freedom to find creative ways to help others succeed in their endeavors.
 
Do you have a favorite spot on campus? If so, why is it your favorite?
The deck behind IPTM. It is peaceful and lets you be a witness to nature as it surrounds you.
 
What is one memory you treasure?
Working with the Space Force to promote occupant protection (seatbelt use) on base.
 
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Visit Italy and sample the fruits of the vineyards.
 
Who/what inspires you to be your best?
My Lord and Savior.
 
What do you like to do for fun?
Fishing, working on old cars and fabrication.
 
What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I am proud of my heritage as a Pacific Islander.

Simple and cool recipes to beat the summer heat

Chocolate covered strawberryIn the hot summer months to come, enjoying a cool treat with family and friends will surely help you relax. Check out the following easy recipes to stay cool in the Florida heat.
 
Strawberry-Chocolate Yogurt Bark
Ingredients: 
  • 3 cups plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt 
  • 1/4c pure maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ c sliced strawberries or any berry you like
  • ¼ c mini dark chocolate chips
 
Directions: 
  • Mix yogurt with maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla extract. Spread onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. 
  • Scatter strawberries (or any berry) and chocolate chips
  • Freeze for at least 3 hours or until firm
  • Cut or break into pieces
 
Fruit bowl with fresh fruitsPineapple Mango Nice Cream
Ingredients: 
  • 1 16 oz package of frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1 c frozen mango chunks or about 1 large mango peeled and chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
 
Directions:
  • Add all ingredients to a high-quality blender or food processor
  • Blend until smooth (if using all frozen fruit, you may need to add up to 1/4c water)
  • Serve immediately
 
Recipes provided by Sierra James, UNF campus dietician

Hicks Honors graduate looks ahead to the future

By Byron E. Jones
 
Alexandria Crotts sitting at a desk in front of a computer"A lifetime learner" is how recent University of North Florida graduate Alexanderia Crotts describes her thirst for knowledge. She says this mindset was influenced by her family. 
 
“My family cultivated a love of learning for me growing up,” said Crotts.
 
Her curiosity led the Green Cove Springs native to double major in transportation and logistics (T&L) and economics, while also declaring double minors in leadership and digital marketing and analytics. 
 
A member of the Hicks Honors College, Crotts embodies the characteristics their students are known for — a high intellectual ability, a strong work ethic and a desire to get the most out of the college experience, both academically and socially. 
 
Crotts, who graduated in May, was involved in several organizations and clubs including serving two years in Student Government as a senator and director of the Osprey Involvement Center, participated in several internships and studied abroad in Belgium and Germany during the spring 2023 semester. 
 
She served as president of the UNF Transportation and Logistics Society (TLS), a student-led organization that creates a relationship network for all UNF students interested in the transportation and logistics industry.  Through her leadership and volunteer efforts, Crotts was named the 2022-2023 Propeller Club Student Port Member of the Year. She was also president of the Presidential Envoys — student leaders who serve as ambassadors to the Alumni Association and the Office of the President. 

Journey to UNF and choosing a major 
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) student at Ridgeview High School in Orange Park, Crotts first became interested in pursuing a career in agriculture or the food supply chain. However, during her senior year, a career aptitude test pointed her towards a career in the supply chain industry, and the Florida Bright Futures scholarship recipient decided to major in Transportation and Logistics at UNF and later applied to the Hicks Honors College.  

Learning about T&L 
Toward the end of her freshman year, she interned with Magellan Transport Logistics to gain firsthand experience about T&L. During her sophomore, she took a class taught by Dr. Terry Allen, adjunct professor of marketing and logistics, that helped solidify she was on the right career path. 
 
Allen said Crotts’ work ethic was apparent early on and that she has an inherent passion to learn and excel in whatever environment she encounters. 
 
“I've been impressed by her ability to successfully manage multiple priorities of a significant course load, her duties as president of the TLS, her internships and her other endeavors,” Allen said. 
 
Through positive experiences in the T&L program, Crotts chose to double major in economics as a way to open have more opportunities. At the suggestion of Hicks Honors College faculty, she began taking leadership courses — eventually declaring a double minor in leadership and digital marketing and analytics.
 
Alexandria Crotts HeadshotInternships and Jobs
Throughout her UNF journey, Crotts landed several more internships. In addition to Magellan, she interned with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program and Crowley Maritime, before accepting a part-time position with the company. In summer 2023, she interned at Southeastern Grocers, and most recently enjoyed an internship at Bacardi during the spring semester.  
 
Alejandro Urdapilleta Sanchez, Bacardi’s Supply and Production Planning Manager, who served as Crotts’s internship manager, said she showed great commitment and responsibility with her assigned tasks. 
 
“It has been an incredible experience having the opportunity to mentor Alexanderia,” he said. “I’ve been able to share my knowledge and experience while learning from a fresh approach.” 
 
Crotts also worked as a teaching assistant in the Hicks Honors College and a student researcher for the UNF Institute of Environmental Research and Education’s Environmental Leadership Program (ELP), where she worked with MyGreenDoctor, a free program aimed at helping offices and clinics improve their energy use, where she helped to develop an online procurement platform for health care offices. 
 
What’s next? 
While she's still weighing several options and hasn't made any definitive decisions yet, the avid reader declares her thirst for knowledge will continue. 
 
“I plan to continue to learn regardless of where I land — it doesn’t stop here.”

UNF students study abroad

UNF students and faculty in ItalyCiao, Bonjour, Hola, Hallo, Zdravo, Szia, Annyeonghaseyo!
There’s no better way to learn about a country — its people, language, architecture, culture and history, than visiting it!
 
UNF students from various colleges and majors, along with a few faculty — are studying all over the world this summer.
 
• College of Education and Human Services and the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction: Students and faculty participated in a interdisciplinary study abroad experience in Italy, touring iconic landmarks, medieval castles, the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and more. The collaborative projects included visits at a local engineering school and engaging in a spectrum of interdisciplinary activities related to STEM learning and accessibility.
 
Ozzie sitting outside of a villa• Coggin College of Business: There are 95 students across all majors studying abroad this summer in nine different countries from Italy and France, to Spain, Germany, Croatia, Hungary, Argentina and South Korea. Activities range from weekend excursions to the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace and an Irish sheep farm, to a guest lecture by the European Commission in Germany, a case study on MERCOSUR in Argentina, and a business visit to the integrated logistics service system Interporto Quadrante Europa in Italy.
 
UNF faculty Dr. Paul Fadil, Dr. Courtney Azzari and Professor Doug Titus, accompanied 28 students studying comparative management and marketing in Ireland. 
 
• Brooks College of Health: 49 nursing students studied abroad in Austria in early May
17 nutrition students studied in Italy.
 
BCH and COAS students traveled to Indonesia to study at the Bali Institute to study wellness and culture.
  
UNF students and faculty standing in front of a castle• College of Arts and Sciences: 28 students representing various majors studied in Finland, Latvia and Estonia in early May. 
 
Nine students traveled to France to study French at the Institute de Tours
 
21 students are studying art history in Italy
 
12 students are studying Spanish in Spain
 
13 students are studying graphic design and digital media in Ireland
 
20 College of Arts and Sciences and College of Education and Human Services are studying psychology and social work in England
 
22 Hicks Honors College students are in the Netherlands/Denmark
 
3 Digital Humanities Institute students are studying in Spain

Inside News Roundup

Week of Welcome (WOW) Tabling and Event Request
The Office of Student Life is hosting its annual Summer B Kickoff Cookout on Monday, June 24, from noon to 2 p.m. in Osprey Plaza. The annual Welcome to College Block Party will be held on Sunday, Aug. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Share information about your department, club or organization and services provided by tabling at either event. If interested, please fill out this form to reserve a table or to add events to the calendar of events for Summer B Kickoff, held from Monday, June 24 to Friday, June 28, and WOW, which will be from Friday, Aug. 16 to Friday, Aug. 23.
 
Virtual Health and Vitality Opportunity
Calling all faculty, staff and students, please join Student Health Services for an upcoming Virtual Health & Vitality 30-minute Lunch-Time Chat. Chief Medical Director Dr. Vanessa Riegert-Johnson will be discussing preventative care for all ages. There will be a 15–20-minute presentation, followed by a Q&A. Please register today and a Zoom link will be sent to your UNF email on Wednesday, June 26. You will have a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card at the end of the presentation.  
 
Campus Emergency Communications
A contractor working for Physical Facilities will be conducting a campus-wide emergency radio signal survey within buildings from now until Friday, June 28. The technician will be accompanied by a Physical Facilities staff member.
 
American Flag flying on UNF campusUpcoming Holidays
This year the Independence Day holiday falls on a Thursday. The president has designated Friday, July 5, as an additional day off for faculty and staff. Essential employees who may have to work that day should reach out to their supervisor or HR for further direction. This day is in addition to the regularly scheduled University holidays, including upcoming Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19. View the full 2024 Holiday Schedule.
 
UPS Store Summer Hours
The UPS Store on campus will begin summer operating hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, until Monday, Aug. 5.
 
UNF Dining Hours for Summer A - May 13 to June 24
For Summer A, the dining locations on campus operating hours are as follows:
  • Osprey Cafe - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday
  • The Market at Alumni Square - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Thursday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays
  • Starbucks - 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays
  • Chick-Fil-A - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Fridays
  • Einstein’s Bagels - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday to Thursday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays
  • Jamba Juice - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Thursday
  • Ozzie’s (Fountains) - 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Sunday
Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award for faculty nominations open
The Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award honors current or former academic faculty who inspired a former student “to create an organization which has demonstrably conferred a benefit on the community at large” or inspired a former student “to establish on a lasting basis a concept, procedure, or movement of comparable benefit to the community at large.” Since 2010, the Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award has distributed more than $3.5 million to 140 professors nationwide. For more information, visit the Beckman Award website. Nominations are due by Saturday, June 15. 
 
Undergraduate Studies Changes Name to Student Success
Reflecting a fundamental priority in the University’s Strategic Plan, Undergraduate Studies will be renamed and become Student Success effective Monday, June 10. Along with the name change, the Undergraduate Studies website will be moved to the new Student Success website. Please check your department's website and documents for any links to the Undergraduate Studies website as the links will change on Monday, June 10.
 
Dean of Students Office Relocation
The Dean of Students Office is relocating from its current location in Building 57 to Building 2, Suite 1400/1500, effective Monday, June 10. Please utilize the referral forms on the Dean of Students website, submit an email at deanofstudents@unf.edu or call the office to connect with a member of the team.
 
Move-In Volunteers Needed for Summer B and Fall 2024
The Department of Housing and Residence Life invites UNF departments and student organizations to volunteer to welcome new students. Please identify a volunteer lead from the department or organization to complete the sign-up form. The deadline to sign up for Summer B Movers and Groovers is Wednesday, June 12, and August Movers and Groovers is Friday, July 26.

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey Fountain on UNF campusBrooks College of Health
Dr. Sericea Stallings-Smith, associate professor of public health and Mariel German (MPH student), presented “Viral Motivation: Analyzing Engagement Drivers in Tweets about Exercise in the COVID-19 Era” at the American Academy of Health Behavior conference in Savannah, Georgia, April 2024.
 
Center for Instruction and Ressearch Technology (CIRT)
Sarah Moukhliss, STEM online learning librarian, presented “Improving and Promoting Library Guides as OER Resources” at the Florida OER 2024 Summit Innovations and Trends.
 
College of Arts and Sciences
Chemistry
Dr. Eirin Sullivan, assistant professor, Inorganic and Materials published “Evaluating the Leishmania Tarentolae Response to Inorganic Strontium-based Oxyfluorides.” May 2024.
 
Political Science and Public Administration
Dr. Natasha Christie, associate dean for student learning and associate professor of political science, published a book chapter titled, “Organisational Integrity and Accountability” in Research Handbook on Organisational Integrity, April 2024.
 
Dr. Josh Gellers, professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, published “Not Ecological Enough: A Commentary on an Eco-Relational Approach in Robot Ethics” in Philosophy & Technology, as well as an article, “Contentment in the Age of Technology: A Case for Cautious Optimism,” in the Japanese Buddhism Magazine, Dharma World, and coauthored an article “Re-Imagining Intelligent Machines in an Anthropocentric–Ecocentric Continuum: The Case for Ecocentric Intelligent Machines” in the Journal of Industrial Information Integration, May 2024.  
 
Dr. Josh Gellers served as a panelist at the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville’s Leading-Edge Dialogue on AI and the Global Job Market (April).
 
Psychology
Steven Montesinos, adjunct professor, Dr. Rakesh Maurya, assistant professor, Dr. Mikhail Bogomaz, conducted research during the summer of 2023 on the usefulness of Chat GPT in providing psychoeducation on mental health issues. Their research was published in the Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy Research in April 2024.
 
Dr. Katherine Hooper, associate instructor, presented at the UNF Biomedical Sciences Research in Progress seminar in April, on “Studying Emotional and Cognitive Processing with Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.”
 
Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work
Dr. David Jaffee, professor of sociology, presented on two panels at the Southern Sociology Society annual meeting in New Orleans in April: “Unpacking the Myriad Challenges of the Housing Crisis,” where Dr. Jaffee presented his paper “The corporate landlord invasion and the rental housing crisis: The case of Jacksonville Florida,” and presented “Activist public sociology informing the rental housing crisis in Jacksonville, Florida.”
 
Rachel Mullins, instructor of social work, participated as a panelist at a campus event by the Psy Chi Club (Psychology Club and Psy Chi Discussion Panel) about careers in mental health. She was representing social work as a Master's career path for psychology graduates along with some other professors from the Psychology Department.
 
Dr. Jessica Chandras, Dr. Rosa De Jorio and Dr. Jonathan Grant, presented their poster, “Zora in Jacksonville: Zora Neale Hurston’s Legacy in Northeast Florida,” at the STARS 15th Scholars Transforming Academic Research Symposium (STARS) at UNF in April.
 
Dr. Jessica Chandras, along with students Bailey Gressett, Saraha Shiell and Ann Bordin, presented a poster, “Who is Florida Man?: Perceptions of Identity through Language and Media in Florida,,” at the DHI Spring Showcase at UNF in April.
 
Dr. Jessica Chandras presented her poster, “Empowerment and Resilience: Exploring Linguistic Marginalization, Resistance, and Educational Assimilation among a Denotified Tribe in Rural India,” at the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in April.
 
Dr. Jennifer Spaulding-Givens, associate professor of spcial work and department chair, and Dr. Paul Clark, associate professor emeritus, presented a poster, “Exploring the Impact of Social Work Field Education on Community Partners” at the Compact24 Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado.
 
College of Education and Human Services 
Dr. Jeania Jones, instructor of elementary education, spoke to students at Annie R. Morgan Elementary School in Jacksonville, during their Career Day on May 20.

Free Things to Do

RICHARD “DICKIE” LANDRY, Einstein on the beach, Knee II, 1976. Gelatin silver print. © Richard “Dickie” Landry. Used by permission.A Walk on the Wild Side
Exhibit on view now through July 7, MOCA Jacksonville
Comprised of nearly 700 objects in all media, The Norman Fisher Collection is one of MOCA's most significant holdings. It was donated to the museum in 1979 by the family of Jacksonville native Norman E. Fisher. Learn more about this expansive exhibition. (RICHARD “DICKIE” LANDRY, Einstein on the beach, Knee II, 1976. Gelatin silver print. © Richard “Dickie” Landry. Used by permission.)
 

Project Atrium: Frank Stella "Jacksonville Stacked Stars"
Exhibit on view now through Aug. 18, MOCA Jacksonville
Renowned artist Frank Stella, who recently passed away, returned to MOCA Jacksonville with his latest installation, Jacksonville Stacked Stars for Project Atrium, a site-specific commission to celebrate the museum's 100th anniversary. In addition, Frank Stella Unbound, is also on exhibit. Learn more about MOCA's latest exciting exhibition.

Women looking at Bamboo on the UNF campusBotanical Life, Art and Culture Garden Tour
Saturday, June 8, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Thomas G. Carpenter Library
Explore the lush gardens and admire the stunning flora and fauna throughout UNF's campus. Marvel at the intricate sculptures and art installations that are nestled within the gardens, and learn about the cultural significance of each piece. Learn more about the campus garden tours.
 
Spin Class
Tuesday, June 11, 6:30 - 7:25 p.m., Student Wellness Complex
Spin provides the perfect environment to push your cardio limits. Bring a towel, water and get ready to sweat. The Student Wellness Complex offers a wide variety of group fitness classes to meet all fitness levels and interests. If you enjoy the group atmosphere, there is a class waiting for you. Classes are free to UNF students, full-time faculty and staff, and Student Wellness Complex members. Learn more about taking a spin class or another group fitness class at the Student Wellness Complex.
 
Woman sitting down writing in a notebookClarifying Medicare
Tuesday, June 11, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Adam W. Herbert University Center
Get a broad overview of Medicare, how it works, when to enroll and the available options. Examine the differences between Medicare Advantage Plans and supplements. Learn more and register for this free class.
 
Animal-Assisted Services Information Session
Wednesday, June 12, noon - 12:30 p.m., Virtual
If you are interested in learning more about the Animal-Assisted Services certification class, register for one of the upcoming information sessions to see how we can help you get certified. Learn more and register for this information session.
 
CIRT Event: Ally Canvas Accessibility Tool
Monday, June 17, noon - 1 p.m., Virtual
This workshop allows instructors to learn how to use Ally to their advantage, improve accessibility scores and convert uploaded content to more accessible formats. No prior knowledge is needed. Learn more and register for this virtual learning session.
 
Here Comes Tomorrow: Cinema of the Last Century presents News from Home (1976)
Wednesday, June 19, 6:30 - 9 p.m., MOCA Jacksonville
MOCA Jacksonville celebrates the conclusion of "A Walk of the Wild Side: '70s New York in the Norman E. Fisher Collection" with Chantal Akerman’s unforgettable time capsule of New York City in the 1970s. Learn more about this cinematic feature.
 
Rest and Relax in the VLC
Tuesday, June 25, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Thomas G. Carpenter Library (Third Floor)
Rest and Relax in the VLC is an opportunity to practice mindfulness and destress in Virtual Reality. We have five VR experiences downloaded and cued for you to try: The Marvelous Machine, Mindfulness VR, Breathe Peace World, Meditation VR and Dances with Butterflies. No appointment is needed! Just stop by and be mindful. Learn more about Rest and Relax in the VLC.

Swoop Summary

ASUN Presidents CupNorth Florida Athletics Wins ASUN Academic Trophy
For the first time in program history, North Florida Athletics was awarded the Atlantic Sun Conference's Presidents' Academic Cup, announced recently during the league's annual accomplishments and honors ceremony. Learn more about this first-time honor for the Athletics Department.
 
Benning Earns 643 Charts All-American Second-Team Selection
North Florida softball's Allison Benning picks up another postseason accolade earning a utility/pitcher selection to the Division I Softball All-Americans by WAR - Second Team as announced by 6-4-3 Charts. Benning is the first Osprey in Division I program history to receive an All-American selection. Learn more about Benning's All-American Second Team selection.
 
UNF golfer Nick GabrelcikNick Gabrelcik Secures Korn Ferry Tour Card
North Florida men's golf senior Nick Gabrelcik secured a fully exempt Korn Ferry Tour membership for the remainder of the year, after finishing fifth in the final PGA TOUR University rankings for the class of 2024. Learn more about Galbrelcik's latest accomplishment.
 
Softball Garners Five Selections to CSC Academic All-District Team
North Florida softball announces the selections of Allison Benning, Shannon Glover, Halle Arends, Hadlee Reichert and Madisyn Federico to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, as announced by the national organization on Tuesday afternoon. The Ospreys earned five selections for the first time in program history, which more than doubles their mark of CSC academic awards since 2013. Learn more about the CSC Academic All-District honor.
 
Women's Basketball Finalizes '24 Signing Class
North Florida women's basketball releases its remaining signees to its 2024 signing class, as announced by head coach Erika Lambert. The class is rounded out with five transfer players and two freshmen signees to make up for seven of the nine total newcomers this upcoming season. Learn more about the newcomers joining North Florida Women's Basketball.