The Beacon
NAVIGATOR
VOLUME
SPECIAL
POINTS OF
INTEREST:
II,
ISSUE
4
M A Y
3 1 ,
2 0 1 2
Know Your World and Its Struggles. Chart Your Course and Succeed.
Gain. Learn. Grow.
A Presidential Note:
• New Majors
• Fall Student
Scholarships
The Role of the Trustees
• Peer Mentoring
Program for Fall
• Life Coaching
Arrives at
Beacon
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE:
Message from
the Board
2
Graduate
Success Story
3
Graduation
2012
4-5
Meet Jennifer
Johnson
6
Shimmer Gala
8-9
Beacon
Students Shine
11
First Student
Job Fair
12
New Beacon
College Logo
14
From time-to-time I am
asked to explain the role
of a college board of
trustees. Just the other
day,
someone
on
campus asked this of me
again so I thought it
might be helpful to
provide a brief tutorial
for
the
campus
community.
American
colleges
have
been
under the governance of
lay boards since the
founding of Harvard in
1636. This governance
structure is unique in
the world. While some
other countries have
adopted lay governance,
many operate with a
ministry
of
higher
education,
which
provides oversight of
collegiate activities and
programs. Despite all of
the
criticism
of
education in the United
States, our institutions
of higher learning are
still the envy of the
world, and we continue
to draw students from
other
countries
in
significant numbers.
I
believe part of the
strength of American
higher education is its
reliance on lay governing
boards.
When I say governance, I
mean that the board
provides
the
broad
mission
and
policy
oversight
for
the
institution.
This, of
course, is different than
management, which is
the purview of the
president and senior
officers.
Perhaps an
example will illustrate
the distinction between
governance
and
management. A board
might decide that the
college should expand its
curricular offerings. This
is a governance decision
and very much within
the purview of the
board. However, it falls
to
the
campus
administration
to
determine
precisely
which majors should be
offered, how they are to
be structured, how they
are to be funded, and
who will be responsible
for
their
oversight.
These are management
decisions. Of course,
the board has the right
to review what the
college
administration
has developed with
respect to curricular
expansion and pass
judgment
on
its
acceptability.
As
another example, the
board might establish a
financial policy whereby
the institution is to
achieve a 5% surplus at
year end. Precisely how
that surplus is to be
achieved, however, rests
Continued on page 11
PAGE
2
The End of an Historic Year of Transition
As the Academic Year of 2011-2012 comes to a close, the Board of Trustees wishes to
extend to each of you our heartfelt appreciation for your diligent and extraordinary
efforts to see Beacon College through a major period of transition. Whether you
served at the administrative level, performed as a faculty member, provided library
services, secretarial or administrative support, counseling, coaching, mentoring, support
services of all types, culinary, custodial or volunteer services, you made this concluding
year one to be applauded.
Much was hoped for and expected when you were asked to remain committed to the
mission of Beacon College; this during a transitional period in the leadership of the
College. The Board, together with Interim President John Hutchinson, hoped for your
support and continued dedication. You stepped up and now 16 months later, you are
to be credited with the positive changes now being witnessed.
Eileen Marinakis
Board Chair
New Major is
Approved!
Beacon College was
notified on Friday,
May 25 that our
fourth
major,
Psychology, has been
approved by the
Southern Association
of Colleges and
Schools Commission
on Colleges.
Dr.
Rick Perrone will
chair the new Human
Services
&
P s y c h o l o g y
Department in the
fall. Watch for our
new
p s yc h o l o g y
classes, “Introduction
to Research Design”
and
“Cognitive
Neuroscience,” that
will be offered in the
fall.
THE
BEACON
Beacon College is on the cusp of major advancement. Plans for facilities expansion are
underway. A much enlarged student body is anticipated over the next few years.
Several of you became active, participatory members of Board Committees. A major
revamping of the Admissions Department has been undertaken. Three new majors and
a minor have been approved by the Board since September 2011. A Board policy on
Emeritus Awards is under development. The list could go on, but at the heart of these
advances are you and your colleagues, without whom none of these advances would
have been possible. The Board of Trustees planned the changes, but it was you who
made them an actuality.
On behalf of the full Board of Trustees, I thank you for your service and wish you a
restful and refreshing summer. 2012-2013 promises to be another exciting year in the
transition of Beacon College. We believe that the best is yet to come.
Eileen Marinakis
Chair, Board of Trustees
Board Engages in Successful Spring Meeting
The
Beacon
College
Board of Trustees held its
spring meeting on May 4,
2012.
Two significant
motions were passed
including approval of an
Art major as well as
authorization
of
the
institutional budget for the
upcoming
academic
year. The Board also
continues to revise and
fine-tune the long-range
planning strategy for the
College in anticipation of
solidifying a final version
NAVIGATOR
for
implementation
beginning
the
fall
semester.
Ms. Marinakis, Board
Chair, announced the
names of those who will
serve on the Presidential
Search Committee as the
College begins to
anticipate the change in
leadership for summer
2013.
The Board
approved the selection of
Myers McRae as the
search firm in this effort.
President Hutchinson
reviewed his successful
progress in meeting the
Expectations of the Interim
President, which are
guidelines established by
the Board during his
transitional term. Many
discussions also centered
on ideas for improving
and expanding campus
facilities. All in all, it
proved to be a very
productive meeting!
VOLUME
II,
ISSUE
4
PAGE
3
Graduate Success Story: William Oppenheimer
Contributed by Kelly Rogers, Transition Coach
William Oppenheimer is a
December 2011 Beacon
Computer
Information
Systems’ graduate, and a
pre- and post-graduate
intern
for
Beacon
College’s IT Department.
In the fall of 2011, we met
to discuss his career goals
and to formulate a plan to
help him overcome any
barriers in line with
attaining those goals. I
was very impressed with
William from the moment
I met with him, as it was
clear that he was willing
to do whatever it took to
create a professional
image and to obtain the
training necessary to
become
a
successful
competitor in today’s
employment market.
I
watched in awe as
William
transformed
himself from a simple
college student with a
dream, to a career-driven
professional, soaking up
every learning opportunity
placed before him. He has
worked alongside Scott C.
Hughes,
Beacon’s
Director of Information
Technology, throughout
the fall 2011 term, and
was
offered
the
opportunity to continue
into the 2012 spring and
summer terms. William
has
served
Beacon
students, faculty and staff
by
providing
quality
computer installation and
preventative maintenance
and ongoing IT support.
He also programmed and
deployed CISCO 3750
IDF
switches
to
accommodate
Beacon’s
growth, and he even
Studio Art Major
A new Studio Art major
was approved by the
Board of Trustees on May
4. The major will place a
high level of importance
on studio work and
creative research. Some
of the new classes that will
be developed, as soon as
SACS-COC approval is
obtained,
include
Fundamentals of 2-D and
Since beginning
his Beacon
internship,
William has
grown immensely
in knowledge, skill
and ability and
shows great
promise for a
successful career
in Computer
Technology.
taught basic computer
skills to Leesburg Public
Library patrons. William
is now a candidate for an
internship with the City of
Leesburg’s IT Department.
We are extremely proud
of him and are eager to
see where his next
opportunity will take him.
Contributed by Shelly Chandler, VP for Academic Affairs
Color, 3-D Fundamentals,
Survey of Art History I
and II, Ceramics II & III,
Painting II & III, Drawing II
& III, and Sculpture II & III.
The
major
can
be
completed
with
a
concentration in Business
Management to prepare
students for careers as
entrepreneurs or free-
lance artists or
with
a
concentration in
Web & Digital
Media.
Russ
Bellamy and Van
Galyon did a great
job
on
the
creation of the
major, and we all look
forward to the growth of
the Studio Art major.
PAGE
4
Dr. Alexa Posny
delivers her
Commencement
speech
Board Chair Eileen
Marinakis and Dr.
Alexa Posny
THE
A Day to Remember: Commencement 2012
May 5, 2012 was a day of
celebration for 25
students who attended
their
graduation
ceremony.
(An
additional eight degrees
were awarded to Beacon
students who were not
present at the event.)
President Huchinson
remarked in his address
that it was “a day filled
with pride (and
relief)
for
parents
and
families whose
love
and
support
have
sustained these
s t u d e n t s
through
the
course of their
studies.”
After
recognizing the students’
parents along with the
College’s administration,
faculty, and staff for
helping these students
reach their important
educational goals, he
drew attention to the 11
seated members of the
Board of Trustees on
stage.
BEACON
NAVIGATOR
Next, he introduced Dr.
Alexa Posny, Assistant
Secretary for Special
Education
and
Rehabilitative Services at
the U.S. Department of
Education.
In this
position, Dr. Posny plays a
pivotal role in policy and
management
issues
affecting special education
and rehabilitative services.
She directs, coordinates
and recommends policy
for programs designed to
assist state and local
education agencies with
improving the achievement
of students with disabilities
ages birth through 21, as
well as adults transitioning
from secondary school to
higher
education,
employment or both. She
also serves as the principal
adviser to the U.S.
secretary of education on
all matters related to
special education for
individuals in pre-K,
elementary, secondary and
postsecondary schools.
Dr. Posny was
recognized
in
behalf of the
Board by Ms.
Eileen Marinakis,
Chair, as the
second recipient
of an honorary
doctorate
as
symbolized by
receipt of the
diploma and the
h o o d i n g
ceremony.
During
the
presentation
of
Departmental Honors for
the highest GPAs, Dr.
Jamie
Fleming
acknowledged Marissa
Squillante, Valedictorian,
with a 3.94 GPA in
Computer Information
Systems; Dr. Shelly
Chandler congratulated
Braden Walter for his 3.79
GPA in Human Services;
and Dr. William Nesbitt
announced Dustin Opper,
Salutatorian, with a 3.81
GPA in Liberal Studies.
The audience applauded
and cheered loudly during
the presentation of the
class and upon conferral
of their degrees.
Dr.
Walter
Zielinski
welcomed the class to the
Alumni Association. Many
happy faces were seen
marching
in
the
recessional toward an
enjoyable reception with
live music by Chris Hall.
Hooding Ceremony for Dr.
Posny’s Honorary Doctorate
PAGE
2012 Graduates
5
Associate of Arts in Computer Information Systems
Carly Brenda Eisenstein
Yael Simone Klein
Associate of Arts in Human Services
Erika Aral
William Nichols Baldwin
Kathleen E. Champ
Alexandra J. Jones
Stephanie Louise Porzel
Cum Laude
Magna Cum Laude
Summa Cum Laude
Summa Cum Laude
Dustin Opper
Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Daniel R. Huffman
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Systems
Wyndham Tyler Bidwell
Ben L. Brotherton
Andrew Phillip Mould*
Cum Laude
William S. Oppenheimer*
Magna Cum Laude
Bachelor of Arts in Human Services
Laykin Nicole Braddock
David A. Cassel
Ashley Diana Ceccarelli
Allyson Lynn Diamond
William Terrance Hallums Jr.
Jennifer Rose Johnson
Jeff Nash
Blair Elizabeth Albers Perlman
Cum Laude
Marissa Squillante
Cum Laude
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
Shawn E. Bramley
Ashley Ann Fogg*
Dustin Samuel Opper*
Jamison Josiah Plakon
Christopher Paul Stieler
*Beacon College Academic Honor Society, Psi Tau Omega
Magna Cum Laude
Summa Cum Laude
Braden Walter
PAGE
6
Board of Trustees Attend Commencement
Jonathan Cherry,
unable to attend
Commencement
due
to
a
scheduling conflict
is pictured above.
Before marching in the ceremonial processional, the Board posed for this group
photograph. Pictured left to right: John Dittmer, Bruce Vincent, Vincent
Ziccolella, Daniel Averbeck, David Knowles, Richard Williams, John C. Weiss III,
and William Somerset (standing); Nancy Judge, John Hutchinson, Eileen
Marinakis (seated).
Meet Jennifer Johnson
Contributed by Shelly Chandler, VP for Academic Affairs
Jennifer Johnson graduated on May 5 with her Bachelor of Arts degree in
Human Services. Since Jennifer enrolled at Beacon College in the fall of 2008,
she knew she wanted a job working with people. She worked extremely
hard in her Human Services and Psychology classes and also held a job at The
May Flower as a server/bus person working up to 25 hours in her last
semesters, and working 12 hours per week in the Beacon College library in
our work study program.
In the fall, Jennifer will begin her graduate studies at Rollins College in Winter
Park. She has been accepted in the Master of Arts program in Human
Resources. We are proud of Jennifer and know she will be a successful
Human Resource manager some day.
THE
BEACON
NAVIGATOR
VOLUME
II,
ISSUE
4
PAGE
7
Senior Day at Busch Gardens
Contributed by Elizabeth Day Moore, Administrative Assistant for Student Services
Each year Beacon sends
the graduating senior
students to the theme
park of their choice, giving
them the chance to enjoy
one last trip together.
This year, the choice was
unanimously
Busch
Gardens. The day started
off well with cool weather
and a relatively empty
park. Students were given
year-long passes, all-day
meal vouchers, and
complimentary “Quick
Queues” (tickets that
allow you to skip to the
front of lines).
Despite some rather
unnerving technical
difficulties,
Busch
Garden’s newest coaster,
Cheetah
Run, was the
favorite ride
of the day.
Students also
enjoyed the
park’s new
Animal Care
Center,
where they
w e r e
allowed to
watch
an
e g r e t
undergo
surgery.
A m o n g
those
in
attendance were Matt
Pagano, Eric Woods, Sean
Bramley, Elizabeth Moore,
Rachel Yellon, William
Hallums, Dave Cassel,
Christopher Stieler, Blair
Perlman, Ben Brotherton,
and Ray Ramos (pictured).
New Scholarships for Beacon College Students
Contributed by Brenda Meli, Director of Admissions
The
Beacon
College
Admissions Team has
been working hard to
create a number of named
scholarships along with an
endowment
for
scholarships. During this
academic year, the Team
has
already
raised
$63,000.
The named
scholarships include the
Goebel
Scholarship
($2,000),
the
Meli
Educator
Generations
Scholarship ($2,000), the
Deloitte
Scholarship
($1,000),
the
Linda
Siefried
Eubank
Scholarship ($1,000), the
Renee Keller Scholarship
($6,000), and the Beacon
Alumna
Scholarship
($1,000).
Ms. Renee Keller, a
retired nurse from The
Villages, also donated
$50,000 toward Beacon
College’s first endowed
scholarship fund!
Ms.
Keller’s donation will
enable Beacon College to
award scholarships to
Beacon students for years
to come.
Please be sure to check
the Financial Aid link on
the
Beacon
College
website to learn more
about
specific
requirements and how to
apply for the above listed
scholarships.
Left to right:
Matt Pagano, Eric
Woods,
SeanBramley,
Elizabeth Moore,
Rachel Yellon,
William Hallums,
Dave Cassel,
Christopher
Stieler, Blair
Perlman, Ben
Brotherton, and
Ray Ramos.
PAGE
8
2012 Shimmer Gala: Smashing Success
Contributed by Bonnie LeFoley, Director of Marketing
Beacon President
Hutchinson and his
wife Jean Ann greet
Mark Starcher and
his wife Terri
Welcoming smiles
greeted guests at
the Gala’s
Registration table
THE
Thank you to all the
Gala participants and
volunteers
who
made the 4th annual
Shimmer Gala, held
on May 18, a huge
success.
We
DOUBLED
the
amount of money
we raised in the
previous year. We
couldn’t have done it
without each and
every one of you!
BEACON
NAVIGATOR
Special thanks to all of
our Sponsors. We
celebrate Mr. Harper
and the Harper Family
C h a r i t a b l e
Foundation,
who
kicked the gala off for
the third year in a
row as the $10,000
Presenting Sponsor. A
big thanks to Mark
Starcher, Evergreen
Construction and the
Jack Webster Grigsby
Foundation who hold
the titles as our first
President’s
S h i m m e r
Scholarship
Sponsors.
Thank you to
our lovely guest
Crystal Hill of
S h i r e
Pharmaceuticals,
and dashing Bob
Blaise of Blaise,
Fiebach
and
Associates,
who
represented
our
generous Platinum
Sponsors.
We
appreciate ALL of our
sponsors and Friends
of the College so very
much.
Thanks
to
the
Volunteers!
The
volunteer students
were amazing and
stole the show. They
brought the Beacon
College mission to
Life! Staff, parent and
community volunteers
did their jobs so
masterfully. Truly.
Your dedication is
remarkable and we
The silent auction encouraged bidding for
friendly rivalries between the Gators,
Seminoles, and Beacon
2012 Shimmer Gala: Smashing Success
PAGE
9
continued from page 10
appreciate every minute
of time you spent sharing
your talents.
Everybody loved meeting
Senator Alan Hayes, our
Honorary Chair, who has
a special place for
Beacon College in his
heart.
Among the
a dd i t i o n a l
political
champions of Beacon
attending the event were
Leesburg Commissioner
and Beacon College Board of Trustee David
Knowles, Lake County Commissioner Leslie
President John Hutchinson and Honorary
Chair, Senator Alan Hayes
Campione, and past
Congressional
Representative Carey
Baker.
Alumni were special
stars of the show
including Roz Johnson,
who shared her story,
highlighting
her
Guests mingle during the Cocktail Hour
challenges and successes in a short
video. There was not a dry eye in
the house when the film ended, and
the spotlight shown on Roz.
Needless to say, the crowd roared,
and she received a standing ovation!
Enjoying dinner at Table 13
PAGE
10
Beacon Students Helping the Leesburg Community
The City of Leesburg hosted a Chalk Art Festival and seven of our students volunteered to help
by working with children attending the festival. Debi MacIntrye from the Safe Climate Coalition
stated that our students, “…did a fantastic job, especially a young art student, Chuck Novak, who
spent the entire day helping with kids.” Recognition also goes to Michelle Underwood, Alicia
Minirth, Matt Whitlock, John Paul Jackson, Diana Haddad, and Patrick Bowler for their
participation. Jenenne Valentino-Bottaro recruited and coordinated the student volunteers.
Inaugural Senior Luncheon
Contributed by Shelly Chandler, VP for Academic Affairs
The Chopping Block was the site of the inaugural senior luncheon on April 19.
Twenty seniors were honored for their hard work at Beacon College, and
were congratulated by President Hutchinson, and faculty and staff members.
Ashley Fogg and Braden Walter were initiated into PSI TAU
OMEGA, the Beacon College Academic Honor Society, which
requires a grade point average of 3.55, nomination by a faculty
member, and majority vote of the faculty (pictured on the left).
The Writing Center honored Dustin Opper and Braden
Walter as the Center’s first peer consultants, while Student
Services honored Dustin Opper, Marissa Squillante, and Braden
Walter for their roles as Residential Assistants.
Chef Aud and his staff provided culinary delights that were enjoyed by all.
Blair Perlman,
Alison Lau,
and Marissa
Squillante.
THE
BEACON
NAVIGATOR
A Presidential Note
PAGE
11
(continued from page one)
with the administration.
Boards have the following general responsibilities within the realm of governance.
exhaustive list:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
This is not an
Establish the institutional mission.
Provide for the strategic plan.
Assure the financial health of the institution.
Hire and evaluate the president.
Approve academic offerings.
Ensure academic quality.
Hold the institution accountable to appropriate standards and best practices.
Set broad institutional policy in all areas (academic, fiscal, plant, student services, etc.)
Defend the institution from public criticism and attack.
Participate in the raising of funds.
Inspection of this list reveals that any collegiate board has an awesome responsibility. The board is, in
the final analysis, the steward of the institution and bears virtually a sacred trust to assure the overall
health and vitality of the college or university it serves.
Beacon Students Impress at LifeStream Conference
Contributed by Jenenne Valentino-Bottaro, Human Services Instructor
The Human Services Career
Development class presented at
LifeStream Behavioral Center's
Annual Reviving Hope conference,
which was open to the public for
the first time. Meeting highlights
included a pre-conference session
on Art and Movement in
Healthcare and screening of the
award-winning documentary, Crazy
Art; and twenty concurrent sessions
showcasing various topics and
interests relating to mental health
awareness, substance abuse,
Trauma Informed Care, arts and
movement in healthcare, evidencedbased techniques and leadership
skills.
Speakers were from the community
including LifeStream Behavioral
Center; Dr. Nikolaus McFarland,
Assistant Professor, Department of
Neurology-Movement Disorders at
the Center for Translational
Research in Neurodegenerative
Disease from the University of
Florida; and Michael Freeman,
Coordinator of Education and
Training at UCF’s Wellness and
Health Promotion Services.
Among these presenters were our
very own Dr. John Hutchinson, Dr.
Shelly Chandler, Jenenne ValentinoBottaro, our Human Services
Career Development class, and Dr.
Nikki Nance as a keynote speaker.
Human Services students from the
Public and Private Agencies,
Introduction to Human Services,
and Personal Development classes
were ambassadors for the
conference assisting participants
and speakers.
Allyson
Braden
Laykin
Khiry
Diamond, Blair Perlman,
Walter, David Cassel,
Braddock, T.J. Hallums,
Washington, Jeff Nash,
Ashley Ceccarelli, Alex Walker
and Matthew Manfredini were copresenters on "More Than Words:
Counseling Individuals with
Learning Disabilities," written by
Instructor Jenenne ValentinoBottaro. Each group of students
presented hands-on activities to
assist the practitioner.
They
wowed the participants with
their knowledge, presence, and
openness about their own
experiences. These students were
given high marks in content and
for making their presentation
active and engaging.
One
participant summarized, "this was
the best presentation in the whole
two days!" Many of these students
will be graduating and leaving the
Beacon College community but
entering the community at large as
welcome colleagues!
PAGE
12
Bob Bridgeman, VP of
Student Services, and
Brett Daly, student
Inaugural Student Job Fair
Contributed by Jenenne Valentino-Bottaro, Human Services Instructor
The first Beacon College Career Experiences job fair was held in mid-April. The
Human Services Career Development class invited many agencies to attend. We
were proud to have LifeStream Behavioral Center and Webster University. The
Career Experiences job fair provided the students with an opportunity to meet
local agencies and schools as well as a space to review resumes and practice
interview skills.
Students held insightful discussions about transitioning into the workforce or
graduate school. Mike Fallon, Community Relations Coordinator from Webster
University, had the opportunity to facilitate a dialogue with students about being
authentic to self and with the interviewer along with carrying that same authenticity
to the job. Many students walked away from this conversation with a more defined
outlook into the next stage of their lives.
Caroline Le, Writing
Coordinator, and
Heather Reed, student
Yvette French, Human Relations Coordinator from LifeStream Behavioral Center,
met with students individually to discuss student positions as well as full-time
positions. Yvette shared with the students what LifeStream is looking for in a
potential employee. These discussions allowed students to reflect on their
strengths and their opportunities.
The fair, although small, was a success for the first with the hope of more ahead.
The students were engaged; the representatives were informative; and many left
with a clearer outlook whether it be internships for the younger students or job
opportunities and graduate school options for the seniors.
Student feedback
included students’ perception that they did not even think graduate school was an
option; but after meeting Mike Fallon, he helped them see that they could be
successful.
Work-Study Awards Breakfast
Contributed by Kendal Paget, Director, Career Development
Ryan Parham, student,
and Ray Ramos, Housing
Operations
THE
BEACON
The
Beacon
College
Work-Study
Program
kicked off its first annual
Appreciation and Award
Breakfast on April 25. The
breakfast honored all the
hard work and patience
demonstrated
by
Work-Study
students and their
supervisors during
the previous year.
This past year saw
several changes in
the
Work-Study
Program
which
presented challenges
NAVIGATOR
to both students and
supervisors, but their
determination
and
flexibility made it work!
In what will become a
long
tradition
of
excellence, students who
demonstrated
a
high
degree of proficiency
were recognized for their
outstanding
service.
Students receiving awards
were Ashley Fogg and
Marissa Squillante for
consistent superior work
performance over four
years; Ryan Parham and
Charles
Novak
in
appreciation
for
the
Woodward rehabilitation
project;
and Heather
Reed for her assistance in
the Writing Center. Brett
Daly won “Rookie of the
Year” for his service in
the Mac Lab. Adriyan
Scipio
received
the
“Ambassador Award” for
her friendly, out-going
personality and work
ethic. The Work-Study
Program thanks everyone
who made this past year a
success!
Center for Student Success Announces Peer
Mentoring Program to be Launched Fall 2012!
Contributed by Michele Patestides, Learning Specialist
The Center for Student
Success is pleased to
announce a new peer
mentoring program that
will be launched in the fall
2012 semester. Michele
Patestides will supervise,
educate and train the
candidates.
Students
have been nominated by
faculty and staff members
based on their GPA,
helping skills and positive
attitudes.
Students will
receive work study,
internship or volunteer
hours and gain valuable
experience,
build
leadership
and
interpersonal skills.
Students will work an
average of four hours per
week and the Center for
Student Success will
provide training. Look
for flyers in the fall with
more information about
our talented group of
peer mentors! Any
questions, suggestions
or feedback should be
sent to Michele at
mpatestides@beaconcol
lege.edu.
CITE Pearson Conference
Contributed by Jamie Fleming, Department Chair, Computer Information Systems
I was fortunate to attend the CITE Pearson learning conference in April. One of the highlights
of the conference was to sit in the front row and listen to Brain Rules: 12 Principles for
Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School by Dr. Medina. Dr. Medina, who is a
developmental molecular biologist, offered brilliant insights into how the human brain learns.
From the physical and chemical processes of the brain, Dr. Medina offered some strategies to
help make learning more effective. Dr. Medina was not only informative, but humorous using
quips like, “If I was going to design the perfect environment for a person not to learn, I would
design a classroom”. Another example of Dr. Medina’s one-liners was “if keeping one’s
attention in a lecture was a business, there would be an eighty percent failure rate”. He
explained how attention drops and that a lecture should change by telling a story or even
showing a film every ten minutes.
Dr. Medina addresses processing information through reading by saying, “Pictures beat text…
because reading is so inefficient for us.” We have to identify certain features in letters to be
able to read them. That takes time.” There should be several visuals included in the lecture
because the brain will have better recognition than text alone.
Dr. Medina exclaimed that the most relevant research relating to the brain happened only
within the last ten years. He suggests that brain scientists and educators need to have offices
by each other and do research together to create better learning strategies.
Dr. Medina touched on several other points during his rapid fire, yet entertaining presentation.
I would recommend his book to “learn more about learning.”
PAGE
13
PAGE
14
New College Logo
Pictured at the left is the
“keystone” for Beacon
College’s new marketing
campaign, our new logo!
This design was created
first as a jumping off point
for admissions promotional
material and a highly
anticipated renovated
College website!
Student Internet Access
Starting June 4, re-wiring of
the student housing in the
Village Apartments and
Woodward Street Apartments
will take place. The ultimate
goal of this work is for Beacon
College to directly provide
Internet access to the student
body instead of Comcast.
Construction Update
Contributed by John Hutchinson, President
There is good news on
this front. The College
has
secured
a
commitment
from
Wells Fargo Bank to
provide a construction
loan for the new
administration
and
classroom
building.
This has come after a
lengthy appraisal and
cash flow analysis by the
bank. The board is now
considering which of
two major financing
options would be best
for
the
institution.
Once that decision is
made, we will proceed
with dispatch to secure
the financing and begin
construction. All of the
bids
from
subcontractors
have
been locked in. The
construction manager is
prepared to proceed
with permitting once
the financing decision
has been made and the
loan secured.
It’s
coming – really it is –
but it has taken longer
than any of us ever
imagined.
No, I’ll
refrain from saying
when…but
soon.
Thanks
for
your
patience.
Welcome Danielle Reese
Danie with her son,
Jameson, at his first
birthday party
THE
Danie Reese has joined
Beacon College as
Development Director
for the Institutional
A d v a n c e m e n t
Office.
She holds a
Bachelor of Arts in
Comparative Literature
with a Minor in Spanish
and Project Manager
Certification from the
BEACON
NAVIGATOR
University
of
Washington. Prior to
arriving at Beacon, she
garnered her fundraising and event
planning skills working
with non-profits in
Seattle and Phoenix. At
Beacon, Danie is
charged
with
researching donor
prospects,
event
planning and database
management. At home,
she is the proud mother
of a busy toddler, who
also enjoys reading,
movies, and creating
handcrafted cards and
invitations.
VOLUME
1,
ISSUE
1
PAGE
15
Leesburg’s BikeFest 2012
Contributed by Elizabeth Day Moore, Administrative Assistant for Student Services
It may be hard to picture,
but the first Leesburg
Bikefest featured only four
vendors, a few local bands,
and a bunch of canned
beer. BikeFest now attracts
over 300,000 attendees
from all over the country.
This year was Bikefest’s
16th birthday, and it
certainly brought an
eclectic group to Beacon.
Students took advantage of
the event in a number of
ways. Pi Phi Psi and
Lambda Epsilon Omega
(Beacon’s sorority and
fraternity) sold Bikefest Tshirts and bottled water.
Their main event was a
dunk tank set up in front of
the Administration Building
where faculty, staff,
students, and bikers alike
were invited to dunk Dr.
John Hutchinson and his
Executive Assistant,
Tamara Snyder as well as
sorority sisters.
Beaconers weren’t the
only locals who learned to
monopolize on the chaos.
BikeFest is the Leesburg
Partnership’s biggest
fundraiser of the year, and
various local charities and
organizations also use the
event to raise money,
making it a win-win for
everyone.
Congratulations
Winner Chris
Hall - way to
lose 42 pounds!
Greetings from HR
Contributed by Kim Baggett, HR Director
A big congratulations to
everyone who completed
the
Biggest
Loser
challenge. We had a lot of
people working hard and
getting
healthy.
Congratulations to Chris
Hall
for
being
our big winner! Here are
our top five contestants:
•
•
•
•
•
Chris Hall
Kelly Rogers
Tamara Snyder
Lucretia Gabriel
Cindy Eckhart
We will be continuing our
fitness programs in the Fall
and hope that you will be
able to join us for some
Tai Chi or self defense. As
we head into the summer
break, take some time to
get outside and enjoy the
Florida sunshine. Take a
walk or swim...you will
feel better for it!
See you in August!
Financial Update from the Business Office
Contributed by Calvin Sanson, VP of Finances
Good news on next fiscal year’s budget! The Board of Trustees approved the proposed FY 2012-13
finances at the May 4th meeting. The approved budget, for the first financial year in the history of
Beacon College, will surpass the $6M mark. In total income, tuition revenues are based on 176 fulltime students and nine part-time students. The FY 2012-13 financial plan also includes the addition
of 11 full-time and three part-time faculty and staff to support the larger student population. Once
again, Beacon College is looking forward to a great year. The Board of Trustees sends to all a
special thank you for making the upcoming fiscal year another very successful one.
PAGE
16
New Beacon Initiative: Life Coaching
An Interview with Steven McDaniels, Assistant Director of Life Coaching
What is life coaching?
Life coaching involves partnering with a person, in this case a
student, to help them reach their goals. It is a solution-oriented
process. It holds an individual accountable to achieve their own
ambitions.
What does it involve?
Life coaching will allow each student to explore possibilities. The
life coach and student will create an action plan to achieve each
goal, and then the life coach will hold the student accountable to
that action plan. The student is then in the best position to
continually evaluate the effectiveness of the action plan.
What are the goals of life coaching?
Life coaching is a terrific way to focus on personal
empowerment, life management, and even being able to manage
self-limiting thoughts and other beliefs about self.
When will this program start, and who will be involved?
The plan is to implement this initiative with the beginning of the fall 2012 semester.
There will be a total of three life coaches, including myself and two new employees
that have already been hired to begin on campus in August. Watch for an article on
each new staff member in our next issue!
How will the Resident Assistants duties compare with the work of the
Life Coaches?
It is anticipated that Resident Assistants will play a greater role in responding to
situations on campus. Life Coaches will primarily focus on proactive and preventive
approaches and will still continue to remain on-call to handle any emergencies.
Why is Beacon College doing it?
This is just another effective way for the College to support each student’s personal
growth in a way that’s measurable. The life coaching model helps to reduce
conflicts, assists with time management, improves class attendance and tardiness, and
will empower students to take charge of their own responsibilities and rely less on
faculty and staff.
THE
BEACON
NAVIGATOR
VOLUME
II,
ISSUE
4
Health and
Wellness Corner
Stress Management Tips
PAGE
How to Maintain High Self-Esteem and
Confidence
•
Smile often to yourself and to others. Greet others when you
see them and ask how they are and how their day is going.
Have good posture.
•
Think positively. When a negative thought enters your mind,
stop and immediately counter it with a positive thought about
the same subject.
•
Be nice to others, and be nice to yourself. Conversely, refrain
from degrading others and yourself.
•
Face your fears and forget your failures (after learning from
them). Focus on your achievements and successes. Reward
yourself when you succeed.
•
Quit thinking about trying to be perfect. No one is, so just
accept that as it is. Don't be too competitivek and don't
compare yourself with others.
People can learn to manage stress
and lead happier, healthier lives. Here •
are some tips to help you keep stress
under control.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
17
Don't worry about what others think of you. Just be you.
Many people are self-absorbed and thinking about themselves
anyway.
Maintain a positive attitude.
• Hang out with positive and optimistic people who also have
Accept that there are events that you
high self-esteem and self-confidence. When you are around
cannot control.
negative people, try to direct your positive and optimistic
Be assertive instead of aggressive.
thoughts in their direction. Don't let them pull down your
Express your feelings, opinions or
level of self-confidence or self-esteem.
beliefs rather than becoming angry,
defensive, or passive.
Learn and practise relaxation techniques; try meditation, yoga, or tai-chi for stress management.
Exercise regularly. Your body can fight stress better when it is fit.
Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
Learn to manage your time more effectively.
Set limits appropriately and say no to requests that might create excessive stress in your life.
Make time for hobbies and interests.
Get enough rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
Don't rely on alcohol, drugs, or compulsive behaviour to reduce stress.
Look for social support. Spend plenty of time with people you love.
Seek treatment with a psychologist or other mental health professional trained in stress management or
biofeedback techniques to learn other healthy ways of dealing with the stress in your life.
PAGE
18
In the
World of Sports
Florida Regional Tennis Champ, Dr.
Rick Perrone, Heads to the Nationals
The Men's 3.5 team representing the Marion County, playing out
of the Ft. King Tennis Center in Ocala, advanced to nationals in
the Men's 3.5 division. Dr. Perrone was undefeated in 14
matches during the season and won all four of his Central Florida
Regional matches held in Daytona that propelled him to the
national championships to be held at Indian Wells in California.
While there, Rick will compete against the top players from all
over the country in the men’s 3.5 division. Good luck Rick!
Dr. Rick
Perrone,
front row
in a solid
blue shirt,
with his
team
Beacon Baseball Fanatics Show Support for
Tampa Bay Rays
Contributed by Jamie Fleming, Department Chair, Computer Information Systems
On May 19, a group of Beacon employees attended
the Tampa Bay Rays versus the Atlanta Braves
game. The group not only enjoyed the win of their
beloved Rays, but most observed their first live
Grand Slam! Other fun experiences included being
in an indoor venue, cowbells, and an obnoxious
Braves fan cheering on a pitcher that had been
already removed from the game. It was a great
experience, and the group hopes to do it again!
Pictured from left to right in first row: Ray Ramos, Jamie
Fleming, Dave Brown, Kendall Paget with his wife Chris,
Ken Sweet, William Nesbitt, and his wife Marilyn.
THE
BEACON
NAVIGATOR
VOLUME
II,
ISSUE
4
PAGE
19
Golf Outing at the Plantations
Contributed by Bob Bridgeman, VP of Student Services
On Saturday, May 26th, two
foursomes headed to the
Plantations for a day on the
green!
Hank Harvey is
pictured on the left while
James Harris swings on the
right.
Other students
included in the outing were
Jack Callahan, Matt Pagano,
Chase Richards, and
Enrique Zamora. Other
duffers included Drs. Bob
Bridgeman and Jamie
Fleming. It was a great day
of golf for all!
Current plans are to revitalize the Golf Club for the fall, so please contact Student Services if
you want to get out and swing the clubs!
Bob’s Joke Corner
“A healthy dose of humor from the Doctor”
Know Your World and Its Struggles.
Chart Your Course and Succeed.
G A I N. L E A R N. G ROW.
Why don't aliens eat clowns?
Because they taste funny!
“At Beacon College, we like to end on a positive note!”