Category: Featured

NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission Heals Hearts, Smiles

From July 17 to July 22, 2023, a remarkable event took place in St. Mary, Jamaica, as Nova Southeastern University (NSU) embarked on a transformative medical/dental mission. This interdisciplinary mission brought together professionals and students from various healthcare fields, including Medicine, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Optometry, Occupational Therapy, and a host of volunteers. Their collective efforts not only provided much-needed health-care services but also left a lasting impact on the lives of the local community.

The mission was organized by NSU in collaboration with Women of H.O.P.E., a local non-profit organization that provides healthcare and education to women and children. Its primary objective was to extend a helping hand to the underserved population in St. Mary, who faced limited access to medical and dental services. The mission’s diverse team of dedicated healthcare practitioners aimed to address a range of health issues, including dental problems that often went untreated.

The dental component of the mission was particularly remarkable. Three experienced dentists, along with 12 talented dental students, came together to deliver vital dental care to those in need. Over the course of the mission, these compassionate professionals provided dental services to an impressive 275 patients, ranging from cleanings to more complex procedures like fillings and extractions.

What made the NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission even more exceptional was the generosity of the team and their supporters. With more $175,000 in donated services, this mission truly exemplified the power of altruism and the positive impact it can have on underserved communities. The donated services not only alleviated immediate health concerns but also contributed to the patient’s overall well-being and quality of life.

Apart from providing hands-on care, the medical and dental teams also conducted informative presentations on various health-related topics. These presentations covered crucial aspects of oral and general health, including preventive measures, hygiene practices, and the importance of early detection and treatment. The mission aimed to create a sustainable impact by educating the community, and empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.

The NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission was about more than just medical and dental treatments; it was a mission of healing hearts and smiles. The warmth and compassion exhibited by the team left a lasting impression on the patients they served. Beyond the physical healing, the mission also fostered emotional and psychological healing, reminding the community that they were not forgotten and that they mattered.

The impact of this interdisciplinary mission extended far beyond the week it took place. The team not only treated patients but also formed valuable connections with the local healthcare providers and organizations. Collaborative efforts like these can create a lasting change in healthcare infrastructure and access in underserved areas.

The success of the NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission 2023 was a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and the spirit of giving back. By coming together, these professionals and students were able to make a tangible difference in the lives of hundreds of individuals, leaving a legacy of care and compassion that will be cherished by the community for years to come.

The NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission 2023 was a remarkable endeavor that showcased the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. Through the efforts of Medical, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, students, and volunteers, the mission delivered critical services, educational support, and compassion to the people of St. Mary, Jamaica. It was a shining example of how healthcare can be a force for good, transcending borders and bringing healing to the hearts and smiles of those in need.”

Posted 07/30/23

Arreva/NSU Philanthropic Summit Draws Notable National, Local Speakers

On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, Arreva and Nova Southeastern University presented the “Driven by Cause Philanthropic Summit” at the Alan B. Levan I NSU Broward Center of Innovation on NSU’s Davie Campus. This year’s inaugural summit marked the first of many to come, and featured renowned national and local speakers, executive directors, funders, sports foundations, and educators.

David Blyer, president and CEO of Arreva and NSU alum, and Dean Andrew Rosman of NSU’s H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship (HCBE) were the main hosts of the all-day event.

Among the speakers were Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Broward; Soraya Rivera-Moya, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House of South Florida; Adam Williams, Ph.D., associate professor of Public Administration at HCBE; Kuang-Ting Tai, Ph.D., assistant professor of Public Administration at HCBE; Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator; Steve Higgins, president and CEO of Carter; and Nathan Chappell, co-author of “The Generosity Crisis.” There was also a roundtable panel conversation featuring Javier Sanchez, executive director for Miami Dolphins Challenge Cancer, and Sarah Martin, senior director of the Miami Marlins Youth Academy & Foundation Programs.

Among the many subjects discussed were the importance of community foundations, donation decision-making, leveraging trust as a nonprofit, charity vs. philanthropy, and how AI will change the future of generosity in our world.

Posted 07/17/23

Davie Police, Fire Perform Emergency Drill at USchool

Sgt. Kelvin Urbaez, the Public Information Officer with the Community Policing Unit & NSU Campus Policing Unit for the Davie Police Department

On Friday, June 23, 2023, regional emergency responders performed a special mass casualty training exercise from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Nova Southeastern University’s University School.

Participants in the exercise were NSU Public Safety and staff, Davie Police Department, Davie Fire Rescue, the Town of Davie Emergency Management, and the Davie Community Emergency Response Team.

“This training aims to update officers on immediate action/rapid intervention techniques and integration with fire personnel. This training will concentrate on response tactics specific to an active killer incident,” said Sgt. Kelvin Urbaez, the Public Information Officer with the Community Policing Unit & NSU Campus Policing Unit for the Davie Police Department. “Officers will be evaluated on their ability to coordinate a response, neutralize the threat, and work with fire rescue personnel to treat and evacuate the wounded. Officers will also be evaluated on their communications with Police Dispatch, NSU Public Safety, and the Command Post.”

The training drills take place year-round, but the main drill at NSU is performed annually. There were more than 35 participants in this year’s training exercise, Sgt. Urbaez said, adding that Davie Police and Fire greatly appreciate their public safety partnership with NSU.

Several of the actors in the drill were NSU faculty and staff.

Posted 07/02/23

Audiology Heads to ‘The Hill’ for Advocacy Day 2023

On May 19, 2023, 12 Doctor of Audiology students from Nova Southeastern University traveled to Capitol Hill, accompanied by three faculty members, Patricia Gaffney, Au.D., Alyssa Needleman, Ph.D., and Erica Friedland, Au.D., to advocate for the profession of audiology and raise awareness for current legislation affecting the field.

The Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) advocacy day was in coordination with the American Academy of Audiology (AAA). AAA organized 11 meetings with the offices of senators and representatives from the home states of the students. The group of students represented Florida, Minnesota, Delaware, Massachusetts, and California. Advocating on Capitol Hill was a first for eight of the students who attended this year with the remaining four also participating in an advocacy day in Tallahassee in March 2023. The NSU SAA chapter strongly believes that promoting hearing health, spreading healthcare awareness, and participating in advocacy opportunities are necessary to become more involved.

NSU SAA’s government relations chair, Tyler Sponder, coordinated with Susan Pilch, of the American Academy of Audiology’s Government Relations department, to ensure NSU would have a strong voice on the Hill. The student advocates attended meetings in groups with one student as primary, which allowed each participant to independently have a voice and bring their personal stories to the table. Ally’s Act (H.R. 477/S.41), the Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act, and the soon to be introduced Medicare Audiology Access and Improvement Act were emphasized during each meeting.

Each student had the opportunity to share how these critical issues are contributing positively and/or negatively to the audiology profession. The students expressed that this trip encouraged them to feel empowered. They stated that they will continue to advocate in the future as well as help audiology remain well-represented on Capitol Hill.

The students and faculty members would like to thank everyone involved in the planning of this trip and those who contributed to its success. The doctoral students had a great time expressing their voices for their future profession.

Posted 06/04/23

‘Tec’ Takes NSU’s Diving Program to New Depths

It would be of little surprise if Thomas “Tec” Clark was born with gills. After all, water has been his world for basically his entire life.

Tec, NSU’s Associate Director for Scuba Diving and Outdoor Recreation

Tec is the Associate Director for Scuba Diving and Outdoor Recreation at Nova Southeastern University, where he teaches and directs the NSU Academic Diving Program. He goes by “Tec” – his name’s initials – a nickname he has carried for most of his life. To meet Tec is to meet a cool operator with a calming aura. He engages with a confident charm, infectious smile, and a surfer’s swagger.

Since his arrival to NSU, Tec has continued to take its diving program to new heights. NSU’s scope of offerings and quality of instruction in its program rival any university in the nation.

As for Tec’s certifications, qualifications, and accolades? They stand for themselves.

Tec has appeared as a diving expert on A&E, The Learning Channel and The Outdoor Life Network. Tec has co-edited several diving texts and has written numerous articles for Skin Diver Magazine. He has been quoted in such publications as Rodale’s Scuba Diving, Dive Training, The Dive Report, and Aquatics International. In 2004, he was named in the Who’s Who in Aquatics. He is the founder and host of ScubaGuru.com, as well as founder and director of Reef Ministries. And the list goes on.

A young Tec

When Tec was a child, his mother taught him how to swim in his grandparents’ pool. He took to the water like a fish. When he wasn’t in school, Tec was in the pool. When his grandparents threw pool parties, he would dazzle the gatherings with his underwater breath-holding skills.

Tec’s mother was a nurse and lifeguard. She along with her parents raised him. Under mom’s wing, Tec would become a competitive swimmer. His grandfather – one of his heroes – stoked Tec’s passion for the ocean by taking him on deep-sea fishing trips, and his influence didn’t stop there.

“He taught me how to be a gentleman,” Tec says.

During his fishing trips, Tec developed a longing to dive deeper in the underwater world.

Tec gets an early introduction to swimming from his mom.

“When we would catch these beautiful fish, I would watch them die and turn colors, and that bothered me because I wanted to see them alive in their habitat,” he said. “Most often I would just stare over the side of the boat into the cobalt blue Atlantic Ocean.”

At the age of 12, Tec had the opportunity to try beach diving off Lauderdale by the Sea. It would be his first scuba dive.

“It was great, and I remember fixing my instructor’s tank underwater for him,” he said. “I guess you could say that was my first taste of being a dive professional.”

Not long after that experience, Tec became Open Water certified and then Advanced Open Water certified.

Fast forward a few years, and Tec found himself at the University of Florida enrolled in an assistant diving instructor class. From there, he became a scuba instructor at UF in 1988. He worked with the Gators’ Academic Diving Program – teaching and certifying hundreds of divers a year. Tec was in his element.

“Teaching people how to enjoy exploring the underwater world has been an absolute blessing to me for more than three decades,” he said. “Plus, I feel closer to God underwater than anywhere else on Earth.  It’s beauty, balance, colors, and peacefulness are absolutely brilliant.”

Tec left Gainesville in 1988 and headed back to South Florida taking a job as a divemaster and scuba teacher at Orbit Marine Sports in Pompano Beach. He also served as a volunteer public safety diver for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. He eventually returned to UF, getting his Bachelor of Science in Recreation and gaining professional credentials with multiple diving organizations such as the YMCA, National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). In 1990, Tec became the managing director of UF’s Academic Diving Program.

Coming to Nova Southeastern University was a mix of serendipity, curiosity, and opportunity for Tec.

“A friend asked me about when I ran the University of Florida Academic Diving Program, and after that discussion I thought to myself, ‘Here in South Florida NSU would be the perfect university for an academic diving program,’” he said.

Tec investigated and found out that NSU was teaching scuba through its Recreation Aquatics Department with Kevin McCarthy, an adviser with the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship. McCarthy was also a NAUI scuba instructor.

“Kevin had heard about the University of Florida Academic Diving Program that I managed, so he was happy to have me teach at NSU,” Tec said. “Then he turned over all training to me, and I became a contracted employee teaching scuba for aquatics.”

Tec with President Hanbury

That is when the real opportunity struck.

NSU President and CEO George L. Hanbury II became one of Tec’s students for a refresher diving course. The president was impressed. Hanbury told Tec that he learned more in his refresher course than he learned in his PADI Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses combined.

“I explained that my teaching was the strength of the academic diving program background I had at the University of Florida for 10 years, and that NSU would be the perfect university for an academic diving program,” Tec said. “Then Dr. Hanbury asked me to write a proposal, and the rest is history.”

In Fall 2012, Tec was named the Assistant Director for Scuba Diving at Nova Southeastern University, where he taught and directed the Nova Southeastern University Academic Diving Program. His title was later slightly modified to Associate Director for Scuba Diving and Outdoor Recreation.

This year will mark the 11th-year anniversary of the NSU Academic Diving Program, the third-largest university dive program in the country – training more than 350 students a year.

For Tec, the diving program has been a dream come true – a place where he can participate in producing some of the best diving professionals in the industry.

“The goal from the beginning has been to develop excellent leaders,” he said. “When we develop great diving leaders, then the programs they teach are outstanding.  In the future, I can only hope that we continue our legendary diving industry reputation and status as being the top university diving training program.”

Posted 05/21/23

Facilities Management, Public Safety Perform Rain Rescues

When a crisis strikes, Nova Southeastern University’s many unsung heroes spring into action to ensure the safety of our campuses. This month’s heavy rain event was one such emergency, leaving vehicles stranded, parking lots flooded, and employees on a couple of our campuses stranded.

Oceanographic Campus in Dania Beach

Fort Lauderdale recorded almost 26 inches of rain in a 24-hour period on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in what was called a “1-in-1,000-year rainfall event.” Fort Lauderdale officials said city’s stormwater system was only built to handle 3 inches of rain within 24 hours.

The rains caused chaos across Broward County, triggering abandoned cars, shuttered schools, and closure of Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL). FLL was forced to cancel hundreds of flights Wednesday and Thursday because of severely flooded runways. The airport reopened Friday morning, April 14.

Leading the charge in heading off disaster were Seth Mangasarian, the Physical Plant Director for the Office of Facilities Management; Paul E. Turner, the Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management; and Randall Seneff, Executive Director of Facilities Management.

While the Davie Campus experienced some abnormal flooding and a few disabled vehicles, the bigger issues were encountered on NSU’s East Campus at 3100 SW 9th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale and its Oceanographic Campus at 8000 North Ocean Drive in Dania Beach.

In an effort to get a jump on the developing situation, Jim Lambe, NSU’s Associate Director of Technology & Communications, sent out several alerts on the SaferWatch app, three hours ahead of flood issues.

“We urge the NSU Community to get the SaferWatch app,” Turner said. “It’s the primary vehicle for sending out alerts.”

Within a 15-hour period, NSU’s emergency team rescued a total of 34 people at the oceanography and east campuses. According to Mangasarian, Turner, and Seneff, it took a village to save the village. The three commended the many people who joined in the effort to secure the safety of others:

  • Ulises Roque and Julio Rojas joined Mangasarian to help at the Oceanographic Campus.
  • Kirsten Green and Michael Walsh joined Turner at the East Campus
  • Mallica Reynolds and Anna Ramirez-Clero help stem the tide of flooding at Museum of Art Building in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Public Safety Officer Leonard Rauch was also involved.

In some cases, the team had to help others shelter in place, transport people from buildings, and in one case they provided help and shelter to a random motorist who had just had surgery and found herself trapped with her son near the East Campus.

At the Oceanographic Campus, 14 people were initially stranded. Roque, Rojas, and Mangasarian rescued nine people over two trips. Five researchers decided to remain on the campus, and the team secured the area and allowed them to stay under the watchful eye of Public Safety Officer Andy Dany.

“The entire work of the team was amazing,” Mangasarian said. “There were a lot of great things that happened that night, from an outstanding facilities team.”

Many thanks as well to all the people who had personal damages and losses yet persevered to protect their homes and families and continue their dedicated work for NSU.

Posted 04/23/23

NSU’s Days of Giving Get Under Way April 11-12

April 11th and 12th are NSU’s Days of Giving this year – 1,964 minutes of giving! Join the NSU community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, and friends to further NSU’s research and increase student scholarships. Together, we create change!

Looking for more ways to get involved? Join one or more of the ONE NSU events below and hear from your NSU Community on how they are creating change. To register, click the event below!

Posted 04/09/23

Men’s Basketball Title Follows Women’s Swimming Crown

In 2021-22 basketball season, the Sharks men’s team enjoyed an undefeated season and advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight before losing. But this year, the Sharks outdid themselves, going 36-0 enroute to capturing the NCAA Division II Men’s National Championship!
The 111-101 victory over West Liberty University on Saturday, March 25, 2023, also resulted in NSU breaking the Division II record for points in the national championship game.

“It’s been a storybook season and perfect ending. To play in the National Championship against West Liberty – where I got my start – is special,” said Head Coach Jim Crutchfield, who was named National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division II Coach of the Year. “This game had a lot of intensity and a lot of emotions, but I’m proud of our team and thrilled to bring a national title back to Nova Southeastern University.”

NSU forward RJ Sunahara was named the NABC Division II Player of the Year.

The Men’s Basketball Team joined NSU’s Women’s Swimming Team, which also won an NCAA Division II National Championship.

The swimming Sharks, led by Head Coach Ben Hewitt, went wire-to-wire during their title run and led from the championship meet’s first event on Tuesday, March 7. No. 1 Nova Southeastern ended the NCAA National Championship meet with 536.5 points and Emily Trieschmann’s dominant performance led NSU to the title, as the sophomore won six national titles in the 1000-freestyle, 200-freestyle, 500-freestyle, 1650-freestyle, and was a part of both the 200- and 800-freestyle relay teams.

Head Coach Ben Hewitt earned the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Coach of the Year honors, while Emily Trieschmann  was recognized as the CSCAA Swimmer of the Year.

Overall, the No. 1 Nova Southeastern Sharks women’s swimming team earned 11 NCAA individual national championships enroute to the program’s first team title.

“It’s an honor to be the head coach of this program,” Hewitt said. “I am extremely proud of this team. These ladies performed at a level not previously seen in a Championship meet of this caliber. They performed at their best, against the best, and there isn’t much more a Coach can ask for from a team.”

Learn more about the Sharks.

Posted 03/28/23

Transformational Gift Leads to NSU Renaming College of Pharmacy

Dr. Barry Silverman and his wife, Judy

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is proud to announce that Board of Trustees Vice Chair, and Chair of the NSU Health Professions Division Board of Governors Dr. Barry Silverman and his wife, Judy, have made a transformational gift to the university as part of the Campaign to Preeminence.

This generous gift will provide for student scholarships and endowment support to enhance the financial sustainability of three preeminent NSU entities: its College of Pharmacy, the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, and the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale.

Dr. Barry and Judy Silverman are particularly interested in enhancing the growth and continued impact of NSU’s stellar pharmacy program, not only in Fort Lauderdale/Davie, but also at the university’s Palm Beach and San Juan, Puerto Rico campuses.

To honor this transformational gift, the college will now be known as NSU’s Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy.

“Education is something near and dear to our hearts, and to be able to provide a gift that will change the lives of students and the next generation of pharmacists and doctors was something we could not pass up,” said Dr. Silverman, who is an orthopedic surgeon. “NSU is a major part of our lives, and Judy and I are honored to be able to help enhance what these colleges and the NSU Art Museum are doing for our students and community as we all work together toward preeminence.”

Currently, NSU’s Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy has almost 1,000 students enrolled at its three locations, as well as more than 6,000 graduates who are researchers, innovators and advocates for their patients. The Pharm.D. program was recently granted another full eight-year re-accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Its Pharm.D. graduates are among the highest NAPLEX pass rates for Florida’s private colleges of pharmacy, and it’s the only program in the United States to operate a full-service campus-based community pharmacy and an institutional pharmacy. The college is known for its many research successes and its commitment to diversity, volunteerism and community service.

This gift is a major step in NSU reaching its goal of $500 million by 2025, with our giving total so far in 2023 now at $412 million. The Silvermans are the latest visionaries to join a list of NSU supporters and benefactors who are helping the university on its path to preeminence.

“What a month of achievement this has been for NSU, with two new national accreditations last week and now this naming gift for one of our world-class colleges,” said Dr. George Hanbury, NSU’s President and CEO. “It’s been a privilege to work with Barry and Judy over the past few months to secure this gift and accomplish the many impacts they wished to see and how they wanted their efforts to benefit the students most of all.”

For example, in addition to the scholarship and endowment support already mentioned, and in further recognition of this gift, each year during the commencement exercise of the Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, the dean of the college will present to the graduating Pharm.D. student exhibiting the highest scholastic achievement in his or her class, and who best exemplifies the exemplary characteristics of a preeminent pharmacist, the Barry and Judy Silverman Award.

“This leadership gift from the Silvermans will help fuel the college’s continuing path to preeminence,” said Michelle A. Clark, Ph.D., dean of NSU’s Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy. “It will allow us to offer more students scholarships so they can become inclusive leaders in the science and practice of pharmacy who will improve health and well-being through discovery, innovation, advocacy and the delivery of optimal patient care.”

Please join NSU in celebrating this generous gift and in recognizing the Silvermans as champions in the university’s rise to preeminence as we work together to make yours a healthier world.

NSU University School Holds Cultural Unity Fair

Lower School students came together to celebrate and better understand various cultures represented within our diverse University School community at our annual Cultural Unity Fair. Families shared information about their countries including interesting facts, traditional food, games, clothing, jewelry, cultural artifacts, and more.

Thank you to our FINtastic parents and guidance counselors for your support with this event that was truly enjoyed by all!

Learn more about NSU University School’s college preparatory program for students in Preschool – Grade 12 at www.uschool.nova.edu.

Posted 02/05/23

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