Best of Florida Schools 1999 Issue

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Most Flighty Researchers. In January, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University scientists lost weight...lots of it. When four ERAU student explorers rode in a research aircraft making parabolic arcs above the Earth, they experienced weightlessness for 20 to 30 seconds. While in zero gravity, the team tested self-designed experiments as part of NASA’s Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston. "It’s a great stepping stone for all students like myself who want to be astronauts," says Sarah Oswald, an aerospace studies senior and ERAU’s microgravity coordinator.

Best Acquisition. A 1997 episode of Dateline NBC prompted St. Petersburg Junior College President Carl Kuttler to contact the owner of the world’s largest collection of John F. Kennedy artifacts. Kuttler learned that the artifacts needed display space, so he got in touch with owner Robert White and St. Pete’s Florida International Museum, which now is renovating it’s third floor to house a permanent display this November, says Jim Moorhead, SPJC information specialist in institutional advancement. The good news for SPJC is that as a result of this project, the college is working on a degree program in Museum Studies that would connect students with area museums and train them to be curators.

Best New Class. "The Many Faces of AIDS" class at Jacksonville University helps students understand how AIDS affects all major aspects of life in the global community. Dr. Karen Jackson, assistant professor of biology and marine science, teaches the course by illustrating how AIDS affects different disciplines of study. For example, a geography professor reveals how the disease causes shifts in population patterns and a sociologist shows how the existence of AIDS impacts social interaction. "If students can understand that these complex scientific issues do affect them, then I know I’ve done my job and helped develop a responsible citizen who is scientifically literate. That’s what a liberal arts education is all about," Jackson says.

Shadiest Deal. Graduates at Florida International University have had the upper hand at the commencement ceremony. Since their futures are so bright, the administrators have to wear shades. For the past three years, the university president and other administrators and guests have faced the sun during the ceremony so students wouldn’t have to, says Heidi Dans, a program assistant in FIU’s Community Relations office. "We feel that the students shouldn’t have to suffer. This is their day," Dans says. "We’ve seen that the students definitely appreciate it." But Dans said that the ceremonies have just been too hot for everyone, so FIU is now changing its format to have three separate graduations in the Golden Panther Arena instead of the outdoor FIU Community Center.

Grandest Opening. Computer Graphic Design students at Keiser College-Sarasota have a new way to show off their talents. The Digital Dreams Art Gallery, opened in November, displays original computer-generated artwork from students in the Computer Graphic Design department. Originally scheduled to run through December 18, the showing was extended indefinitely because of community interest, says Anne O’Connell, director of community relations. The showcase was organized by a committee composed entirely of students.

Best Rest Stop. For those who wish to go where no bum has gone before, the University of North Florida Student Government Association has successfully lobbied administrators to install sanitary seat dispensers in all restrooms. As part of the John Carey/Alex Diaz campaign platform, SGA leaders convinced administrators to equip about 90 stalls with the tissue liners so pupils can potty with peace of mind. Even better, no A&S fees were used for the project, so students’ dollars weren’t flushed down the toilet. "Talk about being in the trenches," jokes Jeanenne Mauro, SGA chief of staff.

Best Wave of Support. "Serve’s up" at Warner Southern College, and freshmen are catching the wave. Making A Difference is an orientation project that combines volunteerism and teambuilding activities. Each semester, all on-campus first-year students join with SG leaders and other upperclassmen to help roof, paint, and clean homes for area disabled and elderly as selected by the Care Center of Lake Wales. About 40 to 60 total students participate this year, and many cite the experience as the most rewarding aspect of their orientation, according to Tim Craig, director of publications.

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