Alumni Association adds award for four-year student
The Apollo Award, given each year since 1966, is presented by the St. Petersburg College Alumni Association to the top associate degree graduate. Winners are chosen for their leadership, scholastic standing, community service, honors and awards. Now, the association is adding an award for baccalaureate graduates. The awards will be:
- Associate degree recipient - Apollo Award
- Baccalaureate degree recipient - Alumni Achievement Award
The winner receives:
- Scholarship check for $1,000 for the Apollo Award, $1,500 for the Alumni Achievement Award
- Lifetime membership in the SPC Alumni Association
- One-year honorary appointment to the SPC Alumni Association Board of Directors
Nominations begin Dec. 14
Nominations can be made online starting Monday, Dec. 14 by a full-time or part-time employee of SPC, an alumnus of SPC, a currently enrolled student or the nominee (self-nomination).
All nominees must have:
- Graduated from SPC in July or December 2009, or will be graduating in May 2010
- Minimum GPA of 3.25 for Apollo Award and 3.50 for Achievement Award
- Demonstrated leadership qualities
- Involved in college activities
- Participated in community service
NOTE: Nominees for the Alumni Achievement Award must have attended SPC for all four years of their college career. No transfer students will be considered. Apollo Award winners are eligible to receive the Alumni Achievement Award as well, but will not be given special consideration.
Volunteers give more than 20,000 hours to SPC
Volunteer facts» 20,198.5 hours were reported but well over 20,000 hours were contributed this year (many volunteers do not report their time) » 69 College departments and programs are served by volunteers » 287 Volunteers are either current students or SPC alumnus » 33 Volunteers are SPC retirees » 102 Volunteers participate as “On Call Volunteers” » Our volunteers range in age from 16 to 94 years ‘young.’ Fifty-seven volunteers ‘admit’ they are 80 or older; three ‘admit’ they are 90 or older |
The kids that Sandra Pioquinto saw rummaging for food in her native Mexico are a world away from her classes at SPC’s Clearwater Campus. But it was that experience that stuck with Pioquinto and fuels her desire to be a nurse and a better person.
 Sandra Pioquinto |
As a volunteer note taker for the students registered wth the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (OSSD) on the Clearwater Campus at SPC, Pioquinto realizes her endeavors go a long way.
“It’s really effortless, but makes such an impact,” said Pioquinto, in her second year of note taking. “I don’t really think about it; I just do it.”
Collegewide, 687 volunteers work as tutors, computer and science lab assistants, clerical assistants, physical education aides, and volunteers at special events and cultural venues.
At Florida International Museum’s November opening of a quilt exhibit, James Zebkar and his wife, Ruth, volunteered as guides. They are among nearly 300 volunteers who serve the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art at the Tarpon Springs Campus, FIM and The Palladium Theater.
 James and Ruth Zebkar |
“The biggest issue was reminding guests not to touch the quilts,” said James Zebklar, who has volunteered for 10 years at SPC Downtown and other venues. “It’s tempting, but these are delicate works.”
SPC’s volunteers range in age from 16 to 94, and include business professionals, parents, retirees and students who provide full-time, part-time, or on-call volunteer assistance. Over the past year, these volunteers contributed 20,198 hours to nearly 70 college departments and programs.
“Every day, we get more volunteers,” said Ann Ebersberger, a specialist with the college’s Volunteer Program, now in its 17th year. “We’ve never had this many volunteers.”
Ebersberger attributes the rise in volunteers to the economy, President Obama’s call for volunteerism, and the recent acquisition of the FIM by SPC.
As for students, most on the Clearwater Campus are “recruited” by OSSD/Student Suport Services tutor Marte Toohill. A total of 287 current and former SPC students serve as volunteers.
“Basically, the students volunteer because they’re just good kids,” Toohill said. “It’s such a service, and most of them take it very seriously.”
Dominic Della Sera is among a cadre of dual-enrolled students who take notes for peers on the Clearwater Campus.
 Dominic Della Sera |
 Dia Carter |
 Antwon Frazier |
“I can volunteer and help someone out, and it doesn’t put me out of my way,” said Della Sera, who plans on entering the medical profession.
Dia Carter said the note taking provides other benefits.
“It helps me pay better attention and take better notes, because I’m taking them for someone else,” said Carter, who plans to study neurology.
“I know that I’m very methodical,” Antwon Frazier said. “If they’re going to get notes, they will need good notes.”
Frazier, who also volunteers by feeding the hungry at Trinity Café in Tampa, said he is always looking for ways to give.
“There is nothing like doing something for someone else,” said Frazier. “Any time I’m helping someone else, it helps me as well.”
SPC faculty get distance learning awards
Two St. Petersburg College faculty members have been honored by the Instructional Technology Council (ITC), an organization that supports community college distance learning.
 Jeff Donovick |
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 Robert Raze |
The two are Jeff Donovick, Associate Professor of Music, St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus; and Robert Raze, of the Tarpon Springs Campus. Donovick received the Outstanding Distance Learning Faculty Award; Raze received the award for Outstanding Use of New Technology and/or Delivery System.
The awards were part of the ITC’s 2010 Awards for Excellence in eLearning. The winners, chosen by a panel of judges comprised of members of the ITC board of directors, will be recognized at a luncheon Feb. 22 at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, during ITC’s eLearning 2010.
The Instructional Technology Council provides leadership and professional development to its network of eLearning experts by advocating, collaborating, researching, and sharing exemplary, innovative practices and potential in learning technologies.
Collegiate High School instructor earns state honor
 Daniel Couillard |
Daniel Couillard, English instructor at St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, received a 2009 Excellence in Teaching Excel Award for achieving the “greatest gains” with students who were below grade level on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) in reading. The award is based on four years of data demonstrating the greatest growth in student knowledge and skill from one year to the next.
Launched by the Foundation for Excellence in Education, the Excellence in Teaching initiative identifies and shares successful teaching methods with educators and policymakers nationwide.
Couillard was one of 81 Florida teachers honored Dec. 5 in Orlando at A Celebration of Teaching, featuring former Governor Jeb Bush, former Lt. Governor Toni Jennings, and educator and author Ron Clark. Couillard’s prize package included cash, a cruise and other gifts.
Winter break schedule
St. Petersburg College winter break dates are:
» Dec. 18-Jan. 10, no classes for students
» Dec. 24-25, 30 and Jan. 1, all college offices closed
As directed by supervisors, some employees may be required to work on other days during the winter break, which is Dec. 22-Jan. 3. Unlike Pinellas County Schools, the college is open on Monday, Dec. 21 for all budgeted employees, including 12-month faculty, counselors and librarians.
Career Service budgeted employees who work during the winter break on days the college is not officially closed are entitled to a “floating holiday/holidays” — meaning time off, hour-for-hour, for time worked during the winter break. The time off must be taken on or before June 30, 2010.
Get all the holiday schedules for Follett's bookstore, Technical Support, ANGEL, MAP Centers and other student services offered during the upcoming winter break.
Holiday giving ideas
As you are doing your holiday shopping, consider the following ideas:
The Palladium
The Palladium Theater has gift certificates in varying denominations ($25, $50, $75, $100 and more) to specific performances or even as a gift membership to the Palladium. Gift certificates are available online or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday, from noon to 4 p.m. or four hours before performances.
The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art
Leepa-Rattner memberships begin at $20 for students and $35 for individuals. For more information, see the museum’s Web site. Isabelle’s Museum Store also features gift items from local artists — jewelry, original artwork, and items to create your own art. See our new collection of ceramic and bronze Soleri windbells and new creations by woodturner Larry Hasiak. You can also shop for gifts and stationery from the Museum of Modern Art.
Support the arts
SPC faculty and staff can support the arts through payroll deduction.
Dollars for Scholars Thrift Store
Shop for holiday bargains at the Dollars for Scholars Thrift Store and help fund student scholarships. Donations can be dropped off during normal business hours. You can also arrange to have your donations picked up by calling the store at 727-341-3620. All donations to Dollars for Scholars, a 501(C)(3) non-profit charitable institution, are tax deductible.
SPC Foundation
Give the gift of education. Visit the Foundation Web site for ideas on how your end-of-year giving can change the life of a deserving student.
One more week to cast your vote for Dollars for Scholars Thrift Store
Friday, Dec. 18 is the last day to cast your vote for WEDU's annual Be More Awards. Described as the Emmy Awards of the non-profit world, this online poll gives you the opportunity to help us spread the word about the Dollars for Scholars of St. Petersburg Thrift Store.
Get the details of how to cast your votes at WEDU.org and vote for:
» Dollars for Scholars for the People's Choice Award
» Michelle Piccione for the Volunteer Award.
The new thrift store has raised more than $30,000 for student scholarships from the sale of donated items since it opened in June. In January, $25,000 will be awarded to needy students at St. Petersburg College.
Invite your friends and family to cast their vote too.
College of Technology and Management forms new alumni chapter
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The College of Technology and Management (CT&M), in its eighth year of offering bachelor’s degrees, announced the formation of the CT&M Alumni Chapter. Established to encourage communication, networking and information sharing between alumni, current students and faculty, the new chapter meets frequently.
“An institution is known by the success and accomplishments of its students,” said Shri Goyal, Dean of the College of Technology and Management. “We are very proud of the dedication and strength of our students and alumni. We appreciate their talents, dedication, and drive to reach to their full potential.”
The new chapter maintains a blog for alumni and current students to exchange ideas, and implement creative and intellectually challenging activities.
Resources
- Alumni membership
- CT&M blog - updates, news and events
- CT&M academic programs
- Subscribe to our e-mail list
Alumni are encouraged to send updates on their professional and academic progress and accomplishments to Judy Steeg.
1 - Saturday, Dec. 19, 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
SPC Fall Graduation at Indian Rocks Baptist Church. CT&M Alumni chapter will host a table for member information.
2 - Thursday, Jan. 21, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Entrepreneurship: Distinguished Speaker Series
Topic: Maximizing Your Intellectual Capital
Speaker: Brent Britton, shareholder and chair of the Emerging Business and Technologies Practice Group.
Sponsored by The Silverberg Entrepreneurial Incubator and The College of Technology & Management, lectures in this series are held the third Thursday of the month from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the St. Petersburg College EpiCenter, Room 1-455. Free. Seating is limited. Please RSVP for each lecture by contacting Judy Steeg at 727-791-2743.
3 - Wednesday, March 10
Save this date for our upcoming "Ask the Expert" panel.
Reorganization for increased safety
Environmental, Safety and Risk Management Services
Formerly Securities, Risk Management, and Environmental Services, this department assists college employees with safety, environmental and risk management needs. Staff members are:
- Anna Gillman, Environmental Services Coordinator, Ext. 3314
- Thomas Gregory, Safety Specialist, Ext. 3385
- Kara Schrader-Smith, Risk Management Specialist, Ext. 3080
- Diane White, Administrative Assistant, Ext. 3192
Security Services
To ensure the highest quality of security services, the college recently switched from contracting services to using in-house college staff. Working under the direction of Dan Barto, Director of Security, areas of responsibility include:
- SPC Downtown, SPC Midtown, Palladium Theater and Allstate Center
Alan Dick, Senior Security Supervisor, Ext. 4262
- St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, Health Education Center, Seminole Campus
Dan Harris, Senior Security Supervisor, Ext. 3157
- Clearwater Campus, Tarpon Springs Campus, Epi Center
Joe Berry, Senior Security Supervisor, Ext. 2506
Diane White, is the administrative assistant for both departments.
In-House Construction Services
David Downen, Access Control Technician, (locksmith and card key swipe) now is reporting to Scott Weaver, Coordinator of Institutional Services, in the college In-House Construction department.
Reminder: Graduation Dec. 19
St. Petersburg College will hold two Fall commencement ceremonies at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Those who can’t attend graduation can watch the ceremonies live online. To watch, go to www.indianrocks.org/Media.php and click on “Live Broadcast.” The broadcasts will begin at about 9:20 a.m. and 12:50 p.m.
First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks features a 3,000-seat sanctuary and is located at 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo.
Visit the Graduation Web site for more information.
Important pay date notices
Please note the following changes regarding pay checks during the upcoming holidays:
Early Web Time deadlines before winter break
Employees - please have all time entries done by Thursday, Dec. 17.
Supervisors - please approve all leave and time entries by Friday, Dec. 18.
Jan. 1 pay issued Dec. 31
Because pay day falls on New Year’s Day, that week’s pay will be issued on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009. This means you will have an extra pay day in the calendar year – 27 rather than 26 and you still will have 26 pay days in 2010. (This occurs every 10-11 years.)
The Dec. 31 pay day is the third of the month and therefore won’t have any deductions. So what does this mean?
- Your gross wages for 2009 will be more than last year since we have one more pay day in the 2009 calendar year.
- For those who have direct deposit, you will see your money in your account Dec. 31.
- If you receive a paper check, it will be available at your site Monday, Jan. 4.
Deadline to enroll in FSA extended
The deadline has been extended to enroll in a tax-savings Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for 2010. Current participants can enroll online by 11 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11. New users should use this link to obtain the enrollment form. Paperwork must be submitted to Human Resources 4 p.m. this Friday. A date of birth should be added in the upper right-hand corner of the form.
All budgeted employees qualify to establish accounts, regardless of enrollment in the college’s Aetna health insurance plan. The FAS allows pre-tax money to be set aside to help pay for expenses such as the following:
- covered medical expenses such as doctor visits and prescription co-pays
- over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and antiseptic cream
- child care or adult care expenses (with restrictions)
- adoption expenses
For details on allowable items, visit the home page of Custom Benefit Services, and click on Employees.
NEW for 2010 are FAS debit cards. There is no charge to the employee for the card. If you choose the debit card, be sure to keep your receipts. In a few instances you may be required to send in proof of an expense to determine its eligibility.
Clearwater students keep Keys tradition alive
Students from SPC’s Clearwater Campus recently spent time exploring ecological wonders in the Florida Keys, continuing an exciting but little-known tradition that has existed at St. Petersburg College for the past 40 years.
Each term, students in Carl Opper’s Earth Sciences classes and in Monica Lara’s Biology, Marine Biology and Oceanography classes are offered the chance to travel to Florida’s most southern tip to get a firsthand look at some of Florida’s most spectacular natural environments.
This term, 13 Clearwater Campus students took advantage of the opportunity; they dived and snorkeled over the Keys’ coral reef ecosystem, kayaked through mangroves in Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Park, and toured the wetlands and hammocks of the Everglades.
Before leaving Pinellas County, however, the group visited Mote Marine Aquarium to become familiar with the diversity of living things in Florida. Then, a visit to Everglades National Park (complete with airboat ride) allowed them to see firsthand how the vast flow of water acts as a massive circulatory system that feeds and supports the reefs and mangroves.
Lara and Opper agree that the tour can be life-changing for students.
“Students come back different, with insight and a view of the world that they wouldn’t otherwise have,” Lara said.
“I have been running this trip for 25 years now,” Opper said, “and it is a great feeling to see the excitement the students bring back with them.”
While Opper has been leading the tour every term for the past 25 years, he says the ecological trip has been a part of the college’s history for about 40 years.
Edythe ValNatta dies at 81
Edythe VanNatta, former Manager of the Word Processing Center on the SP/G Campus, died on Nov. 17 in Hendersonville, N.C. She retired from SPC in 1990.
Onward & upward
SPC staff honored at FACC Convention
- Peg Connell, Special Populations Coordinator in Academic and Student Affairs, won the Unsung Hero Award fort St. Petersburg College during the Florida Association of Community Colleges’ 60th Anniversary Convention last month.
- SPC also won 2nd place in the Institutional Effectiveness, Planning and Professional Development Commission’s Exemplary Practice Award at the convention.