The Blue & White is published weekly for St. Petersburg College employees and interested visitors. It is designed for you to be able to scan the headlines quickly. If you are interested in an article listed below, click on the link and you will be directed to that article. You also can view the paper version locations or the printable pdf. Calendar items with a specific deadline are marked with an *.
Have dependents on your college insurance?Documentation will be required to keep them covered in 2009-10 To maintain the integrity of the college’s insurance programs, employees, retirees and COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) participants who are college-insured will be asked to provide verification of their dependents who also are covered under the plans for 2009-10. The verifications will be required for those under the college’s health and dental insurance programs. They are designed to make sure all claimed dependents are eligible to receive those benefits, according to President Carl M. Kuttler Jr. “The college remains committed to providing insurance benefits of the highest quality to its employees, and to do so at the most favorable rates possible,” Kuttler said. “To accomplish that, it’s important that we verify that all claimed dependents are in fact entitled to receive college-provided benefits.” The verifications will apply to all eligible dependents of employees, retirees and COBRA participants, including spouses and children. A notice with more details is being mailed to all employees’ homes or you can view the details online. 2009 outstanding alumnus namedThe St. Petersburg College Alumni Association annually presents this award to honor alumni who, through their accomplishments, have made meaningful contributions to their professions and their communities. They are persons who exemplify how best to use and develop the education they gained at SPC and who, as a result, are outstanding representatives among our alumni.
This year's honoree, E. Ann McGee, has been President of Seminole Community College, just north of Orlando, since 1996. SCC enrolls approximately 32,000 students in programs that extend from adult basic education to career workforce majors to transfer studies. McGee grew up in Largo and is a graduate of St. Petersburg College, Florida State University and Nova Southeastern University. She won the Apollo Award at SPC in 1968; was in Phi Beta Kappa at FSU; and is in the Practitioner’s Hall of Fame at Nova. She recently completed an eight-year term as a charter trustee for Florida State University. Before her appointment at SCC, she was Vice President for Development and Executive Director of the BC Foundation at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, raising more than $21 million in 10 years. She also was a Provost for Broward College, as well as Dean of Students and a faculty member at Florida Keys Community College. She serves on the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Presidents’ Academy Executive Committee; the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Board; the Steering Committee for Florida’s Community College Presidents’ Council; and the Higher Education Research Development Institute (HERDI). She also is active on local Chamber of Commerce and civic boards. McGee has been recognized by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) as the top community college CEO in the nation (2006); by Phi Theta Kappa with the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction (2005); and by the Seminole Chamber of Commerce with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” (2004). McGee’s passion for community colleges extends back to her enrollment at St. Petersburg Junior College when she was 16. Believing in life balance and adventure, she has gone paragliding in the Teton Mountains; spent two days on an aircraft carrier (complete with a carrier landing and take-off); attended the Air Force’s Air War College; and recently climbed the mast of a 400-foot sailing yacht while cruising off St. Lucia. McGee will be honored at the July 25 SPC Commencement. Three new research briefs availableThe dissemination of relevant information is a critical component of the performance improvement process. Research briefs are one mechanism used by St. Petersburg College for this purpose. Research Briefs are short publications prepared by the Department of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (IRE) that are intended to provide relevant and important information regarding a variety of college-related topics. These topics include, but are not limited to, student achievement, state accountability measures, institutional survey results, student enrollment, and faculty/adjunct compensation. Three new Research Briefs have been developed: 2006-07 Recent Alumni Survey 2006-07 Employer Survey Results Institutional Research and Effectiveness Evaluation Emergency Notification testToday, the college will test its Emergency Notification System. All means of the notification will be tested at the same time. After the test we will send you a survey to see how the college did. Russian ensemble to play at Tarpon Springs, PalladiumThe Divertissement Ensemble, a prize-winning orchestral group from Orenburg, Russia, will appear at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center May 1 at 7 p.m., and May 2 at the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Listen to a sample of their music. Founded by the Orenburg State Philharmonic Society in 1994, the ensemble is one of the most popular classical music groups in the Volga and Urals regions of Russia. The ensemble has given rich repertory performances in the most prestigious concert halls of Russia, including the M. Glinka Philharmonic Chamber Hall in St. Petersburg, the Moscow State Conservatory, the Moscow State Philharmonic Society and in the grand estates around St. Petersburg – Tsarskoye Selo and Pavlovsk. Members are participants and winners of different international competitions. Divertissement Ensemble plays a variety of music, from ancient to modern and ultra-modern. Faculty/A&P staff expected at graduation
According to college policy, May graduation day is considered an official duty day with pay for faculty, and participation in the ceremony satisfies the duty requirements for that day. (For more information, contact your program director or campus provost.) If you have a circumstance that might require your absence, a written or e-mailed request with the purpose specifically stated should be submitted to President Kuttler (via Kim Corry and cc to your supervisor) no later than April 24. You will be notified of the status of your request by April 29. Faculty excused from participating will be expected to complete the appropriate leave form or arrange for an alternate duty day as directed by their supervisor. “As valued members of the college family and as mentors to our students, please mark your calendar for this important event,” Kuttler said. “And keep in mind the appreciation felt by many students and parents for your presence there.” Those who need to order a cap and gown should do so immediately at any on-campus Follett’s Bookstore or by calling Amy Pelletier at 347-0310 (SP/G bookstore). Adjuncts and percent-of-load faculty Adjunct instructors and percent of load faculty are invited, but not required, to participate in the May 9 graduation ceremony. Participation includes marching in the faculty processional, along with full-time faculty and administrative and professional staff, in full academic regalia. Program directors can provide further instructions as necessary for participation. Those adjuncts and percent-of-load faculty who wish to take part are asked to inform their program directors immediately, and make any necessary arrangements for regalia. For questions about graduation participation, please call Kim Corry at Ext. 3260 in the President’s Office between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Educators in Industry summer session
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Tickets are $5 for the general public. Tickets and information are available by calling the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center at 727-942-5605 or The Palladium at 727-822-3590. Admission is free for all students and SPC staff.
Discounts Palladium: Faculty, staff and students receive a 10 percent discount to all shows produced by the Palladium or its partners at the Palladium. |
Continuing through May 10
American Stage in the Park: Altar Boyz, 8 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, Demens Landing, St. Petersburg. $11-$14.
Friday, April 24
St. Petersburg College Band Concert, 7:30 p.m. St. Petersburg College Music Center. Free.
April 24-May 5
Student Charrette Art Show, Fine Arts Building, Tarpon Springs Campus. Reception April 25. Free.
April 24-May 9
The 28th Annual congressional High School Art Competition and Exhibition. Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art Auditorium. Free.
Saturday, April 25
Dick and Derek at the Movies, with legendary pianists, Dick Hyman and Derek Smith. 8 p.m., Palladium. $50 VIP (includes reception with the artists) $25, $20.
Monday, April 27
St. Petersburg College Orchestra Concert, 7:30 p.m. St. Petersburg College Music Center. Free.
Thursday, April 28
Encore 2009 Chamber Series: C’est Magnifique! Zamparas, Sforzini and Landmeyer, the final Encore concert of the season, featuring an all-star trio that includes former Florida Orchestra principals Mark Sforzini (bassoon) and Catherine Landmeyer (flute), along with Grigorios Zamparas (piano), in a program of works by Debussy, Sforzini, Poulenc, Saint-Saens and Beethoven. 7:30 p.m., Palladium. $10, $15, $20.
Thursday, April 30
Student Recital, 12:30 p.m., St. Petersburg College Music Center. Free.
Thursday, April 30
Side Door Jazz: Nate Najar Trio with Chuck Redd, featuring Palladium favorite Najar, along with John Lamb on bass, and Washington D.C. jazz favorite Redd on vibes. 7:30 p.m., Stavros Great Room, Palladium. $20.
Friday, May 1
St. Petersburg College Piano Concert Series: Dolores Gadevsky, solo recital, 7:30 p.m. St. Petersburg College Music Center, St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus. Free.
May 1-2
Divertissement Ensemble, a prize-winning orchestral group from Orenburg, Russia, 7 p.m. May 1, Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center ; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 2, Palladium. $5, students and SPC staff free.
May 1-3
Florida Orchestra Masterworks Concert: Brahms: Symphony No. 3, Stefan Sanderling, Conductor; Karen Gomyo, violin. 8 p.m. Friday, May 1, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center; 8 p.m. Saturday, May 2, Mahaffey Theater; and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3, Ruth Eckerd Hall. $19-$65.
May 2
Florida Artist Group: 58th Annual Exhibition Members Opening Reception. 7 p.m. Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art Fine Arts Lobby. Free to members. $10 for guests.
May 3- July 19
Florida Artist Group: 58th Annual Exhibition. Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art Auditorium. Free.
May 15-17
Florida Orchestra Masterworks Concert: Mahler Symphony No. 2, Resurrection, Stefan Sanderling, Conductor. Featuring the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, Richard Zielinski, artistic and music director. 8 p.m. Friday, May 15, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center; 8 p.m. Saturday, May 16, Mahaffey Theater; and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17, Ruth Eckerd Hall. $19-$65.
Check out the upcoming events at the Florida Orchestra in their online calendar:
April | May
This article and other health information are available on our Wellness blog.
To Wii or not to Wii
Before 2006, video games were a sedentary activity and not considered a recreational choice to support wellness goals. That all changed with the introduction of the Nintendo Wii, a video game that encourages the player to actively participate in playing a variety of sports including baseball, boxing, bowling, golf and tennis.
A study conducted by the American Council on Exercise found that using whole body movements while playing simulated games can result in fitness benefits. The study compared the physiologic responses, calories burned being one variable, between the Wii-simulated game and the actual sport.
Even though the calories burned (energy used) is greater for the actual sport, some Wii games can count as a workout. Here is how average calories per minute burned with the Wii games compares with the real thing:
- Golf - 3.9; Wii Golf - 3.1
- Bowling - 7.2; Wii Bowling - 3.9
- Tennis - 8.1; Wii Tennis - 5.3
- Boxing - 10.2; Wii Boxing - 7.2
Here are some additional features about Wii:
- The $250 investment is less than joining most fitness facilities.
- It’s convenient. You don’t have to leave home.
- You can involve the whole family.
- It’s fun.
- You can improve your overall fitness level.
To explore additional wellness updates, visit the SPC Wellness blog.
Locker Room: Tennis team qualifies for national tournament
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| Pictured above (from l.) Head Coach Phil Girardi, Vanessa McCall, Leticia Tomb, Dania Navarro, Alicia Burke, Madeline Johnson and Tara Beacham. Front row: Maureen Figley and Assistant Coach Hiroko Nishikawa. |
After a 7-11 regular season, the women’s tennis team is headed to the National Tournament in Tucson, Ariz., May 2-5.
Coach Phil Girardi watched his team win eight of nine matches Saturday in the state tournament at Hillsborough Community College to qualify. HCC won the state tournament, Florida Community College of Jacksonville was second and SPC third.
The baseball team shut out Pasco-Hernando Community College Monday night 13-0 to secure second place in the Suncoast Conference. The teams entered the game with 13-11 records.
The victory allowed SPC to play a best-of-three series beginning Thursday against PHCC. SPC is at home Saturday at Carpenter Complex at 6 p.m. if a third game is necessary. Game one was Thursday night and game 2 is tonight on the road.
The winner of the best-of-three series qualifies for the state tournament. Manatee CC won the conference and already has qualified for the state tournament, which begins May 8 in Winter Haven.
The softball team already has assured its position at the state tournament, which begins April 30 in Winter Haven.
For results please visit www.spcollege.edu/athletics.
Pinellas Living Green Expo
Looking for something to do next weekend? Why not visit the Pinellas Living Green Expo?
The Expo runs Saturday (May 2) from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday (May 3) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Harborview Center in downtown Clearwater. Admission and parking are free.
SPC is a presenting sponsor.
The Pinellas Living Green Expo is a family-friendly educational event focusing on resource conservation. It provides real solutions for people to live better, healthier lives with less impact on the environment. Participants will learn how to save money, save natural resources and protect our environment for future generations through information sessions and a variety of exhibits.
The Expo connects people who are interested in making a positive difference in both their lives and in their communities, and provides information, ideas, resources, products and the motivation to live more sustainably.
SPC instructors Chris Nichol and Deborah Eldridge will be presenting the following:
Deborah Eldridge presents on “Green Tax Rebates and Incentives” on Saturday at noon. Learn about the meaning of tax credits and incentives for businesses and homeowners. She will focus on what is available on the federal and state level, and will also explain the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act and benefits for sustainable practices.
Chris Nichol presents on Nutrient Pollution and its Effects on Tampa Bay Saturday at 1 p.m. He will discuss the effects of excessive nutrients in Tampa Bay, how the runoff of fertilizers and other nutrients pollute and affect the productivity and biodiversity of Tampa Bay, and how we are trying to restore this beautiful ecosystem.
Also, the SPC Office for Sustainability will host a booth providing information about many of the college’s exciting environmental initiatives. Topics include the newly developed A.S. degree in Environmental Science Technology, the B.A.S. degree in Sustainability Management, environmental clubs, information on our two new environmentally friendly buildings, and the soon-to-open Dollars for Scholars Thrift Shop.
Vote to decide the final five in Creative Loafing’s Green 100
Green has been nominated for one of the final five positions on Creative Loafing’s Green 100 list -- 100 people, places and businesses which are leaders in efforts to make Tampa Bay more eco-friendly. As of early Thursday, he was in third place out of around 100 nominees. If you would like to, vote online for Jason and support his efforts to make the Green 100 list.
To learn more about SPC’s environmental club activities, visit www.spcollege.edu/sustainability or contact Jason Green at 727-341-3283.
Onward & Upward
Chad Mairn presented “Enhancing Learning While Creating a Library Presence in Course Management Systems” at the March 31, Computers in Libraries Conference in Arlington, Va. Downloads of Chad's presentations and other great faculty resources are available online.
HR Notes: Flexible Spending Account reminder
April 30 is the last date to submit your 2008 Flexible Spending Account request for reimbursement. If you are mailing your paperwork, it must be postmarked no later than April 30. Anyone who has an FSA and wants to get set up for Direct Deposit of refunds, please complete the direct deposit paperwork and send directly to Custom Benefit Services. Their address is on the form.
On SPC-TV
Here is the broadcast schedule for the original cultural programs recorded by SPC for broadcast on the college station. SPC-TV can be seen on Bright House 620, Knology 19 and Verizon 47 in Pinellas County.
NEW Frontline: Behind the Lines WATCH THE VIDEO: (60 min) 
Or watch it on SPC TV:
Wednesday noon and 9 p.m.;and Saturday noon and 9 p.m.
For details visit WEDU.org/frontline
» The Music Center Presents: St. Petersburg College Band
Sunday noon and 9 p.m.; Friday 8 p.m.
For details on other Department of Music events, visit the Department of Music Web site.
» A Night at the Palladium: Harambee; African Culture Showcase
Monday 9 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
For details on other Palladium events, visit the Palladium Web site.
» A Night at the Palladium: An Evening with Rosa Rio
Sunday 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Tuesday 9 p.m.
For details on other Palladium events, visit the Palladium Web site.
» A Night at the Palladium: Nathan Laube
Monday 8 p.m.; Friday 9 p.m.
For details on other Palladium events, visit the Palladium Web site.
» A Night at the Palladium: Valentine and Stardust
Monday 9 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
For details on other Palladium events, visit the Palladium Web site.