On November 13, New College of Florida students and faculty from the Health, Culture, and Societies (HCS) program participated in a high-level panel discussion on robotic-assisted surgery and its impact on modern healthcare at the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH). The event highlighted NCF’s distinctive approach to community-engaged research and learning.
Part of the Clinical Innovation Series coordinated by the SMH Medical Library, the event represented a collaboration between the HCS program and SMH. This series serves as a forum for exploring how evidence-based medicine translates from innovative research into state-of-the-art patient care.
The panel discussion attracted more than 110 participants, including physicians and staff at SMHCS as well as students and faculty at New College. It featured four leading robotic surgeons at SMHCS, including M. Blair Marshall, MD, Robert Carey, MD, John Nora, MD and Aaron Carlton, PA. The internationally known panel of clinicians discussed the da Vinci Surgical System, focusing on improving patient safety and healthcare quality, and driving better outcomes and faster recoveries. The panel underscored how healthcare providers are not simply clinicians but also innovators of care and technology. NCF students and faculty joined SMH medical professionals in engaging the panelists with thoughtful questions on the transformation of surgical expertise and the sociocultural implications of robotic surgery. Following the panel discussion, Jessica Depaulo, DNP at SMH and Carlton provided a special tour of the new Center for Simulation and Innovation at the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute, including the da Vinci Surgical System and the Immersive Room.
Fourth-year Environmental Studies and HCS student Ayden Murphy was particularly impressed by the simulation lab, one of the only places in the country where students have the opportunity to work hands-on with the da Vinci surgical console. “Being within such a unique educational space for this innovative field provided a tangible glimpse into how healthcare will evolve across clinical, technological, and cultural dimensions while broadening the scope of what healthcare can be,” Murphy said.
“This collaboration showcases our program’s approach to active learning with our community health partners,” said Dr. Yidong Gong, Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Co-Director of HCS at New College. “Students get opportunities to engage with cutting-edge experts in the medical field by reflecting on critical insights from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Such conversations and collaborations are invaluable for our students’ intellectual growth and for immersing them in real-world experiences.”
“We were thrilled to welcome students from New College of Florida. We know the next generation is often the most innovative, and true innovation requires more than just technology. By inviting students who study both the science of medicine and the culture of medicine, we hope to inspire future leaders to innovate a healthcare system where technology and compassionate patient care advance together,” said Yvonne Boudreau, Manager of the SMHCS Medical Library.
Fourth-year Psychology and HCS student Kit Lamison said, “This opportunity provided me a great way to interact with experts in my field and experience innovative technologies. I am very grateful to be part of New College’s HCS program, as this is just one more of an endless list of experiences the program has provided me.”
Prior to this event, the HCS program had organized multiple collaborative activities and engagements with community health partners, such as Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services, Empath Health and Tidewell Hospice, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Sarasota and Manatee Counties, and the Multicultural Health Institute.
“The field trip to the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute is notable not only for the traditional educational model of receiving instruction from leaders, medical professionals, and experts at the forefront of their fields, but also for embracing an experiential approach to learning that aligns with New College’s educational philosophy since its inception,” said third-year Anthropology and HCS student Akio D’Oyen-Russ.
About the Health, Culture, and Societies (HCS) Program at New College of Florida
The joint Area of Concentration (AOC) in Health, Culture, and Societies (HCS) was launched in 2020. Funded by a competitive grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, this program is both interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary, drawing on the combined strengths of the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, while fostering strong community engagement and collaboration. Through this program, students gain a broad, critical perspective on health grounded in the liberal arts tradition at New College. The HCS program has built a strong network of community health partners in and beyond Sarasota. Students are well prepared for a wide range of health-related careers. Graduates have been accepted to or enrolled in top programs across the country, including UNC–Chapel Hill, Emory University, Boston University, the University of Florida, and others. In 2022, Rosemary Mejia was named a Public Health Fulbright Scholar. The HCS program also runs an active monthly scholarship colloquium series.
Join Us in Celebrating Two Remarkable Years of Athletics at New College of Florida!
We are excited to celebrate the incredible progress we’ve made in less than two short years. From humble beginnings to unprecedented success, New College’s athletics program has grown exponentially.
From being accepted into the NAIA’s prestigious Sun Conference to our women’s volleyball team earning a spot in the conference playoffs in their very first season, New College athletics has proven that growth and excellence go hand in hand. What started with just six sports has now expanded to over twenty, thanks to the dedication of our talented athletes, the commitment of our exceptional coaches, and the unwavering support of generous donors like you.
We invite you to join us for a special fundraising event that will directly support the growth and excellence of New College’s athletic department. This is your opportunity to ensure that we have the resources needed to compete at the highest level with other top-tier colleges and universities.
With your continued support, we will be able to build a program that is second to none—creating champions both in the classroom and on the playing field.
We look forward to celebrating with you and to what we can achieve together in the years ahead!
Regards,
Mariano Jimenez, Jr.
Vice President, Athletics
Questions? Connect with us!
New College Foundation
Phone Number
Email Address
Location
The Keating Center
Working Hours
M – F
Please call or email for appointment.
Connect
All SWAC lectures are free and open to the public, but reservations are strongly suggested. Please RSVP to [email protected]
U.S. diplomacy faces a combustible mix of challenges that have tested its agility and effectiveness. The domestic hurdles resulting from deep political divisions, a
disorderly international landscape, and multiple wars are unlikely to disappear soon. Nicholas Kralev, foreign correspondent and founding Executive Director of the Washington International Diplomatic Academy, will reflect on American diplomacy’s track record since 2000 and its readiness to navigate and influence today’s complex world, as well as on the impact the U.S. presidential election might have on it. He will also discuss his visits to more than 80 U.S. embassies researching his books, most recently, Diplomatic Tradecraft (Cambridge University Press, 2024).
SARASOTA, Fla. — New College of Florida will host Can Science Save the World? An Evening with Bill Nye and Michael Shellenberger at the Sarasota Opera House on Saturday, September 14, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Engineer, comedian, bestselling author, and inventor Bill Nye “The Science Guy” is joined by author and journalist Michael Shellenberger for an eye-opening and informative discussion on how everyday people can improve the world through science. The discussion and audience Q&A will be moderated by Dr. Mark Bauerlein.
Nye is the recipient of 18 Emmy Awards for his work as creator and host of “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” a show that introduced the millennial generation to science and engineering in an entertaining and accessible format. The show, which ran from 1993-1998, was the most-watched educational TV show in the United States during at the time. He remains a prominent figure in science and media, and is a respected champion for scientific literacy.
Shellenberger is the bestselling author of San Fransicko: Why Progressives Ruin Cities and Apocalypse Never: Why Environmental Alarmism Hurts Us All, serves as CBR Chair of Censorship, Politics and Free Speech at the University of Austin, and is the Founder of Public, the number one Substack for News. He is a leading investigative journalist and regularly testifies before and advises governments around the world.
Tickets are available online at https://tickets.sarasotaopera.org/7455/7456. Tickets are $100 general admission, with discounted $25 tickets available to local students with ID. Additional VIP packages are also available. All tickets include valet parking. Current New College students, faculty and staff can reserve complimentary tickets to the event in advance by visiting ncf.edu/socraticstage.
The event marks the first Socratic Stage Dialogue Series event of New College’s Fall 2024 semester. The Socratic Stage, produced by the New College Office of Public Policy Events, seeks to advance civil discourse and engagement through facilitating events that foster open discussion and debate on relevant public policy issues. Such debates or group forums provide opportunity for a wide range of viewpoints and perspectives to be presented.
Learn more about Can Science Save the World? An Evening with Bill Nye and Michael Shellenberger and other upcoming Socratic Stage events at ncf.edu/socraticstage.
The following column was originally published as President Richard Corcoran’s monthly guest column in SRQ Magazine on March 9, 2024.
–
Nestled along the clear blue waters of Sarasota Bay, New College of Florida stands as a beacon of creativity, innovation and academic excellence. As we gear up to launch our Master’s program in Marine Mammal Science, we’re poised to make a meaningful impact locally, stimulating marine-focused economic growth and environmental stewardship in the region for decades to come.
Sarasota Bay boasts one of the most abundant and extensively studied dolphin populations globally, thanks to over five decades of observation by the esteemed Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, a longstanding marine life partner of New College. This enduring research legacy has provided invaluable insights into the behavior and ecology of dolphins, solidifying Sarasota Bay’s reputation as a premier habitat for studying these majestic marine mammals. Through our unique hands-on program, students actively contribute to this research, with underwater listening posts stationed right at our boat dock, offering firsthand experience in marine mammal observation and conservation, from our bayfront classrooms.
Our dedication to marine research is supported by the state-of-the-art Rhoda and Jack Pritzker Marine Biology Research Center, equipped with cutting-edge laboratories and extensive aquatic resources. With the imminent launch of our Master’s program, students will have a seamless transition from undergraduate to postgraduate education under the guidance of our faculty, led by the globally renowned marine life expert and longtime New College faculty member, Dr. Heidi Harley.
Dr. Harley, a distinguished scholar in the field of marine mammal science, brings over two decades of knowledge and experience to our program. Her groundbreaking work in dolphin communication and cognition has earned her international recognition and awards. As the director of the Marine Mammal Science program, Dr. Harley works intimately with our students and conservation partners, mentoring the next generation of marine scientists and shaping the future for marine conservation and research.
What sets New College apart is not only its academic rigor but also its emphasis on real-world experience and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through partnerships with local estuaries, aquariums, sanctuaries and research institutions, students have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of our oceans and marine ecosystems, while building a thriving ecosystem of new research, innovation and ocean regeneration in Sarasota Bay.
As we await final approval from the State University System Board of Governors, I am confident our Master’s program will become a cornerstone of Florida’s higher education landscape, inspiring future marine mammal scientists and entrepreneurs, and offering unparalleled opportunities for conservation and professional growth.
We invite you to tour our campus and the Marine Mammal Science Center to experience New College firsthand. It’s the foremost marine mammal science program in the United States — and a catalyst for change.
SARASOTA, Fla. — New College of Florida and the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority (SMAA) on behalf of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) have reached an agreement on initial terms of purchase and sale of 30.94 acres previously leased by the College. The New College Board of Trustees voted for initial approval of the agreement to purchase the property for $11.5 million at Monday’s meeting. If the deal is approved by the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority (SMAA) and the Federal Aviation Administration, and funding is appropriated by the Florida Legislature, the Board of Trustees will vote on a final purchase and sale agreement in 2024.
“Securing New College’s future by resolving the leases and acquiring this land has been a top priority since I arrived in February,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “SRQ is a great neighbor, and the deal we’ve set in motion will benefit both organizations, which in turn elevates our entire region.”
“President Corcoran’s eagerness to engage in good-faith negotiations to end the uncertainty caused by these lease agreements was essential to getting the framework of this deal in place,” said Rick Piccolo, President and C.E.O. of the SMAA. “This deal supports the immediate and long term needs of SRQ and provides future stability for New College, one of our community’s most special assets.”
SMAA is the current landlord and New College is the current tenant pursuant to a collection of leases and assignments originally entered into on October 2 1957 and June 23, 1966. The leases would run until 2056 without a deal for early termination. After welcoming in a record enrollment class in Fall 2023, the College is establishing a new master plan that includes reimagining what roles the East Campus will fulfill in the future. Purchasing the land clears one hurdle needed to initiate strategic redevelopment initiatives.
SRQ is undergoing a $200 million expansion that includes the construction of a new five-gate terminal. The project is slated to conclude in December 2024 and drastically expand the capacity of one of America’s fastest growing airports. The airport has more than tripled its number of annual passengers since 2018 and could host as many as seven million per year in less than a decade.
A parcel of land on the north side of General Dougher Place that was leased by New College will revert back to SMAA when the lease is terminated, contributing to the airport’s capacity for continued growth.
New College will continue refining its proposed master plan with a public hearing on Monday, January 22, 5:30 –7:00 p.m.
Sarasota, Fla. – New College of Florida, in coordination with Architecture Sarasota, announces the winner of the Reimagining Pei architectural competition, selecting Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors (Sarasota, USA). The competition culminated in a live presentation by three finalists on November 15 at Mildred Sainer Pavilion with more than 200 New College students, faculty, and staff joined by local community members.
The Sweet Sparkman proposal included innovative increases of pedestrian walking paths, enhancements for vehicular traversing of the campus, and a creative interpretation of redesigning the Palm Court. The designs preserved the traditional Pei designs while formulating a plan to surround the dorms with a world-class athletics complex. All three finalists used the recent launch of intercollegiate athletics at New College as inspiration to integrate visionary athletic complex designs into their final proposals. The finalist proposals and video of the live presentation are available online at NCF.edu/ReimagingPei.
“New College appreciates the incredible efforts of all three finalists, the interest shown by the many firms that submitted initial responses to the request for qualifications, and the hundreds of members of our college community and local community that took time to give feedback in person and online,” said New College President Richard Corcoran.
The competition was launched to honor the work of renowned architect I.M. Pei who designed the iconic brutalist-style dormitories on New College’s East Campus (a.k.a. Pei Campus). New College tasked the firms with boldly transforming the structures as it develops an innovative and comprehensive future campus plan to include an athletic complex, retail and entertainment. Joining Sweet Sparkman in the field of finalists were Brooks+Scarpa (Los Angeles, USA) and STUDIOS Architecture (France and USA).
A distinguished committee of local and national members of the architecture community narrowed down exceptional portfolios of entrants in early September. All three finalists received a $10,000 honoraria from the New College Foundation, Inc. to develop their design concepts for the adaptive use of the dormitories on the Pei Campus. The quality of the conceptualization all three finalists provided demonstrated efforts far above and beyond the monetary value of the honoraria.
“Architecture Sarasota is grateful to all three finalists for their creativity and remarkable dedication in developing bold solutions for adapting and repurposing the Pei Dormitories” said Architecture Sarasota President Morris “Marty” Hylton III. “We would especially like to congratulate Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors whose design concept proposes transforming and activating the Palm Court as a dynamic and versatile public space for both the New College campus and the larger Sarasota community. The Reimagining Pei competition demonstrated the power of design thinking in transforming places and inspiring people.”
The three finalists were firms with diverse practices based in sustainable and equitable design. Brooks+Scarpa is a Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award-winning firm in Los Angeles, California, known for its multidisciplinary ethos and innovative approach to material application in environmentally responsive designs that stretch across a variety of sectors; STUDIOS Architecture, recipient of one of eight Honor Awards at the 2022 GSA Design Awards, is an international architecture firm with six offices in France and the USA (the “Reimagining Pei” competition entry was submitted by the firm’s Washington, DC office), known for campus-scaled corporate, educational, and residential projects which boast original approaches to material sourcing, focused on upcycling and recycling; Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors is a multi-award-winning Sarasota-headquartered firm with a two-decade track record of designing for the climate challenges specific to the city, specializing in community, commercial and residential architecture.
Architecture Sarasota will display the Reimagining Pei Challenge final design concepts at McCulloch Pavilion, 265 S. Orange Avenue beginning Wednesday, December 6. The building is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Reimagining Pei competition is separate from any from any future project. There is no guarantee of additional work, and any subsequent project will be subject to a separate public procurement process.
Over the course of four days, Art Center Sarasota’s west side was transformed into a beautiful mural that will stay for two years. This project allowed students from the Boys and Girls Club to take part in designing Sarasota. Through this, they developed a stronger connection to their community and learned valuable skills.
Art Center of Sarasota explained that the goals of this project included teaching the students problem solving, communication, teamwork, and spatial reasoning. Both organizations connect to the youth in their areas and inspire them to pursue their passions and prepare them for a successful future.
Their search for the perfect muralist led them to Annie Dong, who was dedicated to creating a beautiful addition for Sarasota — an opportunity she had dreamed of — while encouraging the young artists in our community. Annie is currently an art and psychology student at New College of Florida. She is working towards a career in art therapy and has prior experience with murals.
Her goals for the mural project were to help the students bond as a respectful and communicative team that could have fun together. She looked back fondly at the discovery that basketball — not art — was the group’s main passion because of how talented they were, and she had the opportunity to express that art was born from unrestricted creativity that can take several forms.
“I learned that in their free time, they have fun writing music and poetry,” Annie remarked. “I acknowledge to them that art is more than just painting or drawing. Art exceeds that because you are allowing your creativity to flow. That is what makes it art — the power to be able to create. That put smiles on their faces, and that was for sure one of many of my favorite moments.”
When asked about what inspired the theme of the mural, Annie described how the location of Art Center Sarasota was the main consideration. The development of the Bay has showcased Sarasota’s nature scene and has become a popular place to spend time. Because the mural is seen from the Mangrove Path, it was designed to fit into the Bay’s natural theme. It depicts waves and florals that fit the location perfectly. The color palette was based on Annie’s previous murals and the Boy and Girls Club logo.
The ribbon cutting was held on January 19th, where Art Center Sarasota and the Boys and Girls Club introduced the mural to the city’s residents. Annie and the students were celebrated for their hard work with ice cream, photoshoots, and a small party afterwards. This was the perfect addition to our Sarasota community.
Devon Geary is a student contributor to the New College News.
Photos by Remy Katz.
New College of Florida has been quietly making a meaningful and lasting impact on the Sarasota-Manatee economy since its founding, but especially for the past two years. Through New College’s Center for Career & Engagement Opportunity (CEO), close to 100 local nonprofits and businesses have been assisted by New College grant funding to offer paid internships and students completing internships. The interns’ collective work has been immeasurable.
Read more at Sarasota Magazine.
Image: Lauren David with the Manasota Association for the Study of African American Life and History