SARASOTA, Fla. — The inaugural New College Athletics Gala will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024, 5:30 p.m. at College Hall, 351 College Drive, Sarasota. New College added intercollegiate sports in 2023 and is preparing to enter the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the prestigious Sun Conference this fall. Funds raised at the Gala will support scholarships to allow New College to recruit top scholar-athletes from across America and internationally. Tickets cost $100 and are available online by visiting GoMightyBanyans.com.
“The addition of intercollegiate athletics has impacted New College in numerous ways, increasing enrollment, improving the vibrancy of student life, and emerging as a shared source of pride for students, faculty and staff,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “Athletics will continue to play a vital role in fulfilling our vision to be the best liberal arts college in America.”
The evening’s setting is on the New College Bayfront, featuring majestic views of Sarasota Bay. Wear cocktail attire and prepare to enjoy a relaxed evening featuring casino-style games. Tickets include play money to be used at gaming tables throughout the night. Hors d’oeuvres will be served, and a cash bar will be available. Sponsorship opportunities for the event are still being offered.
New College began its athletics program with six teams in 2023-2024, including baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s soccer. Next year the Mighty Banyans will compete in a dozen sports, with ambitious expansion plans for the next several years.
“The New College Athletics Gala is an important event for creating scholar-athlete scholarships that will allow our athletics program to continue its rapid growth,” said Mariano Jimenez, Jr., Vice President, Athletics and Recruitment.
For more information, email [email protected], call 941-487-4105, or visit GoMightyBanyans.com.
SARASOTA, Fla. — New College of Florida will host tours of the Ellen and Ralph Caples Estate, 351 Caples Drive, Sarasota, from February 5 — March 2, 2024, to kick off a Historic Preservation Campaign. The primary purpose of the campaign, which will be coordinated by Joyce and Jeff Hart in conjunction with the New College Foundation, is preservation, awareness and enhancement of all historic sites and building on the New College campus.
“The history surrounding New College’s most iconic buildings is a defining part of its identity and contributes to the bond between the College and the Sarasota community,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “The Hart’s vigor for historic preservation and sharing their knowledge and love for these landmark structures is commendable, and these tours will be important for our ongoing efforts to preserve the significant pieces of history entrusted to us.”
The Mediterranean Revival style mansion was constructed in the 1920s and is part of the Caples-Ringling Estates Historic District in Sarasota. It still features many original construction and design elements, which were preserved during recent interior renovations. Ellen Caples gifted the mansion to New College in 1971. Ralph Caples was a friend and business associate of the Ringling Bros. and played a leading role in Sarasota’s development, including bringing the railroad to the area.
The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation named the Caples Mansion on its Six to Save Program list of historic buildings in 2021 and continues to advocate for its preservation. Other historically significant structures on the campus include the Charles Ringling Mansion, Cook Hall, the Pei Dorms, Four Winds Café, and Robertson Hall.
Jeff and Joyce Hart own J. Hart Interior Design. Joyce currently sits on the City of Sarasota’s Historic Preservation Board and is a past board member of the Alliance for Historic Preservation.
“After more than a decade of requests, we are grateful to President Corcoran for granting us permission to open the mansion to the public,” Joyce and Jeff said. “As graduates of Ringling College of Art and Design, and along with 12 other local designers, we get to combine our passion for restoring and showcasing historic homes and bring the rooms of the historic mansion to life again.”
A Ribbon Cutting will take place on Sunday, February 4 from 3-5 p.m. Daily tours are available February 5th to March 2nd 10 a.m.-4 p.m., closed on Sundays. The admission fee is $25 with all proceeds of the tours benefitting the New College Historic Preservation Fund. Event sponsorships are also available. For more information, visit ncf.edu/alumni/caplestour, call 941-487-4800 or email [email protected].
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SARASOTA, Fla. — Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis was joined by Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Director Taylor Hatch and New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran to recognize October as Disability Employment Awareness Month and highlight new job opportunities available through Hope Florida – A Pathway to Possibilities. Through this initiative, New College of Florida is providing employment opportunities for individuals with unique abilities, including positions at libraries and food-service locations on campus. As the first educational institution to partner with Hope Florida, New College announced scholarships specifically for Floridians served by Hope Florida, including Floridians with unique abilities.
“Two months ago, we announced that Hope Florida will now serve individuals with unique abilities,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “In that time, Hope Navigators have already begun serving more than 100 Floridians with unique abilities. Each family’s needs vary– from building paths towards economic self-sufficiency to creating deeper community connections. Ultimately, our success is helping these individuals meet their goals and God-given potential, and we are now able to offer not only employment but scholarship opportunities to Hope Florida participants.”
New College’s new Hope Florida scholarships include two full-tuition, room and board scholarships which will be awarded annually to two Hope Florida participants, as well as additional assistance opportunities, such as book stipends. Following the event, Chancellor of the State University System Ray Rodrigues and Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. sent a letter to all Florida colleges and universities asking them to join these efforts. Click here to view the letter.
“New College of Florida is proud to partner with First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hope Florida initiative through employment and educational opportunities,” said President of New College Richard Corcoran. “During Disability Employment Awareness Month, we are thrilled that this initiative connects us with Floridians served by Hope Florida including those with unique abilities who are looking for job opportunities and scholarship assistance.”
Ensuring there are employment opportunities for participants is a key component of Hope Florida. New College of Florida is partnering with the initiative to specifically provide jobs and educational scholarships for people with unique abilities and other Floridians served by Hope Florida. October is a key month for the developmental disability community and holds significant importance in raising awareness and promoting the employment and empowerment of individuals with these unique abilities.
“We are incredibly grateful to First Lady Casey DeSantis for her leadership and continued commitment to Floridians of all abilities, and for convening today’s event to celebrate and highlight the achievements of Floridians with unique abilities,” said Taylor Hatch, Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. “Through the launch of First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hope Florida – A Pathway to Possibilities, individuals with unique abilities and their caregivers are now bringing their talents and passion to their local community through volunteerism and greater community involvement.”
Hope Florida – A Pathway to Possibilities, led by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, utilizes Hope Navigators to serve as a connector for individuals with unique abilities to local-community-based providers including nonprofits, faith-based organizations, peer supports and private sector business partners.
As a part of the event, First Lady DeSantis also recognized Aladdin Equipment Company, Inc. as an Exceptional Employer for their continued commitment to employing this population.
“On behalf of myself and Aladdin, we are beyond grateful to receive this award,” said Carrie Collins, the Owner and Vice President of Aladdin Equipment Company. “Hiring people with unique abilities has been a special part of Aladdin for decades because the pursuit to maintain manufacturing in the United States is our goal. Recently, working with The Haven Academy students has set the standard for Aladdin and we hope other businesses in our area. Providing opportunities for employment to these amazing individuals is important to us because they bring unique perspectives, talents and strengths to our business. We hope that in receiving this award other businesses will recognize the value in hiring such incredible individuals and will follow suit.”
“Florida recognizes that each and every one of us is a gift, and we work to ensure that every Floridian can thrive in the Sunshine State,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo. “Thankfully, under the leadership of Governor and First Lady DeSantis, Florida continues to promote awareness and honor the lives of individuals with special needs and disabilities.”
Hope Florida, created by First Lady Casey DeSantis and implemented by a number of state agencies, was first launched in 2021. Since its inception, the initiative has served more than 74,000 people, helping over 8,500 Hope Florida participants to reduce or eliminate reliance on public assistance to meet food or cash needs. Over a 10-year period, participant reduction of public assistance will save taxpayers almost $190 million.
SARASOTA, Fla. — New College of Florida (NCF) will celebrate its 44th annual Clambake fundraising event Soiree on the Bay, hosted by the New College of Florida Foundation on Thursday, November 2, at 6 p.m. Local philanthropists Elizabeth Moore and Don Patterson are co-chairing the event. Held on NCF’s scenic bayfront campus in Sarasota, the Clambake will raise money to support three new master’s degree programs slated to launch in 2024.
Moore has been a civic activist notably in environmental initiatives such as Mote Marine Aquarium and Research, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Lemur Conservation Foundation, Tree Foundation, Southface Institute, Climate Adaptation Center, Gulf Shellfish Institute and, recently, Roger Williams College President’s Taskforce on the Blue Economy. She owns Triangle Ranch in Myakka, Florida, and is also a member of the Manatee County Cattlemen’s Association. In addition to hosting many community events at her ranch, she also runs an Airbnb to showcase her “Florida Cracker” cottages and land conservation initiative. In 2021, Elizabeth was featured as “The Woman Who Wants to Save Florida” in Sarasota Magazine. An avid tennis fan, Moore is the title sponsor of the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open.
Patterson spent 40 years in the communications industry, culminating in his role as co-founder and CEO of Ascend Wireless Networks, taking the business from startup to acquisition by a private equity firm in less than 10 years. Passionate about helping the underserved, Don has held numerous high-level roles with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast. He led the creation of “Stay Safe” in partnership with the Salvation Army, an initiative that serves as an emergency alternative for women victims of abuse as a result of being homeless. He was invited to attend the first conference by the Department of Justice to address the emerging Human Trafficking crisis, and “Stay Safe” continues to work in Sarasota to this day. As a community leader, he funded the creation of the “Thursday Night Market” in the Rosemary District, reviving traffic flow to businesses in the area post-pandemic. He is also an accomplished Marathoner and Ironman.
“Don and Elizabeth are pillars of the community and wonderful friends of New College and our Foundation, and I know we can expect to celebrate our most successful Clambake yet,” said Richard Corcoran, interim president of New College.
NCF recently revealed plans to add three new master’s degree programs, including the nation’s first Master’s of Marine Mammal Science. This new research-intensive program will be complemented by the establishment of the Florida Institute of Marine Mammal Science (FIMMS). Additionally, NCF will establish programs to offer a Master’s of Environmental Economics and a Master’s of Educational Leadership. Funds raised will support the necessary financial aid for student recruitment, faculty hiring, and facility improvements that will launch these programs successfully.
Event sponsorships are now available. For more information, visit ncf.edu/clambake, call 941-487-4800 or email [email protected].
“I help them be more critical thinkers about scientific information. I hope I am teaching them not to be afraid of quantitative data and statistics. To be able to think about it: does this make numerical sense? How sure am I that the source is reliable? Once they leave, they will be bombarded by differing opinions, but I hope I’ve taught them how to be able to be critical and appropriately skeptical.”
Professor Shipman has been teaching courses, labs, and tutorials in physical chemistry at New College since 2008. They became the Leonard Florsheim Chair in 2015. Shipman received their B.A. from Rice University and earned their Ph.D. from the University of California-Berkeley. Prior to coming to New College, they did a post-doctorate at the University of Virginia.
In their lab, Professor Shipman and their students study how small molecules rotate and vibrate in the gas phase in very high resolution. This lets them acquire “molecular fingerprints” that can uniquely identify molecules in complicated mixtures. They primarily use these to trace the location and amount of various compounds in the interstellar medium, which provides clues about key processes in astrochemistry, such as the formation of interesting organic molecules from simple precursors in molecular clouds. In addition, they spend a fair amount of time on developing new instrumentation to collect this data more efficiently and developing software to automate the data analysis process. This allows students to spend more time thinking about the big scientific questions instead of working with giant lists of numbers.
As a small, public liberal arts college, New College and its faculty have the flexibility to create the courses students are interested in taking. “I have had a couple of students who are interested in interdisciplinary work. One declared her AOC in computational biochemistry and so we have to do a mix of applied math, biochemical and chemical work. It’s one of those combinations that is really interesting, really cutting edge. These are not established programs but because we have that flexibility, we can maneuver through it.”
Shipman notes the benefits of the all-encompassing holistic approach that they and their fellow professors are able to have with their students. “I had a student who started out in chemistry and is now applying to law school. Her thesis helped her crystallize what was important. We were looking at contaminants in eye shadows and tampons and the history of regulation around this. She realized the role the FDA had in making lives better. The beauty of it is that her thesis was about chemistry — about the specific molecules and how they might interact with the body — but it turned out the regulatory stuff grabbed her interest and now she’s going to law school!”
New College’s unique evaluation system may be more work for its professors but Professor Shipman says it’s worth it. “You can be much more nuanced and can really help students develop. With a letter grade system, I can have two people who are going to get a B, but they may have wildly different skills. Here at New College, I document how one did in all those major areas: here’s where they showed improvement over the semester, here are some study skills I noticed they may want to work on. It really contributes to their growth.”
Professor Shipman enjoys witnessing that growth. “I get to help students explore their boundaries. They also expand my range of interests as well. They’ll read some interesting paper and I’m like, ‘Oh, I haven’t seen that.’ They keep me current too. It’s wonderful!”
Susan Marks is beginning her third decade at New College. She was hired as the Klingenstein Chair in 2003 after receiving her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. The late Selma and Paul Klingenstein along with local donors from Temple Beth Israel on Longboat Key, provided the money for the Chair position.
Susan had the enviable job of creating the department from scratch. “What would Judaic Studies look like at New College? How would that be part of the religion department?” Susan also debated whether it should be an AOC (area of concentration) and decided the answer was no. “Since it’s only me teaching these classes, we can’t have a Judaic Studies AOC. But we can have a Judaic Studies focus in religion, the same way you can have a Buddhist focus or a Christian focus.”
Over the years, Susan has taught both Jewish and non-Jewish students. She says usually only 20-30% of those taking her classes are Jewish. “I think people want to learn about the world, learn about different traditions. You don’t have to be Jewish to study Judaic studies.”
Susan also teaches courses about Christian scriptures. She says, “As Jews teach Christian scriptures, you have a different focus, not only because they are Jewish but because you have people look at Judaic Studies and early Christianity together. The emphasis is more clear about how Jewish early Christianity was.”
Since 2004, Susan has been bringing in a speaker each year for the Klingenstein Lecture series. Funds are also available from the Jay Rudolph book fund for students to read a speaker’s work prior to their lecture. Susan works hard to mix it up. “If we had someone who did antiquity, I try to do someone modern the next year. I offer a group ISP (independent study project) so the students can read the person’s work and take advantage of it at the lecture. Then, the next morning, they get the rock star coming to their class. It’s nice for me too because I get a colleague I can talk about the world with.”
Susan has mentored many New College students in the last twenty years. She believes her greatest impact has been being a good listener. She compares listening to the process of writing. “I really emphasize that you work with drafts. Get something down on paper, discuss with a peer who can give you feedback and then you can revise it, so nothing you are doing is ever a first draft. The person that is the hardest, most critical of one’s writing, is themselves. So, people really stifle themselves by second guessing themselves and not letting anything else to be written. One of the things that is so important is to listen to what others are doing, to get feedback other than their own negative voice, to build on their strengths.”
She points to the senior thesis as an important learning experience for her students. “The brilliance of it is the chance to do something over the long term. To know you can do a big project, you can draw on those skills and know you can do a big project again. That’s huge!”
Susan has just begun the first year of a three-year phased retirement. New College will miss her!
But Stork also focuses on philanthropy—a passion many folks save until after they have retired. She gives a lot, especially to New College. That’s not easy in today’s world. What got her started? It began in Indiana. Stork had graduated from high school and was deciding where to apply to college. In- state education was obviously always an option. But New College of Florida topped her list. Her brother had gone there and told her about his experience.
Stork liked what she heard. “I liked the small classes,” Stork said. “I knew I’d be lost in a big state school.” She also liked the contract system, which didn’t punish educational risk taking and independent thinking. Those qualities drew Stork to New College. She applied and was accepted. A generous scholarship made it even more possible. “The scholarship I received actually made New College cheaper for me than an Indiana state college,” she said. “That made the decision easy. ‘Study in Indiana under two feet of snow or go to Florida? Hmm…’ My scholarship made the question a no- brainer.”
Stork’s New College experience was rewarding on many levels. Aesthetically, she was enthralled by the unique architecture on campus and the beauty of the subtropical region. Personally, she made many lifelong friends across a range of backgrounds. Intellectually, she sharpened her critical-thinking skills. “I didn’t understand how vital that was until my first year at law school,” she said. “Nearly every exam had an essay requirement. The other students struggled; they’d had nothing but multiple choice and fill-in-the- blank questions on their undergraduate exams. I did extremely well, because essays and critical thinking were baked into my New College studies.”
Lifelong friendships. An experience of Florida’s natural splendor. The power of critical thinking. Stork thanks her scholarship for launching the possibilities. She wanted to help make that possible for future New College students. She began giving back as soon as she could. Stork set up a gift agreement, which established automatic credit card payments to New College every month. Of her total monthly gift, a portion is dedicated to general scholarships, while another portion goes to the College’s unrestricted annual fund.
“New College holds a special place in my heart, mind and soul,” Stork said. “It helped me as a law student, as a lawyer, and as a human being. It’s given me so much, and I give what I give because I can.” Even small gifts make a big impact, Stork said. “Signing up for $5 a month makes a world of difference. You can also give through promotion or volunteering,” Stork said. “Whatever form your gift takes, you’re really giving of yourself. That keeps your relationship with the school alive in the present, and makes that relationship a possibility for New College students in the future.”
The Student Emergency Fund took on importance during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, helping students who experienced financial hardships.
Hurricane Ian was another hardship, affecting our students who, in a matter of 36 hours, had to evacuate the campus. There were also students who experienced material loss as a result of the hurricane’s impact.
Associate Vice President of Advancement Kevin Hughes, says, “In response, so many of our alumni and friends stepped forward to assist our students, which demonstrates the close-knit nature of the New College community and our donors’ willingness to help students in their time of need.”
The numbers tell the story. Starting within just a few days after the hurricane, 140 donors stepped forward to give a total of $20,544. So far, $10,991 has been given to students who applied for assistance. Their needs ranged from transportation, food while off campus, temporary housing, supplies for clean-up, and replacement of food that was spoiled during power outages.
Dany Rizzo, a young alum from 2012, was one of those who stepped up. She says, “When I was student, I was by myself. I couldn’t go back at home at the time as my parents were homeless. I know how much it means when other people are there to help and what it’s like to be a student and you don’t have a lot of money. I thought this would be a good way to directly help the students.”
We are most grateful to our New College community for your assistance at such a critical time for our students.
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Under a tent along the bayfront, 400 guests dined on New England fare and were treated to a spectacular sunset. President Pat Okker welcomed the crowd along with chairs Erin Christy, Doug Christy, and Charlene Heiser Wolff. Student speakers, Lu Paris and Fehmi Neffati spoke about the value of receiving scholarships toward their education. Rounding out the evening, Michael Klauber of Michael’s on East, led a boisterous paddle raise, which netted $194,000. All monies raised benefit student scholarships. Clambake has been one of Sarasota’s most popular philanthropic events for more than four decades.
Learn more about New College Foundation.
See all photos from the 43rd Annual Clambake
Founded in 2009, the SMI has provided opportunities in and beyond Sarasota County to learn and practice mindfulness meditation. The organization’s mission has been to educate the public through classes and retreats in mindfulness meditation, and to provide a supportive space for building community and practicing mindfulness. New College has been working with the SMI since 2016, when the College started developing classes and Independent Study Projects (ISPs) on mindfulness.
“The pandemic really affected the SMI, since it became very difficult to have people come together to practice mindfulness,” said New College Assistant Professor of Religion Manuel Lopez, Ph.D. “After some months of pondering the future of the SMI, they decided that it was better to close the organization and donate the money to local institutions and organizations that could continue the mission of the SMI. I think it is a sign that the SMI believes in what we do at the College.”
Kurt Maurer, Ph.D.—the chair of the board of directors at the SMI—said Lynne Lockie’s class at the SMI has been very popular with New College students and faculty.
“In the past year, we have been searching for ways to further our mission and Dr. Lopez’s plan for the use of the SMI’s funds,” Maurer said. “New College was the perfect place for the SMI’s donation.”
The College plans to use the funds to promote the practice of mindfulness within New College and the Sarasota-Manatee community at large. Plans include developing a series of lectures with prominent speakers, classes, and workshops over the next three years that will focus on the benefits of mindfulness. The workshops will involve partnerships with three to five local organizations that could benefit from mindfulness training to further their missions and goals.
“While mindfulness is not a solution to all problems or is even recommended to deal with some mental health issues, we strongly believe that mindfulness can be an extremely useful tool to deal with a wide variety of issues, such as anxiety, depression, etc.,” Lopez said. “This does not replace the work that should be done with mental health professionals, but it can add an invaluable tool to deal with and manage some of those problems.”
Dr. Maurer added, “We wish to thank Dr. Lopez and New College for their interest and dedication to empowering people to live happier, healthier, less stressful lives, and to cultivate a more peaceful, tolerant world.”
For more information about this gift or the New College Foundation, visit ncf.edu/foundation or call 941-487-4800.