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Welcoming UNF's new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Kaveri Subrahmanyam |
Dr. Kaveri Subrahmanyam officially began as dean of the College of Arts & Sciences (COAS) on July 25 after being appointed to the position earlier this year. Subrahmanyam previously worked at California State University in Los Angeles as associate dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences. Learn more about Dr. Subrahmanyam.
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UNF Recognized as one of the "Best of the Best" for LGBTQ+ Students |
UNF achieved the highest ranking on the Campus Pride Index (CPI), the definitive national benchmarking tool measuring LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs, practices, safety, inclusiveness and resources on campus for LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff. Learn more about UNF's LGBTQ Center.
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| UNF Athletics breaks fundraising records for 904 Weekend |
Osprey Nation exhibited its support and generosity once again during 904 Weekend 2022, presented by CEM Foundation. UNF Athletics surpassed its fundraising goal for its "Fueling the Pursuit" initiative, raising $53,110 through the help of 192 donors, with funds going toward enhancing nutritional services, counseling and support. Learn more about 904 Weekend.
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UNF Alumnus Cedric Tyson ('13) named athletic director of Alabama School for the Deaf |
Tyson’s goals for the ASD Athletic Department are to build a culture for student-athletes to acknowledge the importance of being positive role models on campus, promote academic achievement and represent themselves well in the community. Learn more about Cedric Tyson.
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| UNF Alumnus Chris Kalin ('08) named regional president of PNC Bank |
Starting this October, Chris Kalin, UNF's Class of 2008 Top Graduate, will become the regional president for PNC Bank's North Florida operations. Learn more about Chris Kalin.
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Alumni Recognition Award nominations now live |
Each year during Homecoming the Alumni Association honors alumni doing great things for our community and for UNF. There are four awards being presented this year: Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, Young Alumni Achievement Award, Alumni Service Award and Honorary Alumni Award. Learn more about the ARA or submit your nomination.
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Healthcare Symposium and Alumni Reunion |
Date:
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 23-25
Location:
Adam W. Herbert University Center
Cost:
Symposium - $50, Alumni Reunion - free to all Health Administration alumni, however, registration is required
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The Brooks College of Health invites its alumni to participate in a multidisciplinary conference aimed at educating, engaging and connecting students and professionals through relevant sessions about challenges in the healthcare industry. The official symposium will take place on Sept. 23-24. Meanwhile, The Alumni Reunion will take place on Sept. 24-25 and will include golf, VIP Reception, dinner at the beach, brunch and other activities.
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Coffee with a Curator: Project Atrium - Maud Cotter
| Date:
Saturday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m.
Location:
MOCA Jacksonville
Cost:
$15 (Free for MOCA Members)
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An acclaimed artist, both in her homeland of Ireland and internationally, Maud Cotter is best known for her sculptural installations. For her new commissioned project for MOCA's Project Atrium Series, "What Was Never Ours To Keep," Cotter responded to the spectacular 40-foot tall atrium space with an installation that continues her probe into our relationship with matter and the forces that govern this relationship; in this case: gravity. Join MOCA senior curator, Ylva Rouse, for coffee and conversation about Project Atrium: Maud Cotter. Learn more about all the upcoming MOCA events.
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The Hidden World of Pompeii: Latest Discoveries |
Date:
Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.
Location:
Adam W. Herbert University Center
Cost:
Free (Must Register in Advance)
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For seven years, Massimo Osanna was director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. He is now director general of museums at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Activities and Tourism in Italy. A professor of classical archaeology at the University Federico II of Naples, he has held many important responsibilities within the Italian Ministry of Culture. Join this special event presented by the Machin Family Ancient Studies Initiative at UNF and the Department of Art, Art History and Design.
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| Roar and Soar Jaguars Tailgate
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Date:
Sunday, Oct. 23 at 10 a.m.
Location:
TIAA Bank Field, 1 TIAA Bank Field Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Cost:
$55-65
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Join the Alumni Association for the 13th Annual Roar and Soar Tailgate as the Jags take on the New York Giants. The tailgate will be back at the grassy Flex Field lawn next to the stadium with an elevated brunch menu, classic tailgate yard games, vendors, giveaways and more. Ticket and tailgate packages are available along with add-ons for season ticket holders.
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Dec. 10 — Holiday Party w/ the President
Dec. 15 — UNF Night at Deck the Chairs
Jan. 29 - Feb. 4 — Homecoming Week
Feb. 18 — Swoop the Loop 5k
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Thomas grew up in America’s oldest city, St. Augustine, before moving to Jacksonville to attend college. She had always been interested in the psychology program at UNF. As the youngest of eight children – all girls – she said she knew her listening skills would pay off.
However, at age 24, Thomas was involved in a life-changing car accident. She sustained a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the neck down. After her diagnosis, doctors advised her parents to place her in a nursing home because she would likely need to be on life support for the rest of her life. They gave her a zero percent chance of recovery from her injuries and told her she would never graduate from college. “Oh [I’m] going to have to give up my dreams of graduating and doing anything because my injuries would keep me from progressing and achieving my goals,” Thomas said. She was able to overcome all the adversity and make such progress in her recovery that not only was she able to walk again, she was able to return to UNF and finish her degree. Thomas says, “My greatest day was when I walked across that stage – April 28, 2006.”
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After graduating and starting to work with people with disabilities, Thomas was interested in trying to inspire and encourage others. “I was like okay, well, let me share what I’ve gone through so I can be able to reach more people. Encourage them. Inspire them to do their best regardless of whatever it is they may be struggling with,” Thomas said.
Her first book titled "The Doctor Said…" was published in 2013. This book details the injuries and struggles she went through in the trauma unit and in physical rehab, and her recovery process of having to learn to walk and drive again just to get back into college and graduate. Thomas says, “No matter what someone tells you, if you put your body and your heart in it, nothing can stop you,” she said. It took her about three months to get through the manuscript and a few more months before getting it published.
Her latest book, "Unbroken Spirit" is a continuation of her debut publication. She started writing this book in 2017 and published it in August 2022. While the first book focuses on the crash and the first five years of recovery, the follow-up details Thomas’ journey beyond those first five years, including all the activities she is able to do now. For instance, she started working out in the Adaptive Sports Program of the Brooks Rehabilitation Center and has been able to ski, surf, horseback ride and skydive.
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While writing her second book, she returned to work full-time as a nursing home transition coordinator at the Independent Living Resource Center, helping people with disabilities maintain housing and employment. She's also coordinating home health services, Meals on Wheels and home physical therapy to help them transition from the nursing home back into the community. She then got a job working as a substitute teacher for Duval County, working with students with special needs.
In 2015, she moved back to her childhood home in St. Augustine. She currently serves as a ministry leader for her church’s Celebrate Recovery program, which deals with people who have “hurts, habits and hang-ups,” and just recently got a new job with the Department of Children and Families, helping assisted people get their food stamp applications in and providing general guidance.
When she's not at work, Thomas enjoys going out for a nice drive in her modified hand-controlled vehicle, as well as spending time at restaurants, church, amusement parks and anywhere she can have a good time with her husband of 25 years. She’s an avid reader of the UNF alumni magazine but aims to get more involved with the university as a guest speaker. She’s already envisioning her third book “From Tragedy to Triumph,” so keep your eyes peeled for a new release sometime in the future.
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