Commencement speakers announced
The keynote speakers for NSU’s commencement ceremonies were announced last week. Colonel Arthur J. Athens, a U.S. Marine Corps Officer who retired in July 2008 with over 30 years of active experience, will speak at the Abraham S. Fischler School of Education’s ceremony. Elizabeth Lindsey, the first female fellow and polynesian explorer in National Geographic Society’s history, will speak at the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences’ commencement. Justice Peggy A. Quince will speak at the Shepard Broad Law Center’s graduation. She is a member of the Florida Supreme Court. Juliet V. Garcia, Ph.D., the first Mexican-American woman in the nation to become president of a college or university, will speak at all graduate commencements, except for HPD’s and Farquhar’s.
NSU launches program in Tampa Bay
On April 27, NSU will host a grand opening ceremony for the university’s first physical therapy program offered in the Tampa Bay area. Classes start on May 31 and will hold up to 20 students. The program will combine online and traditional classes.
Frank A. DePiano appointed executive VP and Provost of Academic Affairs
On April 6, NSU Chancellor Ray Ferrero Jr., J.D., announced Frank A. DePiano, Ph.D., as the appointed executive vice president and university provost for academic affairs. DePiano is also the chair of the Council of Deans. He has served as vice president of academic affairs, founding dean of the Center of Psychological Studies, and associate dean of the college of medicine.
Rock Out Loud concert a success
On April 6, more than 200 people attended the Rock Out Loud concert on the south lawn of the Shepard Broad Law Center. The event was hosted by NSU’s LAMBDA United chapter, which raises awareness of the legal and social rights of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered persons. City Commissioner of Oakland Park, John Ardonato, spoke at the event, where local indie band Es Oh headlined. Approximately $500 raised at the event will be donated to the non-profit organization Fight Out Loud.
Air traffic controller sleeps on the job
During the Federal Aviation Agency’s congressional hearing on April 6, an administrator testified to seeing an air traffic controller sleeping on the job at the McGhee Tyson airport outside of Knoxville, Tenn., on Feb. 19. The employee allegedly made a bed on the floor of the tower and went to sleep for about five hours while an employee on another part of the building monitored the radar and traffic control duties. Seven planes landed during the time he slept. Another air traffic controller was found sleeping at Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport on March 23. Because of these incidents, the FAA now requires two controllers work in the tower during late-night shifts.
