On Jan. 31, NSU celebrated its 17th annual signature event Celebration of Excellence, which recognizes and highlights NSU’s achievements and select members of the community for their outstanding impact.
The evening began with a reception at the Fellows Way Courtyard, with dinner immediately following in a specially constructed tent on the Alvin Sherman Library quad.
During the reception, event attendees signed a large silver construction beam, which will be placed in front of the new Center for Collaborative Research. research building.
Levi Morris, graduate student from the College of Pharmacy signed the beam.
“This, right here, is a piece of history; basically everyone who’s at this event is signing and being a part of history,” Morris said.
Morris said the Celebration of Excellence is a thank you for what donors have done and what they have donated.
“This is just the way we say thank you from NSU, that we do appreciate what they have done; they have definitely helped us to grow into who we are now,” he said. “Everything that they do goes back to them in some way or another, whether it’s through our students’ development, faculty development or us out in the community.”
The dinner was hosted by President George Hanbury. He showcased the university, shared NSU’s achievements and discussed the university’s vision.
“Tonight, we celebrate the university and its excellence to satisfy and exemplify the core values of our community,” he said. “We recognize those individuals who have supported the university financially, as well as with their time and talent.”
Hanbury was introduced by Undergraduate Student Government Association President Kelly Scott, senior athletic training major.
“The Celebration of Excellence not only honors our donors, but helps create scholarship opportunities for all of our students,” Scott said.
The main part of the evening consisted of honoring Judy and Barry Silverman, the recipients of the President’s Excellence in Community Service Award, for their philanthropic service to NSU and the South Florida community.
“The couple has not only given to the university with their time, talents and treasures, but has also given back to the community in multiple areas,” Hanbury said.
Event attendees watched a video highlighting the Silverman’s demonstration of excellence in our community – one of NSU’s eight core values.
Hanbury said, “This award represents how well their partnership has helped to fulfill the university’s excellence, students, academic programs and our community – to give us a better place to learn, live and work,”
Barry Silverman said he and his wife were very flattered to receive this award.
“It is truly gratifying; especially since the prior recipients are such notable people,” he said.
Previous recipients include Guy Harvey, Joseph and Winifred Amaturo and Wayne and Marti Huizenga.
“We are so honored to be able to help NSU grow and flourish,” Silverman said. “It is so wonderful to see that the community is finally starting to notice how important NSU is.”
Silverman also advised students to enhance their education by learning and participating in the community.
“Personal growth as a student is very important,” he said. “The entire education experience is enhanced when a student participates in the activities beyond the classroom.”
The Silvermans are currently looking to integrate an engineering school at NSU. Silverman said this will help align the university’s future programs.
“The technology industry is rapidly growing, and being in South Florida, it’s important for NSU to support its students who work in this industry; students will be able to contribute their special talents to the community and advanced companies, in turn, those companies will be able to help support NSU,” Silverman said.
In addition to the community service award, the individuals who gave a million dollars or more to the university this year received a shark statue and became members of the “shark circle. Their names will be engraved on the shark fins in Fellows Way, located between the Carl DeSantis Building and the Alvin Sherman Library.
“These individuals have donated their money to the university to afford scholarships and to attract and retain students so that they will, hopefully, offset their tuition costs,” Hanbury said.
Joseph Personelli, member of President’s 64, a group of student leaders who strengthen the relationship between NSU and its community, said he attended the Celebration of Excellence to be a liaison for the university to the donors.
“Anyone who is honored at this celebration is an outstanding supporter of the university,” Personelli, a junior biology major, said. “It’s just really great to be a part of this; the environment is just so positive and optimistic.”
Also a member of President’s 64, Timothy Bediako, sophomore biology major, said the Celebration of Excellence is a great opportunity for NSU to get exposure.
“It’s a great way for NSU to connect with the community, the individuals who donate to NSU and the Board of Trustees,” he said.
Bediako said he was impressed by the construction of the tent, which included glass doors, blue carpet, cushioned seats with sequined tablecloths and large TVs.
“I think it’s a great transformation; I saw the work in progress and to see that just a week ago all of this wasn’t here – what they made out of it is really cool,” he said. “I’m honored and blessed to have the opportunity to be here.”
Hanbury concluded his speech at the event by highlighting Vision 2020, which states that by 2020, through excellence and innovations in teaching, research, service and learning, NSU will be recognized and a premier university of quality and distinction.
“A part of Vision 2020 is to produce alumni who serve with integrity in their lives, fields of study and resulting careers. Giving back to the community and ultimately making this a better place to live and to be a leader is what this evening is all about,” Hanbury said. “The number one reason for the Celebration of Excellence is to appreciate the students and alumni this university produces.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of A. DiMaria
