2018 was a great time to be a Shark. Take a look at some of The Current’s biggest news stories from last year- we can’t wait to see what 2019 has in store for NSU.
NSU works to revamp the residential experience
After welcoming a large incoming class in Aug. 2017, NSU announced that the university will build a new residence hall to house new students. The new facility will hold approximately 500-600 students, and is set to open in Aug. 2019.
The 20th annual Celebration of Excellence made history
At the 20th annual Celebration of Excellence, NSU made history when the university received substantial gifts from several generous donors, among them, Drs. Patel and Ron and Kathy Assaf. The Patel’s gift went to the College of Allopathic Medicine, which was renamed the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, and the Assaf’s donation went to NSU’s College of Nursing, which is now the Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing.
Andy the tiger shark went the distance
In 2018, four years after being tagged in Bermuda by Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) scientists, Andy the tiger shark became the longest tracked tiger shark. The main goal of this program is to better understand the sharks’ movements in detail, and to assist with conservation efforts.
NSU community responded to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy
On Feb. 19, NSU held a vigil to memorialize and show support for the 17 victims and others impacted by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy that had occurred five days prior. The Don Taft University Center held hundreds of students, faculty and members of the community as speeches, poems and prayer were delivered.
NSU’s first combined White Coat ceremony took place
On July 28, the university welcomed approximately 300 incoming medical students in the nation’s first combined White Coat Ceremony, celebrating the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Doctor of Medicine students together. Additionally, this ceremony marks NSU’s accomplishment of being the third university in the U.S. with two medical colleges.
Rolling Hills opened to undergraduate students
In response to the large influx of freshman in the 2021 class, NSU made the decision to bar graduate students from housing in Rolling Hills following the Winter 2018 semester. Undergraduate students moved in for the 2018-19 school year. The university said that this would be a temporary change until the new residence hall opens.
The new hybrid dining plan was created
The new dining hall, which opened Aug. 2018, implemented a one-price, “all you care to eat” dinner time where students are given the option to enter the dining hall and enjoy food in a buffet style. Prior to this change, all meals were served as a one-serving, one-price deal.
The Fischler Academy began Fall 2018
The Abraham S. Fischler College of Education launched its new program, The Fischler Academy. Students in this program are able to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree at the same time on either a four or five year track. They are also guaranteed a job offer in either Broward, Palm Beach, Collier or Lee county upon successful completion of their degrees.
Students were promised the NSU Edge
The university revamped its image, promising students the NSU Edge. The new brand phased out the traditional sun logo that the university had been using in favor of a sleeker, shark-themed one. New slogans such as “be a force of nature”, “we put the edge in education” and “the NSU Edge” are being utilized as well.
New Interfaith Room gave students the space they’ve wanted
NSU opened the Interfaith Room on the third floor of the student affairs building. This room gives students the space to celebrate holidays for all religions. Any students of any faith are welcome to use the room to respectfully pray, meditate or practice their beliefs on campus.
