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Special Recognition Awards 2007-2008
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Award of Excellence Service:
Chief Linda J. Stump, Director of the University of Florida Police Department (UFPD). When Chief Stump joined the UFPD in July of 2003, she was the first female Police Chief at a State of Florida public university and one of the few in the country heading up departments on large campuses. At UF, Chief Stump has served on numerous committees and task forces that address student issues and concerns. She has also been involved in various large scale event/game day safety planning groups, including working closely with Student Affairs on the Florida –Georgia Safety Zone. Chief Stump has also collaborated with Student Affairs around alcohol and drug education and awareness programs. Her leadership has assured that all UFPD personnel receive excellent training in areas directly impacting interactions with UF students, faculty and staff, such as mental health, suicide prevention/QPR gatekeeper, diversity, sexual harassment, and LGBTQ sensitivity training. Chief Stump is a visible and familiar person seen at many campus events. To her Division of Student Affairs colleagues, she is available to consult on difficult issues. She often initiates communication with us by sending out articles and news clips covering higher education topics of mutual concern. She is open to feedback and willing to address issues that may need change. When Chief Stump was selected for this award, the events of last week’s Town Hall Forum had not yet occurred. Chief Stump has handled recent challenge this with the same professionalism, respectfulness and openness that is so characteristic. Her forthright UFPD website message acknowledges constituent concerns. It states, "As a professional organization, it is important that we remain open to and encourage feedback from the community we serve." Once this investigative process is complete, we will take everything into consideration as we move forward with our analysis and review of protocols and procedures. This is followed by direct contact information and electronic complaint forms! Who could ask for anything more in a formal response? It is indeed my honor to present this award to Chief Linda Student for her excellent contributions to our campus community. -
Dr. Michael Blachly
Seven years ago, the University of Florida was extremely fortunate to convince Dr. Michael Blachly to leave UCLA where he had already been recognized as the foremost performing arts presenter in higher education; to come to our campus and serve as Director of Performing Arts. In addition to his work at UF, Michael is one of the most sought-after performing arts consultants in the United States; and serves as a member of the North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents Executive Committee. Some of you may know that Dr. Blachley has a rich and impressive background. He was the Vice President and West Coast Director for Columbia Artists Management, Director of Performing Arts for the 1982 World’s Fair, and Director of the University of Hawaii Campus Center. What you may not know is that in addition to all of his other responsibilities, Michael also chairs the UF Homecoming Advisory Committee and assists the student producers of Gator Growl. Everyday, Michael Blachly works to improve our campus and our community. He is a tireless worker, student advocate, teacher, counselor, and truly valued friend of Student Affairs. Michael has enriched our lives and transformed the University of Florida performing arts series to be on par with those in New York and Los Angeles – not bad for Gainesville, Florida. No individual has done more to improve the quality of life than Michael Blachly -
The Division recognizes projects which succeeded due to the collaborative efforts of faculty and staff across the division and throughout the campus.
Sideline Safety Zone
Following the tragic deaths of two University of Florida students in Jacksonville at the annual Florida / Georgia football weekend – one each in 2004 and 2005, University of Florida officials took the lead in working with the City of Jacksonville and the University of Georgia to create a new initiative called the Sideline Student Safety Zone.
The idea was to promote safety to UF fans traveling to the game and reinforce responsible behavior through pre-game publicity and on-site assistance. Two Sideline Safety Zone locations were staffed outside the stadium in the center of downtown Jacksonville. UF Volunteers worked throughout the night both Friday and Saturday to assist approximately 2,000 students and fans who were lost, separated from their friends, in need of minor first aid, or sometimes just disoriented. Many University of Florida students recognized the considerable effort that was required; and expressed their appreciation for the positive nature of the Sideline Student Safety Zone.
Greek Management Project Team
Over the past two years the Greek Management Project Team has translated the idea of providing a Greek management package into the first contracted arrangement with a fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. Their work to bring the various sides toward a signed contract included overcoming the development of new accounting practices and funds; legal issues pertaining to this relationship; financial issues to cover the costs of the services; financial aid issues on how aid money could be used; conducting a facility assessment; and communications issues with all parties concerned. The University is now providing billing and collections, custodial, pest control, and staff training for the fraternity. This management package can serve as a model for future opportunities working with the Greek community.
Florida Opportunity Scholars Committee
The Florida Opportunity Scholars program, which began in the Fall of 2006, awards a full financial aid package of grants and scholarships to first generation students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who have been accepted to the University of Florida. From its inception it was understood that the program needed to be much more than just a financial aid program. Because first generation college students have a number of unique needs, the university also needed to ensure that FOS students had all the resources necessary to assure academic success and create a positive, supportive atmosphere. The Florida Opportunity Scholars steering committee was established to create the programming and support services and monitor the program’s success. The committee, comprised of faculty and staff throughout the division and the AIM program, developed a number of support strategies to improve academic success, engagement, social interaction and create a sense of belonging to the university community. The hard work of the Florida Opportunity Scholars Committee resulted in a 96% enrollment retention rate among our first class of Florida Opportunity Scholars.
Recognition of Collaborative Efforts
