Lucas The Center for FACULTY DEVELOPMENT FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY D E D I C A T I O N September 2, 2014
I wish to offer our deepest thanks to David and Linda Lucas on behalf of the faculty, staff and students of FGCU and the community as a whole, all of whom will benefit from the existence of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development. Wilson G. Bradshaw, Ph.D. Florida Gulf Coast University President 1
THE LUCAS CENTER DEDICATION CEREMONY David Lucas, Dr. Wilson G. Bradshaw, Robbie Roepstorff, Dr. Ron Toll, JoAnn Catti, Joe Catti and Lucas Century Development opportunities are essential in order to assist new faculty as they begin their careers, as well as for experienced faculty as they strive for continuous improvement. Of course, the ultimate beneficiaries of Mr. and Mrs. Lucas generosity are our students, whose superb academic experiences at FGCU will rival the top universities in the state and across the nation. 2 Dr. Ron Toll, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
THE LUCAS CENTER DEDICATION CEREMONY Etched glass plaque created by artist and Sanibel resident Lucas Century 3
THE LUCAS CENTER DEDICATION CEREMONY More than 100 people turned out to thank philanthropists David and Linda Lucas at this September reception. 4 I am honored to be able to participate in the future success of FGCU. The school needs our support and help and I would urge you to get involved even more deeply than you are now. You will experience the secret of giving. It is, The donor gets more out of the gift than the recipient. Think about it: The recipient just gets the money. You get the privilege of participating in an important project in a meaningful way. This is what gives life its meaning, participating in something bigger than yourself and helping others. Don t wait to give your money in your will after you die. Give it while you are alive so you can see the good that it does. Or put a simpler way: Do your giving while you re living so you re knowing where it s going. David Lucas, On philanthropy
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THE LUCAS CENTER DEDICATION CEREMONY Dr. Ron Toll, David Lucas, Dr. Wilson G. Bradshaw and Joe Catti 6
THE LUCAS CENTER DEDICATION CEREMONY Dennis Pearlman, David Lucas and Jared Pearlman David Lucas and son Brian Lucas Beverly McTarnaghan, David Lucas and founding FGCU President Dr. Roy McTarnaghan 7
THE LUCAS CENTER DEDICATION CEREMONY The Lucas Center for Faculty Development leadership team: Dr. Ann Miller, Dr. Barbara Stites, Jessica Rhea, Dr. Linda Serro and Dr. Win Everham with David Lucas (center) 8
THE LUCAS CENTER DEDICATION CEREMONY Carol DeLuccia, Kathy Toll, Dr. Ron Toll and Robbie Roepstorff David Lucas and Chris Simoneau Lynda Case, Tom Case, David Lucas, JoAnn Catti and Joe Catti 9
THE LUCAS CENTER FOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT This generous gift will allow us to support and expand the excellent teaching that takes place in many of our classes and significantly support our newest faculty colleagues as they develop their teaching expertise. Dr. Linda Serro, Director of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development What makes a great teacher? A great teacher has the ability to challenge the student in a positive way and show them they can exceed their own expectations. Success breeds success. Once the student sees he can do better, the game is on. The great teacher must be able to show his students how to cope with failure. He must get across the idea that failure is not something to be afraid of that we learn from our mistakes and are strengthened by them. Progress comes when we are willing to open up to new ideas and concepts that open new possibilities for a better life. The great teacher delivers that lesson. David Lucas, On teaching 10
THE LUCAS CENTER FOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT Lucas Center programs New Faculty Academy Course Design Academy Faculty learning communities Mentor/coach program Teaching assistance/consultation Workshops Book clubs Early/Mid-Career Academy Established Career Academy Faculty members with less than two years experience hone teaching techniques at the New Faculty Academy. 11
FACULTY ACADEMY GRADS Gregory R. Boyce, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Chemistry The New Faculty Academy class taught me a lot about proper phrasing and tone. Linda Serro s skill in facilitating lively discussion without actively participating and her ability to redirect the discussion when it gets off topic in a positive manner even when correction is required were extremely enlightening to watch. I learned a lot about how to lead discussion and how to correct my students in an encouraging, positive manner by simple osmosis. Rephrasing criticism to appear positive and encouraging is an art in teaching and watching Linda has assisted me in this difficult task. The support provided by Linda and my New Faculty Academy community was helpful outside the course as well. Dr. Gregory Boyce, assistant professor of chemistry, instructs his organic chemistry II class in a lab in which they learn how to make the antidepressant Prozac. 12
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FACULTY ACADEMY GRADS Nathan Hensley, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, University Colloquium As a participant in the New Faculty Academy I gained important connections and have had the opportunity to network with other new faculty members. I also learned more about highimpact classroom practices, such as service learning, flipping the classroom, facilitating discussions, and more. More particularly, I have gained insight on how to further engage my students both in the classroom and in the field. This learning will allow me to continue cultivating my teaching philosophy and impact my practice both in the classroom and in the field. Dr. Nathan Hensley, assistant professor, leads a Colloquium class along a boardwalk at Matanzas Pass Preserve on Estero Island. 14
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FACULTY ACADEMY GRADS Joseph M. Groch PGA, M.P.S. Professor, Professional Golf Management Program The New Faculty Academy challenged me to share, question, and reflect upon my own pedagogy. This process has forced me to abandon some assumptions and practices and adopt new beliefs, methods and techniques. In addition, the academy has challenged me to discover different ways to integrate these new ideas and concepts into my teaching practice for the benefit of our students. In a word it was awesome. Professor Joseph Groch s golf practicum class conducts a full swing golf clinic for members of Glades Golf and Country Club at Raptor Bay Golf Club. 16
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I wanted to personally thank you for your contributions to our society. Not only have you made a great impact in the Fort Myers community, but your donation to create The Lucas Center for Faculty Development will have a lasting impact on Florida Gulf Coast University. As an education major, I understand the importance of having effective teachers, and by providing our university with these resources, our whole campus will thrive. Thank you for your continued generosity, Emmalyn Green, Sophmore, Education major 18
Thank you for your generous contribution to Florida Gulf Coast University. Your time and commitment to helping this university grow are unparalleled. I am excited to witness the establishment of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development and to see the benefit this gift will provide to FGCU for years to come. Sincerely, Jason Hoop Senior, Biotechnology major 19
Vision Statement The Lucas Center for Faculty Development will foster an innovative and collaborative culture inspiring faculty to transform university teaching and enhance student learning outcomes. 20