Circle of Friends Hosts “State of the University” Address with NSU Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr. as Keynote Speaker

Major announcements include NSU’s succession plan, federal funding for new coral reef research institute, and new academic leaders joining the NSU family

Pictured top row from left are Circle of Friends members: Ray Ballotta, Laurence Alan Maurer, Arthur Drujak, ad Charles E. Davis, Jr. Pictured bottom row from left are Circle of Friends members: Lydia M. Acosta, Raquel Ferrero, Catalina Avalos, Anita Paoli, NSU Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr., Sandy Tate, Marianne Ferro, Kristen Lynch and Elaine Blattner.

FT. LAUDERDALE (DAVIE), FLA.— The Circle of Friends of Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center recently hosted their annual State of the University Address with NSU Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr. as the keynote speaker.

The Circle of Friends is a diverse group of individuals who share the common goal of furthering the intellectual resources of NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library.

During his Jan. 12 address, Chancellor Ferrero stressed the importance of NSU’s core missions of academic excellence, research and community service. He also spoke about how proud he is of NSU’s faculty, staff and students.

“It’s the people that truly make this university so dynamic,” he said in his speech. “And it’s the people of NSU that uphold our core values and mission and that are making a difference in our community and the world.”

In particular, Ferrero noted that NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library is making a big difference in the community. It remains Broward County’s only public library open on Sundays, and for more than 100 hours a week. More than 53% of all of the materials borrowed from the Alvin Sherman Library are checked out by Broward County residents, and more than 61,500 residents have Alvin Sherman Library cards.

This year alone, thousands of residents have attended library events such as the Genealogy Fair, the Summer Reading Kickoff, and continuous program offerings for families, children, teens and adults. NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library also serves as the primary research facility for Broward County, offering access to 280-plus electronic databases, and 39,000 journals and newspapers as well as free cultural and art exhibits, fine arts programs, workshops and performances.

Additional 2009-2010 highlights from the Chancellor’s speech included that:

• NSU’s Board of Trustees recently announced that it has elected Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D., as Chancellor while he continues his role as CEO. In addition, former Executive Vice President George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., has been named President and will continue his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
• Dr. Margaret Malmberg has joined the NSU community as associate provost overseeing a newly created division comprised of NSU’s Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies, the Center for Psychological Studies, the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Criminal Justice Institute.
• Dr. Michael Fields, former Dean of the College of Business Administration at Central Michigan University, was appointed dean of the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship in August, ushering the school into an era of even greater potential for academic excellence.
• In recognition of Don Taft and the Taft Foundation’s contribution of one of the largest gifts in NSU history, the 366,000 square-foot Don Taft University Center was named in his honor, and NSU was able to give Special Olympics Broward County a permanent home at the university.
• Next month, NSU’s School of Computer and Information Sciences will have a new dean as Dr. Leo Irakliotis joins NSU from the University of Chicago.
• And just last week, NSU received $15 million in federal stimulus money to build the largest coral reef research center in the country, housed at NSU’s Oceanographic Center in Dania Beach. This new center will create jobs while allowing NSU scientists to do important research on coral reefs that are vital to our environment.

Chancellor Ferrero then stressed the importance of NSU’s students, citing them as the reason the university’s faculty are so devoted to their jobs and the reason all of NSU works so hard to provide a stimulating learning environment.

“Our students are the lifeblood of the university, and they inspire our faculty and administration to achieve,” Ferrero said. “Through their desire to learn, commitments to assist others, and enthusiasm, NSU’s 29,000 students make a difference on campus, in their community and around the world. And as graduates, they will be well prepared to make a difference in a global society.”

Chancellor Ferrero concluded on his outlook for the university in 2010: “As we embark on a new year filled with both challenges and potential, I know the people of this university will continue their dedication to ensure that NSU continues to make a difference.”

For more information, or to join the Circle of Friends, please call 954-262-4627. For more information about the Alvin Sherman library, please visit www.nova.edu/library/main.

Media Contact:
Andra Liwag, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5309 (office), 954-873-8494 (cell), andrali@nova.edu