Nova Southeastern University Makes Major Gift Announcement, Names University Center

University Unveils Shark Sculpture By Renowned Wildlife Artist

FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University (NSU) announced today the naming of its 366,000 square-foot University Center in honor of businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist Don Taft in recognition of a gift from The Taft Foundation. NSU President Ray Ferrero Jr., J.D., made the announcement during homecoming ceremonies Wednesday evening.

“We are deeply gratified that the Taft Foundation has honored NSU with this gift. Don Taft joins a number of distinguished citizens, philanthropists and organizations who all share a common belief in NSU,” Ferrero said.

“I am thrilled to have my name associated with such an outstanding university. I am pleased and proud that the Foundation’s gift will also be used to benefit an organization I hold dear, the Special Olympics Broward County,” Taft said.

A state-of-the-art facility, the Don Taft University Center contains the University Center Arena, home to NSU’s NCAA Division II athletic teams, the University Student Union, and a wellness and fitness center. The Center also houses the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences’ Performing and Visual Arts departments and performance venues.

“This outstanding gift, one of the largest ever made to Nova Southeastern University, comes at a time that will serve as an inspiration to philanthropists and others who choose to support our great university,” said Joanne Ferchland-Parella, vice president of institutional advancement.

Proceeds from the Foundation’s gift will be used to construct an addition to the Noel P. Brown Sports Center, located on the grounds of NSU’s K-12 University School. Activities of the Special Olympics Broward County will be held in the Sports Center.

“On behalf of our Special Olympic athletes, we are honored that the Taft Foundation has helped our dreams come true in building a permanent home for our athletes. This extraordinary gift will provide our athletes with resources that will enable them to be the very best they can be,” said Paul Sallarulo, chairman of Special Olympics Broward County and member of the NSU Board of Trustees.

During the ceremonies, NSU also unveiled a magnificent 17-foot high bronze mako shark sculpture with stainless steel teeth at the Don Taft University Center entrance. This major creation, commissioned by NSU students, was crafted by famed international wildlife sculptor Kent Ullberg. It depicts a leaping mako shark – the university’s mascot — rising above a wave in a 10-foot-high fountain.

About Don Taft

Don Taft has spent more than 50 years as a leader in business having founded, owned, and managed both private and publicly traded companies. His business expertise has been applied across a wide range of industries including manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, retail, and entertainment.

His philanthropic and charitable endeavors have led him to support many of the South Florida community’s most worthwhile causes. His commitment to the community includes serving as Honorary Chairman for Gilda’s Club of South Florida. He is a member of the Board of Directors of several organizations, including the Broward County Special Olympics; the Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center and the Ronald McDonald House. He is a member of the Advisory Boards of organizations which include the Children’s Cancer Center at Broward General Medical Center and The Jeff Conine Golf Tournament. He has contributed to the Conine Club House; Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and donated to the cost and upkeep of its Chapel. He is an active member and contributor to the Jack and Jill Center of Broward County and is an honored member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

About Kent Ullberg

Kent Ullberg is one of the world’s foremost wildlife sculptors. His list of museum, government, corporate and private clients spans four continents with his sculptures ranking among the largest and most acclaimed works of art in the world.

Ullberg is best known in South Florida for his creation of Sailfish in Three Stages of Ascending. Located at the entrance of the Broward County Convention Center, this work of art shows three sailfish ascending from water.

Ullberg, a major supporter of many wildlife conservation efforts, is a recipient of the Rungius Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

A native of Sweden, Ullberg studied at the Swedish Konstfack University College of Art in Stockholm and museums in Germany, the Netherlands and France. Ullberg now resides in Loveland, Colorado, and Padre Island, Corpus Christi, Texas.

Media Contact:
Felecia Henderson, NSU Office of Public Affairs
Office: (954) 262-5315, fhenders@nova.edu