Nova Southeastern University’s Palm Beach Student Educational Center to Unveil Shark Sculpture

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA. – Nova Southeastern University (NSU) will unveil a magnificent 4 foot, 6 inch high Mako shark sculpture with stainless steel teeth at the entrance of NSU’s Palm Beach Student Educational Center (SEC) on Tuesday, May 8. This major creation was commissioned by NSU in support of Palm Beach Garden’s Art in Public Places Program.  Crafted by famed international wildlife sculptor Kent Ullberg, the sculpture depicts a leaping Mako shark – the university’s mascot — rising out of the pavers, with 36 inches of its tail also bursting out.

The unveiling will occur at the Palm Beach SEC’s state-of-the art 75,000 foot facility at  5:30 p.m. The Center will also host an Open House immediately following the unveiling where prospective students can meet faculty and staff and tour the facility.

“We believe art enriches one’s character and contributes to the quality of life of the community,” said NSU’s Palm Beach Student Educational Director George Dungee.  “Not only is it important to a student’s development, but it is also important to a community’s development. We are proud to support Palm Beach Gardens and its Art in Public Places initiative with this beautiful shark sculpture created by renowned artist Kent Ullberg.”

NSU has had a presence in Palm Beach County for more than 35 years and currently offers degrees at the bachelor, master, doctoral and professional degree levels. Programs include pharmacy, business, education, mental health counseling and school psychology.  Two new nursing programs, a Master’s in Family Nurse Practitioner and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, were added to the curriculum at the start of the Winter 2012 semester. For a list of all educational programs offered, or for additional information about the Center, visit www.nova.edu/palmbeach .

The Palm Beach SEC is located off I-95 at 11501 North Military Trail.  For additional information contact:  nsu-palmbeach@nova.edu or call 561 805 2100.

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Nova Southeastern University: Located in Davie, Florida, Nova Southeastern University (Nova) is a dynamic fully accredited Florida University dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs of distinction from preschool through the professional and doctoral levels. NSU has more than 28,000 students and is the eighth largest not-for-profit independent institution nationally. The University awards associate’s, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, specialist, and first-professional degrees in a wide range of fields, including business, counseling, computer and information sciences, education, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, dentistry, various health professions, law, marine sciences, early childhood, psychology and other social sciences.  Classified as a research university with “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, NSU was also awarded Carnegie’s Community Engagement Classification in 2010 for the University’s significant commitment to and demonstration of community engagement.   For more information about NSU visit www.nova.edu

NSU’s Palm Beach Student Educational Center is innovative, progressive, and dedicated to providing an exceptional education experience to students who want to learn. The center offers academic programs at times convenient to students and employers. Nova offers academic programs in business, education, counseling, speech therapy, nursing, pharmacy, and many other fields. Technology and distance learning complement the traditional classroom setting, through video conferencing and online classes. www.nova.edu/palmbeach

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. He also has a 17-foot high leaping bronze Mako shark sculpture rising above a wave in a 10-foot-hgih fountain at the entrance of the Don Taft University Center at Nova Southeastern University.

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.

Art in Public Places Program – Due to the efforts of a dedicated Art in Public Places Advisory Board, a City advisory board supported by the City Council, the city ensures public art thrives in Palm Beach Gardens. As businesses grow and prosper, so does the appeal of this public, accessible art. The City is proud of its treasures.

Media Contact: Julie Spechler

julies@nova.edu | 954-262-5348 (office) | 954-591-3361(cell)