Journalism/PR/Marketing Internship(s) at The Pier Aquarium

Supervisor: Emily Stehle, APR

PR/Marketing Director

Office (727) 895-7437, ext. 207

Cell (727) 688-7993

E-mail: estehle@pieraquarium.org

We are actively seeking an intern(s) interested in learning the skills that would make a student more marketable in the very competitive field of paid internships and/or full-time employment after graduation.

This position is non-paid. However, the intern will play an integral part in the PR/Marketing function at The Pier Aquarium. You will work one-on-one with a seasoned, award winning, accredited PR professional. You will have the opportunity to do more than you can imagine!

Click here to view the flyer.

Congratulations to the recipients of the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Civic Engagement

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Individual Student: Steven Lapinski

Pictured left to right: Regional Chancellor Karen White, Award recipient Steven Lapinski, CCE Founding Director Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan

The winner of the student award: STEVEN LAPINSKI. Steven is an outstanding example of USFSP's "citizen scholars." Enrolled in the Spring 2008 "Road to the White House" course, Lapinski logged hundreds of hours working on political campaigns since he left for his presidential campaign internship in New Hampshire in December. Upon his return from the Granite State, Lapinski remained active in his campaign, travelling to New Jersey for Super Tuesday. He was able to take what he learned on the presidenial campaign trail (about voter ID, targeting, etc.) and put that to use here in St. Pete managing the special election campaign of Charles McKenzie for House District 55. Steve Lapinski's story -- staying actively involved in the civic engagement component of the course long after the requirements end - is not unique. We have found that many, many of our students enrolled in citizen scholar courses continue their service to the community. Nevertheless, the selection committee wanted to honor STEVE LAPINSKI for his outstanding leadership and service, and for his exceptional ability to take what he had learned in his coursework and put that knowledge into practice in the community.

Student Organizations: Sigma Tau Delta and Student Business Organization

Pictured: Regional Chancellor Karen White with Sigma Tau Delta members

SIGMA TAU DELTA Under the leadership of President Kelley Hanamean and faculty advisor Dr. Frances Auld, SIGMA TAU DELTA was involved in more than a dozen service-oriented events over the past academic year. SIGMA TAU DELTA's Funky Fall Formal raised more than $800 for USFSP's community partner Habitat for Humanity. It came as no surprise when this event was awarded the Outstanding Program of the Year at the Student Affairs award ceremony. The CASA Toy Drive/Dickens reading perhaps best demonstrates the ways in which Sigma Tau Delta has been able to integrate service into its mission. As they indicated in their application "We always like to combine fostering academic curiosity with serving the community." Congratulations, SIGMA TAU DELTA, for being such an excellent example of the citizen scholar program at USFSP!

Pictured: Regional Chancellor Karen White with Student Business Organization (SBO) members

The STUDENT BUSINESS ORGANIZATION The STUDENT BUSINESS ORGANIATION, under the leadership of President JOHN WHITMER and advisor BARBRA HIGEL, planned and organized a fabulous event in support of USFSP's community partner PARC. Their event, "Art in the Parc," raised more than $5,000 for PARC - and - indeed - continues to raise funds. Artwork is still on display in the College of Business. Please contact Barb Higel at x34996 if you are interested in seeing the display/purchasing art.

Looking for a volunteer opportunity?

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Sports Buddies

Big Brothers Big Sisters are looking for sports enthusiasts who are ready, willing and able to become a Big Brother through their new Sports Buddies program. As a Sports Buddie:

You are 'matched' with a great kid

You get to hang out together each month to play a sport and/or attend a sporting event

You get to have fun!

www.bigsportsbuddies.org

Click here to view the flyer

Click here to view the video

Have you been awarded Federal Work Study funds?

The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) is recruiting Work Study students for Spring, Summer and Fall 2008 semesters. 

Work study responsibilities at the CCE include researching and writing applications to secure funds for USFSP civic engagement programs and initiatives, assisting in the compilation of data for USFSP Civic Engagement Inventory, organizing events such as the Faculty Development Workshop Series, expanding the Center’s faculty resources, and researching best practices of civic engagement programs.

The CCE will work with successful candidates to arrange a schedule that fits their needs and interests.  The CCE will work with students to ensure that this opportunity meets the Federal Work Study requirements.

If you haven’t been awarded a Federal Work Study Position, then contact the Office of Financial Aid in BAY 105 or call them at (727) 873-4128.

CCE COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND SERVICE LEARNING DIRECTORY

Need to fulfill community services hours for a course?

Click here to view our placement directory or you can view our hand-held directory complete with brochures from the agencies in the Reserve section in Poynter Library.

CCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Thanks to an anonymous faculty/staff donor, the CCE was able to create a scholarship program designed to recruit bright, civically engaged students to our campus.

We are pleased to announce the inaugural recipients of this scholarship:

Undergraduate Winner: Sarah Farnan, Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences

Sarah Farnan is a freshman who recently moved from the United Kingdom. She has traveled to various places in the world including India. She is an honors student who hopes to major in Psychology. Her aim in life is to use dolphin therapy to improve the lives of disabled children.

Graduate Winner: Lily Alcott, MAT/ESOL, College of Education

I am a graduate student in the USF St. Petersburg Education department. I am pursuing a MAT/ESOL degree with an emphasis in Varying Exceptionalities. The Center for Civic Engagement honored me by expressing interest in my proposal for a historical re-enactment of a "Pink Tea". I hope to interest students in exercising their right to vote by presenting a historical format where in the history of voting in the United Stateds is of interest to students. The project will be community based and I envision it as an on-going annual event. I enjoy history. I am researching the life of my maternal grandmother's cousin and anticipate publishing a brief family history of a man whose life intersected with a famous world figure. Her cousin died because of this encounter. The best part of the research has been the inter-generational work I have done with my Aunt. Also, the travel to Rome was a wonderful perk. Largely, the history was unknown to family members and it is now being recorded and preserved for the next generation. There are so many hidden stories and so much history to be told and retold which fascinates me. My goal is to inspire others to learn about the past and better use their knowledge to shape and understand their world.

WASHINGTON CENTER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Center for Civic Engagement has partnered with the Washington Center to provide USFSP students with internship opportunities in the nation's capitol.

Academic credit is awarded to program participants. There are opportunities for all majors, both at the the undergraduate and graduate level, and generous scholarship and grant money is available.

The Washington Center has placed students within a variety of organizations including the Environmental Protection Agency, World Bank, Department of Justice, The Washington Times, Amnesty International, United Nations Association, Merrill Lynch, White House Office of Public Affairs, National Museum of Natural History, CNN, and many more.

Click here to view a student produced video giving an overview of the Washington Center program.

For more information contact info@twc.edu or contact USFSP/Washington Center liaison Susan Toler at smtoler@stpt.usf.edu.

ESSAY CONTEST

The Center for Civic Engagement sponsored an essay contest that asked, "What is at stake and why should you vote on November 7, 2006?"

Editors from the St. Petersburg Times judged the contest and chose Amy Alamillo as the Winner, and Sandra Estenger as the Runner-Up. Emery Skolfield, Sally Henderson, and Ryan Nevel for were selected for Honorable Mention.

Thanks to a generous grant from Leadership Florida the Winner received a $250 prize and the Runner-Up received a $100 prize.

Click a finalist's name to read his or her essay.

Winner

Amy Alamillo

Runner-Up

Sandra Estenger

Honorable Mention

Emery Skolfield

Sally Henderson

Ryan Nevel

EVERY VOTE COUNTS

by Amy Alamillo

The United States of America was founded on the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The founding fathers believed in these inalienable rights, and established a state where people exercise these civil liberties every day. The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and The Declaration of Independence are documents that outline the rights we have as citizens to take an active role in creating a nation where freedom, justice, and happiness thrive. It is our privilege to vote in elections that sustain the institution of our government, and with the foundation of a great nation at stake, I will be at the polls on November 7, 2006.

For every person that is of voting age and eligibility, there is a choice to vote or to abstain, and it is this very freedom that compels us to vote. As a citizen of this great nation, we are given the right to choose who will act as a representative on our behalf. We can engage in a process in which the candidate that we think, feel, and believe holds our best interest at stake can be elected. We elect those who make change happen and maintain stability. I hold power on November 7, 2006, and so do you.

By casting a ballot we hold the power to make our one vote count. Our voice is heard, if only through a poll and a brief moment that will shape the future. We are a part of history on November 7, 2006. We will all take part in creating a new government. We will take part in electing officials who will make decisions about our safety and welfare and pursuit of justice. I hold the power. You hold the power. We are history in the making.

On November 7, 2006 we will take part in designing the blueprint of our future. Decisions made by those whom we elect will affect education, economics, legislation and assistance programs. Those elected will bring needed reform, present new laws to be passed and remove unnecessary and outdated bills. The voting public will elect those agents who sustain the foundation of America by upholding the principles and documents on which America stands strong and proud.

It is my duty, my right, my pride as an American to be a part of a process where I can elect my government. I choose to vote because it is a privilege given to me, as well as my responsibility to the foundation of this country. The future is at stake. Justice is at stake. Freedom and happiness are at stake. We cannot change the world or our country on our own, but if every American voted on Election Day, collectively we could make a difference. Every vote truly does count. We owe it to ourselves and to those who sought to protect our freedom to vote, to cast a ballot on November 7, 2006. I will be there. Will you?

WHAT IS AT STAKE AND WHY SHOULD YOU VOTE ON NOVEMBER 7, 2006?

by Sandra Estenger

The gubernatorial debate between Democratic candidate Jim Davis and Republican candidate Charlie Crist grappled issues that will affect Floridians for the next four years. Issues such as insurance, taxes, healthcare, and education will affect people of all ages, classes, and ethnicities. These are issues that will impact every demographic either immediately or in the future. For those in the latter who will not vote on November 7, these next four years will lay the foundations for laws and policies that will certainly affect them in the future.

At a time when Florida ranks number 49 on the scale of SAT scores, and elementary, middle, and high school students are failing the FCAT, much is at stake in this election. In regard to this particular issue alone, our candidates reserve polar opposite plans to improve our education system. While Davis has plans to “end the use of FCAT as we know it,” Crist believes “it’s right to take a measure of what’s happening in the classroom.”

This election is an opportunity for Floridians to voice their opinions about what is working in our state, and more importantly, what is not. Women who feel strongly about abortion laws or senior citizens who need prescription drugs have the chance to vote for a candidate who will fight for their needs. Private business owners and renters will also be affected by this election, as each candidate has proposed different plans regarding taxes and property insurance.

Issues such as these affect everyone, regardless of age. If you are not yet a senior citizen dealing withhealthcare, you will be one day. If you are a senior citizen, chances are that you know someone affected by property taxes. While you may not be personally vulnerable to many of these issues, they are an inevitable cycle destined to affect each of us throughout different stages in our lives. The future governor will govern according to what he thinks is in the best interest of you and me, not just this year but for years to come.  

Florida dealt with controversial issues as well as many catastrophes under the governorship of Jeb Bush. Hurricane after hurricane coupled with the famous Terri Shiavo case left Floridians asking questions about our government and its efficiency to cope with severe problems. Our next governor will not only attempt to address his own areas of interest, but he will also continue to resolve problems of the past.

Whether or not we express our thoughts aloud, we all possess opinions of our own and the desire to see our needs met. In order to accomplish this, Floridians should take advantage of this upcoming election and vote. This is an election that could not have arrived at a more critical time for the state of Florida. With the New Year approaching, citizens are still struggling with hurricane damages and students will take the FCAT once again.

The direction of our state is at stake. Which direction will you choose?

WHAT IS AT STAKE, AND WHY SHOULD WE VOTE ON NOVEMBER 7?

by Sally Henderson

Voting is a democratic right afforded to the citizens of this nation won in the fight of our forefathers against a domineering and oppressive mother country. The United States is one of the few countries that allow their citizens to participate in this democratic process. However, a large percentage of our nation’s citizens choose not to take part in this practice. In the recent primaries, of the 614,052 registered voters in Pinellas County, only 20.4% voted. An even smaller percentage of teenagers voted in the primary elections. (1) Many young Americans claim not to be affected by the politics of the state, and will therefore not vote on November 7th. However, the race to replace Governor Bush comes down to a very local battle between Republican Charlie Crist of St. Petersburg and Democrat Jim Davis from Tampa. (2) A race that is so local in nature will very defiantly affect all the citizens of this area. The issues at hand are also very relevant to young voters of Florida. At stake in the upcoming election is not only the future of our state but also of our educational system. The decisive platform issues of the gubernatorial election include education, taxes, and insurance rates. These are all issues that will affect young voters either in the immediate present or near future, as we graduate from college and move into the real world. However, local students do not seem to find these issues pressing.

Why is there such a lack of interest on the part of student voters to participate in such an important aspect of our democratic society? Political inactivity of young Americans stems from a general cynicism of the American voting process. One cause of this is disdain of the American political system is a lack of civic education in our schools. More Americans can name the Three Stooges than three Supreme Court justices. This sad statistic shows just how little emphasis young Americans place on the inner workings of their government. This is the government whose freedoms they enjoy each and every day by waking up and attending class without the fear of persecution, loss of life, or violence. College students and young Americans take full advantage of these freedoms every day, yet constantly complain about the cost of education, living, and gas, and how their voices are never heard. Perhaps our voices are not heard because we simply do not vote.

Too many young Americans stand idly by while their lives and futures are decided for them by the elderly voters of the state who will not be around to see the ramifications of their voting decisions. Young Americans need to band together, regardless of party affiliations, and agree to vote in the upcoming election. Who you vote for is entirely up to you. But the issues a hand in this election are going to affect each and every one of us either immediately or in the long run. We cannot stand idly by and let the issues of this state be decided for us.

1. http://election.dos.state.fl.us/index.html

2. http://www.sptimes.com//2006/10/25/Knowyourcandidates/New_governor_will_hav.shtml

WHAT IS AT STAKE AND WHY SHOULD YOU VOTE ON NOVEMBER 7, 2006?

by Ryan Nevel

Those who stay away from the election think that one vote will do no good: 'Tis but one-step more to think one vote will do no harm.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Why vote? And what is at Stake? As a political science student, I’m inclined to say: everything. Everything is at stake, everything including your vision, your beliefs and your choices. Your very freedom is at stake. Everything we, as citizens, have a tendency to take for granted is included as an integral component of our democratic experience.

Think about it, today’s political climate is such that even our very personal decisions pertaining to end of life planning, reproductive rights, adoption and marriage equality, and many other private matters, are increasingly inserting themselves into the purview of government regulation. Like it or not, this means that we have to rely on our elected representatives to make these very important decisions for us—that is, if we don’t decide to run for office ourselves. But becoming a politician is not for everyone. Therefore, this bestows upon us a tremendous responsibility to ensure that those who take up the call hear our voices. We cannot sit and relax on our haunches any more and let our lives float along with the political current, allowing everything in which we believe to fall into the hands of strangers. We cannot afford to be ambivalent.

Back in the days of Plato and Aristotle, EVERY person—by virtue of being a citizen—was a part of the state, constantly involved in the political process. People knew the importance of civic engagement. People took pride in it. Indeed, it was a central part of being a citizen. Today, many people are unenthused with voting because they feel apart from the state, as if their voices and beliefs don’t make a difference in the big picture. But voting is one of the only ways our voices can be heard. We need to change our perceptions. We would do good to take Ralph Waldo Emerson’s advice, and realize that voting is far less perilous than not. Ultimately, it’s our right to have a voice that’s at stake. So what are you doing November 7th? You might consider stopping by your local precinct and letting your voice be heard.

WHAT IS AT STAKE AND WHY SHOULD YOU VOTE ON NOVEMBER 7, 2006?

by Emery Skolfield

We are living in a United States where less than 40 percent of those polled approve the job the president is doing. Yet, as voters, as taxpaying citizens, we cannot fire the president. His second term will have run out by the time we have another chance at a performance review.

But we must not remain muted for two more years.

Right now, we have a voice, and though it is silent against the president’s job security, it’s one that can and will resonate for generations. It can very much affect the way this president – and those to come later – does business.

In our country, the president is not King. The decisions he makes ultimately must be channeled through other bodies, and right now those bodies – the House and Senate and other sectors large and small – are in flux.

In this midterm election, there is a great deal at stake. The outcome will effectively change the face of Congress, shifting ideologies and opening doors that might have otherwise remained closed.

Thirty-three Senate seats are open, and the individuals who fill those chairs will very much steer the direction of our country moving forward. They will bring fresh ideas regarding the war in Iraq and will present possible solutions to corruption in government; they will tackle Social Security and taxation and counter-terrorism; they will protect our children and our elders. They will address the issues that we, the politically conscious, voting public, ought to care about.

Though the presidency is not at stake, this could wind up being the most significant election in a decade.

In Florida, we have an additional privilege and an added responsibility. Many of the state’s most important offices are up for grabs. In the coming months, we will inaugurate a new governor. We will also elect a new attorney general and, for the first time, we will cast our votes for a chief financial officer. In a state where tourism and fruit production are vitally important, we will choose to keep our agriculture commissioner or hire a new one.

These are serious responsibilities, and these decisions will affect our lives, immediately and well into the future. These decisions will shape hurricane preparation policy and government’s role in end-of-life issues. These decisions will impact taxation and insurance rates and government spending. These decisions will alter the course of our public education system.

So, why vote?

Vote for the future. Vote out of frustration. Vote because so many people fought to give you the right. Vote for change. Vote to remain the same. Vote because it gives you a voice. Vote because you love Florida and want to protect her, now and forever. Vote for what you believe in. Vote because there are people who don’t want you to.

Vote because there’s so much at stake.