Valencia College News » News Releases

Valencia College Theater to Produce Biting Comedy, “Fat Pig,” in June

Linda Beaty — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:40:18 +0000

The Valencia College Theater is proud to present Neil LaBute’s hilarious and biting comedy, “Fat Pig,” premiering June 6, and running through June 16.

The play, which depicts the budding romance between Tom, an upwardly mobile corporate type, and Helen, a plus-sized librarian, balances black humor and social commentary. Its “dissection of how societal pressures affect relationships is astute and up-to-the-minute relevant,” says the New York Post.

LaBute’s caustic, hilarious and touching comedy not only critiques our slavish adherence to Hollywood ideals of beauty, but also boldly questions our own ability to change what we dislike about ourselves. The play is a distinctly comic and politically incorrect observation of the world around us.

Valencia College Theater presents this brilliant contemporary work by LaBute in a production directed by John DiDonna, with set design by Greg Loftus, lighting design by Kristin Abel and costume design by Kayleigh Raymondo. The cast includes Chris Markcity, Olivia Richardson, Andrew Romano and Jessica Meguiar.

All performances will be in the Valencia College Black Box Theater, located on Valencia’s East Campus in Building 3. Curtain times will be 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Sunday performances will begin at 2 p.m. Special talk-back with cast and director slated for Friday, June 14, after the production.

General admission tickets cost $12. Senior citizens, Valencia faculty, staff and students may purchase tickets for $10. Tickets can be purchased online at www.valenciacollege.edu/arts.

Use the code “VALENCIAWEB” for a $2 discount on each ticket. The discount is for online purchases only. Tickets and more information are also available by calling the college box office at 407-582-2900.

Seating is limited in the Black Box Theater, so advance purchase is advised. The play is performed without intermission.

Please note: The play contains adult subject matter and language that may not be suitable for children.

Valencia’s East Campus is located at 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando.

Florida Playwright Competition Call for New Plays

Carol Traynor — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:21:44 +0000

Valencia College Theater announces a call for script submissions for its 23rd annual Florida Playwrights’ Competition. As it has since 1991, Valencia will produce a full-length original play in Spring 2014 as part of its regular subscription series.

Playwrights (who must reside in Florida) are invited to submit a cover letter, resume or bio, one page synopsis, and the first 15 pages of no more than two never-before-produced manuscripts. The deadline for this first phase of submission is July 30, 2013. A committee will evaluate the excerpts and selected playwrights will be invited to submit the full manuscript as part of the second phase of the submission process.

From these manuscripts, one play will be chosen for development as a workshop production with the playwright’s participation. The writer will receive a stipend to cover travel and other expenses related to the production. The administrator of the competition plans to announce the winning play in early September 2013, and the workshop process will begin in late fall 2013 or early spring 2014.

Scripts must be original, previously unproduced, full-length plays. Scripts that have received staged readings may be submitted. Collaborations are acceptable, but children’s plays, adaptations, and musicals are ineligible at this time.

Electronic submission of the cover letter, resume or bio, one-page synopsis and 15-page excerpt is required. Please send submissions and questions to Valencia’s incoming Artistic Director (May 2013), John DiDonna, at jdidonna@valenciacollege.edu.

Valencia Honors First Bachelor’s Degree Graduates at Commencement

Linda Beaty — Sat, 04 May 2013 13:00:54 +0000

Kissimmee, FL – On Saturday, May 4, about 1,200 Valencia students received their associate degrees as Valencia College celebrated its 44^th spring commencement at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. But another 20 Valencia students made history at this commencement ceremony – becoming the first students to earn their bachelor’s degrees at Valencia College. Eleven of the graduating seniors are earning bachelor’s degrees in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences, while nine students are earning their bachelor’s degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology. The two programs are Valencia’s first bachelor’s degree programs. The college began offering the two bachelor’s degree programs in the fall of 2011. The graduating students have either completed their coursework or will finish it in summer 2013. This year’s commencement address was given by 19-year-old Chacoryia Burns, who was named the 2012-2013 Distinguished Graduate by the Valencia Alumni Association. Although approximately 1,200 students participated in commencement ceremonies, 7,515 students have graduated in the summer, fall and spring semesters. Valencia holds one commencement ceremony each May. To recognize this year’s graduates, the college has posted the names of all 7,515 Class of 2013 graduates on a Lynx bus. The bus was parked outside the Silver Spurs Arena, where students and their families could pose beside it for graduation photos. After commencement ceremonies, the bus will be used on Lynx bus route 15, which travels from downtown Orlando to Valencia’s East Campus, on Econlockhatchee Trail.

Valencia’s commencement exercises took place at 10 a.m. at Silver Spurs Arena, Osceola Heritage Park, on U.S. Hwy. 192 in Kissimmee.

Valencia Energy Savings Mounts to More than $1 Million

Carol Traynor — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:41:42 +0000

Thinking green may save the planet, but it also saves money. And thanks to an innovative energy conservation program, officials at Valencia College have saved more than $1.3 million in energy bills in less than two years. Starting in May 2011, Valencia has partnered with Cenergistic, a conservation company that uses data to help companies track and reduce their consumption of electricity, natural gas, fuel oil and water. “Passing the $1 million mark is a significant milestone,” said Dr. William S. Spears, chairman and founder of Cenergistic. “Valencia College has achieved this level of success by consistently implementing the behavioral approach to energy conservation and maintaining productive efforts at all levels of the organization. The leadership, along with other administration and staff members, is to be commended for clearly fulfilling their commitment to being good stewards of their finances and the environment in the Orlando area.” Patti Riva, Valencia’s operations manager for energy education, has led the effort to initiate changes among Valencia faculty and staff to reduce energy consumption – and has worked closely with a Cenergistic team to monitor the college’s energy use. One of her strategies for reducing energy use has been to encourage campus departments to change the location of classes, so that on weekends and evenings, some sections of buildings are not in use – and the air-conditioning can be turned off. “I call it strategic scheduling,” says Riva, who started her job in July 2011. “Even if you’re just moving a classroom from the second floor to the first floor, if that means there are no classes being held on the second floor, we can shut down the air-conditioning earlier.” In energy conservation, she says this is the low-hanging fruit – being able to match the HVAC schedule to the college’s class schedule. Riva has also encouraged employees to turn off lights, computers and even coffeemakers on nights and weekends. “I was so pleased over spring break to go around see that people are really shutting down their computers – the computers are not in ‘sleep mode’ – but they’re powered down. And that people will take the time to go around and turn monitors off.” “It’s the little things, like closing the blinds, turning off the lights, that make a difference,” says Riva. “Even if that light has a sensor that will turn it off after 10 minutes – think of how many buildings have those sensors, not just in your campus, but college wide. That extra 10 minutes could be multiplied by 600 classrooms.” Although Valencia staffers have already changed some of their habits, Riva believes that the college can save even more money – through changes in employees’ behavior. “I think we’ve just hit the tip of the iceberg,” says Riva. “There’s a lot more that can be done.”

Valencia Commencement Will Honor First Bachelor’s Degree Graduates

Linda Beaty — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:30:52 +0000

Kissimmee, FL – On Saturday, May 4, about 1,200 Valencia students will receive their associate degrees as Valencia College celebrates its 44^th spring commencement at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee.

But another 20 Valencia students will make history at this commencement ceremony – becoming the first students to earn their bachelor’s degrees at Valencia College.

Eleven of the graduating seniors are earning bachelor’s degrees in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences, while nine students are earning their bachelor’s degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology.

The two programs are Valencia’s first bachelor’s degree programs. The college began offering the two bachelor’s degree programs in the fall of 2011. The graduating students have either completed their coursework or will finish it in summer 2013.

This year’s commencement address will be given by 19-year-old Chacoryia Burns, who was named the 2012-2013 Distinguished Graduate by the Valencia Alumni Association.

Although an expected 1,200 students are participating in commencement ceremonies, 7,515 students have graduated in the summer, fall and spring semesters. Valencia holds one commencement ceremony each May.

To recognize this year’s graduates, the college has posted the names of all 7,515 Class of 2013 graduates on a Lynx bus. The bus will be parked outside the Silver Spurs Arena, where students and their families can pose beside it for graduation photos. After commencement ceremonies, the bus will be used on Lynx bus route 15, which travels from downtown Orlando to Valencia’s East Campus, on Econlockhatchee Trail.

Valencia’s commencement exercises will take place at 10 a.m. at Silver Spurs Arena, Osceola Heritage Park, on U.S. Hwy. 192 in Kissimmee.

Best Student Artwork Goes on Display on April 12 at East Campus Gallery

Linda Beaty — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:01:21 +0000

What’s the best artwork that Valencia students produced this year? Come see when the 2013 Annual Juried Student Graphic and Fine Art Exhibition opens in the Anita S. Wooten Gallery on Friday, April 12, with a reception from 6:30-8:30 p.m. There will be an award ceremony at 7:30 p.m. for outstanding work that includes drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and design as well as graphic design and interactive design.

From over 300 submitted entries, 120 were selected for display. The jurors for the fine art selections were: Kevin Haran, a professor in the art department at the University of Central Florida, and Rick Lang, who heads the photo department at Crealde School of Art in Winter Park. Eleven graphics professionals from the Valencia Graphics Advisory Board selected the works for the graphics area.

The exhibition will run through May 17. The Anita S. Wooten Gallery, which is on Valencia’s East Campus in Building 3, room 112, will be open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (excluding college closed breaks), and is free to the public.

Valencia’s East Campus is located at 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail.

Valencia, UCF Officials Dedicate New Building at Osceola Campus

Linda Beaty — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:03:46 +0000

Kissimmee, FL -- Valencia College officials, along with officials from the University of Central Florida, dedicated the newest building on Valencia’s Osceola Campus on April 11 -- marking the expansion of the Valencia-UCF partnership in Osceola County. "This campus is less than half built," said Valencia College President Sandy Shugart, who said the Kissimmee campus will continue to expand. "We're in chapter 5 of a 10- or 12 chapter story." At 150,000 square feet, Building 4 is the largest building on any Valencia campus. In addition to classrooms, the four-story building houses the campus library, bookstore, 10 science labs, 18 classrooms, math and computer labs, the campus cafeteria and a coffee bar. Designed by architectural firm Hunton-Brady and built by contractor Clancy & Theys, Building 4 cost $35 million in construction costs. UCF, which will share the building, contributed $7.5 million. In addition to the use of classrooms, UCF will also have 18 offices for faculty and administrative staff in Building 4. UCF, which operates a regional campus at Valencia’s Osceola Campus, already offers a handful of degrees at the Kissimmee campus, ranging from business to political science. With this expanded presence on the Osceola campus, UCF plans to add a diverse array of bachelor's degrees to the Osceola campus by fall 2013, including degrees in biomedical science, criminal justice, psychology, public administration and health services administration. This will be the first time that UCF has offered a degree in biomedical science at one of its regional campuses. And at a time when state officials are urging more students to study STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – Valencia’s new Osceola building will enable campus officials to offer more classes in biology, chemistry and physics. The new labs include three anatomy and physiology labs, three biology labs, two chemistry labs, one microbiology lab and one physics lab. "Education transforms lives and we at UCF are thrilled at the benefits this building will bring to Osceola County in the years ahead," Dr. John Hitt, president of UCF, told the assembled crowd. The building marks a sharp departure from earlier classroom buildings on the campus. The outdoor and indoor spaces -- and even hallways -- were designed to provide meeting and study space for students. Courtyards provide shade and places for students to relax, while the library features a huge reading room with windows that overlook the campus. Architect Maurizio Maso, who designed the building, said the vision for Building 4 came emerged from a meeting with Shugart. "He said the architecture should be soaring, inspiring and grounded -- and that if Osceola Campus is a village, Building 4 should be the cathedral." The building, which opened for classes in January, has quickly become the center of student life for the 12,000 students who take classes at the Kissimmee campus. on campus. Dr. Kathleen Plinkse, president of Valencia's Osceola Campus, says that on the first day of classes, she overheard a student, talking on the phone to a friend. "What are you doing over there?" the girl asked her friend. "Building 1 is so last year. Building 4 is chill." Among the officials and dignitaries attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony were: Osceola County Tax Collector Patsy Heffner, Osceola County Manager Don Fisher, Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan, Kissimmee Vice Mayor Cheryl Grieb, Kissimmee city commissioners Jose Alvarez and Sara Shaw, Kissimmee City Manager Mike Steigerwald and Deputy City Manager Desiree Matthews, and Susan Fernandez, from the office of Sen. Marco Rubio.

Valencia’s 6th Brazilian Film Festival Presents Five Films in Seven Days

Linda Beaty — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:24:27 +0000

Valencia College will kick off its 6^th Brazilian Film Festival on April 5 with “Gonzaga,” the dramatic, complicated story of Brazilian pop hero Gonzaga and his son, pop star Gonzaguinha. During the weeklong festival, the college will show five films, concluding on April 12 with the U.S. premiere of “Margaret Mee and the Moonflower,” a documentary based on the life of a botanical illustrator who spent 30 years working in the Amazon. Admission to the film series is free. All films will be shown in Portuguese with English subtitles. Each showing will be held at 7 p.m., and will be preceded by a reception at 6:30 p.m. Most of the films will be shown on Valencia’s West Campus, located at 1800 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando. One film will be shown on Valencia’s Osceola Campus, located at 1800 Denn John Lane in Kissimeee. Launched in 2008 by Valencia Professor Richard Sansone, who teaches Portuguese and English as a Second Language, the film festival is one of only two Brazilian film festivals in Florida (the other is in Miami). The festival is presented in partnership with the Central Florida Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce and the University of Florida Center for Latin American Studies. The films in the series were selected by Sansone and renowned Brazilian filmmaker Elisa Tolomelli, who will moderate each showing and answer questions afterward. “Gonzaga: From Father to Son” (De Pai pra Filho): 7 p.m., Friday, April 5, West Campus, Building 3, Room 111 In this 2012 drama, filmmaker Breno Silveira tells the complicated tale of two of Brazil’s most popular pop music icons – Luiz Gonzaga, the King of the Baião, and his son, Gonzaguinha. The film details the human drama between father and son and the wreckage that their careers make of their family lives. The film is rated as appropriate for audience members 12 years and up. “Heleno”: 7 p.m., Monday, April 8, Osceola Campus, Building 1 Auditorium This 2011 biography paints a portrait of the tragic life of one of Brazil's greatest soccer players, Heleno de Freitas. A lawyer by training, the arrogant, explosive Heleno, scion of a prosperous family, was addicted to both women and drugs. His amazing talent,prowess and determination on the field, however, could not balance the excesses of his lifestyle off the field, ending a brilliant career much too soon. Directed by Jose Fonseca, the movie stars actor Rodrigo Santoro, whose portrayal won Best Actor awards from the Havana Film Festival, the Lima Latin American Film Festival and the Premio Contigo Cinema of Brazil. The film is rated appropriate for audience members ages 17 and up. “The Clown (O Palhaco)”: 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 9, West Campus, Building 3, Room 111 Brazil’s submission for the 2011 Academy Award for Best Foreign film, The Clown tells the comedic adventures of a father and son who work as clowns in a vaudevillian circus that tours the Brazilian countryside until son Benjamin, the unhappy clown, decides to abandon his family in favor of a more stable path. Viewers are treated to exquisite cinematography that contrasts starkly with the extreme poverty of the locations visited by the rag-tag group of performers. The film, directed by and starring Selton Mello, has won 28 awards at international film festivals. The film is rated appropriate for audience members ages 14 and up. “Two Rabbits (Dois Coelhos)”: 7 p.m., Thursday, April 11, West Campus, Building 3, Room 111 This refreshingly hip action thriller stars Fernando Pinto as the protagonist Edgar, who, approaching his 30th birthday and the end of his patience, concocts a vigilante solution which pits a criminal gangster against a corrupt politician. His brilliant plot to get the forces of evil to face off with one another takes the audience on an adrenaline-pumping roller coaster ride. Directed by Afonso Poyart, this high-tension action film is rated appropriate for audience members ages 16 and up. “Margaret Mee and the Moonflower”: 7 p.m., Friday, April 12, West Campus, Building 3, Room 111 Join Producer Elisa Tolomelli as she takes filmgoers on a trip up the Rio Negro to meet one of the pioneering champions of Amazon forest preservation, the famed British botanical artist, Margaret Mee. Directed by Malu De Martino, the film takes viewers on a sumptuously rich visual and auditory sojourn to the Amazon forest in the company of the diminutive yet courageous Mee. Much of the footage was taken during Mee’s last trip to the Amazon, after a hiatus of 15 years. Mee’s odyssey to observe and to paint the elusive moonflower -- which only opens one night of the year -- is one of the many visual delights captured for the viewer. Through her diaries, interviews and narratives encompassing 36 years in Brazil, this documentary reveals a tireless advocate for the preservation of Brazilian flora, whose love of nature reminds us of the need to preserve our environment. This film is not yet rated, but is deemed appropriate for all ages. To view trailers, get directions and learn more about the films, please visit: http://valenciabrazilianfilmfest.com/

Open Houses Offer Help and Scholarships to New Students

Carol Traynor — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 23:33:10 +0000

Valencia College will hold open houses on three of its larger campuses to help prospective students find out more about available programs—including current and upcoming bachelor’s degree programs. Called Valencia 360°, the open houses will also provide information on the school’s new Honors College, study-abroad opportunities and DirectConnect to UCF, the program that guarantees Valencia grads can get into UCF as juniors. Faculty or staff from each of the programs will be available to talk with students and their families, and admissions staff will explain the application process. Representatives from the college’s financial aid office will also be on hand to answer questions about scholarships, grants and loans that might be available to students. In addition, visitors can register for a chance to win a $500 scholarship to Valencia. Six scholarships in all will be given away, two per campus; you must be a new student to win. More information, including a registration form, is available at http://valenciacollege.edu/transitions/openhouse/. Those interested are encouraged to attend the campus that offers their program of study, which can be found on the website. Dates and times are as follows: East Campus Saturday, April 6 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Building 3 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando West Campus Tuesday, April 9 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Building 8 Special Events Center 1800 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando Osceola Campus Thursday, May 2 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Building 4 1800 Denn John Lane, Kissimmee The application priority deadline for the summer term is April 26, with classes starting May 6.

Jazz Trombonist John Allred to Perform at Free Valencia Concert

Carol Traynor — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:03:19 +0000

Jazz trombonist John Allred, who has played with such jazz greats as Harry Connick Jr., Wycliffe Gordon and Woody Herman, will perform in a free concert at Valencia College’s Performing Arts Center on April 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Accompanying Allred will be Michelle Mailhot, who teaches jazz vocals at Valencia, and the Valencia Jazz Lab Band, a student group directed by Chris Dolske.

The musicians will perform Duke Ellington’s “In A Sentimental Mood,” and Quincy Jones’ arrangement of “Honeysuckle Rose.”

Also performing will be solo guest trombonist Bill Allred, John’s father. One of the original staff musicians hired to perform at Disney World in 1971, he is known today as the leader of Bill Allred’s Classic Jazz Band.

Raised in Orlando, John Allred moved to southern California after graduating from high school to perform with the Jazz Minors, a six-piece Dixieland group that performed at Disneyland.

Allred later performed with Harry Connick Jr.’s Big Band and, in 1999, moved to New York, where he has played with Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band, the Woody Herman Orchestra and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band. He is currently the trombonist for the new Broadway play, Cinderella.

The concert is supported by the Valencia Student Government Association.

Valencia College’s Performing Arts Center is located on Valencia’s East Campus, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando.

The public is also invited to an open rehearsal prior to the concert. The rehearsal will be held on April 3 from noon to 1 p.m. at Valencia’s East Campus, Building 3, Room 126.

Study Finds Florida College System Contributes $26.6 Billion to State’s Economy Each Year

Linda Beaty — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:46:31 +0000

Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida’s 28 public colleges, known as the Florida College System (FCS), pump an additional $26.6 billion per year into the state’s economy by producing graduates who are better prepared to become high-income earners, according to a new economic study released by the Council of Presidents for the FCS.

The Council of Presidents noted the colleges were designed in part to promote economic development for Florida, and the new study shows just how well the FCS lives up to that mission. The Florida College System awarded 105,798 degrees and certificates last year.

Reacting to the study, Gov. Rick Scott said, “This study comes on the heels of today’s announcement that we’ve added more than 280,000 private-sector jobs over the last two years, and as we continue to focus on greater economic growth, students will have even more opportunities to find a job in the Sunshine State. Moreover, this report is great news in support of our goal to create more jobs and strengthen education. Florida colleges continue to step up and provide students with an even more affordable, high-quality education. I am proud that all colleges offering four-year degrees have accepted our $10,000 Degree Challenge. Our ‘Florida Families First Budget’ increases state funding to Florida colleges by more than $74 million. We are committed to making sure our students are prepared to compete for jobs in the global marketplace.”

St. Johns River State College President Joe Pickens, chair of the Council of Presidents, said the study provides solid data regarding the 28 members colleges. “Florida’s colleges are providing exactly the kind of boost our state needs,” Pickens said. “With a $26.6 billion bump to our economy, it’s clear the Florida College System plays a vital role in shaping Florida’s future. We are grateful to our state leaders for their wise investment that touches the lives of so many Floridians.”

Last year, a similar economic impact study — conducted by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI) — found that Valencia College’s economic impact on the Central Florida region is over $1 billion a year in the form of alumni earnings, student spending and expenditures on college operations.

The Council of Presidents and the FCS Foundation subsequently commissioned EMSI to conduct the economic impact study of the Florida system. EMSI has been conducting economic impact studies for colleges and universities and economic development groups from across the U.S. since 2000. In addition to examining impacts created by the accumulated skills and higher productivity of students in the workforce, EMSI also looked at the impact of Florida’s college and student spending.

“At its core, the Florida College System is about providing access to high-quality education and job training that responds to community and state needs,” said Florida College System Chancellor Randy Hanna. “The results from the economic impact study confirm something we already knew: The Florida College System is an important economic development engine for the state.”

Joining education leaders at Tuesday’s event were State Board of Education Members John Padget, Ada Armas, John Colon and Barbara Feingold and Seminole State College Board Chairman Scott Howat.

The Florida College System has always served as a gateway to higher education through its high-quality programs, open-door admission policies and low tuition rates. Today, the 28 colleges serve one out of every 21 Floridians. In fact, 88 percent of FCS graduates are employed or continuing their education within one year of graduation. Bachelor’s-degree graduates had an average salary of $46,186. Those who receive an associate in science degree go on to earn an average salary of $44,095.

“We often talk in the legislature about creating jobs and making things better for our children, and the Florida College System is the perfect example of what we need to do more of,” said House Speaker Pro Tem Marti Coley of Marianna, who attended Chipola Junior College before moving on to Florida State University. “I know from my own experience that our college system lays a solid foundation for the future.”

FCS offers a range of certificates and degrees that prepare students for the workforce. According to the EMSI study, for every $1 students invest in FCS, they receive a cumulative $6 in higher future income over the course of their working careers.

Last year’s job placement and continuing education rates show that 79,438 FCS graduates found jobs or continued their education following their completion of FCS coursework.

“The Florida College System nourishes our home-grown talent – 93 percent of FCS students remain in Florida and contribute to economic growth,” said David Hart, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “When we invest in the FCS, we are investing in Florida’s future workforce, and that makes sense for all of us.”

Among the highlights of the 2013 EMSI report on the economic contribution of the Florida College System:

The total effect of the Florida College System on the Florida economy, based on student productivity gains, college operations, and student spending, is $26.6 billion.

State government sees a rate of return of 9.4 percent on its investment in the Florida College System.
For every dollar of support, taxpayers see a cumulative return of $2.90 over the course of students’ careers.
Students enjoy an attractive 16.8 percent average rate of return on their educational investment, recovering all costs (including tuition, fees and lost earning potential while in school) in 9.1 years. In comparison, the historical average rate of return for the stock market is 9.9 percent and recent two-year certificates of deposit earn between .25 percent and 1.20 percent.
Florida also benefits from the improved health and reduced welfare, unemployment and crime that accompany a more educated population.
93 percent of Florida College System students remain in Florida and factor into the state’s overall economy.

“An investment in the Florida College System is an investment in Florida’s future,” said Council of Presidents Chair Pickens. “The FCS consistently generates positive returns for the state, for taxpayers, for local employers and communities, and for our students.”

For detailed information on the EMSI study, see Florida College System Economic Impact.

For more information on Valencia College’s economic impact study, see Valencia Counts Economic Impact Study.

Valencia, Rollins Dance Departments Present Spring Dance Concert

Linda Beaty — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:58:40 +0000

Orlando, FL – Valencia College will hold its annual Spring Dance Concert Mar. 22-23 at 8 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center on Valencia College’s East Campus, located at 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando.

The annual dance concert is a partnership between Valencia and Rollins College, which dates back to 1991. The concert features student, faculty and guest artist dancers from Rollins and Valencia.

This year, the concert features an excerpt from David Parson’s “Nascimento,” restaged by guest artist and former Parsons Dance company dancer Jaime Martinez. Dancers will also perform: “Elvis is in the Building…A Tribute to the King,” choreographed by Lesley Brasseux Rodgers, Valencia College’s artistic director; and “Out of the Closet,” a jazz piece choreographed by Dr. W. Robert Sherry, Rollins College’s director of dance.

Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for Valencia faculty, staff, senior citizens and students from other colleges (with an ID). Admission is free for Valencia students with a valid college ID

For more ticket information or to purchase tickets, go to www.valenciacollege.edu/arts or call the box office at 407-582-2900.

Valencia College Theater to Stage ‘Eros in Veracruz,’ Winner of Playwright Competition

Linda Beaty — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:54:23 +0000

The Valencia College Theater will present the first staging of playwright Jack McGrath’s original play, “Eros in Veracruz.” Show times are April 3-6 at 7:30 p.m. There will be a matinee performance on Sunday, April 7, at 2 p.m. The April 5 performance will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the playwright and the actors.

“Eros in Veracruz” is the winning script from Valencia’s 22^nd annual Florida Playwright Competition. McGrath’s play was selected from 40 submissions of full-length, never-produced original manuscripts.

“Eros in Veracruz” is a drama about the far-reaching tendrils of Mexican drug cartels and the story of an American who rescues a young Mexican woman from being beaten by her cartel-leader boyfriend and gets caught up in the violence. The cast includes Hispanic actors, and the cast speaks in Spanish and English.

This is the third time that McGrath, who operates an Orlando digital media production company, has won Valencia’s original play competition. His play, “Love/Now,” was produced at the college in 2005 and “The Lazarus Treatment,” which won the play competition in 2007, was also staged by Valencia’s theater department.

The premiere is being directed by Julia Allardice Gagne, Valencia’s artistic director. The scenery was designed by Greg Loftus, a Valencia College theater professor and professional set designer.

All performances will be held in the Black Box Theater on Valencia’s East Campus, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, in Orlando. General admission tickets are $12; tickets are $10 for Valencia College staff, senior citizens and students from other colleges. Admission is free for Valencia students with a valid college ID.

Seating is limited in the Black Box Theater, so theater managers suggest that you arrive 30 minutes before the curtain time. To purchase tickets, go to www.valenciacollege.edu/arts or call 407-582-2900. To receive a $2 discount on each ticket purchase, use the code VALENCIAWEB.

Give Kids a Smile Day Comes to Valencia

Carol Traynor — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 20:40:39 +0000

On Feb. 9, Valencia's dental hygiene students provided free dental care and education for low-income children as part of Give Kids a Smile Day, a national event held each year in February by the American Dental Association. Valencia partnered with dental assisting students from Orlando Vo Tech and the Dental Care Access Foundation to provide care to 80 children from the community. The goal: teach kids the basics of brushing and teach parents the value of early fluoride treatments and sealants for preventing tooth decay. Pamela Sandy, program chair for Valencia's Dental Hygiene program, said that most parents don't realize that dental disease can start in children as young as six months old, when teeth first erupt, and that some pediatricians will now apply fluoride to baby teeth four times a year as part of a child's regular check up. [embed]http://youtu.be/17S8qJi1FWk[/embed]

Valencia Offers Workshops to Help Students Fill Out Financial Aid Forms

Linda Beaty — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 21:35:25 +0000

Orlando, FL – For many students, college is out of reach without financial aid. But to be eligible for financial aid, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. To help students and parents fill out the applications, Valencia College is offering a series of free workshops on Friday, Feb. 15 and Monday, Feb. 18 that are open to the community.

At Valencia’s FAFSA Frenzy events, the college’s financial aid teams will be on hand to assist students and parents who are filling out the FAFSA. The workshops are open to both first-time applicants and students who are reapplying for next year.

Students who complete their FAFSA on site are eligible for door prizes. Attendance at Valencia is not required to participate in the event or the drawing.

FAFSA Frenzy events have been scheduled for the following locations on dates when high schools in Orange and Osceola counties are not in session:

Friday, Feb. 15, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Osceola Campus, Bldg. 3, Rm. 100

Monday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., East Campus, Bldg. 4, Room 100

Monday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., West Campus, Student Services Building (SSB), Room 142 (Atlas lab).

Students must bring a number of documents, including their Social Security card, driver’s license and proof of 2012 income. Non-citizens must bring their alien registration card. Students who are dependents must also bring their parents’ Social Security numbers, proof of income (taxable and untaxed) and driver’s license information.

Students will also need a FAFSA application Personal Identification Number (PIN). To save time, go to www.pin.ed.gov to register for a PIN number in advance.

For more information, visit http://valenciacollege.edu/finaid/fafsafrenzy.cfm

These events were made possible with support from Valencia’s Student Development office and from USA Funds, a nonprofit organization that helps American families benefit from postsecondary education.

Valencia participates in most federal, state and local financial aid programs, awarding over $130 million each year to students. Approximately 46 percent of Valencia students receive financial aid. Among those students is the largest enrollment of Bright Futures recipients among Florida State Colleges.

Valencia’s Osceola Campus is located at 1800 Denn John Lane, Kissimmee. The East Campus is located at 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando. The West Campus is located at 1800 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando.

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For more news about Valencia College, please visit www.valenciacollege.edu/news

Festival Aims to Pay Tribute to Black History Month With Films on Tuskegee Airmen, Hip-Hop

Carol Traynor — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:46:56 +0000

The 18^th Annual Film Celebration will take place from Feb. 21 to Feb. 23 in the Performing Arts Center on Valencia’s East Campus, located at 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail in Orlando.

Each year Valencia’s Film Celebration showcases feature-length and short-subject films produced by Valencia film students in conjunction with industry professionals.

Here is a schedule of films for Thursday-Saturday:

The gentle drama, “The Way Back Home,” directed by television veteran Reza Badiyi, was filmed in Sanford and features actress Ruby Dee, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film, “American Gangster: (2007), and Tony award-winner Julie Harris. The story follows a successful New York lawyer (played by actor Michael King), who returns home to care for his ailing grandmother (Harris), who shares a lifelong friendship with Dee’s character. Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.

“Silver Wings and Civil Rights,” written and directed by Jon Anderson, a documentary about the first group of African-Americans to pilot for the U.S. military during World War II. Using vintage footage, photographs, reenactments and first-hand accounts, the documentary presents a remarkable and awe-inspiring record of black history, while calling to attention the racial prejudice and segregation the airmen faced both in the Air Force and at home. The film was widely praised when first released in 2003 and won the Audience Award at the Miami International Film Festival. Several original Tuskegee Airmen will be present for a post-screening discussion with the audience. Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.

“Just Another Day,” directed by Academy Award nominee Peter Spirer, is set in Miami and follows an up-and-coming hip-hop artist struggling to survive after a nightclub shooting takes place. The film features Wood Harris (“The Wire,” “Next Day Air,” “Remember the Titans”), with appearances by renowned rappers Ja Rule, Petey Pablo, Trick Daddy and Lil Scrappy. Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.

Admission to each night is $7, $5 for non-Valencia students with ID, and free for Valencia students and employees. To purchase tickets, contact the box office at (407) 582-2900. All proceeds will go to Valencia College’s film program to help fund student-produced films. For more information, call (407) 582-2413 or visit http://18thvalenciafilmcelebration.com.

Valencia To Hold Free Tax Preparation Clinics at East Campus

Linda Beaty — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 20:49:55 +0000

Valencia College accounting students and professors will be offering free tax help to the public on selected Saturdays during February, March and April at the college’s East campus.

The tax help is free and open to anyone, but preference will be given to senior citizens, the disabled and low-income individuals. The volunteer tax preparers will be e-filing (electronically filing returns) for free.

At East Campus, the tax sessions will be held on selected Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Building 7, rooms 113 and 117. The sessions will be held on Feb. 9, Feb. 16, Feb. 23, March 16, March 30, April 6 and April 13.

The East Campus is located at 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando. For more information about the East Campus tax preparation sessions, call 407-582-2849.

Those interested in getting tax help are asked to bring the following:

All W-2, W-2G and Social Security statements
1099s, 1099R, interest and dividend statements
Documentation to show other income
Total day-care costs and day-care provider’s tax ID number
Copy of last year’s return, if available
Social Security cards for you, your dependents and/or spouse
Driver’s license or photo ID for you and your spouse
Proof of bank account for direct deposit of refund (a voided check, for example)

A complete list of materials needed is available at http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers

Valencia College Theater Unveils New Adaptation of ‘Duchess of Malfi’

Linda Beaty — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 15:14:11 +0000

The Valencia College Theater will present a new adaptation of “The Duchess of Malfi,” premiering Feb.14, and running through Feb. 24.

Originally written by John Webster in 1612 and performed at London’s Globe Theatre in 1613, this visceral and violent tale is based loosely on the life of Giovanna d’Aragona, the Duchess of Amalfi.

The macabre and tragic play has long been considered one of the greatest tragedies of the Renaissance. Violence, revenge and destruction abound in this tale of courtly corruption. Malfi is a treacherous place, with political and personal allegiances in constant conflict as revenge breeds revenge, love turns to hatred, and destruction is the tragic end result.

Valencia College Theatre presents this rarely seen work in a vital and new adaption written and designed by Michael Shugg and directed by John DiDonna, with lighting design by Kristen Abel, and costume design by Virginia McKinney.

All performances will be in the Valencia College Black Box Theater, located on Valencia’s East Campus in Building 3.

Curtain times will be 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Sunday performances will begin at 2 p.m.

General admission tickets cost $10. Senior citizens, Valencia faculty, staff and students may purchase tickets for $8. Tickets can be purchased online at www.valenciacollege.edu/arts.

Seating is limited in the Black Box Theater, so advance purchase is advised. Latecomers will not be seated until intermission.

Please note: The play contains adult subject matter and moments of violence that may not be suitable for children

Valencia’s East Campus is located at 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail.

Valencia To Host Debate Over Exporting Jobs Overseas

Linda Beaty — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:05:38 +0000

Is the United States in danger of exporting all of its manufacturing jobs? What impact will this have on the U.S. economy?

Come hear the nationally ranked Rollins College Debate Team tackle this hot topic in a debate with the Beijing Foreign Studies University Debating Society on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at Valencia College’s West Campus.

The debate starts at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Special Events Center (Building 8) room 111. The event is free and open to the public.

As in all parliamentary style debates, audience members are encouraged to participate. Be prepared for a lively debate – in which heckling is permitted and short, witty interruptions are allowed. There will be an opportunity for audience members to ask questions or make statements.

Valencia’s West Campus is located at 1800 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando.

Valencia Wins Green Building Award for West Campus University Center

Linda Beaty — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:54:00 +0000

ORLANDO – The United States Green Building Council’s Central Florida Chapter has awarded Valencia College a “Building of the Year LEEDership Award” for 2012 for the college’s University Center, a joint-use facility that Valencia shares with University of Central Florida (UCF) on Valencia’s West Campus.

The award was made to college representatives at the annual LEEDership banquet at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel on Jan. 17.

Recognized as the chapter’s “New Construction Small Project of the Year Award,” University Center is a three-story, 100,000 square-foot building on Valencia’s West Campus, located at 1800 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando. The $23 million facility opened in August 2010 with more than 40 classrooms, a state-of-the-art testing center, computer labs, study rooms, faculty offices and a cafe. Study rooms are filled with natural light and offer sweeping views of the campus.

The principal architect was Nathan Butler of the firm C.T. Hsu + Associates.

The building has many sustainable features, including:

The building’s orientation and outer shell capitalize on the use of daylight.
The building uses 28.5 percent less energy than a conventional building, so the college spends about $35,000 less on energy costs each year.
16% of the building’s electricity comes from a photovoltaic array on the roof.
Potable water use is 48.4% below similar buildings.
More than 300 tons of construction waste was recycled.

The LEEDership award, Valencia College’s first, was accepted by Lamar Powers, Valencia’s facilities director and project manager for the University Center, and Helene Loiselle, Valencia’s assistant vice president for facilities and sustainability.

Valencia College’s commitment to “green building” extends to its renovations as well as new building, and the college’s facilities department continues renovating to improve energy efficiency and create a healthy environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Valencia College has constructed six new buildings since its 2006 commitment to build only to LEED Silver or above, or the equivalent. The first three were built on West Campus in 2009 and 2010, and each was awarded LEED Gold certification.

In 2012, Valencia opened three more buildings. Two (the Lake Nona Center and Building 10 on West Campus) were certified as Three Green Globes, which is equivalent to LEED Gold. The third, Building 4 on Osceola Campus, is anticipated to be certified LEED Gold. Building 4, which is Valencia’s largest building at 150,000 square feet, was completed in December 2012 and opened for classes in January 2013.

All six of college’s new buildings include extensive energy-efficiency features, which lower their operating costs.