College of Central Florida Citrus Nursing Named Best RN Program in Florida

The College of Central Florida’s Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus Associate Degree Nursing program has been recognized as the 2023 Best RN Program in Florida by RegisteredNursing.org. The nursing advocacy organization evaluated nearly 150 RN programs and ranked the top 20 based on the percentage of graduates who pass the national licensure exam.

The two-year program prepares students to become registered nurses, providing direct care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes and community-based agencies. The Citrus program is part of the collegewide nursing program.

“Nursing is one of the most in-demand careers in Florida,” said Dr. Stephanie Cortes, CF dean of Health Sciences. “By providing this affordable educational opportunity, we are not only preparing our students for a career with unlimited potential; we are helping to meet the growing need for more registered nurses at our local health care facilities.”

This ranking places CF at the top of a list of 20 colleges and universities including other state colleges as well as University of Florida and Florida State University. According to RegisteredNursing.org, programs were assessed on several factors which represent how well a program supports students toward licensure and beyond.

For more information about CF Nursing, visit www.CF.edu/Nursing. For more information on the 2023 Best Nursing Schools in Florida, visit www.registerednursing.org/state/florida/#show.

CF Closes for Tropical Storm Nicole

The College of Central Florida will be closed Thursday, Nov. 10, due to Tropical Storm Nicole. In-person and online classes, as well as business operations, will be cancelled at all sites, including the Ocala Campus, Citrus Campus, Levy Campus, Hampton Center, Appleton Museum and Vintage Farm. Scheduled activities have also been cancelled.

The college will also be closed Friday in observance of Veterans Day; the Appleton Museum will open Friday as scheduled unless otherwise announced.

Any college activities scheduled for Saturday will proceed unless otherwise announced.

Please continue to monitor the CF website (www.CF.edu), traditional media and social media for additional updates.

 

Storm Update

Update Nov. 9, 9:19 a.m.

The college will be closed Thursday, Nov. 10, due to Tropical Storm Nicole. In-person and online classes, as well as business operations, will be cancelled at all sites, including the Ocala Campus, Citrus Campus, Levy Campus, Hampton Center, Appleton Museum and Vintage Farm. Scheduled activities have also been cancelled.

The college will also be closed Friday in observance of Veterans Day; the Appleton Museum will open Friday as scheduled unless otherwise announced.

Any college activities scheduled for Saturday will proceed unless otherwise announced.

Please continue to monitor the CF website (www.CF.edu), traditional media and social media for additional updates.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to prepare now for this storm.

Nov. 8, 2:54 p.m.

CF is actively monitoring the national weather service for Tropical Storm Nicole and its forecasted impact. There are no changes to class schedules or business operations at this time. If the college is closed, information will be posted on the college website, student portal, social media and will be shared via the RAVE Alert system. Please take this time to update your notification preferences in the RAVE Alert system in the MyCF portal.

CF Appleton Museum of Art to Open Three New Exhibitions in December

This December, the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, will open three new exhibitions featuring a wide variety of mediums – from cut-paper to mixed media to ceramics and textile art.

Two solo exhibitions on view Dec. 3-June 18 will feature the work of Florida artists. In the second-floor Modern & Contemporary Galleries, see the intricate work of Jacksonville-based artist Hiromi Mizugai Moneyhun in “Paper Thin and Shadow Deep.” Moneyhun moved to Florida in 2004 from her hometown of Kyoto, Japan. Her three-dimensional, cut-paper pieces are the result of a multistep process and are both traditional and modern at the same time. Her most significant early influence was “ehon,” a general term given to Japanese picture books, especially those that featured images taken from original paper cuts by Giro Takihira, who also was known as a woodblock print artist. Moneyhun’s tenacious attention to detail and abundance of patience are exemplified in each of her works, and they invite the viewer in for closer inspection of her mastery of this technique.

The work of Gainesville-based poet and visual artist Debora Greger will be featured in the second-floor Balcony Gallery for Florida Artists. In “Pre Post Poetic,” the 28 mixed-media works were created from 2019-2021 and juxtapose pre- and post-pandemic themes of the everyday world. Using a variety of materials and imagery with handstitched elements, each piece is rich with content for the viewer to explore.

Enjoy some of the biggest works in the Appleton collection in “Big and Bold,” on view in the Edith-Marie Gallery Dec. 16-May 21. All are works of modern and contemporary art, many of which have never been exhibited at the Appleton. Over a century separates the earliest and most recent works, which range from paintings and ceramics to sculptures and oversized prints. Visitors will be welcomed with Theodore Victor Carl Valenkamph’s 10-foot wide, 4-foot-tall ship painting. Other featured works will include a two-foot-tall, hand-coiled clay vessel by Victoria Garcia. Hand painted in 2000, her black-and-white piece epitomizes indigenous Zuni and Pecos motif designs and techniques. The vibrant acrylic colors on George Snyder’s “Florida Pink Ignition” are painted with precision on a circular canvas, creating a mesmerizing optical experience.

“December 13 marks 35 years that the Appleton Museum has met our founder’s goal of art for all,” said Jason Steuber, Appleton director. “Mr. Appleton’s and his family’s visionary gift and groundbreaking generosity have allowed 1.5 million visitors to access more than 24,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years. We invite our community to visit your Appleton Museum of Art to enjoy the holidays and these special exhibitions.”

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

 

Celebrate the Holidays at the CF Appleton Museum of Art

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. This year, the museum’s majestic oaks will be lit with twinkling lights. Additional large-scale decorations will adorn the grounds with holiday cheer.

On view Nov. 8-Jan. 8, “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition” returns to the first floor of the museum. This beloved annual display is from the collection of Ocala cardiologist Dr. Paul Urban, his wife, Joyce, and daughters, Katie, Kristie, Kassie and Karlie. In addition to beautifully decorated trees, see the architecture, customs and history of Victorian England come alive in the popular miniature Dickens Village, alongside an extensive collection of nutcrackers from all around the world and handmade Byers’ Choice caroler dolls.

On the second floor, enjoy trees decorated by community groups and organizations. Participating organizations include: City of Ocala, Hiers-Baxley Community Care, Ocala Civic Theatre, TJM Promos and Urban Family Counseling.

“The Appleton is happy to welcome back this longstanding tradition of holiday fun, and we thank our community partners who are participating in this year’s community tree display,” said Victoria Billig, assistant director at the Appleton.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the annual Community Day event, sponsored by the Urban family, offers free admission. Visit the permanent collection and special exhibitions including “A Dickens Christmas” and “Blow Up II: Inflatable Contemporary Art” and make holiday crafts in the Artspace. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the auditorium, enjoy a free holiday photo op with Belle and the Beast from Once Upon a Party. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m., take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the café. Food trucks will be on-site throughout the day.

If you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift, an Appleton Museum of Art membership is truly the gift that gives all year. A variety of membership levels are offered to fit the needs of every individual, couple or family. Visit AppletonMuseum.org for membership details. We also invite you to visit the Appleton Store any time with no admission fee to find unique gifts for all ages including artist-made jewelry, art books and activities for adults and children, holiday home decor and more.

About the Urban Family Collection

Joyce Urban’s love of Christmas began when she was a child in the city of Philadelphia. Every year, she would go see the elaborate decorations at the department stores that were set up along the path she walked as she went to see Santa. This wonder of Christmas has stayed with her through the years. She began publicly displaying her collection in 1989 because she wanted to provide a place for children of all ages to experience the holiday magic she enjoyed as a child. Over the years, her Christmas Tour has raised money for many local charities including Harvest International, Interfaith, Pilot Club, Women’s Pregnancy Center and the Counseling Resource Center where she once worked as a counselor. In 2012, Joyce opened Urban Counseling where she continues her legacy of helping others.

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

CF Ira Holmes International Film Series Invites Community to Break Bread

The College of Central Florida Ira Holmes International Film Series continues on Tuesday, Nov. 8, with “Breaking Bread,” a 2019 Israeli film that explores Israel’s groundbreaking A-Sham Festival, which puts Arab and Jewish chefs side by side to create mouthwatering dishes and foster social change.

Called “a treat for the senses,” this documentary aims to prove that collaboration in the kitchen can be a bridge to mutual understanding. Guests at the evening screening are invited to break bread together with a potluck dinner; bringing a dish to share is welcomed but not required.

The screening will begin at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., and at 7 p.m. at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, Building 8, Room 110. Films at the Ocala Campus are free and open to the public. Films at the Appleton are free to all museum and film series members; nonmembers pay museum admission. Films may contain mature content.

Series Schedule:

Jan. 17 – “Victoria & Abdul”

Jan. 31 – “Parasite”

Feb. 14 – Scary Movie Date Night: “Get Out”

On Feb. 15 at 12:30 p.m., Dr. Gilbert Rodman will lead a “Get Out” Black History Month film talk at the CF Ocala Campus in Building 8, Room 110. The talk also will be live on Zoom.

Feb. 28 – “Neptune Frost”

March 14 – “La Ciénaga”

For more details, visit CF.edu/filmseries.

CF Testing Center Receives Recertification

The College of Central Florida Ocala Testing Center has received five-year recertification from the National College Testing Association. NCTA certification ensures compliance with national standards and certifies that the CF Testing Center maintains high test administration standards and provides excellent service to a wide variety of students and community members in the performance of their duties.

CF Testing Centers at the Ocala Campus, Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus and Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus provide placement and assessment services for students, administrators, faculty and community members. Services are offered in an environment conductive to testing while meeting established security and proctoring standards.

The National College Testing Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of professionalism and high-quality service in the administration of testing programs for more than 600 colleges and universities.

For more information about CF Testing, please visit www.cf.edu/testing.

College of Central Florida Presents Fall Concerts

The community is invited to enjoy two concerts by the College of Central Florida Visual and Performing Arts Department.

On Thursday, Nov. 3, the CF Jazz Band will present “A Night of Jazz” at 7:30 p.m. Directed by Conductor and Associate Professor John D. Ash, the group will perform a swinging selection of American jazz pieces by composers including Christopher Artau, Bill Chase, Michele Fernandez, Stan Kenton and Mark Taylor.

On Thursday, Nov. 10, the CF Wind Symphony and the CF Patriot Singers will present “Water” at 7:30 p.m. This collaboration includes musical selections that celebrates our connection to water – from the Mississippi River to the bottom of Lake Superior to a home aquarium – which connect the audience to Earth’s most precious element.

“Water” will feature performances by guest composer Joshua Mazur. The CF Wind Symphony is directed by Ash and the CF Patriot Singers are directed by Dr. Jason Longtin.

Both concerts are free and will take place in the Dassance Fine Arts Center at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. For more information, visit the Events Calendar at CF.edu  or call 352-854-2322, ext. 1419.

CF Supports Hurricane Ian Survivors

When the College of Central Florida made the decision to close before Hurricane Ian, administrators worried the storm might impact the college’s students and faculty served by campuses in Marion, Citrus and Levy counties. Two days later, when the CF community saw the devastation in Southwest Florida, students, faculty and staff immediately asked, “How can we help?”

Just a few days after the storm, CF staff delivered much-needed generators, gas cans and extension cords to Daytona State College, which experienced major flooding and power loss. When students, faculty and staff returned to campus, groups including the Career and Professional Employees Council quickly organized to facilitate a supply drive.

On Monday, Oct. 10, CF staff loaded six pallets of water, nonperishable food, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products into a tractor-trailer headed to State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. CF’s contributions filled up the trailer that also included donations from Florida Gateway College, Santa Fe College and Lake-Sumter State College. CF and the other three colleges are all members of the Florida College System.

“This is why we’re called ‘The Great 28,’” said Florida College System Chancellor Kathryn Hebda. “We see a need and we respond.”

CF President Dr. Jim Henningsen explained that the college also collected a large amount of supplies which will be added to the Marion County collection so items can be distributed by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to those impacted by the hurricane who still need assistance.

“We have all heard the stories of families who lost everything,” Henningsen said. “They are our neighbors and we are working together to support them. It could have been any one of us.”

For more than a week, CF students, faculty and staff filled campus donation boxes. On Thursday, Oct. 13, 14 CF student and staff volunteers sorted and packed 60 boxes of donated nonperishable food, household supplies and personal hygiene products plus pallets of water and pet food, which will now be delivered to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for distribution.

“We’re stronger together,” Henningsen said. “Our college family supports our neighbors in need.”

CF Students Receive Model United Nations Awards

Six students from the College of Central Florida’s Model United Nations Club received Outstanding Awards at the 2022 Southern Regional Model United Nations Conference held virtually Oct. 7-8. The awards recognize the student’s ability to carry out diplomacy through participation, ability to negotiate, debate professionally and interact with other students from around the nation.

This year’s conference focused on two global issues. The UN Conference on Trade and Development simulated the topic “Enhancing the Global Response to Food Insecurity in Conflict.” The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice explored the topic “Combating Cybercrime Against Critical Infrastructure.”

The following CF students won awards while representing and role-playing countries to resolve global problems:

Daniel Cepeda – Outstanding Position Paper Award for role-playing Ecuador

Daniel Fellows – Outstanding Position Paper Award and Outstanding Delegate Award for role-playing the Russian Federation

Frankelly Guzman – Outstanding Position Paper Award and Distinguished Delegate Award for representing the Dominican Republic

Sydney Henninger – Outstanding Position Paper Award for role-playing Canada

Valerie Lorenzo – Outstanding Position Paper Award for representing the Netherlands

Reagan Schroeder – Outstanding Position Paper Award for role-playing Poland

Model UN is an international extra-curricular global engagement activity through which student delegates spend months in preparation researching foreign policies and cultures. At conferences, they develop papers, which include their ideas to solve real-life problems that plague nations.

For more information on CF, visit CF.edu. For more information on Model UN, visit un.org/mun.