The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, invites shoppers for a long weekend of savings in the Appleton Store, Nov. 29-Dec. 1.

Whether you plan to brave the crowds on Black Friday, Shop Small on Saturday, or support Museum Store Sunday, the Appleton Store has shoppers covered with amazing deals on all three days! Appleton members will receive a 30% discount on purchases; nonmembers receive a 20% discount. This includes everything from a large array of holiday home decor and gifting, one-of-a-kind jewelry from local artists, art supplies and toys for children, to scarves, hats and bags imprinted with your favorite paintings. Books and items already on clearance are excluded from discounts.

Need a gift for the person who has everything? Give the gift of art by way of gift memberships, admission tickets or certificates for studio art classes. Memberships are available at a variety of levels to fit all needs; basic memberships range from $10-$60.

There is no admission fee to shop in the Appleton Store. The museum, ARTSpace and Appleton Store are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and closed every Monday. The museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Owned and operated by 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.

Community members are invited to join College of Central Florida students on two study abroad trips this summer to Belize.

Both trips are from May 31-June 8, 2020.  Cost is approximately $1,480 for each trip and includes eight nights of accommodations, all ground transportation, eight breakfasts and dinners, seven lunches and a full-time guide. Program price is an estimate until tickets are finalized.

Participants can choose between a traditional study abroad experience that includes snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, visiting Caye Caulker beaches, iguana farm, Blue Hole National Park and Xunatunich Mayan Ruins, and an introduction to medicinal plants. Or choose a trip focused on allied health, which includes most of the traditional highlights as well as clinics, site visits and observations, and a nursing workshop.

For more information, call Wendy Adams at 352-854-2322, ext. 1546.

The College of Central Florida Visual and Performing Arts Department presents a free performance of one-act plays on Tuesday, Dec. 3, and Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala.

CF Theatre Department’s Beginning Play Production class and CF’s Next Generation Drama Club present “The Audition” by Don Zolidis and “The Insanity of Mary Girard” by Lane Robertson.  The plays are directed by Fran Eastwood and Jillian Capps respectively and produced by Dr. Kathleen R. Downs, CF associate professor.

“The Audition” is a hilarious and heartbreaking look at the madness of auditioning for a school play and the actors who brave the process for that perfect part. “The Insanity of Mary Girard” takes place in 1790, when Girard is committed to an asylum after becoming pregnant by another man and her husband has her declared legally insane. Now, Girard sits in a chair as the “furies” dance around and impersonate people from her past. By the end of this haunting and highly theatrical piece, she has grown rather convincingly into her diagnosis.

Tickets are free but seating is limited to 49 audience members. Tickets can be picked up at the CF Box Office, located in the lobby of the Dassance Fine Arts Center, Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. For more information, call the CF Box Office at 352-873-5810.

The College of Central Florida Visual and Performing Arts Band and Vocal Departments present their signature Prism Concert on Friday-Saturday, Dec. 6-7, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. in the Dassance Fine Arts Center, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala.

The concert will feature many of CF’s band and vocal ensembles in one powerful, fast-paced music production. Named for the prism that reveals the varied colors of light, the concert presents the many facets of musical experience in as pure a form as possible.

“We presented a similar concert in 2017 to celebrate the college’s 60^th anniversary and it was a phenomenal hit,” said John Ash, associate professor of Music and director of the Wind Symphony. “The format has an electrifying effect on both the performers and the audience and I have no doubt that this concert will have people talking about our amazing music department for a long time. The students have been working hard and are looking forward to showcasing their talents.”

The Prism Concert may include CF students from Wind Symphony and Low Brass Ensemble, Patriot Singers and Chamber Choir, Patriot Winds Woodwind Ensemble, Patriot Blues Jazz Band, Jazz Combo and Saxophone Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, String Ensemble and Trumpet Ensemble.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for non-students. CF students, faculty and staff are free with CF identification. For tickets and more information, call the CF Box Office at 352-873-5810 or visit tickets.cf.edu. The box office is located in lobby of the Fine Arts Center and is open Monday through Friday from 1-4 p.m. and an hour before show time.

The College of Central Florida has been selected as one of the top 15% of colleges in the country to be eligible to compete for the 2021 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The Aspen Prize is based on performance in student outcomes, including graduation rates, improvement in student success and equitable student success.

In each two-year cycle, a jury of national experts selects 10 finalist institutions, and, ultimately, one winner of the prestigious award. CF was also recognized and deemed eligible for the $1 million prize in 2011, 2013 and 2017.

“Recognition by the Aspen Institute demonstrates that CF faculty and staff are delivering exceptional education opportunities for our community,” said Dr. James Henningsen, CF president. “We are looking forward to providing the additional documentation to show that we are one of the best colleges in the nation.”

The Aspen Prize has brought a new level of public attention to community colleges, defined comprehensive measures of excellence in outcomes for community college students, and uncovered and disseminated practices that help exceptional colleges ensure great outcomes for their students. The 150 community colleges named were selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 public two-year colleges nationwide using publicly available data on student outcomes. Located in 39 states in urban, rural, and suburban areas, serving as few as 500 students and as many as 75,000 students, these colleges represent the assortment and depth of the community college sector.

Data show that over the last two years, student retention, graduation rates, and degree completion have improved at the top tier of 150 Aspen Prize-eligible colleges.

“Community colleges play a vital role in developing talent and enabling social mobility across the country, and it’s critical for them to get better at what they do,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “We’re pleased to see evidence that these institutions are improving, that more are delivering on their promise. We’re also pleased to play a role in honoring outstanding community colleges and sharing what works to ensure great outcomes for students —through graduation and beyond.”

The top 10 finalists for the 2021 Aspen Prize will be named in May 2020. The Aspen Institute will then conduct site visits to each of the finalists and collect additional quantitative data, including employment and earnings data. A distinguished jury will make award decisions in spring 2021.

Previous winners of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence are: Miami Dade College and Indian River State College, 2019; Lake Area Technical College (South Dakota), 2017; Santa Fe College, 2015; Santa Barbara City College (California) and Walla Walla Community College (Washington), 2013; Valencia College, 2011.

For a full list of the top 150 eligible institutions and to read more on the selection process, visit www.highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize.

The Aspen Prize is generously funded by ECMC Foundation, Joyce Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and Siemens Foundation.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to advance higher education practices, policies, and leadership that significantly improve student outcomes, especially for the growing population of low-income students and students of color on American campuses. For more information, visit http://highered.aspeninstitute.org/ and www.linkedin.com/showcase/aspenhighered and follow @AspenHigherEd on Twitter.

The Aspen Institute is a community-serving organization with global reach whose vision is a free, just, and equitable society. For 70 years, the Institute has driven change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the world’s greatest challenges. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Institute has offices in Aspen, Colorado, and New York City, and an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, will present “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family Holiday Exhibition,” Nov. 9, 2019-Jan. 5, 2020.

This annual holiday display adorns the first floor of the museum with themed trees and other holiday decor from the collection of Ocala cardiologist Dr. Paul Urban, his wife, Joyce, and daughters, Katie, Kristie, Kassie and Karlie. In addition to ornately decorated trees, the first floor will feature miniature villages, nutcracker soldiers, caroler dolls and more. On the second floor, there will be trees decorated by community groups and organizations.

On Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. the annual Family Day event offers free admission to enjoy the permanent collection and special exhibitions, including “A Dickens Christmas” and “Across the Atlantic: American Impressionism Through the French Lens,” family friendly films in the auditorium, photos with Santa and holiday crafts in the Artspace. From noon-3 p.m., take a horse-drawn carriage ride and enjoy light snacks in the courtyard. Big Lee’s BBQ food truck will be onsite from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? An Appleton membership is truly the gift that gives all year. Multiple membership levels are available to fit the needs of every individual, couple or family. Visit AppletonMuseum.org for membership details. You can also visit the Appleton Store anytime with no admission fee to find unique gifts for all ages including artist-made and vintage jewelry, art books and activities for adults and children, holiday home decor and so much more.

Owned and operated by 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.

As part of Governor Ron DeSantis’ challenge to move Florida from No. 24 to No. 1 in the nation for its workforce by 2030, the College of Central Florida has implemented the new Last Mile Completion Program to help students return to college who left with only 12 or fewer credit hours remaining of completing their first degree.

Students face a number of challenges throughout life that can cause them not to finish their degree. Dr. James Henningsen, president of CF, and the other 27 college presidents in the Florida College System recognize this and are advocating that the State Board of Education and legislature support this initiative by funding this new program.

“A strong workforce is vital to the success of any community, and what makes it strong is the education and skills level of those who comprise it,” said Henningsen. “As a college system it is important that we do everything in our power to help students complete that last stretch in reaching their higher education goals. The Last Mile Completion Program will serve to ensure students who are close to completing their programs do so and become the professionals that employers need.”

To participate in the Last Mile Completion Program and qualify for the FinishSmart@CF Scholarship a student must:

• be a Florida resident for tuition purposes
• have attended CF within the past eight years
• have not attended CF within the last two semesters
• have completed a Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) demonstrating financial need
• meet financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
• be within 12 credit hours of completing their first degree.

For more information, visit www.CF.edu/LastMile or call 352-873-5800, ext. 1379.

The College of Central Florida recently announced a partnership with Chick-fil-A of Ocala franchise to offer an Entrepreneurship Academy credit college certificate. The program allows students to gain insight, experience and skills that are foundational in becoming entrepreneurs and business community leaders.

This innovative 18-credit program will accommodate up to 20 students annually. Students will receive two semesters of instruction in entrepreneurship-focused courses. Each course will be complemented with hands-on experiential activities organized by Chick-fil-A of Ocala leadership. The program is a unique experience for students to receive a behind-the-scenes knowledge of one of the most successful franchise business model in the restaurant industry.

“The college’s business program is excited to partner with a thriving local business to help take our entrepreneurship academy to the next level,” said Dr. Rob Wolf, dean of Business, Technology and Career and Technical Education. “Under the leadership of owner Jeromy Williams, the Ocala Chick-fil-A is one of the most successful franchises in the state of Florida. His in-depth knowledge as a local entrepreneur, along with the support of his staff, is no doubt going to make this program effective.”

Students will receive well-rounded understanding of business entrepreneurship activities through the following courses: Entrepreneur Opportunities, Small Business Management, Principles of Management, Customer Service, Principles of Marketing and Business Finance. The first cohort is expected to start in fall 2020.

The College of Central Florida is conducting Health Sciences program information sessions in November. Potential students must attend a session before applying to any of the programs.

Sessions provide details about admissions criteria, program requirements, costs and more.

There is no waiting list for any of the Health Science programs. Some programs have part-time enrollment options.

Upcoming information sessions include:

Emergency Medical Services

• Friday, Nov. 1, 2-3 p.m., Ocala Campus, Building 35, Room 105, 3001 S.W. College Road
• Friday, Nov. 1, 6-7 p.m., Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 N.W. Highway 19, Chiefland.

Nursing (Associate Degree Nursing, Bridge, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

• Wednesday, Nov. 6, 3-4 p.m., Ocala Campus, Building 16

Physical Therapist Assistant

• Monday, Nov. 4, 4-5:30 p.m., Citrus Campus, Building C3, Room 201, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto.

Radiography

• Tuesday, Nov. 12, 4-5 p.m., Ocala Campus Building 20.

Surgical Technology

• Wednesday, Nov. 20, 4-5 p.m., Ocala Campus, Building 19.

For information about any of the programs or sessions, call 352-873-5817, or call 352-873-5800, ext. 1655.

The College of Central Florida’s Theatre and Musical Theatre Department will present “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22-23, starting at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 24, at 3 p.m., in the Dassance Fine Arts Center, 3001 S.W. College Road.

This production, with music and lyrics by Neil Bartram, book by Brian Hill, is directed by Jason Longtin, CF associate professor of Music. The traditional Italian story of a wooden puppet yearning to be a real boy springs to life on the stage. Carved out of wood by the lonely toymaker Geppetto, Pinocchio tumbles from one disastrous situation to another in search of adventure only to discover that in the end all he really needs is an unselfish heart and the love of his father. This musical is based on Carlo Collodi’s classic tale. “The Adventures of Pinocchio” is produced by special arrangement with Rodgers and Hammerstein Theatricals, Theatre for Young Audiences.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for non-students. CF students, faculty and staff are free with CF identification. For tickets and more information, call the CF Box Office at 352-873-5810 or visit tickets.cf.edu. The box office is located in lobby of the Fine Arts Center and is open from 1-4 p.m. and an hour before show time.