-
NSU Distinguished Speakers Series Present: Rebecca Skloot - March 20, 2014
Nova Southeastern University
Encouraging students to “let curiosity and passion get the best of you while you are here,” bestselling author Rebecca Skloot, M.F.A., shared how her own curiosity led her to follow a trail of seemingly random events that culminated with the writing of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
As she explained, Skloot spent years unveiling the mysterious anonymity of a woman whose cells greatly contributed to scientific research––saving others’ lives––while her family lived for decades without knowing the extent of her legacy.
Lacks was a poor tobacco farmer in Baltimore who died of cervical cancer in 1951. Cells derived from her cancerous tumor were harvested without her knowledge and became known in the scientific community as HeLa, an abbreviation of Lacks’ first and last name. In the decades that followed, the “immortal” HeLa line contributed to the development of the polio vaccine, cancer treatment, in-vitro fertilization, and the HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine––ironically, the vaccine used to prevent infection from the virus associated with cervical cancer.
Lacks’ children were later used for follow-up research without providing informed consent (which today is required by law), nor did they receive compensation for the commercialization of their mother’s cells.
Skloot’s interest in the Lacks family story began in high school when a biology teacher wrote Henrietta Lacks’ name on the board. Failing at a traditional high school, Skloot was attending an alternative school where she could work at her own pace. She stopped after class to ask the teacher what else he knew about Lacks. He knew very little, he told her, and suggested she research the topic and write an extra-credit report.
“It did light this spark in me, this curiosity,” Skloot recalled during her talk. “I went home, and I couldn’t find out anything about her.”
Later, Skloot enrolled in college where she focused on biology and planned to attend veterinary school. But her life changed course––again at the hands of a teacher who suggested she forego veterinary school and pursue a career in science writing.
“He said to me, ‘letting go of a goal doesn’t mean you failed as long as you have a new goal in its place. That’s not giving up; it’s just changing direction, which can be one of the most important things you do in your life,’” said Skloot, who went on to earn an M.F.A. in Creative Nonfiction.
In college, she picked up Lacks’ trail again––this time, as part of a thesis project she was pursuing about “forgotten women” in science. She contacted Lacks’ daughter, Deborah, with whom she shared a dogged determination to tell Lacks’ story.
Decades after what began as an extra-credit assignment, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks was published in 2010 and became a bestseller examining bioethics in America.
“At its core, the story is about the importance of communication in science and what can go wrong when scientists and health care providers don’t explain things to people,” Skloot said of how Lacks’ family was inadvertently misled by scientists and doctors.
“If you only speak Spanish and you go to the hospital, they’re going to get you a translator. If you walk into a hospital and you don’t ‘speak’ science, they’re not going to get you a science translator,” said Skloot, noting that Lacks’ husband had a fourth-grade education.
Skloot encouraged students to follow their curiosity and remain open to possibilities.
“Don’t have tunnel vision,” she said. “Don’t be so focused on your goals that you don’t allow yourself to know other things—things you can’t imagine right now, things you might unexpectedly fall in love with, things that might change your life just like learning about Henrietta’s cells in biology class changed mine.
“Curiosity is one of the most important things to recognize in ourselves and pay attention to.
Science is all about these moments. One little thing you notice that makes you stop…So much of what we do in any profession has to do with harnessing curiosity and learning to follow it, wherever it leads.”
- Don Rosenblum
- Emily Schmitt
- Rebecca Skloot
-
NSU Distinguished Speakers Series Present: General David H. Petraeus - February 6, 2014
Nova Southeastern University
Gen. Petraeus served 37 years in the U.S. military, including as commander of coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and as commander of the U.S. Central Command. Following retirement from the military in August 2011, he served for 14 months as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
During his military career, Gen. Petraeus served in Cold War Europe, the United States, Central America, Haiti, Bosnia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In the decade following the 9/11 attacks, he was deployed for nearly seven years, culminating his career with six straight commands, five of which were in combat.
- Don Rosenblum
- Gary Gershman
- General David H. Petraeus
-
NSU Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet – November 12, 2013
Nova Southeastern University
Seventh NSU Athletics Hall of Fame Class
- Bryan Cook - baseball
- Nicole Felluca - rower
- Juan Ramos - soccer
- Katie Veltri - softball
-
NSU Art Museum Present Against the Grain - October 12, 2013
Nova Southeastern University
Featuring nearly 90 installations, sculptures, furniture and objects, Against the Grain: Wood in Contemporary Art, Craft and Design explored the most cutting-edge conceptual, current and technical trends in woodworking by artists and designers including: Sarah Oppenheimer, Martin Puryear, Marc Andre Robinson, Alison Elizabeth Tayor, Ai Weiwei, Maartin Baas, Sebastian Errazuriz, Mark Moskovitz and Ursula von Rydingsvard. The exhibition emphasized the way artists, designers and craftspeople have incorporated post-modernist approaches and strategies into woodworking ñ deconstructing vessel shapes, playing on the relationship between function and form, and utilizing woodturning and furniture techniques in the creation of sculpture. Opening night curator Lowery Stokes Sims speaks about her experience.
- Bonnie Clearwater
- Lowery Stokes Sims
-
NSU Distinguished Speakers Series Present: An Evening with Edward Albee - April 04, 2013
Nova Southeastern University
Albee’s career spans five decades, defining modern American theatre with provocative, controversial, and successful plays. He is perhaps best known for the 1962 drama Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, a recipient of both the Tony and New York Drama Critics Circle awards.
The playwright’s work explores intimate aspects of society. Albee’s first play, The Zoo Story, opened in 1959 and tells the story of a drifter who acts out his own murder with the unwitting aid of an upper-middle-class editor. The play is said to mark the beginning of the American absurdist movement in theatrical drama.
Albee has earned three Pulitzer Prizes for his plays: A Delicate Balance in 1967, Seascape in 1975, and Three Tall Women in 1994. He is also the recipient of multiple lifetime-achievement awards, including the Tony Award, Edward MacDowell Medal, and Pioneer Award.
According to Albee, art should be dangerous and should reveal human shortcomings and complacency—inspiring us to live more fully. To that end, his talk at NSU will explore this year’s academic theme of “Life and Death.”
- Don Rosenblum
- Bill Adams
- Edward Albee
-
Distinguished Lecture Series Present The Road to Someplace Better: From the Segregated South to Harvard Business School and Beyond Lillian Lambert - February 21, 2013
Nova Southeastern University
The H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship continues its 2013 Distinguished Lecture Series by welcoming Lillian Lincoln Lambert to campus for her inspiring talk entitled “The Road to Someplace Better: From the Segregated South to Harvard Business School and Beyond.” Lillian Lambert is the first African American woman to receive a Harvard Business School MBA during the tumultuous 1960’s, and then became a barrier-breaking entrepreneur in the mid 1970’s.
- Preston Jones
- Lillian Lambert
-
NSU Distinguished Speakers Series Present “Sell or Be Sold” Featuring Grant Cardone - January 29, 2013
Nova Southeastern University
The H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship invites you to the next installment of the Distinguished Lecture Series, “Sell or Be Sold,” featuring Grant Cardone. Cardone is a New York Times best-selling author, star and executive producer of the reality TV show Turnaround King, host of the Cardone Zone radio show and is regularly seen on Fox TV, NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, Fox Business and Business Insider. He was also named the Top Sales Expert and a Top 10 Business Coach on Twitter.
A self-made multi-millionaire, Cardone is the Founder and CEO of three multi-million dollar companies. He is best known for customizing programs to maximize a company’s profitability and brand, he is also known for turning around companies. As an internationally recognized sales and business expert, his commentary on business, financial and social issues have been carried in a wide variety of publications including Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, Forbes, the Los Angeles Times, and New York Post.
Cardone’s ultimate ambition is to help people live more successfully, both personally and professionally. He has two interactive online sales training centers to bring innovative sales training tools, technologies, and solutions to life. Cardone is also the author of five books, all written since the 2008 financial crisis.
- Preston Jones
- Rick Case
- Grant Cardone
-
The Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale and the Venetian Arts Society present international opera sensation Elizabeth Caballero - November 29, 2012
Nova Southeastern University
The Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale and the Venetian Arts Society present international opera sensation Elizabeth Caballero - November 29, 2012 Master class icons.
- William (Willie) Riddle
- Jason R. Hughes
- Elizabeth Caballero
- Jeffrey Williams
-
The Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale and the Venetian Arts Society present international opera sensation Elizabeth Caballero - November 28, 2012
Nova Southeastern University
The Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale and the Venetian Arts Society present international opera sensation Elizabeth Caballero in concert and a master class with the artist.
-
NSU Distinguished Speakers Series Present: Maziar Bahari - October 10, 2012
Nova Southeastern University
Bahari, an Iranian Canadian, served as a Newsweek correspondent for more than a decade, covering Iranian economic, political, and cultural life. In 2009, he was arrested in Tehran while reporting on the presidential election protests. Bahari was picked up by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard and sent to Evin Prison, which is notorious for torturing political prisoners.
Accused of “masterminding the coverage of the Iranian election by the Western media” and being a spy for the Mossad, the MI6, and the CIA, Bahari was held in solitary confinement for most of his 118 days in captivity. He was repeatedly beaten and was forced to give a televised false confession. After international pressure mounted and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed interest in his case, Bahari was released on $300,000 bail.
Bahari’s story of resilience was the subject of a 60 Minutes segment and a Newsweek cover story. In 2011, he published a memoir detailing the overseas ordeal, titled, Then They Came for Me: A Family’s Story of Love, Captivity, and Survival. The book became a New York Times bestseller.
- Don Rosenblum
- Stephen Andon
- Maziar Bahari
-
NSU Distinguished Speakers Series Present: Carl DeSantis: Life After Sundown - September 25, 2012
Nova Southeastern University
The H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship’s Distinguished Lecture Series is proud to welcome Carl DeSantis, former Chairman of the Board of Rexall Sundown, Inc. to Nova Southeastern University’s main campus for a lecture entitled, “Life After Sundown.”.
DeSantis’ entrepreneurial spirit was evident since his youth when he sold newspapers and raised parakeets to help his family. He entered the health industry as a stock boy at Walgreens and soon became one of the chain’s top store managers. In response to consumer demand, DeSantis created Sundown, an effective but inexpensive sunburn treatment.
Recognizing the increasing interest in nutrition and health products, he started the successful company Rexall Sundown, Inc., which was the leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of vitamins, nutritional supplements, and other consumer health products. Since his days at Rexall Sundown, Inc., DeSantis authored the best-selling book, Vitamin Enriched. In his lecture, he will talk about his lifetime of entrepreneurial successes and about his life after serving as a leading executive.
- George L. Hanbury
- Carl DeSantis
-
NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale Presents Shark Exhibition - May 2, 2012
Nova Southeastern University
- Alexandra Pickard - Research Assistant
- Kim Atwater - Research Assistant
- Christine Testerman - Research Assistant
- Teagen Gray - Research Assistant
- Shara Teter - Research Assistant
-
NSU Distinguished Speakers Series Present: Elizabeth Loftus Memory Under the Influence - February 9, 2012
Nova Southeastern University
Hosted by the College’s Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Loftus will present a talk titled “Memory Under the Influence”. Loftus has contributed her expertise to hundreds of cases, including those of the Hillside Strangler; Abscam; Oliver North; the Menendez brothers; the Oklahoma City bombing; the trial of the officers accused in the Rodney King beating; accusations of molestation at McMartin Preschool; Bosnian War trials in the Hague; and litigation involving Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart, Scooter Libby, and the Duke University lacrosse players.
A distinguished professor at the University of California—Irvine, Loftus holds faculty positions in three departments (Psychology and Social Behavior; Criminology, Law, and Society; and Cognitive Sciences), and in the School of Law. She received her Ph.D. in Psychology from Stanford University. She has published 22 books (including the award-winning Eyewitness Testimony) and more than 500 scientific articles. In 2002, Loftus was 58th in a list of the 100 most-influential researchers in psychology in the 20th Century and the highest-ranked woman on the list.
- Don Rosenblum
- W. Matthew Collins
- Elizabeth Loftus
-
Nova Southeastern University Fellows Society Inaugural Donor Induction Ceremony – October 27, 2011
Nova Southeastern University
NSU Honors Donors at Fellows Society Inaugural Induction Ceremony
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) hosted the Fellows Society Inaugural Induction Ceremony to honor and thank all the Fellows who have given $50,000 or more to the university since its founding in 1964. These funds support scholarships and other opportunities for students.
The Fellows were inducted on Thursday, Oct. 27 by NSU President George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. and Alan B. Levan, chair of the Fellows Society.
The Fellows Society members are NSU’s highest level of philanthropic benefactors who actively advocate to enhance university visibility while building personal and professional networks.
“President Hanbury and I are passionate about honoring those that helped advance the vision and mission of the university,” Levan said.
Fellows Society members are recruited by NSU’s new Ambassadors Board, whose mission is to enlist widespread and active support for the university’s development efforts, promote NSU programs, and be the university’s “ambassadors” to our communities and constituencies. Susie and Alan Levan serve as co-chairs for the Ambassadors Board.
“We are grateful to Susie and Alan for taking on this leadership role as Ambassadors to help the university,” NSU President Hanbury said. “What the Fellows are doing is providing scholarships and opportunities for NSU students to reach and fulfill their potential in their lives, fields of study, and resulting careers.
NSU Shark Fins E Newsletter
October 2011 -
NSU Distinguished Speakers Series Present: Richard Dreyfuss - October 26, 2011
Nova Southeastern University
The Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences will welcome actor and activist Richard Dreyfuss to NSU as the college’s next Distinguished Speaker. Dreyfuss will speak in the Miniaci Performing Arts Center.
Dreyfuss is perhaps best known as an Oscar-winning actor, widely recognized for his roles in the films Encounters of the Third Kind, Jaws, and Mr. Holland’s Opus. He is also an activist American citizen and a spokesperson on the issue of media informing policy, legislation, and public opinion. He speaks and writes in support of privacy, freedom of speech, democracy, and individual accountability.
As a community leader, Dreyfuss aims to encourage, revive, and enhance the teaching of civics in American schools. In support of this mission, he founded the nonprofit organization The Dreyfuss Initiative. This initiative is part of a nation-wide effort to bring back civics to the American youth.
- Don Rosenblum
- Gary Gershman
- Richard Dreyfuss
-
NSU Distinguished Speakers Series Present Multiple Journeys: The Life and Work of Gomez-Pena - September 21, 2011
Nova Southeastern University
Invoking text and historical photographs to chronicle Gomez-Pena's life's work, the artist discusses the evolution of his field and the main political and social events of the times
- Don Rosenblum
- Jane Duncan
- Guillermo Gomez Pena
-
NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale Presents - Virginia Alonso Four Centuries of Classical Cuban Music April 10, 2011
Nova Southeastern University
- David Spangler
- Virginia Alonso
-
NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2010 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame: Don Taft
Nova Southeastern University
To me, an entrepreneur can be of many faces, many sizes, and many things. He’s got to be a person who recognizes opportunities that could be done a little better, be a little newer, a little bit more modern, maybe a little bit more refined, and then it goes on. It’s a little germ that seeps in and stays within you and keeps coming back. — Don Taft (1921–2011)
Inductee Biography
Don Taft has spent more than 50 years as a leader in business, having founded, owned, and managed private and publicly traded companies. He has applied his business expertise across a wide range of industries including manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, retail, and entertainment.
Taft's philanthropic and charitable manner has led him to support many worthwhile causes in South Florida, as well as donate his personal time and leadership skills to numerous children's health care facilities and nonprofit organizations. He has worked with Gilda's Club, Doctors Without Borders, the Museum of Art, and the Museum of Science and Discovery, just to name a few.
In recognition of a generous gift the Taft Foundation made to Nova Southeastern University, the University Center was renamed in his honor. The gift also provided a permanent home for Special Olympics Broward County at NSU, establishing the only Special Olympics office located on a university campus in the world. Taft's contributions also include donations to the Conine Clubhouse, a home for parents and families of patients at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.
-
NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2010 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame: Mike Jackson
Nova Southeastern University
If you’re asking, ‘What makes Picasso, Picasso, or Rembrandt, Rembrandt?,’ it’s this same ingredient that’s hard to define, but when you see it, you say, ‘Wow, that’s extraordinary!’ That’s what entrepreneurs do. They’re extremely creative. They see things that other people don’t, and they know how to then bring them to life. — Mike Jackson
Inductee Biography
Mike Jackson became Chief Executive Officer of AutoNation, Inc., in 1999 and its Chairman in 2002. Before that, he served as president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc., which oversaw the German automaker's U.S. sales operation and its franchised dealerships. While serving as the U.S. Senior Marketing Executive for Mercedes-Benz, Mike helped reinvigorate the brand in this country.
A former automotive retailer, he served as the managing partner of Euro Motorcars of Bethesda, Maryland, an operator of 11 new-vehicle franchises. Jackson also has served as a Mercedes-Benz district manager and as chairman of the Mercedes-Benz National Dealer Council. Jackson was named Automotive Hall of Fame Industry Leader of the Year for 2003.
He has received numerous other honors and awards from various publications and businesses for his work in the automotive industry and in business and marketing. As one of the nation's leading speakers on energy and economics, Jackson has spoken at schools, colleges, planning organizations, and conferences. He is also a contributor to CNBC and Bloomberg Television.
-
NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2010 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame: Mitchell Berger
Nova Southeastern University
I would define an entrepreneur as someone who is willing to jump out of a building after seeing which way the wind is blowing…what the weather looks like that day and is there a soft place to land in case the currents don’t carry you to where you’d like to go when you jump off the building. — Mitchell Berger
Inductee Biography
Mitchell Berger founded Berger Singerman in 1985 and currently serves as Chairman of the business law firm. He is a member of several state Bars and the American Bar Association. Berger has been active in public affairs at all levels of government. He was co-chair of the Community Relations Committee for the Summit of the Americas in 1994 and a member of President Clinton's Transition Team for the EPA and Department of the Interior in 1992-1993.
Part of the Distinguished Lecture Series at NSU Business, Berger was also a guest lectured for Vanderbilt University and Washington University. He has published several articles in law journals, including the Nova Law Review, the National Law Journal, and The Jurist. Berger has represented major corporations in complex commercial litigation throughout the United States. He represented Al Gore in Bush v. Gore.
Among other honors, Gold Coast Magazine named him "One of the 50 Most Powerful People in Broward County." Mitchell has also received the Humanitarian Tree of Life Award from the City of Hope.
-
Nova Southeastern University: We're Out There, Changing Lives, Changing the World – January 2010
Nova Southeastern University
Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it. — Marian Wright Edelman, President and Founder, Children's Defense Fund
At Nova Southeastern University, we have a mission. That mission is to educate and to serve, to make this world a better place. Our students, our faculty, and our staff are out there every day making a difference in our community, our state, our nation, and our world...
-
NSU Distinguished Speakers Series Present: Wayne Huizenga- September 3, 2009
Nova Southeastern University
The H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship will welcome Wayne Huizenga.
Huizenga is perhaps best known for Waste Management, Blockbuster Video and AutoNation. Huizenga was also the first entrepreneur to launch three Fortune 500 businesses in his lifetime.
As a community leader, Huizenga shares his insights on management style, his journey as an entrepreneur, the acquisition of Blockbuster, and valuable advice for students.
- Dr. Randolph A. Pohlman
- H. Wayne Huizenga
-
Nova Southeastern University H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship Dean Randolph "Randy" Pohlman, Ph.D.: Legacy of Leadership – July 2009
Nova Southeastern University
Randolph Pohlman to Leave Dean Position at Nova Southeastern University’s Business School
FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – Randolph A. Pohlman, Ph.D., has announced that he will leave his position as dean of the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Fort Lauderdale to return to the faculty. Pohlman will take sabbatical leave in July 2009 and return to the Huizenga School in January 2010 to serve on the faculty. A national search will be conducted for Pohlman’s successor.
Pohlman is in his 14th year as dean of the Huizenga School. During his tenure, the school has grown from 1,300 students to more than 6,000 and boasts the largest Master of Business Administration program in Florida. Pohlman also directed the school’s first major capital campaign that led to the construction of the Carl DeSantis Building, a five-story, 261,000-square-foot facility that opened as home to the Huizenga School in 2004.
“Dr. Pohlman has been instrumental in the growth and success of the Huizenga School,” said NSU President Ray Ferrero, Jr. “Thanks to his leadership, our faculty is able to provide business students the practical skills and knowledge they need to begin or advance a career or even start their own business. We are sorry to lose Randy as dean but look forward to having him returning to teach our students.”
In addition to serving as dean, Pohlman has written two books: Understanding the Bottom Line and Value Driven Management. He is also active in the South Florida community, serving as a trustee and member of the Board of Governors for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to joining the Huizenga School in July of 1995, Pohlman served as a senior executive at Koch Industries, the largest privately owned company in the United States. He also previously served as dean of the College of Business Administration at Kansas State University.
NSU Office of Public Affairs
December 15, 2008 -
Lit Live! Family Ties - March 21, 2009
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is honored to once again host the annual LitLIVE! event, which will showcase the numerous award-winning authors taking part in Literary Feast 2009 21st edition of Literary Feast.
- Gioconda Belli, Infinity in the Palm of Her Hand
- Deborah Copaken Kogan, Between Here and April
- John Dufresne, Requiem, Mass.
-
Lit Live! Life Lessons - March 21, 2009
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is honored to once again host the annual LitLIVE! event, which will showcase the numerous award-winning authors taking part in Literary Feast 2009 21st edition of Literary Feast.
- Tom Farley, Jr., The Chris Farley Show
- Dr. Meline Kevorkian, 101 Facts about Bullying: What Everyone Should Know
- Stephanie Klein, Moose: A Memoir of Fat Camp
- Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, The Third Chapter: Passion, Risk, and Adventure In the 25 Years After 50
-
Lit Live! Literary Libations - March 21, 2009
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is honored to once again host the annual LitLIVE! event, which will showcase the numerous award-winning authors taking part in Literary Feast 2009 21st edition of Literary Feast.
- Tilar J. Mazzeo, The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It
- Nino Pernetti, Nino Pernetti’s Caffè Abbracci Cookbook: His Life Story and Travels Around the World
-
Lit Live! Presidential Life and Letters - March 21, 2009
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is honored to once again host the annual LitLIVE! event, which will showcase the numerous award-winning authors taking part in Literary Feast 2009 21st edition of Literary Feast. Panel discussion with Abraham Lincoln biographer Fred Kaplan and 2008 National Book Award winner for nonfiction Annette Gordon-Reed (The Hemingses of Monticello).
- Annette Gordon-Reed
- Fred Kaplan
- Annette Gordon-Reed
-
Lit Live! Rita Mae Brown: In First Person - March 21, 2009
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is honored to once again host the annual LitLIVE! event, which will showcase the numerous award-winning authors taking part in Literary Feast 2009 21st edition of Literary Feast.
- Rita Mae Brown, The Purrfect Murder
-
Lit Live! Rum & Cuba - March 21, 2009
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is honored to once again host the annual LitLIVE! event, which will showcase the numerous award-winning authors taking part in Literary Feast 2009 21st edition of Literary Feast.
- Yvette Fuentes
- Tom Gjelten, Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba
-
Lit Live! Sex in the City - March 21, 2009
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is honored to once again host the annual LitLIVE! event, which will showcase the numerous award-winning authors taking part in Literary Feast 2009 21st edition of Literary Feast.
- Lily Koppel, The Red Leather Diary
- John Rechy, About My Life and the Kept Woman
-
Lit Live! Sleepless Nights - March 21, 2009
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is honored to once again host the annual LitLIVE! event, which will showcase the numerous award-winning authors taking part in Literary Feast 2009 21st edition of Literary Feast.
- Laura Lippman, Another Thing to Fall
- Adam Gittlin, The Deal
- icki Myron, Dewey: The Small-Town Cat Who Touched the World
-
Lit Live! Vicki Myron: In First Person - March 21, 2009
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is honored to once again host the annual LitLIVE! event, which will showcase the numerous award-winning authors taking part in Literary Feast 2009 21st edition of Literary Feast.
- Vicki Myron, Dewey: The Small-Town Cat Who Touched the World
-
Lit Live! Yes I Can! - March 21, 2009
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is honored to once again host the annual LitLIVE! event, which will showcase the numerous award-winning authors taking part in Literary Feast 2009 21st edition of Literary Feast.
- David Hyde, 1968; The Year that Saved Ohio State Football
- Elissa Wall, Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs
- W. Hodding Carter, Off the Deep End
- Esmeralda Santiago, The Turkish Lover
-
Nova Southeastern University Celebration of Excellence Distinguished Alumni Achievement Awards – January 21, 2009
Nova Southeastern University
NSU presented the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Awards to graduates of the university’s schools, colleges and centers.
Honorees are:
- Monty T. Baker, Ph.D., 2002 (Center for Psychological Studies)
- Dr. Baker has served as an active-duty Air Force psychologist for the past eight years. He is currently the director of research for the Warrior Resiliency Program at the San Antonio Military Medical Center. - Alex F. Brylske, M.S., 1997 (Oceanographic Center)
- Dr. Brylske is an adjunct professor at Edison State College and holds an appointment at Florida Gulf Coast University as a member of their External Associate Graduate Faculty. He is Florida’s regional coordinator for Reef Check and is a member of the Sanctuary Advisory Council for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. - Jayden Carr (Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies)
- When he was two years old, Jayden was in a car accident, leaving him with numerous challenges. Even at such a young age, Jayden’s determination and persistence were remarkable. Jayden is now in a mainstreamed kindergarten class at the University School. - Elizabeth W. DeGrace, Ph.D., 2001 (College of Allied Health & Nursing)
- Dr. DeGrace is an assistant professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Science at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. She has worked for 20 years as an occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics. - Elizabeth Feldman, D.M.D., 2005 (College of Dental Medicine)
- Dr. Feldman provides maxillofacial prosthodontics/dental oncology services as part of the Thoracic/Head and Neck Cancers Department at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Orlando. She focuses on prosthetic correction and management of the head and neck cancer patient with maxillofacial rehabilitation needs. - John D. Geake, D.O., 1993 (College of Osteopathic Medicine)
- Dr. Geake owns his own practice at Riverside Glades Medical Center. He is also on staff at Hendry Regional Medical Center and is the medical director of their Corporate Health Division. He is on the board of the Everglades AHEC, Lake Okeechobee Rural Health Network, and the ACOFP Congress of Delegates and helped to establish the Lake Area Medical Society. - Andrew Gregory, O.D., 2002 (College of Optometry)
- Dr. Gregory is assigned to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He is on temporary duty attending the Army’s Command and General Staff College Course. He provides full scope optometric care to active duty, retirees and their family members. Dr. Gregory deployed to Iraq for 28 months, serving with the 101st Airborne Division during the initial invasion and as a medical detachment commander and optometry consult for the entire Iraqi Theater of Operations. - Jeffrey A. Groom, Ph.D., 2003 (Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences)
- Dr. Groom has been appointed director and associate professor of anesthesiology nursing at Florida International University. At the 2006 International Meeting on Medical Simulation, Dr. Groom received first place for his research. He is a board member of the Gordon Center for Research in Medical Education in emergency medical teaching programs at the University of Miami. - Cristina M. Medina, Pharm.D., 2000 (College of Pharmacy)
- Dr. Medina is the liaison between CVS/pharmacy and all Colleges of Pharmacy in Florida and Puerto Rico. She serves on NSU’s College of Pharmacy Committee of Admissions to determine which applicants are accepted to all NSU College of Pharmacy locations, and on the Dean’s Advisory Committee to discuss current pharmacy topics and make recommendations to the dean of the College of Pharmacy. - Noël Linke Miner, M.S., 1998 (Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences)
- Miner established Linke Mediation, Inc., in 1997 and maintains an active practice. She has enjoyed a 20-year career as a legal professional and has been involved with mediation since 1991. Her future goals include continuing in the advancement of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and improving its social awareness in everyday conflict. - Ben M. Morey (Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale)
- Morey is working towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Maryland Institute College of Art, majoring in interactive media. He is the winner of MICA’s 2009 Competitive Scholarship Award and the 2008 Outstanding Achievement Award. Morey is grateful to the Studio Art Academy at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University, for the opportunity help him develop his skills as an artist. Morey plans to graduate from MICA in the spring. - Alejandro Palacios, M.I.B.A., 2003 (H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship)
- Palacios is vice president of strategy and GoGreen for DHL Global Forwarding Americas, a business unit of DP DHL, the world’s largest logistics group. He is responsible for business strategy, focusing on growth, continuous improvement, product development, innovation and M&A activity. He also manages the environmental sustainability program, and oversees the program management office and the communications function for the region. - Nicole M. Prouty, 1994 (University School)
- Prouty has been at EHS Partners for eight years managing project work for clients in various industries including utilities, financial services, business services, consumer goods, and insurance. Her project management focuses on logistics, orientation, database management, and financial analysis. Prior to joining EHS, Prouty worked for a not-for-profit that specialized in financing low- and moderate-income housing throughout New York and New Jersey. - Drew Richardson, Ed.D., 2003 (Fischler School of Education and Human Services)
- Dr. Richardson is president and CEO for Professional Association of Diving Instructors, the world’s largest recreational diver training and educational organization. He has been involved in water safety, scuba diving and diving education for 35 years. Under Dr. Richardson, PADI’s educational system is used in 183 countries and territories. Over 14,291,000 divers have been trained using standards, procedures and educational materials created under his leadership worldwide. - Roy Jacob Smith IV, B.S., 1997 (Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences)
- Smith is a partner/shareholder with the Weiss Legal Group. While in law school at the University of Florida, Smith was the recipient of both the “Frank E. Maloney Award for Outstanding Candidate” and the “Gertrude Brick Award for Outstanding Board Member” from the Florida Law Review. He dedicates his career to the representation of consumers and accident victims in the State of Florida as well as the representation of clients in family law matters. - Theresa Van Vliet, J.D., 1983 (Shepard Broad Law Center)
- Van Vliet is an attorney with Genovese, Joblove and Battista and concentrates her practice in white-collar litigation and related civil and compliance matters including international fraud and money laundering, consumer protection, mortgage industries, health care, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, general fraud offenses, USA Patriot Act of 2001 and Bank Secrecy Act, and matters relating to the imposition of economic sanctions by the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
NSU Office of Public Affairs
December 21, 2009 - Monty T. Baker, Ph.D., 2002 (Center for Psychological Studies)
-
NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2006 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame: Shaun M. Davis
Nova Southeastern University
It’s a matter of getting your hands dirty, rolling up your sleeves and doing what it takes to get the job done. It doesn’t matter how many hours it takes, it doesn’t matter how much sleep you’re going to lose, whether you’ve got to work on the weekends, whether you’ve got to do something you really don’t want to do or don’t choose to do. If you want to make it, and want to be successful, you have to be better than the next person. — Shaun M. Davis
Inductee Biography
Born and raised in New York, Shaun attended Florida State University and graduated in 1983 with a degree in accounting. After graduating, he joined the International CPA firm of Deloitte and Touche and, later, Ernst and Young where he became an audit manager. Shaun has received several awards such as the Price Waterhouse Up-and-Comer award and the Hollywood Outstanding Community Leader award. A few of his professional and business affiliations are listed below: Certified Public Accountant licensed to practice in Florida and New York Past Board Member and Past Chairman of the State of Florida Board of Accountancy Past Chairman, United Way of Broward County Past President, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Member of the Broward Workshop Past President of the Greater Miami Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants Member of the American Institute of CPAs Member of the Florida Institute of CPAs Member of the New York State Society of CPAs.
What started out as a one-man accounting firm has grown to over 22 employees with four Florida Office locations. S. Davis & Associates, P.A. has expanded to include the services of auditing and providing Business consulting advice for all types of entities, both public and commercial. S. Davis & Associates is recognized as one of the top minority accounting businesses in the State of Florida and one of the top African American CPA firms in the southeast United States. Shaun Davis has become nationally known as a CPA.
Shaun has contributed to many charities in South Florida including: Executive Committee Member of the Urban League of Broward County Finance and Audit Committee Chairman of the Girl Scouts of Tropical South Florida Volunteer Career Counselor for The School Board of Broward County Treasurer and Executive Committee Member of the Orange Bowl Committee Member of the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee Hall of Fame Award Winner of Nova Southeastern University Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Award Winner Shaun has provided advice and counseling to numerous students interested in getting into the accounting field. He has participated in and/or held seminars and training sessions for many seeking advice in starting a business or assisted new businesses. Shaun has assisted several new businesses with financial analysis, feasibility studies, and helped businesses develop business plans to be successful.
-
NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2006 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame: Walter L. Banks
Nova Southeastern University
Entrepreneurs are thinking all the time. They’re even dreaming about it [business success] at night when they’re asleep; they’re forever thinking about it. So, if they work twelve hours a day, I guarantee you, they’re probably working eighteen to twenty hours a day because they’re always thinking. — Walter L. Banks
Inductee Biography
Walter Banks is the owner of Lago Mar Resort and Club in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In 2003, he was named Florida "Hotelier of the Year" and has also received the Excalibur Award which is the top business award in Broward County.
Banks served as Chairman of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and Vice Chair of Florida Commission on Tourism. In December of 2011, he concluded his term on the Federal Board of Miami, a Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
-
NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2005 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame: Arthur J. Falcone
Nova Southeastern University
My office philosophy is quite simple. It’s to give integrity, do it with honesty, always do what you say you’re going to do. That’s the backbone of what I grew up with, what my mom and dad taught us. — Arthur J. Falcone
Inductee Biography
Falcone began his career as an entrepreneur at the age of 22, earning the distinction of being the youngest operator of a McDonald’s franchise in the nation. Shortly thereafter, he parlayed his financial success to ownership of more than 100 McDonald’s and Wendy’s restaurants throughout New York, Florida and California.
In April 2005, he was inducted into the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. He is a member of the Gold Coast Builders Association, Florida Atlantic Builders Association, and a national board member for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Falcone also serves as secretary for the SOS Children’s Villages Florida, Inc. and is a past recipient of the prestigious American Heritage Award from the Anti-Defamation League. Arthur J. Falcone Group – Real Estate Development, Commercial, Residential, Land Development Company.
-
NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2005 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame: Kaye A. Pearson
Nova Southeastern University
I think an entrepreneur, what that means to me, really, is willing to be independent. I went out on my own and borrowed $4,000 when I was 26 years old and I’ve been on my own ever since. — Kaye A. Pearson
Inductee Biography
Following high school where he became passionate about football & fishing Kaye attended the University of Florida and graduated from Miami University with a Business Degree. Kaye soon moved to Ft. Lauderdale and went on to become one of the areas most recognized entrepreneurs beginning with Pearson Potter Yacht Basin in 1971. He helped develop marinas internationally, partnered in local real estate & building investments and sat on several company boards including the International Game Fish Association, Facing It Together, and The Bank of Florida.
Kaye’s true legacy and commitment was as founder and CEO of Show Management in 1976, his promotion company that owned and or operated the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show, Palm Beach Boat Show and St Petersburg Boat Show, in addition to a host of other regional boat shows and special events. He sold the business in 2006 and has remained closely aligned to his successors. Kaye has received numerous awards in recognition for his vast accomplishments including the International Superyacht Society Leadership Award, the Fort Lauderdale Distinguished Citizen of the Year, is a member of the Nova University’s School of Business Hall of Fame and was most recently inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame.
Kaye was a true conservationist and avid fisherman and hunter. He won several fishing tournament championships aboard his vessel, “Showpiece”. Kaye owned the Bertram Hatteras Shootout, one of the world’s most prestigious Blue Marlin fishing tournaments where he implemented a strict release format. He was active in several charities and associations including the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, International Game Fish Association, Fish Florida, Florida Ocean Science Institute and the Human Society of Broward County.
-
NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2004 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame: Albert J. Miniaci
Nova Southeastern University
People I admire the most are the ones that came here, especially the immigrants that came here, and built this great country of ours, and who started little businesses which is what the backbone of this country is, it’s the entrepreneur. — Albert J. Miniaci
Inductee Biography
Miniaci is president of Paramount Companies, an industry-leader in South Florida for food, entertainment and coffee vending services, which he founded in 1974. He is also president of Lifeworks Entertainment LLC, an international film production company. “Albert is the ultimate entrepreneur and will bring a dynamic perspective to our Board of Trustees,” said Assaf. “His involvement in the community and long-term relationship with NSU will be invaluable.” Miniaci currently serves as a member of the Executive Board of the Community Foundation of Broward; President of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County Board of Directors; Member of the Circle of Friends Board of Directors; and as a Member of Board of Trustees for St. Thomas University in Miami.
Through the Alfred & Rose Miniaci Foundation, founded by his parents, Albert and the Miniaci family have had a tremendous impact on NSU and the South Florida community. As director of the Foundation, he has worked to continue in the footsteps of his father, Alfred, by vigorously supporting and endowing many humanitarian causes, especially programs that expose local youth to the performing arts.
In 2005, Albert and his mother, Rose, were honored by NSU’s Center for Psychological Studies as recipients of the Humanitarian of the Year Award for their contributions to countless educational, performing arts, and service organizations in our community. Albert’s philanthropic gifts to NSU include the donation of a Buddhist Prayer Wheel which was handcrafted by Tibetan metal smiths and monks and blessed by His Holiness the 14th Dali Lama of Tibet during his visit to NSU. It remains on display in the Alvin Sherman Library on the NSU main campus in Davie. The Miniaci family’s generous donations to NSU include funding of the Alfred & Rose Miniaci Performing Arts Center.
-
NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2004 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame: Ramón A. Rodríguez
Nova Southeastern University
Let’s be realistic. You’re not going to make a tremendous amount of money in public accounting, in virtually any of the service industries. In you want to hit the home run, you have to do something beyond it. — Ramón A. Rodríguez
Inductee Biography
Ramón A. Rodríguez has served as a director of the Company since February 2022. Mr. Rodríguez has served as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Cable Insurance Company, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a property, and casualty insurer focused on the commercial automotive market, since April 2021. From January 1999 until April 2020, he served on the board of directors of Republic Services, Inc., Phoenix, Arizona, a solid waste company listed on NYSE, including serving as the Chairman of the Board. From 2009 to 2015, he served as a director of Alico, Inc., Fort Myers, Florida, a holding company with assets and related operations in agricultural and environmental resources, including citrus, sugar cane, cattle, land, and wildlife management listed on NASDAQ.
In addition, Mr. Rodríguez was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Madsen, Sapp, Mena, Rodríguez & Co. (an accounting firm acquired by Crowe Horwath in 2006) from 1971 to his retirement from public accounting in 2009. He is also a former Chairman of the Florida Board of Accountancy as well as a former President of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He was a founder, Treasurer, and a director of DME Corporation, a manufacturing company in the defense and aerospace sector, from 1975 to 2009. Mr. Rodríguez also served as a director of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) from 2015 to 2021. Mr. Rodriguez earned a B.S. in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University. He has also completed the Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School.
-
NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2004 Promotional Video with Dean Randy Pohlman
Nova Southeastern University
-
NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2003 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame: Thomas "Tom" J. Miller
Nova Southeastern University
I think to be an entrepreneur you have to take some risks and a lot of people think that that means just monetary risks, But I believe it means more than that you're risking your reputation. — Thomas “Tom” J. Miller
Inductee Biography
Tom Miller was raised in a traditional family with a nurturing mother and a strict disciplinarian father, parents who taught Tom and his siblings common sense responsibility.
An exceptional student and athlete, Tom displayed early leadership skills as he continued to work hard. Tom would go on to earn a college degree in building construction from the University of Florida…
-
37th Annual Snowflake Ball Dr. Abraham Fischler Honoring Dr. Marilyn Segal
Abraham Fischler
Dr. Abraham Fischler honoring Marilyn "Mickey" Segal honoring and congratulating her for The Champion For Children Award.
-
NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2002 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame: Alan B. Levan
Nova Southeastern University
The advice that I would give to young entrepreneurs is to look at every channel and every challenge as an opportunity, and every disappointment as an opportunity. There is no easy road here. — Alan B Levine
Inductee Biography
In 2018, Nova Southeastern University’s Board of Trustees nominated and voted for Mr. Levan to serve as its chairman for an initial three-year term. Mr. Levan has served on the university’s board for 18 years. Mr. Levan is chairman and CEO of BBX Capital Corporation (NYSE: BBX) and Chairman of Bluegreen Vacations Corporation (NYSE: BXG).
Under his leadership, BBX has invested in and acquired businesses in banking, investment banking, real estate, retail brokerage, timeshares and other sectors. Mr. Levan has also served as chairman and CEO of Levitt Corporation (NYSE: LEV) and BankAtlantic (NYSE: BBX). He has also served as a director of Benihana, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN). Mr. Levan is highly active in the community. In addition to the numerous roles he holds at NSU, he is also the founder and chairman of the BBX Capital Foundation, formerly BankAtlantic Foundation, which has contributed more than $15 million to the South Florida community.
Mr. Levan has generously provided major philanthropic support to not only NSU but to other organizations as well. In 2018, Mr. Levan and his wife, Susie Levan, were named Philanthropists of the Year for Broward County by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter.
Mr. Levan has received Habitat for Humanity’s Spirit of Humanity Award, NSU’s Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Award, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Cutting-Edge Award, Sun-Sentinel’s Excalibur Business Leader of the Year Award, Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business Business Leader of the Year award and Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award for Florida.
-
NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2002 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame: James "Jim" A. Cummings
Nova Southeastern University
All of us have a work ethic that goes back, certainly, before me before we were in business that honesty integrity and the ultimate goal to do a good job one that you can be proud of. — James "Jim" A. Cummings
Inductee Biography
Although he was born in Georgia, Jim was raised in Florida from the age of five by parents who nurtured characteristics of integrity, honesty, and friendliness, while always supporting his enthusiasm for hard work. He was involved in quite a few business ventures when he was young, starting with selling newspapers for a nickel before quickly moving into the lawn service business because a nickel a shot was a long way to make a dollar. His father would carry him from job to job, disrupting his own schedule, and Jim soon had people working for him, which taught him that you have to manage by example. Jim's leadership skills continued to grow through his involvement in organized sports, where he developed a clear understanding that success is a team effort.
-
NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2002 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame: Michael Bienes
Nova Southeastern University
I would define an entrepreneur as someone who is willing to take the ultimate risk of going it on their own, the risk-taker, to take a chance. — Michael Bienes
Inductee Biography
New York born Mr. Bienes, a multi-millionaire many times over until falling prey to Bernard Madoff’s crooked Ponzi scheme, was known for hosting lavish parties and supported everything from the Holy Cross Hospital in Broward County to the Royal Opera House in London. He was generous to a tee and known for his dry sense of humor and wit.
The 80-year-old, whose accountancy firm, Avellino & Bienes was an early feeder fund of Bernard L. Madoff Securities, leaves a widow, Dianne. She told the Sun Sentinel: “Michael was never a man who would take advantage of anyone simply because he was always afraid of doing anything wrong. He loved people and valued the relationships he cultivated”.
-
Nova Southeastern University 2001 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame - Harris Whitfield "Whit" Hudson
Nova Southeastern University
"I think it's always that drive of getting up and getting out there and doing something... creating something. That's what makes life so much fun. Everyday is a different challenge." — Harris Whitfield "Whit" Hudson (Oct. 1, 1942 – Nov. 23, 2018)
Whit was a prominent South Florida waste management mogul, real estate investor, and philanthropist. He was inducted into the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Entrepreneur and Business Hall of Fame in 2001.
As a boy growing up in Tennessee, Whit Hudson just seemed to have a fondness for collecting junk, as his family would put it. His father had worked with the same company for 30 years when, in 1955, he brought the family to Fort Lauderdale. Whit, an only child, learned the importance of a strong work ethic very early. He began working at the age of 13 and had never really stopped.
-
NSU School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2001 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame: Kevin and Keith Koenig
Nova Southeastern University
We all want to have confidence that we are succeeding for the customer, for ourselves, for our associates, for our suppliers, and for the community. A synthesis of all that, I think, is a good entrepreneurial organization. — Keith Koenig
Inductee Biography: Kevin Koenig
In the summer of 1971 founder, Kevin Koenig, set out to accomplish one mission: open his first waterbed store. With just $1,500 in his pocket, and an MBA from Florida Atlantic University, Kevin opened the first Waterbed City. Waterbed City started as a 900-square-foot showroom—selling waterbed structures Kevin sold by day and made by hand at night. His business insight, quality products, and superior service led to growth and a partnership with his brother Keith Koenig, current CEO, along with Garry Ikola, current CSO, and Steve Wilder, current CFO/CIO.
After 23 years of consistent growth, the waterbed industry had reached its plateau. Waterbed City evolved into CITY Furniture in 1994—offering not just bedroom furniture, but a full line of home furnishings to include living and dining room furniture, wall units, home theatre, and ready-to-assemble furniture.
Inductee Biography: Keith Koenig
Keith T. Koenig is CEO and owner of City Furniture which was co-founded by Keith and his late brother, Kevin Koenig. City Furniture is a $500 million enterprise with 19 City Furniture and 14 Ashley Furniture HomeStores in South and Central Florida, and a 900,000-square-foot headquarters and distribution facility in Tamarac. City Furniture is South Florida’s leading furniture retailer and employs more than 2,000 Associates plus 70 more in the manufacturing subsidiary, Kevin Charles Fine Upholstery, in New Albany, Mississippi.
Mr. Koenig is a member of the board of directors of the Miami Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and is Chairman of the Broward Workshop. He is a Board Member of Holy Cross Hospital and serves on the Orange Bowl Committee and the Florida Council of 100. He received a BS degree in 1973 and an MBA degree in 1975 from the University of Florida. He received the 2001 Furniture Retailer of the Year award, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2003, and the University of Florida’s Distinguished Alumnus award in 2017, and was inducted into the Furniture Hall of Fame in 2018. Keith is married to Kelly and has 2 children and five grandchildren.
-
NSU School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2001 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame: Rick Case
Nova Southeastern University
An entrepreneur is somebody that makes it happen on their own, just has a burning desire to make sure that whatever they set out to do they are going to find a way to do it. — Rick Case
Inductee Biography: Rick Case
Case was a prominent figure in South Florida's business community, known for building his automotive empire into one of the nation's largest dealership groups with his wife, Rita Case. A lifelong salesman, Rick Case started working at the age of 9 on a paper delivery route. At 14 years old, he purchased a used car, fixed it up and hung a "For Sale" sign on it on his parents' driveway in Akron, Ohio. By 19, he operated his first used car lot as a solo entrepreneur.
By the time he was 29, Rick Case owned and operated a multimillion-dollar chain of motorcycle stores. Rick Case founded Rick Case Automotive Group in 1962 when he opened his first dealership in Ohio. He expanded the enterprise to South Florida in 1986. The company was the first to introduce multiple new brands to the U.S. market, including Toyota, Fiat, Honda, Acura, Hyundai and Kia Over the decades, the company held the title of the largest volume dealer in the nation for many years.
Today, the Sunrise-based company is celebrating its 59th year in business with 16 dealerships across three states, mostly in South Florida. They include Rick Case Honda, one of South Florida's largest dealerships, with over 6,000 cars titled in 2019. Rick Case Automotive Group has over 1,300 employees and more than $1 billion in revenue. "Entrepreneurs are the artists of the business world, or the blank space," AutoNation CEO Mike Jackson said. "There's nothing happening and an entrepreneur comes along and says, 'Aha! I see how to make this magic happen.' And they bring it about. So, it’s about creativity in business; it's an artistic ability. And Rick Case had that. He had it in spades." The enterprise has won many accolades along the way.
In 2001, Rick Case was inducted into the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame at Nova Southeastern University's H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business & Entrepreneurship. In 2011, Rick and Rita Case were honored as Entrepreneurs of the Year by Ernst & Young. “Rick had the most amazing mind for problem solving. He set his goals so high, most could not dream that big," Rita Case said. "His work ethic and passion to succeed was very intense and always had me chasing to keep up. He always treated me as his equal and allowed me to share in his spotlight of success. Let there be no doubt: Rick created, built and operated his company with a single passion to be the biggest and best."
The Case family has long supported the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, Feeding South Florida, Bikes for Kids, Habitat for Humanity and dozens of other local philanthropic organizations.
-
Nova Southeastern University Wayne Huizenga Graduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2000 Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Awards – Steven J. Halmos
Nova Southeastern University
I personally believe there's just no substitute for hard work. — Steven J. Halmos
If there is one principle that Steve Halmos has lived by, it is this. And this simple philosophy is largely the reason he is one of Fort Lauderdale's most respected figures. This is also why Steve is able to do pretty much as he pleases these days. But it wasn't always this way.
For many years, Steve worked tirelessly to become the success story he is today.
Following an example set forth from childhood by his immigrant parents.
-
NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship 2000 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Awards Introduction
Nova Southeastern University
-
Nova Southeastern 1999 Hall of Fame Awards Dr. Morton Terry
Nova University
This video on Dr. Terry's life and career was part of the 1999 Nova Southeastern University Hall of Fame awards.
Inductee Biography
Dr. Terry was the first osteopathic specialist to graduate from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and also the first one to start an Internal Medicine practice in South Florida, a place he loved and transformed. Dr. Terry's keen vision, boundless energy and love of Medicine led to the development of several osteopathic hospitals and his Opus Magnus, Southeastern University, which under his leadership merged with Nova University. His accomplishments as a physician, educator and his service to humanity and the community, stand as a testament to his greatness. A giant in the health care field,
-
1998 Celebration of Excellence The President's Community Award Leo Goodwin, Sr.
Nova Southeastern University
-
Nova Southeastern School of Business 1998 Hall of Fame Awards Carl DeSantis
Nova Southeastern University
-
Nova Southeastern School of Business 1998 Hall of Fame Awards Terry Stiles
Nova Southeastern University
-
Nova Southeastern School of Business 1998 Hall of Fame Awards William Armstron
Nova Southeastern University
-
Nova Southeastern School of Business 1998 Hall of Fame Awards William Horvitz
Nova Southeastern University
-
NSU Oral History: Dr. Abraham S. Fischler, Hamilton Forman, A.D. Griffin – November 8, 1997
Nova Southeastern University
-
NSU Oral History: Dr. Abraham S. Fischler, James Hartley (Architect) and William Tinsley, Esq. – October 29, 1997
Nova Southeastern University
-
NSU Oral History: President Abe Fischler interviews Helen Graham – June 14, 1997
Nova Southeastern University
Reproduced from The Nova Knight, January 24, 1992
Helen F. Graham: First and Only VP Set to Retire
Helen F. Graham, director of Nova University's Human Resource Department, will be retiring on 31 March 1992. Ms. Graham has served Nova in many capacities, from a secretary to her present position as a member of the University Cabinet.
Ms. Graham, a Nova graduate, came to Nova University in April of 1965. She was one of five who made up the dedicated staff who worked tirelessly in building the University. Ms. Graham did everything from making the blinds in her office to sending out brochures to prospective students.
In a recent interview, she commented on the difficulty of trying to sell a university that really didn't exist.
"When the first class of seventeen graduate students enrolled in Nova University of Advanced Technology, only the Rosenthal building had been completed. The Parker Building was under construction and the rest of the campus was barren," she stated.
In August of 1967, Ms. Graham's office was moved on campus into the Rosenthal Building. She had been working out of a small office on Las Olas Boulevard. She recalled how the office was furnished.
"The furniture was donated and we cut the blinds to fit the windows."
In the Rosenthal Building, Ms. Graham worked as Dr. Fischler's assistant. In 1975, the university established a Personnel Department directed by Ms Graham, with the help of a secretary. As the responsibilities grew in the areas of employee relations and training, the name of the department was changed to Human Resources. which appropriately reflected the department's functions.
After twenty seven years, Ms. Graham has had the opportunity to see Nova become a major educational force in Florida and beyond. All her planning, talking, hoping, fundraising, promoting, and recruiting has helped shape our university, from its inception to its present success.
-
In Her Own Words Dr. Marilyn Segal - May 1997
Nova Southeastern University
- Dr. Marilyn Segal on Child's Play
- Dr. Marilyn Segal on Debbie
- Dr. Marilyn Segal on Bucking the system
- Dr. Marilyn Segal on Spaghetti & Chicken Soup
- Dr. Marilyn Segal on Rolling with the Punches
- Dr. Marilyn Segal on Touching
- Dr. Marilyn Segal on A Happy Life
-
Nova Southeastern University 1997 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Bernard Marcus
Nova Southeastern University
-
Nova Southeastern University 1997 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame James R. McKinley
Nova Southeastern University
-
Nova Southeastern University 1997 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Robert A. Steele
Nova Southeastern University
-
1996 Nova Southeastern University Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Frederick G. Ruffner, Jr.
Nova Southeastern University
-
1996 Nova Southeastern University Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Hans J. Hvide
Nova Southeastern University
-
Nova Southeastern University 1995 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Armando Codina
Nova Southeastern University
-
Nova Southeastern University 1995 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Jack A. Smith
Nova Southeastern University
-
Nova Southeastern University 1994 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Amaturo, Egan, Frost
Nova Southeastern University
-
Nova Southeastern University 1994 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Dr. Phillip Frost
Nova Southeastern University
-
Nova Southeastern University 1994 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Joseph C. Amaturo
Nova Southeastern University
-
Nova Southeastern University 1993 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Robert L. Elmore
Nova Southeastern University
![NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship's Hudson Institute of Entrepreneurship and Executive Education – 2002 [Promotional Video] by Nova Southeastern University](https://nsuworks.nova.edu/archival_video/1141/thumbnail.jpg "NSU H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship's Hudson Institute of Entrepreneurship and Executive Education – 2002 [Promotional Video] by Nova Southeastern University")
