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(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 11/4/24)

LeBron James, Steph Curry, Jason Biles… just a few all stars on the USA Basketball National Team headed to the 2024 Olympics. While the first two get their coverage on ESPN, it’s time our Osprey among the mix gets his much-deserved recognition.

Jason Biles (’00, ’02) is an athletic trainer (ATC), strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), performance enhancement specialist (PES) and corrective exercise specialist (CES) certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and sports certified specialist (SCS) certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

Biles joins the Olympic squad from the Houston Rockets, where he’s served as the head athletic trainer and director of performance rehabilitation for 14 seasons. In 2013, he received the NBATA Assistant Athletic Trainer of the Year Award voted on by his peers and had the opportunity to work the NBA All-Star Game. Before joining the Rockets, he worked with the Memphis Grizzlies as their assistant athletic trainer and head strength and conditioning coach. His journey with the national team started in 2019 as an athletic trainer during the national team tour and the FIBA World Cup in China.

A standout baseball player in high school, Biles suffered a leg injury that required rehabilitation, which is when he discovered the benefits of sports medicine. He attended the Brooks College of Health, earning his bachelor’s degree in health science, and stuck around to earn his Master of Physical Therapy from the Graduate School.

After graduation, he worked at Bollettieri Sports Medicine Center at the IMG Academies in Bradenton. He was the lead physical therapist and traveled with professional tennis players, as well as provided rehabilitation for athletes training for the NFL Combine and NBA offseason training programs. He then left Florida for Las Vegas where he worked as a physical therapy manager with Athletes’ Performance. He developed and implemented performance training and rehabilitation programs for a wide range of athletes, including professionals to the NFL, MLB, PGA and ATP.

Biles' interests include music, traveling and playing golf. He and his wife, Julie, have two daughters, Makenzie and Delaney.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 7/26/24)

To help jazz us up for the holidays, who better to chat with for our #AlumniSpotlight than Jazz Bond (’20, ’22), former women’s basketball student-athlete and first ever WNBA draft pick for the Ospreys!

Originally from Tennessee, Bond started her collegiate career at the University of South Florida before transferring to UNF. One of the coaches on staff had recruited her out of high school, and she knew he was a great person on and off the court, so it helped influence her decision to become an Osprey.

In her four seasons at UNF, Bond was a seven-time ASUN Player of the Week, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, two-time All-Conference selection and a four-time Honor Roll member. Her favorite moment as an Osprey was being featured on the Sportscenter Top 10 Plays after hitting a buzzer-beater three-pointer to beat North Alabama, which was led by her younger sister, Jaida.

After her third season as an Osprey, Bond started getting a handful of calls from agents. They didn’t realize she was using her COVID redshirt to play one last season, but it made her start to realize she had a shot at joining the WNBA. She followed that up with a senior season where she tallied 438 points, 225 rebounds, 45 assists, 71 blocks and 29 steals, becoming the school’s all-time leader in blocks and the Division I era leader in points, rebounds and free throws made.

Off the court, Bond was also part of CAMP Osprey, where she mentored kids at Tiger Academy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in public health, but before she walked across the graduation stage, she heard words she’d been dreaming about since she was a child.

On April 11, 2022, the commissioner announced that “With the 31^st pick in the WNBA draft, the Dallas Wings select Jazz Bond from the º£½ÇÉçÇø.” She said it felt surreal and she got instant chills.

In the Summer of 2023, Bond hung up her jersey and started looking for work in the Jacksonville area. She was applying to public health jobs when she stumbled upon an opening at Fanatics. With her admiration of the sports team and her passion for social media, she interviewed and was hired as their Social Media Specialist. “I’m glad I applied because the culture at Fanatics is amazing!” she said, collaborating with several other former Osprey student-athletes.

It's also a busy time for her as she and her fiancée, alumnus Anthony Hardge (’23), have a wedding to plan! These two Ospreys #MetInTheNest during media day in 2021. Hardge was a videographer for the basketball programs, and despite not talking much, he agreed to help her shoot some NIL content. One of the projects took over eight hours to film, which gave them plenty of time to get to know more about each other. Shorly after they started dating, and she knew it was the real deal after he met everyone in her family. After two and a half years together, Hardge got down on one knee. They’re looking forward to celebrating the big day in April 2025!

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 12/4/24)

The º£½ÇÉçÇø proudly works with international students all across the globe to bring them to our beautiful campus, and for some you have to see it to “Belize” it.

The º£½ÇÉçÇøBelizean Ospreys alumni group formed in 2020 during the COVID pandemic to connect other Belizeans together who have moved back after college. Alumni group members have hosted educational Zoom calls with Belizean community members teaching about diverse topics. The alumni group’s president, Melissa Bradley, said the group wants to use their º£½ÇÉçÇøeducation to help others.

“Giving back doesn’t only mean financially; it means also giving back your time,” she said.

Bradley learned about º£½ÇÉçÇøover 20 years ago after completing her bachelor’s degree in English education from the University of Belize. She wanted to pursue a master’s degree and found UNF’s Belizean cohort, which worked alongside the º£½ÇÉçÇøCollege of Education and Human Services. She started taking courses in 2002 toward her master’s degree in educational leadership.

Midway through her program in summer 2003, º£½ÇÉçÇødid not offer courses for the cohort that term. So, Bradley and other students took an opportunity from the school to come to Jacksonville to finish their degrees in fall 2004.

“It was the best decision I have ever made,” Bradley said with confidence. “I really appreciate when the professors come to Belize because they work on our time, but the experience I got in Jacksonville was priceless.”

Bradley embraced her study abroad opportunity in Jacksonville by meeting new diverse people and experiences. She said the Thomas G. Carpenter Library made research incredibly easier, as the internet wasn’t as developed back then.

Bradley graduated that December and returned home, always singing the praises of UNF’s life-changing education opportunities on campus. She grew up in southern Belize, having lost three brothers to violence and crime in the region, but she did not allow tragedy to stop her dreams.

“I know what it is to bounce back, and to not allow my circumstances to hold me back in life,” Bradley said. “It was not an easy road. I chose to stay positive. There’s so much going for it.”

Bradley is currently teaching at Edward P. Yorke High School in Belize and provides workshops for teachers, educating them on the school’s mission and professional development.

In her spare time, Bradley enjoys family time and volunteering at an art school. She also enjoys writing poetry and short stories and recently released her second book in May.

As time has passed, several Belizean alumni now have children currently in class at UNF, creating yet another generation of Ospreys!

(Written by Tyler White, Published 7/25/24)

Liz Grebe (’11) is the events director for the Jacksonville Business Journal, but she’s notably leading logistics for this year’s PorchFest music lineup on Saturday, Nov. 9.

Jacksonville PorchFest is a free, family friendly event held in Historic Springfield, a community just north of Downtown Jacksonville. Bands fill the neighborhood porches as crowds of people walk the streets, enjoying the festivities, food trucks, craft beer and wine available for purchase.

Grebe said PorchFest is her favorite event of the year, having lived in the Springfield area for about 10 years. Leveraging her knowledge of the local music scene, she’s connected talented artists with event organizers, creating a packed lineup for the festival’s 10th anniversary in one of Jacksonville’s oldest neighborhoods.

Ospreys Just Want To Have Fun

Grebe earned her associate degree from Daytona State Community College before transferring to º£½ÇÉçÇøto live closer to the beach.

“Orlando wasn’t going to kick it for me,” she said. “I ended up touring º£½ÇÉçÇøand falling in love with it.”

She knew she wanted to study hospitality management, so she pursued a degree through the Coggin College of Business. She built connections with fellow members of her co-ed fraternity and recalls many study nights at the Thomas G. Carpenter Library. She ultimately left the business school to join the School of Communication for a public relations degree. Her path in communication led to an events and marketing internship with Downtown Vision Inc., which hosts events like Art Walk in Jacksonville. She managed Art Walk promotions and won a PRSA award for a project she created with another student where they encouraged campus participation by offering Downtown swag bags filled with a map of old bars, drink tickets and a scavenger hunt of cool spots in Jacksonville.

After graduation, Grebe moved up within Downtown Vision from marketing and events assistant to coordinator over three years. She then worked as an events and programming director for Friends of Hemming Park, where she organized events with cultural organizations and government stakeholders. Following that, she spent nearly three years managing the Riverside Arts Market for the Riverside Avondale Preservation, planning weekly arts and farmers markets while fostering community partnerships and social media.

As the Jacksonville Business Journal’s events director, Grebe handles major award ceremonies like Ultimate CEOs and Women of Influence, along with other community engagement events. 

The Joys of Springfield, PorchFest

Grebe has cherished the sense of community she’s found living in Springfield. “It’s one of those old-school neighborhoods where you can ask your neighbor for eggs or milk,” she said.

PorchFest amplifies that community spirit by inviting Jacksonville to celebrate entertainment and culture. Thousands now attend annually and its growth from a small neighborhood event to a major celebration is rewarding. Numerous volunteers work with Springfield Preservation and Restoration and major sponsors to ensure the day’s success.

Grebe started volunteering behind the scenes a few years ago, and PorchFest officials, knowing her love for live music, invited her to take a more active role this year. Her stipulation: “If I’m helping, I am not working that day,” as she wants to enjoy the festivities. She hopes you’ll join her and thousands of others in this celebration.

With over 20 live acts this year, Grebe said she’s thrilled to see Future Joy with Michael Wilbur of Moon Hooch, New Orleans headliner J & The Causeways, and Küf Knotz & Christine Elise. Grebe also recommends checking out local favorites like Glazed and Kairos Creature Club.

Klutho Park in Springfield will host food trucks, a beer garden and the main stage for evening performances, giving newcomers a starting point to explore live acts throughout the neighborhood. PorchFest will also feature a drag show, a staple of the event.

For recent graduates pursuing event planning, Grebe said it’s essential to volunteer and network with organizations you want to be involved in. “Everybody needs help,” she said. “Volunteering will get your foot in the door. But you really have to have a strategy and follow up.”

(Written by Tyler White, Published 10/30/24)

After living in Jacksonville all her life, one of our Osprey alums has finally left the Nest. But she keeps cruising – can't stop, won't stop grooving. It's like she’s got this music in her mind, saying it's gonna be alright.

A few months ago, April Hartwich (’11) accepted a job as the Director of Marketing at St. Johns County Cultural Events, Inc., which is the nonprofit that manages and operates the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Sing Out Loud Festival and Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series. 

As a 5th grader, Hartwich visited the Newseum in Washington D.C. as part of their class trip, and she got the opportunity to experience life as a TV host and record an “on-air” broadcast where she had the time of her life. When looking at colleges, º£½ÇÉçÇøwas already on Hartwich’s radar as the hometown school, but after visiting the campus and meeting the people, she was ready to commit. Once she took her first course in the School of Communication, she confirmed she was on the right path.

One of her classes was Media Planning, where their group research project covered many of the marketing tactics she uses today. “We did our project on the iPhone 3G, so I cannot forget the advertisements we created or how far the phone has come since,” Hartwich said. While on campus, she got involved with the º£½ÇÉçÇøAdvertising Club, the American Advertising Federation of Jacksonville, and Grammy U.

During her final semester at UNF, she did her internship with Renda Broadcasting, a national radio broadcasting company. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in communication with an advertising concentration, she was offered a position to stay on where she spent the next four years learning the ins and outs of the business while working with some of the top names in music. From there, she embarked on an opportunity at a local advertising agency where she learned all forms of media planning and buying, and the creative process that brought campaigns alive.

Over the years, she’s gotten heavily involved in marketing for the city of Jacksonville. She ran communications and social media for Duval County Public Schools, served as the Marketing Manager for ASM Global in Jacksonville and spent the past four years as the Senior Marketing Manager for the City of Jacksonville, leading the efforts for all sports and entertainment events. Hartwich says, “It is truly a great feeling knowing that what you are doing is improving the lives of those in your community.”

When an opportunity arose to apply all her experience in music, entertainment and marketing toward a growing organization in St. Augustine, it was hard to pass up. This month, the Sing Out Loud Festival begins featuring over 100 national, regional and local artists, headlined by Noah Kahan and Eric Church.

While she can’t predict the future, she foresees herself staying in the marketing field continuing to better the lives of people or animals. Outside of work, she and her wife, Hanne, spend time raising their two cats, Luna and Willow, visiting Europe and playing pickleball.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 9/3/24)

You know what they say… When in Rome, do as the Ospreys do! As the senior adviser of public affairs for the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy, Alma Laias (’97, ’99) has turned the Roman Holiday into a lifestyle.

When Laias initially visited some of her friends attending UNF, between the great reputation and the beautiful location, she was sold on becoming an Osprey. As an undergraduate student, she got degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences in communications and international relations, while also working at the º£½ÇÉçÇøInternational Center. She stuck around to attend the º£½ÇÉçÇøGraduate School and earn her master’s in public administration while serving as the international student advisor and eventually acting director of the office of International Affairs. In her role, she would work with students daily seeking advice and support on academic matters, housing assistance, international visas, health insurance and anything personal. “We were their family in their new country,” she said. 

Laias considers herself an Italian American with deep love for “Belpaese.” She said, “After every summer holidays in Italy, l would bring with me and share with my colleagues in Florida, the beauty of every monument, plaza, street, church, museum l visited, and the smell of every cappuccino and pizza l had.” In 2000, she got a new role as an international affairs adviser for the Camera dei Deputati (Chamber of Deputies in Italy) and made the move to Roma. After serving in that role for seven years, she got promoted to head of international relations. She also spent a few years as the director of institutional relations for the American University of Rome.

In 2014, she got an opportunity to join the American Chamber of Commerce as a business development adviser, and in 2020, she was promoted to senior adviser of public affairs. In her role, she optimizes the relationship between the Italian Parliament and the U.S. Congress, the Italian Embassy in Washington DC, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), the U.S. American Chamber of Commerce and other government agencies. She also works with Italian companies to create opportunities for them to invest abroad.

Among her many achievements, one that is very close to her heart is the relationship with American universities that each year send their students to Italy for a full immersion academic course. When Ospreys study abroad, she helps organize meetings with members of Italian Parliament during their trip to Rome. She credits her amazing professors from º£½ÇÉçÇøwho taught her how to work as a team and learn to respect different cultures and values, and who she still keeps in contact with 25 years later.

“OK Google, show me our next international alumni spotlight”

Sebastian Marentes (’11) graduated from the º£½ÇÉçÇøCoggin College of Business with degrees in international business and economics. Initially from Colombia, he moved to Peru for high school before visiting his brother in Jacksonville. He toured campus and learned about the scholarships º£½ÇÉçÇøAdmissions offers. He liked that the University was “big enough to have accoutrements, but small enough to manage.” He ended his trip by going to the Boathouse, and after seeing all the international flags up, thought “this place gets it,” and filled out an application.

As a student, he got involved wherever he could, and loved that Ospreys were ready and willing to help him gain leadership positions. He served as captain of the Swoop Squad, a member of the International Business Association, and founding president of Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity. He also studied abroad in France, which was his first time crossing the Atlantic. His class travelled to 49 cities, where he got exposed to a global audience and enjoyed representing the º£½ÇÉçÇø.

After graduation, he started an internship with the PGA TOUR. Seven years later, he worked his way up to market development head for Latin American programming. “I had a unique set of skills and was culturally adept,” Marentes said. From his time at UNF, he’d learned how to work with people to solve problems. When the Tour was looking to expand their market to Latin America, he helped run a feasibility study to examine the internal and external obstacles. He leveraged his large global network to make things happen and develop the Latin American tour. He also created two TV shows and sold broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals to every major network. “We took a zero-dollar market and turned it into something special,” he said.

While this accomplishment would be enough for many, for Marentes, this was just the beginning. In 2019, the “love of his life” moved to Chicago, and he wasn’t about to let her get away. He had been intrigued by the growing tech industries and followed her up north in the search for opportunities. “The tech field is hard to break into, so I needed to put myself in a strategic position,” he said. He started working as a marketing consultant for a digital sports agency while attending Northwestern to earn an MBA. He then joined ThePostGame as director of business development before getting promoted to vice president. In Fall 2021, he accepted a role with Google to be a partner lead serving customers in the educational space. His role is a mix of consulting and account managing as he works with universities and large organizations to leverage their google ad products to reach and retain prospective students. He still prides himself in problem solving through his network. He says, “It’s important to know what you know, know what you don’t know and know who knows what you don’t know.”

In 2020, he and his love, Shaina, returned to Jacksonville to get married before flying to Colombia for their celebration. In his free time, he likes to golf, run long distances or join his wife and dog on an urban hike in the Windy City.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 7/17/24)

If you’ve been to any sporting event in the last few years, there’s a good chance you’ve met Luis Rivera (’19), who now serves as the grassroots marketing coordinator for the Jaguars

Before moving to Jacksonville, Rivera grew up playing baseball in Puerto Rico, and knew that one day he wanted to be in the sports industry. Around his junior year, he realized that he had a passion for sport marketing and was determined to make his dream a reality. Originally enrolled at FSCJ, he earned a scholarship and transferred into COEHS where he majored in sport management with a marketing minor. As a student, he joined the North Florida Ospreys marketing team where he got a hands-on experience with all the behind-the-scenes aspects of running a sporting event. Once he got his foot in the door, he wasn’t about to let it close. He got internships with both the Jumbo Shrimp and the Icemen which got him experience marketing different sports for different crowds, before he ultimately decided to pursue life in the NFL.

Rivera started as a street team member before working his way up the Jaguars organization to his current role. His day to day consists of growing the Jaguars presence in the local community. Following the pandemic, he had to essentially restart the street marketing program, but as of this upcoming season, he’s developed 24 street marketers – most of whom are college students – to be the front line between the fans and the organization. “Our passion is to leave kids with a smile and make sure they come out to a game, whether it’s now or 5-10 years down the road.” Just some recent examples of events they’ve participated in are the Beaches 5K, Riverside Arts Market and Nocatee Farmers’ Market. The most rewarding part for him is seeing fans of all ages come up to their table and share stories of how meaningful the Jaguars are to them.

Rivera sees firsthand what this organization means to the community. “In 2021, when we got Trevor Lawrence. you could see a shift.” he said. There was a sense of revitalization among the fans where there’s optimism going into each season. He’s excited to see what transpires over the next few years as the organization determines their plans for “The Stadium of the Future” construction. Regardless, his team will play an important role in welcoming the fans back for all the festivities.

After 20 years in Duval, he would love to stay and grow within the organization. “You come into work every day and you’re passionate about it,” Rivera said. “The amount of detail that goes into everything, whether it’s an offseason event or the week of a game, just can’t be replicated.” He’s surrounded by friends and family in the area, so whenever he’s not working, he’ll spend some time with them gaming or relaxing at the beach.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 9/9/24)

In this month’s edition of #OzforACause, we are highlighting a triple alumna who’s not only dedicated her life’s work to helping others through counseling and art therapy but has also staunchly advocated for herself and others living with diabetes. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and we recently sat down with Sarah Roberts, RMHCI (’21, ’21, ’24), to discuss her career and advocacy. She currently works as an associate therapist at Elite DNA Behavioral Health in Jacksonville.

A Third-Degree Swoop

As an Osprey, Roberts stayed active on campus and in the classroom, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and interdisciplinary studies, focusing on ceramic art therapy. This year, she completed her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and incorporates her º£½ÇÉçÇøeducation into her work, primarily counseling children aged 9 and up.

Art therapy, in many ways, inspired Roberts to become a therapist. During undergrad, while taking 17 credit hours one semester, she struggled with stress as she pursued forensic psychology aspirations. Practicing ceramics during this time helped her manage the pressure and persevere through her studies.

“I thought, ‘How cool would it be for me to be able to use the tools that I’ve learned to put my stress into something and create something out of nothing and teach that to people.’”

During undergrad, Roberts also worked as an orientation leader, senior mentor, and development associate for UNF’s University Development and Alumni Engagement office after graduation.

She speaks highly of her master’s program, noting classes such as Expressive Arts Counseling, Equestrian Therapy, and Sexology as enjoyable and beneficial for helping clients. Currently, she holds a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) designation and will need to pass an exam after two years of client work and 1,500 direct-client hours to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

Diabetes at a Glance

Diabetes is a group of diseases affecting how the body uses glucose (blood sugar), according to Mayo Clinic. Glucose provides energy for muscles, tissues, and the brain, but diabetes can lead to excess blood sugar, causing severe health issues.

With Type 1 diabetes (T1D), the pancreas makes little or no insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter cells and produce energy. There is no cure for T1D, which is often caused by genetics or viral infections and typically appears in childhood or adolescence but can develop in adults.

In Type 2 diabetes (T2D), the pancreas produces insufficient insulin, often due to inactivity, obesity, or insulin resistance in fat, muscle, and liver cells. While T2D usually occurs in older adults, rising obesity rates have led to more cases among younger people, including children.

Roberts was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 3 after a severe strep throat infection triggered an autoimmune response that temporarily shut down her pancreas. She uses two medical devices to manage her blood sugar: a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump. These devices create a closed-loop system, acting as an external pancreas, she explained.

“I like to call myself part robot,” she said.

Insurance coverage for these devices can be challenging, and rising insulin costs remain a major issue for the diabetic community. Roberts said she’s had to fight her insurance provider to access the care she needs, while legislators often fail to grasp the life-or-death nature of insulin access.

“I think a lot of the time it’s seen as a luxury,” she said. “If you don’t have insulin, you can’t eat, you can’t function. You need insulin to survive.”

She also noted research showing that COVID-19 has triggered autoimmune responses in some adults, leading to late-onset Type 1 diabetes diagnoses.

“I know a lot of people in the mid-to-late 20s who got COVID and now they have Type 1, so it’s definitely something to pay attention to.”

Advocacy and Diabetes Camp

Roberts uses her T1D diagnosis to educate others and encourage younger generations to persevere despite their condition. As a child, she wrote a letter to President George W. Bush advocating for stem cell research, a potential avenue for curing diabetes. She received a reply with a presidential stamp, which she still has to this day.

Since age 5, Roberts has been involved with the Florida Camp for Children and Youth with Diabetes (FCCYD), returning frequently as a counselor. The camps offer a safe space and community for children with T1D.

Recalling her childhood, she faced bullying from peers who joked about her condition or mocked her medical devices. She said she often hid in school bathrooms to check her blood sugar.

“To be able to go to a space at least once a year [where] I didn’t have to hide part of myself is the best part about it,” she said.

Diabetes Camp provides a refuge where kids can participate in activities without worry, supported by trained counselors and professionals. The camps also offer diabetes education and mental health counseling. Roberts’ favorite, Camp Winona in DeLeon Springs, features lakeside cabins and is run by the YMCA.

Roberts advocates for person-first language, encouraging people to say, “I have Type 1 diabetes” instead of “I’m diabetic.” She explains that this distinction emphasizes that individuals are more than their condition—a principle she also applies to mental health and autism.

Living with diabetes requires constant decision-making, from monitoring blood sugar and food intake to managing devices and insulin. Roberts acknowledges this can be exhausting, especially after difficult fluctuations in blood sugar.

When she is not working as a counselor or volunteering at Diabetes Camp, Roberts enjoys pottery, spending time with friends, searching for shark teeth, visiting local breweries, and growing her vinyl collection.

(Written by Tyler White, Published 11/19/24)

This week’s Alumni Spotlight is a race to the ballot box with Hank Rogers (’03), an alum who got his political feet wet during his undergraduate days at the º£½ÇÉçÇø. Rogers is running for a Duval County School Board seat in this year’s election and hopes to continue helping students and teachers harness success.

Originally from Miami, Rogers initially sought a career in secondary education after coming from a family of educators. During undergrad at UNF, he became heavily involved in campus organizations that led him to change his major to political science.

Rogers spent time in Student Government and ran for student body president in 2002 after serving as SG vice president. He said he knows firsthand that the saying “Every Vote Matters” is true, as he won the election for his position by a mere 42 votes. He proudly served in this role and represented the student body on the º£½ÇÉçÇøBoard of Trustees.

His time with Student Government and his degree program prepared him for a unique opportunity to intern under then Rep. Terry Fields in the Florida House of Representatives in Tallahassee and ultimately led to a job as a legislative assistant that he held for over five years. Rogers went on to earn his master’s degree in public administration from Troy University in 2009 and worked as a substitute teacher for over two years after being challenged by a local teacher’s union to experience the classroom setting to better understand the challenges that teachers face regarding pay, testing and more. He said this experience helped inform his advocacy for teachers, education and student welfare.

Rogers has served the Jacksonville community in many facets. For over five years, Rogers has served as a Guardian Ad Litem advocating for children in the foster care system and actively serves on boards for the Jacksonville Housing Authority, the NAACP’s Jacksonville branch, the Sales Surtax Oversight Committee and the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency.

In 2013, Betty Seabrook Burney, founder and executive director of I’m A Star Foundation, approached Rogers with an opportunity to join her nonprofit, which provides an outlet for students ages 12-18 to develop solutions that help their peers overcome negative statistics, according to the nonprofit’s website. He’s been with the organization since then and currently serves as the nonprofit’s chief operating officer.

Rogers is now running for a nonpartisan position within the Duval County School Board District 5, a position he ran eight years ago but lost to The Honorable Warren Jones, the outgoing incumbent who has reached his term limit. Rogers said Jones is now supporting him in his run for the School Board seat. He said he aims to continue advocating for increased pay for local teachers and ensuring all students’ mental health is a priority.

“We can’t teach if we don’t address what’s bothering them,” Rogers said. He hopes all students receive the high-quality education that they deserve.

As early voting begins on Monday, Oct. 21 for the General Election held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, Rogers said it’s important to show up and do your civic duty to make sure your voice is heard, regardless of what side of the fence you’re on.

“We all just have that one vote, and that one vote matters and it counts,” Rogers said, stating it’s an important time to be voting as topics including school closures, books bans and African American history are on people’s minds.

“Our students need you,” he said. “They can’t vote, but you can. We want to make sure that your voice is heard at the ballot box.”

He recommends that all registered voters do their research on the candidates running for public office and to review and understand how the state amendments will affect you and the community.

When Rogers is not fighting for change in the education system, he is an avid reader and enjoys traveling.

(Written by Tyler White, Published 10/18/24)

DISCLAIMER: The º£½ÇÉçÇøAlumni Association does not endorse any political candidate, nor do we speak on behalf of the º£½ÇÉçÇø or the State University System.

We’ve already got about 100 Ospreys joining us for our 15th annual #RoarAndSoar tailgate, but it’s not a true Jaguars party until Ari and Perri make an appearance!

You may have seen º£½ÇÉçÇøBrooks College of Health alumnae Ariana Ross (’22, ’24) and Perri Truster (’23) out in the community or on the sidelines during the games as members of THE ROAR of The Jags. These kinesiology majors didn’t start out at the º£½ÇÉçÇø – Ross was at FSCJ and Truster was a Seminole – but the pandemic shifted their priorities. When they heard about the great reputation of the º£½ÇÉçÇøexercise science program, Ross started taking classes virtually while Truster waited until classes returned in person, but they both crossed the graduation stage as Ospreys.

Ross had been dancing since she was 3 years old, training in tap, jazz, hip-hop, ballet and more. She was part of a performing group that traveled across the state. As a high schooler, she was coached by a Buccaneers cheer alumna, and was invited to be a part of the halftime show during a pre-season Jaguars game, and she knew she wanted to return to the field as an NFL cheerleader. Truster had danced her whole life and was on the dance team at FSU, but never really thought about cheering professionally. When she learned NFL cheer is more dance-oriented, she decided to pursue it.

“It’s not just shaking your pompoms around,” Truster joked. THE ROAR practice twice a week for hours at a time learning new choreography. Plus, they represent the Jaguars at community events multiple times a week, both in and out of season. “We’re out in Jacksonville at food drives, hospitals, blood drives, etc. just giving back,” Ross said. “That’s arguably the biggest part of this and what makes being part of this team memorable.”

In addition, each member of THE ROAR holds their day jobs. Ross is in the medical technologies field as an educational consultant for cancer patients, helping them improve their quality of life. Truster works as a sales and marketing specialist for a spine and orthopedics office, working with primary care offices and pain management doctors for referrals on surgical cases. Coincidentally, their work is reflected in their roles with THE ROAR, as once they put the uniform on, they continue marketing the organization and improving people’s lives.

Outside of their jobs, they both love spending time at the beach and in the gym. Ross is certified as an exercise physiologist, and Truster earned her personal training certification and loves incorporating her fitness and fashion into her social media.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 8/6/24)

We’ve seen a lot of Floridians with their Stanley cups this summer, but Sean Thurman (’13) has the most coveted one of all as an NHL Champion!

Originally from Tampa, she spent her freshman year at Florida Gulf Coast before becoming an Osprey. Thurman said, “Over the summer I took a tour of º£½ÇÉçÇøand fell in love.” Between the size of the school and the concentration in public relations, she found a perfect fit. Due to the smaller class sizes, she felt like her professors provided a hands-on experience, and all the projects she was working on right before graduation helped prepare her for the industry. She landed an internship with a media group during her senior year and was able to turn that into a full-time role after graduating with her bachelor’s degree in communication.

Shortly after, she spent a few months in a communications role for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority before landing a role closer to home as the director of marketing for MSL CPAs & Advisors based out of Orlando. After a few years with the accounting firm, she entered the nonprofit world with United Arts of Central Florida, working her way up to marketing and communications director. As the sole person in the external realm, she had to juggle everything such as media relations, ad buying, printed collateral, e-mail campaigns and social media/website management. While there was a lot on her plate, she loved being able to serve the community and had a lot more opportunity to be creative in her role.

In 2023, Thurman had a baby girl, then returned to her role in a part-time remote capacity after maternity leave. Her husband landed a job in South Florida, so she was looking for opportunities in the area when the Florida Panthers posted an opening. In March, she was officially hired as the marketing manager focusing on the Panthers IceDen and the Baptist Health IcePlex, the official practice facility for the Panthers. These rinks provide programming, including adult leagues, hockey clinics, youth camps, and public skating.

A month after starting this new role, the Panthers began their playoff push as the top seed in the Atlantic Division. After beating the Lightning, Bruins and Rangers, she watched as her squad faced off against the Edmonton Oilers for the championship. Her goal was always to work in the sports and entertainment industry, and here she was four games away from the highest achievement in hockey. “It’s a little surreal,” Thurman said. “Hard to wrap your head around the best possible outcome happening.” After taking a three-game lead, the Oilers stormed back to tie the series, but Florida was able to pull ahead in Game 7 to clinch the cup! For Thurman, it was incredible to experience the euphoria live at the Amerant Bank Arena. She said, “I still get chills watching replays of those last 10 seconds.”

It's hard to repeat the experience of her first few months with the team, but she’s excited for the future as she lives out her marketing dream. When she’s not at the rinks, she spends as much time as she can with her daughter and husband.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 7/5/24)

With Election Day right around the corner, we go live to Grady Trimble (’14), North Florida Ospreys soccer alumnus and FOX Business Network Washington correspondent, for today’s #AlumniSpotlight coverage!

Originally from Clearwater, Trimble started his collegiate career at Winthrop University. However, after his freshman season in Rock Hill, he sought a bigger college experience and wanted to get closer to home. He returned to Florida and played in a showcase with his club team where head coach Derek Marinatos noticed his talent and recruited him to be an Osprey.

Trimble served as a defender and a captain for the º£½ÇÉçÇø men’s soccer team, leading them to the ASUN Conference championship game in his final season. He never planned to play soccer professionally, but the prospect of working in the newsroom always allured him. So, he had to balance the rigors of Division I athletics as he pursued his communication degree. “I definitely don’t miss that crazy schedule,” he said. His º£½ÇÉçÇøSchool of Communication professors encouraged getting real world experience, so he focused on his career progression by accepting four different internships with television studios and radio stations. Coach Marinatos connected him with a local sports anchor at First Coast News, and he was able to get on-air experience as an 18 year old. He used these internships as course credit and crossed the graduation stage a year early.

With a bachelor’s degree and a demo reel at his disposal, he started applying for full-time roles. His first postgrad position took him to Bangor, Maine, as a multimedia journalist for WLBZ-TV. After about six months, he moved a couple of hours south to the sister station in Portland. His time in Maine provided him with early election experience as he covered the 2016 primaries in New Hampshire. Later that year, he landed an opportunity back home. He served as a general assignment reporter for WTSP-TV, the CBS affiliate in Tampa. He said he was glad to spend a few years covering his hometown market where he was able to report on impactful news to Floridians, including Hurricane Irma and the Pulse nightclub massacre.

After three years, he landed a position with Fox Business Network, fulfilling his dream of working in network news. He started in the Chicago office, reporting on all the Midwest news from the auto industry to aviation to the MLB Field of Dreams games. He then moved to Washington D.C. for his current role where he focuses on the intersection of politics and business. His coverage of the 2023 United Auto Workers’ strike in Detroit was a culmination of his years of service for FBN, as he’d interviewed automaker CEOs and union representatives over the years, and on the picket lines, he spoke to politicians who'd come from D.C. to stand with the workers.

Grady was part of FBN’s 2022 Midterm Election coverage, so with the big day on the horizon, he knows better than to schedule any personal plans over the next few weeks. He looks forward to being able to cover this momentous occasion and wants to express his appreciation for his time at UNF, and the professors and coaches that helped guide him on his journey.

When he’s not swamped at the office, he enjoys reading, running and continuing to play soccer for a co-ed rec squad in D.C. Plus, with the upcoming World Cup being hosted on FOX Sports, who knows … maybe the network could utilize a business correspondent who knows a thing or two about the beautiful game?

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 10/3/24)

We’ve already got about 100 Ospreys joining us for our 15th annual #RoarAndSoar tailgate, but it’s not a true Jaguars party until Ari and Perri make an appearance!

You may have seen º£½ÇÉçÇøBrooks College of Health alumnae Ariana Ross (’22, ’24) and Perri Truster (’23) out in the community or on the sidelines during the games as members of THE ROAR of The Jags. These kinesiology majors didn’t start out at the º£½ÇÉçÇø – Ross was at FSCJ and Truster was a Seminole – but the pandemic shifted their priorities. When they heard about the great reputation of the º£½ÇÉçÇøexercise science program, Ross started taking classes virtually while Truster waited until classes returned in person, but they both crossed the graduation stage as Ospreys.

Ross had been dancing since she was 3 years old, training in tap, jazz, hip-hop, ballet and more. She was part of a performing group that traveled across the state. As a high schooler, she was coached by a Buccaneers cheer alumna, and was invited to be a part of the halftime show during a pre-season Jaguars game, and she knew she wanted to return to the field as an NFL cheerleader. Truster had danced her whole life and was on the dance team at FSU, but never really thought about cheering professionally. When she learned NFL cheer is more dance-oriented, she decided to pursue it.

“It’s not just shaking your pompoms around,” Truster joked. THE ROAR practice twice a week for hours at a time learning new choreography. Plus, they represent the Jaguars at community events multiple times a week, both in and out of season. “We’re out in Jacksonville at food drives, hospitals, blood drives, etc. just giving back,” Ross said. “That’s arguably the biggest part of this and what makes being part of this team memorable.”

In addition, each member of THE ROAR holds their day jobs. Ross is in the medical technologies field as an educational consultant for cancer patients, helping them improve their quality of life. Truster works as a sales and marketing specialist for a spine and orthopedics office, working with primary care offices and pain management doctors for referrals on surgical cases. Coincidentally, their work is reflected in their roles with THE ROAR, as once they put the uniform on, they continue marketing the organization and improving people’s lives.

Outside of their jobs, they both love spending time at the beach and in the gym. Ross is certified as an exercise physiologist, and Truster earned her personal training certification and loves incorporating her fitness and fashion into her social media.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 8/6/24)

The º£½ÇÉçÇø Alumni Association recognizes a graduating senior each semester for outstanding service to the University and community through volunteerism. This year, the º£½ÇÉçÇøAlumni Association has selected Ishmail Maliek Wise as the recipient of the Senior Service Award for the Summer 2024 graduating class.

Wise is graduating from UNF’s College of Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in Communication-Public Relations and a minor in Film. Wise consistently embodied excellence and displayed UNF’s commitment to civic engagement and servant-leadership through his involvement in the Jacksonville community. Through volunteerism, Wise has used his experience and empathy to show he is a compassionate leader who supports worthy causes such as promoting youth literacy and combatting food insecurity across our region.

He first became an Osprey in 2012 but paused his education in 2015 to relocate for a job. When he put his degree plans to the side, he realized he had given up an incredible future of success. After the birth of his daughter, Layla, in 2017, Wise found the drive and motivation to make his education a priority once again and returned to Jacksonville. We applaud Wise in his decision to complete what he started, showing that time is not a barrier to a transformational future.

Wise has consistently worked with Kappa Alpha Psi’s Kappa League since he became a Kappa Leaguer during high school, displaying dedication and natural leadership to become the President of Kappa League. Upon his return from Georgia, Wise volunteered over 70 hours spanning six years to mentor youth, help with homework, teach dance steps, and provide transportation for children when their parents could not pick them up. He did so with commitment and generosity and made a significant impact on many children by serving as a role model, encouraging young men to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives.

During his undergraduate studies, Wise served as the Acting Vice President of the Xi Lambda chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., creating and participating in numerous service projects on and off campus. He assisted in Xi Lambda’s summer pool party to collect donated books for community youth and inspire reading at an early age. Under Wise’s leadership in Summer 2024, the chapter garnered the most donated books in the chapter’s history. The fraternity also contributed to the food pantry at River City Science Academy.

Aside from his outstanding work with his fraternity, Wise has coordinated a partnership between the º£½ÇÉçÇøSchool of Communication and the Clara White Mission Food Pantry, working over 30 hours with its offshoot program, Eartha’s Farm and Market, to create a documentary about fresh food options in Northwest Jacksonville.

He also volunteered over 45 hours with the Florida House of Representatives office, working under State Rep. Angie Nixon and alongside Feeding Northeast Florida to deliver leftover food from Farm Shares to around 20 families facing food insecurity. Rep. Nixon herself described Wise’s contributions as “nothing short of remarkable.”

Wise is a dedicated father who volunteered at his daughter’s school dances and the PTA, while also assisting with the school’s food pantry to help families in need. He also provided volunteer work for Promise Land Academy, JAX Gents Inc. and more.

As Wise completes this major milestone in his life and academic journey, we are confident he will continue to soar higher on the winds of success as a º£½ÇÉçÇøalumnus. He has a passion for preparing the next generations of young men and women for a bright future, leading by example through his service to others. Wise is a genuine, reliable and driven changemaker capable of transforming the lives of others through both big and small acts of kindness. We are proud to call him an Osprey alumnus.

(Written by Tyler White, Published 8/1/24)