VOLUME XL, NO. 9
SUMMER 2014
PUBLISHED MONTHLY
AAUW, VENICE BRANCH, VENICE, FLORIDA
PRESIDENT, KATHY BLACK 1126 WYETH DRIVE, NOKOMIS FL 34275
WEBSITES-
BRANCH: venice-fl.aauw.net; STATE: florida-aauw.org; NATIONAL: aauw.org
AAUW ADVANCES EQUITY FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS THROUGH ADVOCACY, EDUCATION, PHILANTHROPY, AND RESEARCH.
A rare rainy day could not dampen the spirits of
the Venice AAUW annual Honors Luncheon; one
hundred thirteen hardy members attended this
special event held at Jacaranda West Country Club on
Saturday, May 3. Bobbie Huibregtse played lovely
piano selections as members caught up with friends.
It proved to be a very special day for all, especially
for our scholarship winners!
We were happy to welcome as our guests two Venice
merchants, Deborah Iversen and Roseanne Brown,
who graciously sold many Home Tour tickets for us
and special thanks to homeowners Del and Gail
McKnight, Don O’Connell, and Suzanne Greenbaum
who generously offered their homes for the Tour.
Many thanks also to Fran Valencic for covering the
luncheon for the Gondolier. Her enthusiasm for the
event is inspiring.
Green “Florida Friends” ribbons were distributed by
Kathy to 21 of our members who have each donated a
minimum of $100 to AAUW funds.
President Kathy Black bade a general welcome to all
setting a positive tone to the event. Sue Shea, Reentry Chair, was introduced and gave details about
the scholarship and also words of regret from two
recipients who could not be at the luncheon.
Committee members Joan Armstrong, Karen Cianci,
Mary Emerson and Pat Swindler gave brief
introductions to individual scholars and then the
scholars had a chance to speak to all. Each one
thanked the AAUW and homeowners in their own
personal way giving anecdotes about their struggles
with finding funds and time for their educations.
Probably the most inspirational of all comments
involved setting a good example for children that an
education is extremely valuable and can be achieved
at any age.
And who knew we had a fairy godmother among us?
Carol Newnam lifted her magic wand to install
returning Director of Finance Judy Evenson and new
Program Chair Bea Holt! Special thanks were given to
outgoing Program Chair Carol Cudia and SIGS chair
Doris Anstey. Unable to attend were Trena Kelly and
Beth Gamel who will be SIGS co-chairs.
Judy Keeler, Academic Olympics branch liaison,
announced that Colette Sears is this year’s Academic
Olympics Volunteer of the Year, winner of the Golden
Apple. Colette was instrumental in our ability to
staff as many as three matches in different schools
on the same day because of her versatility and
willingness to handle many different positions. She
served as timekeeper, scorekeeper, and judge!
Members of this year’s luncheon committee were:
Jane Farley, Georgie Ann Fedako, Pat Ritner, Kittie
Rodriguez, Colette Sears, Pat Weber and Mary
Emerson, chair.
Mary Emerson – Luncheon Chair
President’s Message
Kathy Black
A fabulous time was had by all as we
awarded our scholarship recipients at the
Spring Honors Luncheon. Thank you to
Mary Emerson and the luncheon
committee for a great event, and to Sue
Shea and the scholarship committee for
selecting some amazing women. We can
all be proud as we follow the success of
these women as they complete their
college educations.
Speaking of success, we wish all of that
and more for the Tech Trek Camp taking
place in July. Shirley Reid, Camp Director,
and Marge Ostrom, Camp Assistant
Director have worked hard to put together
a fantastic team of volunteers, many from
our branch, to make this an exciting time
for the 8th grade girls who are attending.
We all look forward to hearing from our
local attendees in the fall.
What an exciting time of year this is. I love
hearing about the weddings, reunions, and
fantastic trips that our members are
attending. Many of us are now on the road
to our summer homes, or traveling with
friends and family to many other parts of
the world. For those of us still in town,
summer here is also a lot of fun. I know
we all like getting parking spaces close to
the stores, and getting into our favorite
restaurants without a reservation. You
would think it is all quiet here, but even at
this time of year we are still a very active
branch. Check out our calendar of all the
summer socials going on. There are some
really great activities to choose from. Pick
your favorites and come enjoy!
April 2014 Annual Meeting Minutes, AAUW Venice Branch
President, Kathy Black, called the Annual Meeting of the
Venice Branch held at the Venice Presbyterian Church
to order at 1:15 pm following a pre-meeting presentation
from the Endowment/Restricted Funds Committee and
Announcements. With 95 members in attendance, the
quorum for the Annual Meeting was met. The Minutes of
the Annual Meeting held on April 11, 2013 were
approved as published in Venice Views and emailed to
the membership. Likewise, the minutes of the last
monthly meeting held on March 13 were approved as
printed. The slate of officers for 2013/2014 was elected
by unanimous consent with no additional nominations
from the floor. The slate included Director of Finance,
Judy Evenson for a second term; Program Director, Bea
Holt; and Study/Interest Co-Directors, Beth Gamel and
Trena Kelly. The meeting continued with Directors and
Chairs presenting annual reports of their activities. The
reports are attached to the April 2014 Board Minutes and
available to the membership on the Venice Branch
website (Venice-fl.aauw.net, Members only section).
Barbara Stevens, representing the Endowment &
Restrictive Funds Committee, made the following motion
from the floor:
“As the American Association of University Women
(AAUW) is one of the world’s premier sources of funding
for women pursuing advanced degrees; it is Resolved
that:
The AAUW Venice Florida Branch American Fellowship
Fund be established with an initial contribution of
$200,000 and a time frame for completion of 15 years.
Once completed, the Endowment will be awarded to a
new recipient each year in perpetuity.”
Discussion ensued and an amendment to the wording of
the motion was made that Barbara accepted.
“Once completed, the Endowment will be awarded in
perpetuity to a new recipient each year.” The reworded
motion was reread and passed unanimously by standing
vote. Kathy concluded the meeting by giving the
President’s Annual report and the meeting was
adjourned at 2:00 pm.
Marge Ostrom, Secretary
Kathy
Dining for The Legal Advocacy
Fund
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler
Joan Schouest, Director of Development
Our last two Dinners in March and April of
2014 were just as spectacular as always and
met every expectation for excellence in fine
dining, gracious hospitality, forming
friendships, and fulfilling our mission for Legal
Advocacy for women.
A Simple Summer Supper by the Sea
At Simple Summer Supper by the Sea,
hosted by Jan Harris and her hostesses,
guests were greeted by the pulsing rhythm of
steel drums. The success of this dinner was
evident, as guests, immersed in enjoyable
conversation, were reluctant to leave.
At Anne Russell’s home the cuisine was
Cajun Delight, Laissez les bons temps rouler
or let the good times roll in Cajun French.
And roll they did as Anne and her hostesses
presented traditional Cajun fair to guests,
who joined in revelry and celebration.
We are thankful to all our dedicated members
who have unselfishly given of their time,
talents and resources to make Dinning for
LAF so successful this year. A special thanks
and appreciation go to all hosts who have so
graciously shared their homes and to the
hostesses who have planned and presented
these dinners. A special thanks to Fran
Brinkman for recording reservations and
collecting checks and to Lois Odom who has
shared her artistic talent in designing themes
to decorate menus, place cards and other
items to publicize and enhance the dinners.
We are presently looking for Host Homes and
Hostesses for 2015 Dinning for LAF. If you
are interested in joining in this enjoyable
experience please let us know. Jan Harris
and her hostess team are writing a “How to
Pamphlet” with a checklist to facilitate putting
on a dinner. It will be ready to assist
hostesses next season.
Thank you all.
JDS
Women Handling it All
Classes, Children, Part Time Jobs
Let’s Support them!
Make A Donation to Make A Difference in Their Lives
NEWS FLASH
AAUW BOOK CLUB 2014-2015
Jacaranda Library Conference Room at 1:00
Chairperson: Jackie Patterson 484-1938 or 769-4038
J22p@comcast.net
Title and Author
Leader
Sept 8
Discussion of books read over the
summer
Attendees
Oct 13
Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine
Brooks
Katie Horey
Nov 10
Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Ann Finger
Dec 8
The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown
Penny
Nuttleman
Jan 12
Defending Jacob by William Landry
Sara Knowler
Feb 9
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk
Kidd
Judy Bosch
Mar 9
Orphan Train by Chistine B Kline
Trudy Reed
Apr 13
Who Stole the American Dream by
Hedrich Smith
Mary Fritz
May 11
The Shoemakers Wife by Adrianna
Trigianni
Suzanne
Biviano
Membership Report
There were 95 members and 2 guests at the April meeting.
Venice Branch welcomes our 9 Re-Entry Scholarship winners who
receive complimentary Student Affiliate membership in our Branch. We
may not see these hard-working women scholars often at our meetings
but they will receive all Branch newsletters and email communications.
This is your last chance to update your contact information or add your
cellphone # in the next Yearbook which goes to press this summer.
You can email your updates to: denisedelong@comcast.net or mail
Denise DeLong, 1065 Kant St, Englewood FL 34224. Your dues must
be paid by June 30 to be included in the upcoming Yearbook, an
important way for members to stay connected.
Members who have paid their dues by June 1 will automatically be
entered in a drawing to receive a free National membership (value
$49) so don't delay. Have a great summer wherever you spend it!
Denise DeLong
May 8, 2014
IN MEMORIAM
SHERRY LEWIS
LORRAINE MEUDT
VENICE FL BRANCH AMERICAN FELLOWSHIP
The National Board of AAUW has approved the
Venice Fl branch’s application to initiate a new
“Venice, FL American Fellowship” and assigned a
Fund number. To all our wonderful members who
contribute so generously to AAUW, be sure to put
the Fund number on your check – 4390 – and use
this number when you make contributions in your
legacy for our endowment program. Help us grow
this very special Fund to enable scholarships for
deserving women.
SPOTLIGHT ON BARB STEVENS
Barbara Stevens was born in Chicago and
began her teaching career in the 5th grade helping in the kindergarten room. She moved to
Wilmette,Ill. and graduated from New Trier H. S.,
where she was on the Governing Council. Barb
went to Beloit College in Wisc. for one year then
transferred to Drake Univ. in Des Moines, Iowa.
She earned a B.S.in Education and was a member
of the Mortar Board Society and Delta Gamma
Sorority.
After college Barb married and moved to the
Philadelphia area where she taught 4th grade and
was president of the Newcomers Club and Delta
Gamma. When her son and daughter were old
enough, Barb started subbing and later moved to
Port Washington on Long Island. She received her
M.S. in Library Science from CW Post at L. I.
Univ.. She worked for 20 years at the Great Neck
Library as head of the Media Dept. and Reference
Librarian.
Barb joined AAUW on Long Island (NorthShore
Branch) and transferred her membership to Venice
Branch when she retired about 20 years ago. She
has been on the Board as Education Director,
Secretary, and 4 years as President and was also
our Florida State President for 2 years. She
initiated the STEM Olympics for 5th grade girls and
founded the Duplicate Bridge Group.
Barb has been a volunteer reference librarian
for the Venice Library and is now on the Board of
Friends, Membership Committee. She has also
worked with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Barb still
loves to teach and conducts a "players" bridge
class every month. She also enjoys travel,
swimming, reading, and, of course, playing bridge.
If any worthwhile group or cause ever needs
volunteers, Barb will always help if she can. Her
advice to new and old members; "Get involved,
have fun, and form many friendships." Barb has
definitely followed her own advice!
Roberta Cardamone
NEW MEMBERS
Eleanor Locke graduated from Albion
College in Michigan with a BA in Education
th
and was a 5 grade teacher. She lives in
Livonia, MI and winters in Venice. She has
2 sons and 4 grandchildren who join her for
getaway weekends in a rustic cabin-in-thewoods with no electric or water, except for the nearby
river. She enjoys bridge and water aerobics.
Anne Amedore taught K-8 for 20 years,
primarily with high risk middle-schoolers,
and after receiving her MSW from SUNY
Albany became a school social worker.
She and her husband have 2 sons and 2
grandsons and spend 6 months in
Saratoga Springs NY with 6 months in Venice. Her
hobbies are watercolor, bicycling, writing and the beach.
Sandra Gray received an MA and M.Ed in
Education from George Washington
University in Washington DC. Since retiring
as a schoolteacher in Rhode Island she volunteers in
local schools as a substitute teacher. She and her
husband moved from Naples FL to Port Charlotte and
her interests are reading, sewing and playing the piano.
Joyce Kamm holds a BS in Civil
Engineering from Cleveland State University
and her career was with ATT and Bell Labs.
She and husband Jay moved to Englewood
in 2007 where they enjoy boating. She
volunteers with AARP assisting people with
taxes at the Jacaranda Library.
Katherine Poyneer graduated from
Alverno College MI at age 40 after being
a stay-at-home mother. Due to her
husband’s career relocations her own
career path was varied. Her most rewarding
and memorable was as Director of Volunteer
Services at an Ohio hospital. She and her
husband live in Venice
Darlene Mengel is a graduate of SUNY
Albany with a PhD in Ed. Admin.She began
as a school psychologist then transitioned to
administration and by retirement was
Supervisor of the Office of Public School
Choice, overseeing New York's state charter
school program. She and her husband live in
Rotonda West and have 5 grandchildren. Darlene volunteers
with the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office and in 2013 was
awarded their highest honor for service.
Anne Finger is a graduate of St. John's University in New York
with a BS in English. She began her career
as a social worker in NYC and later became a
computer programmer with The Hartford
Company. She and husband Mike moved to
Rotonda West with their pug, Lily in 2000.
Anne volunteers with The Lemon Bay Garden
Club and enjoys making handmade cards as
a hobby.
Judith Kay a graduate of Toledo University with a MA in
Architectural History. She was an Associate Professor and
taught Interior Design at Adrian College in Michigan. She and
her husband spend summers at Manitou Beach MI, winters in
Venice and have a son in Sarasota. Her hobbies are cooking,
quilting & reading and she has volunteered at a community
pre-school.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GROUP
The Legacy Trail
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GROUP
DAVINCI EXPOSITION
Standing L to R: Kathy Black, Jane
Metcalf, Barbara Rao, Jane Farley,
Carol Sbabo. FrontL to R; Bea
Holt, Beth Gamel, Joan Fargnoli
Cathy Edwards, Beth Gamel,
Jane Metcalf, Bea Holt
New Student Affiliates
MEMBER UPDATES
Devin Archer
4563 Whirlaway Dr
Sarasota FL 34233
941-724-6955
devinarcher@mail.usf.edu
Suzanne Biviano
1600 Lancashire Dr
Venice 34293
delete phone 412-6061
add 941-412-7344
Alla Bess
11802 Tempest Harbor Loop
Venice FL 34292
727-272-7344
alloosha19@hotmail.com
Paula Choyke
keep cell 941-441-7337
add home 941-484-1275
New Members
Eleanor Albert
633 Alhambra #308
Venice 34385
608-354-8507
albert@wisc.edu
University of Pennsylvania
Judith Kay
1375 Maseno Dr
Venice 34292
517-290-2360
jskay4770@comcast.net
Toledo University
Marilyn Labell
811 Amaryllis Lane
Venice 34292
941-408-8773
labellv6@aol.com
Cornell University
Darlene Mengel
663 Rotonda Circle
Rotonda West FL 33947
941-697-3705
dmengel54@gmail.com
SUNY Albany
Karen Cianci
Margaret Crowley
add cell 401-261-7552
Tiffany Coleman
4075 Tarpon Rd
Venice FL 34293
941-266-9537
coleman2772@gmail.com
Sandy Dunham
9431 Carnaby St.
Venice FL 34293
Nancy Gorno
nmgorno@hotmail.com
Benita David
1071 Ohana Way #302
Northport FL 34289
941-549-4210
benitad86@hotmail.com
Diane Hill
add cell 941-735-4870
Trina Kelly
19203 Lappacio St
Venice 34293
Deanna Kilvitis
2823 Indianwood Dr
Sarasota FL 34232
941-356-8368
jdkilvitis@verizon.net
Paula Knott
1290 N. Jackson Rd
Venice FL 34292
Paula.Knott@RaymondJames.com
Alena Korbut
6637 Deering Circle
Sarasota FL 34240
941-288-0328
americalena@yahoo.com
Carol Roberts-Leahy
add cell 941-441-6993
Paula Sala
12209 Alachua Lane
Venice 34293
Rachel Leahy
8491 Cosgrove Rd
Northport FL 34291
941-840-8460
rleahy@mail.usf.ed
Joan Schouest
add cell 678-458-8095
Marie Rust
Add cell 941-914-2767
Barbara Von Papen
bsansbfp@gmail.com
Karen Cianci
Add cell 941-416-7613
SUNSHINE
Margaret Crawley
Add cell 401-261-7552
Roberta Cardamone, Chair
Tel: 474-7560
Lcardamone501@verizon.net
The following cards have
been sent:
Sympathy: Family of Sherry
Lewis
Get Well: Barbara Wyshner
HELP NEEDED!!
LOOKING FOR SOMEONE
EXPERIENCED IN GRANT
WRITING.
Call Kathy Black
AAUW Duplicate Bridge Players
Meet on the first and third Thurs of every
month at 11:15 at Mission Valley CC. We
welcome all experienced players who are
comfortable using bidding boxes and
current bidding conventions. You must have
signed up in advance to play. You do not
need a partner as we assign partners in a
random draw .
th
th
We will be playing June 5 and 19 . If you
are interested in joining us, please call
Karen Mullen @ 408-7172
SIG NEWS
Cooks Corner
Jane Gulotte 966-4161
Exploring the Arts
Sharon Spencer 468-5784
Investments
Paula Knott 966-4444
SUMMER SOCIALS, ANYONE?
Presenting the Summer Socials schedule including the regular ongoing bridge, euchre, etc. games in June, July, and August of 2014.
The contact person for these continuing activities, marked with an asterisk, will be listed only once at the first mention.
Many members have added other fun activities - some for limited numbers, so act fast. Looks like a busy, fun summer.
FOR DETAILS AND FOLLOW-UP BE SURE TO PHONE OR EMAIL THE CONTACT PERSON LISTED. USE YOUR DIRECTORY.
JULY
SU 1 2pm
TH
5
F
8
F
6
W 11
W 11
Th 12
F
13
F
13
F
13
T
17
w
18
TH 19
F
20
F
20
Su 22
F
F
F
27
27
27
THE LOVELAND FOLLIES
followed by dinner at
Sharky's.
The deadline for signing up
for dinner is May
30th. People can buy tickets
directly from the theatre if
they prefer. Of our tickets, six
are left - all in the balcony.
Contact Melanie Odom
11:30 *Duplicate Bridge, Mission
a
Valley Club, Karen Mullen
noon Euchre and Lunch at Pelican
Pte – Contact Carol Cudia
8
CLASSICAL CONCERT at
Sarasota Opera house.
Barbara Stevens
10a Bridge discussion and play:
Barbara Stevens
6:45 TRIVIA AT PELICAN POINTE,
Carol Cudia
Afternoon BURNS COURT
MOVIE and dinner at nearby
restaurant , Janet Hemond
10:30 French, Pelican Pointe Club,
a
Jane Metcalf
11:30 *Bridge For Fun, Pelican
a
Pointe Club, Paula Choyke
484-1275
8
CLASSICAL CONCERT at
Sarasota Opera house,
Barbara Stevens
LEARN TO PLAY POKER, pot
luck lunch, at Janet
Hemond’s
6:45 TRIVIA AT PELICAN POINTE,
Carol Cudia
11:30
* Duplicate Bridge
noon
*Euchre and Lunch
8
CLASSICAL CONCERT at
Sarasota Opera house,
Barbara Stevens
5:30 SOLSTICE COCKTAIL PARTY
AT MANASOTA BEACH,
BYO – Drinks, Beach Stuff,
Dish to share , etc. (cocktails
allowed at county beaches),
Kay Novotny,
10:30
* French
11:3a
* Bridge For Fun
noon LUNCH AT SAND TRAP
RESTAURANT , 4145 S.
Tamiami Trail, Anita Kunkle
T
Th
F
T
1 1 -- 4
3 11:30a
4
8
11a
W
9
W
9
10
F
F
W
11
11
16
Th
Th
17
17
F
M
18
21
F
F
T
25
25
29
W
30
Th
31
MAH JONG , Ellen Elie
* Duplicate Bridge
*No Euchre today
COOKING
DEMONSTRATION AND
LUNCH at Susan
Farstrup’s home:
Suzanne Andrews of
Mother’s Cupboard in
Venice will demonstrate
the preparation of Chicken
Marsala and side dishes.
Lunch will be served.
Susan will provide
beverages and dessert.
> Cost is $18. Reservations
and payment must be
made by July 2. Email
Susan at
suefar@comcast.net
10a
*Bridge discussion and
play: at Barbara Stevens
6:45
TRIVIA AT PELICAN
POINTE, Carol Cudia
10am
BEAD A BRACELET.
Helen Gokbudak, 484-1492
10:30a
* French
11:30a
* Bridge For Fun
1 pm 60'S LOVE IN, June Lee
Reninger
11:30a
* Duplicate Bridge
5 TO 7
COCKTAIL
PARTY Maggie Surwilo's,
560 Lake of the Woods
Drive, Venice. Bring drinks
(BYOB) and an appetizer
to pass. Call (941) 4969282. Very casual attire.
noon
*Euchre and Lunch
9:00am
SPECIAL EXHIBIT
RINGLING TOUR - Helen
Gokbudak
10:30a
* French
11:30a
* Bridge For Fun
noon PLAY POKER, pot luck
lunch, at Janet Hemond’s
6:45
TRIVIA AT PELICAN
POINTE, Barb Stevens
WACKY BRIDGE, Limit 24,
Martha Grant & Anne
Belding, reservation
required, call Martha at
485-7722. Entrance "fee"
to come later.
F 1
noon *Euchre and Lunch
Th 7
9
Th 7
F 8
F 8
W 13
W 13
W 13
Th 14
F 15
T 19
Th 21
F 22
F 22
Su 24
W 27
SHOPPING AT
IKEA. Meeting at
Jacaranda and
Center in front of
Travel Agency at 9
AM. Call Flo
Bennett at 4855407 or Anne
Russell at 4887045.
11:30 * Duplicate Bridge
a
10:30 * French
a
11:30 * Bridge for Fun
a
Afternoon BURNS
COURT MOVIE
and dinner at
nearby restaurant ,
Janet Hemond
6:45 TRIVIA AT
PELICAN POINTE,
Barb Stevens
10a *Bridge discussion
and play: at
Barbara Stevens
noon APPLES TO
APPLES and salad
bar, Fran
Brinkman, Limit 10
noon *Euchre and Lunch
Noon PLAY POKER, pot
luck lunch, at
Janet Hemond’s
11:30 * Duplicate Bridge
a
10:30 * French
a
11:30 * Bridge for Fun
a
5:30 COCKTAILS at
Marcia Seman's
521 Waterwood
Lane, Venice
BYOB & appetizer
to share
Call 497-3266
6:45 TRIVIA AT
PELICAN POINTE,
Barb Stevens
Nine Local Re-entry Scholarship Recipients Honored at May Honors Luncheon
Sue Shea, Chairman
Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you
to attain the success you seek.
Mario Andretti
It was a very exciting and rewarding day or the Venice Branch as nine scholarships were awarded to a diverse group of women, all working
on their Bachelor degrees. I would like to personally thank the Venice Branch for your support of the Re-entry Scholarship program and
your commitment to higher education. Many thanks to the Scholarship committee – Joan Armstrong, Karen Cianci, Mary Emerson, and
Pat Swindler
OUR GENEROUS DONORS
Honor Roll
Elizabeth Badawi
Carolyn Boudreaux
Louisa Cario (In Memory of Sue Zanger)
Randolph Gregory
Betty Kalunian
Trina Kelly
Violet Peterson
Melissa Stofko
Barbara Wyshner
Dean’s List
Ilda Deming
Susan Farstrup
Georgie Ann Fedako
Mary Fritz
Melanie Odom
Minerva Shindler
Cheryl Trembley
Cum Laude
Joan Armstrong
Kathy Black
Denise DeLong
Kathleen Pickering
Sue Shea
Magna Cum Laude
Judy Ammerman
Kathleen F. Cellura Foundation
Janet Cornelius
Judy Evenson
Bea Holt
Carol Johnson
Lois Odom
Phyllis Shonk
Shirley Thompson
Kittie Rodriguez
Events
Home Tour
Holiday Luncheon
Military Bridge
Summer Socials
Bridge for Fun
Play Readers
OUR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Devin Archer (BS
Accounting, University of
South Florida)
Devin’s career objective is
to become a Certified Public
Accountant. She is
currently a full time senior at
the University of South
Florida Sarasota-Manatee.
She completed a part time
internship with CLS CPA’s
for the 2014 tax season to
earn experience in the
accounting profession.
After graduation she plans
to complete a Master of
Business Administration
with accounting
concentration at USFSM.
She is actively involved in
organizations at school and
last year competed in the
FBLA-PBL conference in
Florida which included 30
schools cross the state.
She place 1st in Strategic
Analysis and Decision
Making and 4th in
Accounting for
Professionals. Her
professors speak of Devin
as possessing “strong
leadership qualities,
intelligent, and personable.
Deborah Beese (BA
Information Technology,
State College of Florida, 2nd
Year Recipient)
Deborah has always had an
interest in computers since
one was placed on her desk
at work in 1990, and she was
told to learn how to use it.
That was the defining
moment for Deborah as she
began taking college
computer classes for
programming and various
software programs at night.
Deborah’s personal
philosophy of “perseverance
and accomplishment of
succeeding” has been
responsible for Deborah’s
success in any area she
chooses to get involved in.
She is close to finally earning
her degree after twenty two
years working full time, and
persistently taking a few
courses at night. She is an
Administrative Assistant at
Alta Vista Elementary School
and her recommendations
are outstanding.
Alla Bess (BA
Communication
Sciences & Disorders,
State College of
Florida)
Alla was born in the
Ukraine and came to the
United States at the age
of seven. She has
already earned an
Associate Degree at a
community college in her
home town, and took
time off from pursuing
her educational goals to
care for her two children.
She has currently
returned to school to
finish her education and
her long time goal of
earning a Bachelor’s
degree. Currently at
SCF with a 4.0, and on
the President’s List, she
plans to transfer to
University of South
Florida, Tampa Campus,
in the fall in order to
obtain a degree in her
particular undergraduate
program. Alla’s letters of
recommendation from
her college professors
speak of her excellence.
Aina Castelluccio (BSN, State College
nd
of Florida, 2 Year Recipient,
Represented Venice Branch at
NCCWSL –National Conference of
College Women Student Leaders at
University of Maryland, 2013) Aina started
her educational journey at Kokshetau State
University in Russia and is presently in the nursing
program at SCF, where she is on the Dean’s List
and working for a Bachelors of Science in Nursing.
She feels that her chosen profession will enable her
to fulfill her desire to help others, expand her
knowledge base, and to enable a secure financial
future. Leaving a full time job to start college full
time was a momentous decision, but one, she says,
“was the best decision of my life as I really enjoy
studying and striving for academic success.” Her
professors at SCF, speak to her superior time
management skills which allow her to keep up with
her course work and her “real life” obligations. Aina
is thought of highly by students and professors alike
as she works well independently, but is also
someone everyone women chosen by the
Scholarship Committee to attend the National
Conference of wants to collaborate with. Being the
proud mother of “three amazing children”, she says
are her greatest motivation, and going to school fulltime, while maintaining a high GPA, is not an easy
task. It is clear that Aina has great promise and
once her degree is earned a bright future in the field
of nursing. Aina was one of two College Women
Student Leaders at the University of MD in 2013.
Tiffany Coleman (BSN, State College of Florida)
Tiffany’s employment and educational history is from several states as she is married to a veteran Marine. She completed the Phlebotomy curriculum at
northern Virginia Community College, worked for six years in Virginia and North Carolina as a Phlebotomist, and is currently employed at the Venice
Regional Medical Center. Her long time goal of becoming an RN seemed a natural transition from her experience in the medical field. Tiffany’s first step
to obtaining her BSN will be to earn an AS degree in Nursing and with her excellent GPA from previous attended colleges, she is well positioned to be
very successful. Her colleagues at work speak of her skill and motivation to do a good job, and most of all her compassion for her patients. “She has
enormous potential to further her education in the field of healthcare.”
L to R
Alena Korbut, Devin Archer,
Tiffany Coleman, Benita David,
Deborah Breese, Deanna
Kilvitis, and Alla Bess
Benita David (BA
Criminology, University
of South Florida)
Benita feels very excited these
days because she finally has a
plan to feel excited about. It is all
about finding an advisor named
Jenna who has understood, been
supportive, and knowledgeable
about helping Benita form a
working, academic plan so she can
attain her goal of a degree in
criminology. Benita feels she has
come a long way from “obstacles
and unforeseen” circumstances
which have made it difficult in her
personal life for her to focus on her
education. Her goal is to graduate
from USF, find great employment,
and make a better life for her and
her children. She says in her own
words that she wants “to
demonstrate to my kids how
important it is to get an education
and that no matter how old you
may be or the obstacles that get in
the way, it is more than possible to
get your education”. USF has
given Benita hope and
determination and being accepted
as a student to attend USF and
complete her education has been
one of the best opportunities that
have happened in her life. She
will be the first in her family to
graduate from college.
Deanna Kilvitis (BSN,
State College of
Florida)
Alena Korbut (BS
Pharmacy, LECOM
School of Pharmacy)
Deanna had a childhood dream
and that was to become a nurse.
It has become a journey and one
not unlike many nontraditional
women students who have
struggled to maintain a balance
between the responsibilities of
school, work, and home life.
After her daughter was born
Deanna decided to postpone her
educational ambitions to work
full time, be a wife, and devote
herself entirely to providing for
her daughter. Eventually she
became concerned about the
outlook of her academic future,
and as she continued to watch
her daughter grow, it became
even more important to Deanna
to become a role model to her
daughter. In the past two years,
Deanna has received her
Certified Nurse’s Assistant
(CAN) license and has learned
many things that have solidified
her decision to enter the nursing
field. She has been accepted
into the spring 2013 SCF
Associate in Science Nursing
program and is looking forward
to the future of enrolling into the
BSN program.
Alena’s stated goal is to be a
student of the Pharmacy School
and after graduation become a
professional licensed pharmacist.
She was born and raised outside
of the US and speaks English,
Russian, Belarusian, and
understands Ukrainian and Polish.
She is a confident and motivated
young woman having been taught
by her family to be strong,
responsible, and to look “way
ahead” of the game. Alena has an
Associate in Arts degree summa
cum laude from SCF. Her
educational experience continued
with a course in billing and coding
certification followed by a
Pharmacy Technician Prep
Course. After passing the state
exam she became a Registered
Pharmacy Technician in the State
of Florida. This track prepared
Alena for her entrance into
pharmacy school, and her present
studies with intensive training and
heavy load of science courses will
prepare her upon graduation to
become a Pharmacist. Alena’s
letters of recommendation are
outstanding and speak of her as
“industrious, intelligent, a selfstarter who assumes
responsibility, a well-grounded
student”. She says that the skills
that she has learned from her past
and present educational, personal,
and professional experience will
help her achieve her long term
goal.
Any college graduate can receive a free one year national
membership to AAUW. You need only submit the graduate’s name
and contact information .Go to AAUW.org/Resources. Locate
types of membership. Select or Search Give-a-Grad-a-Gift. Simply
open the tab and proceed. This applies only to the national dues –
not state or local.
Submitted by Anita Kunkle
Rachel Leahy (BA
Business/Marketing,
University of South
Florida)
“My life’s journey as of now 32
years, has certainly had some
interesting detours,” states
Rachel. She has been
reshaping a new life for
herself from the one she had
prior as a full-time wife and
mother. She is striving to be
an example for her children
and hopes that the standards
of value in education she has
set for herself will influence
her children. Rachel has
been a student at SCF and is
now planning to graduate
from USF with a
marketing/business degree
after the 2014 fall semester.
Her goal upon graduation is to
secure a good job, buy a
home, and become fully selfsufficient. Rachel’s
professor’s letter of
recommendation writes that
she is one of his better
students in recent years with
one of the better student
websites from the class
projects. “She immediately
rose to the top of the class,
distinguishing herself as a
bright, inquisitive, energetic
scholar.” Rachel has had her
own business as a talented
entrepreneur and upon
graduation will, no doubt,
continue to prove successful
in professional and personal
pursuits.
Venice Views Editor for :Summer Issue
Jane Metcalf
Denise DeLong: e-copies circulation
denisedelong@comcast.net
Anne Russell: Printed copy circulation
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