News | Santa Fe College | Gainesville, FL

Fastpitch Opens Season at JuCo Kickoff Classic on January 28

SF FASTPITCH

Gainesville, FL - The seven time defending Mid-Florida Conference champion Santa Fe Saints open their 2012 season on the road Saturday, January 28 with a triple header in Clearwater at the JuCo Kickoff Classic.

SF will face off against three of the top teams in the state, starting with defending State Champions and FCSAA #5 ranked Miami-Dade College at 11:00 AM, #9 Polk State College at 1:00 PM and conclude the day against #7 Gulf Coast State College at 5:00 PM.

The Saints prepared for the spring regular season with a challenging fall schedule that saw them play the University of Florida, Florida State University and the University of North Florida amongst other NCAA Division I and II schools.

"After a challenging fall where we played some strong DI teams with arguably the best pitchers in the state of Florida and possibly in the country, we hope to build on the experiences in the spring," said SF Coach Chris Ahern.

SF Amateur Talent Night Launches Black History Month on Campus

To kick off Black History Month in style, Santa Fe College will hold its first annual Amateur Talent Night, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1, in the Fine Arts Hall. The show features motivational speaker Dr. Calvin Mackie and talented student and community performers.

"This is going to be an amazing night of entertainment, and we invite everyone in the community to join us in support of local Gainesville talent," said Mike Hutley, Santa Fe Student Services representative and coordinator of the event.

NJCAA #9 Santa Fe Baseball Opens Season on January 28 at South Georgia College

SF BASEBALL

Gainesville, FL - Coach Johnny Wiggs and the Santa Fe Saints are winding down preseason practices and are nearing the start of the regular season scheduled to get underway on the road Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29 at South Georgia College. The three game series was pushed back a day due to inclement weather expected on Friday. Saturday's game will start at 4:00 PM and Sunday's doubleheader will begin at 1:00 PM.

"Our players and coaches are very excited for another season to get under way," said Wiggs. "They've worked really hard since August and I know they are looking forward to facing a talented South Georgia team this weekend."

The game will feature two national powerhouses as the Saints enter the season #9 in the National Junior College Athletic Association poll and #2 in the state by the Florida College System Activities Association. South Georgia won their region in 2011 and made the trip to Grand Junction, CO to participate in the JuCo World Series.

Santa Fe returns just five players from last year's Mid-Florida Conference championship team, but an influx of talented freshman and college transfers should keep the Saints competitive once again. SF's won the previous three MFC titles and won the 2009 State Championship, earning a spot in the JuCo World Series where they finished as runners-up.

Valentine's Day Swing Dance - Perfect Date Night!

Valentines Day Dance Enjoy a perfect date with your sweetheart by dancing the night away at Santa Fe's fourth Valentine's Day Swing Dance! The event begins at 6 pm. Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the Fine Arts Hall at the Northwest campus.

Beginners are welcome! Students from the University of Florida's Swing Dance Club will teach swing dance lessons starting at 6 p.m. The Santa Fe College Big Band starts performing at 7:30 p.m. with two sets, including "In the Mood," "April in Paris," "Opus One," and "Sing, Sing, Sing." The band will play 'til 9:45 p.m. Hors d'oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.

All tickets are $10 each for general admission and are only available in the lobby before the event.

For more information, email Steve Bingham.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance Available

Community Outreach and East Gainesville Instruction program and the Center for Innovation and Economic Development (CIED) are partnering with the United Way of North Central Florida and the Volunteer Income Tax Preparation Assistance (VITA) program to provide free tax preparation assistance to local residents with a combined total family income of $50,000 or less.

These free income tax preparation services will be available on Monday nights (5-8:30 p.m.) from Jan. 23 through April 9 at the CIED, 530 West University Ave. The preparers are all IRS-certified.

Appointments for tax return preparation through VITA must be made by calling 211. There are no catches, no costs, and no hidden fees.

Website - www.getyourEITC.com

Application Deadline March 19 for Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Class # 118

The SF Institute of Public Safety is now accepting applications for the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Class # 118 beginning May 14. The application deadline is March 19.

The class is for those desiring a career in law enforcement. The course lasts approximately six months and the hours are 1-10 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Visit the IPS website for more information or contact IPS' Criminal Justice Selection Center at 271-2945 or email joann.svedas@sfcollege.edu.

Do You Sing? Dance? Step? Rap? Then Show Your Stuff!

Open auditions for the first Black History Month Amateur Talent Night are 4-7:30 p.m. today, Jan. 25, in E Auditorium. Amateur performers from Santa Fe and the community are welcome to try out for the show. Amateur Talent Night will take place 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, in the Fine Arts Hall.

Country rock singers, solo or duet, can apply now to compete in the Bradford Fest Talent Showdown, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Bradford High School Auditorium. The deadline for submitting the application materials and fee is Feb. 17.

2012 Spring CVT Preview/Open House

The 2012 Spring Cardiovascular Technology Program (CVT) Preview/Open House is from 2-6:30 p.m. today, Jan. 25, in the Health Sciences Annex, room WA-113.

Starting salaries for registered cardiovascular technologists are approximately $38,000 in Gainesville and up to $56,000 outside this area.

At the preview, learn about our CVT specialties including vascular and cardiac ultrasound, and cardiac catheterization, along with program requirements and career prospects for this dynamic, growing area of the medical field.

"This is a casual, interactive open house where you can ask a lot of questions and really get to know the program, and get an in-depth tour of the labs," said Lab Manager Jennifer Weeks.

For more information about the open house, please contact Jennifer Weeks by phone 352-395-5972 or email at: jennifer.weeks@sfcollege.edu

Alternative Spring Break Applications Now Being Accepted

Alternative Spring Break If you're searching for something fulfilling to do with your spare time this spring break and are looking to get involved and make a difference, then our new Alternative Break is just for you!

Sponsored by the Office of Civic Engagement and Service, from March 4-9, two advisors and 12 students will travel to Hiawassee, Georgia to embark on a journey of education and service at Enota Mountain Retreat.

The application deadline is Jan. 30 by 4 p.m. Applications can be submitted at the front desk of S-building or to the Office of Civic Engagement and Service (OCES) in the S-building, room 130.

For eligibility requirements and trip details, read more.

Santa Fe College Offers New RN to BSN Completion Program

Santa Fe College will begin offering a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program (RN to BSN) in the spring 2012 semester. An informational meeting, open to the public, will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6 in room 104 of the Health Sciences Annex (Building WA at the Northwest campus, 3000 NW 83^rd St.).

"We're going to go over the program in depth," said Lois Ellis, director of nursing programs. "Whether people are already enrolled, or interested in Spring A or Spring B, or just want to learn more about what we're offering, they are welcome to attend."

Spring A and Spring B classes start Jan. 9 and March 12, respectively.

The 30-credit-hour completion program was designed with the working RN in mind. It is part of a 120-hour BSN program, which also includes an AA degree and credit for the ASN degree. The program is predominantly online, with some local lab (one course) and clinical components (final two courses).

"We expect the classes to fill quickly and for this to be a very popular program," Ellis said, adding that it will be coordinated by Professor Susan Beverung.

For a complete list of eligibility requirements, please call Santa Fe's Health Sciences Counseling office at 352-395-5650 or email Health Sciences Admissions Counselor Scott Fortner at scott.fortner@sfcollege.edu.

Baseball #12 in Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Pre-Season Poll

SF BASEBALL

Gainesville, FL - Over the past five years, Santa Fe coach Johnny Wiggs and the Saints baseball team has won four Mid-Florida Conference titles, including three in a row, the 2009 FCSAA State Championship and were the 2009 NJCAA National Runner-up.

Building on last season's recording setting club, this year's version of the Saints will look to continue the recent string of success and start the season ranked #12 in the nation by the prestigious Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. The full poll can be seen here: http://www.baseballnews.com/polls/njcaa/currentpolldivI.htm

Santa Fe opens their season on January 27 when they travel to South Georgia College for a game at 6:00 PM and a double header on January 28 slated to begin at 1:00 PM. The first home game for the Saints is on Monday, February 1 at 3:00 PM against Polk State College.

"YouTube for Business" Offered at the CIED, Jan. 26

YouTube Logo YouTube is an excellent way to have complete control marketing your business, and it's free! Most people can make decent quality videos with equipment they already own, such as a computer and digital camera with video capability.

In this workshop, 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at the CIED (fee: $99), you will learn how to promote your business and attract new customers and sales using YouTube. Students will also record a 30-second video promoting their business during class. No experience is necessary for this course.

To register, please call the Continuing Education office at 395-5896. More information about the course isavailable in this PDF. This course will also be offered 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 28.

2012 Hall of Fame Applications Now Being Accepted

The Santa Fe College Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed upon Santa Fe students. The Hall of Fame is reserved for those students who have shown truly superior leadership and achievement through their activities and scholarship while members of the Santa Fe community.

The Hall of Fame is limited to 1/10 of 1% of Santa Fe students in a given year.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA, and demonstrate specific examples of service to the college and the community.

Completed applications and the accompanying paperwork are due to the Center for Student Leadership & Activities (S-Lobby) by Friday, Feb. 24.

For more qualifiying criteria and an application, read more.

Balanced Attack Leads Saints Past Daytona, 88-69

SF MEN'S BASKETBALL

Gainesville, FL - The Santa Fe Saints (15-3, 1-1 MFC) bounced back from a loss on Saturday to Central Florida in a big way on Wednesday night, jumping all over Daytona State College 88-69 to even their MFC record at 1-1. Five players scored in double figures for Santa Fe.

The Saints pounced early on and led by as many as 16 in the opening period. Daytona fought back and closed the margin to just five at the halftime break, 45-40. Santa Fe made 17-of-30 shots in the first half, including four three pointers.

"We did a nice job getting off to a good start tonight," said SF Coach Chris Mowry. "We shot the ball well and were able to stretch our lead out but didn't finish down the stretch. At the half we talked about playing all 20 minutes hard on defense, not letting them back in it due to defensive letdowns."

Fledgling Businesses Learn to Fly at SF's Entrepreneur Incubator

The Entrepreneur Incubator program at Santa Fe's Center for Innovation and Economic Development (CIED) helps small businesses develop locally. Three budding companies -- Student Maid, Mike Hill Construction and Corks and Colors Studio -- recently left the warm, cozy confines of the incubator to spread their wings as full-fledged Gainesville businesses.

"These are three of our most interesting and successful incubating companies," said Dug Jones, Assistant Vice President of Economic Development at the CIED. "Each is a great example of what we aspire to accomplish with our program."

Cardiovascular Technology Educational Clinic Now Accepting Appointments

Healthy Heart The Cardiovascular Technology Program at Santa Fe College is looking for volunteers to assist our students in educational studies in the following areas:

Carotid Ultrasound Studies
Cardiac Ultrasound

These are free ultrasound tests for anyone age 18 or older. Dates are Feb. 3 or 17, March 16 or 30.

Please contact Jennifer Weeks by phone 352-395-5972 or email jennifer.weeks@sfcollege.edu to schedule an appointment.

You will get a copy of the results of your scan, but not a diagnosis. This is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for a visit to your regular doctor.

Do your heart and our students a favor, and sign up to volunteer today!

Campus Fitness Opportunities

SF Fitness Center

Fitness Logo The SF Fitness Center is open 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday. Stair steppers, elliptical machines, treadmills, Cybex weight machines, free weights, etc.

Classes

CHOICES Zumba - 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays and 7:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Both classes are held on the basketball court in the Gym.
Yoga - 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in V-16. Wear loose-fitting clothing and bring a towel or yoga mat.
Dance Exercise - Taught by Alora Haynes, Fine Arts Chair, 4:40-5:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays in E-109. High energy, easy to learn, and lots of repetition; a good cardio workout.
Meditation - Professor Greg Jones offers meditation instruction at noon on Fridays and 9 a.m. on Mondays in Y-233 (in the Library).

Walking trails

Click here for walking routes around the NW campus.

For details about any of the above, visit SF's Wellness webpage.

Learn a New Hobby for the New Year

Santa Fe's Community Education registration begins Thursday, Jan. 5. Winter term classes begin the week of Jan. 21. For phone-in and walk-in registrations, office hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or call 352-395-5193. Online registration will also start Jan. 5.

What's new for Winter 2012?

Watercolor For All Levels
Family Entertainment Unplugged
Decals On Found Pottery
Make N' Take a Mini Scrapbook
Contra Dancing 101
Archery
Seniors Gone Wild - Santa Fe River
Color Block Printing For Kids

For a complete list of all our new classes, follow this link.

RTS Expands Bus Service to the NW Campus

New routes: 39 and 76

New RTS Bus Routes RTS has added two new bus routes to Santa Fe's Northwest campus:

# 39, which runs between Santa Fe and the Gainesville Airport down NW 39th Avenue - route map
# 76, which runs from the Haile Plantation Publix to Santa Fe via the Oaks Mall, SW 62nd Boulevard, SW 20th Avenue, and SW 24th Avenue - route map

SF students, faculty and staff can ride any RTS bus for free simply by showing their SF ID to the driver.

For more about RTS's buses, visit their website at http://www.go-rts.com. Be sure to check out the Gator Locator, which tracks the buses in real time.