Summer days can seem quieter at NSU, but despite having fewer classes in session and less students on campus, NSU is always moving forward. The university hosts numerous special events during the season, including the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine AIM-High program—a five-day medical school immersive summer camp for high school students interested in pursuing a career in the health professions—and the Driven by Cause Philanthropic Summit—a conference designed for nonprofit leaders to network, engage, and learn from renowned national and local speakers, executive directors, and educators, addressing some of the most profound topics in the nonprofit industry.

In addition, the university also began construction on the Jerry Taylor and Nancy Bryant Trading Floor in the Carl DeSantis Building on our Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus. The trading floor will give students hands-on experience in conducting research and managing a range of investments. This experiential learning opportunity was made possible by a gift from The Jerry Taylor & Nancy Bryant Foundation and is set to officially open in March 2024.

Did You Know?

• NSU researchers were recently awarded two National Institutes of Health grants totaling nearly $1 million to investigate risk factors and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
• Following a historic athletics year that featured NCAA Division II National Championships in Women’s Swimming, Men’s Basketball and Men’s Golf, NSU’s Athletics Department placed seventh overall in the final standings for the 2022–23 LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup, marking the highest finish in the department’s history. The LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup is a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. Points are based on an institution’s finish in NCAA Championships in 15 sports.
• July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Unfortunately, mental health is deeply stigmatized in minority communities, but the NSU MD Youth Opioid Prevention Initiative is working to address this disparity. This summer, researchers from the initiative presented their substance abuse prevention content to at-risk youth in South Florida.

On a personal note, I recently earned my recertification as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). CFRE International sets the standards for this designation, and certified professionals must pass a written examination on the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a fundraising executive, as well as agree to uphold accountability standards and the Donor Bill of Rights. I appreciate the support of the university and look forward to working with all of you in helping NSU to continue to strive for preeminence.

In this issue of Donor Connection, we interviewed a member of the Shark family who has been with NSU since 1989 and now heads the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. We also shared student and donor stories, as well as details on NSU’s work with first responders.

Enjoy the content, and I hope to connect with you soon. Join us at an upcoming event or reach out to me or anyone on my team via donorrelations@nova.edu to match your interests with a giving opportunity here at NSU.

Fins Up!

Terry J. Mularkey, M.A.S., CFRE

Vice President for Advancement and Chief of Staff