NEWSLETTER

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Note from Hardee Center Staff

We are excited to take this opportunity in our spring newsletter to reflect on the major events of the semester. Not only did we celebrate our 25 years of existence, but we continued with our annual professional development programs. It has been a busy but productive semester for the Center and its scholars.

As you all know on February 5-6th the Hardee Celebrated its 25th Anniversary. This event was a success because many of our alum and friends joined us to celebrate this rare occasion. The Celebration began on Wednesday evening with a reception where guests mingled and many reunited with people they had not seen in years. There was a display of pictures of Dr. Hardee, her typewriter, audio collection, and collection of papers and articles. At memorabilia table played the tape from the memorial service for Dr. Hardee. It was a time to reconnect.

Guests enjoyed the food, music, and a video montage (Click here to view a picture of Dr. Hardee). Our keynote speakers, Dr. Aubrey Lucas, President Emeritus of Southern Mississippi, and Dr. Frances Lucas Tauchar, President of Millsaps College, shared remembrances of and reflections on the life of Dr. Hardee. (Click here to read Dr. Lucas' keynote address).

On Thursday morning, we all gathered at the Turnbull Center to learn more about the "Unique Role of Women: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow". Ms. Sherrill Ragans, Dr. Mary Coburn, and Dr. Glenda Earwood-Smith each gave accounts of their professional and personal journeys as women in higher education. They reflected on what they gained, learned, and some of their challenges in the field. After the panel, in roundtable discussions inspired by the above quote from Dr. Hardee participants met to discuss how we, as student personnel professionals, can meet the future challenges and opportunities facing the profession. The celebration concluded with a luncheon address by Dr. George Kuh, Chancellor's Professor, Indiana University. Dr. Kuh shared the research on students conducted by the National Survey on Student Engagement (NSSE). His presentation was an excellent transition to the Values Institute, which began later that day and that many of our participants also attended.

This Celebration was made possible through the volunteer work of many of our scholars and campus leaders. Dr. Nancy Turner, Director of the Oglesby Union, and Dr. Dale Lick, Professor of Higher Education, chaired the 25th Anniversary Committee. Without the assistance of a hard-working committee, including Hardee graduate Dr. Robert Dawson, this event would not have been possible.

We also are grateful to our sponsors: The Shoppe Around the Corner, Holiday Inn Select, and Tallahassee Engraving, Inc. Also, many thanks to our Executive Committee, our Board of Governors, and Dr. Moser, Chair of our Board of Governors for their support.

Please enjoy our spring newsletter the reflections on the 25th Anniversary and other events throughout the semester!

Committee Chair Reflections

When we were asked to co-chair the Planning Committee for the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Hardee Center, we realized the great challenge that faced us. We were wise enough to assemble a wonderful group of graduate students into the planning process. The success of the celebration was due to the extraordinary efforts of Allison Crume, Ryan Mouncey, Kristen Oostdyk, Ashley Tull, Margo McClinton, Daniel Chen and Shenifa Tate. These students took leadership roles as committee chairs and pulled together able volunteers from the department to implement the plans. Our hats are off to this talented group...and our thanks for a job well done to all who assisted!

Dale Lick and Nancy Turner, Co-Chairs
25th Anniversary Celebration of the Hardee Center

Reflections on the Hardee Center 25th Anniversary Celebration

Long before I had heard of Melvene Hardee and before I had been introduced to something called the Life Net, I worked for a woman named Frances. Hardly an ordinary Vice President for Student Affairs, she had earned her doctorate and landed that position by age 29. Though rather young for her title, she was wise and experienced beyond her years. What I learned from her cannot be summarized succinctly, but one of the most important lessons was to "pay it forward" - i.e., to mentor new professionals, to steadfastly encourage success among others, and to generally promote the careers of those to whom you are connected. Frances did this for me and my cohort of graduate students in many ways - by nominating us for leadership opportunities, by conducting professional development seminars, by writing letters of recommendation, and by encouraging us to stretch beyond our comfort zones. (For me, this meant accepting a housing position at Florida State University - a long way from my Ohio roots.) All the while, I attributed these mentoring behaviors to Frances' personal philosophy - one that I felt obligated and honored to emulate. Nonetheless, there are sometimes moments in life where you realize that you are just a small part of something much larger than you once imagined. Such was the case when I arrived at Florida State and became personally acquainted with the Hardee Center and the Life Net - and Frances' role in it as well as my own.

The Life Net, in all its glory, came alive during the Wednesday evening dinner that was a part of the Hardee Center 25th Anniversary Celebration. Given my history, it seemed especially fitting to hear Frances Lucas-Tauchar and her father, Aubrey Lucas, talk about Dr. Hardee. As they recounted their unique and special relationships with Dr. Hardee, it was as if a giant patchwork quilt was unfolded in the room, handmade of intricate designs and patterns that represented the individuals at each table - as well as those who were unable to join us that evening. And how breathtaking to think about the many more who will join us in the future! It was a beautiful tribute to Dr. Hardee, the woman whose handiwork ultimately has brought all of us together.

With the reverie of that opening night as context, we all set to work on Thursday with the more practical task (from a Hardee perspective) of considering the status of our profession. A powerful panel presentation once again struck a chord - with reflections on yesterday, today, and tomorrow. This was especially meaningful coming from women leaders who have mentored many of us over the years - Sherrill Ragans, Mary Coburn, and Glenda Earwood-Smith. After some valuable round table discussion, we closed with lunch and a presentation from Dr. George Kuh regarding his research on college students.

Although I never had the privilege of meeting Dr. Hardee, I have tremendous respect for the woman who was able to touch so many lives and to accomplish so much at Florida State University and in our profession. It is fitting that her legacy is remembered daily by the Center that bears her name. And I somehow know that she would have been proud of her "students" - those who planned such a fine celebration, those who attended, and everyone in the Life Net. Her handiwork truly lives on with each generation. And it is our duty to pay it forward.

Sara Steyer Hamon, Class of 2002
Consultant, MGT of America

Reflections from an Alum

Sometimes working in Northwest Missouri I feel drastically removed from Florida State University and the Hardee Center. The time I spent as a graduate student learning about the importance of the Life Net and the legacy of Melvene Hardee often seems to fall on deaf ears for those who are not familiar with her teachings. So I was excited to have the opportunity to attend the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Hardee Center and once again see those who assisted me when I was attending FSU. Not long after I entered the dining room former mentors and instructors such as Dr. Mann, Alicia Crew, Dr. Moser, and Dr Phyllis McCluskey-Titus greeted me warmly and introduced me to someone else with whom they had been talking. It was as if I had never left, the Life Net was in place and still going strong.

For the duration of the celebration and continuing into the Institute for College Student Values, I had the opportunity to see and talk with Dr. Turner, Sherill Ragans, Dr. Dalton, Dean Varchol, Dr. Janet Lenz, and Dr. Mary Coburn. Every time they introduced me to someone new. I was excited to meet and speak with the current graduate assistants, such as Margo McClinton, who introduced me to a number of graduate professionals from the higher education program. Even though networking at these events was not my intention, I found I have greatly expanded my list of contacts.

I returned to Northwest Missouri State University with an attaché full of information and a note pad full of ideas from the Institute for College Student Values to share with my colleagues. I have fond memories of my time at the 25th anniversary celebration. Even though I did not know Dr. Melvene Hardee, I believe it is her commitment to higher education and passing those values down though her teaching that now allows me feel Florida State is not so far removed from Northwest Missouri after all.

Basil Lister, Class of 1998
Director of Upward Bound
Northwest Missouri State University

Reflections from a Current Hardee Scholar

The Hardee Center 25th Anniversary Celebration was a wonderful event! As a Hardee Scholar, I had heard much about the Life Net. The 25th Anniversary Celebration gave me the opportunity to experience it first hand. I met many professionals who are proud graduates of FSU's program. It was a great opportunity to network and learn about Dr. Hardee from her former students.

At the beginning of February I presented at the Florida Association of Women Educators (FAWE) conference with two of my classmates. Our presentation was on Dr. Hardee and her legacy. While preparing for our presentation, I was amazed by the information I was learning about Dr. Hardee. Coming back from the conference to the 25th Celebration gave me the chance to learn even more about Dr. Hardee's legacy from her former students.

I am very thankful to have the privilege of being a Hardee Scholar. In addition, I have benefited greatly from the workshops, conferences, and events that I have been able to attend.

Diane Weithofer, First Year Master's Student and Hardee Scholar

"The LifeNet, the LifeNet, the LifeNet." we have heard those words over and over again throughout our two years as master's students in the Higher Education Program. During the Hardee Center for Women in Higher Education 25th Anniversary, we saw the connection of the LifeNet to the Higher Education Program.

This semester the Hardee Center Research Committee, comprised of students and chaired by Dr. Victoria Maria MacDonald, wanted to contribute to the 25th Anniversary celebration. The research committee conducted video histories of Higher Education graduates and those who knew Dr. Hardee. Interviews were held at the celebration in the University Center. We were very fortunate to interview ten people including: Dr. Barbara Mann, Dr. Mary Coburn, Barbara Prevost, Dr. Phyllis McCluskey Titus, and Dr. Robert Dawson. We asked questions such as, " How has the Hardee Center/LifeNet affected you personally and professionally? Can you tell us a little bit about your career? How has the climate changed for women since you began your career? Do you have any interesting stories about Dr. Hardee?"

We are honored to have been a part of the Research Committee and this special 25th Anniversary project. From the video histories we feel we have developed an even deeper sense of the role the Hardee Center and the LifeNet plays not only at FSU but also in the field of Higher Education. We look forward to returning for the 50th Anniversary to share how the Hardee Center and the LifeNet have contributed to our careers.

Sara Rose & Kristina Goodwin, Second Year Master's Students and Hardee Scholars

Professional Development Committee Highlights

January 14th Scholar Meeting

For the first time, the Center asked all scholars to participate in a mandatory meeting. We ate and reviewed the upcoming events for the spring. It was a time for us to reconvene after the winter break. Scholars shared with one another information about their assistantship positions. We used this time to confirm activity dates and enlist volunteers for the 25th Anniversary.

January 25th Pasta Talk

Faculty and students gathered for an evening at Al Dente's. Hardee Scholars learned about the research recently conducted by Dr. Carolyn Herrington, Associate Dean of the College of Education and Department Chair of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Dr. Herrington discussed her research experience in K-12 state policy issues. We also heard from Dr. Susan Losh, Associate Professor in Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, who recounted her experience with a research project using a large national database and her adventures in collecting research data. Other faculty who joined us were Dr. Jon Dalton and Dr. Beverly Bower. It was definitely an evening of spirited intellectual discussions.

February 27th Professional Development Workshop
Conference Participation from A to Z

Hardee Scholar Pat Mathews, who took the lead in organizing this event, began the program with a welcome and overview of the morning activities. Our agenda included programs on "Preparing a Conference Proposal" by Simmie Raiford, FSU Doctoral Candidate; "Successful Conference Interviewing" by Adrienne Otto Frame, Assistant Director for Residence Life at FSU; "Behind the Scenes at Conferences" presented by Darnella Campbell, FSU Coordinator of Continuing Education; "Effective Conference Presentations" by Cathy Cuevas, Counseling Specialist at Tallahassee Community College; "Successful Networking at Conferences' by Chris Roby, Associate Director, FSU Oglesby Union, and Ashley Tull, Doctoral Student and Hardee Scholar. Presentations were followed by a luncheon and a panel discussion, "What I have Learned from Attending Professional Conferences." Panelists were Dr. Mary Coburn, Vice President for Student Affairs; Dr. Barbara Varchol, Dean of Students; Dr. Jon Dalton, Associate Professor of Higher Education; and Dr. Joy Gaston, Assistant Professor of Higher Education.

End of the Year Celebration

On April 11 the Hardee Center held its end of the year celebration to say, "Thanks for all your hard work," to all our Hardee Scholars, sponsors, committee members, and the Board of Governors. Two of our graduating scholars shared their reflections on being a Hardee Scholar. Courtney Burton shared with us her experiences (click here to read). In addition, all outstanding Hardee Scholars were presented with certificates of merit and graduating scholars also received a token of remembrance from the Center. At this meeting we also announced the first recipient of the new Sherrill Ragans Award for Leadership. This award, sponsored by Dr. Jon Dalton, is given in tribute to the career and values of recently retired FSU Sherrill W. Ragans, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs. The winner was doctoral student, Ashley Tull.

Fundraising Committee Highlights

The fundraising committee has been proud of the constant show of support by our alumni and friends of the Hardee Center. We appreciate the donations that have been sent and the support that has been shown as we head toward the end of our fiscal year. There is no doubt that the Center would not be in existence today without the donations and support of our many friends and supporters who make it possible for us to continue to support our graduate students through professional development opportunities and programs.

If you are interested in supporting the efforts of the Hardee Center for Women in Higher Education, you can make online donations through FSU Foundation or by sending a check to Hardee Center, 113 Stone Building, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4452.

Hardee Trivia
Was Dr. Melvene Hardee a founding member of both NASPA and ACPA?

Compiled by Margo McClinton and Edited by Dr. Beverly Bower

Hardee Center :: Higher Education Program :: College of Education :: FSU