Valencia College News

Florida Film Festival to Debut ‘Renee’ on Opening Night

Renee Yohe isn't a household name. But she has a powerful life story -- one depicted by the new film, "Renee," which will be the opening-night film at the Florida Film Festival on April 13. Shot in Orlando with a crew that included more than 40 Valencia College film students, the movie is only the second Valencia film project to earn opening-night status at the 10-day Florida Film Festival. The first was the 1999 movie, "Blair Witch Project," a psychological horror film created by UCF and Valencia student filmmakers -- a film that later went on to be a surprise hit at the Sundance Film Festival. Valencia's Ralph Clemente, director of the college's film technology program, says "Renee" has potential to be a breakout hit, thanks to a cast of Hollywood stars, crisp writing and subject matter that has become a cause celebre in the music industry. “That film is going to make a lot of waves,” Clemente said. “It’s a very serious film.” The film tells the story of a teen-aged Renee Yohe, who loved music and fairy tales – and found joy when she pulled on her headphones and imagined a life that ends happily ever after. But Renee couldn't escape depression, and turned to drugs, alcohol and even self-mutilation to cope with the pain. Finally, in desperation, she reached out for help – and a circle of friends banded together to get her into drug rehab. But first, she had to get the drugs out of her system. The movie chronicles those five intense days when Renee (played by Kat Dennings of TV's “2 Broke Girls") tries to get clean and sober with the help of David McKenna, a recovering alcoholic and former addict, and surfer/musician Jamie Tworkowski, along with two of Renee's high school friends. That weeklong ordeal, which one producer described as "the ultimate random act of kindness," moved Tworkowski to start a blog called "To Write Love on Her Arms." The blog, which tries to help people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide, has touched teens and young adults -- and launched a charity that has become a movement in the music industry. In addition to Dennings, the script also attracted more big-name stars, including Friend (whose credits include “Pride and Prejudice” and "The Young Victoria") who plays McKenna, and Chad Michael Murray (of TV’s “One Tree Hill”), who plays Tworkowski. Supporting actors include Corbin Bleu (“High School Musical”) and Mark Saul (“The Social Network,” “Grey’s Anatomy”). Produced by McKenna, David Nixon and Cameron “Kim” Dawson, the movie is a departure from the faith-based films that Orlando veterans Nixon and Dawson have done in the past. For Dawson, the movie “was nitty-gritty, hard street stuff,” but the message was so powerful that he felt compelled to produce the project. With a $3.4 million budget, the film was shot primarily in downtown Orlando with a 70-member union crew and 43 students from Valencia’s film production program. The students tackled jobs that professionals usually handle, from payroll clerk to handling all the contracts and travel arrangements. Whether they were working in the sound department or with set decorators and prop masters, the students learned alongside the pros. “The value of this is immeasurable,” Clemente said. “Not only did the pump more than $3 million into Orlando’s economy, it also benefited my students. They were working alongside professionals who became mentors and free faculty for me.” And the students got to shine – and show off for potential employers. “We discovered diamonds in the rough,” Dawson said. “The kids in the program rose to the occasion and took advantage of the opportunities we gave them. The film business is all about work ethic and those kids worked really hard.” Matt Whalen, a Valencia student, served as electric production assistant on the “Renee” set and discovered how much he liked the electrical end of the business. “My goal right now is to become a “best boy,” – the chief assistant of the lighting and electrical departments on a film – “and my ultimate goal is to become a director of photography or a gaffer” – the head of electrical equipment on a production,” said Whalen, 21. Students outside the film program were recruited as extras for a number of scenes, including one musical festival scene that required 1,000 extras. But it's the message behind “Renee” that could speak to legions of teenagers, says Clemente, a member of the Directors Guild. “I had no idea that cutting had become an epidemic,” said Clemente. “But this film deals with it straight on – using music and Renee’s story -- and it tells her story powerfully.” For tickets or more information on the Florida Film Festival, go to http://www.floridafilmfestival.com/

Valencia’s Spring Dance Concert to Feature Alvin Ailey Dancer

Valencia College will hold its Annual Spring Dance Concert on March 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. in Valencia’s East Campus...

Trustees Vote to Move Forward with Apopka Campus, Create New Scholarship, Innovation Funds

At its Feb. 21 meeting, Valencia College’s District Board of Trustees took preliminary steps toward creating a new campus in Apopka,...

Cabrera Morris Becomes First Hispanic Woman to Chair Valencia Board

At its February 21 meeting, the Valencia College District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to elect Bertica Cabrera Morris as its chair, making her the first Hispanic chairwoman in the college’s 44-year history. Born in Havana, Cuba, Cabrera Morris owns and operates an Orlando public relations and governmental affairs consulting firm that represents Fortune 500 companies. At the same meeting, the board elected Maria Grulich Toumazos as its vice chair. Grulich Toumazos serves as administrator of the Osceola County Economic Development Department. The eight-member governing board is appointed by the governor to direct the college’s policies. Other members are Lewis Oliver, III, Jerry Buchanan, Lori Kifer Johnson, Jo Quittschreiber, Guillermo Hansen and Fernando Perez. Valencia College was named the top community college in the nation for 2011-2012 by the Aspen Institute, a Washington educational- and policy-studies center. A panel of judges selected Valencia for the inaugural Aspen Prize based on the strength of its graduation and transfer rates, especially among minority students, as well as the high job placement rates of its workforce training programs.

Valencia Marks Black History Month with Perspectives on Africa

A visiting lecturer and educator from Ghana, Kwabena B. Tandoh, will speak at Valencia College on February 22 and 23, as part of the college’s Black History Month events. On Feb. 22 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., on Valencia’s West Campus (room 6-202), Tandoh will present “The Rise and Fall of the ‘Big Men’ in Africa,” which examines Africa’s struggle in gaining independence from colonial rule through a study of its leaders. Then from 2 to 3:30 p.m. (room 3-111), Tandoh will discuss the “Slave Trade and Its Impact on Africa,” and how tribal wars played an important role in the slave trade, as well as the town of Liverpool, England. On the evening of Feb. 23 at the Osceola Campus, Tandoh will reprise his presentation on the impact of the slave trade on Africa. He will also be part of a reception that starts at 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium in building 1, followed by the presentation at 6 p.m. Kwabena B. “KB” Tandoh is the president and CEO of an educational consultancy with offices in Saint Louis and Accra, Ghana. A UNESCO Human Rights Young Fellow, Tandoh has presented at the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization forum in Rwanda and Italy. He has a bachelor’s degree in urban and community planning, a master’s in social work from the University of Connecticut, and is currently a Ph.D candidate at Saint Louis University in higher education leadership and administration. Admission is free and open to all. The West Campus is located at 1800 S. Kirkman Road in Orlando and the Osceola Campus is located at 1800 Denn John Lane in Kissimmee.

Need Money for College? FAFSA Experts Will Help Walk You Through the Steps

More and more students need financial aid to pay for college. Simplifying the process is the purpose of a month-long event dubbed FAFSA Frenzy February. Valencia's financial aid experts will assist students one-on-one with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA, whether they are first-time applicants or are reapplying for next year. Those students who complete their FAFSA on site are also eligible to enter a drawing to win one of three laptop computers. Attendance at Valencia is not required to participate in the event or the drawing. FAFSA Frenzy events have been scheduled for the following locations and dates: Feb. 8, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., West Campus, Student Services Building, Rm. 142 Feb. 17, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Osceola Campus, Bldg. 3, Rm. 100 Feb. 22, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., East Campus, Bldg. 4, Rm. 122 There are a number of documents students will need to bring with them, including a social security card, driver’s license and proof of 2011 income. If they are dependents, they will need to bring the same information for their parent or guardian. For details and to register visit valenciacollege.edu/fafsafrenzy. This event was made possible with support from Valencia’s Student Development office, Bank of America and USA Funds^®, a nonprofit organization that helps American families benefit from postsecondary education. Valencia participates in most federal, state, and local financial aid programs, awarding over $192 million each year to students. Approximately 54 percent of Valencia students receive financial aid. Among those students is the largest enrollment of Bright Futures recipients among Florida State Colleges. httpv://youtu.be/8qk7rw6oWuo

Topics Range From Guns on Campus to Natural Disasters at Community College Legal Conference

When community college officials get together to talk about legal issues, what’s on their minds? It turns out they talk about...

Renowned Botanist to Speak About Ancient Cultures, Medicinal Plants

A world-renowned ethnobotanist will speak at Valencia College about indigenous cultures and their use of medicinal plants – and how that...

Valencia Film Celebration to Unveil Two Student-Made Films

The 17th Annual Valencia Film Celebration will be held Feb. 16 and 17 and will showcase two feature-length films produced by Valencia College’s film production students. This year’s showcase features screenings of “My Fair Lidy” and “The Return of the Loch Ness Monster from Outer Space,” plus musical entertainment and showings of several award-winning short films. The celebration kicks off each night at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at the Performing Arts Center at Valencia College’s East Campus, located at 701 N Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando. On Thursday, Feb. 16, guests will view “My Fair Lidy,” a drama that stars Christopher Backus as Lidy, a macho, blue-collar worker who employs a little American ingenuity when faced with tough economic times. Under the mentorship of “Miss Sal,” Lidy embarks on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance – by becoming a drag queen. Produced by veteran Florida casting director Sandi Bell, "My Fair Lidy" also features local actors Leigh Shannon, Rus Blackwell, Tom Nowicki and Dennis Neal. The film was directed by Ralph Clemente, who started Valencia’s Film Production Technology program, and Valencia students served as crew members on the shoot. Original music for the film was written and performed by Valencia music professors Alan Gerber and Troy Gifford, along with the Valencia College Orchestra. Thursday’s entertainment will also include musical performances from Jazzmin and local disc-jockey duo, Blood Eagle, which will entertain the audience with its brand of “dethelektro/trash/maximal/rave music.” On Friday, Feb. 17, fans of campy sci-fi will enjoy the debut of “The Return of the Loch Ness Monster from Outer Space,” a beach blanket bingo, rock-n-roll, sci-fi comedy, featuring surfers, bikini queens and an appropriately “scary” Loch Ness Monster. After each film screening, the producers and cast will hold a question-and-answer session with the audience. Both films were produced by Valencia students in conjunction with industry professionals. General admission tickets are $5 per evening. Area high school and college students are admitted for $3 with a valid school ID, and Valencia students, staff and faculty are admitted free. To purchase tickets by phone, contact the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 407-582-2900. All proceeds will go to Valencia College’s film program to help fund student-produced films and shorts. For more details, call Valencia’s Film Production office at 407-582-2413. Trailers for the films can be viewed online at http://www.valenciafilmcelebration.com

‘A Raisin in the Sun’ Debuts at Black Box

Valencia College Theater will present the Lorraine Hansberry modern classic, “A Raisin in the Sun,” on February 15-19 and 22-26. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, with an additional matinee on Saturday, February 25 at 2 p.m.

The New York Times called “A Raisin in the Sun” “a play that changed American theater forever.” The drama is the story of an African American family in the 1950’s waiting desperately for a change in their circumstances. Multiple generations of the family struggle, feeling trapped in a dingy, tiny apartment that was supposed to be temporary housing 40 years earlier. The catalyst for change is an anticipated life insurance check, but various family members have different and conflicting designs on the money. In the end, there is hope, but the family knows that the road to their dreams will not be an easy one. Hansberry’s work will be directed by John DiDonna, with guest artist Avis Marie Barnes playing Mama, the formidable matriarch of the family. The play will be presented in the Black Box Theater on the college’s East Campus, located at 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail in Orlando. Seating is limited in the Black Box, so advance purchase is recommended; also, latecomers will not be seated until intermission. Ticket prices are $10 general admission, and $8 for students, seniors, Valencia staff and alumni. Tickets may be purchased by phone, in person at the Box Office, or online at http://www.valenciacollege.edu/arts. Patrons purchasing online and using the code VALENCIAWEB will receive a $2 discount on each ticket. For further information, please call the Box Office at 407-582-2900.

Take Stock in Children to Provide Opportunities to 22 More Students

On Thursday, Feb. 9, Take Stock in Children of Orange County announced that 22 seventh-grade students from Orange County have been inducted into the program, which provides mentors and college scholarships to at-risk children. At a ceremony held at Valencia College on Feb. 9, more than 450 community volunteers, community leaders, corporate sponsors and mentors appeared to welcome the new and returning students and their families. The total number of Orange County students participating in the program is 130. Take Stock in Children is a statewide initiative that helps underserved children succeed, starting at age 12, by providing college scholarships, volunteer mentors, early intervention and long-term support. High standards, parental involvement and community support are crucial to the program's success. Since 1995, Take Stock in Children has impacted the lives of more than 17,600 deserving students in the state of Florida, providing more than 9,000 high school graduates with full college scholarships. “This is one of the greatest programs in America for preparing students for success,” Orlando City Commissioner Daisy Lynum told the audience. “Once you get a mentor, the pavement to glory and success are right there for you.” This year’s inductees include students from Howard Middle School (Natalie Menendez, Tonya Harris-Torres, Joann Mauricette, Dashicka Streeter, Briana Lawrence, Keith Blanding, Sarashly Fonseca-Gonzalez and Cassidy Harding); Lee Middle School (Samantha Perez, Destiny Campbell and Isaiah Hill); and Lockhart Middle School (Alice Brown, Ashley Demosthene, Lorenzo King, Benjamin Roldan, Tony Livert, Dionna Blackman, Coby Cook, Shelby Putnal, Eileen Urbieta, James Churchill and Raphael Powell). “What you have been given is your golden ticket to a better future,” said Orange County School Board Chairman Bill Sublette, referring to the movie, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” “A college education and a college degree will open doors for you – and keep doors open for you.” Valencia College introduced Take Stock in Children to Orange County in 2008, with a $1 million gift from the Florida Citrus Sports Foundation. Today, that organization remains committed to the program. “You young people are our MVPs,” Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan told the audience. “We can’t wait to celebrate your successes in life.” The first class of student participants is now in the eleventh grade and will graduate from high school in 2013. To volunteer as a mentor, provide a tax-deductible contribution or to obtain more information about Take Stock in Children of Orange County, please contact 407-582-3336, takestockinchildren@valenciacollege.edu or visit our website at http://valenciacollege.edu/tsic

Annual Osceola Art Festival to be held Feb. 11-12 at Osceola Campus

The Osceola Center for the Arts will present the 45th Annual Osceola Art Festival on Feb. 11 and 12 at Valencia...

Valencia Hosts Annual Brazilian Film Festival

Valencia College will kick off its Brazilian Film Festival on Feb. 9 with the showing of the comedy “De Pernas pro...

Valencia on National Public Radio for Worker Retraining

In the lead up to Florida’s primary, job training for unemployed people has become a point of debate among the presidential...

Women Behind Liberia’s Peace Movement Inspire Students, Faculty

The scenes were heartbreaking. Little boys carrying guns, bragging about how many people they’d killed. Children on crutches, missing limbs that had...

Beyond the Dream: Bernice King Urges Students to Reclaim Her Father’s Cause

Dr. Bernice King paid tribute to her famous father and, drawing from his most celebrated speech, encouraged the hundreds of students, college staff and visitors who gathered today to hear her on Valencia's East Campus to "move beyond the dream." King’s presentation, titled “Raising the Standard,” was meant as a call to action—especially to students—to become more civically engaged in their communities and the world. King drew laughter from the crowd when she explained the reason why the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. didn't have the "I have a dream" speech inscribed on it and instead features another one of his speeches: "Even God was sick and tired of hearing 'I have a dream' and wanted the world to get on with the rest of [King's] ideas," she said. Those ideas, she said, have to do with sacrifice, calling it "an uncomfortable word in this generation." She said students need to find some time to make a difference in the lives of others rather than focusing solely on personal gain. Speaking of "systems crashing, the environment in danger," and widespread poverty, she said, "I'm here to wake some people up, because we are in the most critical time in our history." She added, "I also know that we can change this if there are young people who take serious the fact that you've been placed on this earth for a reason--beyond your own individualistic concerns." King said the biggest challenge society faces is not injustice but complacency. She said her father read the dictionary as a child, entered college by age 15 and graduated at 19, and that he was driven "not to waste a moment, not knowing what his life would end up being." She acknowledged the gains made over the last five decades in addressing racial inequalities, but said that it was up to today's youth to ensure that the freedoms won by previous generations were preserved. Speaking for almost an hour and touching on wide-ranging topics from the occupy movement ("Thank God there is a movement"), to the uprising in Egypt, to the student loan debt crisis, the speaker, author and minister said, "We have given over our power to institutions...corporations. And it gives us a personal excuse to not be involved in the problems of the world." She urged students to not only vote during election cycles but to take their concerns directly to elected officials, to organize around a cause and to even become agitators in an effort to bring about "systemic change." "You know what's missing in our nation's capital? It's the voice of your generation," she said.

Valencia Professors, Students to Offer Free Tax Help

Valencia College accounting students and professors will be offering free tax help to the public on Fridays and Saturdays during February,...

Liberian Film, Author and Children’s Art Give Lessons on Compassion

On January 26, Valencia College, in partnership with the Global Peace Film Festival, will screen the documentary film, “Pray the Devil...

Two New Trustees Join Valencia’s Governing Board

Governor Rick Scott named two new members to Valencia College’s District Board of Trustees: Guillermo Hansen, who is the publisher and...

Sen. Marco Rubio Holds Hispanic Town Hall Meeting at Valencia

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) held a town hall meeting at Valencia College's Criminal Justice Institute on Wednesday, Jan. 11., where he took questions from and spoke with members of Central Florida's Hispanic community. The event, titled "Cafe con U.S. Senator Marco Rubio: A conversation with Central Florida’s Hispanic Community," was designed to give Sen. Rubio the opportunity to have a dialogue with Central Florida’s Hispanic community. The audience members included business leaders and community leaders from the area's Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, Colombian, Brazilian and Costa Rican communities.