1 00:00:17,250 --> 00:00:17,283 [audience clapping]. 2 00:00:17,283 --> 00:00:20,954 [Inaudible] Became interested in UNF and in particular, 3 00:00:20,954 --> 00:00:23,189 the fine arts program as a way of [inaudible] 4 00:00:23,189 --> 00:00:25,291 and insuring Jacksonville's cultural life in the future. 5 00:00:26,926 --> 00:00:29,129 They wanted to support the efforts of students 6 00:00:29,129 --> 00:00:32,165 to become both practicing partners in and [inaudible] appreciation 7 00:00:33,433 --> 00:00:35,001 for the fine and performing arts. 8 00:00:35,001 --> 00:00:36,302 The Lazzara 9 00:00:36,436 --> 00:00:40,407 family's generosity will provide scholarship support for talented 10 00:00:40,607 --> 00:00:44,344 and deserving students that will help create an outstanding 11 00:00:44,344 --> 00:00:46,880 teaching and learning environment for all the fine arts disciplines. 12 00:00:48,982 --> 00:00:52,419 The university will be able to leverage their philanthropy 13 00:00:52,419 --> 00:00:55,555 through state matching funds to create a total gift 14 00:00:55,555 --> 00:01:00,226 of 2,375,000. 15 00:01:00,226 --> 00:01:04,397 [audience 16 00:01:04,397 --> 00:01:08,568 clapping]. 17 00:01:08,568 --> 00:01:13,540 In recognition 18 00:01:13,706 --> 00:01:17,944 of this magnificent commitment, the University of North Florida will name 19 00:01:18,144 --> 00:01:21,548 the main performance hall in honor of the Lazzaras. 20 00:01:21,548 --> 00:01:25,452 Irene and Gasper, we're deeply grateful to you 21 00:01:25,452 --> 00:01:29,689 for your generosity and for your vision by making leadership 22 00:01:30,490 --> 00:01:34,094 commitment to UNF's first capital campaign, Access to Excellence. 23 00:01:35,428 --> 00:01:36,729 You will help us become one 24 00:01:36,729 --> 00:01:39,732 of the truly fine public comprehensive universities in the country. 25 00:01:41,367 --> 00:01:46,439 I hope you will tell us what inspired you to such a wonderful gift. 26 00:01:46,639 --> 00:01:47,507 Irene. 27 00:01:49,843 --> 00:01:53,346 [inaudible] [audience laughing]. 28 00:01:53,346 --> 00:01:57,684 Thank you Dr. 29 00:01:57,684 --> 00:01:58,151 Hopkins. 30 00:01:58,151 --> 00:02:01,054 I'm very glad to be here to day to give my family support 31 00:02:01,054 --> 00:02:02,188 to this fine arts program and this wonderful facility. 32 00:02:02,188 --> 00:02:08,561 Irene, [inaudible] and I [inaudible] took up residence 33 00:02:08,561 --> 00:02:13,700 since 1985, [inaudible]. 34 00:02:15,969 --> 00:02:19,405 My son Andrew is a senior here at UNF. 35 00:02:20,073 --> 00:02:22,675 All of us are very excited 36 00:02:22,675 --> 00:02:24,777 to help develop the student cultural center 37 00:02:24,777 --> 00:02:28,348 that is close to the beach community, but is still accessible 38 00:02:28,348 --> 00:02:31,885 to all of Jacksonville. 39 00:02:31,885 --> 00:02:36,389 [inaudible] I'm going to ask her to say a few words 40 00:02:36,389 --> 00:02:41,861 on all of our behalf. 41 00:02:41,861 --> 00:02:47,667 Thank you very much. 42 00:02:47,667 --> 00:02:49,836 [audience clapping]. 43 00:02:49,836 --> 00:02:54,908 I would also like to thank you all for joining in celebration. 44 00:02:54,908 --> 00:03:00,213 As my husband expressed, our family is proud to be able 45 00:03:00,213 --> 00:03:05,218 to contribute to this university and our community in this way. 46 00:03:06,553 --> 00:03:08,688 The education and enlightenment 47 00:03:09,022 --> 00:03:11,925 that comes with the accessibility to a university 48 00:03:11,925 --> 00:03:18,298 such as UNF impacts 49 00:03:18,298 --> 00:03:22,268 not only the student body, but our community as well. 50 00:03:22,268 --> 00:03:26,472 The speakers and events attendance at a university, often introduce us 51 00:03:26,839 --> 00:03:31,044 to subjects that push the envelope so to speak and help us 52 00:03:31,044 --> 00:03:35,982 to step out of our comfort zone while being introduced to opinions and ideas. 53 00:03:37,283 --> 00:03:41,888 It is hard to imagine a civilized society without art and music. 54 00:03:41,888 --> 00:03:45,692 It touches us all in a very personal way, 55 00:03:46,125 --> 00:03:48,828 as well as uniting us as a society. 56 00:03:50,029 --> 00:03:52,098 Each of us probably 57 00:03:52,098 --> 00:03:57,670 has our own definition of what constitutes a good art. 58 00:03:57,670 --> 00:04:01,241 That is one of the most wonderful things about art, 59 00:04:02,175 --> 00:04:05,044 whether we are an educated critic 60 00:04:05,044 --> 00:04:10,483 or someone who only knows that hey, I really like this. 61 00:04:10,483 --> 00:04:15,321 We own our own taste and opinions. 62 00:04:15,321 --> 00:04:20,093 Perhaps many artists, both visual and performing, start with a gift, 63 00:04:20,760 --> 00:04:24,897 but it takes many years of hard work to perfect their art. 64 00:04:26,332 --> 00:04:27,233 The term 65 00:04:27,233 --> 00:04:31,537 starving artist undoubtedly has something [audible] with reality. 66 00:04:32,972 --> 00:04:35,575 Although fame and forture 67 00:04:35,575 --> 00:04:38,278 is one goal to shoot for, it 68 00:04:38,278 --> 00:04:42,715 seldom is the primary motivating factor in an artist's life. 69 00:04:44,450 --> 00:04:45,885 Think about our own enjoyment of the arts. 70 00:04:47,320 --> 00:04:50,089 Simple things wandering through a gallery? 71 00:04:50,089 --> 00:04:50,556 Or a museum? 72 00:04:50,556 --> 00:04:53,259 Strolling through a sculpture garden. 73 00:04:53,259 --> 00:04:57,096 Listening to music in the park, turning on the radio? 74 00:04:57,096 --> 00:04:57,864 Putting in a CD. 75 00:04:59,332 --> 00:05:01,501 We all take these things for granted. 76 00:05:02,835 --> 00:05:05,905 Enjoyment of the arts is not a requirement. 77 00:05:07,407 --> 00:05:09,609 It usually won't help us 78 00:05:09,609 --> 00:05:12,111 to get a better job or make a larger salary. 79 00:05:13,880 --> 00:05:18,418 It is one of the things in life that's often comes free to us 80 00:05:18,751 --> 00:05:23,189 as individuals and as a joy for no other reason. 81 00:05:24,023 --> 00:05:25,792 then the sake of the enjoyment itself. 82 00:05:27,360 --> 00:05:28,961 However, the 83 00:05:28,961 --> 00:05:33,933 perpetuation of the arts does not come free to society. 84 00:05:33,933 --> 00:05:38,071 As taxpayers that support our state's 85 00:05:38,271 --> 00:05:42,575 university's budget for the arts and it's private contributers, 86 00:05:43,676 --> 00:05:47,080 we send a clear message to our future artists 87 00:05:47,080 --> 00:05:50,683 that we value what they offer to us. 88 00:05:50,683 --> 00:05:53,853 This message and our support 89 00:05:54,287 --> 00:05:55,822 is what will insure the future of the arts 90 00:05:56,989 --> 00:05:58,424 in our community and network. 91 00:05:58,424 --> 00:05:58,558 Thank you. 92 00:05:58,558 --> 00:05:58,725 [audience clapping]. 93 00:06:14,807 --> 00:06:17,643 At this time, I would like to introduce Dr. 94 00:06:17,643 --> 00:06:22,582 Hank Ham, our dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. 95 00:06:22,582 --> 00:06:26,486 [audience clapping]. 96 00:06:26,486 --> 00:06:29,389 Thank you, [inaudible]. 97 00:06:29,389 --> 00:06:33,860 I'd like to start by expressing our grateful 98 00:06:33,860 --> 00:06:38,131 thanks for Gaspar and Irene Lazzara for their gift. 99 00:06:38,131 --> 00:06:42,034 It is truly a magnificent gesture, and it'll be something 100 00:06:42,068 --> 00:06:45,772 that this institutions's community will enjoy for a long, long time. 101 00:06:45,772 --> 00:06:49,442 [inaudible] will be there forever. 102 00:06:49,642 --> 00:06:52,278 And we are so grateful to that. 103 00:06:52,278 --> 00:06:56,516 We really appreciate it. 104 00:06:56,516 --> 00:06:58,651 [audience clapping]. 105 00:06:58,651 --> 00:07:00,720 You know, as a sociologist, it's 106 00:07:00,720 --> 00:07:02,622 fun to learn about people when you get to know them. 107 00:07:02,622 --> 00:07:05,525 I've had a chance to interact with the Lazzaras on a number of occasions. 108 00:07:05,525 --> 00:07:08,861 During that time, I've come to learn about 109 00:07:09,695 --> 00:07:13,599 and experience how our lives have crossed many paths.[inaudible] 110 00:07:13,599 --> 00:07:19,105 I got to talk with her and discovered that I realized we share a common past. 111 00:07:19,105 --> 00:07:20,239 That is that we are both graduates 112 00:07:20,239 --> 00:07:20,440 of Illinois State University so we have two redbirds 113 00:07:20,440 --> 00:07:26,179 sitting here in the Osprey hall, so it's quite magnificent. 114 00:07:27,313 --> 00:07:30,149 And I also discovered we have a provost who was a faculty member 115 00:07:30,149 --> 00:07:35,288 at Illinois State University, so they [inaudible]. 116 00:07:35,288 --> 00:07:39,325 It's an interesting experience. 117 00:07:39,325 --> 00:07:44,063 Also, I want to briefly comment and a special thanks to Dr. 118 00:07:44,063 --> 00:07:46,199 [inaudible] who was able to make 119 00:07:46,199 --> 00:07:47,800 it. Lou, will you stand a second? 120 00:07:47,800 --> 00:07:49,035 [audience clapping]. 121 00:07:57,043 --> 00:07:59,879 We're so grateful for his fine work while he was here. 122 00:07:59,879 --> 00:08:02,748 Also, I want to ask the faculty 123 00:08:02,748 --> 00:08:05,985 who will be working and performing in this fine facility, 124 00:08:05,985 --> 00:08:11,591 if they would stand, faculty in communication, visual arts and music. 125 00:08:11,591 --> 00:08:15,761 Will they 126 00:08:15,761 --> 00:08:18,865 stand, please? 127 00:08:18,865 --> 00:08:20,433 [audience clapping]. 128 00:08:20,433 --> 00:08:23,636 And finally, [inaudible] bricks and mortar is not the heart 129 00:08:23,636 --> 00:08:24,537 and soul of the university. 130 00:08:24,537 --> 00:08:25,671 It provides a setting, 131 00:08:25,671 --> 00:08:29,742 this is a magnificent setting, but the heart and soul of our faculty 132 00:08:30,510 --> 00:08:32,245 and works with our students and our primary purpose of being here 133 00:08:32,245 --> 00:08:36,082 is with the students and their education and the start of their tremendous lives. 134 00:08:36,082 --> 00:08:39,886 So, I would like the students who are in fine arts, 135 00:08:39,886 --> 00:08:45,591 please stand and be recognized. 136 00:08:45,591 --> 00:08:48,027 [audience clapping]. 137 00:08:48,027 --> 00:08:51,063 I look forward to many wonderful experiences 138 00:08:51,063 --> 00:08:54,867 in this fine auditorium. 139 00:08:54,867 --> 00:08:56,769 Thank you. 140 00:08:56,769 --> 00:08:58,671 [audience clapping]. 141 00:08:58,671 --> 00:09:02,875 Our next speaker is Tommy 142 00:09:02,875 --> 00:09:06,112 Sorkin Howard, a member of the UNF Foundation Board. 143 00:09:06,112 --> 00:09:09,649 He currently serves as an investment and finance committee 144 00:09:10,016 --> 00:09:14,487 and heads up and has had a long time relationship with UNF and has been 145 00:09:14,487 --> 00:09:18,991 on the College of Business Administration Advisory Board. 146 00:09:18,991 --> 00:09:20,626 Howard. 147 00:09:20,626 --> 00:09:23,796 Thank you Pierre. Good morning, everyone. 148 00:09:24,196 --> 00:09:27,466 Irene and Gaspar, this is an exceptional day 149 00:09:27,967 --> 00:09:29,669 for this great University of North Florida. 150 00:09:29,669 --> 00:09:33,773 On behalf of the foundation board, I wish to thank you most sincerely 151 00:09:33,773 --> 00:09:37,376 for your extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to UNF. 152 00:09:38,311 --> 00:09:41,747 This gift is this truly is the pinnacle of philanthropy. 153 00:09:42,481 --> 00:09:44,884 I'm especially delighted to represent UNF Foundation 154 00:09:46,185 --> 00:09:48,554 to share this celebration. 155 00:09:48,554 --> 00:09:51,958 Over the years I've watched how UNF has grown 156 00:09:51,958 --> 00:09:55,728 from an upper division university to a leading educational institution 157 00:09:56,963 --> 00:09:58,264 in the state of Florida. 158 00:09:58,264 --> 00:10:03,803 Much of this success is due to individuals who believe in what we do 159 00:10:03,803 --> 00:10:07,406 and want to be part of transforming 160 00:10:07,406 --> 00:10:10,009 higher education in Northeast Florida. 161 00:10:10,576 --> 00:10:13,779 This of course would not be accomplished without private support. 162 00:10:13,779 --> 00:10:18,951 Benefactors have the spirit and the resources to make a gift 163 00:10:18,951 --> 00:10:24,790 of this magnitude and believe that UNF are part of our exciting future. 164 00:10:25,858 --> 00:10:27,627 We are standing in a building 165 00:10:27,627 --> 00:10:31,063 that is here because of donors like this the Lazzaras. 166 00:10:31,063 --> 00:10:35,701 Citizens who care about our community and believe in the critical role 167 00:10:35,701 --> 00:10:39,305 that UNF plays to enhance our lives. 168 00:10:39,305 --> 00:10:44,844 Because of the Lazzaras, UNF is now poised to be one of the leading 169 00:10:44,844 --> 00:10:48,714 fine and performing arts programs in the state of Florida. 170 00:10:49,315 --> 00:10:52,685 The cultural and artistic component of the university 171 00:10:53,119 --> 00:10:56,022 will now be a major force that will shape 172 00:10:56,288 --> 00:10:59,058 and define our community in the years to come. 173 00:11:00,226 --> 00:11:02,528 Since 1972, 174 00:11:02,528 --> 00:11:06,232 the Community has pledged its support of UNF. 175 00:11:06,232 --> 00:11:08,868 More than $50 million 176 00:11:09,335 --> 00:11:12,138 has been raised in support of student scholarship, 177 00:11:12,672 --> 00:11:15,041 faculty, program enhancements 178 00:11:15,341 --> 00:11:18,077 and facilities in the past 28 years. 179 00:11:18,644 --> 00:11:22,314 Moreover, we are currently in a campaign to raise 180 00:11:22,748 --> 00:11:25,584 $65 million in gifts and pledges. 181 00:11:25,584 --> 00:11:30,356 Through this week, UNF has raised $45 million. 182 00:11:30,356 --> 00:11:35,361 Irene and Gaspar's gift is included as part of the campaign 183 00:11:35,361 --> 00:11:38,030 we call Access to Excellence. 184 00:11:38,631 --> 00:11:41,300 I want to thank the community and the donors 185 00:11:41,300 --> 00:11:44,704 that are with us today for such a great support. 186 00:11:44,704 --> 00:11:49,008 Thank you again, Irene and Gaspar for your extraordinary 187 00:11:49,241 --> 00:11:52,778 generosity. 188 00:11:52,778 --> 00:11:56,282 [audience 189 00:11:56,282 --> 00:11:59,819 clapping]. 190 00:11:59,819 --> 00:12:05,124 As we conclude our program this morning, 191 00:12:06,392 --> 00:12:09,528 I would like to recognize several Bruces in our audience. 192 00:12:10,596 --> 00:12:14,433 First of all, we do have some UNF foundation board members. 193 00:12:14,433 --> 00:12:19,105 I'd like to ask them to stand. 194 00:12:19,105 --> 00:12:21,107 Bruce Bower. Bruce [inaudible]. 195 00:12:21,107 --> 00:12:23,309 Thank you. 196 00:12:23,309 --> 00:12:27,012 [audience clapping]. 197 00:12:27,012 --> 00:12:31,550 We also have some donors to this facility. 198 00:12:31,550 --> 00:12:33,452 Are the [inaudible] here? 199 00:12:33,452 --> 00:12:35,921 No. Ok. 200 00:12:35,921 --> 00:12:39,825 Lastly, I'd like to just thank our staff, [inaudible], 201 00:12:39,825 --> 00:12:44,063 the president's office, [inaudible] my office. 202 00:12:44,563 --> 00:12:49,001 And Elizabeth [inaudible] development officers 203 00:12:49,668 --> 00:12:52,505 searching to find private support for this facility. 204 00:12:53,506 --> 00:12:59,111 Recognize them please. 205 00:12:59,111 --> 00:13:02,815 [audience clapping]. 206 00:13:02,815 --> 00:13:07,353 Irene, we did want to have something for you 207 00:13:07,353 --> 00:13:12,792 and we have a student, Clarence Hines who would like to make a presentation. 208 00:13:12,792 --> 00:13:13,325 Clarence. [audience clapping]. 209 00:13:13,325 --> 00:13:14,093 Clarence is a trombone major. 210 00:13:14,093 --> 00:13:14,326 [audience clapping]. 211 00:13:32,278 --> 00:13:33,746 Now, I would like to invite 212 00:13:33,746 --> 00:13:38,117 all of you to a reception in the Robinson theater and you will exit to your right 213 00:13:38,117 --> 00:13:43,889 through those large doors and then there will be someone to guide you. 214 00:13:43,889 --> 00:13:44,657 You will go to the back of the Robinson theater 215 00:13:44,657 --> 00:13:51,497 and you will get a first hand opportunity 216 00:13:51,964 --> 00:13:54,867 to compare the old theater to the new theater and see the difference 217 00:13:56,035 --> 00:13:58,637 and you'll walk through the front 218 00:13:58,637 --> 00:14:01,874 building which will be the lobby and we'll have the reception there. 219 00:14:03,742 --> 00:14:06,245 Thank you again for being with us this morning, 220 00:14:06,579 --> 00:14:41,714 and would you please join me one last time 221 00:14:41,714 --> 00:14:47,853 and recognize 222 00:14:47,853 --> 00:14:50,890 Irene 223 00:14:50,890 --> 00:14:57,029 and Gapsar. 224 00:14:57,029 --> 00:15:00,099 [auidence 225 00:15:00,099 --> 00:15:03,135 clapping]. 226 00:15:03,135 --> 00:15:06,205 [Music 227 00:15:06,205 --> 00:15:09,275 playing].