蘑菇TV

蘑菇TV Foundation, Inc. 
Upcoming Meeting Dates

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Board of Directors

9:00 AM 

• December 9, 2026 - Lutgert Hall, Room 1201
• March 3, 2027 - TBD
• June 2, 2027 - TBD

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Audit Committee

10:30 AM - Campus Support Complex, Room 14

• October 21, 2026
• April 14, 2027

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Development Committee

3:30 PM - Campus Support Complex, Room 14

• November 5, 2026
• February 4, 2027
• May 6, 2027

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Executive Committee

12:00 PM - Campus Support Complex, Room 14

• November 19, 2026
• February 18, 2027
• May 20, 2027

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Finance Committee

9:00 AM - Campus Support Complex, Room 14

• November 12, 2026
• February 11, 2027
• May 13, 2027

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Nominating & Governance Committee

1:00 PM - Campus Support Complex, Room 14

• November 5, 2026
• February 4, 2027
• May 6, 2027

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Real Estate Committee

Campus Support Complex, Room 14

Meetings Scheduled as Needed

FBOD Gift Requirement Subcommittee

Campus Support Complex, Room 14

• October 30, 2026 - 2:00pm

August 6, 2024

Colleagues, 

I am pleased to share with you that Katie Cribbs has accepted the Assistant Vice President of Communications position overseeing media relations, social media, video production and sports information within University Marketing & Communications.  This is the position formerly held by Kyle McCurry, reporting to the Associate Vice President for Marketing & Communications.   Some of you may have already worked with Katie in her role as Assistant Director of Media and Public Relations, which she has held for the last eighteen months.  She did a tremendous job in that position, orchestrating news coverage that put 蘑菇TV in the national spotlight, including featured spots on CNN, CBS News, Washington Post, New York Times and NPR. 

Katie is an expert communicator with more than two decades of experience working with multimedia journalists.  She spent 17 years at WINK News, the last dozen as Executive Producer for award-winning newscasts and investigations. She worked with Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties on public relations before joining 蘑菇TV鈥檚 University Marketing & Communications in February 2023.

I am confident that Katie will help us grow our visibility in Southwest Florida and beyond.  Please join me in congratulating her and wishing her well!

August 7, 2024

Colleagues,

As President Timur noted in her communication to campus this week, 蘑菇TV is conducting an online brand survey in partnership with BVK, a marketing firm that specializes in higher education. The survey is designed for you to share your attitudes and opinions of 蘑菇TV. 

Your input is critical to the success of this project. To ensure confidentiality, responses will be submitted directly to BVK. Your responses will remain anonymous and will only be reported in aggregate with others.

As an added incentive, you qualify to enter a drawing for a chance to win one of fifty $25 Amazon gift cards from our marketing partner BVK.

Full drawing rules are available

I hope you will choose to participate in this brief survey which should take about 10 minutes to complete. As 鈥渋nsiders鈥� you know 蘑菇TV well. Your opinions will help us to shape the look and feel of future messaging to highlight this University as the special place it is.

If you have questions, please contact Deborah Wiltrout, Interim Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications at dwiltrout@fgcu.edu.

August 8, 2024

Hello 蘑菇TV Students,

As President Timur noted in her communication to campus last week, 蘑菇TV is conducting an online brand survey as part of a comprehensive market research study by the university in partnership with BVK, a marketing firm specializing in higher education. The survey is designed for you to share your attitudes and opinions of 蘑菇TV. If you haven鈥檛 yet taken the survey, now is the time!

As a thank you for participating, you will qualify to enter a drawing for a chance to win one of fifty $25 Amazon gift cards.

Full drawing rules are available

Your input is critical to the success of this project. To ensure confidentiality, responses will be submitted directly to BVK. Your responses will remain anonymous and will only be reported in aggregate with others.

I hope you will choose to participate in this brief survey which should take about 10 minutes to complete. As a current student your opinion is extremely valuable to us and by sharing it you will help us shape the look and feel of future messaging to highlight this University as the special place it is.

If you have questions, please contact Deborah Wiltrout, Interim Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications @dwiltrout@fgcu.edu

August 12, 2024

I鈥檓 reaching out with a friendly reminder that you have been invited to take a survey to share your attitudes and opinions of 蘑菇TV.

We would greatly appreciate your input so if you have not already taken the survey, please do so before 8/28.

It should take you about 10 minutes to complete.

If you have already taken the survey, we thank you for your participation. If you have not, please take it

August 12, 2024

I鈥檓 reaching out with a friendly reminder that you have been invited to take a survey to share your attitudes and opinions of 蘑菇TV.

We would greatly appreciate your input so if you have not already taken the survey, please do so before 8/28.

It should take you about 10 minutes to complete. As a thank you for participating, you will qualify to enter a drawing for a chance to win one of fifty $25 Amazon gift cards.

If you have already taken the survey, we thank you for your participation. If you have not, please take it

Full drawing rules are available

August 19, 2024

Colleagues, 

I am pleased to share that Graham Diemer, the chief development officer for Athletics, is joining the University Advancement team August 26. Graham will continue with his responsibilities to generate resources for 蘑菇TV鈥檚 Athletics program and our student-athletes. Graham has collaborated with Advancement for years, and now will be able to fully focus on major gift fundraising under the direction of Cindy Learned.

As part of this realignment, Athletics will now have one deputy athletics director. This role will continue to be filled by Lauren Leister, the chief operating officer who oversees finance, operations and sports medicine.

I am confident this realignment will help to generate more resources to position our athletic program for greatness. Please join me in welcoming Graham to Advancement!

August 22, 2024

Dear 蘑菇TV community,

蘑菇TV is rolling out the use of new digital signs across campus this fall, and the first of these signs - located at the south entrance to campus - will go live within the next few days.

The digital signs are being installed in the following locations:

• Main campus entrance (蘑菇TV Boulevard)
• North campus entrance (蘑菇TV Lake Parkway West)
• South campus entrance (South Village Boulevard)
• Outside the Cohen Student Union

This initiative aims to enhance communication, welcome guests, promote campus events and games, provide real-time emergency information, and create a more dynamic and informative campus experience for everyone. Future phases will include additional campus signage and facility directories.

University Marketing & Communications is managing the content for the signs and will be working to establish guidelines and a process for gathering content from our campus community. We appreciate your patience as we work through the early stages of this project.

This initiative will significantly improve how we share information and keep everyone informed. We look forward to your input and support.

September 17, 2024

Dear 蘑菇TV Colleagues,

As faculty and staff members, we all play a vital role in creating pathways for 蘑菇TV students to thrive as engaged, responsible, global citizens. Successfully financing 蘑菇TV鈥檚 mission is essential to maximizing our impact in that regard. As one of 12 public universities in Florida, we rely heavily on state appropriations, tuition and fees, grants, as well as fees from contracted services (like food services and bookstore sales) for 蘑菇TV's overall financial sustainability.

Those funding sources are substantial, but also limited in scope. Philanthropic support from generous donors is what allows more students to graduate with less debt, participate in extracurricular activities, and engage in high-impact practices that make for the most effective and memorable experiences. Gifts to the 蘑菇TV Foundation may also cover other costs the state doesn鈥檛 鈥� like food and beverages 鈥� that we as faculty and staff enjoy.

As a valued member of 蘑菇TV鈥檚 faculty and staff, your support makes a powerful statement about your belief in our mission, so please consider a gift today.

The 蘑菇TV Foundation is making it easier for you to browse over 60 areas of philanthropic support by launching a new . Whether your passion lies with an 蘑菇TV college or school, or with programs like Azul鈥檚 Attire, CAPS, 蘑菇TV Athletics, ROCK Center, Veterans Entrepreneurship and more, I hope you are inspired to give and to spread the word to your friends. Many 蘑菇TV employees donate through payroll deduction and this new platform makes that even easier to do!

If you have questions about your personal giving or if you have fundraising ideas to share, please contact Vince Modarelli, Director of Annual and Leadership Giving, at extension 4437 or vmodarelli@fgcu.edu.

October 21, 2024

Hello Colleagues,

I am very pleased to say that we have filled the position of Associate Vice President for University Marketing & Communications.  Larry Bender will begin work at 蘑菇TV on Monday, October 28, reporting to me. 

Larry is a graduate of the Parsons School of Design and has served Drexel University for 25 years in various creative and management roles within enrollment management and university marketing and communications.  He has deep experience in leading teams to develop strategic, data-driven, multi-channel marketing campaigns targeting community, local and national audiences.  Larry is respected at Drexel for being thoughtful, strategic and collaborative.

I am grateful to the panel that was so helpful in vetting the candidates and sharing their perspectives: Dr. Chris Westley, Jorge Lopez, Kim Wallace, Deborah Wiltrout, Dr. Senthil Girimurugan and Lauren Leister.  We unanimously agreed that Larry is the right person to take 蘑菇TV鈥檚 marketing and communications to the next level.

I am also indebted to Deborah Wiltrout, who graciously emerged from retirement to lead the team on an interim basis. She bridged the leadership gap masterfully and helped the team continue their great work without missing a beat.  Deborah will remain available to Larry as needed to ensure a smooth transition.

We will be scheduling appointments for Larry to meet key people on campus, but please don鈥檛 hesitate to reach out and welcome Larry to 蘑菇TV.

October 22, 2024

Dear Faculty and Staff,

We are excited to announce the 2025 Alumni Awards, honoring the outstanding achievements of alumni and showcasing the impact and value of an 蘑菇TV degree. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate those who have made a significant impact in their fields and communities. 

We invite you to  by Friday, November 1, for the following categories: 

1. Alumni of Distinction: This is the most prestigious award the association bestows upon a graduate. It honors alumni who have upheld the tradition of excellence through their personal accomplishment, professional achievement and/or humanitarian service.
2. Soaring Eagle: A graduate from each college will be honored for outstanding achievement or service in their professional or volunteer life. New for 2025, Soaring Eagle Awardees do not have to be within 10 years of graduation. One graduate from each college, plus the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship and The Water School, will be awarded.
3. Alumni Business of the Year: Awarded to an alumni-owned or alumni-founded business for their commitment to the community and/or 蘑菇TV. 

Submit your nomination . 

Award winners will be announced virtually January 7, 2025, and honored at the Alumni Awards Celebration during Homecoming January 31, 2025.

Your insights and recommendations are invaluable in helping us recognize our remarkable alumni. Let鈥檚 come together to honor those who continue to inspire us and make a difference.

November 6, 2024

Hello Colleagues,

蘑菇TV Advancement is providing faculty and staff with updates on our campus鈥� digital sign and branding campaign projects, as well as a request for more instructors and topics for the 蘑菇TV Academy. Read on for more information!

Digital Signage

Three of our digital signs are up and running, and we anticipate the Cohen Student Union sign will become operational shortly. The signs are designed to share university announcements, events and emergency messages with our campus community and visitors. I hope you agree they are a welcome addition to campus! Thanks to everyone who played a role in bringing this project to life - it鈥檚 been a true campus-wide effort. University Marketing & Communications will be responsible for managing the content featured on the digital signs and has put a process and guidelines in place for university departments to submit requests. If you would like to submit a request, visit the .

蘑菇TV Branding Campaign

As previously announced, the university is working with BVK, a nationally known marketing agency in the higher education space, to help 蘑菇TV amplify our brand in the region, state and beyond. This will be a broad 鈥渦mbrella鈥� campaign that can be tailored for use by colleges and divisions and should be usable for three to five years.  A campus steering committee representing most areas of the university has been instrumental in sharing their perspectives and giving feedback thorough the research phase and initial creative concepts. We will also present the creative concepts to each of our shared governance groups over the next month to solicit the campus鈥� feedback for the final campaign development. We want the campaign to truly reflect our shared purpose and 蘑菇TV鈥檚 unique position in our community and state!

蘑菇TV Academy

蘑菇TV Academy is seeking new faculty and staff lecturers and topics to keep the program varied, dynamic and interesting. Lectures are offered in Lee and Collier counties, are 90 minutes in length and pay 蘑菇TV faculty and staff $150 per lecture. Please consider lecturing for this program so we can engage the community with the best and brightest 蘑菇TV has to offer. If you are interested, contact John Guerra, the director of 蘑菇TV Academy, at jguerra@fgcu.edu. Please provide suggested lecture titles, descriptions and contact information. Attached is the January - May 2024 program guide to provide some inspiration. For more information, visit 

Thank you for all you do.

December 12, 2024

Good morning,

If you are an employee who will be collecting donations or opening mail during and after the university鈥檚 holiday break, it is essential that the 蘑菇TV Foundation knows the date a gift is received for IRS purposes at the end of the calendar year.

A donation deposited after December 31, 2024, can only be credited to the 2024 calendar year if we have a postdated envelope or evidence to support that the gift left the donor鈥檚 possession prior to midnight on December 31, 2024. For this reason, please retain and forward to the Foundation office all envelopes along with checks for donations received starting December 13, 2024.

For hand-delivered checks or cash donations (i.e. does not include a postdated envelope), send a brief email to advancement@fgcu.edu prior to January 1, 2025,  stating the following:

1. Check number
2. Name on the check
3. Check/cash amount
4. Purpose of the donation

We will consider emails received prior to January 1, 2025, as confirmation that the donation was received in 2024.

Note: Checks without an envelope or any supporting documentation as described above received in the Foundation office after the holiday break will be considered a 2025 donation.

In-kind or non-cash donations: The attached in-kind gift acceptance form will need to be completed for any non-cash or non-check donations. Non-cash (in-kind) donated items must be in the possession of the 蘑菇TV department鈥檚 representative prior to January 1, 2025, for it to be credited as a 2024 donation. Possession of the donated item should be documented on the 鈥淥bject(s) Received By鈥� line of the attached form.

If you have any questions, contact Susan Wulber at (239) 745-4761 or email advancement@fgcu.edu.

December 13, 2024

Dear Eagles,

Thank you to all the 蘑菇TV faculty and staff who lecture for the FCCU Academy. For those yet to do so, we would like to extend an enthusiastic invitation for you to join us.  Click here to view the 蘑菇TV Academy Winter/Spring 2025 (January - May) Program Guide of Lifelong Learning & Enrichment Programs. Help us enrich the community and showcase the remarkable talent and ability of our faculty and staff. Please share the link with family, friends and acquaintances who might be looking for ways to become a part of the 蘑菇TV family. Our programs are open to everyone at more than 21 locations in Southwest Florida.

January 14, 2025

Hello Colleagues,

Give Day is 蘑菇TV鈥檚 annual 24-hour period where our community comes together to raise funds, compete for prizes and foster 蘑菇TV spirit. 蘑菇TV Give Day 2025 begins at noon March 26 and ends at noon March 27. This year, the 蘑菇TV Foundation has replaced its traditional employee appeal with this singular effort to inspire employee philanthropy along with our communities.

We invite you to join our Give Day 2025 Fundraiser Team! To represent your area as a fundraiser for 蘑菇TV Give Day 2025, your fundraising appeal must be directed to an established 蘑菇TV Foundation account. before February 7.

蘑菇TV Give Day financially supports many areas of campus through excellence in crowdfunding, which is the practice of raising funds from a large number of people. Successful Give Day fundraisers effectively promote 蘑菇TV Give Day via email and social media in alignment with your area鈥檚 funding priorities. Give Day fundraisers commit to:

• Attending a web-based Give Day training
• Refreshing your area鈥檚 page on 蘑菇TV鈥檚 crowdfunding platform
• Recruiting more Give Day 鈥渋nfluencers鈥� from among your area鈥檚 students, employees and stakeholders

Submit your application to participate in 蘑菇TV鈥檚 Give Day 2025 . Upon acceptance, you will be welcomed to the Give Day Fundraising Team and invited to a kickoff event. If you have any questions, contact Vince Modarelli, director of Annual and Leadership Giving, at ext. 4437 or vmodarelli@fgcu.edu.

As a valued member of 蘑菇TV鈥檚 faculty and staff, your philanthropic support makes a powerful statement about your belief in our mission, so please consider participating.

The Give Day planning team is already hard at work securing cash challenges and lucrative prizes, so this is an excellent opportunity to raise funds and win prize money for your area of 蘑菇TV.

Wings Up for 蘑菇TV Give Day 2025!

March 10, 2025

Dear Eagles,

Travel the world with 蘑菇TV Academy in 2025 and 2026! Through unique, affordable and interesting itineraries, 蘑菇TV Academy travel guests have the opportunity to experience life outside the classroom, visit historic sites with local guides, experience another culture 鈥� its customs, cuisine, language and history 鈥� and delight in conversation and laughter with fellow explorers who share a love of travel and a sense of adventure. These concierge-style excursions are sure to impress and delight you. Join other Southwest Floridians as they explore the world and invite your friends and family to join the adventure!

View the attachment to learn more about the upcoming excursions and visit to reserve a spot for your next vacation.

April 1, 2025

Greetings, Colleagues!

First, congratulations to everyone who raised funds for their areas during 蘑菇TV Give Day 2025, and thank you to the 1,346 donors who generously supported an area they are passionate about! This year, the annual giving team added a passport challenge for students to learn about philanthropy and support their favorite area. It was a hit! Look for student involvement to grow in subsequent years as we continue to nurture a culture of philanthropy at 蘑菇TV. If you have ideas or suggestions, email Vince Modarelli at vmodarelli@fgcu.edu.  

Second, spring commencement is drawing near, and University Marketing & Communications needs your help to identify great stories to share with the media to celebrate our upcoming graduates. Here are some categories to consider when identifying unique students:

• Courageous pursuit of a degree in the face of great odds
• Inspirational success or achievement
• Family ties within the graduating class (e.g., twins, mom and child, etc.)
• Unique opportunity after graduation (e.g., Peace Corps, Fortune 500, etc.)
• Special honors (e.g., scholarships for law school, medical school, etc.)

If you have suggestions, please send the student鈥檚 name, telephone and email address, including home city or county, and a brief synopsis of the unique story to mediarelations@fgcu.edu no later than 5 p.m. Friday, April 11. Please make sure students are comfortable sharing their stories before emailing. Thank you for your help!

Last, you may see lights and cameras around campus this week. Our marketing firm will be filming the video for 蘑菇TV鈥檚 new brand campaign. The campaign will launch in the fall. We can鈥檛 wait to see it!

Wings Up!

April 14, 2025

Dear 蘑菇TV Faculty and Staff,

I am pleased to share with you an incredible opportunity provided by the 蘑菇TV Foundation that can make a significant difference in our students鈥� academic journey.

In concert with the university鈥檚 strategic plan, we plan to grow that support this year and in subsequent years. Last year alone, the 蘑菇TV Foundation awarded over $7 million in scholarships. To be considered for these scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year, all students must complete the 蘑菇TV Foundation Scholarship application by May 1.

The foundation offers over 500 different scholarships, each catering to a diverse range of students, from undergraduates to graduates, across various disciplines. These scholarships are not solely for students with financial need. In fact, there are scholarships for a wide variety of interests and achievements, including academic performance, volunteerism, research, specific coursework, life experiences and more.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to be recognized and supported for their individual strengths and contributions. I ask our faculty and staff to share this information with students in your classrooms, offices and organizations so we can ensure as many students as possible benefit from these resources.

At 蘑菇TV, we are committed to helping students succeed, and scholarships from the 蘑菇TV Foundation are an essential part of that mission. I look forward to seeing the amazing things our students will achieve with this support!

April 14, 2025

Dear 蘑菇TV Students,

Last year, the 蘑菇TV Foundation awarded over $7 million in scholarships to our students, and we plan to grow that support. The deadline to apply for the 2025-26 academic year is May 1.

Don鈥檛 miss out! You have about two more weeks to fill out the 蘑菇TV Foundation Scholarship application!

蘑菇TV the scholarships:

• The foundation offers over 500 scholarships, and they are not solely for students with financial need!
• Scholarships are available to undergraduates to graduates across various disciplines and interests, including academic performance, volunteerism, research, specific coursework, life experiences and more!
• You only need to fill out one application!

For more information, visit the 蘑菇TV Foundation Scholarships website.

I encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this remarkable opportunity. I look forward to seeing the amazing things you will achieve with this support!

May 15, 2025

Dear 蘑菇TV Faculty and Staff,

In alignment with our commitment to student success and community engagement, I鈥檓 pleased to share that Alumni Relations is launching the 蘑菇TV Mentoring Program 鈥� a new, university-wide initiative designed to connect students with 蘑菇TV alumni and community professionals through meaningful, semester-long mentorships.

Beginning fall 2025, the 蘑菇TV Mentoring Program will pair students with mentors based on shared academic and career interests. Open to students of all majors and class years, the program is intended to support career exploration, personal growth and professional readiness. Mentors and mentees will meet regularly throughout the semester, with structured guidance, training and support provided to both participants.

Key Dates:

• May 15 鈥� Applications open for mentors and mentees
• Summer 2025 鈥� Mentor recruitment and training
• September 12 鈥� Mentee and mentor sign-up deadline
• Fall 2025 鈥� Mentorships begin

How You Can Help:

• Encourage students to apply, especially those who could benefit from early career conversations
• Refer alumni or professionals who would make great mentors
• Partner with us to foster a strong culture of mentorship across campus

In addition, we鈥檙e offering informal mentoring opportunities for students seeking flexible, short-term interactions, such as one-time conversations or occasional check-ins with alumni and professionals for career insight and guidance.

For more information, contact Alumni Engagement & Mentorship Coordinator Ron Richards at rrichards@fgcu.edu. 

August 8, 2025

Dear 蘑菇TV Faculty and Staff,

The 蘑菇TV Academy needs our talented faculty and staff to represent us in the community, and now is the perfect time to sign up as a lecturer for the fall and spring terms.

The Academy offers single lectures, short courses, discussion groups, day trips, domestic and foreign travel, 铿乴m series and more. Lectures are offered in Lee and Collier counties and are 90 minutes long. 蘑菇TV faculty and staff are paid $150 per lecture! I hope you will consider lecturing for the 蘑菇TV Academy so we can continue to engage the community with the best and brightest 蘑菇TV has to offer. 

If you are interested, email John Guerra at jguerra@fgcu.edu with suggested lecture titles and descriptions to get started. View the 蘑菇TV Academy Sample Program Guide to provide some inspiration. John is also looking for referrals on talented and inspirational lecturers who are outside of the university, too.

蘑菇TV Academy is a vital part of the university鈥檚 community outreach program, enabling us to showcase the talent and ability of our faculty and the important areas of research they focus on. These programs can serve an important role for our Foundation to raise money for colleges and their departments. 

Go Eagles!

September 4, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

蘑菇TV Give Day 2026 is scheduled for March 25-26, and I invite you to play a vital role in its success. The 蘑菇TV Foundation is seeking enthusiastic faculty and staff to serve as Give Day Fundraisers that will help inspire the 蘑菇TV community to support the programs, scholarships and opportunities that make a difference for our students.

To represent your area as a Give Day Fundraiser, by Tuesday, September 30. The 蘑菇TV Foundation will then invite you to a kickoff lunch-and-learn, so make sure to register by the September 30^th deadline.

Whether you have fundraised before or are new to the effort, your involvement will make a lasting impact. Philanthropic support from generous donors enables more students to graduate with less debt, participate in extracurricular activities and engage in high-impact practices that make for the most effective and memorable experiences. Learn more about the 70 fundraising areas in .

Thank you for your commitment to 蘑菇TV and for helping us build a culture of philanthropy that fuels student success. We look forward to working with you for #蘑菇TVGiveDay!

September 29, 2025

Greetings Eagle Family,

As you know, we are continuing to focus on deepening our relationship with 蘑菇TV鈥檚 alumni, and the is a valuable resource for connecting alumni with the university. Here are two important opportunities to help you engage and celebrate our alumni:

1. Nominations are now open for the 2026 , honoring alumni who have made significant contributions to their professions, communities and 蘑菇TV. Awards include:

• Alumni of Distinction 鈥� Exceptional personal, professional or humanitarian achievements.
• Soaring Eagle Awards 鈥� One graduate from each college is recognized for outstanding service or achievement.
• Alumni Business of the Year 鈥� Celebrates alumni-owned or -founded businesses committed to the community and 蘑菇TV.

We encourage you to nominate your former students who have demonstrated excellence and impact. This is a great way to celebrate their success and inspire future Eagles. The deadline to  is October 31.

1. To support your engagement efforts, the Alumni Association offers a dedicated hub of resources to simplify collaboration and communication.  Visit the  page to:

• Plan alumni events or request speakers
• Share alumni news
• Connect with graduates through targeted outreach
• Submit university happenings for the Alumni Events calendar

Thank you for collaborating with the Alumni Association to celebrate our Eagles and keep them close. Your engagement keeps the Eagle spirit alive and strengthens our community!

October 16, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of University Advancement and the Athletics Department, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Seeley as our new associate athletics director for external relations. Andy will join us on October 20, and his hire marks an exciting evolution in our organizational structure.

Two years ago, 蘑菇TV centralized several Athletics functions into University Marketing & Communications, creating a collaborative model that unified our university brand across campus and the broader community. This partnership enabled us to leverage shared services and amplify 蘑菇TV鈥檚 message with consistency and impact.

Building on that success, we are now transitioning the Athletics Communications Team, Athletics Marketing, Athletics Creative Services and Athletics Broadcast under the leadership of this new position within Athletics. These units will now report directly to Athletics, while maintaining a dotted-line relationship to University Marketing & Communications. This structure provides more focused leadership within Athletics while preserving the strong brand alignment and collaborative spirit that has served us so well.

Andy brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in NCAA Division I, Division II and professional sports. His dynamic background includes strategic communications, brand advancement and fan engagement. He has led external relations efforts at Florida Atlantic University, directed strategic communications at the University of Central Florida and most recently served as director of team communications for the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League. Originally from Milford, Nebraska, Andy is a proud graduate of Northwest Missouri State University. Andy will join Athletics鈥� executive staff and report directly to Deputy Athletics Director Lauren Leister.

We look forward to the energy, expertise and leadership Andy will bring to our Athletics program, and I hope you will join me in welcoming him to 蘑菇TV. Together, we will continue our collaborative efforts to elevate the university鈥檚 brand and engagement across all platforms.

December 11, 2025

Good morning,

If you are an employee who will be collecting donations or opening mail during and after winter break, it is essential that the 蘑菇TV Foundation knows the date a gift is received for IRS purposes at the end of the calendar year.

Donations deposited after December 31, 2025, can only be credited to the 2025 calendar year if we have a postmarked envelope or evidence that the gift left the donor鈥檚 possession before midnight on December 31, 2025. For this reason, starting December 15, 2025, please deliver all donation checks, their envelopes and a completed check acceptance form (attached) to the Foundation Office.

For hand-delivered checks or cash donations (without a postmarked envelope), send an email to advancement@fgcu.edu before January 1, 2026, stating the following:

1. Check number
2. Name on the check
3. Amount (check or cash)
4. Purpose of the donation

Emails received before January 1, 2026, will serve as confirmation that the donation was received in 2025.

Note: Checks without an envelope or supporting documentation received in the Foundation Office after the winter break will be recorded as 2026 donations.

In-kind or non-cash donations: For an item to be recorded as a 2025 donation, it must be in the possession of the 蘑菇TV department representative before January 1, 2026. Since some items may not be accepted, email advancement@fgcu.edu before taking possession of the items.

Thank you, and happy holidays.

December 17, 2025

Dear Faculty and Staff,

I am pleased to share a milestone for 蘑菇TV: more faculty than ever before are now teaching lifelong learning courses with the 蘑菇TV Academy. Their involvement 鈥� now representing 10% of our programs 鈥� helps strengthen the vital connection between the university and the thousands of adult learners we serve each year.

I extend my sincere thanks to those who already partner with us, and I invite additional faculty and staff to consider joining this growing academic community. To learn more about teaching with 蘑菇TV Academy, visit the

Another meaningful way you can support 蘑菇TV Academy is by helping us broaden awareness of our programs. We do not receive state funding, and we operate without a traditional advertising or marketing budget. As a result, word of mouth remains our most effective outreach tool.

I encourage you to share this email or the with friends, family, neighbors and colleagues who may enjoy the rich array of lifelong learning opportunities offered throughout Collier and Lee counties. Your personal recommendation plays a pivotal role in welcoming new participants.

Attached is our current program guide, showcasing the depth of our offerings: engaging discussion groups, art and technology courses, bridge and Mah Jongg, local day trips and exceptional travel programs. Be sure to ask me about my recent travels to the Amazon rainforest, Machu Picchu and the Gal谩pagos Islands through one of our academy trips!

Thank you for your continued support of 蘑菇TV Academy. Should you have any questions, contact our Naples office at (239) 434-4737.

January 13, 2026

Hello Colleagues,

Give Day is 蘑菇TV鈥檚 annual 24-hour period where our community comes together to raise funds, compete for prizes and foster 蘑菇TV spirit. 蘑菇TV Give Day 2026 begins at noon on Wednesday, March 25, and continues through noon on Thursday, March 26.

We invite you to join our Give Day 2026 Fundraiser Team. To represent your area as a fundraiser for 蘑菇TV Give Day 2026, your fundraising appeal must be directed to an established 蘑菇TV Foundation account. before February 7.

蘑菇TV Give Day financially supports many areas of campus through excellence in crowdfunding, which is the practice of raising funds from a large number of people, usually online. Successful Give Day Fundraisers effectively promote 蘑菇TV Give Day via email and social media in alignment with your area鈥檚 funding priorities. Give Day Fundraisers commit to:

• Attending a web-based Give Day training at 2 p.m. February 26
• Refreshing your area鈥檚 page on 蘑菇TV鈥檚 crowdfunding platform
• Recruiting more Give Day 鈥渋nfluencers鈥� from among your area鈥檚 students, staff and stakeholders

Upon acceptance, you will be welcomed to the Give Day Fundraising Team with a training invitation. If you have any questions, contact Director of Annual and Leadership Giving Vince Modarelli at (239) 754-4437 or vmodarelli@fgcu.edu.

As a valued member of 蘑菇TV鈥檚 faculty and staff, your philanthropic support makes a powerful statement about your belief in our mission, so please consider participating.

Wings Up for 蘑菇TV Give Day 2026!

March 3, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

Give Day, 蘑菇TV鈥檚 , brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and friends to raise funds for the university to support initiatives that directly impact our students. Give Day begins at noon on Wednesday, March 25, and continues through noon on Thursday, March 26.

Your generosity ensures that 蘑菇TV remains a place where excellence thrives. That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e opening the door for early contributions before Give Day begins so you can make an even bigger impact. Gifts of any size make a difference, and many employees choose to give through easy payroll deduction. Since we no longer run a separate employee campaign, Give Day is your opportunity to make a gift.

New this year is an Eagles at Work Bonus, where all 蘑菇TV faculty and staff who participate in Give Day will be entered for a chance to unlock a $1,000 prize for their designated support area. The 蘑菇TV Foundation will randomly draw one winner from among all gifts donated by employees before Give Day and donate the prize to the winning employee鈥檚 area.

As faculty and staff, we see every day how access to scholarships, hands-on learning and student-support programs shape the 蘑菇TV experience. While state funding and tuition sustain our operations, philanthropic support is what enables students to graduate with less debt and engage in the high-impact opportunities that define an exceptional education.

If you have questions about Give Day, contact Vince Modarelli, the director of Annual and Leadership Giving, at (239) 754-4437 or vmodarelli@fgcu.edu.

April 8, 2026

Dear 蘑菇TV Faculty and Staff,

The 蘑菇TV Academy invites you to share your knowledge and expertise with our engaged community of adult learners this summer (June-August).

蘑菇TV Academy serves thousands of adult learners each year through lectures, short courses and special programs designed for curious, intellectually active seniors who value learning for the joy of learning. 蘑菇TV faculty and staff are encouraged to sign up as presenters across a wide range of topics 鈥� from history and science to the arts, business and more. Refer to the for examples of the types of programs offered by the 蘑菇TV Academy.

Presenters receive $150 per lecture and often find the experience personally rewarding. Audiences are attentive, appreciative, intellectually curious and eager to learn.

Participating as a presenter is a meaningful way to extend your service beyond the university while strengthening 蘑菇TV鈥檚 connection to the community. It is also an excellent opportunity to share your passion, showcase your expertise, test new ideas with an interested audience and build stronger ties between the university and the community.

Contact John Guerra at jguerra@fgcu.edu or (239) 434-4838 for more information.

April 30, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

Because of you, Give Day 2026 was extraordinary.

Over March 25 and 26, 2,359 donors came together to contribute more than $677,000, surpassing this year鈥檚 goal of 1,750 donors and increasing participation by 67% over last year. Among them, 472 faculty and staff members made gifts 鈥� a remarkable 93% increase, showing the power of Eagles leading by example.

Our impact extended beyond giving. 764 students completed their philanthropy passports on the Library Lawn, with hundreds more engaging in hands-on learning about generosity and impact.

On Give Day, 蘑菇TV faculty and staff donors were eligible to win one of three $1,000 prizes for their favorite support area 鈥� turning our collective participation into immediate impact for students. Below are the winners of our random drawings and the area they chose to contribute the funding to:

• Lead Gift Incentive: Maggie Hohne 鈥� $1,000 to The Lucas Center Adjunct Program Endowed Fund
• Day 1 Incentive: Dr. Megan Norcia 鈥� $1,000 to Scholarly Innovation & Student Research (SISR)
• Day 2 Incentive: Dr. Charles (Billy) Gunnels 鈥� $1,000 to the 蘑菇TV Campus Food Pantry

When faculty and staff give together, it sends a powerful message that we believe in our students and the mission we live every day. Thank you for making that message heard.

With gratitude,

Kitty Green

September 2, 2026

Dear Faculty and Staff,

蘑菇TV Give Day 2027 is scheduled for March 24-25, and I invite you to play a vital role in its success. The 蘑菇TV Foundation is seeking enthusiastic faculty and staff to serve as Give Day Fundraisers that will help inspire the 蘑菇TV community to support the programs, scholarships and opportunities that make a difference for our students.

Fundraising for 蘑菇TV Give Day is an easy and fun way to rally your colleagues, friends and networks around the 蘑菇TV programs and causes you care about. To represent your area as a Give Day Fundraiser, by September 30. The 蘑菇TV Foundation will then invite you to a kickoff lunch-and-learn, so make sure to register by the deadline.

Whether you have fundraised before or are new to the effort, your involvement will make a lasting impact. Philanthropic support from generous donors enables more students to graduate with less debt, participate in extracurricular activities and engage in high-impact practices that make for the most effective and memorable experiences. Learn more about the 90 support areas in .

Thank you for your commitment to 蘑菇TV and for helping us build a culture of philanthropy that fuels student success. We look forward to working with you.

September 10, 2026

Dear 蘑菇TV Faculty and Staff,

The 蘑菇TV Academy invites you to sign up as presenters for one or two 90-minute lectures for our lifelong learners during winter 2027.

Presenters receive $150 per lecture, may choose from 27 locations throughout Lee and Collier counties and can speak on a topic drawn directly from their teaching, research, scholarship, professional expertise or personal academic interests. Refer to the Winter-Spring 2026 Program Guide for examples of the types of programs offered by the 蘑菇TV Academy.

Why participate?

• There is no need to develop new coursework, exams, assignments or submit grades. Build a lecture around what you already know and engage in a lively discussion.
• 蘑菇TV Academy handles marketing, registration, facilities, scheduling and logistics. You bring the expertise; we bring the audience.
• Presenters have the opportunity to meet academy students who are former executives, educators, physicians, attorneys, engineers, entrepreneurs, public servants, scientists, community leaders and lifelong learners who ask thoughtful questions, bring fascinating perspectives to discussions and deeply appreciate the opportunity to learn directly from 蘑菇TV faculty and staff.

Interested in becoming a presenter? Email 蘑菇TV Academy Director John Guerra at jguerra@fgcu.edu with a topic or idea. He can help with the title, description, location, scheduling and everything needed to turn it into a program.

We hope you will consider sharing your expertise with 蘑菇TV Academy.

September 17, 2026

Dear 蘑菇TV Faculty and Staff,

Our alumni are a vital part of the 蘑菇TV community. Their experience, expertise and continued connection to the university create meaningful opportunities for our students and programs.

We want to remind you of the many ways the Alumni Association can help you connect with and engage alumni. We鈥檝e created a page with tools and information to make those connections easier.

Here are a few ways the Alumni Association can help:

• Connect with alumni: We can help identify alumni for classroom visits, guest speakers, panels, networking opportunities and other ways to bring alumni expertise into your programs.
• Reach your alumni: We can assist with outreach to your graduates, including sending emails on behalf of your college, program or department.
• Engage students through mentoring: The connects students with alumni and community members who can provide career guidance, professional insight and meaningful connections. Please encourage your students to apply. Applications for the spring 2027 mentoring program open October 5, and the deadline to apply is January 22, 2027. 
• Plan alumni events: We can partner with you to plan and promote alumni events, including registration, communications and event support.

Thank you for helping keep our Eagles connected to 蘑菇TV!