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All content by Colin McCann
Students taking part of the Fortnite Tournament at the Boathouse in 2018.

[Photo] Tournament for Elias ends in success

Colin McCann April 20, 2018

Students taking part of the Fortnite Tournament at the Boathouse in 2018.

Students participating in the Chocolate Games could indulge on both chocolate and video games, all at once. Photo by Logan Ansteatt

Playing for Elias: UNF students host charity tournament

Colin McCann April 19, 2018

To all students who want to support a good cause and have some fun in the process, on April 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., a charity video game tournament will be held at the Boathouse. A group of...

 Photo by Colin McCann.

How the UNF Arena Parking Garage sign works

Colin McCann April 13, 2018

You may notice, as you pass the garage, that the electronic sign will display the words “OPEN” or “FULL.” This sign, which has been in place for about four years, refers to the 712 blue spaces...

Left to Right: Salim Zubair, Camron Conway, Sotiri Kolvani, Michael Vasquez, Adrian Santos. Photo by Colin McCann.

UNF computer science students win big at One Spark

Colin McCann April 13, 2018

In an increasingly technological world, connecting with other people has never been easier. However, despite the vast jungle of social media apps and other methods of connection, five UNF students have...

SERV.

UNF students take charge to help restore Lake Jesup

Colin McCann April 9, 2018

UNF students and staff members participated in a restoration project on the shores of Lake Jesup on March 21. They joined a group of scientists belonging to a volunteer program called Seminole...

Student Body President Jenna DuPilka

Sit-down with new Student Body President Jenna DuPilka

Colin McCann April 8, 2018

Things continue to develop in the executive branch as Student Body President Jenna DuPilka and Vice President Maria Bermudez settle into their new positions. DuPilka, who was a senator during the spring...

Photo by Colin McCann.

Test your knowledge with Boathouse trivia

Colin McCann April 5, 2018

Every Monday, through the combined efforts of Chartwells and UNF Campus Life, a trivia game is held at the Boathouse where students can win prizes. The questions covered topics like music, movies,...

Why accountability and self governance may be critical in all Greek life

Why accountability and self governance may be critical in all Greek life

Colin McCann April 4, 2018

E.B. White once said, “I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.” “How do we have one hell...

Summoning Spirits: The dead come back in the Robinson Theater

Summoning Spirits: The dead come back in the Robinson Theater

Colin McCann April 3, 2018

On Monday, a man who dabbles in the realm of the paranormal performed a show called Summoning Spirits that brought shock and excitement to a crowd in the Robinson Theatre. His name is Peter Boie. “There’s...

UNF President John Delaney was awarded President Emeritus status by the Board of Trustees

John Delaney leaves his mark on UNF

Colin McCann April 1, 2018

As the University of North Florida moves into a new presidency, the president-to-be, David Szymanski, is on everyone’s minds. However, John Delaney, who has been UNF’s president since 2003, will not...

Presidential Search Committee Chairman: Syzmankis vision matches with UNF

Presidential Search Committee Chairman: “Syzmanki’s vision matches with UNF”

Colin McCann March 30, 2018

The long and tedious search for a new university president has finally come to a close. The Florida Board of Governors met on March 29 to interview UNF President-elect David Szymanski and UCF President-elect...

Olivia Hodgson working on art. Photo by Colin McCann.

Finding peace through art therapy

Colin McCann March 29, 2018

Art takes many forms and can be used as a channel for creativity or expression. However, there is a therapeutic side to it as well. Many people find creating art to be relaxing and a way to forget about...

Fountains hot spot map. UNF.

A look inside UNF WiFi

Colin McCann March 27, 2018

As a visitor, faculty member, staff member, or student, you can enjoy access to internet connection almost everywhere on campus. There are five different wireless networks set up specifically for students,...

President John Delaney speaks about leadership

President John Delaney speaks about leadership

Colin McCann March 15, 2018

On Mar. 14, UNF President John Delaney talked about his views on leadership and leadership styles. The talk was a part of the Leadership Speakers Bureau, which was hosted by the Taylor Leadership Institute....

Photo by Colin McCann

Women Veterans: Making a difference for future generations

Colin McCann March 14, 2018

In honor of women veterans everywhere, the UNF Military and Veterans Resource Center hosted an event to talk about the history, major accomplishments, and issues facing veterans on Tuesday. Taking...

Jenna DuPilka and Maria Bermudez, the Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates of the Forward Party

Forward Party wins SG Election

Colin McCann March 7, 2018

On Mar. 7, Student Government and the three parties (Red, Forward, and Howard) gathered together in the Student Union Plaza to hear the election results. The Forward Party won the Presidential Election...

Larry Love uses his music to bring people together and inspire them to get involved in the community Photo by Colin McCann

The Influence Crew and The Wave: Fighting social issues, affecting generations to come

Colin McCann March 7, 2018

People around the world are combating social issues on a daily basis. For The Influence Crew and The Wave, bringing awareness to these issues is important to make a change. These groups believe in...

Students have until Wednesday at 6 p.m. to vote for Student Government.

Not sure how to vote? Here’s how…

Colin McCann March 6, 2018

Student Government elections are currently taking place, and students get to vote for one of the following parties: Red Party, Forward Party or Howard Party. If you are unsure on how to vote, here are...

Students express their opinion at Student Governments Forum

Your Voice: Students voice their opinions on safety and discrimination at UNF

Colin McCann February 27, 2018

In society today, discrimination is often discussed across America and even the world. More locally, a discussion hosted by Student Government was held on Feb. 26 in the Student Union to talk about...

Students have until Wednesday at 6 p.m. to vote for Student Government. Photo by Morgan Purvis

SG Elections: The senators

Colin McCann February 27, 2018

As Student Government elections quickly approach, discussions of the three parties (Red, Forward, and Howard) are circulating through the school and social media. Last week, the senatorial candidates were...

Syzmanski is currently the Dean and Professor at the University of Cincinnati. Photo courtesy University of North Florida

Future UNF President Szymanski on his plans, goals; “Thrilled” to be chosen

Colin McCann February 23, 2018

The pool of presidential candidates had begun with 75 individuals and was narrowed down to 12 on Feb. 1. The list was then narrowed down even further to just four remaining candidates. Finally, in...

UNF Dean of Students Thomas J. VanSchoor. Photo by Colin McCann.

Safety First: Identifying and preventing violent student related incidents

Colin McCann February 22, 2018

A lot can happen in a day for the typical college student, but not everyone handles pressure and difficult situations the same way. Some people stress eat; other people exercise, but no matter how someone...

Photo by Lili Weinstein

UNF Board of Trustees selects David Szymanski as President-elect

Colin McCann February 20, 2018

After much deliberation, dean and professor at the University of Cincinnati David Szymanski was chosen as the University of North Florida’s President-elect. The UNF Board of Trustees (BOT) met to...

UNF classes with the highest pass rates

UNF classes with the highest pass rates

Colin McCann February 19, 2018

Classes. We all have them. Some are a breeze, others a struggle. If what you're looking for is a class with a high passing rate, the below classes may be for you. Don't be fooled, however. All of them...

The Presidential Search Committee Meet to decide on the semi-finalists

UNF set to select next president

Colin McCann February 19, 2018

Previously published in The Florida Times Union The four remaining candidates to succeed John Delaney as University of North Florida president made visits to the Jacksonville campus last week in...

Phillips answering students questions.

Presidential Candidate Rhonda Phillips answers UNF students’ questions

Colin McCann February 15, 2018

On Feb. 15, in a student open forum, presidential candidate Rhonda Phillips from Purdue Honors College spoke about why she wants to get involved with UNF. Phillips said one of the reasons she is interested...

Kevin Carman at a student open forum

Day One: Presidential candidate Kevin Carman speaks to students

Colin McCann February 12, 2018

On Feb. 12, the first student open forum for presidential candidates took place in the Student Union, featuring Kevin Carman. Carman is an Executive Vice President, Provost, and Professor at the University...

Presidential Search Committee Narrows it Down to Five

Presidential Search Committee Narrows it Down to Five

Colin McCann and Liliana Kendall February 7, 2018

After two days of interviews and discussion, the Presidential Search Committee made a decision on the five finalists: David Szymanski, Kevin Carman, Rhonda Phillips, John Floros, and Roger Thompson....

The Presidential Search Committee interviews candidate David Szymanski in 2018. Photo by Colin McCann.

Presidential Search Update: Committee interviews first three candidates

Alexandra Torres-Perez and Colin McCann February 6, 2018

“Today is the fun day,” said Laurie Wilder, President of Parker Executive Search, beginning the orientation. The presidential search committee will be interviewing all 12 presidential candidates...

Gloria Turner

Gloria Turner turns down SG VP position

Colin McCann February 5, 2018

On Feb. 2, acting Vice President Gloria Turner appeared before the Government Oversight Committee to announce that she has turned down the position of Student Body Vice President. Instead, she said...

The Presidential Search Committee Meet to decide on the semi-finalists

The Chosen: UNF President Search Down to 12 Candidates

Colin McCann February 2, 2018

On Feb. 1, the Presidential Search Committee met once again. This time to review candidate material in order to narrow down the choices. The committee was given a chance to review the material for the...

Photo courtesy of UNF Student Financial Services Office

“No one like you, no place like this”: how UNF supports homeless students

Colin McCann January 31, 2018

UNF students are everywhere. We pass each other at the Town Center, downtown, at the beach, and at restaurants. Yet, the story behind how we got here differs for every person. Dean of Students Thomas...

The search committee in 2018. Photo by Colin McCann

Presidential Search Committee says UNF’s new president should display integrity, honesty, inclusion

Colin McCann January 31, 2018

On Jan. 30, members of the Presidential Search Committee, along with some faculty, met to talk about online survey results, interview questions, and finalist presentations at the upcoming faculty forums....

Left to Right: Maddie Stubboefield, Firall Alemayehu, Taylor Pederson, Brianna Nadeau, Danielle, Daniel Avalos, and Madeline Duvall. Photo by Colin McCann.

The OCT Program takes another step toward improving student’s lives

Colin McCann January 25, 2018

For some people, life is about following your passion, and for the UNF On Campus Transition (OCT) Program Director Bernadette Gismonde, her passion is working with individuals who have intellectual developmental...

Rachel Bryant. Photo by Tierney Harvey

Rachel Bryant’s final day as OP director approaches: Change is coming

Colin McCann January 23, 2018

In an interview with Spinnaker, Osprey Productions Director Rachel Bryant talked about her resignation and what she hopes for the future. Bryant, who was formerly project manager during the summer...

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer visit to UNF

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer visit to UNF

Colin McCann January 23, 2018

On Monday Jan. 22, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer gave a lecture at UNF about the court, the world, American law, and “new global realities.” The event, a UNF Presidential Lecture Series,...

Osprey Productions. Courtesy of Facebook

Homecoming events discussed in forum

Colin McCann January 23, 2018

Held in the Senate chambers, Homecoming Forums were lead by Director of Osprey Productions Rachel Bryant on Jan. 17 and 18. The forums covered important dates and information about upcoming events. Homecoming...

The benefits of on-campus jobs

The benefits of on-campus jobs

Colin McCann January 23, 2018

Juggling school and work is what drives most students to outbursts of insomnia and insanity, often simultaneously. What’s worse, your boss sometimes won’t care that you have a class schedule to work...

The Presidential Search Committee discussing the updates on new candidates. Photo by Tristan Reyes

The search continues for a new UNF president

Colin McCann January 22, 2018

On Jan. 18, the Presidential Search Committee, headed by Chair Kevin Hyde, continued their search for the next president of UNF. During the meeting, Parker Executive Search (a company hired by the...

Be kind to your mind with Mental Health Awareness Week

Be kind to your mind with Mental Health Awareness Week

Colin McCann January 18, 2018

UPDATE: Trivia Night was rescheduled from Tuesday at 6 p.m. to Monday at 6 p.m. Many people, especially students, struggle with mental health on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis. To help raise...

Student Body President Thomas Beaucham

Exclusive with SG President Beaucham

Colin McCann January 17, 2018

Although Student Body President Thomas Beaucham didn’t originally set out to be student body president, he has accepted the role wholeheartedly and has not only continued goals set out by the Mims Administration but...

Courtesy of Student Government

SG: First senate meeting of the semester leads to many announcements

Colin McCann January 14, 2018

The first senate meeting of the spring semester was held on Friday, Jan. 12 to review reports from committees, the different government branches, and other acting members of SG. Osprey Productions (OP)...

Gloria Turner

Beaucham appoints Gloria Turner as new VP

Colin McCann January 12, 2018

On Friday, Jan. 12, Student Body President Thomas Beaucham announced to SG Senate that he has appointed Gloria Turner as the new Student Body Vice President. Turner dove right into her job as acting VP,...

The Presidential Search Committee discussing the updates on new candidates. Photo by Tristan Reyes

Presidential Search: What has happened and what is to come?

Colin McCann January 10, 2018

Change is coming to UNF leadership, as President John Delaney will be finishing up his term at the end of the semester. Delaney's last day in office will be May 31. Although we as a student body may...

PROSPER Act was passed on Dec. 13, and is waiting for the House of Representatives to look over it. Photo provided by the Committee on Education and the Workforce

PROSPER Act paves the way for educational success

Colin McCann December 29, 2017

Change is coming for students in the United States, and that change may make getting a secondary education easier. The PROSPER Act (Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education...

One of the proposed projects will connect the Coggin College of Business to Honors Hall. Photo by Colin McCann

The history and people behind UNF buildings

Colin McCann December 12, 2017

Have you ever wondered who were the people behind the names of the buildings you enter everyday? The University of North Florida is comprised of over 60 buildings, and many of them are named in honor of...

Robots of the future and UNFs involvement

Robots of the future and UNF’s involvement

Colin McCann December 3, 2017

In a world where advances in technology pave the way for endless opportunities, fears and questions also arise. Since the invention of robotics, there have been concerns. Will they take our jobs? Will...

UNF engineers bring an early Christmas to children with disabilities

UNF engineers bring an early Christmas to children with disabilities

Colin McCann December 3, 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag-4uMd1t40 Video by Carly Kramer The joint effort between physical therapy students and engineering students at the University of North Florida made the Adaptive...

Final Fall Meetings: Surprise OP event, vacancies and more

Colin McCann November 18, 2017

On Friday, Nov. 17, the committees and Senate met for the last time this semester. In Senate, President Thomas Beaucham appointed Chief of Staff Gloria Turner as VP, which will be voted on during the...

Pres. Beaucham discusses campus concerns with students at SG open forum

Colin McCann November 15, 2017

On Nov. 14, President Thomas Beaucham addressed the UNF community in an open forum for the first time. The purpose of the forum was for the students to get to know their student body president better and...

Photo by Lili Weinstein

Lend-a-Wing Pantry gets a $66,000 SG boost to help students

Colin McCann November 14, 2017

On Nov. 13, Student Body President Thomas Beaucham signed a legislation detailing a request for $66,000 made by the Lend-a-Wing Pantry. The signing of the bill took place at the pantry during closed...

Photo by Colin McCann

UNF pays homage to veterans

Colin McCann November 10, 2017

On Nov. 7, UNF hosted a ceremony to recognize and commemorate veterans for their dedication and service. The ceremony began with the presentation of colors and the Star Spangled Banner, played by the...

The Military Museum of North Florida.  Photo by Colin McCann

GALLERY: UNF hosts Veterans Ceremony

Colin McCann November 10, 2017

On Nov. 7, in honor of veterans everywhere, UNF hosted a ceremony to recognize and commemorate veterans for their dedication and service. __ For more information or news tips, or if you see an error...

As SG drama dies down, committees drill down

Colin McCann October 22, 2017

Budget and Allocations Committee On Friday Oct. 20, the Budget and Allocations Committee meeting began with public remarks from the Osprey Raiders, who were granted $782.80 to attend a race in Washington...

Beaucham

Thomas Beaucham is now student body president

Colin McCann October 17, 2017

Thomas Beaucham, who was sworn in as Senate President back in April, has taken the position of Student Body President. This follows Samantha Mims' departure on Monday, Oct. 16 and there being no current...

Attorney General Glosson: Why Mims Had To Go

Colin McCann October 13, 2017

In an interview with Spinnaker, SG's Attorney General Jaclyn Glosson talked about why Mims was told that she must step down or be impeached. Glossons’ duty as Attorney General is to ensure that people...

Gloria Turner

New VP? Turner to face Senate today for confirmation vote

Colin McCann October 13, 2017

An emergency Government Oversight Committee meeting convened on Thursday, Oct. 12 to interview an appointment for Student Body Vice President. President Samantha Mims, who will be resigning on...

Cole Poppell Swoops for the last time as the student body VP

Cole Poppell Swoops for the last time as the student body VP

Colin McCann October 9, 2017

Vice President Cole Poppell, who has dedicated his time to Student Government for over two years, walked through the halls of SG for the last time Friday, Oct. 6. He said being a part of SG has been...

SG Committee Meetings: Parking, approved travel requests and more 

Colin McCann October 8, 2017

University and Student Affairs The University and Student Affairs (USA) Committee meeting was led by Chairwoman Megan Kovac, who began with an update on Osprey Voice, which will be focused on parking....

Students take on challenges with Eco Adventure

Students take on challenges with Eco Adventure

Colin McCann October 6, 2017

Students from UNF and people from all around Jacksonville can enjoy UNF’s Sawmill Slough Preserve, as well as the amenities Eco Adventure has to offer. UNF President John Delaney designated 300...

Musical Theater Club putting on UNF’s first musical

Musical Theater Club putting on UNF’s first musical

Colin McCann September 28, 2017

UNF will hold its very first musical next semester, thanks to the Musical Theater Club. The production “9 to 5” will have three showings Feb. 15-16 in the Andrew A. Robinson Theater on campus....

A large tree fell close to the Student Wellness Complex. Photo by Ronnie Rodgers

How students can help Florida recover from Hurricane Irma

Colin McCann September 18, 2017

After Hurricane Irma moved up Florida last week, many people wish to donate or volunteer to help those struggling  get back on their feet. There are a number of volunteer opportunities, and according...

Photo by Colin McCann

UNF through the years: student population and housing

Colin McCann September 5, 2017

UNF is growing, and as the increasing student body prepares for the challenges of the real world, the school races to meet every student’s needs. Since UNF’s establishment, there have been numerous...

Photo by Ronnie Rodgers

UNF students react to on campus shooting

Colin McCann and Tiffany Salameh September 1, 2017

A UNF student fired a gun at the Osprey Cove dorm on Sept. 1. The student was identified as 18-year-old Cameron James Daniel. Students residing at the Osprey Cove dorm are currently still in the building....

A citation issued by UNF parking enforcement. Photo by Ronnesha Rodgers.

On campus parking continues to frustrate students

Colin McCann September 1, 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bae8TbNa2RY&feature=youtu.be Video by Andy Castro Any student that drives on campus knows of the parking wars that are fought before even entering the classroom. A forum...

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