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All content by Danae Leake
Artist Uncovered logo  Courtesy of Joe Pike

Two students are trying to get young writers’ work published with new start-up literary journal

Danae Leake August 2, 2016

For a young writer trying to get their work published, it’s tough. A writer’s life is a one that can often be unappreciated, and as young writers submit their precious drafts they've spent hours...

Graphic by Ben Cross

UNF Digs: Highlights from the school’s first 25 years

Danae Leake July 30, 2016

UNF Digs is a weekly column that delves into UNF’s archives to find treasures worth sharing. This column would be more of a snapshot of UNF’s history than an excerpt from a history textbook. But...

 Photo by Jenn Mello.

People of UNF

Danae Leake July 29, 2016

Meg Jenkins, Junior, Psychology “I used to play Pokémon when I was little and watch the shows and everything, so I’m a really big fan, but it doesn’t come for my phone because I have a Windows...

Janet Owen

UNF faculty member named woman of influence

Danae Leake July 26, 2016
The Jacksonville Business Journal is naming a UNF faculty member a “Woman of Influence.” Janet Owen, the Vice President of Governmental Affairs, said she was very surprised to receive the award.
The incident occurred in the Thomas G. Carpenter parking lot.  Photo by Keri Weiland

Thomas G. Carpenter: Carving the Values of a University

Danae Leake July 22, 2016

Dr. Thomas G. Carpenter was the head honcho that led the university from its fledgeling launch and founding to overseeing some of the first constructions on the—at the time—wild, undeveloped land....

Exposing Gluttony: MOCA Sponsors muralist Ethan Murrow for newest Project Atrium

Exposing Gluttony: MOCA Sponsors muralist Ethan Murrow for newest Project Atrium

Danae Leake July 12, 2016

  Have you ever drawn on the walls? If you had a chance to sneak in a couple of squiggles and wobbly smiley faces, you’ve probably experienced the parental repercussions of your doodling. For...

 Photo by Mark Judson.

Jags season tickets for students update

Danae Leake July 11, 2016
With just a short time before the Jacksonville Jaguars season kicks off, more information on student ticket sales and benefits have been announced by Student Government.
UNF students join Black Lives Matter rally

UNF students join Black Lives Matter rally

Danae Leake July 11, 2016

The record-breaking temperatures could tempt anyone into staying indoors on a Sunday afternoon. But for a group of nearly 300 citizens in Jacksonville, it was a perfect time to protest. The protest bringing...

UNF Presidents Image Collection

UNF Digs: Andrew A. Robinson – A Heavyweight for Student Life and Education at UNF

Danae Leake July 8, 2016
Tucked away at the Eastside of campus, the Andrew Robinson Theater is showing its age, especially compared to the sleekly designed Fine Arts Center adjacent to the building. The theater is often the center of student life, hosting festivals, ceremonies, and lectures. But who is the man named emblazoned on the side of this familiar theater?
 Graphic by Ben Cross

Upcoming albums to keep on your radar this month

Danae Leake July 7, 2016
Usually, music doesn’t pick and choose its season, but there’s something about new tunes in the summertime that keeps the season fresh. Maybe we need to consume refreshing tracks to cool down the hot, sizzlin’, bacon cracklin’ heat.
https://www.facebook.com/UNFStudentGovernment/photos/a.180440411998565.40860.111963795512894/1166703230038940/?type=3&theater

Student ticket sale dates for Jacksonville Jags season passes are out

Danae Leake July 5, 2016
Jacksonville Jaguars fans rejoice! The dates of the student ticket sales have been posted with the first round of sales happening next week.
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

Please Be Kind and Watch the Signs this Fourth of July

Danae Leake July 3, 2016
The holiday is a time to acknowledge our country’s independence with thunderous celebration, but PTSD victims could have a tough time with these booming displays.
Emily Rokosch, LGBT education coordinator, chats with students Marcus Google and Dean Bonilla at the office
on campus.  Photo from UNF Spinnaker Print Archives

UNF Digs: UNF LGBT Resource Center Turns 10

Danae Leake June 24, 2016
You might’ve noticed more rainbow banners floating around while making Google searches this month, and there’s a reason for that: June is LGBT Pride Month.
UNF Opens Seaside Sculpture Park Featuring Student Artwork

UNF Opens Seaside Sculpture Park Featuring Student Artwork

Danae Leake June 20, 2016

No ribbons and scissors here—Seaside Sculpture Park was christened with a blowtorch and a metal sheet Monday. This creative spin opened the new public art showcase in Jacksonville Beach that displays...

View of Boathouse and lake bridges, 1978?

A Look Into the History of the Boathouse

Danae Leake June 17, 2016

For all of you whippersnappers that enjoy the stylish Boathouse with its sports bar ambiance (a bit of a tease for those under 21), you might not be aware that the Boathouse has seen many changes over...

Graphic by Ben Cross

UNF Digs: Early roots of the nature trails

Danae Leake June 10, 2016

Graphic by Ben Cross UNF Digs is a weekly column that delves into UNF’s archives to find treasures worth sharing. This column would be more of a snapshot of UNF’s history than an excerpt from a...

statue designed by Emily Pinnell

UNF sculptures to brighten up Jax Beach

Danae Leake June 3, 2016
Five large-scale outdoor sculptures created by UNF students will be displayed at a new sculpture park on June 20th at 480 1st street south in Jacksonville Beach.
Graphic by Ben Cross

UNF Digs: Dr. Feelgood invited by Thomas G. Carpenter to teach music at UNF

Danae Leake June 3, 2016
UNF Digs is a weekly column that delves into UNF’s archives to find treasures worth sharing. This column would be more of a snapshot of UNF’s history than an excerpt from a history textbook. But let us do the digging and brush up on your university history with UNF Digs.
Maitland Harvey

Maitland Harvey: A caring soul who soared above and beyond

Danae Leake June 1, 2016
Kim Harvey loved to read the books of Anne Rice, the author of many vampire-themed novels such as The Vampire Armand and Queen of the Damned. She flipped through one of those Rice novels and found the name of her daughter-to-be: Maitland.
How Jacksonvilles budding literary scene may have started on UNF soil

How Jacksonville’s budding literary scene may have started on UNF soil

Danae Leake June 1, 2016
Of all the places for this well-established journal, Fiction Fix began in a classroom at UNF, the same classroom where current editor-in-chief and UNF alumni Apri Wilder first met Creative Writing Professor Mark Ari.
Graphic by Ben Cross

UNF Digs: UNF was almost located downtown

Danae Leake May 27, 2016
UNF Digs is a weekly column that delves into UNF's archives to find treasures worth sharing. This column would be more of a snapshot of UNF’s history than an excerpt from a history textbook. But let us do the digging and brush up on your university history with UNF Digs.
Google Image

Barefoot running improves memory, UNF study finds

Danae Leake May 18, 2016
Running barefoot may not only be good for the sole, but for your memory too. A new study conducted by University of North Florida (UNF) researchers found that running barefoot for about 16 minutes improved working memory by 16%.
 Screenshot from Facebook

UNF Dive Club invites students to swim with sharks

Danae Leake May 10, 2016
The UNF Dive Club is advertising for students to take a trip to Jupiter, Florida on a shark dive.
Student shows Maddex, a five-year-old with cerebral palsy, how to use the joystick in order to drive the car.  (Courtesy of Joanna Norris)

UNF Adaptive Toy Project moving forward with more funding

Danae Leake April 30, 2016
The UNF Adaptive Toy Project cruises forward with more federal funding to continue the project that creates toys that help children learn more about their world.
Teal Kane was fortunate enough to participate on Wheel of Fortune, and her hard work paid after she winning  $10,000 on the show. (Photo courtesy of Teal Kane)

UNF student wins big on “Wheel Of Fortune”

Danae Leake April 25, 2016
UNF student Teal Kane spun the big wheel on America’s game show “Wheel of Fortune” on April 26. Although Kane didn’t place first at the end of the show, she earned a pretty penny with a final prize of $10,650.
Matt Beigun, the man responsible for bringing Ozzie Osprey to life, is retiring. Photo by Jenn Mello

The Swoop Out: Matt Beigun retiring after nine years of Ozzie

Danae Leake April 21, 2016
The man behind the suit of the beloved Ozzie Osprey mascot announced his retirement after nine years of springing up school spirit for the University of North Florida.
Courtesy of Spinnaker Media

The Week Ahead: Mar. 22 – Mar. 25

Danae Leake March 22, 2016
Get back into the groove of things with these on-campus events.
People of UNF: Anticipating Spring break

People of UNF: Anticipating Spring break

Danae Leake March 10, 2016
Everyone has different definitions of spring break. Hear are a few stories on the spring break experience for this week's People of UNF.
Courageous Heart: UNF Student took on the Stage for Embedded Within mentoring program

Courageous Heart: UNF Student took on the Stage for “Embedded Within” mentoring program

Danae Leake March 8, 2016

Correction: Due to the reporter's error, the "Simon Cowell" panelist was mis-identified. This person is Russ Thomas, CEO of Availity, and he was who awarded extra money. The Spinnaker holds accuracy...

More formal names of the hoverboard include Zero G Hands Free Segway and 2 Wheel Self Balancing Scooter.

UNF Housing bans hoverboard use and storage in residence halls

Danae Leake January 8, 2016
Could this be the beginning of the end of hoverboard use on campus?
Graduating Senior awarded for nonprofit and service work on campus and in community

Graduating Senior awarded for nonprofit and service work on campus and in community

Danae Leake December 11, 2015
Graduating senior, Kyle Trenor, will receive the Senior Service Award in today's fall commencement.
UNF offers active shooter training course

UNF offers active shooter training course

Danae Leake November 13, 2015
Developed by the Institute of Police Technology and Management, the course will help train teachers and professionals to deal with armed intruders.
Profile: Who is Sigma Beta Rho?

Profile: Who is Sigma Beta Rho?

Danae Leake November 13, 2015
A brief profile on who the Sigma Beta Rho fraternity is and what they represent.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appears to be the favored choice for Democrats in Florida. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

Second UNF poll says Hillary Clinton is on top of other candidates

Danae Leake October 23, 2015
Latest poll shows Clinton ahead of other Democratic candidates by a significant amount.
Guns on college campuses bill passes another senate committee

Guns on college campuses bill passes another senate committee

Danae Leake October 20, 2015
Guns on campus could be in our future.
Big Sean hypes up the crowd. 

Photo by Michael Herrera

Big Sean delivers a thunderous performance at UNF

Danae Leake October 8, 2015
The crowd at the Coxwell Ampitheater erupted with a sing-along to "I Don't F--k With You."
Big Sean tickets sell out, students advised to arrive early

Big Sean tickets sell out, students advised to arrive early

Danae Leake October 8, 2015
Lot 18 is open for students who have a blue or grey parking pass. Everyone else must buy temporary passes at Parking Services for $5.00.
Student Government President Hailey Guerra cuts the ribbon while SG Vice President Jordan Wilson dodges the sharp blades. Photo by Michael Herrera

UNF Field House open for play

Danae Leake October 6, 2015
The newly-renovated facility is now open to all students for various recreational activities.
Posters are as colored and varied as the students who purchase them. 

Photo by Michael Herrera

Poster sale reveals student passions and interests

Danae Leake September 25, 2015
Students gathered at the Student Union for the annual poster sale in search of a way to express their interests.
The stresses of work and the first hand experiences of drug addiction lead Matthews into his works.

Photo by Michael Herrera

Franklin Matthews creates empathy and peace in “Lucida” exhibit

Danae Leake September 18, 2015
The charcoal-based art of police officer Franklin Matthews visualizes the pain of addiction and the struggles of the human spirit.
Student cyclists ride out with food delivery business

Student cyclists ride out with food delivery business

Danae Leake September 17, 2015
College Couriers is a budding student-run food delivery service.
A construction worker installs flooring in the new Field House facility. 
Photo by Michael Herrera

UNF’s Field House scheduled to open in September

Danae Leake August 24, 2015
The Olympic-sized pool will be replaced with courts for volleyball, basketball and badminton.
Graphic by David Guerrero

UNF looks to smoke out tobacco use with voluntary measure

Danae Leake August 10, 2015
“We’re not saying don’t smoke, we’re just saying you can’t smoke right now,” Director of Health Promotion Shelly Purser said. “It’s going to help eliminate all the tobacco litter. This is a voluntary compliance and the university community needs to be part of it.”
Senate tables funding request, fills two seats, accepts Real Food Challenge

Senate tables funding request, fills two seats, accepts Real Food Challenge

Danae Leake July 21, 2015
Six senators of nine voted to table a $120,000 funding request for a possible Homecoming comedy show. Senate also approved a bill to bring healthier food to campus and appointed two positions and two senators.
Drummer Matt Hearn kicks up the beat with Steins hard-hitting vocals during Dont Let Me Break Your Heart Again.Photo by Danae Leake

Jungle of Music: Turbo Fruits and Surfer Blood pack a musical punch at Jack Rabbits

Danae Leake July 15, 2015
The bands performed to a full and sweaty crowd.
Dr. Earle Traynham, officially named provost and vice president of academic affairs after serving as interim provost for two years.Photo courtesy UNF website

Delaney announces new provost after two-year search

Danae Leake June 29, 2015
Dr. Earle Traynham was named official provost and vice president of academic affairs after filling that position temporarily since 2013.
UNF places fourth on Affordable College’s Best Online Programs list

UNF places fourth on Affordable College’s Best Online Programs list

Danae Leake June 3, 2015
Best in State Online Colleges list ranks UNF fourth for academics, student support and affordability in online learning.
Osprey of the Year award recipient Stephen Putnam stands with Athletic Coach of the Year award recipient Matthew Driscoll (left) and  SG Director of Communications and Marketing Gracie Lopresti (right).
Photo by Aidan Scurti

Esprey Awards recognize campus community members’ work

Danae Leake April 16, 2015
Student Government hosted the Esprey Awards on April 15, an event that recognized UNF students, athletes, musicians, an athletic coach and a Greek organization...
From the pitch deck to the newsroom: UNF students and alumni share their ideas at One Spark

From the pitch deck to the newsroom: UNF students and alumni share their ideas at One Spark

Danae Leake April 13, 2015
UNF students and alumni participated in One Spark as creators and journalists.
Bright colored candies fill this second-floor room at Sweet Pete’s.
Photo by Justin Belichis

Hand pulled and pinched at the end: Sweet Pete’s twist on a “dying” art

Danae Leake March 30, 2015
The traditional way of candy making is a fading process but by using new and well used recipes, Sweet Pete's aims to bring Jacksonville a wide variety of tasty treats.
Holi moli: UNF spreads love through color

Holi moli: UNF spreads love through color

Danae Leake March 9, 2015
Students gathered at Coxwell Amphitheater to celebrate the Holi Festival with color, food and dancing. The annual festival celebrates the spirit of springtime and love.
The march continues: civil rights lawyer Morris Dees speaks at UNF

The march continues: civil rights lawyer Morris Dees speaks at UNF

Danae Leake February 27, 2015
Civil rights lawyer and author Morris Dees visited UNF as a speaker in the Distinguished Voices Lecture series Feb. 19.
Photo by Morgan Purvis

Think ink: balancing textbooks and a tattoo machine

Danae Leake January 30, 2015
Local tattoo artist and UNF student Will Buenavista talks to Spinnaker about what it's like to be a tattoo artist, his views on art and Pokémon. Buenavista balances being a fine arts major with being a tattoo artist at Jacksonville's Florida Velvet Tattoo and Piercing shop.
Many alumni and students gathered for this event, located at UNF Gallery of Art in Founder’s Hall.   Photo by Kristen Smith

No division: five UNF Art and Design students win awards in a competition designed to exhibit diverse forms of art

Danae Leake January 26, 2015
Five UNF Art and Design students won awards at the 2015 Student Juried Annual Exhibition. The exhibit will be on display until Feb. 25 at the UNF Gallery of Art.
(From bottom to top) Eric Broe, Garrett Llopiz, and James Fowler stabilize one another as they balance.
Photo by Morgan Purvis

It’s time to fly: Jacksonville’s budding AcroYoga community

Danae Leake January 15, 2015
AcroYoga invades Jacksonville! This unique yoga experience gains popularity in the exercise scene. Yogis of all walks of life have joined into the partner yoga trend that has been influenced by Thai massage therapy, acrobatics and (of course) yoga.
BAC unanimously approves more than $28,000 in grants

BAC unanimously approves more than $28,000 in grants

Danae Leake January 13, 2015
Nine committee members in Student Government's Budget and Allocations Committee granted two special requests and four travel requests on Jan. 12.
SG president officially announces new vice president

SG president officially announces new vice president

Danae Leake January 9, 2015
Student Government President Joseph Turner announced the departure of Vice President Anthony Stevens, and that Christopher Brady will be taking his place as new VP.

Diversity within UNF

Danae Leake November 21, 2014
While the number of students at UNF may be skewed towards one race, many students believe that the university has a diverse campus that actively involves all races and cultures.

Checks and balances: how Student Government functions

Danae Leake November 6, 2014
Spinnaker gives you the break down on how Student Government works with a handy flow-chart detailing the responsibilities and abilities of each branch of government.

UNF students take back the night

Danae Leake October 6, 2014
Students walked across campus and shared their personal stories to raise awareness about domestic violence during the sixth annual Take Back the Night.

Album Review: Cineplexx’s Florianopolis is a colorful soundtrack with a beachy mood

Danae Leake April 11, 2014

Be ready to add colorful flavor to your summer music palette. After listening to Cineplexx’s Florianopolis, released April 7th, you will be entering into your own tropical world. The 13-track album...

‘The Winter Soldier’ is a Marvel fanatic’s dream

Danae Leake April 2, 2014
If you’re a Marvel junkie, then the upcoming sequel, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, will give you a fix.

The Freddy Pigeons: An interview with We The King’s Travis Clark

Danae Leake March 14, 2014
After the release of their crowdfunded self-produced fourth album, Somewhere Somehow, Florida-based pop-rock band We the Kings is ready to launch their tour. Spinnaker sat down for a phone interview to talk with lead singer Travis Clark, to talk about the new album, what they expect for the tour, and the band’s so-called pigeon obsession.

Wiz Khalifa replacing Kesha

Danae Leake March 13, 2014

Osprey Productions Director John Chwalisz announced that Wiz Khalifa will perform at Osprey Productions' spring concert instead of Kesha, whom OP originally booked back in November. Chwalisz said Kesha...

Nationally acclaimed writers coming to UNF as part of Douglas Anderson Writers’ Festival

Danae Leake March 6, 2014
UNF students have the opportunity to pick the brains of some of the most well-established authors in the nation Saturday, possibly free of charge.

Shovels & Rope play Jack Rabbits, show love for music and one another

Danae Leake February 17, 2014
Shovels & Rope rocked the Jack Rabbits venue on Feb. 13.

Spinnaker Radio gets broadcast permit

Danae Leake February 6, 2014
UNF got the confirmation today that they can operate on an FM radio frequency, which Spinnaker Radio will broadcast on.

Black on The Green

Danae Leake February 4, 2014
Sierra Club representative, Janet Stanko, held a rally on the UNF Green on Feb. 3. Stanko, along with other UNF student supporters, held up signs in protest to the proposed Keystone XL project.

Student fee increases proposed for 2014-15

Danae Leake January 29, 2014
Six UNF organizations give their budget presentations to the Student Fee Assessment Committee for 2014-15. Three requested increases, including the Athletics Department.

New Years crash driver attends pretrial hearing

Danae Leake January 28, 2014
UNF student Sean Frederik Franke, 21, went to court for his pretrial hearing. He faces charges of DUI manslaughter for his involvement in Dara Kusiv’s death as well as two counts of DUI serious bodily injury for the two others in the car.

Vice President cites lack of trust and competence as reason for resigning

Danae Leake January 21, 2014
Vice President William ‘Billy’ Namen resigned from his position, citing the lack of trust and morals within Student Government as the reason.

New dorm key system in the works

Danae Leake January 13, 2014
UNF Housing discusses a replacement for the current Intellikey system.

Rising housing rates

Danae Leake November 26, 2013
Housing rates may increase for the 2014-2015 semester.

Students get involved to help Typhoon Haiyan victims

Danae Leake November 19, 2013
Haidy Andrada’s family are lucky to live in an area that was safe from Typhoon Haiyan.

Pita Pit coming to campus

Danae Leake November 14, 2013
Pita Pit is coming to campus in April at the Osprey Clubhouse.

Clubhouse to open next summer

Danae Leake November 13, 2013

The Osprey Clubhouse should open summer 2014. Zak Ovadia, director of Campus Planning*, said construction is ahead of schedule because of good management. Other than some difficulty in separating...

Threats against UNF deemed not credible

Danae Leake October 16, 2013
UPD Chief of Police Charles Strudel classifies former student's broad threats towards UNF as non-threatening.
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