This workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Joel Ying in place of Kim Weitkamp, who is unable to make it. “Every struggle carries a story, and every story holds the power to heal” In this workshop, we’ll explore how to transform hard experiences into sources of strength, resilience, and deeper connection. Through guided storytelling and reflection, participants will discover how to use their own narratives, their voice, to support mental and relational well-being.  Whether you’re looking to strengthen your own mental well-being or to deepen your connection with others, this workshop will help you harness the transformative power of storytelling to move forward with courage and clarity. Kim Weitkamp’s VOICES workshop has been used by communities nationwide to help people turn painful experiences into tools for healing and growth. Most notably, she worked with survivors of the 2007 Virginia Tech mass shooting, guiding them in using their stories to heal, find strength and resilience. She is a National Speaker/Storyteller, Coach/Consultant, Performance Artist, and Workshop Facilitator. kimweitkamp.com fgcustorytelling.com

Provost’s Seminar Series is hosting Dr. Michael Osterholm, Director Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy Research and Innovation Office, University of Minnesota. Dr. Osterholm will lead the “The Big One Is Still Coming: Lessons We Should Have Learned from the Covid-19 Pandemic” talk on Friday, December 5, 2025, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m., in Seidler Hall, Room 114. More about the speaker: Dr. Osterholm is Regents Professor, McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Public Health, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, a professor in the Technological Leadership Institute, College of Science and Engineering, and an adjunct professor in the Medical School, all at the University of Minnesota. In November 2020, Dr. Osterholm was appointed to President-elect Joe Biden's 13-member Transition COVID-19 Advisory Board. From June 2018 through May 2019, he served as a Science Envoy for Health Security on behalf of the US Department of State. He is also on the Board of Regents at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He is the author of the New York Times best-selling 2017 book, Deadliest Enemy: Our War Against Killer Germs, in which he not only details the most pressing infectious disease threats of our day but lays out a nine-point strategy on how to address them, with preventing a global flu pandemic at the top of the list. Link to his comprehensive bio.

Brought to you by The Water School Seminar Speaker Committee Harry Maisch, Stefan Carpenter, Dhruv Bhatt, and Vanaja Kankarla. Dr. Onorato is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He received a B.S. from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, an M.S. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Onorato was also a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Idaho through 2005, where he concentrated on large carnivore conservation genetics. Later in 2005, he began his research position on the Florida panther project for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Dave’s main research interests focus on using long term genetic, demographic, and spatial data garnered from field studies to conserve and recover endangered large carnivores. He is responsible for developing and implementing research projects on the Florida panther that will assist with providing data necessary to assess progress towards achieving recovery objectives outlined in the USFWS Florida Panther Recovery Plan. Dave is also a member of the FWC Florida Panther Capture Team and is responsible for setting capture objectives each season in order to obtain study animals necessary for research projects. 

Arts Bonita is looking for FGCU students who may be interested in assisting them with the following events:   ❄️ Arts Bonita Winter Camp Volunteers Needed!Help create a fun and supportive environment for kids at the Arts Bonita Winter Camp. Duties include assisting instructors, supporting student projects, and helping with bathroom breaks. When:  Monday, December 22, 9 - 4 PM Tuesday, December 23, 9 AM - 4 PM Friday, December 26, 9 AM - 4 PM Monday, December 29, 9 AM - 4 PM Tuesday, December 30, 9 AM - 4 PM Friday, January 2, 9 AM - 4 PM Shifts: Full day (9 AM–4 PM), half day morning (9 AM–12 PM), or half day afternoon (1 PM–4 PM) Where: Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs, FL Volunteers Needed: 20 If you're interested in this opportunity, click here!     💃 Arts Bonita Dance Academy Fall Recital Volunteers Needed!Assist with backstage management, enforce rules, and help with clean-up during the recital. A great way to support performing arts in the community! When: Saturday, Dec 13, 2025, from 12 PM to 2 PM (Please arrive 5-10 minutes early) Where: Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs, FL Volunteers Needed: 5 If you're interested in this opportunity, click here!     Students who complete this event gain skills in Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Teamwork/Collaboration, Leadership. This aligns with the following Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well-being (3) and Quality Education (4).

FGCU Exploratory Advising is looking for FGCU students who may be interested in assisting them with their Major Mania event! 🤝 Volunteer Duties Include: Setting up cooler stations and tables Handing out water bottles to attendees Greeting and directing students to faculty tables Providing general event support 📅 Details: When: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 Time: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM (includes setup and takedown) Where: Library Lawn, FGCU (11100 FGCU Blvd S, Fort Myers, FL)   If you're interested in this opportunity, please email Betsy Rodriguez at berodriguez@fgcu.edu.   Students who complete this event gain skills in Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Teamwork/Collaboration, Professionalism/Work Ethic. This aligns with the following Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education (4).

Provost’s Seminar Series is hosting FGCU President Aysegul Timur, Ph.D. Dr. Timur will lead “FGCU – Your University” talk on Thursday, January 15, 2026, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m., in AB9 (The Water School), Room 106.   More about the speaker: Dr. Timur was selected to become Florida Gulf Coast University’s fifth president on May 4, 2023. Her presidency was confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors on June 22, 2023. In her most recent role, Timur served as Vice President and Vice Provost for Strategy and Program Innovation at FGCU, where she has worked since 2019. Dr. Timur received her Ph.D. in Business Administration, majoring in Economics, from the University of South Florida, and both her MBA and bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration from the University of Istanbul. Her achievements have been widely recognized, earning accolades such as being listed in Naples Illustrated’s Top 100 in 2024 and receiving the Leadership Legacy Award from Leadership Collier Foundation in 2023. Before joining the university, she held a variety of faculty and executive leadership positions in higher education, including full professor of economics and Dean of the Johnson School of Business at Hodges University.