Meet the Class - Kristian

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.


Name: Kristian Vazquez

Hometown: Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Undergraduate School & Major: Political Science - University of Puerto Rico

Past Sports Industry Experiences: Amateur soccer website

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: TIDES Graduate Assistant

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: The service focus of the program

Future Career Ambitions: GM of a professional soccer team and later on working with international soccer NGOs.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why? Mind reading

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know? Winston Churchill, and I would most like to know what was his source of strength during the darkest days of WWII.

Meet the Class - Patty

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Patricia Flaherty

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Florida - Finance

Past Sports Industry Experiences: I volunteered for 3 semesters with the University of Florida UAA Compliance department and completed a Practicum with Gator Boosters, Inc.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Graduate Assistant, UCF Finance Department

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I chose the DeVos program not only because it incorporates practical knowledge of a specific industry with what I have already studied in my undergraduate career, but it also provides numerous community service opportunities in the Orlando area as well as in New Orleans, LA.

Future Career Ambitions: I hope to pursue a career in the Action Sports industry and my ultimate goal would be to plan a major event such as the AST Dew Tour or the Vans Warped Tour.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why? I would definitely choose teleportation because I love visiting different places but hate driving and flying.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
I would interview Kevin Lyman, the producer and creator of the Vans Warped Tour, the longest running music and action sports tour in North America. I would ask him where exactly he sees Warped Tour going in the future, and if he sees himself incorporating more or less action sports into the festival in the coming years.

Meet the Class - Simone

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Simone Jackson

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Undergraduate School & Major: The University of Texas at Dallas; BS & MS in Accounting and Information Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences: National Basketball Association NBA All-Star Jam Session Volunteer, Mountain View Community College Basketball Camp Director, Skyhawks Basketball Camp Director, DiversityInPromotions, LLC Marketing and Sales Intern, Dallas Basketball Officials Association Official, Dallas Fury of The National Women's Basketball League Support Group member, Women’s Pro-Am Semi-Professional Basketball Player

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) and Orlando Magic Interactive Marketing team member

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I want to be a part of a program that shares the same values and vision that I do. The DeVos program focuses the necessary attention on social issues, diversity and ethics while highlighting the link between these factors and the sports industry. The education and experience received will provide me with the playbook to further advance my dream.

Future Career Ambitions: I want to create a program where student-athletes and non student-athletes can take sports skills and lessons that they have learned and transfer them in to every aspect of their lives. My dream for this program is to be able to show people how sports and business relate to every aspect of their life, while simultaneously, enhancing all aspects of their life.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why? I would choose not to have a superpower. I believe that we are given all the power that we need in order to fulfill our purpose here in this world. We already have the power we just need to know how to access it.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know? I would want to meet my great grandmothers and have the opportunity to just sit at their feet and absorb as much as you can.

Meet the Class - Amanda

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Amanda Barton

Hometown: Gray, Maine

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Southern Maine, Major: Business Administration, Minor: Accounting
Past Sports Industry Experiences:
Maine Red Claws Intern in Corporate Partnerships and Operations
Portland Pirates Intern in Communications and Public Relations
Oxford Plains Speedway Intern in Operations and Web 2.0 Marketing

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: N/A (Currently looking for either or both ☺).

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I chose the DeVos program because it gave me the opportunity to earn a dual degree in business administration and in sports business management. The DeVos program has also allowed me to experience levels of diversity I otherwise wouldn’t been able to in the state of Maine.

Future Career Ambitions: I would like to see myself working for the Olympic Committee.
If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why? Teleportation! That way I could see the world in the most efficient and least expensive way!

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know? Reba McEntire; how it was for her growing up as a red head?

Meet the Class - Chris M.

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Chris Moran

Hometown: Tustin, California

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Arizona, Accounting

Past Sports Industry Experiences: Colorado Rockies Spring Training Staff Member (3 years), Tucson Toros Promotions Intern, ESPN Production Crew Intern.
Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Dr. Harrison GA

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: The opportunities, the fact that sport is seen as a tool for social change, and the dual degree option.

Future Career Ambitions: To be the Director of Fan Experience for a professional sports team.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why? Telekinesis.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know? Donald Trump.

Meet the Class - Anna

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.


Name: Anna Florzak

Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri

Undergraduate School & Major: Iowa State University Major: Marketing & Minor: Textiles and Clothing

Past Sports Industry Experiences: Iowa State University Basketball 2006-2010, Iowa State University Cross Country 2009,
Marketing Intern Kansas City Chiefs 2009, Special Events Athletic Intern Iowa State University 2009-2010

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Graduate Assistant, The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport
Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: When I first read about the DeVos Program, it was difficult to believe that such a program existed. My head told me it might just be a tremendous job of internal marketing; my heart wanted to believe such a program really existed. When I had the opportunity to interview last spring between the 1st and 2nd round of the NCAA tournament, I had the opportunity to experience not only the authenticity of the program but also experience the incredible leadership that makes it that way. I will never forget how much joy I felt after my interview, and I prayed that becoming part of the DeVos family was in God’s plan for me.

Future Career Ambitions: I have two ambitions: to be an Athletic Director at a Division 1 school and to write a book on my experiences as an athlete.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why? I would want the power to look into the future to see where the journey of my life will take me.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know? I would interview Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, a champion of human rights. Everything she ever said and everything she ever did was worth understanding and remembering. I would ask her where she got her energy, passion, and stamina to always do the right thing for the right reason. I would also ask her what she thought about at night right before she went to sleep.

Meet the Class - Kelvin

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Kelvin Ang

Hometown: Singapore
Undergraduate School & Major: Syracuse University, Newspaper Journalism and Geography

Past Sports Industry Experiences: I worked for two and a half years, first as a Sportswriter and then as the Sports Editor, of the Idaho State Journal, a daily newspaper in Pocatello, Idaho. I have also interned at the newspapers in Syracuse, N.Y., and Altoona, Pa., and for MLB.com covering the Milwaukee Brewers.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Graduate Assistant for Dr. Lapchick

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I was impressed by how tight-knit the DeVos community felt when I interviewed with the students and directors. The program also stood out because of other components such as its service trips to New Orleans.

Future Career Ambitions: I am still exploring various job possibilities in the sports field. I would be interested in working on a team’s publications, or perhaps in the operations or compliance fields.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why? The ability to read anyone’s mind.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know? I would choose baseball legend Hank Aaron, whom I have always admired. I would love to hear how he managed to maintain a positive outlook on life and stay consistent on the field even while suffering from death threats and racist vitriol during his pursuit of Babe Ruth’s home run record.

Renewing New Orleans, Renewing our souls

"Everybody wants to be a part of a miracle. People helping people, it's powerful stuff"
~ Vince Vaughn, Wedding Crashers

When my alarm went off at 6:20 yesterday morning it could only mean one thing was upon me - the start of my final semester at the University of Central Florida. I could not believe that school was already here and starting. I could not believe that this was the beginning of the end of my DeVos journey. More than anything, I could not believe I had to get out of bed - because last week was absolutely exhausting.

As has been a tradition of the DeVos program these past four years, the class of 2011 and 2012 took a service trip to New Orleans with the Hope For Stanley Alliance. It is always a great experience to get to know the new members of the DeVos family and to give back to the city of New Orleans - a city that continues to go through so much but the resilience and optimism of her people never ceases to amaze me. Overall it was an incredible trip and I hope to have pictures to share with you all soon. I have now spent five weeks in service to the city of New Orleans and this trip was clearly the best one that I have gone on - it is amazing that no matter how many times I go, my life is always changed and I am always made better for it.

Those who know me, know that I am one to talk but I also acknowledge that sometimes, someone else can say it a lot better than me so instead I choose to keep my part short and instead share with you the thoughts of some of the members of our new class who went on this trip for the very first time.

Until next week,
Devan



Traveling to New Orleans with the DeVos Program this past week was my first time witnessing the aftermath from Hurricane Katrina. Touring the Lower Ninth Ward, where the levees broke, was an eye opening experience that filled me with many emotions. I cannot even fathom how the Lower Ninth Ward looked right after the flood if this is how the area looks five years later. Streets that were once packed with houses are now empty lots covered in overgrown weeds or abandoned houses. I had no idea of the amount of work that needs to be done and all the families that are still trying to come home. I am so glad to be a part of Hope for Stanley and to have the opportunity to restore homes. The residents that have been fortunate enough to come back to the Lower Ninth Ward are highly appreciative of volunteers. The residents have shown us how much our work means to the community in order to help residents regain their lives. I will be taking many trips back to New Orleans in the future. It is an amazing way to give back and help families come home to New Orleans, the only home they ever known, so they can rebuild friendships, families, and neighborhoods.
~Kaley Pendley, Class of 2012

"Initially I didn't know what to expect but speaking from my past experience I would like to say I truly loved it. I went to New Orleans in 2007 during my undergraduate years at Howard University to do rebuilding for Alternative Spring Break, a similar effort to Hope For Stanley. Seeing the damage that has yet to be cleaned up/rebuilt/fixed was quite upsetting. It had been 3 years since I had gone to visit and only certain areas looked like they were being helped. Hearing the stories of the natives, especially Stanley's story, reassured me and (I'm sure) my classmates as to why we continue to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate; especially those in New Orleans. I think the idea to take a trip down there before starting classes was a great way to ensure bonding between both classes. The experience set the tone for the next 18 months and what a great tone it was."
~ Kara Adams, Class of 2012

"I did not fully understand the true meaning of the saying ‘Restore, Rebuild & Renew’ until my first trip to NOLA ended this past Friday. Not only was it an emotional 5 days, but my eyes were also opened to a part of the country that I had never been to. I feel so blessed to be able to give back to a community that is so thankful for all of the work the DeVos family has continued to do over the years. With the 5 year anniversary happening this weekend, I hope that people still acknowledge how much work is still needed in the Lower 9th ward and the outlying areas. While the downtown area looks very pretty it only takes a short drive down the road to see that there is still so much renovation that needs to be done. After realizing that NOLA still has so much clean up left to do I hope that people will continue to serve the city."
~ Anna Florzak, Class of 2012

"I grew up on the panhandle of Florida, an area known to experience a hurricane or two. Yet even with that on my mind, nothing could compare to the desolate area of destruction that was the Lower Ninth Ward. Even five years later the damage still remains. Concrete slabs where houses once stood, porch steps leading to nothing, homes with holes in the roofs made by people, just like you and me, trying to escape from the flooding, building "tattoos" explaining how many people died in that building, and acres and acres of overgrown weeds and grass in place of a neighborhood where children once roamed. Visiting New Orleans one always thinks of the booming city, Bourbon Street, and the French Quarter yet we tend to forget about the other parishes and neighborhoods of New Orleans. I had never put up a single piece of dry wall in my life, yet I looked forward to spending my week creating these sheet rock shapes and forming the walls of what will someday be someone's home. There is nothing more satisfying than helping someone in need, and that is what I will take back from this trip the most. Growing closer with my classmates, people I had not even met until this trip, doesn't hurt either. My first trip to New Orleans is truly one I will NEVER forget."
~Matthew Vinson, Class of 2012

"New Orleans was an unforgettable experience. Not only did I get to bond with my classmates and create lasting relationships but I got to learn the infinite possibilities that we as humans have. On the trip, we were able to meet an outstanding man named Stanley who is a true hero of Hurricane Katrina. He was able to sacrifice his life to save his family. I have never been to New Orleans before and seeing the destruction that still exists 5 years after the storm opened my eyes to the help that countless people in this world need. In the end, it made me proud to be in the DeVos Sport Management Program because of the emphasis of using sport as a tool for social change."
~ Christopher Moran, Class of 2012

"My first impression of our trip to New Orleans and the Lower Ninth Ward was amazement and surprise at how little has been done in the past 5 years since Hurricane Katrina. My heart was filled with sorrow at the sight of so much devastation and suffering. Listening to the stories of the victims was difficult at times but an eye opening experience for me. This was my first trip ever to New Orleans. It was overwhelming to see the large number of vacant houses and weeded over empty lots. Despite the hard work the St Bernard Project, Hope for Stanley and other organizations have accomplished it seems like little progress has been made. But on the last day of our trip a victim of Hurricane Katina stopped by our worksite to speak with us and share his appreciation for the work we were doing and the effect it has had on him and his family. It felt good and made me feel a little better about how much impact our small contribution is making in the lives of people who would not have made it without our help. It was at that point I remembered an old Chinese proverb ‘to move a mountain you begin with the first pebble’. I now see how at least moving those first few pebbles through Hope for Stanley and other programs like it has helped impact his life, his family’s life and many others, but I also realize that there is still much more work to do to move this mountain."
~ Tony Scott, Class of 2012

"Words cannot adequately express what this week has done for Demetrius. I have seen the video footage and heard so many things about New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. It is one thing to watch television, but it is something so much more impactful see it in person. From the first time I set my eyes on the ninth ward, a part of me felt sad. I thought about all of the people whose lives were changed forever. I am an individual who has felt the agony of losing a close loved one, and I thought about all of the citizens of New Orleans who lost their family. Hearing the stories of the people of New Orleans was priceless, and really helped to put things into perspective for me. Next, I was so excited about helping build the homes back up for the people of New Orleans. Watching the home come together day by day was unbelievable to see and I cannot wait to head back in December to help another family. I came to volunteer and to give something back, but I actually was blessed in many ways as well, and I am so grateful for that."
~ Demetrius Frazier, Class of 2012