Page 60 - August 2015 Life In Naples Magazine
P. 60
HOSTING BOOTS
BREWS & BBQ
TO BENEFIT SCHOLARSHIPS
P ut on your boots, grab your cowboy diverse learning environment to many.
hat and saddle up for Hodges Founded in Naples in 1990 as International College, the institution began with
University’s first Boots, Brews and
BBQ on Saturday, October 24. The fun begins just 85 students in a rented storefront. In 2007, International College was renamed
at 6:00 p.m. at The Club Pelican Bay, 707 Hodges University in honor of its main benefactors, Earl and Thelma Hodges,
Gulf Park Drive in Naples. All proceeds from long-time residents of Naples and long-time supporters of Hodges University. In
the event benefit the Thelma Hodges Friends addition to honoring the significant gift made by the Hodges, the name change
of the University Scholarship. The scholarship more accurately reflected the growing student body and diverse degree programs
is awarded on the basis of student need, with offered as well as the move from college status to university status.
funding granted first to those with the most
critical financial need. Hodges University now has campuses in Naples and Fort Myers and is comprised
by the School of Allied Health, Nichols School of Professional Studies, Fisher
Guests can chow down at the chuck wagon School of Technology, Johnson School of Business and School of Liberal Studies.
and then kick up their heels to the sounds of The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Cahlua and Cream. Sandra Buxton is serving Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
as chair of the event. Tickets are $100 each
and tables of eight are available for $800. For Though serving students of all ages, Hodges University has garnered recognition
more information and to purchase tickets, for developing a curriculum that is uniquely catered to adults who balance their
please contact April May at amay@hodges. academic obligations while maintaining full-time jobs and family responsibilities.
edu or 239.598.6135. The university offers flexible schedules of day, evening, weekend and online classes;
competency-based, self-paced degree options; career counseling; and hands-on
Hodges University, a private, non-profit support from a highly qualified faculty. All of these factors culminate to produce a
institution of higher learning, is celebrating learning environment unlike any other institution in the region.
its 25th anniversary of contributing to the
richness of Collier County and providing a Hodges University works closely with employers to develop and implement
programs of study that will prepare graduates to fill the workforce needs of the
local community and to become contributing members to the growth of Collier
County. Over the past 25 years, Hodges University has conferred more than 9,000
degrees to graduates who live and work in Southwest Florida.
In addition to its 32 undergraduate and seven graduate degree programs of
study, Hodges University also facilitates a comprehensive English as a Second
Language (ESL) program, which offers English language immersion to non-native
speakers of English who want to increase their fluency. This intensive program is
designed to enhance students’ knowledge and use of English, as well as their ability
to integrate into an English-speaking culture.
In addition to the current 2,300 students enrolled at Hodges University, there
are 275 full-time and 100 part-time university faculty and staff who live and work
in and contribute to Southwest Florida. Along with the impact of the Hodges
community on the local economy, Hodges University students, faculty, staff and
alumni understand the importance of giving back through volunteering and have
contributed untold number of hours over the years.
Hodges University has made enormous strides over the past 25 years and
has been a dynamic, progressive institution fulfilling its role in the community
it serves. The institution has touched the lives of its graduates, their families and
employers, and the community as a whole. Hodges University will continue to
offer its distinctive transformational, learner-driven education for the next 25 years
and beyond.
60 Life in Naples | August • September • October 2015
