July 2017
SPC dedicates Dr. John M. Chapin Science Lab at Bay Pines STEM Center
Dr. Chapin's daughter Kristen Johnson (left) and wife Marcia Chapin with the science lab dedication plaque
Family, friends, community members, faculty and staff gathered at SPC's new Bay Pines STEM Center on June 28 to dedicate the science labs in honor of the late Dr. John M. Chapin, the former Dean of Natural Science. Dr. Chapin was the founding science faculty member on the Tarpon Springs Campus in the late 1970s. Before passing away in February, Dr. Chapin left behind perhaps his largest legacy at SPC, the Bay Pines STEM Center, a hands-on science learning complex adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway in Pinellas County.

At the dedication ceremony, Chapin's daughter Kristen Johnson recalled growing up in science labs alongside her father and discussed his passion for students and science. "He was more than a science guy," said Johnson. "He was a believer in people. This center is the embodiment of his beliefs."

The new 7,600-square-foot state-of-the-art center will serve as a community resource to increase awareness of STEM-related subjects and issues. The center will open for classes for the Fall 2017 term.

Dr. Natavia Middleton, Dean of Natural Science and Engineering, said, "I like to think of the future of STEM here as really a public service to our community,we hope that every experience will allow the community to engage with science."
Vet Tech Students Work with Elephants in Thailand
This summer a new study abroad program brought SPC Veterinary Technology students to a wildlife sanctuary near Bangkok, Thailand that specializes in caring for rescued elephants. Students gained skills in large-animal care and socialization while learning about the challenges wild and domesticated elephants face in Thailand.

SPC student Gina Caporicci (pictured right) remarked, "Working with the elephants was scary, amazing, hard, unbelievable, but overall one of the best opportunities of my life. We were able to get close and comfortable with these elephants, creating bonds in such a short amount of time."
Students travel the globe through SPC's study abroad programs building the critical thinking, problem solving, time management and communication skills that have become requirements for success in today's global marketplace. Many students rely on study abroad scholarships to make these once-in-a-lifetime experiences possible. 
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Donate Your Cap and/or Gown 
Women on the Way (WOW) invites recent SPC graduates to donate graduation caps and/or gowns. WOW, an all-important resource for women returning to college, has proudly helped support SPC students for the past 36 years. Help an SPC student in need attend graduation and donate your cap and/or gown today!

Please contact Rosemary King, Clearwater WOW Student Support Advisor at
[email protected] to schedule a donation drop-off.
Upcoming Events
The Stars of Summer
July 21 at 7pm and 8:15pm
SPC St. Pete/ Gibbs Campus Planetarium
6605 Fifth Ave. N.

In July the ringed planet Saturn finally makes its debut. Learn about planets and see them first-hand with our observatory telescopes! The free shows are hosted by resident astronomer Dr. Craig Joseph and feature live narration with images displayed by computer-controlled projectors.
Titan Strong Fishing Tournament
August 26 at 12:30pm
Hubbard's Marina
170 Boardwalk Pl. E.
Maderia Beach, FL

All proceeds from this 1/2 day of fishing will benefit the SPC Athletics Department. Prizes are up for grabs in the big fish contest! Tickets are $75 per person and include tackle, rod and reel rental plus a boxed lunch. For more information contact Athletic Director Davie Gill at 727-341-4314 or [email protected].
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