Prime Examples of: Leadership

Karly Horn September 22, 2023

Prime is a quantity.

Unique, a product unachievable by any two other numbers. 1, 2, 7 …

Prime is a quality.

Excellent, of the highest caliber. Outstanding, Choice, Top-Notch…

In both quantity and quality, this column features Prime Examples of what makes us Florida Tech.

Prime Examples of: Leadership

At its simplest, to lead is to direct—Go. Do. Be.

True leadership, however, is demonstrated. Leaders may or may not have charge, but they certainly have influence—over others, themselves, society. With authenticity and ambition, curiosity and open minds, leadership becomes inspiration. At Florida Tech, we lead projects. We lead people. Together, we lead change.

Here are a few prime examples.

Five (5)

Panther Pioneers featured in the fall ’23 issue of Florida Tech Magazine.

1. John Nicklow, Ph.D.

Read about Florida Tech’s new president in “A Perfect Fit.”

2. Rich Aronson, Ph.D.

Aronson, marine biologist, professor, ocean engineering and marine sciences department head and Galápagos field research expedition leader, shares his incredible insights and photography in “Far Away, Where the Learning is Everywhere.”

3. Sunita Williams ’95 M.S.

Read “In the Exploration Business” for astronaut alumna Williams’ take on the future of space and why we must explore.

4. Isabella Leon

Leon is a biomedical science senior, women’s soccer team member and 2023 Martha Work Sportsmanship Award recipient. Read how she has overcome adversity in “Sideline Star.”

Jazmin Truesdale ’11 MBA

5. Jazmin Truesdale ’11 MBA

Learn about trailblazer Truesdale, Aza Entertainment founder, in “SuperSHEro: MBA Alumna Develops Diverse Female Comic Book Universe.”

Two (2)

Alumni Taking the Lead

1. Julio Tomas Coronado ’23

In spring, Coronado achieved American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Certified Member status, making him the only person in Panama to have the designation, which “signifies that you have a diverse knowledge of the primary functions of how an airport operates and can provide the opportunity to progress up the ranks in a close-knit community,” according to the AAAE. Coronado, who recently started working as a quality assurance auditor at DHL Aero Expreso S.A. at the Tocumen International Airport cargo terminal in Panama City, was inspired to achieve the certification by William Rankin, Ph.D., his former Florida Tech College of Aeronautics professor.

2. Gerardo Valerio ’05

Valerio, a Florida Tech men’s soccer midfielder from 2002 to 2005, recently coached the Honduras Men’s U20 National Team in the U20 World Cup in Argentina, competing against Gambia, Korea Republic and France in the group stage. Valerio, who began his coaching career with Palm Bay and Melbourne Beach youth programs while playing at Florida Tech, founded and became head coach of the Third-Division team Real Tegus in Honduras in 2016.

“My time at Florida Tech played a valuable role in my success as a coach and, more importantly, my ability to be an influential leader within my community. I not only teach the sport but introduce values like perseverance, sacrifice, respect, effort, creativity and many others to all my players. I credit this to my time at Tech.”

Eleven (11)

College Tour Guides

Florida Tech is being featured in a second episode of the hit Amazon Prime TV series, “The College Tour.” Meet your guides, who join host 1. Alex Boylan to share the Florida Tech story: