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LeBron James, Steph Curry, Jason Biles… just a few all stars on the USA Basketball National Team headed to the 2024 Olympics. While the first two get their coverage on ESPN, it’s time our Osprey among the mix gets his much-deserved recognition.

Jason Biles (’00, ’02) is an athletic trainer (ATC), strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), performance enhancement specialist (PES) and corrective exercise specialist (CES) certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and sports certified specialist (SCS) certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

Biles joins the Olympic squad from the Houston Rockets, where he’s served as the head athletic trainer and director of performance rehabilitation for 14 seasons. In 2013, he received the NBATA Assistant Athletic Trainer of the Year Award voted on by his peers and had the opportunity to work the NBA All-Star Game. Before joining the Rockets, he worked with the Memphis Grizzlies as their assistant athletic trainer and head strength and conditioning coach. His journey with the national team started in 2019 as an athletic trainer during the national team tour and the FIBA World Cup in China.

A standout baseball player in high school, Biles suffered a leg injury that required rehabilitation, which is when he discovered the benefits of sports medicine. He attended the Brooks College of Health, earning his bachelor’s degree in health science, and stuck around to earn his Master of Physical Therapy from the Graduate School.

After graduation, he worked at Bollettieri Sports Medicine Center at the IMG Academies in Bradenton. He was the lead physical therapist and traveled with professional tennis players, as well as provided rehabilitation for athletes training for the NFL Combine and NBA offseason training programs. He then left Florida for Las Vegas where he worked as a physical therapy manager with Athletes’ Performance. He developed and implemented performance training and rehabilitation programs for a wide range of athletes, including professionals to the NFL, MLB, PGA and ATP.

Biles' interests include music, traveling and playing golf. He and his wife, Julie, have two daughters, Makenzie and Delaney.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 7/26/24)

The ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ proudly works with international students all across the globe to bring them to our beautiful campus, and for some you have to see it to “Belize” it.

The ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Belizean Ospreys alumni group formed in 2020 during the COVID pandemic to connect other Belizeans together who have moved back after college. Alumni group members have hosted educational Zoom calls with Belizean community members teaching about diverse topics. The alumni group’s president, Melissa Bradley, said the group wants to use their ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ education to help others.

“Giving back doesn’t only mean financially; it means also giving back your time,” she said.

Bradley learned about ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ over 20 years ago after completing her bachelor’s degree in English education from the University of Belize. She wanted to pursue a master’s degree and found ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s Belizean cohort, which worked alongside the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ College of Education and Human Services. She started taking courses in 2002 toward her master’s degree in educational leadership.

Midway through her program in summer 2003, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ did not offer courses for the cohort that term. So, Bradley and other students took an opportunity from the school to come to Jacksonville to finish their degrees in fall 2004.

“It was the best decision I have ever made,” Bradley said with confidence. “I really appreciate when the professors come to Belize because they work on our time, but the experience I got in Jacksonville was priceless.”

Bradley embraced her study abroad opportunity in Jacksonville by meeting new diverse people and experiences. She said the Thomas G. Carpenter Library made research incredibly easier, as the internet wasn’t as developed back then.

Bradley graduated that December and returned home, always singing the praises of ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s life-changing education opportunities on campus. She grew up in southern Belize, having lost three brothers to violence and crime in the region, but she did not allow tragedy to stop her dreams.

“I know what it is to bounce back, and to not allow my circumstances to hold me back in life,” Bradley said. “It was not an easy road. I chose to stay positive. There’s so much going for it.”

Bradley is currently teaching at Edward P. Yorke High School in Belize and provides workshops for teachers, educating them on the school’s mission and professional development.

In her spare time, Bradley enjoys family time and volunteering at an art school. She also enjoys writing poetry and short stories and recently released her second book in May.

As time has passed, several Belizean alumni now have children currently in class at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, creating yet another generation of Ospreys!

(Written by Tyler White, Published 7/25/24)

After living in Jacksonville all her life, one of our Osprey alums has finally left the Nest. But she keeps cruising – can't stop, won't stop grooving. It's like she’s got this music in her mind, saying it's gonna be alright.

A few months ago, April Hartwich (’11) accepted a job as the Director of Marketing at St. Johns County Cultural Events, Inc., which is the nonprofit that manages and operates the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Sing Out Loud Festival and Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series. 

As a 5th grader, Hartwich visited the Newseum in Washington D.C. as part of their class trip, and she got the opportunity to experience life as a TV host and record an “on-air” broadcast where she had the time of her life. When looking at colleges, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ was already on Hartwich’s radar as the hometown school, but after visiting the campus and meeting the people, she was ready to commit. Once she took her first course in the School of Communication, she confirmed she was on the right path.

One of her classes was Media Planning, where their group research project covered many of the marketing tactics she uses today. “We did our project on the iPhone 3G, so I cannot forget the advertisements we created or how far the phone has come since,” Hartwich said. While on campus, she got involved with the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Advertising Club, the American Advertising Federation of Jacksonville, and Grammy U.

During her final semester at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, she did her internship with Renda Broadcasting, a national radio broadcasting company. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in communication with an advertising concentration, she was offered a position to stay on where she spent the next four years learning the ins and outs of the business while working with some of the top names in music. From there, she embarked on an opportunity at a local advertising agency where she learned all forms of media planning and buying, and the creative process that brought campaigns alive.

Over the years, she’s gotten heavily involved in marketing for the city of Jacksonville. She ran communications and social media for Duval County Public Schools, served as the Marketing Manager for ASM Global in Jacksonville and spent the past four years as the Senior Marketing Manager for the City of Jacksonville, leading the efforts for all sports and entertainment events. Hartwich says, “It is truly a great feeling knowing that what you are doing is improving the lives of those in your community.”

When an opportunity arose to apply all her experience in music, entertainment and marketing toward a growing organization in St. Augustine, it was hard to pass up. This month, the Sing Out Loud Festival begins featuring over 100 national, regional and local artists, headlined by Noah Kahan and Eric Church.

While she can’t predict the future, she foresees herself staying in the marketing field continuing to better the lives of people or animals. Outside of work, she and her wife, Hanne, spend time raising their two cats, Luna and Willow, visiting Europe and playing pickleball.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 9/3/24)

You know what they say… When in Rome, do as the Ospreys do! As the senior adviser of public affairs for the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy, Alma Laias (’97, ’99) has turned the Roman Holiday into a lifestyle.

When Laias initially visited some of her friends attending ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, between the great reputation and the beautiful location, she was sold on becoming an Osprey. As an undergraduate student, she got degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences in communications and international relations, while also working at the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ International Center. She stuck around to attend the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Graduate School and earn her master’s in public administration while serving as the international student advisor and eventually acting director of the office of International Affairs. In her role, she would work with students daily seeking advice and support on academic matters, housing assistance, international visas, health insurance and anything personal. “We were their family in their new country,” she said. 

Laias considers herself an Italian American with deep love for “Belpaese.” She said, “After every summer holidays in Italy, l would bring with me and share with my colleagues in Florida, the beauty of every monument, plaza, street, church, museum l visited, and the smell of every cappuccino and pizza l had.” In 2000, she got a new role as an international affairs adviser for the Camera dei Deputati (Chamber of Deputies in Italy) and made the move to Roma. After serving in that role for seven years, she got promoted to head of international relations. She also spent a few years as the director of institutional relations for the American University of Rome.

In 2014, she got an opportunity to join the American Chamber of Commerce as a business development adviser, and in 2020, she was promoted to senior adviser of public affairs. In her role, she optimizes the relationship between the Italian Parliament and the U.S. Congress, the Italian Embassy in Washington DC, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), the U.S. American Chamber of Commerce and other government agencies. She also works with Italian companies to create opportunities for them to invest abroad.

Among her many achievements, one that is very close to her heart is the relationship with American universities that each year send their students to Italy for a full immersion academic course. When Ospreys study abroad, she helps organize meetings with members of Italian Parliament during their trip to Rome. She credits her amazing professors from ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ who taught her how to work as a team and learn to respect different cultures and values, and who she still keeps in contact with 25 years later.

“OK Google, show me our next international alumni spotlight”

Sebastian Marentes (’11) graduated from the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business with degrees in international business and economics. Initially from Colombia, he moved to Peru for high school before visiting his brother in Jacksonville. He toured campus and learned about the scholarships ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Admissions offers. He liked that the University was “big enough to have accoutrements, but small enough to manage.” He ended his trip by going to the Boathouse, and after seeing all the international flags up, thought “this place gets it,” and filled out an application.

As a student, he got involved wherever he could, and loved that Ospreys were ready and willing to help him gain leadership positions. He served as captain of the Swoop Squad, a member of the International Business Association, and founding president of Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity. He also studied abroad in France, which was his first time crossing the Atlantic. His class travelled to 49 cities, where he got exposed to a global audience and enjoyed representing the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.

After graduation, he started an internship with the PGA TOUR. Seven years later, he worked his way up to market development head for Latin American programming. “I had a unique set of skills and was culturally adept,” Marentes said. From his time at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, he’d learned how to work with people to solve problems. When the Tour was looking to expand their market to Latin America, he helped run a feasibility study to examine the internal and external obstacles. He leveraged his large global network to make things happen and develop the Latin American tour. He also created two TV shows and sold broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals to every major network. “We took a zero-dollar market and turned it into something special,” he said.

While this accomplishment would be enough for many, for Marentes, this was just the beginning. In 2019, the “love of his life” moved to Chicago, and he wasn’t about to let her get away. He had been intrigued by the growing tech industries and followed her up north in the search for opportunities. “The tech field is hard to break into, so I needed to put myself in a strategic position,” he said. He started working as a marketing consultant for a digital sports agency while attending Northwestern to earn an MBA. He then joined ThePostGame as director of business development before getting promoted to vice president. In Fall 2021, he accepted a role with Google to be a partner lead serving customers in the educational space. His role is a mix of consulting and account managing as he works with universities and large organizations to leverage their google ad products to reach and retain prospective students. He still prides himself in problem solving through his network. He says, “It’s important to know what you know, know what you don’t know and know who knows what you don’t know.”

In 2020, he and his love, Shaina, returned to Jacksonville to get married before flying to Colombia for their celebration. In his free time, he likes to golf, run long distances or join his wife and dog on an urban hike in the Windy City.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 7/17/24)

If you’ve been to any sporting event in the last few years, there’s a good chance you’ve met Luis Rivera (’19), who now serves as the grassroots marketing coordinator for the Jaguars

Before moving to Jacksonville, Rivera grew up playing baseball in Puerto Rico, and knew that one day he wanted to be in the sports industry. Around his junior year, he realized that he had a passion for sport marketing and was determined to make his dream a reality. Originally enrolled at FSCJ, he earned a scholarship and transferred into COEHS where he majored in sport management with a marketing minor. As a student, he joined the North Florida Ospreys marketing team where he got a hands-on experience with all the behind-the-scenes aspects of running a sporting event. Once he got his foot in the door, he wasn’t about to let it close. He got internships with both the Jumbo Shrimp and the Icemen which got him experience marketing different sports for different crowds, before he ultimately decided to pursue life in the NFL.

Rivera started as a street team member before working his way up the Jaguars organization to his current role. His day to day consists of growing the Jaguars presence in the local community. Following the pandemic, he had to essentially restart the street marketing program, but as of this upcoming season, he’s developed 24 street marketers – most of whom are college students – to be the front line between the fans and the organization. “Our passion is to leave kids with a smile and make sure they come out to a game, whether it’s now or 5-10 years down the road.” Just some recent examples of events they’ve participated in are the Beaches 5K, Riverside Arts Market and Nocatee Farmers’ Market. The most rewarding part for him is seeing fans of all ages come up to their table and share stories of how meaningful the Jaguars are to them.

Rivera sees firsthand what this organization means to the community. “In 2021, when we got Trevor Lawrence. you could see a shift.” he said. There was a sense of revitalization among the fans where there’s optimism going into each season. He’s excited to see what transpires over the next few years as the organization determines their plans for “The Stadium of the Future” construction. Regardless, his team will play an important role in welcoming the fans back for all the festivities.

After 20 years in Duval, he would love to stay and grow within the organization. “You come into work every day and you’re passionate about it,” Rivera said. “The amount of detail that goes into everything, whether it’s an offseason event or the week of a game, just can’t be replicated.” He’s surrounded by friends and family in the area, so whenever he’s not working, he’ll spend some time with them gaming or relaxing at the beach.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 9/9/24)

We’ve already got about 100 Ospreys joining us for our 15th annual #RoarAndSoar tailgate, but it’s not a true Jaguars party until Ari and Perri make an appearance!

You may have seen ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Brooks College of Health alumnae Ariana Ross (’22, ’24) and Perri Truster (’23) out in the community or on the sidelines during the games as members of THE ROAR of The Jags. These kinesiology majors didn’t start out at the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ – Ross was at FSCJ and Truster was a Seminole – but the pandemic shifted their priorities. When they heard about the great reputation of the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ exercise science program, Ross started taking classes virtually while Truster waited until classes returned in person, but they both crossed the graduation stage as Ospreys.

Ross had been dancing since she was 3 years old, training in tap, jazz, hip-hop, ballet and more. She was part of a performing group that traveled across the state. As a high schooler, she was coached by a Buccaneers cheer alumna, and was invited to be a part of the halftime show during a pre-season Jaguars game, and she knew she wanted to return to the field as an NFL cheerleader. Truster had danced her whole life and was on the dance team at FSU, but never really thought about cheering professionally. When she learned NFL cheer is more dance-oriented, she decided to pursue it.

“It’s not just shaking your pompoms around,” Truster joked. THE ROAR practice twice a week for hours at a time learning new choreography. Plus, they represent the Jaguars at community events multiple times a week, both in and out of season. “We’re out in Jacksonville at food drives, hospitals, blood drives, etc. just giving back,” Ross said. “That’s arguably the biggest part of this and what makes being part of this team memorable.”

In addition, each member of THE ROAR holds their day jobs. Ross is in the medical technologies field as an educational consultant for cancer patients, helping them improve their quality of life. Truster works as a sales and marketing specialist for a spine and orthopedics office, working with primary care offices and pain management doctors for referrals on surgical cases. Coincidentally, their work is reflected in their roles with THE ROAR, as once they put the uniform on, they continue marketing the organization and improving people’s lives.

Outside of their jobs, they both love spending time at the beach and in the gym. Ross is certified as an exercise physiologist, and Truster earned her personal training certification and loves incorporating her fitness and fashion into her social media.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 8/6/24)

We’ve already got about 100 Ospreys joining us for our 15th annual #RoarAndSoar tailgate, but it’s not a true Jaguars party until Ari and Perri make an appearance!

You may have seen ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Brooks College of Health alumnae Ariana Ross (’22, ’24) and Perri Truster (’23) out in the community or on the sidelines during the games as members of THE ROAR of The Jags. These kinesiology majors didn’t start out at the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ – Ross was at FSCJ and Truster was a Seminole – but the pandemic shifted their priorities. When they heard about the great reputation of the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ exercise science program, Ross started taking classes virtually while Truster waited until classes returned in person, but they both crossed the graduation stage as Ospreys.

Ross had been dancing since she was 3 years old, training in tap, jazz, hip-hop, ballet and more. She was part of a performing group that traveled across the state. As a high schooler, she was coached by a Buccaneers cheer alumna, and was invited to be a part of the halftime show during a pre-season Jaguars game, and she knew she wanted to return to the field as an NFL cheerleader. Truster had danced her whole life and was on the dance team at FSU, but never really thought about cheering professionally. When she learned NFL cheer is more dance-oriented, she decided to pursue it.

“It’s not just shaking your pompoms around,” Truster joked. THE ROAR practice twice a week for hours at a time learning new choreography. Plus, they represent the Jaguars at community events multiple times a week, both in and out of season. “We’re out in Jacksonville at food drives, hospitals, blood drives, etc. just giving back,” Ross said. “That’s arguably the biggest part of this and what makes being part of this team memorable.”

In addition, each member of THE ROAR holds their day jobs. Ross is in the medical technologies field as an educational consultant for cancer patients, helping them improve their quality of life. Truster works as a sales and marketing specialist for a spine and orthopedics office, working with primary care offices and pain management doctors for referrals on surgical cases. Coincidentally, their work is reflected in their roles with THE ROAR, as once they put the uniform on, they continue marketing the organization and improving people’s lives.

Outside of their jobs, they both love spending time at the beach and in the gym. Ross is certified as an exercise physiologist, and Truster earned her personal training certification and loves incorporating her fitness and fashion into her social media.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 8/6/24)

The ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Alumni Association recognizes a graduating senior each semester for outstanding service to the University and community through volunteerism. This year, the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Alumni Association has selected Ishmail Maliek Wise as the recipient of the Senior Service Award for the Summer 2024 graduating class.

Wise is graduating from ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s College of Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in Communication-Public Relations and a minor in Film. Wise consistently embodied excellence and displayed ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s commitment to civic engagement and servant-leadership through his involvement in the Jacksonville community. Through volunteerism, Wise has used his experience and empathy to show he is a compassionate leader who supports worthy causes such as promoting youth literacy and combatting food insecurity across our region.

He first became an Osprey in 2012 but paused his education in 2015 to relocate for a job. When he put his degree plans to the side, he realized he had given up an incredible future of success. After the birth of his daughter, Layla, in 2017, Wise found the drive and motivation to make his education a priority once again and returned to Jacksonville. We applaud Wise in his decision to complete what he started, showing that time is not a barrier to a transformational future.

Wise has consistently worked with Kappa Alpha Psi’s Kappa League since he became a Kappa Leaguer during high school, displaying dedication and natural leadership to become the President of Kappa League. Upon his return from Georgia, Wise volunteered over 70 hours spanning six years to mentor youth, help with homework, teach dance steps, and provide transportation for children when their parents could not pick them up. He did so with commitment and generosity and made a significant impact on many children by serving as a role model, encouraging young men to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives.

During his undergraduate studies, Wise served as the Acting Vice President of the Xi Lambda chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., creating and participating in numerous service projects on and off campus. He assisted in Xi Lambda’s summer pool party to collect donated books for community youth and inspire reading at an early age. Under Wise’s leadership in Summer 2024, the chapter garnered the most donated books in the chapter’s history. The fraternity also contributed to the food pantry at River City Science Academy.

Aside from his outstanding work with his fraternity, Wise has coordinated a partnership between the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ School of Communication and the Clara White Mission Food Pantry, working over 30 hours with its offshoot program, Eartha’s Farm and Market, to create a documentary about fresh food options in Northwest Jacksonville.

He also volunteered over 45 hours with the Florida House of Representatives office, working under State Rep. Angie Nixon and alongside Feeding Northeast Florida to deliver leftover food from Farm Shares to around 20 families facing food insecurity. Rep. Nixon herself described Wise’s contributions as “nothing short of remarkable.”

Wise is a dedicated father who volunteered at his daughter’s school dances and the PTA, while also assisting with the school’s food pantry to help families in need. He also provided volunteer work for Promise Land Academy, JAX Gents Inc. and more.

As Wise completes this major milestone in his life and academic journey, we are confident he will continue to soar higher on the winds of success as a ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ alumnus. He has a passion for preparing the next generations of young men and women for a bright future, leading by example through his service to others. Wise is a genuine, reliable and driven changemaker capable of transforming the lives of others through both big and small acts of kindness. We are proud to call him an Osprey alumnus.

(Written by Tyler White, Published 8/1/24)