Being in The President’s 64

By Alex Hernández •

Joining The President’s 64 was a defining experience in my academic journey. This unique opportunity provided a platform for personal growth and allowed me to contribute to the university’s vision. Being a part of this esteemed organization opened many opportunities to engage with various aspects of university affairs actively.

The President’s 64 is a distinguished organization created by NSU’s 6th President, George L. Hanbury II, at Nova Southeastern University in 2011 in an effort to connect 64 professional undergraduate and graduate NSU students with the president.

“The students in The President’s 64 are dedicated to high academic performance. They participate in student organizations across campus, represent the president, serve as a voice for the student body and provide valuable input that helps make NSU an even better institution,” Hanbury said. “I expect that the future of The President’s 64 is secure and that I will continue to be impressed by their Shark Pride, their dedication and their achievements.”

The President’s 64 members serve as NSU ambassadors at NSU-themed events. They also connect and share their experiences with donors, other students, alumni, faculty, staff and other members of NSU’s community.

The President’s 64 members engage in important NSU events, such as Lunch with the President and recruitment initiatives. They also gain VIP status at selected university-wide events.

Applicants must be nominated by current members, faculty or professors. Members must be in good academic standing, maintain involvement on campus, attend annual training and commit to at least 20 hours of service each academic year.

When I was first inducted into The President’s 64, I was given a megalodon shark’s tooth. This tooth was given to the other members of 64, and we all just looked at them in awe. The realization that we were a part of something bigger than ourselves was profound. I thought the joy would end there, but it was duplicated when I saw my name [Alexandra Hernández] correctly spelled on a name tag, with President’s 64 beside it.

It is so important to have minority representation in high places of academia, and these instances are reminders of the small paces of equity throughout my lifetime.

The President’s 64 is the best representation of academic diversity I have ever seen. There are students from all walks of life in various majors and jobs.

Daren Capirchio, director of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement agreed.

“Dr. Hanbury wanted a group of students that he could rely on that would be able to inform him on what is happening across campus in their individual colleges, programs, however the students are engaged with the university,” he said.

These experiences fostered a deep sense of responsibility as I had the privilege of embodying the university’s ideals and aspirations. As a Latinx woman, I needed to be represented and heard in the student body. The President’s 64 has allowed me to do just that.

I am incredibly grateful to Professor Kevin Dvorak, who nominated me so long ago. Because of President’s 64, I have flourished alongside my fellow students and seen positive changes in the university.

One of the most significant aspects of my involvement was the chance to develop and refine my leadership skills. My interactions with prominent academic, business and government individuals at these events provided invaluable networking opportunities.

Also, representing Hanbury’s vision allowed me to contribute to my institution’s growth and development actively. By participating in strategic discussions and planning sessions, I gained insight into the challenges faced by the university and the efforts being made to address them. This involvement gave me a firsthand understanding of the complexities of managing an academic institution and the multifaceted nature of decision-making.

I never thought I would love a university so profoundly, from the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts to Mako Radio, to the Hallyu Club, and finally, The President’s 64. NSU is a gem that allows you to survive and flourish under the sea. It is a true honor to be a Shark—moreover, a Megalodon representing President’s 64.

Alex Hernández, junior double major in international studies and national security, with minors in communication, business and medical humanities, has been a part of The President’s 64 since August 2022.