Osprey Authors

Virginia Brinkley ('80)

Today’s #OspreyAuthor works perfectly for our #ThrowbackThursday. For anyone who’s ever had a first love, Goddess: A Child of the Sixties by Ginny Brinkley (’80) is sure to intensify those tender feeling of long ago.

In the solitude of her mountain cabin, our protagonist Annie invites the reader to reminisce with her as she relives her dreams and heartaches, all taking place amid a backdrop of the Vietnam War and the iconic music of the 1960s.

No stranger to romance, Ginny met her husband of 45 years, Bill Brinkley (’80, ’82), while both enrolled in the UNF Coggin College of Business MBA program. The Osprey legacy continued multiple generation as their sons Bill Jr. (’91) and Brad (’08) crossed the graduation stage, followed by their grandchildren, Hunter (’20) and Kelli (’20).

If the latter seems familiar to you, it could be because Kelli got married and returned to the University of North Florida where she currently serves as a Student Success Coordinator. Or maybe it’s from the book cover, because when Ginny needed a model to portray her character’s younger self, she had the perfect goddess in her family.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 10/23/25)

Virginia Chamlee ('08)

Today’s #OspreyAuthor piece is one you won’t want to hear secondhand as we interview Virginia Chamlee ’08 about her recent book on the art of thrifting.

Chamlee, a Jacksonville native, came to the University of North Florida in a pre-law track before taking a class titled “The Literature of Popular American Culture.” Working with English professors like Betsy Nies, she discovered that work could also be fun, and she decided to pursue a career as a writer.

Today, she is a writer for People Magazine, is working on her second book and is a successful artist with her work found in stores, homes and businesses – including in a late-night show’s green room.

Before earning a bachelor’s in English with a Spanish minor in Fall 2008, Chamlee interned with Jacksonville Magazine and took a study abroad trip to Spain. Entering the job market during the recession was a scary time for her. After applying to many places, Chamlee worked for two years with Courthouse News Service. With a fellowship from the Knight Foundation, she covered the presidential election and hot button topics in politics, interviewing newsmakers such as Marco Rubio and Rick Scott.

Chamlee later became managing editor of Jacksonville Magazine, where she stayed for three years. She went on to write feature stories for BuzzFeed and report national news with Eater, before returning to Jacksonville Magazine to serve as Senior Editor.

Chamlee currently works as a writer for People Magazine, but her duties have shifted over the years. When she started there, she made her return to politics where she covered the 2020 Presidential Election. She then spent the next few years writing about the Joe Biden administration before pivoting to her new role writing human interest pieces.

“It was the most incredible experience being at The White House Correspondents’ Dinners and Christmas parties,” she said. The job also allowed her to write more lighthearted pieces on her own.

As a hobby, Chamlee had always been interested in vintage art and furniture. When she had some free time during the pandemic, she started offloading some pieces cluttering up her place. As she found new homes for her treasures, she developed a following of people interested in finding these diamonds in the rough.

“I thought about writing a book during the pandemic, pitched it to publishing houses and landed a deal.”

“Big Thrift Energy” is a manual for finding beautiful (and often valuable) pieces for pennies on the dollar. Chamlee has traveled across the country, and even internationally, searching for some of the best deals. She once scored a Christian Dior cape at a Goodwill for only $9. Her best find, though, was nearby as she stumbled across a Goyard trunk in Orange Park for only $90. “At one point I was offered $30,000 for it,” she said.

After years of scouring thrift stores, estate sales, antique malls and flea markets, she has noticed a shift. What was once an activity reserved mostly for older generations has turned into millennials and Gen-Zers looking to ball on a budget.

She just signed a deal for a new book, “Cool Stuff & How to Style It,” which picks up where the last one left off, showing ways to decorate the whole home with found goods and providing tips to develop your own personal style.

In addition to writing, Chamlee is a gifted artist. Her original art and prints are available at Anthropologie, Chairish and Artfully Walls, and have been featured in high-end residential projects and commercial projects, including the green room at Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Since she has a bad habit of monetizing her hobbies, she needed to find ways of decompressing besides writing and painting. Her latest interests are cooking and bodybuilding.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 10/23/25)

Emily Spencer ('13)

As a student, Emily (Kubacki) Spencer had a goal: Publish a book before she turns 30. Like many Ospreys though, she’s finishing her work right at the deadline. While life has thrown many curveballs, her debut novel, The Freeze, is being published TODAY, one day before her 30th birthday!

Spencer chose the University of North Florida after seeing the beautiful campus and was excited for the personalized learning experience with the smaller class sizes. One of her favorite memories was storming the court at the North Florida Ospreys Men’s Basketball game as they advanced to the NCAA tournament. She also met her future husband while attending the University. “I marched up to him at a Sigma Chi - University of North Florida party, told him I thought he was cute, and boom! Future husband,” she said. They started dating during her junior year, and after getting engaged during the pandemic, got married in St. Augustine in 2022.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication with a creative writing minor and spent three years as a facilitator for the freshman Colloquium class at the Hicks Honors College at UNF where she got to meet and mentor countless Ospreys while learning under professors like Leslie Kaplan, Marcus Pactor and Mark Ari.

During one of her creative writing classes, the students submitted their work to different publications, and she desperately wanted to get her work into the world. Her goal was to write short stories to publish as an anthology but hadn't written enough to compile yet. “I bargained with myself and told myself I had time to get this done,” she said. “As long as I had something put together by the time I was 30, I would be on the right track.”

After graduation, she started working at Cox Media Group doing part-time promotional work across seven different radio stations before moving into a full-time role as a sales assistant. She had the desire to learn more about digital marketing, and was eventually promoted to Digital Campaign Manager, assisting the marketing team on campaigns across the country. She’s continued her evolution in the digital marketing space with her current role as Senior Marketing Specialist at the Mayo Clinic.

Despite pursuing another career, she never gave up on her author ambitions. “I sure made College Emily sweat it out to the last minute, but it was worth the wait,” she said.

The Freeze is about a fictional southern town that's getting their very first snowstorm – much like the Florida panhandle last winter. Our main character, Nyla, has been so busy running her flower shop that she hires a seasonal employee, Mason. As the threat of the snowstorm looms, her small team prepares the store for the worst, but she finds herself drawn to Mason, who feels like the calm in all the chaos. Suddenly, the two are trapped together during the blizzard, and Nyla must decide if she can handle both a booming business and a love life.

You can purchase The Freeze in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon. With one novel under her belt, she is confident she’s got more in her so stay tuned. Outside of writing and her day job, she goes through phases of hobbies, like running or cooking, and spends time with their cat, Kiwi.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 10/23/25)

Eric Willetts ('13)

Eric Willetts ’13 is a firefighter by day, author by night. His new book “Sometimes Heroes Need Heroes” touches close to home.

Born in New York, Willetts was surrounded by the fire service from a young age as his father and grandfather were longtime volunteers. He said, “Like any kid, I always loved fire trucks and looked up to firefighters as heroes.” Fast-forward to his late 20s, he began working out at a new gym trying to find out the next steps in his life. Some of the local Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department firefighters were training at his gym and encouraged him to give it a shot. That night, he signed up for EMT school, marking the beginning of his journey.

After receiving an associate's degree, he transferred to the UNF College of Arts and Sciences, balancing work and school and defining his work ethic. He says his courses played a major role in developing leadership qualities as they gave him a better understanding of how to lead diverse individuals and how to adapt in group environments. Notably, the structure of the exams in his major at the University of North Florida was similar to the promotional exams within the fire department, allowing him to feel even more confident entering the industry.

In 2022, Willetts’ journey took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. A year later, it changed again with the birth of his daughter, bringing a whole new outlook on life. During her baby shower, a few firefighter buddies gifted them family firefighter-themed children's books, and he noticed that each storyline shared very similar messages. It was at that moment that he was inspired to write his own. This wouldn't be your typical firefighter story, and instead, introduce the idea that even firefighters need someone to save them. In fact, since they are exposed to the blazing heat and toxic chemicals, they have a much higher risk than the general public. “Firefighters are seen as heroes,” he said, “but when we get sick, we need somebody to be our hero too.”

The message behind his book is simple but meaningful to young readers: true strength is not just about bravery, but also about trusting others, accepting help, and working together. He hopes young readers understand that doctors, nurses, firefighters, and everyday people are humans who sometimes need help too.

After publishing his book, Willetts has begun working on new creative projects, which includes a mischievous squirrel character, SquirrelBuck Chuck, that aims to inspire children and families to spend more time outdoors while embracing nature and adventure. He values every part of his journey with the mindset that everything happens for a reason. Most importantly, he shares that the birth of his daughter really changed how he sees everything. “I wanted to leave her something tangible,” he said. “Books last forever!”

(Written by Chanelle Williams, Published 6/30/26)

C.S. Bennett ('93, '12)

Today’s #OspreyAuthor, Curtis ”C.S.” Bennett ’93, ’12, sure knows how to “seas” the day, as his journey spans military service, higher education and over 30 published works!

Originally from Philadelphia, Bennett joined the U.S. Navy and traveled the world, serving in real-world conflicts before settling in Florida. After leaving the workforce in 2008, he committed fully to writing and has since toured, hosted book signings, and built an impressive literary career across multiple genres.

Bennett graduated magna cum laude, earning degrees in criminal justice and political science. While attending school full-time, he experienced an intense period of creativity, writing 16 books in just a few years. He credits the University of North Florida’s supportive faculty, engaging coursework, and campus environment for helping him stay focused and excel.

Today, Bennett has written more than 30 books spanning romance, adventure, military suspense, historical fiction, political fiction, and human-interest stories. His novels The Allure of Roses and The Essence of Cinnamon have drawn particular attention and are currently being developed for a potential film adaptation!

Bennett encourages aspiring writers to learn their craft, join writing communities, share their work, and travel whenever possible, believing real-world experiences bring authenticity to storytelling.

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published 7/1/26)

John Ossi ('22)

To tee or not to tee, that is the question… From the PGA TOUR to publishing a children’s book, John Ossi (’22) is making big moves in the world of sports, and he’s just getting started.

Ossi served as chief marketing officer at Knox Golf Co., where he helped give back to his alma mater in a meaningful way. Through his leadership, the company donated and installed new synthetic turf at the UNF Golf Complex, including the transformation of Hole 4’s green. His work also extended to Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s driving range, improving golf experiences across north Florida.

Ossi’s journey has taken him far beyond Jacksonville. He started working full time for the PGA Tour while still an undergraduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences, gaining a sturdy foundation in sports media, partnerships and business operations. His early experience fueled his passion for the intersection of sports and storytelling, leading him to work for TMRW Sports, the media company founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

At TMRW Sports, Ossi served as a marketing events and operations associate, supporting the launch of TGL (Tech-Infused Golf League) in partnership with ESPN. He managed operations at Universal Studios’ soundstage as the league came to life, coordinating logistics across departments, from marketing and partnerships to hospitality and player relations.

Now working as a broadcast specialist for SportsMedia Technology, Ossi continues to shape the fan experience in golf at the tournament level. He also serves as a brand ambassador for Pinned Golf, which earned Forbes’ 2025 Best New Product Award, further solidifying his place as a rising force in the golf world.

In addition to his many accomplishments in the sports industry, Ossi recently added author to his resume with the release of his debut children’s book, Planet Golf.

Planet Golf invites young readers to “take a golf trip around the world,” combining the fun of rhyming storytelling with an introduction to geography and the global nature of the sport. With each turn of the page, readers are transported to a new destination, learning about famous places and the role golf plays there, all through engaging, age-appropriate language and vibrant illustrations.

Through this creative endeavor, Ossi continues to do what he does best: blend sports, storytelling and impact in meaningful ways.

Ossi’s passion for philanthropy remains at the heart of everything he does. He volunteers regularly for initiatives tied to sports and was accepted by Augusta National to work the 2023 Masters Tournament.

Ossi also donates a portion of proceeds from Planet Golf to supporting a faith-based mission in the Philippines that builds homes for those in need.

Looking ahead, he hopes to one day share his knowledge and experience in the classroom by teaching at the university level. Whether collaborating with athletes, celebrities or sponsors, he leads with relationship-building, authenticity and a deep respect for every opportunity he’s earned.

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published 7/17/25)

Robert Weber ('16)

Today’s story also doubles as our #InvestInTheNest as we highlight a UNF alumnus and current staff member who has built a successful public relations career while also launching a thriving anthology of YA novels.

Robby Weber (’16) is the director of creative content strategy for UNF’s Marketing and Communications team, where he uses innovative storytelling techniques to showcase UNF’s transformational impact on students and industries. He also drives the university’s recent marketing rebrand through creative and visual strategies, leveraging social media, photography and video.

Previously the assistant director of social media, Weber implemented an enterprise social media tool to organize UNF’s accounts and he managed social content, including the annual holiday video.

But before soaring like an Osprey, let’s take you back to where it all began—high school!

‘It’s Not Just Blue, It’s Cerulean’

Weber grew up in Florida, where he dreamed of a career in New York fashion. He was excited to study public relations at UNF, recognizing it as a place where he could gain real-world skills and experiential internships.

At UNF, Weber served as PRSSA’s social media officer and later president, gaining experience in event planning, outreach and budgeting before working as a PR/social associate at Sweet Pete’s while finishing his degree. At the same time, he secured his first social media internship with the Dalton Agency.

He fondly remembered communication professor Bobbi Doggett’s mentorship playing an integral role in his growth.

“As soon as I had her as a professor, we just clicked,” Weber said. “She could see that I was driven and that I had goals. I think she really believed in me and helped me to achieve them.”

Weber credits his Campaigns and Cases courses for teaching him how PR agencies operate, helping him and his classmates refine their presentation and networking skills.

His dedication in and out of the classroom led to internships in New York with Marie Claire and Ralph Lauren, where he worked as a fashion market intern/assistant and PR assistant, respectively. His “fever dream” experience in NYC felt straight out of “The Devil Wears Prada” with early mornings, late nights, cover shoots and trekking across the city with clothes and beauty products in tow. He learned to stand out through hard work, leveraging connections for career growth in a “very good old-fashioned lesson in PR.”

Since graduating in 2016 with a communication degree, Weber has built an impressive career. He spent two years at the Dalton Agency as a social content creator, followed by roles in social media and communications at Adjective & Co. and Mayo Clinic. Before SWOOPing back to UNF in 2022, he managed major IP initiatives for Lucasfilm, Marvel, Disney Princesses and Disney Parks at The Walt Disney Company. His diverse experiences helped him refine his career interests, leading him to focus on organic brand and communication strategy.

“I get to bring everything from all the different jobs that I’ve had and really apply them, and it makes my job fun,” he said.

From Big Dreams to Bookstore Shelves

Weber developed a love for reading early on, recalling how his mother taught him with “Bob Books” and read him “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” at 5 years old.

“It feels as natural to me as breathing,” Weber said.

This formative chapter led to his passion for writing, starting with a book he wrote about his dog in fifth grade. By seventh grade, he had written his first novel, a 60,000-word manuscript.

“I was having my friends read it, and then just kept doing that,” he said. “Every year I would write a new book.”

Years later, while juggling internships in New York, Weber began pitching his work to publishers. Though he faced rejections, he refined his writing and pitches, eventually landing an agent.

Growing up as an avid reader, Weber struggled to see himself reflected in the characters of his favorite books. This absence inspired him to create YA novels celebrating queer joy rather than centering on trauma or othering.

“I grew up loving romantic comedies and just wanted to write one where I felt like it resonated with me or another teen might see themselves in it and not feel like it was just about their identity,” he said.

This vision became the basis for his debut novel, “If You Change Your Mind” (2022), which follows Harry, an aspiring screenwriter navigating love, heartbreak, and his dreams of college. Weber has since expanded his literary universe with “I Like Me Better” (2023), “What Is This Feeling?” (2024), and his upcoming novel, “Everything About You,” set for release in September 2025.

Weber enjoys connecting with readers who’ve shared how his books have impacted their lives—whether by leaving toxic relationships, joining a sports team, or discovering their career path

“I think that’s always the most rewarding part,” he said.

For those looking to get back into reading, Weber suggests treating books like a taste test—sampling different ones until you find what you enjoy. He emphasizes that there’s no obligation to finish a book if it doesn’t resonate and encourages readers to explore different formats, whether physical books, Kindles or phone apps.

His books are available wherever books are sold, but he encourages readers to support The Bookmark in Neptune Beach, where he frequently holds book signings and events. With a fashion-focused book in the works, Weber will continue promoting his upcoming novel throughout the year.

(Written by Tyler White, Published 3/5/25)

Bill Delaney ('08, '15)

For one Osprey alumnus, a passion for uncovering his hometown’s rich history turned into a publishing opportunity. Meet Bill Delaney (’08, ’15), author of “Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.”

Despite being raised in Jacksonville, Delaney’s college journey did not begin at UNF. He started at the University of Central Florida before transferring to the University of North Florida, where he later withdrew due to health. However, he never lost his passion for learning, and after a short break, he enrolled at the University of North Florida where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in English.

Delaney benefitted from UNF’s small class sizes and friendly faculty. As an undergraduate, his instructors helped him develop the creative and critical thinking skills that would later help him as he pursued a varied career path. Beyond career readiness, his time at UNF also helped Delaney expand his horizons. He fondly recalls taking a 10-day trip to Scotland with his class, where he immersed himself in literature, architecture and culture.

After graduation, Delaney developed his skills in roles across the university, with positions with UNF Student Life, UNF Career Services and Student Affairs. In pursuit of career growth, he returned to The Graduate School and earned his master’s degree in English in 2015. With a graduate degree in hand, Delaney moved up to an assistant director role. Over the next few years, Delaney would continue honing his creative and marketing skills, and in early 2020, he worked his way up to Director of Strategy and Project Management.

After over a decade at the University, Delaney’s career would take another turn when then-candidate Mayor Donna Deegan asked him to lend his communications expertise to her mayoral campaign. After earning the mayorship, Deegan asked him to continue his work as a city council liaison. Today, he oversees communication and outreach efforts across Jacksonville. Delaney’s work provides him with a unique opportunity to help members of the community, and he enjoys getting to see Jacksonville flourish.

Beyond his work, Delaney has channeled his storytelling abilities in other ways. He currently co-owns the Edible Northeast Florida and The Jaxson magazines, outlets that allow him to tell the story of Jacksonville’s rich history and culture. Motivated to continue telling the city’s story, he published “Secret Jacksonville: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure” in 2021. Delaney’s research for the book brought him to obscure areas around the city, including Bulls Bay Creek Preserve, a part of the city that Delaney wishes residents and visitors to the city knew more about.

While his work keeps him busy, Delaney enjoys discovering novel places in his free time. Alongside his wife, he has traveled across the country. Additionally, he is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys spending time in the city’s plentiful nature areas.

(Written by Kai Edu, Published 3/6/25)

Dr. Zenesha Barkley ('12)

Tonight’s alumna story uses her expertise in both healthcare and personal loss to help others turn tragedy into prosperity.

Dr. Zenesha Barkley’s (’12) story emulates resilience and strength. As she lost her husband and goddaughter in a car accident, she was able to move forward while inspiring others. Her recent book, “This Isn’t It!: When Every Day Seems Like Yesterday,” encourages others that despite the depth of their loss, there is a way back to hope. Her significant contributions to the medical field after her time at the University of North Florida only emphasize her ability to overcome hardship.

Barkley’s journey through academia began with an associate’s from Daytona State College, a bachelor’s in nursing from Bethune-Cookman University, and a master’s in nursing from Walden University. After she discovered the UNF Brooks College of Health, she began her path toward a doctorate. “UNF felt like a personal fit,” she said. “The quality and credibility of the nursing program provided a strong foundation for advancing my career.” During her pursuits, she participated in a fellowship supporting her research that would later be published at the national level.

After her graduation, she went on to serve as Director of Nursing at East Coast Polytechnic Institute. Barkley’s passion for nursing education and achievements caught the attention of former Florida Govs. Charlie Crist and Senator Rick Scott, as well as former Surgeon General John Armstrong as they appointed her to the Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council, contributing to the development of the Florida Cancer Plan. Barkley currently works for South College in Orlando, Florida. She has recently been promoted to the position of Assistant Dean of Nursing for all nursing programs on the campus. 

Throughout all her accomplishments, Barkley found slowing down to process her grief vital to her growth in character and faith. After years of creating spaces to fully feel her pain, using journaling to express her emotions, she discovered new meaning in her suffering.

“Writing became a form of healing, allowing me to process my pain and gradually find hope again,” she said.

She realized her story could go far beyond her own healing. Her story could also help others to navigate their challenges and heal as well. To Barkley, the sense of solidarity with others going through similar losses was well worth the vulnerability in exposing such raw emotions to others in her book. She said she sees her book as a way of walking others through their “own valleys of grief, encouraging them to break free from the hold of yesterday and find their way to tomorrow.”

“This Isn’t It!” is available everywhere books are sold with an audiobook in the works.

(Written by Kara Hogue, Published 3/4/25)

Jennifer Curry Compton

If you’re looking for ways to add to your GoodReads this year while supporting Osprey alumni, we’ve got you covered! As we celebrate #ReadAcrossAmericaWeek, we’re collaborating with the Thomas G. Carpenter library on a special pop-up featuring Osprey authors and illustrators.

Last month, we highlighted the Jacksonville music scene of the future, but this month we’re diving into the past with alumna Jennifer Curry Compton (’94), co-author of the new book, “Occupancy 250: Fans, Bands and Fried Chicken.”

EAGG Rest in Peace

For our youngins who weren’t around, Einstein A Go-Go was a legendary music venue in Jacksonville Beach from 1985-1997. They hosted emerging acts of the time which included bands like Jane’s Addiction, Living Colour, The Cranberries, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana. Over the course of its lifetime, many bands played the small stage at this family-run club that had an occupancy limited to 250. 

“Einstein A Go-Go was very special,” Compton said. “It deserved to have its history memorialized in print.” The book was started by Allison Durham, who took a lot of the photographs in the early days of EAGG. Jon Glass, Dee Edenfield Marling and Compton joined the party and helped to compete the book. “All four of us cherish the time we spent there and wanted to share with others a compilation worthy of such special memories.”

Simultaneous Release

Putting the book together required significant contributions from Jacksonville natives who went there 40 years ago and took photos, collected fliers and saved ticket stubs. “We wanted the book to be a yearbook for everyone that went there, a history of the club and its live music performances,” she said. “We needed to collect memorabilia and stories from the community.” It also serves as a dedication to the Faircloth family that owned and ran EAGG.

You can find Occupancy 250 in many local Jacksonville stores including Chamblin Bookmine, Bruiser Records, Tiger Records and Delightfully Strange Finds. Compton has also been joining her co-authors at pop-up events throughout the city to make sure everyone can learn about EAGG. For our out-of-towners, their in-store reach extends as far as Wuxtry Records in Athens and The Lynx in Gainesville. You can also purchase directly at Occupancy250.com.

Let It Linger

Compton graduated from Orange Park High School and had visited UNF as a prospective student, noting its picturesque campus with a student body size that wasn’t overly intimidating. However, that summer her family transferred to Japan with the U.S. Navy. She wanted to stay in town to attend UNF but no longer had a place to live as the dorms were under construction. So, UNF helped her move into an on-campus apartment over the summer where she got acclimated before the influx of freshmen in the fall.

As a high schooler in the marching band flag corps, she learned from her choreographer about the graphic design profession. The more he talked about the artistry, typography and details, the more she saw it as a potential career. Once she enrolled at UNF, she declared Graphic Design as her major. While the courseload was more computer-oriented than she expected, she pushed forward and earned her bachelor’s degree with a minor in photography. After she graduated, she worked part time in a custom framing shop before getting hired by Stein Mart’s in-house advertising department. Compton utilized her design experience in this book, creating a time capsule of music, fashion and friendship. While she keeps spreading the legacy of EAGG to the world, she’s also in the early stages of designing a cookbook for a client in Texas.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 3/3/25)

Lucy Giardino Cortese ('80)

This evening’s story features an alumna who pivoted from a storied career in education and technical writing to a post-retirement journey that brings her love for writing to the forefront. She is now a published author of memoirs, poetry and, soon, a family cookbook.

Lucy Giardino Cortese (’80) is a freelance writer and owner of Lucy’s Lines ‘N Lyrics. She has leveraged her writing skills and community connections to publish works highlighting First Coast living. She contributed a memoir to the 2023 book “The Bad Day Book: Volume 1” and collaborated with a Jacksonville resident on “Beach Dogs: A Coffee Table Photography Book of Joy for Dog Lovers.”

For “Beach Dogs,” Northeast Florida physician and professional photographer Raz Balotescu sought Cortese out to create a coffee table book. She was eager to work on this project due to his stunning seascapes and creative shots. She said the juxtaposition of local beaches and canine companions made for an outstanding chronicle of First Coast life.

”His beautiful pictures show the playful antics of dogs frolicking on the beach,” she said. “The experience provided a glance at our lovely beaches through the eyes of our canine friends.”

“Beach Dogs” is available at www.razgallery.com and Amazon.

But before becoming a freelance writer and author, Cortese spent years shaping young minds as an educator.

From Gator to Osprey

Cortese initially sharpened her skills at the University of Florida, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1968. After a few years in the workforce, she heard great things about UNF’s graduate program and the career opportunities a master’s degree could provide. She earned her master’s in educational leadership and administration in 1980, which she said helped her secure leadership roles that broadened her career path.

Cortese had a more than 40-year career in education, holding positions from special education teacher to district administrator. Her UNF degree opened doors to roles as a reading supervisor, school principal at St. Paul’s Catholic School, director of education, and executive director of the nonprofit Tree Hill Nature Center.

Bringing a Lifelong Passion to Life

Cortese said she has loved writing for as long as she can remember.

“Writing is my escape, my therapy, my fun,” she said. “Sharing my thoughts and words with others is my ultimate joy.”

She enjoyed composing poems for birthdays and special occasions and served as editor of The Eagles’ Talon, her school newspaper. After a trip to Italy, she decided to write about her ancestry, chronicling her experiences in a Jacksonville.com column, “Mema’s Italian Kitchen,” which featured spicy chats with her mom and savory recipes. They would share stories from her mother’s life and provided instructions to replicate her authentic dishes. She also delved into technical writing, developing educational curriculum and promotional materials.

After retiring, she pursued her lifelong dream of freelance writing and took creative writing classes through UNF’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). She even taught courses for her peers!

“Short stories and memoirs are my passion,” said Cortese, whose articles have been published both online and in print, locally and internationally.

Through OLLI, Cortese and fellow writers formed The Twinkys, a group of five women who share a love for the ocean and its creatures. Together, they released “Do You Know Me? Poems About the Sea” in 2020, a children’s picture book featuring poetry, facts and illustrations about sea life. Available on Amazon, the book is used in local schools and libraries as a supplemental science resource.

She has also been a regular contributor to First Coast Life, collaborating with Atlantic Beach photographer Glenn Shuck, who wanted to create a digital magazine featuring the best of the First Coast.

”I love sharing my stories and especially enjoy getting feedback from readers,” Cortese said.

Currently, Cortese is working on her next collection of personal memoirs, “Oopsie Daisy: Embarrassing Moments in a Hunky Dorey Life,” and planning a family heritage cookbook.

When she isn’t writing, she enjoys traveling and cooking authentic Italian cuisine with her husband, Mario.

(Written by Tyler White, Published 3/6/25)

Alex Shepard ('14) and Devin Carvajal ('20)

It’s a big leap to go from the NFL to publishing a children’s book. Luckily for us, Jaxson De Ville knows a thing or two about taking leaps.

Last fall, two UNF alumni released “Jaxson’s Big Jump” to the general public. Written by Alex Shepard (’14) and illustrated by Devin Carvajal (’20), this heartwarming story emphasized the importance of perseverance and kindness to young readers and football fans alike.

The journey begins at the Shepards’ home. Alex and his wife Jen (’15) read books each morning and night to their 2-year-old daughter, Sophie. They had seen other NFL mascots create children’s stories, like the Indianapolis Colts’ “Blue’s Road Trip Through Indiana” and the Minnesota Vikings’ “Where’s Viktor’s Mustache?” Shepard had an idea for a story and pitched it to the team. Once senior leadership gave approval, he needed to pick the right publisher and start drafting the story. While most of the children’s books focused on teaching about the alphabet or the state, his idea focused on Jaxson’s iconic jump. After finishing the storyboard, it came time to find an illustrator. Fortunately, he knew some homegrown talent nearby.

As someone who got into art at an early age, Carvajal knows the impact children’s books can have. He learned of the book during its initial stages, and unlike a lot of the crazy ideas he’s been pitched over the years, he knew Shepard tends to follow through. When it came time to start the design process, Carvajal was waiting on the sidelines ready for the call. He’s also a proud uncle to a couple of nieces, so he took pride in creating something from which they can benefit. The NFL publisher gave licensing approval to them, giving Shepard and Carvajal this past offseason to create artwork that compliments the story.

Once the book was ready for print, local partners JEA and Nemours Children’s Clinic helped cover the publication costs. The Jacksonville Jaguars organization makes it a priority to promote literacy among the local children, so they organized special reading days for the clinic and many Duval County Public Schools. Since Jaxson is unable to read out loud, he’s been joined by many celebrity guest speakers including former and current Jaguars players and the ROAR of the Jags cheerleaders. This community impact even helped defensive end Arik Armstead win this year’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

If you’re looking to purchase a copy of the book, you can find it in the Jaguars store or online in the Fanatics shop. After taking the book from conception to completion, the Osprey duo is taking a break from the writers’ room. But there’s been talk about a potential sequel, so stay tuned to see what the future has in store.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 3/4/25)

Jordan Donahue ('17)

Final boarding call for Osprey authors! Those of you who remember Jordan Donahue and Anthony Hendricks’ #MetInTheNest story last month remember that there was more to come. Well, it’s time to fly the friendly skies with Jordan Donahue (’17), the flight attendant and alumna author.

After graduating from the UNF School of Communication, Donahue began a career in marketing and worked in Jacksonville for five years. Her mother, who is a flight attendant, convinced her to apply for a position at Southwest Airlines on a complete whim. She was offered a job in 2022 and has been enjoying time in the skies for the past three years. However, she wanted to put her degree to good use.

Donahue always loved writing and being a published author was a childhood dream. She had an idea to write a children’s book based on her experiences in aviation, featuring an inspiring main character based off her inspiration: her mother. “The Fabulous Little Flight Attendant” gives kids a glimpse into a day in the life of a flight attendant, including the duties, schedule and safety regulations.

Writing the story came quite easy to her, but she also served as the illustrator, which was the most challenging part of the endeavor. “I wanted them to be exactly what I envisioned in my head,” she said. “A lot of erasing, starting over and reworking the images happened over the course of a few months.”

She completed the project a few months ago and was excited to see her finished product hit the shelves. You can purchase The Fabulous Little Flight Attendance on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. The journey isn’t over yet though. She would love to continue writing and illustrating new books to create a series, visiting specific cities, introducing new characters she meets along the way, and highlighting more of the interesting work experiences that come with the job.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 3/7/25)

Rebecca Heflin (Dianne Farb '17)

Dianne Farb and Rebecca Heflin both graduated from UNF in 1997. Dianne entered law school and has served as an attorney at the University of Florida for over two decades. Rebecca put her degree in literature to use to become a best-selling, award-winning author of romantic fiction. But what do these two Ospreys have in common? For starters, they’re the same person.

Dianne and her husband, Ron, were living in Ponte Vedra when she decided to enroll at the University of North Florida. At 30 years old, she knew it was a non-traditional experience and felt a bit intimidated being in classes with students fresh out of high school, but she felt so supported in her decision to start her college experience. She loved the literature department, and the amazing professors she learned from such as Prof. William Slaughter, and ended up winning the Award for Excellence in Literary Scholarship. About midway through her program, she decided she wanted to attend law school, and she remembers Prof. Marnie Jones telling her, “You’re too good of a writer to become a lawyer.” After she graduated summa cum laude with her bachelor’s degree in literature, she wanted to stay and practice law in Florida, and everyone she talked to recommended she apply for the UF Levin College of Law.

Her time at UF was unique. Some of the law professors were the same age as her, but she believes this helped her develop closer relationships with the professors and administration. Farb worked for the Baptist Eye Institute while attending UNF before stepping into a law clerk position at Baptist Health over the two summers in law school. After earning her J.D. with honors in 2000, the associate dean of career services called her up and mentioned the general counsel had an opening. Farb said, “this was a temporary job with the potential to become full time,” which became a reality as she ended up spending over 15 years as the associate university counsel for research and health affairs. She developed institutional review board policies and guidelines and reviewed protocols to ensure researchers are complied with federal regulation and ethical requirements. In 2016, she accepted her current position — assistant director of research and IRB vice chair — by the same staff she had grown so familiar with. She had always loved bioethics, having done independent studies at UNF and UF, and now gets to focus on that each day.

Farb said that in the early 2010s, she started to experience a mid-life crisis which led to her seeking a creative outlet. While she was never much of an artist, she knew how to write, and she’d been enjoying romance novels since she was a teenager. Thus came the birth of Rebecca Heflin, a pseudonym inspired by her great-great-grandmother, Sarah Anne Rebecca Heflin Apple Smith. Heflin published her debut novel, “The Promise of Change,” in 2011, later becoming a finalist for the Florida Writers Association’s Royal Palm Literary Award. Her second novel, “Rescuing Lacey,” went on to win the FWA Royal Palm Literary Award among many other accolades and merits. She followed this success up with the “Dreams Come True” series, which earned her a second FWA RPL Award, the “Sterling University” novella series, and the “Seasons of Northridge” series, which earned her third FWA RPL Award.

Heflin describes her writing process as a mess. “There are plotters and pantsers,” she said. “I don’t plot, I just fly by the seat of my pants.” She has a basic idea of where the story might go, but she writes non-linearly and pieces it together. She’s gotten her inspiration from classic authors like Jane Austen and contemporaries like Nora Roberts and Kristan Higgins. She loves creating stories and characters and believes everybody deserves a happy ending. Her characters tend to be in their 30s and 40s, but she’s got a seasoned romance coming in her new book series featuring a hero and heroine in their 50s.

Aside from research administration and love stories, Dianne and Ron found a shared passion for philanthropy. In 2003, they co-founded the Climb for Cancer Foundation, which raises funds for cancer programs by climbing mountains, similarly to charity walks, along with other fundraising events. The organization has raised over $3 million for cancer patient support, and she was recognized by Santa Fe College with the 2013 Women of Distinction award due to her philanthropic efforts. She also started a new business called A Novel Idea where she helps independent authors get their books formatted, edited and published, in addition to assisting with graphic and website designs. On the off chance she’s not working on one of these four ventures, you can catch her enjoying nature, whether it’s gardening or traveling with Ron.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 11/2/23)

Amy Neftzger ('89)

Henry David Thoreau said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” No one has taken that more to heart than Amy Neftzger (’89). As a child, she was destined to be a jack of all trades. Whether it was entering writing contests or following her grandfather’s musical footsteps, she balanced multiple hobbies at once. As an adult, she remains busy with a myriad of activities.

Neftzger knew that life’s journey would only get crazier once she became a military spouse. She started taking college classes in California and continued studying in New England when her husband got temporarily stationed up north. When he got relocated again in Jacksonville, she finished her psychology degree at the University of North Florida. She remembers taking Dr. Fred Rahaim’s Industrial Organizational Psychology course and realized that’s what she wanted to pursue. In 1992, she went on to earn her master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Middle Tennessee State University, and has settled down in the greater Nashville area.

After completing her postgraduate degree, Neftzger took a position in human resources for the Tennessee State Department. She quickly excelled in the field, performing organizational and job analysis to design strategies to test the effectiveness of HR programs regarding employee selection, training and evaluation. She started creating standardized assessments for national organizations while simultaneously teaching students industrial and organizational psychology as an adjunct professor at MTSU. She has become a leader in the healthcare analytics field, having spent six years as a director at Optum, leading the Payment Integrity operations group to identify healthcare fraud through behavior patterns. In 2021, she was promoted to her current position of senior director of advanced research and analytics for UnitedHealth Group, where she manages analytic teams to improve the health care experience for special needs and high-risk populations.

Throughout this journey, Amy Neftzger - Author maintained her interest in writing. She authored numerous educational publications, and she’s currently working on a couple more tackling bias in machine learning and validity issues with modeling. She’s also written fiction with her novel “The Ferryman” and short stories including “Confessions From a Moving Van” and “Conversations With The Moon.” Plus, she writes stories for children, having finished three volumes in “The Kingdom Wars” series. Her first children’s book — and first work as an illustrator — was “All That the Dog Ever Wanted,” in which a golden retriever learns how to play jazz. Since she balances so many projects, she never suffers from writer’s block. “If I’m ever struggling to continue a story, I’ll shift to something else,” she said. “After not seeing it for a month, I’ll return with a fresh perspective.”

She finds the fiction works to be more challenging than the nonfiction — since you must manifest the architecture and believable content — but there’s not too much difference between preparing adult fiction versus children’s fiction. She starts both by “searching for urban legends and doing background analysis on the parameters.” The main difference is that she tones down the subject matter and language while avoiding “talking down” to the kids. Her literary influences are Kurt Vonnegut, David Foster Wallace, Franz Kafka and Samuel Beckett — the latter two whom she named her dogs after.

Music is still a big part of her life, as well. She no longer studies piano and flute like when she was younger, but she did pick up drumming a while back and joined her husband, guitarist Tyra Elliott Neftzger, in a band called Lucky Munk. They also love to travel, and the couple spent two years living in Ireland and traveling across the European Union, spending a month in each country. They ended by celebrating Christmas in the actual North Pole in the Arctic Circle.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 4/3/24)