Inspire Magazine Spring 2024

THANK YOU Letter

Dear Scholarship Donor,

My name is Julia G, and I was recently selected for a Helena Ruth Hall Scholarship. This will be my third term at SCF, and I am currently enrolled in the A.S. Business Administration & Management program. I will continue my education at SCF and obtain a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in supervision and management, concentrating in technology management. My career goal is to open my own business or be a top leader in a well-established organization. I am a first-time college student, and at the age of forty-five, I never thought that I would have an opportunity to attend college. However, with such excellent foundations as yours, it not only allows the opportunity for education but also promotes confidence to achieve my career goals. It will be my honor to continue to embrace the values of the Helena Ruth Hall Scholarship and be a leader with humility, humanity, and be socially responsible. Your financial assistance will allow me to focus on my studies and alleviate the financial burden and stress of being a first-time college student. Again, from the bottom of my heart, I humbly thank you for making my dreams come true. My promise to your foundation is to follow in your footsteps; I promise to give back and help support those as you have helped our community.

With Respect,

Julia G

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2023-2024

SCF Foundation Board of Directors

Officers

President

Chris Romine ‘82

Vice President

Laura Cota

Treasurer

Jodi Allen ‘86

Secretary

Cassandra Holmes

Directors

Jerilynn Chapin

Debi Cohoon

Kathleen Cucci ‘88

Vernon DeSear

Jane Esbeck

Atticus Frank

Mike Fuller (SCF Board of Trustees liaison)

Lisa Krebs-Knepp

Lois Lucek

Cindy McCollum

Alix Morin

Jeff Phillips

Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld

Carol Whitmore ‘82

Join Us

There are many ways to participate in the mission of the SCF Foundation. For more information, visit us at SCF-Foundation.org or call Cassandra Holmes, executive director, at 941-752-5654.

State College of Florida Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 1849

Bradenton, FL 34206 941-752-5390

SCF-Foundation.org

Our Mission

We connect donors’ passions and regional partners with State College of Florida’s outstanding students, faculty, programs and community, and we steward foundation assets consistent with our donors’ intent.

On behalf of the SCF Foundation board of directors and staff, I hope this edition of INSPIRE Magazine finds you well and filled with the same sense of enthusiasm that continues to drive the success of the State College of Florida Foundation (SCFF). It is with both gratitude for the past and excitement for the future that we come to you with important news, updates, and student and alumni stories exemplifying the philanthropic impacts and results of your support of SCFF’s mission.

As we reflect on the remarkable progress achieved under the leadership of Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, our esteemed president, we are compelled to acknowledge her unwavering dedication and commitment to State College of Florida (SCF) and the Foundation. Dr. Probstfeld's visionary leadership has played a pivotal role in propelling our institution to new heights, fostering a spirit of innovation, inclusivity and excellence that has resonated throughout the entire community and college.

It is with mixed emotions that we share the news of Dr. Probstfeld's welldeserved retirement, effective July 1, 2024. While we will undoubtedly miss her dynamic and bold leadership, we also celebrate the legacy she leaves behind and express our heartfelt gratitude for her tireless efforts in shaping the future of education at SCF.

As we bid farewell to one chapter, we eagerly anticipate the beginning of another. The Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to the values and vision Dr. Probstfeld instilled, and we are thrilled to announce that Tommy Gregory, J.D. has been selected as SCF’s seventh President. We are confident that his leadership will build upon the foundation Dr. Probstfeld laid and continue to drive positive change and innovation within our beloved community.

The pages of this magazine will continue to showcase stories of triumph, resilience and transformation. We invite you to join us on this journey, celebrating the incredible achievements of our students, faculty and alumni, as well as embracing the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Your continued support and partnership have been instrumental in our success, and we look forward to sharing even more inspiring stories as we navigate this period of transition and growth. Together, we will ensure that the spirit of progress and excellence remains at the heart of the State College of Florida Foundation.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the SCF community. We are excited about the future, and with your support, we are confident that the best is yet to come.

Executive Director

Front Row: Madeline Mangas, Community Outreach Coordinator (left); Melissa Warthen Advancement Associate, Events & Marketing (right).

Second Row: Kenji Truijllo, Advancement Associate, Corporate & Community Partnerships (left); Cassandra Holmes, Executive Director (center); Dr. Robyn Bell, Advancement Director (right).

Third Row: Lori Stephens Tomlinson, Grants & Scholarship Director (left); Jennifer Thomas, Executive Assistant (right).

Fourth Row: Diane Karau, Database Coordinator (left); Bradley Tibor Scholarship Specialist (center); Angela Bechtel Accounting & Finance Manager (right).

SHAUNIECE LEE

Inspiring the next generation

POINTS OF PRIDE S

In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, thanks and appreciation to those individuals, foundations, and businesses that provided support for:

distributed to deserving SCF students. 1,987 scholarship awards totaling

$1.1 MILLION Academic Program Enhancements

6 1 0 0 ALUMNI SINCE 1957 $2 MILLION

1,282 Degrees & Certificates Awarded

Associate In Arts Degrees

Nursing Graduates

Associate In Science Degrees

Sarasota native Shauniece Lee has been a licensed practical nurse since 2007. She enrolled at State College of Florida after graduating from high school but didn’t finish a degree. She came back in 2016, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in health care administration, with a concentration in gerontology.

When she started at SCF, she thought she might take up nursing, but life led her in a different direction.

“I have spent most of my career working for not-for-profits, including seven years at The Pines of Sarasota and then Tidewell Hospice, where I held several different positions, including in business development.”

However, following COVID, the mother of three found she needed more flexibility in her schedule, and she knew she needed to make a change.

“When I first thought about making the change from working with the elderly to working with young children, I was terrified. My heart has always been in geriatrics. Older people have so much life experience and so much to share. I have always enjoyed working with them.”

A fond memory with her children led her to consider taking those first steps toward something new.

“My son used to have a book. It was called ‘A Box Can Be Many Things,’ and I thought to myself that I would rather stand on my roof and throw my life savings out the window than to not take a risk on myself. I started to think about who I am, and my own journey in nursing. What led me down this path was when I was 16 and started working at The Pines, in the dementia unit. I was in there, working alongside health care providers, seeing the impact they had on their patients and their families.”

It was then, about a year and a half ago, that she was reading a magazine about entrepreneurs and investors, and she first learned about the Little Medical School. Lee decided she wanted to learn all she could about the Little Medical School and its founder, Dr. Mary Mason, through the curriculum that Mason had written.

“I came to really believe in the school’s mission,” she said.  Little Medical Schools was founded in 2010, and today, the company is a pioneer and leading developer of specialized curriculum and interactive resources for children ages 4-14, including summer camps, after-school programs, field trips, birthday parties, Scout-badge classes and customized special events.

Shauniece attended a Discovery Day at the Little Medical School.

“The vision that Mary Mason had was just incredible,” she said, adding that she knew she wanted to get involved.

“One thing I knew, having grown up in the SarasotaManatee area, is that our people show up for us. When there is a value added to the lives of our young people, Sarasota, Manatee and the surrounding area will show up for them. So, I knew if I got involved, the community would support me.”

Shauniece purchased the franchise rights to Little Medical School Suncoast.

“Today, I call myself a baby CEO, though my title here is Director of Inspiration. My job is all over the map. I may be in my garage packing boxes. I may be on Amazon ordering supplies. I am printing out worksheets, running to the post office, picking up my own kids, and then I am standing in front of these little people and watching their eyes light up when they hear their own heartbeat, or they listen to a friend’s lungs.”

“This is more than medical STEM for me,” she said.

“I have great community partners like the Boys & Girls Clubs, the Sarasota County Libraries and the Sarasota County Schools, the Chamber of Commerce and Newtown Connection, and they make what we do possible. We don’t have a physical location, so our one-hour sessions are offered through our partners,” she explained.

“This week, for example, the libraries are hosting a day class on Little Veterinary Medicine. A home-school class will be learning

The seven values of the Little Medical School Suncoast:

Imagination: We believe children need to dream and have opportunities to discover.

Nurturing: We create environments to learn and explore while building self-confidence.

Service: We realize love of medicine requires a commitment to helping others.

Passion: We are energized by our desire to share our love of learning and health.

Innovation: We engage all by merging entertainment and education.

Role-playing: We realize the power of one-on-one AND group interaction.

Educational: We develop unique curriculum to highlight career options.

about human organs. At the Boys & Girls Clubs, we are running a 12week sports medicine class. Every week, every event is different.”

Shauniece adds that the curriculum is constantly being updated by doctors and educators, adding new classes such as a babysitting class, where the students are taught how to care for someone else’s children.

Shauniece says her time at SCF helped prepare her for her work at the Little Medical School.

“First and foremost, the biggest thing SCF gave me was a sense of value,” she said. “I have a friend with a bachelor’s degree who is in debt up to her eyeballs. Student debt is crippling. I was able to enter the workforce with my degree in hand, and very little debt. Instead of paying off college debt, I have been investing, so my children will be able to go to college. It’s also how I funded Little Medical School without incurring serious debt. And it all started with SCF. Going there was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

“Last year, we served more than 1,000 children at the Little Medical School Suncoast. I would like to see more community partnerships, especially with nonprofits, and would like to see us serve more than 3,000 young students by next year.”

ALEX GARNER ALUMNI STORY

A fourth-generation Floridian builds on his family’s legacy

AA fourth-generation Floridian, Alex Garner graduated from Manatee Community College (MCC) – now State College of Florida – in 2008, before completing his education at University of South Florida in Tampa, with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing.

He is a Floridian through and through, who says he loved growing up here. In 1923, his great-granduncle founded the iconic Star Fish Company, a wholesale company, restaurant and later a popular retail seafood market in Cortez Village. After World War II, Alex’s grandfather took over the business when his granduncle died.

“My grandfather ran it until he passed away, and then my father ran it until the mid-1990s, when he sold it to Karen Bell,” Alex explained.

Alex attended Manatee High School, graduating in 2005. His parents told him, “You’re going to go to college. You don’t have a choice. But we’re not paying for it.”

As it turns out, going to MCC was something of a family tradition. Both of Alex’s parents had gone to school there, from 1970 to 1973, and his sister went there as well.

Attending MCC was a practical decision for Alex. With no scholarships in hand, it was a prudent financial decision. Plus, Alex felt it would be a good transition from high school to a larger university. After graduating with his associate degree, he transferred to USF in Tampa.

“My sister did the same thing, and so did Ashley, the woman I eventually married,” he said.

He did not have a firm career path in mind when he started at MCC.

“At the time, I thought I wanted to be an engineer, but when I failed calculus the first time, I knew that wasn’t a good sign. I took it a second time and got a ‘D.’ Still not good. The third time, I got an ‘A’ in calculus, but thought if I had to take every math class three times from then on, it would take me 12 years to become an engineer. So, I decided that was not for me. I then thought I might want to be an architect because my father was a landscape architect. I really enjoyed that, so I ended up taking a lot of art classes, along with my general education classes.”

When Alex transferred to USF, he entered its prearchitecture track. He then applied to the USF architecture program, which was quite small, only accepting 40 out of 200 applicants each academic year.

“When I didn’t get in, I changed my major and ended up earning my degree in business marketing.”

“SCF is an excellent school, and it can put you on the path toward a successful career. You will be taught by professors who are as good as, if not better, than the ones you will meet at the big universities.”

State College of Florida Foundation ELECTS NEW MEMBERS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TThe State College of Florida Foundation elected six new members to its board of directors in 2023. Each of the directors, including the officers led by President Chris Romine and Vice President Laura Cota, is a leader in the business or civic sectors of Manatee and Sarasota counties. Board members volunteer their time and talents to help State College of Florida achieve its mission.

His first job out of college was as a leasing manager at Lakewood Ranch. He then went to work at Edward Jones Financial, where he got his broker’s license. After several other positions in financial advising, and just as the effects of COVID-19 were beginning to be felt in 2020, Alex applied for and received a loan and started his own firm, Garner Wealth Management.

“At the time, starting my own company was my best option,” he said. “So, while it was a leap of faith, it was also a good business decision.”

Still, with COVID-19 raging, times were tough, and Alex admits he felt something was missing.

The school where his wife teaches kindergarten needed help, so Alex signed up to be a substitute teacher.

“People kept telling me I would be a good teacher, so I got licensed and now can teach any business, art, or career technical education classes in Manatee County. Last year I began teaching at Palmetto High School – digital design and entrepreneurship classes. This year, I took over TV production and travel and tourism classes, all while keeping my wealth management business.”

Alex says his dad always did a lot of different things at one time.

“He owned the fish house when I was young and he was also a landscape architect. His first project was to design and build G.T. Bray Park. And, he did pool contracting. Multi-tasking definitely runs in the family.”

While he enjoys finance and wealth management, what he enjoys most about it is teaching.

“I teach my clients what they should and shouldn’t be doing with their money, coaching them on best practices. Almost everything I do in my financial advising, comes back to teaching,” he said.

Alex has maintained ties with SCF, and has been a guest lecturer at several classes.

“Two summers ago, I also taught at the 26 West Coding Academy, a summer camp at SCF for elementary school kids, where we taught them how to code, how to fly drones and do robotics. That was a lot of fun,” he said.

“I have a very diverse group of students where I teach. There is the top-of-the-class group, who will be able to go to school wherever they want, with bright futures. I also have a lot of students who face challenges at home, and may not even be thinking of college as an option. I’m glad there are people like me who succeeded at MCC and can say to these kids, ‘You can do it, too.’”

“SCF is an excellent school, and it can put you on the path toward a successful career,” Alex said. “You will be taught by professors who are as good as, if not better, than the ones you will meet at the big universities. The added benefit is that my first class at MCC had 30 students, while my first class at USF had 300 students. It makes such a difference. Even to this day, I tell people that the best education I ever got in my life was at MCC. There are professors who actually know your name and care about you and your future,” he said.

“We are thrilled to welcome these locally renowned individuals onto the board,” said President Chris Romine. “Their individual skills and commitment to higher education and to improving life in Manatee and Sarasota counties will serve them well as they take their place on our board of directors.”

New board members include:

VERNON DESEAR (Manatee): Vernon is CEO of the Manatee Memorial Foundation. For 25 years, he served on the senior management group at Manatee Memorial Hospital, retiring from that position in 2020. He serves on various boards, including the Manatee Education Foundation and as chairman of the board of the Florida Cultural Group.

JANE KNAACK-ESBECK (Sarasota): Jane is a retired HR and administrative executive with a background in management, training, and people and culture development. She is also a lifelong educator, from her early work as an elementary school teacher to her later role as an adjunct professor for graduate and undergraduate students. Her personal motto, “draw the circle bigger,” defines her career and personal life.

ATTICUS FRANK  (Sarasota): Atticus is a vice president with Mercer Capital, a business valuation and financial advisory firm that works with both public and private companies. His areas of expertise include estate and gift tax planning, compliance transaction advisory services and litigation support.

CINDY MCCOLLUM  (Sarasota): Cindy moved to downtown Sarasota from New Jersey in 2020. She first became involved with State College of Florida as a sponsor and mentor for a music student, and is currently sponsoring a second student. She has a marketing and advertising background, having worked at several large advertising agencies in New York City.

JEFF PHILLIPS  (Manatee):  Jeff has more than three decades of experience in the banking, accounting and finance industry. Currently, he serves as chief financial and operations officer for Gallagher & Hagopian law firm, where he oversees all aspects of accounting, finance and operational metric efficiencies. Jeff also represents the Pittsburgh Pirates organization as the voice of LECOM Park during the Pirates’ spring training season.

CAROL WHITMORE  (Manatee): A resident of Anna Maria Island since 1969, Carol attended MJC (now State College of Florida) and earned her RN degree in 1982. While working in health care, Carol was elected Holmes Beach city commissioner in 1991 and mayor of Holmes Beach in 1998. In 2006, she was elected as Manatee County commissioner at-large, representing 420,000 residents until November 2022.

These six new members will join existing board members Chris Romine, president; Dorothy Korszen, past president; Laura Cota, vice president; Jodi Allen, treasurer; Cassandra Holmes, Foundation executive director, secretary; and directors Michael Fuller, Debi Cohoon, Kathleen Cucci, Lisa Krebs-Knepp, Lois Lucek, Alix Morin and Dr. Carol Probstfeld, SCF president. Each member of the board of directors believes in the value of higher education and recognizes State College of Florida as one of the area’s major resources, educating and training our area’s future workforce.

Pictured Left to Right: Atticus Frank, Jeff Phillips, Jane Knaack-Esbeck, Cindy McCollum, Carol Whitmore, and Vernon DeSear.

State College of Florida hosts 2023 TEDxBradenton

SBradenton hosted the 2023 TEDxBradenton event on Sept. 29 at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota’s 26 West Center and the Studio for Performing Arts. The audience of 150 guests eagerly listened to speakers and learned about this area’s rich and diverse talent, creating connections that will result in making this community better. This year’s theme was “Writing the Future.”

According to TEDxBradenton co-organizer Catherine Ferrer, “as a forum for discussing ideas worth sharing, the goal is to make TEDxBradenton an annual event. The event was organized by a team of local volunteers, including my co-organizers Evelyn Almodovar of Lucet Behavioral Health and Sarah Toedman of Neal Communities.”

Robyn Faucy, CEO and co-founder of Results 1st and a TEDxBradenton speaker in 2022, was this year’s master of ceremonies. Following leadership roles with Neuro Challenge Foundation, Sylvan Learning Centers and the American Cancer Society, Robyn started her own company, guiding organizations to achieve transformative results. “I was honored to emcee the 2023 TEDxBradenton,” said Faucy. “I was a speaker for the inaugural TEDxBradenton, and it was a life-changing experience. It has given me a platform to advocate for something I am passionate about – helping others activate access to social capital. I remain involved and feel others should, too, because the sharing of ideas is a way to bring people together. Our community is divided on many important issues, and the only way to bridge that divide is if we listen to others’ experiences and perspectives with an open mind and heart.”

This year’s speakers included:

• Mark Gordon, managing editor and reporter, Business Observer and Observer Media Group

• Travis Ray founder and CEO of handcrafted bow tie and accessory brand, Dapper Bowtique

• Dominic Marino, president and co-founder of Oyster Boys Conservation

• Xtavia Bailey, founder of Next Level Coaching and Consulting

• Dr. Richard C. Harris former Ku Kux Klan leader turned racial harmony advocate, educator, pastor and author

• Andre Hendriex, founder of The Village Health & Wellness studio in Palmetto

• Natalie Baird-King , attorney, author and domestic abuse awareness advocate

• Mitch Lomazov, executive director of client development and leadership coach, EXCELLence Performance

• Omar Edwards, local educator for 23 years currently serving as associate director of strategic planning initiatives for the School District of Manatee County

• Elma Felix, urban design and social equity specialist, currently a planning manager for the Town of Longboat Key

• Derek Ober, financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual

• Carlos Portillo director of ministry and juvenile justice ministry for Suncoast Youth for Christ

• Larissa Lippe, founder, owner and CEO of Smart Kids Tutor LLC and The Smart Kids Tutor Foundation

• Chase Pettey, founder and CEO of Adventure For All

• Shannon Live, co-founder of nonprofit comic book store and education hub Bat City Comic Professionals

SCF Venice Science and Technology Building CREATES EXCITEMENT AND ACHIEVES MILESTONE

“TEDxBradenton is for people who are interested in learning from others, exploring new ideas and taking action to make the world better – starting with our own city. The event connects people, which connects the dots between ideas and action. The existence of TEDxBradenton here provides an ongoing opportunity to explore the future this community wants and write it into existence by taking action on things that matter to us.”

—Catherine Ferrer, TedxBradenton co-organizer

SSCF is proud of its new transformative science facility at SCF Venice. The 8,913-square-foot Science and Technology Building opens additional opportunities for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in Sarasota County, Charlotte County and the surrounding region.

“This is a milestone for our Venice campus – the last building constructed here was the Professional Development Building in 1994 and 1995,” said SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld.

For an SCF student interested in science, health science, engineering or technology, this is where it all begins. This is where our outstanding professors get our students excited about careers in STEM fields. Whether they are with us for a workforce degree, to prepare to transfer to a state university, or a student in our SCF Collegiate School, this is where their journey into science starts.

Undertaking such a monumental project required buy-in locally and at the state level. Recognizing the need for workforceready graduates in STEM fields, the Florida Legislature appropriated $2.9 million in 2021 and $1.09 million in 2022 to support the project. The local community provided the remaining support for the project that exceeded $5 million.

Located off U.S. 41, near the Wellen Park neighborhood and CoolToday Park, the Atlanta Braves Spring Training facility, SCF Venice is close to a large population of high school students and working adults. Every student at SCF Venice will experience benefits from the new building.

Assembling top-notch STEM facilities requires more than just spacious labs, vibrant classrooms and functional offices. The new structure features those important spaces for students, but the essential equipment includes tools like the Bunsen burner, biosafety storage cabinet, Sterilmatic® sterilizer, Isotemp™ water bath, and gravity convection incubator.

Students are doing important scientific research, like studying new sources of antibiotics and publishing discoveries in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database, known as GenBank®. These students will go on to hold a range of careers, including nurses, lab managers, engineers, chemists and sometimes even adjunct or full-time instructors who educate the next generation.

SCF was founded in Bradenton in 1957, and SCF Venice opened in 1985, providing a scenic 100-acre campus to meet the community higher education and workforce needs of Sarasota and Charlotte counties. The College has been responsive to the changing needs of the state and local economy over the last 65 years, with STEM classes serving as a critical component of bolstering nursing education, manufacturing degrees, dual enrollment opportunities for high school students, an honors program and the Gator Engineering partnership with the University of Florida. The new Science and Technology Building will also be an important resource for the SCF Collegiate School in Venice, which prepares students in grades nine to 12 to graduate from high school with a diploma and an associate degree.

SCF

Pictured Left to Right: Dr. Carol Probstfeld, Instructor Claire Geiger, and Rod Thomson.

Pictured Left to Right: Dom DiMaio, Dr. Carol Probstfeld, Mark Goodson, Ed Campbell, Rod Thomson, Jaymie Carter, Mike Fuller, and Chris Romine.

SCF Nursing Expansion Demonstrates POWER OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

Medical simulators with AI technology

GIVE SCF NURSING STUDENTS A LIFELIKE EXPERIENCE

IIt looks human, sounds human and reacts like a human might in an emergency. But it is actually artificial intelligence (AI) at work in the form of animated manikins, now being used to train nurses in the Nursing Simulation Center at SCF Lakewood Ranch.

"As health care grows in complexity, nursing education must continue to adapt to this ever-changing environment. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) simulation technology into State College of Florida's nursing program has the potential to transform nursing education through the implementation of consistent and tangible learning experiences for students,” said Dr. Tammy Sawmelle, MSN, RN, dean of nursing.

SCF recently purchased two AI HAL simulators, with funding from the Florida Department of Education. AI HAL provides lifelike motor movement, next-generation physiology, conversational speech, automaticity in its responses, arterial access, lung compliance, hi-fi auscultation (listening to the heart, lungs and other organs, typically through a stethoscope), and it learns over time. Each simulator costs $137,000.

“The Simulation Center is very excited to add artificial intelligence manikins to the student’s educational experience. The manikins bring an increased level of realism to the scenarios for the students such as facial

movements, shaking and squeezing a hand, sweating and crying. They are especially useful when students are assessing patients who have had a stroke or other neurological events.  We are so fortunate and excited to have added a whole new level to the student learning experience,” said Debbie Allish, MSN, RN, director of the SCF Simulation Center.

The lifelike manikins are used to give nursing students hands-on experiences with a patient in a simulated clinical setting. The simulators are programmable, allowing nursing students to experience a variety of routine and emergency health care scenarios. From emergency care to ICU and medical-surgical training, AI HAL simulators are blurring the lines between simulation and what the nurses will be experiencing with patients in hospitals.

Initiating efficient and safe nursing practices early in the SCF nursing program and reinforcing them with state-of-the art simulators provides enormous benefit to the Sarasota-Bradenton community. Students practice new skills and procedures in a controlled environment and gain confidence in performing them with a real patient. The result is that regional health care facilities get well-trained, high-quality nurses ready to “go live” with little learning curve when they enter the workforce.

IIn the past two years, SCF has expanded its Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) enrollment while creating new opportunities to take courses in the evening and on weekends.

Support from the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis, through the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) and Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE) programs, has been instrumental to expanding SCF’s nursing capacity. This funding rewards the high standards of achievement SCF has maintained and facilitates closer relationships with local health care industry partners. In 2023, SCF received nearly $1.1 million in LINE funding, with $545,000 contributed locally and a matching amount from legislative appropriations.

“Knowing the challenges the ongoing nursing shortage has caused for the region’s health care workforce, we set out to create a solution that will allow SCF to graduate as many nurses as possible,” said Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, president of SCF. “We have led by example, demonstrating public, private and government institutions can work together to amplify our investments in nursing education.”

SCF’s LINE funding is among the top 10 in the state, a testament to the benefits the College has received from local support. The additional funding will directly amplify the number of potential registered nurses enrolling at SCF. While SCF has previously only been able to admit 220 new nursing students each fall, the incoming Fall 2023 cohort accepted 350.

Organizations partnering with SCF in 2023 and 2024 and contributing to the nursing program expansion included:

• Cooper Family Medical

• Empath Health

• HCA West Florida Division

• HCA Florida Blake Hospital

• Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

• Manatee Memorial Hospital

• Sarasota Memorial Hospital

• Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation

• Bishop-Parker Foundation

• Florida Blue Foundation

• Ralph S. French Charitable Foundation

• Gulf Coast Community Foundation

RegisteredNursing.org recently ranked SCF as the No. 4 ASN program in Florida, a ranking that accounted for all colleges and universities in the state, both public and private. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at SCF is also highly regarded, and the ASN and BSN programs combined have conferred more than 7,200 nursing degrees since 2010.

To become a LINE partner, contact Foundation Executive Director Cassandra Holmes, and for more information about SCF’s nursing program, visit SCF.edu/Nursing.

Left to right Manatee Memorial Hospital: Tice Darlette-CNO, Tom McDougal-CEO, Dr. Carol ProbstfeldSCF President & MMH Board of Governors, Mark Goodson-SCF Trustee & MMH Board of Governors, and Vernon DeSear-MMF Executive Director.

Left to right Cooper Family Medical: Dr. Andrew Clark, D.O., Dr. Carol Probstfeld, Dr. Catherine Cooper, D.O., and Dr. Christopher Cooper, D.O.

Marked by

TChange, Growth and the Characteristics of a Good Leader MAGNATUS MOD DR. CAROL F. PROBSTFELD LEGACY

“To leave the College in a better state than when I started and well-positioned for its next milestones,” said Dr. Probstfeld when asked what she hopes will be her legacy. That’s an admirable and very humble way to remember 22 years of service – 10 as vice president of business and administrative services followed by another 12 as president.

Dr. Probstfeld, known to many simply as “Dr. P.,” is a lifelong learner who has led the institution through some of its most challenging times, including political, economic, environmental and social changes. She’s led SCF through four governors, two recessions, too many major named storms to list and a worldwide pandemic.

From the onset of her presidency, she challenged the College community, stating:

“We must be candid with ourselves and conduct honest selfexaminations.”

“We must engage all stakeholders and never allow ourselves to be disconnected from our greater community.”

“We are the College that offers an opportunity for everyone to be successful regardless of where they start the race and at whatever pace they proceed.”

A strategic thinker who actively engages those around her to create solutions, Dr. Probstfeld’s “Boldly Engaging” and “Boldly Leading” strategic plans resulted in an impressive list of accomplishments for SCF. [See sidebar]

Dr. Probstfeld’s name on dedication plaques gracing numerous buildings reflects growth. Her signature on key documents exemplifies leadership. Pictures and videos captured at nearly every campus event demonstrate commitment. These things, along with her Dr. Probstfeld Excellence Fund and generous giving to the College, showcase one of the College’s biggest cheerleaders.

However, we can finally share some additional noteworthy praises as it’s time to celebrate her!

• She attempted and was 99.9% successful in attending at least one of every performance, game or competition (often incognito) each semester.

• During her presidency, she raised more money for the College than ever before in its history, including the largest gift to the SCF Foundation.

• She has personally funded the Madam Presidents’ Courtyard, SCF Baseball-Softball Training Facilities and numerous presenters for All College Day, to name a few.

• She has attended local nonprofit organization events, supporting each with financial gifts, believing that we must help each other’s missions.

• She inspired collaborative efforts between SCF and numerous community partners, such as the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) program.

• It was not uncommon for her to attend the next graduation ceremony of students at their university, or SCF championship games near or far.

• She actively engages with those around her, spending quality time getting to know them. And she’s known for having the “memory of an elephant” because she remembers what they said, too!

• Her default question when faced with challenges has always been, “What is in the best interest of the students?”

It’s a fact that the name “Dr. P.” is forever ingrained in the history of State College of Florida. At the time of her retirement, the College is poised for success. But perhaps the most impressive legacy she’ll leave behind is that as a leader, she’ll be remembered for how she made people feel engaged, heard, valued and championed.

A final demonstration of her leadership is her parting direction to those wishing to honor her and her legacy. She’s asking for gifts to the SCF Parrish Campus fund to keep the momentum for SCF Parrish going and to help the seventh president celebrate the College’s next significant milestone.

Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, sixth SCF President, 2012-2024

SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF DR. PROBSTFELD

• SCF programs are available to students in all geographic locations of our service region.

• Developed Flagship Academic Programs at SCF Venice, including Gator Engineering at SCF, Accelerated Dual Enrollment, environmental education tools, e.g. Food Forest, and the solar field.

• Purchased land in Parrish for the development of a future campus to serve students in the northeast area of our service region.

• Developed a concierge-style student experience focused on enhancing student recruitment and performance outcomes.

• Aggressively engaged faculty with business and community leaders in collaborative curriculum development from start to implementation for programs that are rapidly responsive to workforce needs.

One of the most impactful aspects of this effort was the creation of the Tiny Earth program. The Tiny Earth program at SCF has allowed SCF to partner with a network of institutions to employ students to discover novel antibiotic-producing bacteria in the environment. This program provides real world experience for SCF students and allows SCF to participate in addressing the global issue of antibiotic resistance. This real-world experience also targets the retention of students within the sciences so that our region can train and retain qualified scientists for important positions within the industry.

• SCF has established its position as the go-to source for subject matter expertise in the region.

• SCF Bradenton’s Collegiate School was awarded the honor of being named a National Blue Ribbon School and has been a top-rated A school in Manatee County since it opened in 2010.

• SCF established a stronger cultural role in the community and welcomed the community to campus music, art and theatre events.

• Coordinated a change in the approach to legislative advocacy. This important change resulted in SCF now having ongoing relationships with every member of our local delegation.

• Implemented significant operational updates to student recruitment, technology, marketing, employee development and data analysis positioning the College for its 2021-26 strategic plan.

• SCF is the cofounder of a regional college consortium that includes public and private higher education partners.

• SCF has transformed the accreditation process from a compliance exercise into an ongoing continuous improvement effort.

• Between 2013-2018, SCF’s annual economic impact increased from $308.6 million to $432.4 million, and SCF students’ average return on investment increased from 15.6% to 16.6%, meaning students recoup their total cost faster.

• Developed an automated process for the awarding of degrees and certificates that maximizes the credentials a student receives while minimizing the administrative work to award these credentials.

• Increased the number and types of degrees and certificates awarded, which have trended upward despite national declining enrollment. SCF provides a greater number and variety of educational credentials than any other educational institution in our region.

• SCF Foundation fundraising increased substantially. The implementation of new strategies significantly impacted SCF Foundation assets from $48.7 million in 2013 to $75 million in 2023, a 54% increase.

• Developed and launched new academic programs (24 college credit certificates, eight associate degrees, and four baccalaureate degrees) in response to business, industry and workforce demands.

• Developed and launched Go Live with SCF Online modality, expanding access and opportunity to live synchronous instruction, and increasing student success outcomes.

• Created and continued to expand the number of Microsoft Teams-enabled classrooms to support these new learning modalities.

• Partnered with Sarasota County Schools to offer an accelerated dual enrollment pilot program for students at Venice and North Port high schools.

• Developed and successfully launched the SCF Venice Collegiate School.

• Created Weekend College to help working or busy adults who want a college degree. SCF has a plan that will allow students to complete their associate in arts degree in two years by taking weekend-only classes.

• Completed 292 major capital projects totaling $72.3 million. This provided SCF with the engaging educational environments needed for students to thrive.

o New buildings include:

• SCF Bradenton Academic Building 9

• SCF Bradenton Library & Learning Center

• SCF Venice Science & Technology Building

• SCF Bradenton Science Building (New addition and remodeling)

• SCF Bradenton Studio for the Performing Arts and Music Annex

o Major renovations include:

• SCF Venice Library

• Classroom upgrades at SCF Bradenton and SCF Venice

• SCF Venice Collegiate School

• SCF Bradenton Dental Hygiene Clinic upgrades

• SCF Bradenton Radiography X-Ray machine

• Smart Classrooms Upgrades Design All campuses

• SCF Bradenton Neel Performing Arts Center

• SCF Bradenton 26 West Center

• Student Union Services Project SCF Bradenton and SCF Venice

• Adopted the Community College Research Center (CCRC) Guided Pathways model for ensuring student success and completed the two-year Florida Pathways Institute.

“We are the College that offers an opportunity for everyone to be successful regardless of where they start the race and at whatever pace they proceed.”

• Completed and renewed the agreement for SCF to participate in the University of South Florida FUSE program, creating a pathway for SCF associate in arts graduates to complete bachelor’s degree programs at USF.

• Developed and signed articulation agreements with most of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Florida.

• Partnered with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) to streamline the transfer process for SCF students through FAMU’s IGNITE program, offering a direct route for SCF associate in arts graduates to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at FAMU.

• Added tuition-free scholarship articulation agreements between SCF Collegiate Schools with New College of Florida and University of South Florida, SarasotaManatee.

• SCF implemented a tuition payment plan to make college more affordable with the option to pay over time for tuition and fees.

• Strengthened the security of our data and communications and developed a robust approach to disaster recovery for Information Technology to ensure SCF’s safety from both virtual and physical threats to our business processes and instructional delivery.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROWS

For 26 West Entrepreneurship Center

TThe Entrepreneurship Center is part of the 26 West Center at SCF Bradenton. The 40,000-square-foot building includes not only the Entrepreneurship Center, but also a Business Growth Lab (office space rentals), Personal Branding Lab, Student Incubator, The Digital Collective (digital marketing agency) and The Creative Studio (video production studio). The building also houses the SCF Coding Academy, which offers technology training at its Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation.

The 26 West Entrepreneurship Center is designed to develop people, grow businesses, and provide access to resources for people to start and/or grow their businesses to ultimately drive the local economy in Manatee and Sarasota counties. This helps support job creation for new businesses, and job retention as businesses stabilize and grow.

The community has been more than generous in their support for the center, with numerous grants and other forms of support.

“These grants provide extraordinary opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs as well as existing business owners to launch and accelerate their businesses. The workshops, classes and small group coaching provide an outstanding foundation for business and personal growth. In addition, The Digital Collective makes marketing resources that might not normally be available accessible to program participants to attract customers and grow their businesses,” says Kim Richmond, director, 26 West Entrepreneurship Center.

Bank of America Charitable Foundation provided a total of $40,000 in grants to the 26 West Entrepreneurship Center in 2021 and 2022 to support services for our community's aspiring nonprofit and business leaders. A $20,000 grant went toward the Social Innovators program, supporting services for entrepreneurs of color, women and/or military veterans. A second $20,000 grant went toward the Entrepreneurship Without Barriers initiative, helping entrepreneurs (individuals) with low to moderate incomes launch or excel in their business.

“Working with the State College of Florida Foundation to support their Entrepreneurship Without Barriers initiative and Social Innovators program is part of Bank of America’s commitment to fostering economic mobility and equitable progress,” said Jamie Kahns, market executive, Bank of America Sarasota/Manatee. “This partnership is helping budding

entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and communities develop their business skills and providing them the essential resources and support needed to succeed in today’s and tomorrow’s economy.”

“Entrepreneurship Without Barriers and the Social Innovators Program is equipping our students with the right tools to be successful and make a change in our community,” said Lisa A. Krebs-Knepp, board member, State College of Florida Foundation and private client advisor, Bank of America.

“As a board member of the State College of Florida Foundation, I have seen firsthand the powerful impact both of these initiatives have on the next generation of professionals in Sarasota and Manatee counties.”

The Florida Business Development Corporation (FBDC) awarded a $62,500 grant for the GrowBiz@26 West program. It encompasses and provides access to the four pillars necessary to start and grow a successful business to create and retain jobs for the duration of the grant.

• Marketing – The Digital Collective, the in-house digital marketing agency at the 26 West Entrepreneurship Center, offers website development, graphic design, social media content, email newsletters, video production and podcasting.

“Florida Business Development Corporation is delighted to provide grant funding to the 26 West Entrepreneurship Center at the State College of Florida. The program's contributions to local entrepreneurs are immeasurable within the small business community. We encourage other businesses to contribute to the

“Entrepreneurship Without Barriers and the Social Innovators Program is equipping our students with the right tools to be successful and make a change in our community.”

• Ed ucation – This pillar includes workshops and classes taught by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs in the 26 West Entrepreneurship Academy.

• Community – The 26 West Entrepreneurship Center hosts regular networking and special events. The GrowBiz@26 West will also include networking events and Idea Lab, an open forum for entrepreneurs and small business owners to receive feedback on their business ideas.

• Coaching and Mentoring – Small group coaching provides the link between education and community. This coaching differs from mentoring because it provides specific assignments for the small business owner or entrepreneur and focuses on accountability.

Center's funding, enabling its expansion and further empowering local small businesses. The program's track record speaks for itself, and we eagerly anticipate hearing more success stories in the future,” said Bill Habermeyer, president and CEO. The 26 West Entrepreneurship Center is teaming up with the SCF Coding Academy to support Downtown Bradenton Economic Development in a project funded by the Knight Donor Advised Fund of Manatee Community Foundation. The $75,000 in funding will foster relationships for businesses, nonprofits and entrepreneurs to benefit from the expertise of SCF faculty and staff, the College’s resources and the new business development tools at the 26 West Center. A December 2020 study of downtown Bradenton by the Economics Group LLC found potential growth opportunities in nearly every business sector, including retail, dining, health and personal care. Through the strategic use of services available at 26 West Center, new businesses and businesses or nonprofits detrimentally affected by COVID-19 can flourish to address gaps in services, populate vacant storefronts and fill empty lots. Through the project, businesses in downtown Bradenton will have access to 26 West’s Digital Collective, Business Growth Lab, Creativity Studio and Coding Academy.

“Local entrepreneurs and innovators are the engine for the economy's future. Manatee Community Foundation and The Knight Foundation were grateful to partner to invest in a space that encourages their development by connecting Bradenton’s core businesses and nonprofits to SCF’s expertise. We have seen how the consulting services, multimedia marketing and communications, and professional development support at 26 West have helped launch young trailblazers forward, making our community a better place,” said Veronica Thames of Manatee Community Foundation and Lilly Weinberg of the Knight Foundation.

EARLY LEARNING COALITION’S STORYBOOK STREET

Comes To SCF Venice

TThe Early Learning Coalition’s free, family-friendly Storybook Street event came to SCF Venice on February 24, 2024. This literacy-meets-the-arts event, which gives away books to children ages birth to 7, also features dance, drama, art and music designed to help foster an early love of reading. Every county in Florida has an Early Learning Coalition (ELC), which is a division of Florida’s Department of Education that receives state, county and private funding. The Coalition purchases the books, giving away about 6,000 in two hours. Planners also decided to tap into the talent from the area’s many arts organizations, including the Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Orchestra, Venice Symphony, The Players Centre, Van Wezel, Circus Arts Conservatory and many more. The event at SCF Venice included SCF’s own arts, letters and humanities department.

Storybook Street was originally designed to be a storybook village, where the children would visit and go home with books to build a love of reading. “Things were ready to go in 2020, when COVID struck, which delayed our plans,” said Ana McClendon, director for community outreach at the ELC. “COVID, of course, created tremendous learning losses, especially among the youngest children, who could not learn virtually. On the heels of COVID, we felt it was the perfect time for Storybook Street to finally happen.”

The first event in April 2021 was a drive-thru held at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, spring home of the Baltimore Orioles. The response was overwhelming, with a mile-long line of cars waiting to get in. Each arts group had 30 seconds or so to bring a book to life, and children received the book as they were driven past. Families received one book per family at each of the 17 booths, so every family received 17 books. ELC held the second Storybook Street event in September 2021 at CoolToday Park, spring home of the Atlanta Braves in North Port, and the third event was held at Suncoast Technical College.

“As soon as we found out that they were looking for a location to bring Storybook Street to life in South County, we knew that our college campus would be the perfect place,” said Heather Shehorn, assistant dean, Early College programs and strategic academic initiatives, and SCF Venice administrator. “Bringing these young families and their children to our campus reinforces the importance of education.”

February’s event at SCF Venice was not be a drive-thru. Guests parked and meandered from booth to booth, watching the various performances and picking up their books at each booth.

“We gave away 20 books this year to each family in attendance,” McClendon said. “I was optimistic about attendance because in South County, the parents of young children tend to turn out for family-themed events,” she added.

“Parents want to get out with their kids. After the hurricanes that have hit our area, many families are still struggling, and to have an event like this, dedicated to literacy and children, is something very special,” Shehorn said.

“What we always say at the Early Learning Coalition is that an early leap into literacy catapults a child into kindergarten, and the stronger and the more ready they are for kindergarten, the better set they are for life,” McClendon said. “The first five years are so impactful in a child’s life, and anything we can do to create a love of reading can only help these children grow and thrive.”

ANNE AND MIKE FULLER

Giving of their time, talent and treasure

AAnne and Mike Fuller, who are both wealth management advisors for Northwestern Wealth Management, live in Bradenton and are both avid supporters of State College of Florida.

Anne is a native Floridian, while Mike was raised in northern Virginia. It was while vacationing here with his parents that he decided the Gulf Coast would be a great place to live. He graduated from the University of Georgia before moving to Florida, and Anne attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and then moved back home.

The two met through their work. They both went to monthly meetings in Tampa, and at the very first meeting Mike attended, he noticed this beautiful woman sitting next to him. That was more than 29 years ago, and since then, they married, founded Weichel-Fuller Financial LLC under the Northwestern Wealth Management umbrella, and had three sons.

Anne’s parents, John and Evalyn Weichel, were well known for charitable giving in Bradenton. John received the Manatee Community Foundation’s Lifetime Spirit of Manatee Award. He gifted nearly $200,000 to the State College of Florida Foundation, which included a major capital gift to the SCF Lakewood Ranch Center for Innovation and Training building. That gift has been vital to developing the technological workforce in the region.

Mike is a great believer in the value of education, having started his own education in the community college system at Northern Virginia Community College, where Dr. Jill Biden teaches today. He began volunteering at SCF by chairing the foundation’s asset management committee.

“Volunteering doesn’t have to have a specific return on investment. Some things you do just because they are the right thing to do,” says Mike.

He later joined the SCF Foundation Board of Directors, served as its president, and then was appointed to the SCF

Board of Trustees. In that role, he now also serves as the SCF Trustee Liaison on the SCF Foundation Board of Directors.

For both he and Anne, education became a focus of their philanthropy.

“Education is key to so many things. If you educate someone to the point that they can provide for themselves and their families, imagine how many other social ills you have just solved. Homelessness, addiction, drugs and the list goes on and on. It was a natural thing for Anne and me to partner together in support of SCF and the people in this community.”

Together, the Fullers have supported many SCF events and initiatives, including the annual Scholarship Luncheon, Avenues to the Future (SCF Bradenton), Evening Under the Stars (SCF Venice), Music Excellence Sponsorship, the SCF Disaster Recovery Fund (helping those impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole), SCF student scholarships, the SCF Studio for the Performing Arts Capital Building Project and the SCF Area of Greatest Need Initiatives Aligning with Presidential Priorities. In addition, they take part in an annual Northwestern Mutual match, when employees are encouraged to support nonprofit organizations, and the company matches their contributions.

“Schools such as SCF are important because they are affordable, provide a high-quality education, and they allow young people to take advantage of opportunities that would be much more difficult to obtain if they were going out-of-state or to a larger university,” Anne says.

Mike agrees, adding, “SCF is also the only school in our region that gives students a full-college experience – from academics to clubs, sports and the arts. You don’t miss out on anything at SCF.”

The Bishop-Parker Foundation A LEGACY OF GIVING

TThis story needs to begin with a bit of old-Florida history. A tradition of philanthropic giving can be traced back to the immigration of a young couple from England in 1854. John Huntington and his wife Jane settled in Ohio, where he amassed a sizable fortune. One of his children, William R. Huntington, also a successful businessman, was the father of Lillian (Patty) H. Huntington, the wife of Edward E. (Ned) Bishop.

Ned and Patty married in 1914, settled on the Manatee River in Bradenton and were active in the area’s civic and cultural life. They made generous and impactful gifts, many anonymously, to organizations and institutions in the area. In 1934, the Bishops met Mary Parker, who had graduated with a degree in nursing in New York, and invited her to be their nurse/companion, a role she had until the passing of Ned in 1962 and Patty in 1972. They became so close that the Bishops eventually legally adopted Mary as their daughter.

In December 1953, they established the Edward E. and Lillian H. Bishop Foundation for charitable giving purposes. Mary Parker established her own foundation with her own assets in 1986, also for charitable giving purposes. Mary passed in March 2020 at 108 years old, leaving an incredible legacy of giving. It was from these beginnings that the Bishop-Parker Foundation was formed.

Steeped in this history, the Bishop-Parker Foundation has had a tremendous philanthropic impact on the SarasotaBradenton area. Mrs. Bishop had a particular interest in nursing and worked many shifts as a volunteer operating room nurse. The couple matched community donations and grants, creating a new wing at the future Manatee Memorial Hospital. Anonymously, they provided surgeries for numerous patients at no cost, as well as medical care for many who were indigent.

The Bishops were among those who founded the Sarasota Players Theatre and helped build Bradenton’s Manatee Players Theatre on 12th Street. They were instrumental in the creation and growth of the South Florida Museum, its planetarium and aquarium, and the Manatee County SPCA, which came to be known as Bishop Animal Shelter.

In addition, the Bishop-Parker Foundation has been extremely generous to State College of Florida over the years, supporting numerous projects, including:

• SCF Nursing Library materials (SCF BSN Nursing Library).

• SCF Library and Learning Center (SCF Bradenton) capital building project.

• SCF high-fidelity medical simulators (The Medical Technology & Simulation Center at SCF Lakewood Ranch).

• SCF Simulation Control Room technology (The Medical Technology & Simulation Center at SCF Lakewood Ranch).

• SCF nursing medical equipment.

• SCF Studio for the Performing Arts Center (SCF Bradenton) capital building project.

• SCF Nursing Excellence Program – Expansion of SCF’s Nursing Program (instructional support), increasing the number of nursing students in the program.

Mary E. Jarrell ’78 is a grandniece of Mary Parker and cared for her until her passing in 2020. Jarrell is a Manatee Junior College (MJC, now SCF) alum, and a registered nurse. Jarrell spent considerable time with Ms. Parker and the Bishops as she was growing up. After graduating from the University of Florida and getting married, she moved back to Bradenton and graduated with her nursing degree from MJC.

“I went to MJC because it was local and because its nursing school had such an excellent reputation,” she said. She ended up working as a nurse in Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care unit.

“I loved neonatal nursing, caring for the families as well as the babies. It’s the best feeling in the world and was a very good fit for me. I did not live with my aunt and the Bishops but spent at least one night every week there and spent every birthday and holiday with them. It was my home away from home,” she said.

“My most vivid memory of my aunt is when she was 100 years old and fell and broke her pelvis,” says Mary. “Her sheer determination and drive to rehabilitate was unlike anything I had ever seen. She was so young at heart, and so optimistic, until her final days.”

Today, Mary has followed by serving as a trustee for the Bishop-Parker Foundation.

“I feel a real devotion to carrying on everything that my aunt started,” says Mary.

SCF Gains Public Visibility Through NEW COMMUNITY

OUTREACH

INITIATIVES

TThe region’s first and largest public college, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF), was founded in 1957 as Manatee Junior College. In 1985, the name was changed to Manatee Community College, and in 2009, it became SCF. Throughout its history, the College has been committed to being responsive to the needs of our community. In addition to graduating over 55,000 students, most of whom stay in the area and contribute to its quality of life, SCF offers a variety of services and activities for residents of all ages.

The SCF Foundation’s community outreach initiatives are currently expanding, creating an even greater presence for SCF in both the Manatee and Sarasota communities. The recent addition of a new community outreach coordinator, Madeline Mangas, will allow SCF to have a presence at all College and many community events, bringing even more public visibility.

“We could not be more excited about expanding our outreach into our local communities,” said Director of Advancement Robyn Bell. “SCF has long been an integral part of both Manatee and Sarasota counties. Our expanded outreach, however, will support our efforts toward increasing student enrollment, donations, employment, volunteers and alumni engagement.”

That outreach includes having a presence at Manatee, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice Chambers of Commerce and Visit Sarasota events, including coffee clubs, power lunches, trustee receptions, young professional activities, volunteer initiatives, business expos, and awards and

recognition ceremonies. Other off-campus events include:

• Parrish Chili Cookoff

• DeSoto Parade

• Events at Ed Smith Stadium (spring home of the Baltimore Orioles) and LECOM Park (spring home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and year-round home to the Bradenton Marauders), and a variety of other galas and celebrations.

On-campus outreach efforts include campus tours, Simulation Center tours, Lunch & Learn/Sip & Snoop events, panel discussions, #GetHired events, Maverick’s Rhythm & Rave, the Poké-Hunt Easter Egg Hunt, the SCF EXPO, and Volunteer Expo (September 2024).

One main goal of the expanded outreach efforts is to recruit volunteers through our SCF Volunteer Sphere, which can be found online at SCF-Foundation.org/Volunteer. This includes recruiting and training new volunteers, the Celebrating Volunteers event (May 10, 2024), and increasing the community visibility of our always popular Maverick the Manatee mascot.

“Through these efforts, and the efforts of SCF’s student services and enrollment management and other SCF Foundation departments, the impact will be gauged by increased student enrollment, received donations and grants, SCF Volunteer Sphere participation, SCF job applications and alumni engagement,” said Bell. “We look forward to seeing even greater community involvement in the coming years.”

SCF Float in DeSoto Grand Parade Parrish Chili Cook off

Maverick’s Rhythm & Rave

Suncoast Credit Union Foundation SPONSORS KEY EVENTS AT STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA

SSuncoast Credit Union sponsors three major State College of Florida events, providing a total of $45,000 in funding, and bringing its overall support of the College to $163,000 over the past five years. The credit union is the premier sponsor of the FIRST LEGO League West Florida Region Championship Tournament, title sponsor of the 23rd Annual SCF Foundation Scholarship Luncheon, and crown level sponsor at the 36th Annual SCF Evening Under the Stars gala.

“Providing support for those seeking higher education is part of the Suncoast mantra,” said Kourtney Berry, executive director, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. “We believe that there is no greater investment than funding the efforts of our future leaders, and each of these events will enrich and reward student life."

“The generous sponsorship of the SCF Foundation’s events is pivotal in enhancing the quality of education and opportunities we offer our students. It has enabled us to invest in cutting-edge technology, modernize our facilities and provide scholarships that empower deserving students to pursue their dreams of higher education,” said SCF Foundation executive director Cassandra Holmes.

“We are so grateful for the generous support of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation,” said Desh Bagley of the FIRST LEGO League West Florida Region. “Their continued support allows youth to understand the basics of STEM and apply their skills in an exciting competition, while building the habits of learning, confidence and teamwork along the way.”

About this year’s events:

For more than 20 years, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has been the presenting sponsor of SCF’s Annual Scholarship Luncheon. This year’s event was held on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at Michael’s On East, and brought together 350 students, donors and SCF staff and faculty members to celebrate scholarship students and their achievements.

This year’s Annual SCF Evening Under the Stars gala, with its theme, “The British are Coming,” was on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at SCF Venice. This fun-filled, family gathering includes live

music, food and beverages, and fireworks and brings more than 1,200 people to SCF Venice. The SCF Presidential Jazz Combo performed dinner music, while the Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota provided the after-dinner entertainment.

For more than 30 years, FIRST has fostered hands-on STEM learning by partnering STEM with the fun and excitement of traditional team sports. The West Florida Region is housed at State College of Florida and supports FIRST LEGO League programs in 16 Florida counties. This program prepares young people for the future through team-based robotics programs for ages 8-14 that can be facilitated in school or in structured after-school programs.

The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has been a sponsor of the West Florida Region since its inception in 2015.

In addition to sponsoring events, the Suncoast Credit Union scholarship is an endowed fund established in 2008 that goes to one student each academic year. The recipient must be enrolled full-time, maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA, show financial need and demonstrate leadership qualities through extracurricular activities, community service or by holding leadership positions.

SCF Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Luncheon was held in November 2023, at Michael’s On East. This signature fundraising event for SCF Foundation, raised more than $150,000 for scholarships to SCF Students.

The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to benefit sick children and their families and to support educational initiatives, is funded by Suncoast Credit Union. Since its inception in 1990, the Foundation has raised and donated over $40 million to help provide a better future for the children of our community.

For the first time in Avenues to the Future history, this event was held indoors at SCF’s Bradenton campus. The Bourbon, Brews & BBQ theme demanded a Western theme and participants came out in record numbers, raising more than $90,000 for the benefit of the SCF Foundation and its student scholarship recipients.

From left to right: Jensy Richards, Anthony Fabyanic, Monica Smith, Susan Felber Sheila Whitlow, Alix Morin, Sue Schell

Suncoast Credit Union sponsors: Kourtney Berry, imone Lewis and Aaron Baker

From left to right, Ed Campbell (seated), Susie Walters, Cliff Walters, Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, Joseph Imperiale, Dr. Sarah Pappas, Nick Brown, Demetra Bahadouris-Walters

(left to right) Johanna Neville, Vicki Doerfler, Buz Zoller, Daria Zoeller, Lidwien Redelijk all embraced the Western theme of Bourbon, Brews & BBQ.

Kim Schuerman (left) and Susan Zampatha (right) check out their silent auction bids on the Give Smart app.

From left to right: Rachel Frank, Atticus Frank, Rita DiMaio, Dom DiMaio, Bill Murphy, Dr. Carol Probstfeld, Terry Salyer, Chris Motta and Stevan Collins

Community Volunteers THE LIFEBLOOD OF SCF

State College of Florida (SCF) relies on the time and talents of its more than 300 community volunteers. According to Director of Advancement Robyn Bell, there are opportunities to volunteer in many different departments.

“Whatever your specific interest or talent, there is a way in which you can make an important difference in your community’s future by volunteering here at SCF,” she says.

SSCF’s volunteer program is called “Volunteer Sphere – Radius of our Community Centered on Students.” Many opportunities exist for volunteering, including increasing student success through tutoring and mentoring, providing subject matter expertise, interview coaching and career counseling. At performing arts and athletic events, volunteers are needed as ushers, ticket takers, concession stand workers and stage crew members. In health care services, volunteers serve as simulated patients for our area’s future health care providers in the areas of dental hygiene, radiography and physical therapy. And in the nursing simulation center, volunteers act as family members dealing with a health crisis.

At the SCF Foundation’s three signature fundraising events – the Scholarship Luncheon, Avenues to the Future and Evening Under the Stars – volunteers are needed for set up, clean up, registration and parking, scholarship application reading and more.

“When it comes to raising money for our programs and students, there is always a need for volunteers,” says Bell.

While many people might think that most SCF volunteers come from the College’s 9,000 students, faculty and staff, most of them are extremely busy working and taking classes.

“We have found that community members, many of whom have moved here from other places and are looking for ways to get involved in the community, make great volunteers,” Bell says. “Another great source of volunteers is the many SCF graduates who live and work in this area and have an appreciation for the education they received here.”

One such volunteer is Keith Briard, who was recently named SCF Volunteer of the Year. Briard generously contributed more than 34 hours of his time as a volunteer at the SCF Neel Performing Arts Center and to the SCF Radiography Program. In recognition of his service, he was honored with the award and lunch with SCF President, Dr. Carol Probstfeld.

Elementary and Middle School students participating in SCF Backpacks & Brunch, at SCF Bradenton Student Union Cafeteria. Save-the-date Saturday, July 27, 2024, 9AM-11AM, SCF Bradenton

Briard, who graduated from Manatee Community College (now SCF) in 1987, worked with the phone company in a variety of capacities, first with GTE and then with Verizon.

“When I retired in 2009, I found myself a bit lost, with lots of free time, and I began volunteering at the College in 2012,” he said. “Most recently, I have volunteered at Neel Performing Arts Center as an usher and in the radiography department, where I pose as a patient, and I just love it. It is the greatest group of people I have ever worked with.”

“I feel it is so important to give back to the community in some way,” Briard added.

“Volunteering at SCF has been an excellent experience. It is a well-run program, and I would recommend volunteering there to anyone who has extra time on their hands.”

Due to the importance of volunteers to the College and community, the SCF Foundation has hired a Community Outreach Coordinator, Madeline Mangas, who will be handling the College’s volunteer outreach.

“Volunteering can be such a fulfilling endeavor,” says Mangas. “One’s contribution to the well-being of our students and their pursuits in higher education is always greatly appreciated. A volunteer’s impact often transcends one’s expectations and produces positive lasting effects. Offering one’s time, resources, and expertise truly helps SCF provide young professionals with a wellrounded educational experience, fosters connections, and cultivates a sense of pride in our campus and surrounding communities.”

Those interested in volunteering should go to the Volunteer Sphere website, SCFFoundation.org/Volunteer, to see what positions are currently available.

“Volunteering is all about building relationships and giving back to our community,” Bell says. “It is good for us and our students, and it gives community members a way to make a meaningful contribution to our community.”

Contact Madeline Mangas, Community Outreach Coordinator, MangasM@SCF.edu 941-752-5336

Over 500 children and parents having fun with Maverick the Manatee at SCF Bradenton’s Easter Egg Poké-Hunt on March 30, 2024

LIFE-CHANGING Letters

I am writing this thank you letter to express my deepest thanks for your donation towards my educational journey. Growing up I never believed that I would be a successful student, let alone a college student. I struggled with ADHD, dyslexia and a difficult home life with my absent mother and battle worn father who enlisted in the Marines. I was placed in remedial classes time and time again, and it felt as if I could never dig myself out of this educational hole. After taking an extended break after high school, I constantly worked labor-intensive jobs, and this experience gave me perspective to the importance of education. Once I gained this perspective, I decided to take a chance and enroll at SCF. Just as you have put your faith in me, I too invested into my own future. For the past three semesters, I have been blessed with the fruits of my labor and the support of the educational staff at SCF, and most importantly donors, such as yourself. I am proud to say that I have made the Dean's list for the past three semesters of my college career and I intend on continuing to produce this caliber of work throughout all of my studies. For the first time, I'm taking five classes this semester, and while the workload is high, I know that I have what it takes and that I will not disappoint. Thank you for your support.

All the best, Shawn C.

Quote from SCF 2023 Music Graduate

Attending USF-Tampa in the Fall to pursue a Percussion Performance Degree

"The SCF Presidential Jazz Combo helped me in many ways. As an upcoming musician, being worried about financials is always present, but in this program, we are set up with a scholarship for each semester, which helped alleviate my financial worries. My favorite part of the program was meeting my donor, who was interested in my life at SCF and will be there for me beyond my time on campus. I feel like I have a friend, fan, and supporter through my next educational journey steps. As a member of the Presidential Jazz Combo, I learned the importance of traveling to performances around the area, showing up with plenty of time to set up my elaborate drumkit, speaking to audience members and donors, preparing for rehearsals with the group, and creating our ‘set lists’ so that they were appropriately customized for each gig. Through this scholarship and program, I built many connections and relationships, which, outside of being a great musician, is the number one important thing I need to further my career. I am very grateful for my time in the SCF Presidential Jazz Combo and the many things, musically and otherwise, I was able to gain."

SCF-Foundation.org

Edmund & Elizabeth Campbell Foundation

Stephen & Redenta Picazio

The Morin Family

William G. Selby and Marie Selby Foundation Scholarship

Dear Scholarship Donor,