Spring 2023 INSPIRE Magazine

A publication for alumni and friends of MJC, MCC and SCF SPRING 2023

Celebrating 65 Years as the region’s first choice in higher education.

To learn more, contact our Executive Director, Cassandra Holmes, at 941.752.5390 or HolmesC@SCF.edu

2022-2023 SCF Foundation Board of Directors Officers

Christopher Romine - ‘82, President

Laura Cota, Vice President

Dorothy Korszen - ‘78, Past President

Jodi Allen - ‘86, Treasurer

Cassandra Holmes, Secretary

Debi Cohoon

Kathleen Cucci - ‘88

Lisa Krebs-Knepp

Lois Lucek

Michael Fuller, SCF Trustee Liaison

Alix Morin

Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld

Timothy J. Videnka

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.

Thank you for your support of the State College of Florida Foundation, the College, our students, faculty and staff. “Making higher education possible” starts with your generosity in charitable support for scholarships, academic programs, capital projects and more.

September 17, 2022, marked 65 years of SCF being the region’s first choice in higher education. Manatee and Sarasota counties have rallied around the College from its founding. Some of the businesses and foundations that contributed the first scholarships in the institution’s history are still working with us today.

Our 2022-2023 fundraising year was successful, but the needs of our community remain tremendous. The local workforce increasingly includes a deficit of nurses, teachers, skilled manufacturing employees and other critical roles that a growing region cannot allow to go unfilled. The lingering impacts of the global pandemic and the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian continue to create additional challenges.

As we face these challenges, we’ve also had new reasons to celebrate. You’ll read about some of them in the pages of this issue of INSPIRE.

The College has expanded its academic programming, rising once again to meet the evolving needs of the local economy. In just the last year, the College has launched five new degree programs in response to local economic needs.

In November, the College held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new SCF Venice Science and Technology Building. Local philanthropy combined with the Florida Legislature’s support of the project will soon mean a wealth of additional STEM opportunities in SCF’s south county region.

We are always #SCFProud to share the success of our alumni, and you’ll read what just a few exceptional SCF graduates have accomplished.

It’s my hope that this issue of INSPIRE portrays not only how important our accomplishments are, but also how much more we can achieve when we partner together.

At SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re everyone’s college.

Sincerely,

Executive Director

Dear Mr. and Mrs.

F.,

I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for even considering me for your scholarship, let alone selecting me. I am truly honored to0 that you have decided to invest in me and my future. This scholarship will help me to continue on with my education with my goal of being completely debt free. This scholarship also helps me realize the importance of excelling in school and trying your hardest at everything you do. I’m currently working to achieve my Associates degree so I can become a radiology technologist. With that being said, there will be more schooling in my future, and coming from a lower income family presents its own challenges. Scholarships like this offer me not only faith, but the opportunity to achieve my goals. It is a great relief to know that I’ll be okay for my current semester of schooling. You are doing amazing things for students like me. I want to say thank you again for awarding me the scholarship.

Jefferson B.

2022 OUTSTANDING GRADUATE Ana Graciela Gonzalez Not

Slowing Down

“I took about a one-week vacation after graduating, I kind of needed that,” Ana Graciela Gonzalez ’22 said with a laugh.

Gonzalez doesn’t take breaks very often. Recognized with the Outstanding Graduate Award for Spring 2022, Gonzalez has already put her Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene to work in two separate jobs. In addition to working two jobs, Gonzalez is back at SCF working on a baccalaureate degree in Health Services Administration.

“I’m still young. I figure let’s see what I can do,” Gonzalez said after laying out her busy schedule.

Gonzalez and her family emigrated from Honduras over a decade ago. There were several instances of culture shock for Gonzalez, but she found activities that suited her interests and helped her build friendships. She first participated in band and then added Junior ROTC (JROTC), weightlifting and other activities. As a senior she served as the battalion leader for her JROTC unit.

“JROTC was something I needed to get out of my shell. The instructors helped push me to do more than I knew I could do. That helped me improve in school too.”

As a junior and senior at Bayshore High School, Gonzalez dual enrolled at SCF. After considering going away to a university, she made the decision to commit her efforts to continuing at SCF. She enrolled immediately in the summer following her high school graduation.

At SCF, Gonzalez continued to be exceptionally ambitious. Through her major, she became active in dental hygiene organizations, taking part in extensive outreach and community service. She was a student delegate to a national convention and placed second at the 2021 Florida Dental Hygiene Symposium Poster Research Session.

Gonzalez also worked for two years at the Student Services desk, often being one of the first smiling faces visitors encountered when arriving at the College.

The motivation to make her family proud is strong for Ana. Watching her parents work so hard as she was growing up inspired her to become the first member of her family to earn a college degree. Her husband’s encouragement and support were always a source of reassurance whenever doubts crept up as she participated in one of SCF’s most challenging and selective programs.

The support network at SCF, especially the program faculty, also gave Gonzalez the resolve to excel.

“SCF gave me hope and motivated me to believe in myself by accepting me into the college and encouraging me to pursue my dream career by graduating with my A.S. degree in Dental Hygiene.”

As she works toward her bachelor’s degree, Gonzalez has lots of big plans for the future. She hopes she’ll maybe even have the opportunity to return to SCF to teach the next generation of dental hygienists someday.

A Legacy of Giving: Ed Campbell

Among SCF’s many impacts in the community is offering performing arts for the educational benefit of students and the entertainment of those who enjoy music and theatre. Masterful musical performances and scintillating theatre productions are a common occurrence at SCF.

Based at SCF Bradenton, SCF’s Performing Arts department offers the only higher education performing arts degrees within 50 miles. Philanthropic support plays a critical role in making the performing arts possible at SCF.

“Art lasts for generations and has significant impact on society,” says Ed Campbell, who along with his late wife Betty shared a love of the performing arts and has supported them at SCF. “It may change form, focus and theme, but it endures over time.”

SCF opened its new Studio for the Performing Arts in 2021, providing students with enhanced facilities to rehearse, perform, study, and safely store instruments. In 2022, the SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, the College’s primary performance venue, was recognized by a community vote as one of the best local theaters in the region.

Continuing to grow and thrive presents new challenges. One of those is providing students with the opportunity to earn a degree with maximum workforce opportunities. In 2022, SCF announced a new Associate in Science in Music Production, a program that opens doors to careers in all forms of audio production, including live sound, studio music, film sound and video games, just to name a few.

Scholarships to enable performing arts students to offset the cost of attending SCF is another area where philanthropy is important. Generous donors to the SCF Foundation have helped create scholarships that are merit based and need based, as well as scholarships that promote experiential learning in areas like stage crew, front-of-house management and performing community outreach.

Campbell provides a reasoned assessment of giving toward the arts, noting it’s about the impact the arts have on a community, not how much money any individual gives. When asked about his own considerable support of the arts, not only at SCF but throughout the region, he offers, “If I’m to be remembered, let it be for being a good father and grandfather.”

In Campbell’s view, support for the arts comes back around to benefit everyone.

“Going to a great play or enjoying a beautiful painting or hearing marvelous music helps us grow and brings us together. You may not be able to give a lot, but what matters is you give something.”

20i5 Brain Bowl Champion on the Cusp of Ph.D.

Leon Hostetler ’15 grew up in an Amish family but dreamed from the time he was a child of being a scientist in the field of physics. When he won the Outstanding Graduate Award in 2015, he was steadfast in his goal to achieve a doctorate degree and become a research physicist. Today, he is already completing impressive research and is just months away from completing a dual-major Ph.D. in physics and computational mathematics, science and engineering from Michigan State University.

Before coming to SCF, Hostetler spent several years training in martial arts before coming to the realization he would never become the next Jackie Chan. Instead, he focused on scientific discovery as his future path.

Hostetler did not attend traditional high school because of his Amish upbringing. His dedication to the field of science allowed him to expand his horizons. He now has more than a dozen scholarly publications and presentations resulting from his graduate studies at Michigan State, where he already holds a master’s degree.

“My proudest career accomplishments since leaving SCF include graduating with my B.S. in physics in 2018, having the privilege to do physics in a great graduate program since then, and publishing my first first-author research paper in 2021,” he said.

At SCF, Hostetler was looking for a tightknit community and found it, not just in the College as a whole, but in the Brain Bowl team. There, he served as the science expert for what became indisputably the greatest Brain Bowl team in SCF history, securing both state and national championships.

“My favorite memories from my time at SCF include making friends in the Brain Bowl club and going to regular Brain Bowl practices and tournaments. There are few feelings that top that of winning state and national quiz bowl tournaments with a group of friends.”

Several faculty members helped to make Hostetler’s time at SCF memorable.

“With Professor Altay Özgener’s guidance, I learned calculus and how to use the LaTeX markup language. I competed in a Mathematics Olympiad, and I prepared for and presented at mathematical conferences. I have taken almost ten years of community college and university classes, but Professor Özgener remains one of my most influential teachers. Two other very influential faculty members were Professors Hyun Kim and Christina Dwyer, who were not just our Brain Bowl coaches, but also our friends.”

ALWAYS GIVING BACK

Debra Riva ‘85

Reflects on Prominent Legal Career

The path into the legal profession wasn’t always easy or barrier-free for the Honorable Judge Debra Riva ‘85. The support of her family and her community allowed her to attend SCF, and she has never stopped giving back. Throughout an accomplished career as a prosecutor, teacher and circuit court judge, Riva has always found ways to contribute to her beloved community.

Riva knew she wanted to attend college and that affordability would be key, but she also had a strong desire for independence. She moved, got an apartment, worked full time and attended SCF (then Manatee Junior College) in both Bradenton and at the Brickyard Shopping Center in Venice. She earned an associate in arts degree and forged ahead with her education without relocating, completing a bachelor’s degree at USF Sarasota-Manatee.

“MJC was affordable and close, and the first two years were the same curriculum as anywhere else,” Riva said. “It was very affordable and a wonderful experience.”

A penchant for wanting to solve mysteries was an early indicator for Riva that prosecuting criminals might be her future calling.

While law school at Nova Southeastern exposed her to lucrative avenues of corporate and civil law, she never lost her focus on helping safeguard the community and joined the state attorney’s office for 16 years as a tenacious prosecutor. This first act of her career culminated in being in the national spotlight as she successfully prosecuted Joseph Smith for the kidnapping and murder of 11-yearold Carlie Brucia in 2006. While seeking justice in criminal cases throughout the region, Riva also sought to help others find their own way into the legal profession.

She returned to her alma mater to teach students in SCF’s paralegal program in a certification exam qualification course.

“I just loved it! I always had an interest in teaching, and as soon as I became a lawyer, I learned there was a need for lawyers to teach criminal justice and legal assisting classes,” Riva said. “I’m passionate about adult education, and I taught for almost 15 years, right up until becoming a judge.”

Riva never set out in her career with a goal of donning a robe to sit on the bench. But in 2007, with a potentially uncontested seat in the 12th Circuit Court up for election and a wealth of success in prosecutions to fall back on, she decided “if not now, when?” The announcement to her students at SCF that they would be her final cohort was met with a standing ovation from a room full of eager and willing campaign volunteers.

Riva was elected to three terms, unopposed, and shifted her teaching to judicial education mentoring other judges. She retired from the bench in July 2022, midway through her third term and after 30 years serving the state as a prosecutor and a judge. In retirement, she is eagerly taking the opportunity to travel with her husband, Vince, a retired 34-year member of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s department.

Riva prosecuted murderers and presided over numerous trials as a judge during her 30-year legal career, but there are purely joyous occasions within the profession as well. One she particularly enjoys is officiating at the “Say I Do Again” vow renewal ceremony in Sarasota County, a sunset beach ceremony for couples to formally reaffirm the strength of their marriage.

While the hard work of 30 years as a prosecutor and judge is behind her, count on Riva continuing to find ways to give back to her community and her profession.

“SCF has given so many young people the opportunity to receive a higher education, and a good one. I would put that education up against any other in the state.”

SCF ATHLETICS ROUNDUP 2022

Baseball

Two former Manatees, including 2017 first-round pick Brendon Little, made their Major League Baseball debuts. Little, who was called up to the Chicago Cubs in August, was preceded by Jackson Tetreault, who debuted with the Washington Nationals in June. Little ascended to MLB with the Cubs in 2022. SCF has now sent 33 former student-athletes to the Big Leagues.

Basketball

D’Moi Hodge ‘20 and Isiah Dasher ‘20 thrived at the NCAA Division I level. During March Madness in 2022, Dasher and his teammates at St. Peter’s University toppled the University of Kentucky, becoming the first 15-seed to reach the Elite 8. Hodge powered the University of Missouri into the NCAA Tournament in 2023.

Beach Volleyball

The Manatees won the inaugural two-year American Volleyball Coaches Association national championship in the 2022 season. Yeva Serdiuk, an international student from Ukraine, earned All-American honors. Serdiuk continued her incredible 2022 on the sand by winning the U19 world championship in Turkey. She and her international competition partner achieved seven consecutive match sweeps.

Softball

Seven players earned All-Suncoast Conference recognition in 2022, led by first-teamer Mya Achenbach, an outfielder. Infielders Tori Copeland and Olivia Seibert each claimed spots on the second team. Honorable mentions were bestowed on infielder Mikayla DeSantis, pitcher Samantha Hampton, and utility players Gracie Mullett and Remi Hebert.

Tennis

The women’s tennis squad thrived on the court and in the classroom. Sakurako Suzuki won the state championship at fifth singles and the team qualified for a trip to the national tournament in Tuscon, Arizona. After the season, the FCSAA honored the team as the 2021-22 Female Academic Team of the Year in the small roster category for its 3.47 cumulative GPA.

Volleyball

SCF placed three players on the all-conference teams for the All-Sun-Lakes Conference. Kendall Steinert received first-team recognition, while Haylee Rhoads and Isabella Bebimbas received second-team honors. The team made major steps forward, winning 10 more games than in 2021.

Facilities Improvements

A $600,000 investment to provide roof-covered batting cages improved the practice facilities for the baseball and softball teams. The newly enclosed spaces have removed the need to cancel important practice time as a result of Florida’s tropical, rainy weather.

D’Moi Hodge Yeva Serdiuk Isiah Dasher New Hitting Facility

IT’S ALL ABOUT BEING A TEAM

for Foundation Board President Chris Romine ‘82

Chris Romine ’82, senior vice president and managing director at Northern Trust Bank, is no stranger to SCF and its Foundation. He’s an alumnus and has served on the Foundation board in various capacities, including as audit committee chair and committee member for the annual Scholarship Luncheon.

This year he’ll serve as board president, and he’s committed to aligning the board members, new and tenured, to a new level of teamwork. “Perseverance and a long-term commitment are crucial to meeting our goals, and we can do that best as a team,” he says. He’s working with the Foundation staff to identify ways to best do this. And he believes that getting to know each other better and hosting socials for networking will help.

“Understanding each board member’s area of expertise and where their passion lies for serving allows us to call upon each other for different roles while also identifying areas where additional board members can help.” For Chris, it’s more than fundraising. “We must commit to the mission and annual goals set forth by the institution so we can make an impact and achieve our vision.”

“We aspire to double our endowment to remove the financial obstacles for all deserving students who want to improve their lives with a State College of Florida education, in order to contribute to the vitality of our community and to expand innovative, academic enhancements of the College to make it the best educational experience in the region.”

“I’d like to see the same commitment from board members that I see from SCF’s faculty and staff. The engagement from this college community, including its students, is unique. You can see, hear and feel the effect of the faculty and the Foundation’s support in the student stories. I know it personally. Each time I walk on campus, it warms my heart to know the impact it had on me and continues to do so, today, for others. SCF is helping a very diverse body of students achieve higher education and enter the workforce skilled,” he adds.

Chris will tell you that serving on the Foundation’s board is a privilege. “You get to be part of the area’s finest educational institution team, and you’ll get the opportunity to meet those you’re impacting on a regular basis.”

Humbly noted, he hopes to leave the role of board president having accomplished significant milestones, with the overall board having grown and ongoing teambuilding a regularly practiced exercise. As he likes to say, “Let’s make the grass greener on the side we’re on.”

SCF Recognizes Key Partners in Nursing Program Growth

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) has offered a nursing degree since its founding in 1957. It was one of the first 30 community colleges nationwide to provide nursing and the first in Florida to receive national accreditation. As the community’s state college, SCF is dedicated to meeting the region’s workforce needs, where the demand for nurses continues to grow. For the past six years, the sense of urgency to ensure enough nursing graduates has increased profoundly as local hospitals expand to meet local needs.

Growing SCF’s nursing programs has been a priority for SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, who is committed to doubling the number of nurses the College can graduate each year. This requires additional capacity and investment in faculty, staffing, facilities and equipment. Nursing is one of SCF’s most expensive workforce programs. It requires a lower-than-usual faculty-to-student ratio, modern and costly simulators, doctoral faculty, and flexible but well-structured Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs.

Recognizing this challenge, local and state legislators, community foundations, and health care organizations have provided the beginning of what SCF hopes to become recurring funding of more than $2.5 million. Through generous foundation grants, and the Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers, and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE) program and Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) funding, SCF can double the number of annual nursing graduates and accept every qualified student who applies to the nursing program. While SCF has previously only been able to admit 220 new nursing students each fall, the program will accept 350 through the Fall 2024 semester.

“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 Probstfeld. “We have led by example, demonstrating that public, private and government institutions can work together to amplify our investments in nursing education.”

The amount of LINE funding SCF has received is among the top 10 in the state, a testament to the benefits and support from local partners and collaborators, including the following:

Cooper Family Medical | Empath Health | HCA West Florida | 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

The quality of SCF’s nursing programs is well known in the region; local hospitals seek SCF nursing program graduates. SCF’s ASN graduates pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) on their first attempt at a higher rate than other institutions, frequently approaching or achieving a 100% success rate.

SCF’s ASN program was recently recognized as the No. 4 program in Florida by RegisteredNursing.org. In one of the most detail-oriented and thorough ranking assessments conducted each year, the scoring places SCF firmly in the top five against all other nursing programs in Florida, including both public and private colleges and universities. The BSN degree has also been ranked number one by RegisteredNursing.org on the website’s list of “Best Online R.N. to BSN Programs in Florida.”

SCF’s origin is humble. The greatest stories start small.

SCF provides an exceptional educational journey, creating a legacy of excellence with the integrity to deliver on our promises, fostering collaboration to build a dynamic future, fostering innovation that provides opportunity for each student, and reaching out to include all qualified students — with the goal of strengthening our community. The quality of our student experience comes first. We are an academic cornerstone that serves our community and shapes each new generation.

Florida Legislature authorizes five new junior colleges, including Manatee Jr. College (MJC). Schools offer: university parallel curriculum, vocational-professional courses, and continuing education for adults. Dr. Samuel R. Neel Jr. becomes the College’s first president.

First students register. 502 in total.

Department of Nursing is established and becomes the first program in the state to receive accreditation by the National League of Nursing.

Baseball makes its first JUCO World Series appearance. The team will make a total of 10 JUCO World Series appearances and 13 Florida state championships. Dr. Wilson F. Wetzler becomes second president.

MCC celebrates its 50-year anniversary. College approved to offer bachelor’s degrees, starting with the Bachelor of Science in nursing. College name changed to State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.

The Center for Innovation and Technology opens at SCF Lakewood Ranch.

State College of Florida Collegiate School established at SCF Bradenton.

Medical Technology and Simulation Center opens at SCF Lakewood Ranch.

Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld becomes the College’s sixth president.

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Together, we grow beyond boundaries, remaining true to our mission and focused on our vision. It’s our origin story that shapes our future. Quality. Growth. Opportunity. Diversification. This has been our tradition for 65 years. At SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re everyone’s college.

SCF adds five new degree programs ahead of 65th anniversary.

students enroll in 80 classes offered in Venice’s Brickyard Shopping Center.

Dr. Stephen J. Korcheck inaugurated as third president.

SCF Venice campus dedicated. The College’s name changed to Manatee Community College.

Dr. Sarah H. Pappas becomes fourth president.

Family Heritage House Museum opens at SCF Bradenton.

SCF Brain Bowl Team wins National Tournament.

SCF, Manatee-Sarasota breaks ground for Library and Learning Center.

Gator Den for Gator Engineering program opens at SCF Venice.

Go Live with SCF Online creates virtual classroom at home.

SCF Celebrates new 26 West Center with ribboncutting ceremony.

SCF unveils new Studio for the Performing Arts with ribboncutting ceremony.

Science and Technology Building Groundbreaking Marks SCF Venice Milestone

SCF held a groundbreaking ceremony in November for the SCF Venice Science and Technology Building, the first new construction on SCF’s south county campus since 1995. SCF faculty and administrators, donors, and special guests attended the event. The new structure will significantly improve and expand science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education opportunities for students at SCF Venice. It is expected to open during the Fall 2023 semester.

With a final cost likely to exceed $5 million, construction of the new facility is possible because of the support of the Florida Legislature that provided more than $4 million in appropriations and the ongoing advocacy of State Representative James Buchanan (R-74) who has been an ardent supporter for the project. Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Todd G. Fritch, and Rep. Buchanan’s district aide and SCF alumnus Thomas Saavedra ‘20.

“I am SCF Proud of our institution’s ability to be nimble, responsive and flexible to meet the higher education needs of our service region,” said Probstfeld. “With the addition of this laboratory building, we’re going to produce more nurses, engineers and scientists.”

Saavedra, who earned his Associate in Arts degree from SCF, is particularly familiar with the science facilities at Venice. A native of Sarasota whose parents emigrated to the region from Colombia, Saavedra worked as a lab assistant tasked with demonstrating proper techniques for using natural science equipment at SCF Venice during his time as a student.

The 8,913-square-foot Science and Technology Building will feature new classrooms, laboratory space, faculty offices and collaborative areas for students. Upgrading and expanding resources for students studying for STEM careers is important for preparing graduates to succeed in the modern workforce.

In addition to the appropriations from the Florida Legislature, local philanthropy has been essential to funding the new building. The support of local donors through the SCF Foundation has helped cover final construction costs and the purchase of necessary equipment to outfit the building when it opens.

Tandem Construction is the general contractor on the project. Hepner Architects managed architectural design of the building. The same pair of companies worked on the science facilities that opened in February 2021 at SCF Bradenton.

SET YOUR OWN PACE

Jennifer Ruffino-Cook ’96

Jennifer Ruffino-Cook ’96 graduated from Bayshore High School at the young age of 17, and her first year of college felt like a more complicated version of high school. Admittedly, she says, “I didn’t have the grades to attend a university, I was not mature, and I struggled with the new setting.”

Following her first semester at Manatee Community College (now SCF), Jennifer decided to take the summer of ’94 to work full time with her father, thinking maybe that was her path. However, she quickly realized that she hated working and would rather register for more classes.

Of course she went right for the dreaded speech class; however, this time around, she found a great group of friends. She discovered, as an introvert, that she could excel in this environment with the right coaching from the faculty. She developed confidence and remembers fondly a business professor, Harold Steven Floyd, who helped her understand economics. “He was very down to earth, understanding, and had a good way of teaching the class,” Jennifer recalled.

After earning her Associate in Arts, she moved on to the University of Central Florida, where she studied business, before ultimately deciding to take a break again. This time, she spent nearly eight years traveling the world as a flight attendant with Delta Airlines. “I definitely used my education through my tenure – I had to manage difficult personalities, calculate math and learn different ways to tell time. And ultimately, my combined experiences helped shape me as an individual.”

Fast forward 20+ years, and Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of West Georgia and is a certified public accountant (CPA) who loves working with our community’s nonprofits and building relationships with her clients. She will tell you that you have to “find your pace, keep working hard and stick with it! SCF is a good stomping ground and will open doors for you.”

Jennifer is a senior audit manager at the local CS&L CPA firm, and she hopes to continue growing professionally and possibly become a partner one day.

Five New Degrees Launch to Battle Workforce Shortages

One of SCF’s calling cards, dating back to its earliest days 65 years ago, has been a dedication to the economic prosperity of its region. Part of fostering that prosperity means ensuring the academic programs offered at SCF align with the workforce needs of key sectors of the local economy.

Among the notable shortages in our present workforce is a lack of teachers in elementary and exceptional student education, workers with training in analytics for business, managerial staff in the hospitality industry, and musicians trained in professional production. This fall, SCF kicked off three new associate degrees and two new bachelor’s degrees to address these shortages.

A.S. in Business Analytics The world of business is changing and evolving. There are always new numbers to know and new ways to interpret those numbers. With new businesses opening and existing businesses expanding at historic rates all across Florida, having a workforce that knows what the numbers are saying is essential.

A.S. in Hospitality and Tourism New hotels, restaurants, resorts and entertainment establishments are opening every month without enough staff educated in the nuances of the industry. This degree will educate and upskill students to handle these important roles.

A.S. in Music Production Music has long been one of the areas of study that makes SCF unique. Two-year music programs that can match SCF’s impeccable faculty and top-of-the-line practice and performance facilities are a rarity. Many universities envy the magnificent acoustics of the SCF Neel Performing Arts Center and the new Studio for the Performing Arts. Now SCF also offers a music-based workforce degree to teach students to market themselves and turn their talents into an asset in the business world.

B.S. in Elementary Education There is a teacher shortage across Florida, teetering toward crisis levels. Schools needs more teachers, especially in pivotal areas like elementary (K-6) education. SCF has offered a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education since 2011. This degree takes educational programming at SCF one step further by training the teachers who will impact the most formative years of childhood learning.

B.S. in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) ESE teaching positions are some of the hardest to fill. The work requires unique education as well as a distinct brand of personal empathy and ability to relate to the struggles an exceptional student faces. SCF is committed to training ESE teachers to aid our local school districts in meeting these needs.

SCF has always offered a robust selection of business degrees and certificates with a variety of specialties.

New workforce challenges will face the local economy in years to come. SCF stands ready to adopt new programming and develop new resources to meet that challenge head on.

ON THE RIGHT PATH

Bashar Roumia ’18

Proudly Attended SCF on Path from Immigrant to Doctor

When Bashar Roumia ’18 came to Sarasota from Syria in 2014, it was already too late to enroll in a traditional high school while assimilating to life in America. Knowing his ultimate goal was to be the third generation of his family to become a doctor, he instead set out to gain access to an affordable college education as quickly as possible. Earning a GED and enrolling at SCF, the first and largest open-access higher education institution in the region, was the way to go.

“I wanted to stay with my family and stay close, and I needed a quick start,” Roumia shares. “SCF provided that and was an incredible experience.”

Roumia knew the quality of education meant more than the name of the institution. At SCF he found exceptionally passionate professors, including Dr. Anthony Gambino, who not only motivated Roumia to thrive in his science courses but also was instrumental in nominating him for the chemistry student of the year award, bestowed at Honors Convocation.

“Everyone hates organic chemistry, but Dr. Gambino made it so interesting in both Organic Chemistry I and II. He’s forever memorable,” Roumia said.

After achieving an Associate in Arts at SCF, Roumia elected to remain close to family and continue to utilize the robust public education options Florida offers. He completed his four-year degree at USF SarasotaManatee and gained admission to med school. He is now enrolled at ROSS University School of Medicine and is preparing for his first medical board.

Several potential specializations interest Bashar, including hematology, oncology, and ophthalmology. His clinical education will expose him to all these possibilities and many more.

Determining a specialty to pursue will come sometime down the road, but Roumia doesn’t ever expect to let a specialization get in the way of his desire to help people through a variety of medical methods.

“My goal is to serve in a rural area where there is a shortage of doctors. Somewhere where you need to be a doctor of everything,” said Roumia.

Roumia also credits SCF with having an exceptionally welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds. Gaining admission and planning his class schedules was easy after earning his GED, whereas a larger university may have placed more obstacles in the way of enrolling. Some of his fondest memories include spending time on campus, dedicating himself to his studies in the Academic Resource Center. He found time to balance volunteer work at Florida Cancer Specialists and a job with Arcadia Medical Associates.

“Whether you come through high school or get a GED like me, you need to understand college is different. I always say SCF is a great place to get that understanding,” Roumia offered as a consideration for prospective SCF students.

Attending SCF is one of the many experiences Roumia can look back on when he says he has no regrets about his decision to come to America. His experience from immigration to medical school is the embodiment of one of SCF’s mottos:

At SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re everyone’s college.

Strategic Collaboration with FleetForce Addresses Trucking Shortage

Supply chain challenges were one of the most talked about economic stories of 2021. The need for more Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)-qualified truckers was a part of the struggles preventing raw materials and finished goods from getting where they needed to go. SCF formed a collaboration with FleetForce to help meet the growing need.

The established success of FleetForce as an industry leader in CDL training and SCF’s track record of meeting the needs of the region’s economy has benefited both. When the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis directed state dollars to combat the need for more truck drivers, the collaboration of SCF and FleetForce became a leading recipient.

“The collaboration between SCF, Manatee-Sarasota and FleetForce continues to ensure that our local business and industry partners have a skilled, ready-to-work pipeline of commercial truck drivers,” said Dr. Todd Fritch, SCF’s executive vice president and provost. “Having FleetForce on campus continues to provide another entry point for individuals to receive the training and certification they need to go to work.”

The state provided $1.2 million to help expand FleetForce into Sarasota County, where it again teamed with SCF to utilize lots at SCF Venice for training.

“The funding came through just in time for us not to go off a proverbial cliff of the need for drivers and the demand,” said Tra Williams, president and CEO of FleetForce Truck Driving School. “Training in general for CDL is vital to every community, and 80 percent of the goods we consume, we eat, we wear, we use in our houses are moved on a truck.”

An additional influx of state investment in CDL education came in November, continuing to bolster the efforts to get more trucks on the road. Williams also notes that trucking isn’t just essential to the economy, but is also a rewarding career with nationwide opportunities and nearly unmatched job security because of the national demand for CDL drivers.

CDL training must still increase to catch up with the attrition of retiring drivers. A Class-A CDL course lasts five weeks, and recruiters from national trucking companies are frequent visitors to SCF to scoop up graduates, often making contingent offers that put graduates on the job as soon as they pass their licensing exam.

Working with FleetForce aligns with one of the key roles SCF plays as it boldly leads. SCF is an economic engine for its service region and will always examine creative collaborations to meet the community’s needs.

26 WEST CENTER PROMOTES

Entrepreneurism & High-Tech Careers

Two of the chief priorities for the 26 West Center when it was conceived were to stimulate economic growth through entrepreneurism and to train a modern workforce in high-tech careers. Both of those goals are being realized today thanks to visionary planning by SCF leadership and important support from the community.

The 26 West Center was largely made possible through grant funding from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Enthusiastic support from economic development allies in Manatee and Sarasota counties helped secure that funding, which allowed an aging library to be renewed as an economic stimulation facility, a reality.

It’s only fitting that the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has made the 26 West Center its home. The facility is a link between the College and the community, and now the EDC and SCF can accomplish their goals while leading from under the same roof.

“SCF’s 26 West Center is a gateway to our local community, dedicated to allowing entrepreneurs, business owners and community members the opportunity to lead, learn, and grow while creating a path to upward economic mobility for themselves and their families,” said 26 West Entrepreneurship Center Director Kim Richmond.

The 26 West Center provides vital and comprehensive resources to individuals looking to develop new skills, build their personal brand, and thrive in a fertile environment for business and career growth. Resources include a student-run ad agency called The Digital Collective, the Business Growth Lab, SCF’s Creative Studio, and the Coding Academy. Each offers various services and flexible options to help individuals and businesses grow.

“SCF’s 26 West Center offers minorities and other underrepresented groups professional development services, career growth, and additional job skills programs that are essential for long-term employment and financial independence. Bank of America helped more than 70 students attend entrepreneurship and business growth classes at no charge with $20,000 of support,” said Erik Vatter, President, Bank of America Sarasota/Manatee. “Investing in partnerships with organizations focused on addressing employment barriers and facilitating economic mobility is part of our approach to driving socioeconomic progress in Sarasota and Manatee counties.”

The 26 West Center is also a destination for students seeking training for high tech careers. The Coding Academy offers programs to quickly train and certify students for information technology jobs in fields like programming and cybersecurity.

Even children as young as second grade can be immersed in technology at the Coding Academy. During the summer and spring break, STEM camps with exciting activities like Minecraft and drone flight are offered to inspire young minds.

LIFE GOES ON

Frederick Stewart

Perseveres to Turn Passion Into Career

SCF student Frederick Stewart always intended to go to college, but also didn’t want to start without a plan. A 2021 high school graduate, Stewart wasn’t sure what he wanted to do, which is a fairly common feeling for a young man.

“I feel like I was like every other high schooler,” said Fred. “I knew I was gonna go to college, but the duration between when I graduated high school and when I was going to start college was uncertain. I was going to go to college, but what for?”

One of the things Fred had enjoyed during his time in school was serving as a team manager for the basketball team in middle school and later at Booker High School. He never imagined that passion would be what opened the door for him to try and become the first member of his family with a college degree.

Travis Nesby, who had been the associate head coach at Booker, reached out to Fred at just the right time. Nesby had accepted an assistant coaching position at SCF, and there was no team manager in place for the upcoming year. The position even came with a scholarship to help pay for school.

Fred used the motivation it took to resume his duties as team manager while also immersing himself in the full college experience SCF offers. After starting as a business major, he has shifted his focus to studying radio and television production and has found ways to get involved and meet new people all over campus.

In addition to helping set up for practices and games, he puts his thunderous voice to work on the microphone, making player introductions on gameday akin to an NBA-level experience.

“I pick the music, update the playlists each game, refine my script, try to come up with nicknames for the players; it’s all about providing them a first-rate experience,” said Fred.

Boldy searching for new opportunities, Stewart sought out SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld to discuss his desire to find ways to get other students as enthusiastic about SCF as he is. Always eager to hear from a proud SCF student, the president made some suggestions for where he might find such an opportunity.

Since meeting with Dr. Probstfeld, Fred has taken on an immersive internship with the College’s digital and social media team. Working closely with full-time staff, he’s learned a lot about marketing while making major contributions by helping create content for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

In November 2022, Fred was a student speaker at the SCF Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Luncheon, one of the largest fundraising events for scholarships at SCF each year. He had the unique pleasure of getting to share the same stage as his former middle school principal, SCF alumna Dr. Lashawn Frost ‘90.

Frost, a highly respected leader in education and 2019 Sarasota County Principal of the Year, mused that Fred was a wonderful example of the enthusiasm and boundary-pushing attitude she seeks to inspire in students.

It’s hard to believe now that less than two years ago Fred was hesitant and uncertain enough to consider delaying college. His SCF experience has led to the understanding that past disappointments or future trepidation aren’t reasons to shy away from seizing the moment, following his passions and blazing his own path.

“Not only am I following my passion, but I’m working hard at it just because I want to. I know there’s a career for me through dedication and perseverance. I’m going to work as hard as possible to get to where I want to go.”

Andrew Pluta ‘14

Engineer a Thriving Career

An Associate in Arts degree from SCF really is a path to anywhere you can see yourself going. Andrew Pluta ’14 understood that before he embarked on his college career with a plan to earn a degree in engineering.

Pluta enjoyed math and science, and his father’s career as an environmental specialist provided exposure to the many important roles engineers perform. His father also taught as an adjunct instructor at SCF, giving Andrew additional exposure to the benefits of starting his higher education journey at a community college.

“For the most part, the close proximity and not having to take out loans for administrative types of classes you can take anywhere while being close to home” are primary reasons Pluta says he chose to attend SCF out of high school. “Affordability and convenience were the keys. A lot of my friends went to four-year universities right out the gate and they’re paying for that now.”

The academics at SCF proved to be excellent for Pluta as he prepared for the rigors of completing an engineering degree. He never shied away from challenging himself in the classroom, taking 21 credits one semester with a slate of classes that kept him in the biology lab late into the night.

One of the teachers who made the most impact on Pluta during his time at SCF was Dr. Ryan Hale, who is now vice president of institutional effectiveness for the College.

“I remember Professor Hale for always wearing bowties, but he also brought such an energy and passion to what he was teaching,” Pluta said.

Pluta stayed busy outside of the classroom as well, giving back to the community and taking part in the full college experience offered at SCF. During his two years at the College, he was a member of the Nu Zeta chapter of the PTK International Honor Society and volunteered his time doing beach cleanups.

He was also a counselor at Colonial Oaks Park Summer Camp in Sarasota. For his dedication, he was recognized as a finalist for the Outstanding Graduate Award.

After completing his goal of earning a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Florida State University, Pluta returned home to Sarasota. He joined the renowned engineering firm Kimley-Horn as a land development civil analyst, a position he relishes for its behind-the-scenes access to viewing the growth taking place all around the Suncoast. He’s not looking to leave anytime soon.

“I’ve worked on projects in Parrish, Oneco, and a lot of projects in Englewood, Wellen Park,” Pluta said. “Besides, I’m a warm weather kind of guy. The Tampa Bay area means a lot to me, having the ability to enjoy the outdoors and get out on the water.”

When it comes to the decision to attend SCF, Pluta is adamant he would recommend becoming a Manatee to any high schooler. Very few things cost the same today as they did in 2014, but the cost of tuition hasn’t changed a cent.

“There are things you need to study no matter what discipline you enter. An education at SCF won’t set you back long term, and the ROI compared to many student loan costs is eye-opening!”

LIFE GOES ON

Brittany Lamont ’08

Lamont Leading the Way at Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

Brittany Lamont ’08 has lived on the Gulf Coast of Florida for nearly her entire life and is proud of the economic growth emerging across the region she calls home. As president of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance (LWRBA), she has her fingers on the pulse of the rapid expansion taking place in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Lamont was born in Columbus, Ohio, but moved with her family to Florida as a child. While many of her friends were going away to get their degrees, looking for larger cities and university settings, she saw an incredible educational opportunity close to home.

Thanks to a great experience with dual enrollment classes in high school, Lamont knew SCF (Manatee Community College at the time) was a place she could succeed. The small classes and impactful professors at SCF allowed Lamont to thrive while studying marketing. After earning an associate in arts degree from SCF, she went to the University of South Florida to finish her four-year degree.

“I had already been introduced to State College of Florida and was familiar with it,” said Lamont. “It made the transition really easy for me from high school to college, earning my A.A. and moving on to USF.”

Affordability and flexibility are two of the hallmarks of an SCF education. Those factors were important for Lamont, who worked full time and used scholarships from Take Stock in Children, the Manatee Community Foundation and other local organizations to complete four years of college without any student loan debt.

Lamont was the first in her family to pursue a college degree and credits her mother’s insistence as a motivating factor to begin pursuing higher education even before completing high school.

“Because my mom didn’t have the opportunity to go to college… it was very much always talked about for me from a younger age, ‘when you graduate high school you’re going to go to college.’ She always wanted me to take that next step and really instilled the importance of continuing education.”

Membership organizations like a chamber of commerce or business alliance are fast-paced settings. There are always new and recurring events, membership initiatives and challenges to stare down, all to deliver the best value to members. While

she thought nonprofit work would be a temporary avenue to launching her career, it turned out her first internship with the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce propelled her to more than a decade working for the Chamber, rising to the role of vice president.

Lamont took on her latest professional challenge just over a year ago, becoming the president of LWRBA in November 2021. She is pushing the organization to grow and hopes to see more connections established for businesses in Lakewood Ranch to support and partner with each other.

“My role as president and CEO is to enhance the image of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and interact everyday with the team that delivers outcomes and ROI to our members. We want to make Lakewood Ranch not only the best place to live and to work, but to own a business as well.”

Running the LWBRA has shined a new light on the role SCF plays in the local economy. She now has a new appreciation for the College that’s different but just as powerful of the appreciation she has for the academic opportunities SCF presented to her.

“Walking the halls at SCF, I didn’t understand the impact that it had. Being on the other side of it now as an employer who is looking to hire and working with companies whose biggest issue is hiring and retaining, we lean so much on our local college system and SCF to provide those opportunities. I took for granted the institution I was in, and now I’m glad I had that experience.”

With a growing population across SCF’s service region and specifically the meteoric rise of Lakewood Ranch, Lamont knows SCF will be a key partner in workforce development, just as it has been for its first 65 years.

“It’s not just delivering students who become employees. SCF is coming to the table with solutions for the local workforce. Some of the new programs that have come out throughout the years have been really important. They are pumping out amazing talent, but I see them at the table addressing these workforce needs and coming up with the programs. SCF is really evolving and keeping that innovation going.”

Your Open-Access State College

Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, President

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

At State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF), we are dedicated to the mission of providing an engaging and accessible learning environment to all. We are an open-access institution where anyone willing to do the hard work it takes to pursue their academic goals is welcomed and supported as part of the SCF community.

SCF has a tradition of delivering on our promises responsibly and transparently, we boldly engage our partners to achieve the dynamic future we envision, and we define best practices and create opportunity with forethought. We serve our region with integrity, collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.

SCF serves more than 25,000 individuals annually, with an estimated 10,000 more coming to our campuses for events hosted by third-party collaborators. It has been my purpose since becoming President in 2013 to expand access to SCF through every avenue possible; partnerships, services, academic programming, multipurpose facilities, and grants.

Our dual enrollment programs allow qualified high school students to enroll in select college courses satisfying requirements for high school graduation and an associate degree at no cost. Gator Engineering at State College of Florida is a collaboration between the University of Florida (UF) Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and SCF. The program allows a cohort of students to begin their coursework at SCF and gain admission to UF as early as after their first spring semester. Our collaboration with FleetForce Truck Driving School is responsive to the national shortage of commercially licensed drivers and promotes high-wage employment.

SCF’s Collegiate Schools in Bradenton and Venice afford local students a unique dual enrollment program with an opportunity to complete an associate degree while receiving their high school diploma. Our summer and spring camps expose elementary, middle and high school children to the excitement of higher education. SCF’s Summer Bridge, Tampa Bay Bridge to Baccalaureate and College Reach-Out programs aim to increase the number of low-income, educationally disadvantaged students who enroll in postsecondary education and increase the likelihood of their success once in college. Go Live with SCF Online, SCF’s Weekend College, and Flex Start courses allow individuals to take classes when convenient.

Responsive to emerging trends and growing demands in the local workforce, SCF has consistently expanded our academic programming to provide rapid credentialing, associate and baccalaureate degrees, certificates and training. Last year,

we added three new associate in science degrees in music production, business analytics and hospitality and tourism, and two baccalaureate degrees in elementary education and exceptional student education. In total, SCF offers 31 associate in science degrees, 36 college credit certificates, and seven workforce-oriented baccalaureate degrees.

SCF Bradenton’s Library & Learning Center provides the region with a technology-driven, collaborative learning environment that mirrors private industry practices and provides us with an adaptable platform that can respond to future workforce needs.

The 26 West Center hosts a suite of innovative services dedicated to making entrepreneurship, small business growth and careers in technology accessible to students and residents of the Suncoast region. For example, SCF’s Coding Academy teaches the skills needed to launch a career in a high-demand technology job in less than six months. Anyone can start training for coding, cloud computing, digital marketing, and cybersecurity careers.

Our new Studio for the Performing Arts expands access to the fine and performing arts with a 150-seat recital hall, choir rehearsal room, percussion rehearsal suite, music library and individual practice rooms.

SCF uses grants such as TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS), Title III and Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS), “paving academic pathways for student success” by reducing the number of barriers that prevent many from pursuing higher education. For example, CCAMPIS, which is funded by the Edward K. Roberts Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, can be used to cover daycare expenses, giving parents the time they need to attend college. Other grants provide expanded student support services, financial assistance, free access to college-prep classes and tools for a guided degree pathway.

The combination of these partnerships, services, academic programs, multipurpose facilities and grants allows us to serve credit or non-credit seeking students, individuals looking to continue their education or perhaps reinvent themselves, and those who need exposure to the possibilities of what higher education can offer – opportunity.

When we say we’re open access, one needs only to apply. At SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re everyone’s college.

We Appreciate Our Volunteers

The State College of Florida Foundation is grateful for the dozens of volunteers who assist with fundraising, serve at our events and help in other areas. Your commitment to helping us means we can dedicate more staff time and resources to serve SCF students and the community. We cannot thank you enough!

Scholarship Readers

VOLUNTEER HERE

Community, Centered on Our Students.

The Foundation awards more than $1.7 million in scholarship support to deserving SCF students every year. Volunteers are needed to help read and assess scholarship applications during our rush period in early spring. This is the perfect opportunity for those who want to maintain their own schedule within the comfort of home. Community groups and organizations, such as our perennial volunteer friends from the Bradenton Kiwanis Club, also enjoy learning more about our students while helping the Foundation with this important project.

who give Opportunities Applications Boards Committees

Fundraising Event Volunteers

Fundraising events are a vital part of the Foundation’s efforts to raise scholarship dollars and meet capital improvement goals, and they wouldn’t be possible without dedicated volunteers. We need your help before, during and after events to assist with the planning and logistics that make Foundation events such a resounding success. Whether you want to serve on an event planning committee or help with various event tasks, we can use your time and talents! Annual events include:

l Avenues to the Future, held in February at SCF Bradenton. Committee meetings begin in late summer.

l Evening Under the Stars, held in April at SCF Venice. Committee meetings begin in early fall.

l Annual Scholarship Luncheon, held in November at Michael’s On East in Sarasota. Committee meetings begin in early spring.

Join the Foundation family!

Enjoy camaraderie with friends, both old and new, and feel good knowing you are helping make SCF the best college experience in the region. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the SCF Foundation, contact Robyn Bell at 941.752.5316 or BellR@SCF.edu

Community Foundation of Sarasota County – Zella I. and Junius F. Allen Fund | Mosaic Company

Edmund and Elizabeth Campbell Foundation

Stephen and Redenta Pizazio

SCF Points of Pride

60,000+

2,300+ degrees and certificates awarded in 2021-22. in Foundation scholarships awarded in 2021-22.

Nearly 1,300 accelerated Flex Start classes that can be completed in 5, 8 or 12 weeks.

#SCFProud alumni

$1.7+ MILLION

Renovated and expanded Dental Hygiene Clinic.

Nursing pins bestowed in 2021-22.

Beach Volleyball – Won inaugural two-year national championship.

2 former Manatees baseball players made MLB debuts in 2022.

SCF Neel Performing Arts Center recognized among Bradenton’s “Best Live Theatres.”

Awards won by SCF business students at state Phi Beta Lambda conference.