Boca Beat

• When most students focus on acing term papers and landing internships, Lynn University student Zach Hirsch, class of 2024, is busy building his digital empire. At just 21 years old, the junior is a social influencer with over 2 million Instagram followers, podcaster, sports analyst and co-founder of Mozverse—a web development platform specializing in blockchain technology and Web3 integration.

• Conference USA announced its major award winners and all-conference teams for the 2022-23 men’s basketball season on Tuesday. The Florida Atlantic University men’s basketball team was well-represented after an incredible campaign in which the Owls went 28-3, 18-2 in conference play and earned the regular season C-USA Championship. FAU head coach Dusty May was selected as Conference USA Coach of the Year to lead the Owls. Johnell Davis was tabbed as Sixth Player of the Year and was chosen First Team All-C-USA. Joining Davis on the First Team was Alijah Martin, and Vladislav Goldin rounded out the Owl honors with a Third Team All-C-USA selection.

• Business colleges and schools across the nation infuse executive level experience, knowledge and best practices into curriculums through executive-in-residence programs. Furthermore, these programs offer unique perspectives into students’ learning experiences and opportunities to engage with accomplished professionals from the business community. Lynn University leadership carefully hand-selects each member of its executive-in-residence program based on matching criteria and the specific needs of the university at a particular point in its academic timeline. Executives can then teach dedicated courses or contribute as guest speakers and share best business practices with students, a philosophy that Executive-in-Residence Jerry Fedele takes particular pride in.

• Feeding South Florida®, the leading hunger-relief organization in South Florida, is excited to announce its Fourth Annual “Feed Your Creativity” Art Competition. Elementary, middle, and high school students throughout Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties are invited to participate for the opportunity to have their artwork displayed on one of Feeding South Florida’s semi-trailer truck wrap – a 36-foot moving billboard that travels throughout South Florida.

• Palm Beach Atlantic University recently celebrated its annual Women of Distinction luncheon at The Breakers Palm Beach, hon-

Quote of the Week:

this with gentleness and respect.

oring philanthropists Mary Fairbanks Freitas and Monika Preston for their leadership and community contributions to Palm Beach County. More than 300 guests attended the celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 21. The event was chaired by Frances Fisher.

• Six prominent local women will help advance heart health and raise lifesaving funds to fight their No. 1 health threat with the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, as members of its Palm Beach County 2023 Woman of Impact class. In a related program, local teen Eva Vukusich is Palm Beach County’s first Teen of Impact.

• Hanley Foundation’s 24th Annual Golf Classic will tee off on Monday, April 17, 2023, at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach. More than 100 Hanley Foundation supporters are expected to come together for this year’s tournament to raise money and awareness for the Lifesaver Scholarship Program, which provides financial scholarships for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

• Kijana Educational Empowerment Initiative hosted a reception to honor Black heroes, recognize student winners of an inaugural Black History Month writing contest, and raise funds for its educational facility being built in Kenya. The event took place at the North Palm Beach Country Club on Thursday, February 23, 2023. 10 new Kijana Heroes were unveiled by artist Claire Salmon, including four from Palm Beach County: Cinthia Becton, F. Malcolm Cunningham, Sr., Eva Williams Mack, and Solomon David Spady.

• Funcamps celebrates its 26th anniversary this summer in Boca Raton with more than 7,000 campers that have learned invaluable skills that will last a lifetime. This summer, Funcamps (www.funcamps.com) is injecting even more fun STEM activities as it enjoys its second year at its new state-of-the-art facility at Florida Atlantic University. Space, Science, Jurassic, MagiCamp, and the newest masterpiece, FunArts camp, will all be offered at FAU.