From The Bench
A Message from the President
Dear community, students, alumni, and friends,
I am pleased to share with you CFK’s second annual Keys Currents magazine. Inside you will find uplifting stories of success and triumph. Some of the stories are even more remarkable in light of the incredible challenges we continue to endure in 2020. The world, our nation and indeed, our island chain are suffering from medical, economic, social, and political upheavals. The pandemic has certainly been a catalyst for some of our struggles. We have lost family members and friends. Entire neighborhoods buckle as our incomes and fortunes decline. Confronting an infectious disease with no reliable cure has led to complex realities for educators at all levels. Physical isolation and other stressors compounded by COVID-19 have exacerbated most problems within our view. Notably among those issues was the digital means used to mourn the loss of beloved CFK family members, President Emeritus Dr. William Seeker and alumnus Lexi Hoyes. At the College, we were already reimagining the ways in which we operate and engage; COVID-19 has pushed us to an entirely new level. Early in the pandemic, CFK was one of the first Florida College System institutions to transition to remote operations and virtual learning. It was a quick and relatively smooth change (thanks to post Hurricane Irma preparations) to prevent the initial spread of the virus. When our economy was shut down, we offered free hospitality classes to help affected employees gain skills during the down time. CFK also donated from our stock of medical supplies while our medical practitioners and student first responders volunteered and/or worked 4
KEYS CURRENTS
in the trenches to provide care for the Keys. As soon as CARES Act funds were released, we began its distribution to help students cover the cost of pandemic related expenses or losses. Additionally, CFK launched Rapid Credential programs and expanded our Construction Apprenticeship programs to the middle and upper Keys. Students in these programs will not pay tuition as the College’s grants will help individuals, particularly those who have lost employment, quickly train for careers without the burden of tuition. Despite the challenges we face, CFK completed construction projects on the Key West Campus, began construction for the Upper Keys Center, launched a new Bachelor of Science in Marine Resource Management, and continued efforts to recruit for the start of the new academic year. In August, we opened our doors safely to the public and ushered in record student enrollment. As the College improves upon safety measures and as we learn more about the COVID-19 virus, we plan to offer more classes and activities in-person next semester. We are not in a position to declare victory over the virus and new
A PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS
obstacles are inevitable. Nevertheless, I am incredibly proud of where we stand today. Our students and employees have risen to every challenge and we have persevered and thrived. It is with a great deal of dedication, creative-thinking, vigilance, and care, the College’s team is navigating this uncertain time. We have remained this community’s college — steadfast to our mission to serve the people, businesses, and economy of the Keys. Please read every part of the Keys Currents. You will see that the College and its people are accomplishing great feats and contributing to the greater good with an inspirational level of positivity. We do so despite the challenges and with incredible support from our partners, donors, alumni, friends, and families. I extend my gratitude to them as well as to our students and their families for choosing CFK to improve their lives. Through our collective efforts, The College of the Florida Keys sails ahead towards an even brighter future. Jonathan Gueverra, Ed.D President & CEO The College of the Florida Keys
