Ford Motor Company donates equipment to IRSC Automotive Technology Program

Indian River State College (IRSC) Automotive Technology students now have three additional pieces of automotive repair equipment, valued at more than $13,000, on which to train, courtesy of the Ford Motor Company’s Technician Career Program.

Ford dealerships on the Treasure Coast have demonstrated ongoing support of IRSC students, providing around 80 Ford and Lincoln service-training modules for the College’s Automotive Technology program, said Christopher Groh, Southeast Area Coordinator for Ford Technician Career Programs. To recognize the company’s regional partnerships with schools like IRSC, Ford raffled some surplus equipment, and IRSC won the raffle, Groh said.

On Thursday, May 25, Groh delivered a Pro-Cut Brake Lathe, used for shaping uneven brake disks; a Robinair Refrigerant Recycling Machine, used to remove, hold, and replace air conditioning refrigerant while diagnosing the a/c system; and a hand-held battery tester.

Students in the IRSC Automotive Technology take the Environmental Protection Agency’s 609 Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning (MVAC) exam. Once they pass the exam, they receive a federal certification allowing them to work on automotive and other mobile air conditioning systems. The Robinair machine will help them obtain the certification, Groh said. Ford is seeking to add around 6,000 new automotive technicians each year, he said. “There’s a huge need, especially in Florida,” he said.

“We take a lot of pride in our training programs,” said Eduard Tautiva, a Technical Placement Specialist who helps Ford recruit automotive technicians. “We believe in investing in colleges like IRSC because this generation—they are our future technicians. They have to combine the old technology with the new, and prepare the technicians for the real world.”

According to Instructor Brian Woodrow, IRSC graduates around 30 students each year in its Automotive Technology program. “Because they complete so many Ford training modules, the local Ford dealers love our graduates,” Woodrow said. “They show up on the job with a leg up.”

The Automotive Technology program will move to the new Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex on the Massey Campus in Fort Pierce this summer. The state-of-the-art, 60,000-square-foot facility will also house programs in aviation and marine technology; welding; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facility will take place later this year. For information about IRSC Workforce Education programs, visit www.irsc.edu.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Jun. 1, 2023|

IRSC hosts discussion on transportation and logistics

The Indian River State College (IRSC) Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex will serve as the backdrop on Wednesday, April 5, for a critical discussion about improving the supply chain through new opportunities in transportation and logistics. The event features remarks from Dr. Timothy Moore, President of Indian River State College; Congressman Brian Mast, Florida’s 21st Congressional District; Chris Thropp, President of Sage Truck Driving Schools; and Bill Solomon, Dean of the IRSC School of Workforce Education.

Among topics for discussion is legislation introduced in January by Congressman Mast that would eliminate age restrictions on truckers. The Ceasing Age-Based (CAB) Trucking Restrictions Act would allow truckers between 18 and 20 years old to transport goods across state lines. Eliminating the age restriction, Mast says, would add to the supply chain workforce, benefitting constituents of the 21st Congressional District.

“Getting more drivers on the road is a key component in addressing the nation’s ongoing supply chain issues,” said Rep. Mast. “I’m grateful to have partners like IRSC and Sage Truck Driving School right here in Florida’s 21st District that can help achieve that goal.”

Attendees will also hear from Veteran and retired Polk County Sheriff Marc Newsom, a Driver Qualification Process Facilitator for Knight Transportation. At Knight, Newsom is accountable for ensuring drivers are DOT-qualified, finalizing the hiring process and providing an orientation to their new position.

Newsom is a graduate of Sage Truck Driving Schools, a comprehensive professional tractor-trailer driver training company working with students and fleets across the country. Sage has offices and classrooms on the Indian River State College Massey Campus. Students enroll in Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training through the IRSC School of Continuing Education.

"For over 30 years, Sage Truck Driving Schools have provided high quality driver training programs to students and fleets across the country. The trucking industry represents a significant element in our nation’s supply chain. As the American Trucking Association puts it, every good in the U.S. has been on a truck at some point in its journey,” said Sage President Chris Thropp. “Our mission is to make sure every student receives personal attention and hands-on training to make them the safest and most knowledgeable drivers they can be. We have been a proud partner with Indian River State College for 16 years, providing a vital career training resource on the Treasure Coast.”

‘Creating New Opportunities—a Path Forward for Improving the Supply Chain and Growing Jobs’ begins at 10:30 a.m. and is expected to conclude at noon. Attendees should park in the lot outside the Tomeu Center (Building C), accessible from S. 30th Street, on the IRSC Massey Campus in Fort Pierce by 10:15 a.m.

“Supply-chain disruptions exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic continue to offer significant and widespread challenges for our nation, and we are delighted to join with Congressman Mast and our partners at Sage Truck Driving Schools to illuminate a path forward,” said Bill Solomon, Dean of the IRSC School of Workforce Education.

For more information about ‘Creating New Opportunities—a Path Forward for Improving the Supply Chain and Growing Jobs’ or to R.S.V.P. for the event, contact Erin Cosentino at[email protected].

Mar. 23, 2023|

High school grads seeking tuition-free associate degrees must pledge IRSC Promise by March 10

Students graduating from Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie County public or public charter high schools and eligible in-district homeschools who wish to earn their Associate degrees tuition-free from Indian River State College (IRSC) must make their formal commitment to the IRSC Promise program no later than Friday, March 10.

High school seniors in the class of 2023 can learn more about the IRSC Promise and take the pledge at promise.irsc.edu.

Nearly 3,200, or nearly half, of anticipated area high school graduates have already pledged to begin their full-time studies at IRSC this fall through the IRSC Promise.

“The IRSC Promise program is changing the trajectory for our students, our families and our communities,” said IRSC Vice President for Student Success Beth Gaskin. “We encourage every student, whether they are looking to ultimately enter the workforce or continue to an advanced degree, to begin their educational foundation by studying tuition-free here at IRSC.”

The IRSC Promise program is not a grant or scholarship. It is a tuition-paid, last-dollar program sponsored by the IRSC Foundation and funded through generous donor philanthropy and unrestricted investment proceeds.

Promise candidates must graduate from an Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, or St. Lucie County public or charter high school in 2023 or be an in-district approved homeschool 2023 graduate; meet all Promise program deadlines; and be a U.S. citizen eligible for in-state tuition or a non-U.S. Citizen eligible for in-state tuition. Students do not need to demonstrate financial need, and there is no GPA requirement for acceptance to the program.

Fall 2023 marks the second year of the IRSC Promise. The first Promise cohort entered the College in the fall of 2022, achieving a dramatic increase in enrollment at IRSC, despite a continuing national enrollment decline. More stunning was the program’s impact on minority, first-generation and low-income populations.

“The IRSC Promise Program is a difference maker for so many in our community,” concludes Gaskin. “It truly activates IRSC’s mission to transform lives through high-quality, affordable and accessible education.”

Mar. 2, 2023|

IRSC Performing Arts presents Company

IRSC Performing Arts presents

Celebrate and honor the legacy of musical genius Stephen Sondheim in this ground-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical. Join Bobby as he navigates the complicated reality of being single in a world of married friends. Often humorous and always thought-provoking, Sondheim's first concept musical features some of his iconic songs like Being Alive and Side by Side and is sure to find a place in your heart.

March 9, 10, 11 at 7 p.m., March 11 and 12 at 2 p.m. McAlpin Theatre, IRSC.

[email protected] or 772.462.4750. For Tickets.

Feb. 16, 2023|

The Treasure Coast MasterChef Competition announces 2023 preliminary and finale events

The Treasure Coast MasterChef competition is excited to announce its 2023 preliminary and finale events, presented by Kyle G’s Restaurants, and taking place at the Indian River State College campus in Vero Beach, FL. The preliminary competition will take place on Wednesday, March 8th and will feature eight talented chefs from across the region.

The preliminary competition will be judged by a panel of locally renowned chefs, who will evaluate the dishes on taste, presentation, and originality. At the end of the event, the top four chefs will advance to the semi-formal finale, held on Wednesday, March 22^nd at the Indian River State College.

At the finale, the top four chefs will present their signature dishes to a panel of expert judges and attending guests. The winning chef will receive a MasterChef Trophy and the coveted title of the 2023 Treasure Coast MasterChef.

"We are thrilled to bring together some of the most talented chefs in the region for this exciting competition," said competition organizer, Thomas Miller. "The Treasure Coast has a thriving culinary scene, and we can't wait to see what these chefs have in store for us."

Both the preliminary and finale competitions are open to the public, and tickets can be purchased on the treasurecoastfoodie.com website. Don't miss this opportunity to see some of the best chefs in action and support the local culinary community.

For more information, visit https://treasurecoastfoodie.com/the-treasure-coast-masterchef-competition/

Feb. 16, 2023|

IRSC’s Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex Named Best in Florida

IRSC’s Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex
Named Best in Florida

IRSC President Timothy Moore, IRSC Fire Academy Director Mike Kemp, and Dean of Public Service Education Dr. Ray Socorro.

The Indian River State College (IRSC) Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex was distinguished as the Best in Florida during the 2022 Fire Service Awards, held in the Senate Chamber at the Florida Capitol. The award program recognized Florida’s firefighting community for its outstanding accomplishments in the fire service industry

“Our Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex was selected from more than 40 centers around the state as an exemplary site for the quality of its training and its exquisite learning environments,” said IRSC President Dr. Timothy Moore. “We are grateful to Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis for recognizing our outstanding facility and its critical role in ensuring that our first responders are well-prepared to protect our citizens and each other.”

The 50-acre Complex provides immersive experiences for students in IRSC Public Safety Education programs and certified first responders who seek advanced training opportunities and continuing education in a highly versatile environment. Facilities include a 10,000-square-foot fire station; a six-story fire training tower; a Class-A burn building and a burn field (LP and natural gas) for outdoor fire suppression scenarios utilizing props such as fuel tankers, automobiles, barbeque grills and broken gas lines; and a tactical training village with traffic intersection, buildings, and collapse structure within a road system.

The facility is erecting an additional permanent four-story tower to accommodate the growing enrollment in its A.S. in Fire Science Technology and Basic Recruit Fire Academy and to serve as training grounds for firefighters preparing for the World Fire Fighter Challenge games. IRSC sponsors the reigning World Champions—the St. Lucie County Fire District Combat Challenge Team.

IRSC Public Service students perform a firefighting demonstration.

“This accolade is a testament to our dedicated IRSC faculty, staff and students and a reflection of the strength of our partnerships with regional fire service agencies,” adds Dr. Raimundo Socorro, IRSC Dean of Public Safety Education. “We are honored to share this designation with them.”

In addition to serving the training needs of Florida’s firefighting community, the IRSC Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex offers a wide range of educational and professional development opportunities in criminal justice—including the Florida Law Enforcement Academy—and degree and certificate programs in emergency management, homeland security, paralegal and human services. The comprehensive facility features a virtual reality use-of-force training simulator, an Emergency Operations Center, a three-story tactical shoot house, an indoor tactical firearms range, a dive training lake, a mock courtroom, booking and jail cells, a computer crime investigations lab, tactical vehicle training range, human services suite, classrooms and a 450-seat auditorium.

To learn more, visit irsc.edu.

Feb. 2, 2023|

23 institutions selected to participate in AAC&U Institute on ePortfolios

23 Institutions Selected to Participate in AAC&U Institute on ePortfolios

The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) announced today the 23 institutions selected to participate in the third annual Institute on ePortfolios. The Institute provides a yearlong engagement opportunity for campus teams seeking to actualize an ambitious strategy to broaden student and faculty/staff engagement with ePortfolios. The ePortfolio Institute engages campuses directly throughout the 2023 calendar year as participants’ ePortfolio implementation plans are put into practice.

In collaboration with the Association for Authentic, Experiential, and Evidence-Based Learning (AAEEBL) and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), AAC&U will launch the 2023 Institute on ePortfolios on January 13. Participants will also take part in the Annual Forum on Open Learning and ePortfolios, a virtual event held on January 23 in conjunction with the AAC&U Annual Meeting. Each team from the participating institutions will design its own implementation plan for bridging curricular and/or cocurricular learning with ePortfolios. Institute faculty will serve as partners for campus plan development and implementation.

“ePortfolios may be the best strategy higher education has available to it to foster integrative learning that connects courses and high-impact educational experiences,” said C. Edward Watson, AAC&U Associate Vice President for Curricular and Pedagogical Innovation. “This Institute’s yearlong model will enable campuses to receive mentorship and consulting as they engage in the complex work of instantiating ePortfolios across courses, and in some cases, across programs and curricula.”

The 23 institutions participating in the 2023 Institute on ePortfolios are:

Augustana University
Bethune-Cookman University
Colorado Mountain College
D'Youville University
Duke Kunshan University
Grand Valley State University
Holy Family University
Indian River State College
Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
Johns Hopkins University
Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus
Mississippi University for Women
New England College
Ohio Dominican University
Open Society University Network—Bard College, American University of Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan), BRAC University (Bangladesh)

AAEEBL provides a community of practice and resources to help meet the needs of the global ePortfolio community and promotes portfolio learning as a major way to transform higher education.

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Its work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states and 25 countries.

Pasadena City College
Pima Community College
University of Arkansas
University of Rochester School of Nursing
University of Saint Mary
University of South Alabama
Virginia State University

Dec. 2, 2022|

Sebastian River High School hosts IRSC Program rally

Sebastian River High School hosts IRSC Promise Program rally

On Wednesday, Nov. 16, Dr. Timothy Moore, President of Indian River State College, will announce the continuation and expansion of the IRSC Promise Program and provide a community update on the impact of Promise 2022, at an assembly and press conference hosted by the School District of Indian River County Superintendent Dr. David Moore, at Sebastian River High School.

WHAT:

Indian River State College President, Dr. Timothy Moore, addresses a special assembly of Sebastian River High School seniors to introduce year two of the IRSC Promise program—a free tuition program sponsored by the IRSC Foundation.

A community report on the impact of the inaugural year of the Promise Program and a question and answer period for members of the press will follow the assembly/Promise Rally. Leadership from the School District of Indian River County, Indian River State College, and the IRSC Foundation will be on hand to answer questions.

WHEN:

7:30 a.m.: Promise Rally kicks off as students assemble in the Auditorium

7:35 a.m.: Promise program announcement

8:30 a.m.: Community update/Media Q&A with college, school district, and IRSC Foundation leadership

WHERE:

Performing Arts Center, Sebastian River High School, 9001 Shark Blvd., Sebastian, FL 32958. Parking for media is available behind the Performing Arts Center. All others may utilize the guest parking lot.

Media interested in covering the event should contact Suzanne Seldes, Indian River State College, at [email protected] or 772-462-7265.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Nov. 14, 2022|

IRSC Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning distinguished lecture series

IRSC Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning Announces 2022-23 distinguished lecture series

One of the most well-known offerings through the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning at Indian River State College (IRSC) is the popular Distinguished Lecture Series. This series focuses on subjects in science, the arts, environmental concerns, global issues, and education. Lectures will be offered once per month, starting December 8 at the IRSC Massey Campus in Fort Pierce at 10 a.m.

The following lectures comprise the 2022-’23 season:

December 8, 2022: Matthew Greenhouse
“The James Webb Space Telescope Mission”
Location: IRSC Massey Campus, Fort Pierce.

Matthew Greenhouse has served on the James Webb Space Telescope senior staff as Project Scientist for the Webb science instrument payload since 1997. He specializes in infrared imaging spectroscopy, development of related instrumentation and technologies, flight project science, and technical management.

Greenhouse has served on several NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) flight mission teams. He supported ESA's Infrared Space Observatory mission as a member of the Long Wavelength Spectrometer instrument team. The James Webb Space Telescope is the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. It is the largest space telescope ever constructed and will extend humanity's high-definition view of the universe into the infrared spectrum.

January 12, 2023: Janet Roessler
“Reconnecting to Your Passion and Purpose—Practical Tools to Craft Your Vibrant Life”
Location: IRSC Mueller Campus, Vero Beach

Janet Roessler’s purpose is to connect, inspire, teach and learn by utilizing her curiosity, creativity, wonder, and compassion. These journeys of exploration, whether through speaking, art-making events, or experiential exercises are geared towards getting each of us to connect with our gifts, our passion, and purpose, and getting out of our own way so that we are empowered to take action and contribute our part to make this world better.

Janet is and has been a successful serial entrepreneur in several fields all with the common thread of service, she has been a celebrated bodyworker, intuitive counselor, interior designer, craft artist, painter, poet, sculptor, boutique PR services owner, gallery manager, ritual-maker, minister, Toastmaster, and certified success principles trainer. Always open to the pull of the deeper flows within herself and others, she is always seeking the nudges and tugs of “spirit” and intuition.

February 9, 2023: William Craig Fugate
“Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season”
Location: IRSC Massey Campus, Fort Pierce.

Craig Fugate served as President Barack Obama’s FEMA Administrator from May 2009 to January 2017. Previously, he served as Florida Governor Jeb Bush’s Emergency Management Director from 2001-07 and Governor Charlie Crist from 2007-09. Fugate led FEMA through multiple record-breaking disaster years and oversaw the Federal Government’s response to major events such as the Joplin and Moore tornadoes, Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Matthew, and the 2016 Louisiana flooding.

Fugate set a clear and compelling vision, mission, and priorities for FEMA and relentlessly drove the Agency to achieve better outcomes for survivors. Before his tenure at FEMA, Fugate was widely praised for his management, under Governor Jeb Bush, of the devastating effects of the 2004 and 2005 Florida hurricane seasons (Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, Dennis, Katrina, and Wilma). Craig currently provides senior-level advice and consultation in disaster management and resiliency policy through Craig Fugate Consulting LLC and is a Strategic Consultant for IRSC in the area of emergency management.

March 2, 2023: Sandra Pearce
“Ethiopia–The Tribes and Traditions”
Location: IRSC Mueller Campus, Vero Beach

Sandra Pearce (McAuley) lives in Okeechobee, Florida, with her husband David McAuley. Sandra has been a professional photographer for over 30 years. She has given up most of her photography work to teach Digital Art. Sandra has earned the Master of Photography, Master of Electronic Imaging, and Craftsman in her national association Professional Photographers of America.

She has traveled to Africa for the past five years and has documented her experiences with photographs. She has been to Ethiopia to visit the remote tribes in the past couple of years where only a few people have traveled. She is working on a travel book about the tribe she has come in contact with. Sandra enjoys the friendships of the many people she has met thru Photography and teaching people to paint in Photoshop.

April 20, 2023: Kimberlie Massnick, Ph.D.
“Cold Cases, College Students and Community Service”

Location: IRSC Massey Campus, Fort Pierce

As an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Indian River State College, Dr. Kimberlie Massnick believes that learning needs to get out of the classroom and into real-life situations. Her teaching styles include staged crime scenes instead of traditional exams, assisting in law enforcement searches, and participating in community opportunities involving the homeless, addicted, and juveniles in need. To be a great educator, she believes one must never stop learning.

Dr. Massnick’s fascination with criminal justice started during a college psychology lecture on serial killers. That single lesson turned into an extensive career as a criminologist who specializes in sexual offenders and serial killers. She is also a subject matter expert on victimology and forensic psychology. Massnick has her own podcast which is victim centered.

The Distinguished Lecture Series is presented by the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning. Doors open 30 minutes before the lecture. Lectures last approximately one hour and are followed by a moderated 30-minute question-and-answer session. Registration for the five-part series is $150 per person for new and returning members; $100 per person for lifetime members and peer leaders. If available, individual lecture seats are offered at $35 one week before each of the lectures.

The Distinguished Lecture Series is presented by Indian River State College Foundation and School of Continuing Education. To subscribe to the Distinguished Lecture Series, contact the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning at 772-462-7880 or visit www.irsc.edu/community. For more information on Lifelong Learning program offerings, visit www.irsc.edu/community/school-of-continuing-education/lifelong-learning.html.

Sandra Pearce

Kimberlie Massnick, Ph.D.

Matthew Greenhouse

Janet Roessler

William Craig Fugate

Nov. 14, 2022|

Florida SBDC IRSC teaches how to become a bankable business

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Indian River State College (IRSC) in collaboration with the Florida Bankers Association will conduct and host the How to Become a Bankable Business seminar. The event will take place on the IRSC Massey Campus Kight Center For Emerging Technologies in Fort Pierce on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Capital is critical for entrepreneurs as they launch and grow their businesses. A regionally healthy small business community is essential for sustainable economic development and neighborhood revitalization. Entrepreneurs need access to capital, networks and guidance as they grow. Access to capital supports the region’s recruitment of new business ventures, while also providing existing operators the environment to expand operations, which creates new employment opportunities. Frequently, worthwhile projects with great economic potential never move beyond the planning stage due to the inability to access needed capital.

In this seminar business owners will learn from the top banks in the community, get questions answered from real local lenders, and network with other business owners, bankers, and more.

There is no cost to attend, all interested can register via: https://form.jotform.com/222795410943156

Sponsors and speakers for this event include Marine Bank & Trust, PNC Bank, and SouthState Bank. Refreshments and networking opportunities will be available.

Hosted by Indian River State College, the Florida SBDC at IRSC provides aspiring and existing small businesses in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties with no-cost consulting, low-cost training, and access to business data and research resources.

To learn more about this event or the FSBDC at IRSC please call (772) 336-6285, or email [email protected]

About the Florida SBDC Network:

For over forty years, the Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance [Fl. Stat. 288.001], has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development to provide existing and emerging small and medium-sized business owners with management and knowledge resources that enable overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity for Florida’s economy.

In 2019, Florida SBDCs provided 114,064 hours of professional business consulting to 12,535 client businesses, resulting in 37,966 jobs impacted; $4.4 billion in sales generated; $496.5 million in government contracts acquired; and $255.3 million in capital accessed; and 453 new businesses started. With over 40 offices statewide, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network, headquartered at the University of West Florida, is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and is a recipient of the President’s E Award for Export Service. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

Oct. 10, 2022|

12 3 Next