ConnectionINDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE

Creating the Future TodayFall 2010

IRSC EXPANDS BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMS IN TOP GROWTH FIELDS

N ew higher education opportunities leading to careers in top growth fi elds will soon be available for residents

of Florida’s Treasure Coast. Indian River State College recently received unanimous approval from the State Board of Education to launch Bachelor’s Degree programs in Biology, Digital Media and Human Services.

Th e new programs will prepare area residents to meet the workforce needs of the region’s emerging biotechnology and life sciences cluster, cutting-edge fi lm and animation companies, and the expanding human services sector, which provides counseling and social services for children, families and senior citizens. Over 75 area employers wrote letters to the Florida Board of Education supporting IRSC’s program proposals.

“Th e expansion of baccalaureate-level education further builds and reinforces IRSC’s role as our region’s state college,” said Dr. Edwin R. Massey, IRSC President.

Th e programs were selected based on an assessment of student interest, employer demand, economic development trends, job growth, and an in-depth analysis of College resources such as qualifi ed faculty, facilities, library and technology. Th e programs will begin in January, and students can apply now at their nearest campus or online at www.irsc.edu.

50th Anniversary Edition

“As our region evolves into the Research Coast, these new Bachelor’s Degree programs will create a pipeline of highly skilled employees for the new types of knowledge-based jobs that are being attracted to our area. With our state economy beginning to strengthen and diversify, it is very important that residents of our region have access to higher education which will prepare them for 21st Century careers.”

Dr. Edwin R. Massey, IRSC President

IRSC life sciences students are eager to begin the College’s new Bachelor of Science Degree program recently

announced by Dr. Edwin R. Massey, IRSC President, during an advanced biology laboratory class.

See page 2

2 ■ Connection ■ Fall 2010

Digital Domain

and IRSC Partner For

Creative High-Tech Jobs

Bursting with creativity and an arsenal of the latest video and computer animation skills, IRSC digital media students are setting their sights on exciting careers in movies and television, video games, web design, and simulations for military training.

Th ey have a unique opportunity to engage with top-notch professionals from Digital Domain Holdings. Th e award-winning Hollywood fi lm company now operates on the fi rst fl oor of the College’s Kight Center for Emerging Technologies while waiting for completion of its digital production studio in western Port St. Lucie. Th e fi rm has committed to employing at least 500 workers, with an average salary of $64,233.

“You can pursue education with Indian River State College and be extremely well-prepared to work with us some day,” said John Textor, Chairman of Digital Domain Holdings.

Demonstrating outstanding design work, students in the College’s Digital Media Institute have won 18 ADDY awards from the Advertising Federation of the Treasure Coast over the past two years. Now, they can take their skills to the next level through IRSC’s new Bachelor’s Degree program in Digital Media.

IRSC Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation

T he past 50 years have been an amazing story of progress and innovation for Indian River State College. Th e fi rst classes

were held in small military barracks beginning on September 6, 1960. Over the next fi ve decades, the College would welcome tremendous growth, undergo identity changes, and continuously improve the manner in which higher education is provided throughout the Treasure Coast.

In recognition of 50 years of innovation, IRSC held a 50th Anniversary Open House on September 25. Over 8,000 area residents

attended the free community event held throughout the 295-acre Main Campus. People of all ages enjoyed tours, interactive activities, futuristic demonstrations, music and dance performances, and athletic competitions.

Other celebratory events have been held throughout the year. Th e 2010 College Awards Ceremony featured commemorative remarks by Dr. Maxwell King, the College’s fi rst President, and Dr. Herman Heise, the College’s second President, who were both honored by Dr. Edwin Massey, IRSC President, for their leadership and years of service.

The College’s three presidents (L to R) Dr. Herman Heise, Dr. Edwin Massey, Dr. Maxwell King share memories of the

College’s growth at a Historical Retrospective celebrating IRSC’s 50th Anniversary.

Student Jennifer Harris used her digital

media skills to design a Research Park logo.

IRSC NAMED ONE OF NATION’S BEST

COLLEGES TO WORK FOR

IRSC is on the “Honor Roll” as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for! Based on a survey of 42,000 employees of 277 colleges nationwide by The Chronicle of Higher Education, IRSC placed in the top ten, earning exceptional scores among four-year colleges with over 10,000 students.

IRSC received the highest score of all the colleges of its size in all 15 categories. The “Best in Size” results include a chart-topping 95% score in pride in the institution, 90% in teaching environment and 92% in professional development. Other outstanding scores were earned in facilities, respect and appreciation, work/life balance, job satisfaction, and confi dence in senior leadership.

Other top ten institutions in IRSC’s category include University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, University of Mississippi, University of Southern California, Hofstra University and others.

Connection ■ Fall 2010 ■ 3

Designated as Florida’s Banner Center for Energy Education, IRSC has taken a lead role in energy education throughout the state. Now, the success of the College’s programs has generated support at the national level.W ith environmental crises like the Gulf

oil spill impacting marine life and coastal systems,

the need to integrate ocean research and science education is greater than ever. Florida is taking a major step toward public understanding of the ocean with the new Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE). It will be based at the Indian River State College Science Center in collaboration with the Smithsonian Marine Station, Florida Institute of Technology and the Ocean Research and Conservation Association (ORCA). COSEE Florida is funded by $2.8 million in National Science Foundation grants to IRSC and its partners.

Th e University of Florida Sea Grant Extension Program will be involved in community outreach across the state and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute / Florida Atlantic University will provide scientifi c expertise and mentoring on the Treasure Coast.

COSEE Florida will help students, educators and people of all ages better understand how

ocean and coastal systems work and the ground-breaking discoveries that impact our daily lives and the environment. Scientists will help teachers develop a deeper

understanding of biodiversity and methods to foster critical thinking in their students. Dr. Edwin R. Massey, IRSC President, who holds a Ph.D. in Zoology/Marine Biology, will serve as Lead Principal Investigator for the project. Dr. Susan B. Cook, Harbor Branch’s former Education Director, has joined IRSC as the COSEE Florida Project Director.

As a state with approximately 1,400 miles of saltwater coastline, Florida’s lack of a COSEE Center has been a major gap in coverage of East Coast ocean research. Th e new Center will ensure that Florida’s scientists, educators, students and citizens are well prepared to address the challenges of our marine environment.

ENERGY PROGRAM GENERATES

NATIONAL SUPPORT

Thanks to a $200,000 grant to IRSC from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, more Treasure Coast residents can prepare for well-paying careers in nuclear science and engineering. The grant funds scholarships for the College’s Power Plant Technology Institute offered with Florida Power & Light Company. The highly successful program combines instruction from IRSC and FPL experts with paid summer internships at FPL’s St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant. Qualifi ed graduates may be hired by FPL or other companies at annual wages exceeding $45,000 with opportunities for promotion.

Through a grant from the National Science Foundation, IRSC will expand its partnership with FPL and other nuclear industry partners to develop a comprehensive plan for the National Center for Nuclear Energy Education. The plan will outline the nuclear industry’s workforce needs and the capabilities of a comprehensive education center.

“Nuclear energy is generating renewed interest as a clean source of energy, with increased government support and public acceptance leading to industry growth,” said José Farinos, Dean of Advanced Technology at IRSC. “IRSC is recognized as a leader in nuclear energy education, and we are already working with colleges around the country to develop plans for the national center.” With the support of prestigious National Science Foundation grants, IRSC and leading scientifi c research organizations

will partner to develop the Florida Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence.

NEW FLORIDA CENTER NEW FLORIDA CENTER FOR OCEAN EDUCATIONFOR OCEAN EDUCATIONTO BE BASED AT IRSCTO BE BASED AT IRSC

4 ■ Connection ■ Fall 2010

STUDY ABROAD PROMOTES GLOBAL UNDERSTANDING

D ressed in bulky orange Hazmat suits, highly-skilled Army and National Guard members recently participated in

a sophisticated training scenario in identifi cation and response to weapons of mass destruction at the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex. Located on the IRSC Main Campus, the 50-acre living laboratory is rapidly becoming one of the nation’s leading resources for public safety and emergency management training and preparation.

“Th e facilities and staff at the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex make for a fi rst-class operation. From the initial coordination to completion of training, we really appreciate the support the staff provided and would highly recommend the Complex for future training,” said Deputy Chief Alex Billingslea, Southeast Division, Civil Support Readiness Group – East, U.S. Army North.

Since the Complex opened last year, national, state and regional law enforcement, environmental

T he opportunity to study abroad makes learning come alive! Six trips are planned for 2011.

Economics and Business in Europe, examination of business practices in England, France and Italy

Spain: Land of Many Cultures, exploration of the country’s cultural, historical and linguistic heritage

Learning Styles in Denmark, a unique international teaching and learning experience for education students

Science Under the Southern Cross, a cruise study of Mayan astronomy and Caribbean coral reef ecology

Summer Institute in International Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Assistance, an intensive international mock disaster training experience in Macedonia

Service Learning in Costa Rica, an immersion in Spanish language skills while assisting the residents of Heredia

For more information about the 2011 trips, call 1-866-792-4772.

protection, homeland security and fi re science agencies have enacted life and property saving scenarios utilizing the Complex’s state-of-the-art facilities.

Th e four-acre Dive Lake was used by the St. Lucie County Sheriff ’s Department to respond to a mock airplane crash, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection staged a scenario combating chemical and biological threats.

Th e Complex is home to the College’s Center for Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Operations. Th e fi rst of its type in the nation, the IRSC program provides intensive fi eld-based training in the U.S. and Europe in response to natural and manmade disasters. Due to the program’s innovation and international stature, IRSC has been awarded a United States Institute of Peace grant to expand the program as a training model for educational institutions in the U.S. and overseas.

Public Safety Training Public Safety Training Complex Hailed Complex Hailed

As Nation’s Crisis As Nation’s Crisis Management ResourceManagement Resource

Members of the Army and National Guard conduct a national security

training session at the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex.

Students marveled at the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, 8000 feet

above sea level.

IRSC students will also benefi t from an enhanced international perspective from Captain Aleksander Jakovlevski of the Macedonian Department of Counter Intelligence, who has been appointed a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence at IRSC for this academic year.

Connection ■ Fall 2010 ■ 5

CLARK STUDENTS

EARN HIGHEST FCAT SCORES ■ Students at the Clark Advanced Learning

Center earned the highest scores on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) of any high school in the four-county region and also achieved among the highest scores in the state. An “A” school, the Clark Advanced Learning Center is a charter high school on the IRSC Chastain Campus in Stuart, off ering the opportunity to earn free college credits.

GOOD NEWS!

T he Brown Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (BCIE) will focus on creating new high-tech jobs to

help spark the region’s economic recovery and prepare students for cutting-edge careers. Now under construction at the IRSC Main Campus, the $20 million Center will serve as an economic development engine, assisting entrepreneurs and businesses in emerging fi elds to develop the knowledge and skills to start successful businesses, supporting new jobs for area residents.

As a “green building” constructed to LEED specifi cations, the Center will house the College’s Energy Institute for training in alternative and nuclear energies. Much of the energy for the building will be generated by a solar “farm.”

Th e Center will provide a state-of-the-art venue for expansion of the highly successful

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to

Support Job Creation

Power Plant Training Institute off ered with Florida Power & Light Company. A materials laboratory will be used to introduce students to nanotechnology and diverse fi elds utilizing components the size of molecules.

Th e technologically advanced programs in the new IRSC Center will align with the region’s fi rst sustainable community energy project. Th e College is a partner with St. Lucie County for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Laboratory (ORNL) Green District project. IRSC will collaborate with General Electric (GE) for the research and educational aspects of the energy effi ciency project. Leading scientists and energy experts will share their knowledge with IRSC students who will be prepared for internships and jobs in the Green Energy sector.

As graduates of the IRSC/FPL Power Plant Institute, Yubony Vergara and Robert Conrad were hired by FPL and recently

promoted. A centerpiece of the College’s Energy Institute, the Power Plant program will be based in the new Brown

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship now under construction at the Main Campus.

■ Th e “fi rst lady of Vero Beach,” Alma Lee Loy was recognized with the Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program’s 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, established by the IRSC Foundation and 13 founding members.

Ms. Loy has dedicated her life to preserving and shaping Indian River County, helping to protect the natural landscape, strengthening the business climate, fostering community service and expanding educational opportunities.

ALMA LEE LOY HONORED

Alma Lee Loy

SWIMMING & DIVING CHAMPS

EXTEND WINNING STREAK ■ Continuing the nation’s longest

intercollegiate winning streak, the IRSC Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Teams were crowned National Champions at the 2010 NJCAA Swim Meet. Th e Men’s Team secured its 36th straight NJCAA National Championship title, and the members of the Women’s Team swam to victory for their 32nd overall title.

6 ■ Connection ■ Fall 2010

F rom helping students obtain fi nancial aid to outstanding community service, the projects and achievements of

students, faculty and staff were recognized during the College’s 2010 Awards ceremonies.

2010 Student Awards:• Community Service – Charlotte Rumer• Special Achievement – William Sammons• General Excellence – Michelle Hardie• Leadership – Cynthia Wallace• Academic – Melody Martin

Th e Financial Aid Department received the Pride Award for ensuring that students are fully supported with all fi nancial aid opportunities to attend college. Th e twelve-member team processed over $25 million in federal and state funding and scholarships during the past year.

Stephen C. Huntsberger, Dean of Public Service Education, was recognized with the

Ambassador Award for eff ectively representing the College and Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex throughout the community, state, and nation.

Karl V. Guettler, Dean of Auxiliary Services and Facilities Planning, received the President’s Cup for 22 years of leadership overseeing construction projects and renovations to meet the region’s expanding educational needs.

Sherry Bowen, Assistant Professor of Biology, was selected for the Anne R. Snyder Department Chair Excellence Award for leadership and dedication to IRSC students.

Th e River Award was presented to the entire IRSC faculty and staff for their unfaltering commitment to excellence, tireless eff orts on behalf of students, and cheerful resilience during challenging economic times.

ANNUAL AWARDS RECOGNIZE ACHIEVEMENT

T o support excellence in teaching, three exceptional professors were honored by the IRSC Foundation with

2010 Endowed Teaching Chairs to enhance instruction in their fi elds of expertise.

Taranna Amani Rahman, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, was awarded the J. Douglas Stephens Endowed Teaching Chair to create mathematics videos to enhance understanding of math concepts.

David V. Moberg, Assistant Professor of Fine Arts, received the Community Endowed Teaching Chair in Fine Arts to establish a touring theatre production company.

Dr. Bruce W. Fraser, Professor of Humanities, was presented with the Gladys Williams Wolf Endowed Teaching Chair in Communications to develop a Center for Media and Journalism Studies.

Michael Minton, IRSC Foundation Board of Directors, (right) congratulates Taranna Amani Rahman, Assistant Professor,

during the surprise presentation of the J. Douglas Stephens Endowed Teaching Chair in Mathematics.

Endowed Teaching Chairs Reward Excellence

Eager to help students learn the latest in information

technology, Terri Holly, Assistant Professor of Computer

Science, was honored with the 2010 Harriett Kirk Crago

Faculty of the Year Award.

Connection ■ Fall 2010 ■ 7

A n automobile company, representing dealerships throughout the U.S., sought to increase sales to young adults.

Students in the Bachelor’s Degree program in Organizational Management had the answer. As a “Capstone Project,” they conducted focus groups and analyzed youthful preferences, making recommendations on how to update the automobile purchase and service experience.

Over 100 students have completed Capstone Projects, providing a real benefi t for busy

CAPSTONE PROJECTS PROVIDE CAPSTONE PROJECTS PROVIDE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

IRSC ANNOUNCES CULTURAL

ARTS SEASONDistinguished Lecture Series

Featuring nationally recognized guest lecturers, the “Current Issues” series is off ered at the Richardson Center in Vero Beach and the Wolf High-Technology Center in Stuart, beginning December 9. “Our Crumbling Infrastructure” Andrew Whittle, MIT, Civil Engineering Department “China, the Roaring Economic Dragon” Derek Scissors, Heritage Foundation’s Asian Studies Center “Accelerating Sea Level Rise and Florida’s Tenuous Coastal Future” Harold Wanless, University of Miami “Lessons from the Brink of Economic Meltdown” Knight Kiplinger, Chief Editor and President of Kiplinger Washington Letters “Containing Entitlements, the Impossible Task. Or is It?” Andrew Samwick, Dartmouth College

Subscriptions are $130 per person and include membership in the Lifelong Learning Institute at IRSC. For information, call 772-462-7880.

Performing Arts Series

Th e Th ree RedNeck Tenors perform a Christmas Spec – Tac – Yule - Ar Five by Design interpret the American Songbook Oklahoma, a rollicking performance of the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein hit Ballroom with a Twist, with top performers from Dancing With the Stars Fine Arts Season

Enjoy hilarious comedies, delightful concerts, thought-provoking dramas, and stunning dance performances at the McAlpin Fine Arts Center and Wynne Black Box Th eatre.

Starlight Series Multi-media star shows provide a unique learning experience in the Hallstrom Planetarium on weekends throughout the year.

For tickets, contact the IRSC Box Offi ce: 1-800-220-9915

businesses and organizations. Students have identifi ed grant opportunities for non-profi ts, gathered customer service information, developed rebranding campaigns and conducted market research for local fi rms.

Th e business and educational value of the program was recognized with the College’s 2010 Pioneer Award presented to the Business Administration and Management Department. Interested businesses and organizations should call 772-462-7659.

With guidance from Ray Carpenter, Assistant Professor of Business, students gather economic data to project job trends.

BIOTRAIN CHARGES AHEAD WITH LIFE SCIENCE EDUCATION

Y ou’ve heard of CSI – now, high school students and their science teachers are

DSI – dolphin science investigators. Students from the Clark Advanced Learning Center, based at the IRSC Chastain Campus in Stuart, were among the fi rst to investigate the cause of dolphin diseases with research scientists and IRSC faculty members.

A component of the Florida Biotechnology Regional Access Initiative (Biotrain) at IRSC, the DSI program is funded by a prestigious National Science Foundation grant. Dr. Robin Willoughby, IRSC Professor of Biology, received

the IRSC 2010 Instructional Innovation Award for coordination of the project.

Institutional Advancement DepartmentINDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE3209 Virginia AvenueFort Pierce, FL 34981-5596

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDFT. PIERCE, FL

PERMIT NO. 281

1-866-792-4772 ■ www.irsc.eduFall 2010

New Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Apply NowClasses Begin

January 5

www.irsc.edu

IRSC CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY Celebrating 50 years of innovation, Indian River State College has conducted celebratory events throughout the year showcasing the College’s exceptional programs and services. Th e highlight event was a recent Open House at the Main Campus. Over 8,000 community residents of all ages enjoyed interactive activities, tours, futuristic demonstrations, music and dance performances and athletic competitions.