A publication for alumni and friends of MJC, MCC and SCF
A NEW ERA OF EDUCATION & TRAINING
SCF’s $40 Million Parrish Campus Takes Shape
SCF Inaugurates
Tommy Gregory, J. D., as 7th President
Challenges SCF to “Go Higher and Faster”
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2024-2025
SCF Foundation
Board of Directors
Officers
President
Laura Cota
Vice President
Jane Esbeck
Treasurer
Jodi Allen ‘86
Secretary
Cassandra Holmes
Directors
Jerilynn Chapin
Debi Cohoon
Kathleen Cucci ‘88
Vernon DeSear
Atticus Frank
Mike Fuller
SCF Board of Trustees Liaison
Danielle Gladding ‘92
Tommy Gregory, J.D.
Lisa Krebs-Knepp
Lois Lucek
Cindy McCollum
Alix Morin
Christopher Romine ’82, Past President
Diane Weaver
Carol Whitmore ‘82
State College of Florida Foundation, Inc.
5840 26th St. W.
Bradenton, FL 34207
941-752-5390
SCF-Foundation.org
4 SCF Parrish Campus
A New Era of Education & Workforce Training
5 A Passion for Helping Others
The Riners Invest in the “Engine of our Region”
6 Hometown Heroes
Manatee Hundred Club and Locals “Insure” Success
8 Inspired Vision
SCF Inaugurates 7th President, Tommy Gregory, J.D.
9 SCF Foundation Board of Directors Updates
10 Chance Meeting Opens Opportunities
New Donor Provides Music & Mentorship
11 Alumni Spotlight
Brandon Wilson, A.S. Music Production Technology
12 SCF Foundation’s Signature Events Wrap-Up
14 Thank you to SCF Foundation Sponsors
NEW IS THE WORD OF THE YEAR
For many, graduation signals the end of the school year. At the State College of Florida and the SCF Foundation, graduation symbolizes NEW: a NEW school year and a NEW beginning. NEW students on campus, perhaps for the first time. NEW faculty and professors, teaching for their first time; NEW books and curriculum; NEW goals.
Take for example the NEW-ly installed seventh president of the State College of Florida, Tommy Gregory J.D. President Gregory brings new ideas and vision to campus that aim to go “Higher and Faster” than SCF has ever gone before. His vision for the future of SCF is inspiring to say the least, and you can learn more on page 8.
The State College of Florida Foundation gained two NEW members on the Board of Directors this year, Diane Weaver and Danielle Gladding. Both ladies bring fresh, NEW perspectives to the great work of this board. Additionally, NEW officers were installed on the Board of Directors this year. The great work of our esteemed board is highlighted on page 9.
NEW to Parrish, the SCF Parrish Campus aims to break ground later this year in the hopes of opening in Fall 2027. Just flip the page (page 4) and imagine a campus that brings together North Manatee County’s NEW-est residents in one single place. Hepner Architects has imagined and is designing a state-of-the-art building to launch SCF’s Parrish Campus. Working alongside Hepner Architects to achieve the vision, is Tandem Construction, the company who just completed the NEW Parrish Community Park on Ft. Hamer Road in Parrish.
NEW is the theme for the State College of Florida and the SCF Foundation in this year. We even have a NEW format for this annual edition of Inspire Magazine. Scan any of the QR codes throughout the magazine to learn more about SCF Foundation and its varied events, scholarships and giving opportunities.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the SCF community. We are beyond excited for our future, and embrace the NEW-ness of it all.
Cassandra P. Holmes Vice President, Advancement
Executive Director, SCF Foundation
We would like to express our thanks and appreciation to the individuals, foundations and businesses whose support made these accomplishments possible in FY 2023-24:
$2 MILLION in Scholarships Awarded to deserving SCF Students
$1.1 MILLION Academic Program Enhancements
1,822 Degrees & Certificates Awarded
POINTS OF PRIDE
1,044 Associate in Arts Degrees Awarded
2
78 Nursing Graduates
63,000 Alumni Since 1957
41
8 Associate in Science Degrees Awarded
SCF PARRISH CAMPUS A NEW ERA OF EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE TRAINING
By Lori Stephens Tomlinson
Exciting developments are underway as State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) expands its commitment to accessible and affordable education with the new SCF Parrish campus. Strategically located at 11680 Erie Road, the 74-acre property was purchased in 2017 and is set to become a cornerstone of learning and workforce development in one of Florida’s fastestgrowing communities.
A Hub for Higher Education and Workforce Development
SCF Parrish will provide local students with an affordable, high-quality education close to home. As with the SCF campuses in Bradenton, Venice and Lakewood Ranch, the new Parrish campus will cater to both traditional and non-traditional students, offering coursework for workforce degrees, certificates, and associate in arts (A.A.) degrees. As the only open-access institution in the area, SCF plays a vital role in helping students enter the workforce, upskill their careers, or transition to four-year degree programs - all at half the cost of state universities.
Phase 1: Laying the Foundation
The first phase of SCF Parrish includes essential site development, parking and the construction of a 40,000-square-foot, mixed-use building. This facility will house workforce academic programs—including SCF’s esteemed nursing program—alongside collaborative spaces and faculty offices. The expansion of the nursing program is a top priority, and the building’s second floor will feature a cutting-edge nursing skills lab, science labs, classrooms and dedicated faculty areas to support handson learning in nursing and other degree programs.
Once completed in 2027, Phase 1 of the SCF Parrish campus will have the capacity to serve approximately 1,800 students. Initial course offerings will support A.A. and associate in science (A.S.) degrees, as well as workforce certificate programs designed to meet the region’s evolving job market needs. After the completion of Phases II-IV, SCF Parrish. will be able to accommodate over 7,000 students annually, solidifying its role as an educational hub in the community.
A Boost for Local High School Students
SCF Parrish will continue augment educational opportunities for local high school students. The campus sits directly across from Parrish Community High School, which has experienced rapid growth since opening in 2019. As the high school works toward completion of a 25,000-square-foot addition, SCF’s dual-enrollment program will provide an invaluable head start to its students. Through this initiative, students can earn high school and college credits simultaneously—at no cost— fast-tracking their path to a college degree.
The Capital Campaign
For SCF Parrish Phase I, total costs are budgeted at $40 million. Legislative appropriations for FY 2022-2023 and 2024-2025 provided $9 million and $18 million, respectively. The final $9 million has been requested for FY 2025-2026.
The SCF Foundation has committed to raising $4 million to support the project. To date, we have secured over $1.2 million in individual support and grants.
Everyone’s
College
“At SCF, we meed you where you are. We’re everyone’s college.” This SCF motto describes our commitment to providing an accessible, high-quality college experience to all who want it, from students entering college immediately following high school, to adult learners who are seeking to enhance their current careers or prepare for a new professional journey.
Part of meeting students where they are involves convenient campus locations. With the ongoing population boom in North Manatee County, SCF is committed to better serving this flourishing part of our service area with a state-of-the-art campus strategically designed to develop and grow with the needs of the community.
SCF Parrish represents a transformative investment in the future of education and workforce development in our region. By offering accessible, top-notch programs, the campus will empower students, strengthen the local workforce, and contribute to the community’s continued growth. Stay tuned as SCF Parrish takes shape and prepares to welcome its first students in Fall 2027.
“At SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re Everyone’s College.”
These are renderings of the SCF Parrish campus, as imagined by Hepner Architects, of Tampa, FL.
A PASSION FOR HELPING OTHERS
Britt & Noah Riner Invest in the “Engine of our Region”
By Gayle Guynup
Britt Riner is a native of Sarasota and graduated cum laude from Duke University. She received her master’s degree from Stanford University and today lives with her husband, Noah, and their five children, ranging from ages one to nine, in Sarasota.
She worked in the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, D.C., but says that she and Noah were thrilled to move back to Britt’s hometown 10 years ago.
“I was eager to give back to the community that served me so well as a child and to invest in other children alongside my own,” Britt said.
She is both a business and civic leader, focusing on health care and education. Britt serves on numerous boards, including a private equity-backed publishing company, State College of Florida Board of Trustees and FICCIT, the council that oversees Florida’s early intervention services for children with disabilities. She
formerly served on the board of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, and is a former president of the Junior League of Sarasota and board chair of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.
Britt’s involvement with State College of Florida began when she learned Tommy Gregory, J.D., was on tap to become the next College president and “there was a need or additional board leadership.”
“I have known Tommy for several years and admire his principled leadership and integrity,” Britt said, adding that “He is a top-tier leader and service is part of his family’s ethos.”
She describes State College of Florida as the “engine of our region.”
Britt says that she received scholarships when attending college, which alleviated a great financial burden for her family.
“The scholarships showed me that someone believed deeply in my abilities. I thought many times that I hoped someday I could provide similar educational opportunities for others. That someday is today,” she said.
One scholarship her family created is the “Freedom Isn’t Free Scholarship,” which is for veterans or an immediate family member of a veteran. As the wife of a Navy veteran and the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, this scholarship is near and dear to Britt’s heart. Her father returned from Vietnam in the 1970s and attended SCF (then Manatee Junior College), but did not graduate due to PTSD. Today, SCF has a program dedicated to help veterans complete their education. “Every time I walk on the campus, I think of my dad doing the same and all the burdens he had to overcome. By working for SCF, my dad’s legacy of service goes forward through me,” she said.
A second scholarship her family sponsors is the “Everyone Can Learn Scholarship.” Britt’s mother was a Sarasota County special education teacher for 34 years,
“I was eager to give back to the community that served me so well as a child and to invest in other children alongside my own.”
and, Britt says, “taught me that every child can learn. It’s just up to the parents and teachers to find out how. After giving birth to my beautiful child diagnosed with Down Syndrome last year, I am all the more motivated to ensure that the Sarasota-Manatee area has teachers who embrace my mother’s teaching philosophy.”
Her family’s third scholarship is the “El Premio de Enfermeria Centrada en el Paciente” (Patient-centered Nursing Scholarship). Recognizing that 22.5 percent of Floridians speak Spanish, a number that will certainly rise (1 in 3 will speak Spanish by 2050), there will undoubtedly be a need for nurses who speak Spanish while conducting their medical work in English. SCF is currently accepting student applications for their Dual Language ASN program that will launch this fall. This program empowers SCF’s nursing students to comprehensively understand medical concepts in both languages.
“I have had a passion for bridging the language divide in health care ever since I was in college, majoring in history and studying health care policy at Duke. I also majored in Spanish because I wanted to be able to communicate effectively with this growing portion of American society, and I am thrilled to see this kind of thinking applied magnificently at SCF. Both Noah and I believe this program will serve as a model program for colleges around the state and country,” Britt said.
ALUMNI DONOR IS A HOMETOWN HERO
Dennis Cooley “Insures” Local Success
By Gayle Guynup
Dennis Cooley was born and raised in Bradenton. After graduating from Southeast High School, Dennis attended State College of Florida when it was known as Manatee Community College (MCC). He attended on a golf scholarship for one year before going away to the University of South Carolina in Myrtle Beach. After graduating with a degree in business administration, he returned home.
“This is my home. I enjoy it, I love it, and it has been so great to watch our little community grow up over the years. While some people have heartburn over some of the development, I am more like a proud parent,” he said.
“I had always intended to come home after college. My dad, with a couple of partners, had started a business called Staff Leasing, which is a PEO, a Professional Employer Organization. Oddly enough, Bradenton is sort of the epicenter, or the Silicon Valley of that particular industry, and it all really began in my dad’s garage.”
Though he had considered a career in golf, Dennis says, “I was good, but I wasn’t great.” So, he returned to Bradenton to join the family business.
After his father sold his company, Dennis and his brother started a company called Pro Staff Human Resources, which they ended up selling a year later. Dennis stayed in the business, ultimately landing at Workforce Business Services, which is a PEO specializing in the construction trades. He was chief operating officer there, leaving in 2013.
A PEO is a full-service human resources company, which includes payroll, worker’s compensation, tax
administration, health benefits and more.
A small business owner can put all of those services under one umbrella and save money at the same time. It’s a win-win for the business and the PEO.
In 2013, Dennis started his own company, Bridgely Key Options, an insurance agency that specializes in placement of folks looking for PEO services. He also has a second company called Secure HR, a payroll-only company.
“Today I am carrying on the family legacy, and enjoying every moment of it – in my hometown,” Dennis said.
Dennis joined a local civic club, the Manatee Hundred Club, which supports local law enforcement in a variety of ways. When they decided to offer scholarships, Dennis led the scholarship committee and reached out to former Florida House member, Tommy Gregory, J.D., who is now SCF’s president. His good friend Paul Kotlarczyk was on the scholarship committee with him, and as they learned
“This is my home. I enjoy it, I love it, and it has been so great to watch our little community grow up over the years.”
more about its endowment program and the dollarfor-dollar value that SCF has for all of its educational programs, it made perfect sense for the Manatee Hundred Club to make the investment. Scholarships are available to local law enforcement members and their families, enabling them to get a quality education at an affordable price.
“This was definitely the best place for us to start our scholarship program,” Dennis said. “These folks put their lives on the line every day. By supporting them and their families in their educational goals, we are supporting the entire law enforcement community, including their husbands, wives and children.”
“State College of Florida has grown just like our community has grown,” Dennis said. “Back when I was there, MCC was a nice place to start your education, and then you went elsewhere to finish. Now SCF has become a place where you can get a full bachelor’s degree. I could not be more proud of how SCF has grown and is doing great things for our community. The more folks who go to school here, and stay here, the better off the Sarasota-Bradenton area will be.
This was a great opportunity for us to givebackto the community we love.”
Manatee Hundred Club Members, including Manatee County Sheriff, Rick Wells and City of Bradenton Mayor, Gene Brown.
Below: President Gregory is pre-
the
SCF PRESIDENT TOMMY GREGORY AIMS TO
“GO HIGHER & FASTER”
Inspired Vision: Graduate More Students, More Quickly, while Honoring Excellence and Serving Proudly
By Jamie M. Smith
“I’m inspired.”
“I’m going to be a relentless advocate. This college exists because leaders in this state set the bar high. When people get an education, it brings them up; it helps them achieve excellence. Together, serving proudly, let’s go higher and faster.”
These are the words of State College of Florida’s seventh and newly-installed President, Tommy Gregory, J.D., during a historic inauguration event in February. President Gregory established a
(left photo): SCF President Tommy Gregory accepts the keys to the college from Maverick the Manatee. Photo credit to Lori Sax of The Observer.
sented with
symbols of the office by Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, President Emerita of SCF.
new mantra for the College, “honoring excellence” and “serving proudly,” both of which will be an integral theme is his academic administration.
A former Florida House of representative and USAF Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Gregory believes in a “PRIDE” model whereby everyone should take “personal responsibility in daily effort.” That means providing the best academic advice and needed services, embracing student-centered approaches in degree planning, offering flexible course schedules, and continuing to build SCF’s already strong relationship with university leaders.
More than 63,000 community members have graduated from the state college and more than 25,000 alumni remain local. SCF offers associate and bachelor’s degrees as well as certificates.Approximately 75% of SCF’s associate degree graduates continue to earn their bachelor’s degrees and 25% enter the workforce immediately.
Tuition at SCF has not been raised in 14 years, SCF has grown to three campuses with a fourth campus in Parrish currently pending the final installment of legislative funds to be built. Phase I of the Parrish campus will feature a 43,000-square-foot building with admissions services, multi-use offices, classrooms, and labs. Students can dually enroll or take general education and STEM courses while completing signature SCF programs, such as nursing, which is rated among the top three in the state.
In addition to its reputation for affordability — the college has not raised tuition in 14 years — SCF stands as the region’s only open-access institution, helping to eliminate barriers to higher education for community members. The SCF Foundation awards more than $2 million in scholarships each year to deserving students while raising funds for initiatives, including SCF Parrish.
During his inauguration speech, President Gregory said, “The work of SCF and the key to achieving excellence is serving
proudly,” and citing Army Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall, who later became Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense, “there is no limit to the good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.”
“SCF employees embody this principle every day. They are recognized experts and authors, conduct peer-reviews, serve and lead local organizations, and help each other and our students in countless ways. And because they are serving proudly, our students are graduating and pursuing careers in business, education, technology, health sciences and more,” said Gregory.
As President Gregory emphasized, during his time at the podium, the impact of SCF extends beyond academic achievement. By graduating more students, SCF enriches not just individuals, but also families and the broader community. In addition to economic impact in the millions of dollars, SCF serves as a safe and collaborative space, arts and culture venue, local employer, and educational hub for the entire community. It’s been their tradition and legacy. As they like to say, “At SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re Everyone’s College.”
President Gregory invited the community to join with SCF in this exciting journey by challenging themselves and each other to help the College graduate more students faster and with the excellence that has defined SCF for nearly seven decades. “Together, we can continue to strengthen the tradition of service, pride, and academic success.”
President Gregory is a native Floridian who served in the Air Force for 20 years and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 2014. He is a senior executive with 30 years of experience leading teams, directing operations and counseling fellow executives on legal matters. He is dedicated to public service and advocating for his community. He served in the Florida House of Representatives for three terms, lived and volunteered with his family in the Dominican Republic for a year and has served on numerous local community boards. President Gregory earned a bachelor’s degree in economics with distinction from the Air Force Academy and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree with honors from the University of Texas School of Law.
He and his wife, Erica, also a retired Lieutenant Colonel, met as cadets at the Air Force Academy. Both served 20 years on active duty and deployed several times around the world. They have been married for 29 years and have three sons. Two of their sons graduated from SCF and Florida State University, and their youngest was recently selected to attend the Air Force Academy. President Gregory is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys traveling.
Using iconic family photos, local chalk artists created signature pieces for Avenues to the Future: The Inauguration Dinner attendees to enjoy.
STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA FOUNDATION WELCOMES TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS
New Slate of Officers Installed
The State College of Florida Foundation has added two new members from Sarasota, Diane Weaver and Danielle Gladding, to its 2024-25 Board of Directors. The SCF Foundation raises money to support student scholarships, capital improvements and academic enhancements for the SCF, as well as other key initiatives.
As president of the Interwoven Claim Management Group, Diane Weaver leverages 30+ years of experience in property and casualty insurance for her clients. Weaver has several industry designations that showcase her expertise in the insurance industry, including Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU); Associate in Claims (AIC); and Senior Claim Law Associate (SCLA). In her spare time, Diane leads an active lifestyle with her family, participating in cycling, rowing, swimming, Pilates/ yoga. She also actively volunteers with Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, along with mentoring/coaching local youth cross country and track programs.
Danielle Gladding ‘92 joins the SCF Foundation Board of Directors with a 40-year career in real estate, beginning in 1987 with the founding of Trop Properties. She is now a broker associate with Coldwell Banker Realty. A 1992 graduate of Manatee Community College (now known as State College of Florida), Danielle has been engaged with several local nonprofit organizations both in fundraising and volunteering, including Girl Scouts of the USA, Easter Seals of Southwest Florida, The Florida House in Washington, D.C., Mote Marine, the Debutante Program of Sarasota and Manatee which benefits the Sarasota Orchestra, and she currently serves on the board of Save Our Seabirds.
The State College of Florida Foundation’s mission is to connect donors’ passions and regional partners with State College of Florida’s outstanding students, faculty, programs and community, and to steward Foundation assets consistent with donors’ intent. “Our board members are business leaders in the community, and they lend a helping hand,” said Cassandra Holmes, vice president of advancement and executive director of the SCF Foundation. “The Board of Directors’ assistance goes way beyond fundraising. They engage with our students, advocate for the Foundation and so much more,” said Holmes.
At its annual meeting in September, the SCF Foundation also installed a new slate of officers, which included Laura Cota, president, owner of The Cota Group Insurance in Bradenton, and Jane Esbeck, vice president, co-owner of Andrick & Associates in Sarasota. Rounding out the slate of officers for the SCF Foundation are Jodi Allen, treasurer, of Sunwest Bank, and Cassandra P. Holmes as Secretary of the Board. Ms. Holmes currently serves as the Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director for State College of Florida Foundation. Christopher Romine, of Northern Trust, assumed the role of Past President, having served as President of the Board of Directors for two years.
LEARN MORE
Atticus Frank assisted students at a #gethired event.
Vice President Jane Esbeck provided the Invocation at the Annual Scholarship Luncheon.
Fundraising is a main focus of the SCFF Board.
SCF Foundation Board of Directors 2024-2025.
A CHANCE MEETING OPENS OPPORTUNITIES
New Donor Provides Music & Mentorship
By Gayle Guynup
It was a chance meeting aboard a cruise ship that led Jerry Hayward to become a mentor and donor at State College of Florida Foundation.
Long before that chance meeting, however, Jerry was raised in Ridgewood, Queens, New York. His middle-class family included one sister, and both children attended local schools. When it came time to go to college, Jerry attended Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, a school which no longer exists (in 2008 it was absorbed by NYU to become its new engineering school). He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering.
He then went to work for AT&T Bell, in what would be a 33-year career. In his first year, the company sent him to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering.
He lived in New Jersey for most of his career before moving to Florida. When his mother passed away in 1999, he was freed from an obligation he felt to be near her in New Jersey. Jerry and his wife Irene (who passed away in 2019) rented in Florida for a number of years, starting in 2000. The amount of time they were spending in Florida increased every year, from one week to a month, to almost half a year. In 2015, they sold their home in Monmouth County, New Jersey, bought a smaller place there and purchased a home in Sarasota. They moved here permanently in 2017.
Jerry was on a cruise last year when he met another Sarasota resident, Carol Beeler. Carol had been sponsoring students at State College of Florida for around 10 years.
“I believe she sponsors two students a year, so her student ‘family’ has been growing,” Jerry said.
“I knew what it was like to live at home and go to school, and SCF is a community-based school, so it felt like a good fit for me.”
“Carol and I were on that cruise and met in Greenland where we boarded the ship,” Jerry said. “It was through conversations with her that I first learned about State College of Florida and her sponsoring and mentoring students at SCF. It really resonated with me, as I had developed a desire I had to give back to students in financial need,” he said. “When we got back, she introduced me to the folks at SCF, including Dr. Robyn Bell, and here we are today,” he said.
“I knew what it was like to live at home and go to school, and SCF is a community-based school, so it felt like a good fit for me,” he said. This year he is sponsoring his first student as part of the Music Excellence Sponsorship Fund.
The student he is sponsoring, Albert Molina, wants to be an aeronautical engineer, but loves to play the cello.
“To me that was fascinating – that he has definite career plans as an engineer, but also a love of music and playing the cello. His talent for music is something I could not
share, but could appreciate. I listen to the radio and CDs, but Albert has a tremendous talent that I hope he will pursue.”
In addition to the sponsorship, Jerry mentors him as well, helping Albert with his choice of classes at SCF and his life choices, including his education after SCF. He is considering Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Orlando.
“I am helping to make sure he asks the right questions and stays on the right course. So far, he is staying true to his mantra, which is that he loves playing the cello, but he wants to be an aeronautical engineer. He knows what he wants,” Jerry said.
“This was an opportunity to give back, to help a student who has talent and drive and wants to achieve,” Jerry says. “And, yes, I intend to sign up to sponsor and mentor another student in the fall.”
Jerry Hayward & Albert Molina met for the first time at the Annual Scholarship Luncheon.
BRANDON WILSON ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
City/Town of residence: Parrish
Degree Earned: A.S. Music Production Technology, May 2025
Current Career/Title: Commercial Producer
Scholarships Received from SCF & SCF Foundation:
• Kim Harwood Miller Memorial Jazz Scholarship
• Evelyn Timm Koenig Scholarship
• SCF Music Excellence Sponsorship Program
Q: How did you learn about State College of Florida and its music technology program?
A: My parents found out about the donor for the program and told me. After that I did a lot of research and decided to take a chance.
Q: Who was your favorite instructor and why?
A: Jesse Clark—to this day he’s been giving me books on mixing and mastering. He’s a phenomenal audio engineer whose experience is comparable with some of the highest paid producers in the game. He’s taught me so much.
Q: What was your favorite class while earning your degree and why?
A: There is a class dedicated to learning the industry standard software, ProTools. That class was so much fun because our professor taught us how to teach ourselves to learn that software. Instead of quizzes, he structured the class into a bunch of different projects where we had to use certain skills on the software to be able to finish it. And he gave us creative freedom on our project which was a bonus.
Q: Can you share your educational journey? How did you enroll at SCF?
A: Right after high school, I went directly to Florida International University, majoring in their Music Tech program. I spent two years there running my very first business as a producer in Miami, I turned my dorm room into a music studio, and rented it out for $35 per hour, with a two-hour minimum. My success on that business brought in a variety of opportunities on and off campus to collaborate, produce, perform and ghost write. The same success also took away from my studies at FIU, resulting in a move back home in the spring of 2023. I spent that summer getting back on my feet. While preparing a new plan for myself, I was debating if I should even continue with music or with business marketing or even sales. That’s when my parents told me about the donor to the SCF Music Production program. So I visited, checked out the curriculum and enrolled. And the rest is history.
Q: How were you able to land your job at Latin X Radio SRQ?
A: During the start of this spring semester (2025), I met up with an old friend in the same program at SCF. He was telling me that he works at that station and wanted to bring me in to showcase my music as “Wilson B.” Two weeks later, I was experiencing job challenges as a restaurant server. After many interviews, loss of hours and wages, I put in my two week’s notice. During that time, I ran into my friend, who was waiting for a ride share to take him to Latin X for a meeting. I offered him a ride, and during the drive, I was able to share my employment struggles with him. He suggested that I work with him in the field that I’m passionate about. Fast forward a few months and I’m now the Commercial Producer at Latin X Radio.
Q: What is it about Music Production Technology that you want others to know?
A: The program has a great structure! When it comes to learning and in-field experience, there are too many opportunities to count.
Q: Career-wise, where do you see yourself in ten years time (2035)?
A: I see myself running my very own record label; pushing to change the structure of the music/ entertainment industry for the better. I see myself in that position all while touring across the world performing, collaborating and experiencing what the world has to offer. *Editor’s note: Brandon is an accomplished singer and pianist, making his own music for “as long I can remember.”
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self (or others) about going off to college?
A: Take it seriously. Figure out what excites you and do it. This is the last step before you start your life. So take advantage of everything that your program has to offer. Build a life for the FUTURE you, not for everyone else right now.
The SCF Foundation had the unique opportunity to host an historic inauguration in tandem with its signature fundraising event, Avenues to the Future on February 7, 2025. Hundreds came out to see the inauguration of SCF’s seventh president, Tommy Gregory.
The SCF Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Luncheon was held in November 2024 at Michael’s On East. This signature fundraising event for the SCF Foundation raised more than $175,000 for scholarships to SCF students.
SCF President Tommy Gregory congratulates Scholarship Luncheon Annual Scholarship Luncheon speaker Brittany DeMars on a fantastic speech.
From left to right: Carol Whitmore, Dr. LaShawn Frost, (student), Jamie Smith, President Gregory, Dr. Tammy Sawmelle, Kristen Zaborski, (student).
Event sponsor Suncoast Credit Union’s table (from left to right): Cassandra Holmes, Gregory Buckshon, Zach Griffith, Keisy Andino, Simone Flores, Lee Broyles & Dom DiMaio.
Tommy Gregory, J.D., is sworn in as SCF’s 7th president.
From left to right: Katy Wilkens, Jim Bastin, Dr. Kim Bastin, Tammy Sawmelle, Steve Tiano, Karlie Condor, Tami Guz, Andy Guz, Rob Coseo.
From left to right: Brittany Lamont, Jamie Kahns, Dr. Brittany Nielsen, Maverick the Manatee, Veronica Thames, Eleni Sokos.
SCF President Tommy Gregory and his wife, Erica, pose for a photo with Dr. Bryce Pride and his family.
The SCF Foundation staged its 37th Annual Evening Under the Stars at the College’s Venice Campus in early April. This unique event featured the music of the Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Robyn Bell. The theme for the music: So Happy Together, and attendees were encouraged to dress the part – music of the 60s, 70s and beyond. The highlight of the evening was the fireworks show, coordinating with the music.
Presenting sponsor & legacy donor to the SCF Foundation, Ed Campbell, of the Ed & Betty Campbell Foundation, had the chance to connect with the event’s student speaker, Tanner Stephens.
Connect 4-Ways
Event Sponsors Redenta & Steve Picazio brought a great group of friends to enjoy this year’s event.
Legacy donors, John (left) & Charlene (right) Moeckel, along with Dr. Bill Jervey (center), also a legacy donor, dressed the part of So Happy Together!
BUSINESS, EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY, & HEALTH SCIENCES
BETH
Secure the Future with Your Will –Leave a Lasting Impact
What if your legacy could change lives long after you’re gone? With a planned or legacy gift, you can shape the future in a way that reflects your values and passions.
By including a charitable organization in your will, you’re not just leaving behind a gift—you’re creating a way to support the causes you care about for generations to come.
How It Works:
• Make a Difference: A bequest in your will can support educational programs, community initiatives, medical research, and more.
• Flexibility: Gifts can be tailored to your financial situation and can be designated to specific
• Peace of Mind: You’ll know that your legacy will continue to serve a meaningful purpose and positively impact the world.
Don’t wait to make a difference. Your will is a powerful tool. Start planning today and create a legacy that lives on. Contact us now to learn more about how easy it is to include us in your will. If There’s a Will, There’s a Way: Create Your Legacy Today.
If there’s a will, there’s a way. Together, we can create a future full of hope, growth and opportunity. P.O.
