DAYTONA STATE COLLEGE MAGAZINE
COMMENCEMENT
Vol. 5 • No. 1 • SPRING/SUMMER 2019
2019
Vol. 5 • No. 1 •SPRING/SUMMER 2019
CONTENTS
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Commencement 2019
Celebrating the College’s 59th commencement exercises.
Forough Hosseini Honored
Outgoing DSC District Board of Trustees Chair awarded Resolution of Appreciation.
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Students in Motion
Falcon Spotlight
Learning Scene
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Meet the Faculty
Arts and Culture
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Alumni Profiles
Foundation Update
Donor Spotlight
8 Thirty-two students were inducted into the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Community Partnerships DSC partners with Florida KidCare for a healthier community.
Highlighting three outstanding DSC Alumni.
Student-Athletes soared in Spring 2019.
George Stanley, Optician Technology Program.
DSC Foundation’s first-ever Food & Wine Festival fundraiser.
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Google’s ‘Educational Evangelist’ speaks at annual Academic Excellence Symposium.
Dr. Douglas Peterson retiring after 35 years at DSC.
Bob and Carol Allen, touching lives of students, families and the community.
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Dr. Thomas LoBasso Higher education operates on a continuously moving cycle, beginning with the start of a new academic year and ending with the most important event in the life of a college – commencement. The structured, formal ceremony, with all of its pomp and circumstance, and traditions spanning nearly 900 years, is at its heart an exciting, singular moment in time. In this issue of the award-winning Daytona State College Magazine, the excitement of commencement takes center stage. After listening to feedback about previous ceremonies, we wanted to make the event truly special for each graduate and their family and friends in attendance, so in an historic first, the college held three separate ceremonies in one day. Splitting the ceremonies placed the focus squarely on the graduates and the significance of their special day. As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, and the photos within this issue capture the pure joy and happiness of the day. As a milestone in our students’ lives, it’s natural to look back on one’s accomplishments and achievements, and to savor the success of what it really means to “earn a degree.” On the other hand, it is also a time to look to the future, the start of new beginnings and the infinite possibilities a degree opens up to our graduates. In 59 years of commencements, more than 100,000 students have earned their degrees and certificates from Daytona State, including this 3,700-strong Class of 2019. Our graduates are the healthcare workers and first responders that keep our communities safe and strong. They are the teachers, the chefs and technicians, the engineers and the entrepreneurs who drive the small businesses that make up 80 percent of our local economy.
DAYTONA STATE COLLEGE MAGAZINE PRESIDENT Dr. Thomas LoBasso DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Forough B. Hosseini, Chair Stanley Escudero, Vice-Chair Bob Davis Sarah Dougherty Lloyd J. Freckleton Mary Ann Haas Betty J. Holness Garry Lubi Anne Patterson ___________________________________ DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE STAFF Editor, Senior Writer Harry Russo Art Director/Graphic Design Lisa Deignan AS ’92 Production Manager Alison Ryan Photography Aldrin Capulong AS ’08 Alan De Castro Michele Meyers Cover Photo: Aldrin Capulong
With this most recent graduation officially in the history books, our newest alumni are already moving forward towards the next set of opportunities that await them. For some, a degree means the start of a successful and rewarding career path. For others whom already have jobs in their fields of study, a bachelor’s degree may mean a promotion or other career advancement. One thing is certain, however, and that is the unlimited potential our graduates possess when equipped with a degree from Daytona State College. Daytona State bids a fond farewell to our colleague Harry Russo. Harry has retired as Communications Manager for the Marketing & Communications Department after 30 years of writing and editing for the College. He was the principal writer for our magazine, this being his last issue. Harry is looking forward to fishing, traveling and spending time with his family. Best wishes Harry, you will be missed!
Thank You
for Making our Food & Wine Festival a Huge Success!
PLATINUM SPONSORS Brown & Brown Insurance Mori and Forough Hosseini - ICI Homes
_________________________________________________ GOLD SPONSORS Dr. Pamela Carbiener - Halifax OB/GYN Associates D2MFP Michael J. Duranceau CPA, LLC Dan Francati Dr. Beverly McMurtry Grissom David and Mary Ann Haas Jon Hall Chevrolet John and Lynda Hodgson Rufus Johnson Lowell and Nancy Lohman Lohman Offices Frank Molnar David and Mardi Sacks - Food Supply, Inc. Denis and Edith Shelley - Legacy Law Associates Greg Snell - Snell Legal PLLC Greg and Vonda Sullivan - Sullivan Marketing The Thigpen Family Ron and Debbie Thomas Mike and Sue Walsh - Ashford Investment Advisors _________________________________________________ RESTAURANT PARTNERS Azure Oceanfront American Kitchen The Chart House Cocina 214 DSC’s Mori Hosseini College of Hospitality and Culinary Management Grind Gastropub and Kona Tiki Bar The Hard Rock Hotel, Daytona Beach Houligan’s Metz Culinary Management Spectra Food Services at the Ocean Center Stonewood Grill & Tavern
DaytonaState.edu
Benefiting the Daytona State College Homeless Initiative.
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Denis Shelley, Chair Debora Thomas, Vice Chair Bill Lenssen, Secretary Michael J. Duranceau, Treasurer
Denis Shelley DSC Foundation Board Chair
It is my honor to step up to the position of Chair of the Daytona State College Foundation Board of Directors. Creating support for the students through scholarships and the programs offered by DSC is a privilege for all of us who serve on the Board. We recognize the importance of making these funds available to deserving, hard-working students, who might otherwise not be able to pursue an education that adds such great value to their lives. Since 1974, when the Foundation was created, our community has generously contributed to building our Foundation to what it is today, greatly increasing the support available to our students. Approximately one-third of the Foundation’s funding comes through generous gifts from wills and trusts. Another third comes from community groups and businesses, and the balance directly from individuals. This generosity stems from a recognition of the important role the College has in strengthening our communities for the long-term. They understand DSC offers quality, affordable education to our children, equipping them for further education or the workforce needed by our expanding local businesses. I also want to take this opportunity to recognize and thank Bobby Thigpen, who served as the Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors for a total of four years. Under his leadership, the Foundation met a remarkable achievement, awarding over $1 million in scholarships and program funding in 2018. Join him in helping us far exceed this milestone.
Jeff Abbott Dan Francati Zina Grau Beverly Grissom Mary Ann Haas Mary Hall-Boyd John Hodgson Rufus Johnson Frank Molnar David Sacks Louis Seno Gregory Snell Greg Sullivan Bobby Thigpen Maggie Thompson EMERITUS BOARD Sally Gillespie Cherie Keemar Dirinda Maddy EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. Tom LoBasso, President Isalene Montgomery, Senior Vice President/Chief Business Officer
Support the Foundation Donate.DaytonaState.edu (386) 506-3110
Daytona State College 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 (386) 506-3000 • DaytonaState.edu
STUDENTS IN MOTION
FALCONS TAKE FLIGHT!
Photos by Aldrin Capulong
FALCON FUN BEFORE COMMENCEMENT 2019! Less than a week prior to the annual Commencement exercises, Daytona State College’s Alumni & Friends Association hosted the 2nd annual Falcons Take Flight event for the graduating class. The two-hour celebration took place Wednesday, May 8, on DSC’s Daytona Beach Campus, in The Landing and ECHO Plaza.
“We were thrilled to partner again with the DSC Bookstore where graduates picked up their caps and gowns at a 10 percent discount,” states Suzette Cameron, Director of Alumni Relations and Development. “In addition, the bookstore sponsored a free cap decorating activity that proved to be highly popular.”
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Other activities included: networking while enjoying food and beverages, making memories with friends in the Commencement photo booth, posing for graduation cap and gown photos, plus the Falcons Take Flight event culminated with a group photo which attracted more than 100 soon-to-be graduates.
STUDENTS IN MOTION
Photos by Aldrin Capulong
DSC’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Adds New Inductees Daytona State College’s Mu Rho chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) added 32 new inductees this spring, topping off another outstanding year of service to the college and community as a five-star PTK chapter. The organization requires far more of its members than dedication to academic excellence. Its far-reaching purpose is to develop students’ leadership skills through service to the campus and the community. Earning the five-star designation is the most exclusive status a chapter can achieve. “Earning the prestigious five-star designation reflects on the character and quality of our PTK students, as well as their individual commitment to excellence, leadership and service,” said DSC President Tom LoBasso. “It also acknowledges the efforts of our faculty and club advisors who dedicate themselves to fostering academic excellence and integrity in our students inside and outside the classroom.” Among the highlights of the group’s activities this year was the completion of
their Honors in Action initiative, which focused on creating awareness of hunger and homelessness among students. PTK’s vice president of scholarships, Carie Lopez, was a finalist for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship. In addition, President Lainey Huffman and dual enrolled student Tamia Thomas were named to the All-Florida Academic Team, and member Jessica Pandy was awarded PTK’s Golden Opportunity Scholarship.
This year’s inductees were: • Steven Callis • Alison Crenshaw • Alondra Cruz • Sarah Cullen • Jennifer Davis • Lydia Deloge
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• Devin Derr • Taylor Erdman • Joseph Hecht • Caleb Ingraham • Carie Lopez • Michael Martin • Carla Martinez • Breanna Nax • Stephen Miksits • Alexander Moker • Jack Nagy • Que Perez • Anita Perkins • Savannah Peyton • Joshua Rademaker • Christian Downs • Victoria Roman-Secor • Ivy Sage • Tamia Thomas • Alicia Tomberlin • Kale Webber • Kettia Webber • Isaac Wellborn • Monica Wheeler • Adrianna Zalewski • Jessica Pandy
Pictured are a few of our many outstanding student-athletes honored at the 2019 Daytona State Athletic Banquet held Tuesday, April 30 in the Lemerand Aquatic & Fitness Center. Congrats on a great year to all our student-athletes!
FALCON SPOTLIGHT
2019 ATHLETIC BANQUET
Photos by Aldrin Capulong
SPRING SPORTS FALCON SPOTLIGHT
! s n o c l a Go F
Baseball 17-25 overall record; 6-17 conference record; 3.81 team cumulative GPA for the school year; Joey Hecht was named the Bill Tuten scholar athlete of the year award winner in men’s baseball; the baseball team earned the male academic team of the year award in the FCSAA.
Men’s Basketball 25-7 overall record; 9-3 conference record; Mid-Florida Conference tournament champions; FCSAA State Tournament participant; 3.05 team cumulative GPA for the school year; Doudou Gueye was named the state Hal Chasey scholar athlete of the year in men’s basketball; Khadim Sy was named the Mid-Florida Conference player of the year.
Softball 23-22 overall record; 7-17 conference record; 3.36 team cumulative GPA for the school year.
Women’s Basketball 21-10 overall record; 7-2 conference record; Mid-Florida Conference tournament champions; FCSAA State Tournament participant; 2.84 team cumulative GPA for the school year.
In addition, our women’s cross country team was selected as the female academic team of the year in the FCSAA at the recent spring Council for Athletic Affairs meeting in Tampa (the same meeting that the baseball team earned their academic award). The women’s cross country team earned a 3.60 team cumulative GPA for the school year.
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Lady Falcons
Photo by Aldrin Capulong
The Lady Falcons hosted the NJCAA Division I Women’s National Golf Championship May 13-16, at LPGA International. DSC has hosted the national tournament at LPGA a total of 13 times; unfortunately, the Lady Falcons fell a few shots short of securing their 11th national title in 17 years. The Lady Falcons finished second place to rivals Seminole State College of Florida. Sophomore Holli Muse of Liverpool, England, tied for fourth; sophomore Alison Crenshaw of Suwanee, GA, placed sixth; freshman Jessica Bailey of England, placed eighth; freshman Casey Sommer of Davie, FL, tied for 11th and sophomore Sadie Chlapowski of St. Petersburg, FL placed 13th. The Lady Falcons will host the NJCAA Division I Women’s National Golf Championship May 10-13, 2021.
DSC Inaugural Women’s Alumni Soccer Game The DSC Women’s Soccer Program has seen a number of “firsts” since the program began in fall 2016, including its newest one – the inaugural Women’s Alumni Soccer Game. Held on May 4, former teammates returned to DSC to play in the new soccer stadium at the Daytona Beach Campus. Because the program is still young, this was the first year the coaches thought they had enough alumni to be able to play (about 30 former players). “We immediately had a flood of interest from everybody, and it was just a matter of finding a date that worked with the majority of people,” said Maggie Manville, Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach. When game day arrived, 13 alumni took part in the event with 11 able to play. They came from Miami, Tampa, and even Colorado. Dr. Tom LoBasso, who was instrumental in the creation of DSC’s soccer program and building of the stadium, was in attendance, and after the game the coaches gave them their old uniforms as a keepsake. All in all, it was a wonderful way for alumni to stay connected with each other and the College, and they plan to do it again every spring.
Photos by DSC Staff
DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019 | 11
LEARNING SCENE
Photos by Aldrin Capulong
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Google’s ‘Educational Evangelist’: Time to Re-Imagine Teaching and Learning While today’s college students value education, most view it from a different perspective than, for instance, their parents and many of their teachers. It’s time to re-imagine our nation’s traditional education models, according to a leading authority on using technology to support inquiry-based learning.
“This next generation of kids thinks about the world in a different way. They think about learning in a different way than we think about learning. They want experiences and outcomes from the very beginning. We live in a different world now because learning is at our fingertips. So, how can we take advantage of that?”
Jamie Casap, “chief educational evangelist” at Google, was the keynote speaker during Daytona State College’s 11th annual Academic Excellence Symposium held this spring.
Casap suggested today’s new economy, what he called the “digitization economy,” requires that educators prepare students for future jobs that do not even exist yet, so teaching strategies must change.
The free, public symposium attended by more than 200 education professionals from throughout the region, featured a day of conversations regarding innovative practices they can use to support pathways to student success. The symposium explored creating bridges to student success further with breakout sessions on topics ranging from mental health to free speech, student engagement and more hosted by faculty and staff from Daytona State, Stetson University and Valencia College.
“This generation doesn’t know what the world was like before 9/11,” he said. “They read about it in their history books. Their understanding of the world is post 9/11. They are facing a different world than we did. Automation and artificial intelligence is coming, robotics, and the technology is advancing at an increasing pace, so we have to understand what the kind of skills we should be teaching are.”
“We are talking about a generation of people who don’t know what the world was like before the Internet,” said Casap, describing today’s typical college student.
Among the key areas educators should focus on are critical thinking, problem solving, the ability to learn, creativity, collaboration and computer literacy, he noted, all skill sets that will allow tomorrow’s workers to adapt to rapid changes in technologies and economies.
“When we ask a kid what he or she wants to be when they grow up, that is a question we ask because we live in the old world,” he explained. “That question made sense when we were kids, but it’s not true anymore. Jobs are changing faster and faster, shifting into different roles. This generation of kids is not thinking what job they are going to be doing for the rest of their lives, primarily because over 65 percent of future jobs don’t even exist yet.” He proposes a new approach, which includes asking the student about a problem they would like to solve, exploring with them what skills and passion they have to have to solve that problem and, finally, what they must learn to be able to solve the problem. “Our education model is not broken,” he noted. “I think it has served most people well. What we need to do is not to fix education. It’s the same approach our forefathers took when they built an amazing education system for the future that they faced. Our job in education now is to do it again, and build an education model that we need for the future that we face, just as our forefathers in education did.”
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
In collaboration with the Florida College System, Daytona State College has partnered with Florida KidCare to promote opportunities for parents to access affordable, quality healthcare for their children from birth through age 18. All Florida children are eligible, even if one or both parents is working or in school. “This is a wonderful opportunity for eligible staff, students and the general public to secure quality healthcare coverage for their children,” said Magnolia Varon, a DSC nursing instructor and KidCare liaison. “We want as many people as possible to know that this is an affordable option, even if they don’t qualify for free health and dental services under this plan.”
Nearly 150,000 children in Florida currently live without health insurance, but may be eligible for low-cost or completely free health insurance through Florida KidCare. With four unique Florida KidCare programs - Medicaid for Children, MediKids, Florida Healthy Kids and the Children’s Medical Services Managed Care Plan - the simple and free application process can help parents identify the best fit for the family.
Many families pay as little as $15 or $20 a month. Families not eligible for subsidized coverage may purchase Florida KidCare at the full-pay monthly premium, which is competitively priced. A free online eligibility calculator is available for Florida families interested in applying. This tool utilizes two key pieces of information - family size and annual household income - to estimate a family’s monthly premium payment for Florida KidCare coverage.
KidCare coverage options include doctor visits and check-ups; hospital stays and surgeries; immunizations and prescriptions; emergency room visits; and vision, hearing, dental, mental health services and more. Most families pay nothing for KidCare coverage.
Parents can apply year-round for Florida KidCare, which will match each applicant with the right option based on their children’s ages, household size and family income. Parents can apply online or call 1-888-540-KIDS (5437) to apply over the phone or have an application mailed directly to them.
Daytona State Partners with Florida KidCare to Promote Low-Cost Healthcare Services
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George Stanley - Building an Optician Technology Program for All to See Before joining DSC, he owned his own optical dispensaries in Jacksonville for 12 years, and also worked for Johnson & Johnson and Vistakon, one of the largest makers of contact lenses.
“There’s much more precision involved today. The new manufacturing processes have gone from two-dimensional, where we were cutting lenses on an X and Y axis, and now it’s three dimensional, thanks to computer numerical control, and I assume will soon become four dimensional. These advances remove a lot of the imperfections and distortions that were inherent in the lenses and the old designs.”
The College will launch the new AS degree in January 2020. Stanley currently is developing curriculum and overseeing construction of an optical dispensing lab on the fifth floor of the Allied Health building (320) on the Daytona Beach Campus. The construction and program development are funded by a $350,000 appropriation from the 2018 Florida Legislature.
Graduates of the program will be eligible to apply for state licensure by the Florida Board of Opticianry.
“I like challenges,” said Stanley. “One thing I learned in graduate school that I really appreciate is to accept change and take calculated risks. So when I saw this opportunity, I went for it, and I’m totally focused on getting this program up and running and making it successful.” Stanley earned his MBA and bachelor’s degrees from Jacksonville University. He also holds an Associate of Science in Opticianry from Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, and is licensed by the state of Florida as an optician dispensary technician.
Stanley said the lens manufacturing process has advanced dramatically over the years, noting that lens grinders at one time were almost half the size of a car, but have become miniaturized and more high tech.
MEET THE FACULTY
George Stanley said he joined the faculty of Daytona State College in January this year because he likes a challenge. So, when he was offered the opportunity to build a new Associate of Science in Optician Technology program from the ground up, he couldn’t refuse.
When DSC rolls the program out in January, it will feature a lens finishing and surfacing lab, and an examination clinic that will at times have volunteer optometrists serving the needy by writing lens prescriptions for students to fill.
Salaries of Florida opticians range from $39,200 to $57,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with demand projected to increase by over 21 percent through 2026. There are many advancement opportunities within the optical industry as well, ranging from management and manufacturing to wholesaling and retail. DSC’s is one of only a handful of Optician Technology programs in the state.
Photo by Aldrin Capulong
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES NEWS
Forough Hosseini Awarded Resolution of Appreciation At the May 16 board meeting, the trustees and President LoBasso presented Forough Hosseini with a resolution of appreciation for her 13 years of service. They took special note of her advocacy, integrity, and dedication to the students for whom she strove to make a difference in their lives.
eradicate homelessness and hunger among our students, which has been recognized as a model by the State Board of Education.” As many as 80 homeless students enroll at DSC each year, mirroring a national trend among colleges and universities.
Since her initial appointment to the board in 2006 by Gov. Jeb Bush, and her subsequent reappointments by governors Charlie Crist and Rick Scott, Mrs. Hosseini has worked to shape college policy during years of expansive growth. She has been a staunch ally, advocate, supporter and at times guardian of Daytona State, its mission and its students. She stepped down from the District Board of Trustees when her fourth term ended May 31.
For the past three years, Mrs. Hosseini has served as DSC board chair, wielding her and her husband’s political acumen in Tallahassee to secure critically needed operational and capital funding for the College. Among them are $32.6 million to build DSC’s new student center that is nearing completion on the Daytona Beach Campus, as well as $1.2 million to renovate the old student center, where the College’s Center for Women and Men will eventually relocate.
“Trustee Hosseini has been one of the most energetic, persuasive, influential and hardest working advocates of this institution for many years,” said DSC President Tom LoBasso. “She and her husband, Mori, have worked tirelessly to secure critical state funding for campus growth initiatives. She has helped to move the College closer to its academic performance goals, and her leadership and vision were the impetus that resulted in a comprehensive plan to
In addition to long-established programs such as Fresh Start, New Horizons and CCAMPIS, the center also includes a textbook lending library, a career-ready clothing closet for students preparing for job interviews, a food pantry, and other services designed to remove barriers to students completing their programs of study. When it moves to its new location, the center will bring several social service agencies under one roof to expand support
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for the College’s most vulnerable and at-risk students. Mrs. Hosseini also has advocated locally and statewide to secure funding for a new Deltona Campus building and for new programs like optician technology, database technology and an additive manufacturing concentration being incorporated into the College’s two-year engineering technology program, to name a few. Mrs. Hosseini’s family also supported DSC’s Southeast Museum of Photography, currently housed in the Mori Hosseini Center on the Daytona Beach Campus. The museum’s Babazadeh Gallery is titled after her maiden name. “Forough, I think I can speak on behalf of the entire college community and beyond in saying thank you for the genuine passion, dedication and support you have given Daytona State College through the years,” said President LoBasso. “The influence you have had on this institution is immeasurable in so many ways, and we know you will always be a true Falcon, an ally and advocate for our students.”
Daytona State College District Board of Trustees with DSC President Dr. Tom LoBasso. From left: Anne Patterson, Lloyd J. Freckleton, Sarah Dougherty, Dr. LoBasso, Forough Hosseini, Mary Ann Haas, Betty J. Holness, Garry Lubi and Stanley Escudero. Missing: Bob Davis.
Photos by Alan De Castro
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ARTS AND CULTURE
Curtains Close on 35 Years of Music Music Department Chair Dr. Douglas Peterson reflects on his time at DSC By Kyra Lieberman Dr. Douglas Peterson began his career at Daytona State College as interim band director in the 1984-85 academic term. In the 35 years since, he has become Chair of the Mike Curb College of Music, Entertainment and Art and impacted thousands of students and members of the community who have enjoyed his performances. Through the College’s many changes over the years, Peterson has remained the pinnacle of professionalism, leading by example and teaching his students and faculty about hard work and staying true to oneself. Born in Pennsylvania, Peterson and his family moved to Daytona Beach when he
was 12, where he later graduated from Mainland High School. He went away to college but returned every summer and played professionally in the Seaside Music Theater Orchestra and worked at the Bandshell on Daytona Beach. After earning his master’s from Indiana University, he returned to the area permanently and began substitute teaching. “I taught everything except music!” he laughed. There was an opening for band director in DSC’s music program January 1985, and the rest is history. After becoming a full-time professor with tenure, the College gave him a one-year sabbatical to complete his doctorate degree in 1993-94. In 2003, he became Chair of what was then the joint arts and humanities
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department, overseeing faculty and courses from instrumental music, production, theater, photography and fine arts, among humanities courses such as speech, political science and foreign languages. Over the decades he has helped design many new degree and certificate programs. In 2017, Peterson received the Presidential Sterling Award for Teaching Excellence to recognize his contributions to the College and the countless lives of students and fellow faculty he has impacted during his time here. The College, in return, has impacted him just as much, he said. On May 9, 2019, Peterson presided over the DSC Spring Concert for one final performance. The DSC Symphonic Band performed a lively set featuring
Photos by Michele Meyers
American folk music highlights, including “Shenandoah” and Sousa’s classic, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” He and the band practiced for nearly two months beforehand and he enjoys the performances because they are a finished product — there is no going back, only forward, and that is how he tries to live his life. However, he says his time at DSC has gone by more quickly than he ever anticipated. When he first started, he did not know how many long hours and years he would spend, but it was worth it. He had many opportunities and offers for other jobs over the years, but never took them because DSC was different. Peterson thrives on the College’s personality, the positive atmosphere and the “oneness” of the
comparatively small but ever-growing campus. Peterson retires this fall, completing his 35th year serving the College. He plans to travel and continue to play the clarinet. He began, as he says, as “just a clarinet player,” but after years of honing his craft and becoming a master, he turned his passion into his career. He hopes students and colleagues remember him and follow in his footsteps of setting a high standard in their professions, whether it be music or anything else in life. “It’s provided me a life, my friends, my colleagues, my education, allowed me to complete a doctoral degree.” He added, growing emotional. “This has been my life. I owe a great, great deal to this College.” DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019 | 19
CONVOCATION
CONVOCATION 2019 Daytona State College honored 162 students along with three employees during its annual outstanding student awards convocation held April 11. The awards convocation is the preceding event to the college’s commencement exercises that took place on Monday, May 13, at the Ocean Center. President Tom LoBasso opened the ceremony noting great expectations for hard-working students focused on their success. “I have no doubt that we will hear about many of today’s award winners making even greater accomplishments as they advance along their career pathways.” Students were recognized for their academic, community service and athletic achievements. Among the award winners, 19 were named to the Falcon Engagement Award program and 15 were inducted into the College’s Hall of Fame - the highest honor the faculty can bestow upon a student. Induction into the College’s Hall of Fame is based on the highest standards of excellence in scholarship, leadership and citizenship. The 2019 inductees are: Austin Dreher, Ashley Greindl, Zoey Gurvich, Alexander Kinney, Sandy Lake, Kyra Lieberman, Cloee-Anna Merritt, Stephen Miksits, Brian Norton, Photos by Aldrin Capulong
Jessica Pandy, John Parkhurst, Melissa Sam, Tessa Sweeney, Augusta Thomas and Carmella Walker. Selection to the Falcon Engagement Award program is based upon academic excellence as well as contributions to the College and the community. Students selected for 2019 are: Annie Baker, Rachel Brown, Sadie Chlapowski, Caley Crawford, Alison Crenshaw, Elizabeth Dilger, Austin Dreher, Kayla Garber, Cloee-Anna Merritt, Breanna Nax, Brian Norton, Jessica Pandy, John Parkhurst, Carmenlita Portugal, Maylin Rodriguez, Melissa Sam, Tessa Sweeney, Augusta Thomas and Carmella Walker. In addition, three employees were recognized. Since 1999, a faculty member has been selected to receive the Presidential Teaching Excellence Award. This year’s recipient is Dr. Linda Cupick, senior professor, School of Business Administration, and assistant chair, Paralegal Studies/Office Administration who has been with the College since 1990. Frank Mercer, director of the Center for Business & Industry, and Johnnie Cortes, campus safety officer, received Employee Excellence awards.
DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019 | 21
CONVOCATION
CONVOCATION BY THE NUMBERS
162 STUDENTS HONORED 19 NAMED TO FALCON ENGAGEMENT AWARD PROGRAM 15 INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME 3 DSC EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED
HONORING OUTSTANDING STUDENTS
FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Below: Dr. Tom LoBasso, Frank Mercer, Dr. Linda Cupick and Johnnie Cortes.
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COMMENCEMENT 2019
Nearly 3,700 students joined the ranks of Daytona State College alumni during the College’s 59th commencement exercises on Monday, May 13, at the Ocean Center. This year, commencement took place in three parts according to credentials earned. Start times began earlier as well to alleviate traffic around the Ocean Center and allow more time for graduates to celebrate their accomplishments with family and friends. DSC’s commencement exercises honored nearly 550 bachelor’s degree recipients. Among them were 295 graduates of Daytona State’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management degree, which the College began offering over a decade ago, and 125 graduates of the College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which DSC launched in 2014. The College offers 11 baccalaureate degrees in business, nursing, education, engineering and information technology. It has conferred more than 4,000 bachelor’s degrees since it transitioned in 2006 to a four-year-degree-granting state college. Many of Daytona State’s baccalaureate recipients are working parents or have responsibilities that prohibit them from commuting long distances to go to class. Many went back to school to improve their chances of promotion to higher positions. Some chose Daytona State to prepare for change in their careers. Others weighed the substantial cost savings gained by choosing a bachelor’s degree from DSC. The Class of 2019 also features more than 1,700 associate of arts graduates. Many will continue their studies in a DSC baccalaureate degree program or smoothly transition as juniors to the University of Central Florida through DSC’s Direct Connect to UCF partnership, or to other universities.
More than 650 students earned their associate of science or associate of applied science degree, while another 750-plus will have taken the first step on their educational and career pathway by earning a certificate credential.
COM
This year, more than 2,200 graduated with honors, including 556 with high honors, and 31 have been inducted into the international honor society Phi Theta Kappa, based on their leadership skills, scholarship and community service. An additional seven graduates were inducted this year into Sigma Beta Delta, the highest international recognition a business student can receive at a college or university. Seventy-three Associate Degree Nursing graduates this year were inducted into the Alpha Delta Nu national honor society, and 19 students were inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi international honor society for education graduates. Fifteen students were inducted into the Daytona State College Hall of Fame, the highest honor that faculty can bestow upon a student. The College also graduated 284 student veterans during commencement. And, 228 graduates earned their associate of arts degree, associate of science or program certificate days before they received their high school diploma through Daytona State’s popular dual enrollment program, which provides opportunity for high school students to earn college credits free of charge and get a head start on their college education. Nearly 440 grads earned their adult high school diploma or GED as part of the Class of 2019. Since its founding in 1957 as Florida’s first comprehensive community college, Daytona State has awarded over 100,000 degrees and certificates.
Photos by Aldrin Capulong and Alan De Castro
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MMENCEMENT
2019
DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019 | 25
9:30 A.M. CEREMONY
“My college experience at Daytona State was wonderful. They had a lot of resources to get me through it. The career center helped me get through everything.” - Kimberlin Davis
Daytona State College Class of 2019 Commencement Ceremony Adult Education, Certificate and Associate of Science Graduates
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2 P.M. CEREMONY
“I’m getting ready to transfer over to a 4-year university to continue my career in Computer Engineering. (Daytona State) gave me the necessary skills to pursue my career and it also taught me real world lessons. Really encouraging, a great experience.” - Madeline King
Daytona State College Class of 2019 Commencement Ceremony Associate of Arts Graduates
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6:30 P.M. CEREMONY
“I’ve used the business program to leap-frog everything I’ve done. Immediate application - if I learned it in the classroom I put it right into the job and it’s really paid off. ” - William Dent
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Daytona State College Class of 2019 Commencement Ceremony Baccalaureate Graduates
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DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019 | 31
ALUMNI PROFILES 32 | DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019
Meet DSC’s Campus Food Services New Head Chef, Jason Lutton Daytona State College’s culinary programs have seen tremendous expansion over the past two decades, growing from an American Culinary Federationsanctioned apprenticeship to one of Florida’s most comprehensive hospitality and culinary management programs. Jason Lutton was one of those early culinary apprenticeship students whose career has taken an illustrious pathway. As a certified executive chef for well over a decade, he has traveled throughout North America, working as an independent contractor for three Super Bowls, a World Series, horse races, professional golf tournaments and large conventions. For a time, he served as executive chef for a division of NASCAR and as personal chef to Bill France and Lisa France Kennedy. He was the private chef for The Eagles rock band, and prepared food for professional athletes, public figures, even the president of the United States. Now, at 43 years old, Jason’s career has come full circle as the general manager and executive chef for Daytona State’s new food services provider, Metz Culinary Management.
Running DSC’s food service operation is much more than simply knowing one’s way around a kitchen. “There are a lot of different variables that come into play,” he noted. “You have to understand numbers, you have to be a people person. Here, my biggest challenge is learning the school environment, what the students like to eat, their tendencies, their palate, all while keeping in mind the budgets they’re on.”
“I started working in kitchens when I was 17 years old, as a dishwasher, and I still wash dishes,” he said. “Never be too good to do what’s needed.” “During the Super Bowl, I was working with high-end, high-profile people and food,” he explained. “Here, I’m not working with sea bass. I’m working with Cajun mac and cheese, serving a few hundred students everyday rather than three meals a day for thousands of people attending a Microsoft convention.”
“We try to do as much as we can from scratch – create our own burgers, bread our own chicken. We want to provide quality products at an affordable price.” Metz also plans to add more vegetarian, vegan and glutenfree options to the menu. Jason said the key to success in his business is to network with colleagues, keep an open mind and always be willing to learn something new. “If you stick with it, you’re going to meet a lot of different people in this business. You may learn something from someone who has been in it for 20 years, but you also may learn something from someone who is new to the culinary industry – a different way to cook something, or maybe a better way to butcher a fish or prepare meat. Never stop learning.” But most of all, he added, one should remember that in the kitchen, no job is too small for the head chef. “I started working in kitchens when I was 17 years old, as a dishwasher, and I still wash dishes,” he said. “Never be too good to do what’s needed.”
“We want to do the freshest stuff we can and give the students the best product we can,” he said.
DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019 | 33
ALUMNI PROFILES
Jeep Beach Event Swims with DSC Alum’s Shark Mascots, Ruby and Willy When thousands of enthusiasts descended on the World’s Most Famous Beach in April for the Jeep Beach annual rally, they were greeted by a new duo of sharkfinned mascots created by recent Daytona State College associate of arts degree graduate Samantha Bodnar. The Executive Board of Directors of Jeep Beach, Inc., the non-profit organization that hosts the annual fundraising event that supports charities throughout Central Florida, chose Bodnar’s mascots among several that were submitted by students. Through the DSC Foundation, the board awarded Bodnar a $2,000 scholarship, which will come in handy as she begins work on her bachelor’s degree in accounting at Florida Atlantic University. “We already had our brand logo, but no mascots,” said Jeep Beach executive board member Charlene Greer. “So we decided to reach out to Daytona State, figuring the students will come up with some creative ideas.
“We gave them a blank slate and asked them to create something that was approachable and family friendly. We asked them to think about the beach, think about the atmosphere of the event, something tough, something fun. Never in a million years would any of our board members have come up with sharks. Samantha’s creation fits beautifully with our event location and demographic.”
Photo by
The mascots have been named Ruby and Willy after two of the automaker’s iconic models. Jeep enthusiasts converge on Daytona Beach each year in April to check out the newest Jeep products from over 200 vendors and to participate in various activities throughout the week-long event. Over the past 16 years, the event has steadily grown in size and scope. Since 2012, Jeep Beach has donated over $1.5 million to local charities. Past recipients include, Boys & Girls Club of Volusia & Flagler County, Childhood Cancer Foundation, NASCAR Foundation, Mission 22 and more than 100 other local charities.
Photo by Alan De Castro
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DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019 | 35
ALUMNI PROFILES 36 | DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019
BAS alum Jamie Thrappas Ditches Corporate Life, Goes Fishing If a bad day fishing is still better than a good day working, then Capt. Jamie Thrappas is living a dream. See, fishing, well, it’s his job, and Jamie’s pretty good at it. Making things even better, he gets to bring Bay, his faithful yellow Labrador Retriever to work with him every day, too. “In a few years, I’ll be calling him Old Bay,” joked the 2009 graduate of Daytona State College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management program. These days, Jamie’s office is typically an isolated, winding, oyster-lined creek south of the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange, or the rocky jetties of Ponce Inlet, where his Yellow Dawg Fishing Charters (named in honor of his loyal pooch) has been spreading the joy of angling full-time for over five years. The son of a commercial fisherman, Jamie grew up on the waters of Chesapeake Bay just outside of Baltimore, sparking a passion for fishing at an early age. He learned his piscatorial technique by spending summers working on a commercial boat with his father and chartering boats with his brother and cousins.
When he moved to Florida at age 18 to attend Daytona State, the warm weather and large variety of species kicked his passion for fishing into high gear. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he took a job with Piedmont Plastics, working there for eight years and becoming territory manager for Central Florida. He also earned his captain’s license and started doing fishing charters on the side with Bay and his 22-ft. fully outfitted Aquasport boat.
In addition to his Yellow Dawg Fishing Charters, Jamie also manages Florida sales for Native Eye-wear. “I’m a firm believer in not having all your eggs in one basket,” he noted. “I always try to have two sources of income so I can be prepared when the economy changes or for unexpected challenges.” He added he hopes to one day own his own fishing shop that supports his charter business as well.
“But then it got to the point where if I was going to advance with the company, I would have to move, and I didn’t want to do that,” he said, “so I decided to take the leap and take Yellow Dawg Fishing Charters full-time. My experience at DSC gave me the confidence to be able to do it.”
He also wants to give back to his community by sharing the joy of angling with area youngsters. “I’m thinking about putting together a program called Fish School, a two-day program where middle school kids can get their safe boaters card, learn how to tie knots, how to use artificial and live bait, things like that, just to expose kids to fishing.”
Jamie said earning his bachelor’s degree has been key to helping him structure and properly execute his business. “You can start a business, but if you don’t know how to stay organized, or understand how to make the bottom line profitable at the end of the year, you’re going to struggle. I see a lot of that with other captains.”
For other would-be entrepreneurs, Jamie shares this: “Failing to plan is planning to fail. When it comes to running a business, you have to have a plan but be flexible. You have to be able to pivot, to think about how you can do things differently. Don’t get discouraged by failure, learn from it and build from it.”
Photos by Aldrin Capulong
DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019 | 37
FOUNDATION UPDATE
DSC Foundation’s Food & Wine Fundraiser Supports Homelessness Initiative Photos by Aldrin Capulong
Nearly 400 people converged on the Daytona Beach Campus of Daytona State on Sunday, May 19 for the DSC Foundation’s first-ever Food & Wine Festival fundraiser. The sellout crowd feasted on tapas-style fare served by nearly a dozen area restaurants as well as students in DSC’s Mori Hosseini College of Hospitality and Culinary Management. Proceeds from the event support DSC’s initiative to curb hunger and homelessness among its students. The event raised a net of nearly $11,000. Dr. Tom LoBasso spoke of the mission behind the evening’s fundraising event.
“We know that hunger and homelessness have increasingly become barriers to student success at colleges and universities across the nation. This evening, we come together to support and advocate on behalf of the estimated 69 percent of Daytona State students who live at or below the state poverty level, many who wrestle with food insecurity or lack a bed they can call their own.”
Center for Women and Men, where students can pick up a free, quick snack or even a meal to prepare at home. Students have access to a clothes closet they can use to prepare for job interviews; a book lending library; supplies, free printing and test fees; free emergency Votran bus transportation and free or low-cost healthcare and more through the College’s collaboration with Hope Place and Halifax Urban Ministries.
The evening was just part of DSC’s homelessness initiative, which was inspired by board chair Forough Hosseini, whose vision and leadership have been the impetus for a similar, community-wide effort. DSC established the Falcon Fuel Grab & Go Food Pantry operated by its
“We are trying to address every issue that our students might have and remove obstacles to their education,” said LoBasso in thanking guests for their support. “Together, we are making a difference in the lives of so many of our students.”
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ENJOYING THE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL 2019
Larry and Andrea Frank with Chef Costa Magoulas. Betty and Julio Holness with DSC student-athletes.
Forough Hosseini, Gale Lemerand and Jill Simpkins.
Dr. Tom and Karen LoBasso, Gale Lemerand, Pastor Scott and Kris Smith and Jill Simpkins.
John Burniston, Bill and Mary Lenssen.
Greg and DAYTONA Jori Snell, STATE Pete and Pam Flores and Janet and Rick2019 Skipper. MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER | 41
FOUNDATION UPDATE Dixie Morgese, Bob Davis and Student-Athletes having fun on the dance floor.
DSC Student-Athletes were in force to lend a helping hand.
Terry McMurtry Deal, Patricia Cone and Bev Grissom Mary Hall-Boyd and Richard Hall 42 | DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019
ENJOYING THE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL 2019
Hard Rock Hotel displayed a beautiful ice sculpture.
The food was amazing!
Barbara Molnar, gift basket winner.
Buck and Katherine James, Andrew Lupoli and Nellie Hosseini Lupoli, Amber and Chris Via and Forough Hosseini.
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Edith and Denis Shelley
Mark Dunn, Zina Grau and Tammy Dunn
Students from DSC’s Mori Hosseini College of Hospitality and Culinary Management Program prepared delicious food for guests. Carrie Moore, Dan Francati, Jennifer Johnson and Liz Francati
DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019 | 43
ALUMNI UPDATE
DSC BSED Earns Recognition
Emily Budzilek
Daytona State College’s School of Education was recently recognized with two notable achievements: according to the Florida Department of Education, the Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education program is ranked 1st in the state, and alumna Emily Budzilek was named the 2019 First Year Teacher of the Year winner.
Daytona State is also proud of the many alumni who were nominated for the award:
The Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education program achieved this ranking based on the 2019 Annual Program Performance Report (APPR) which includes factors such as retention, placement, and standardized assessment scores. With a score of 3.70 (out of 4.00), DSC is tied for the top spot along with the University of Central Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Nova Southeastern University.
• Katie Hazel, McInnis Elementary
Emily Budzilek, a kindergarten teacher at Palm Terrace Elementary School, received the elementary level 2019 First Year Teacher Award. The FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools selected her from 51 nominees who were nominated by their school principal and displayed outstanding teaching based on standards established by Volusia County Schools.
• Mallory Smith, South Daytona Elementary
• Christopher Collier, Timbercrest Elementary • Jamie Grove, Blue Lake Elementary • Kelly-Ann Hammerdorfer, Pine Ridge High
• Katina Hurst, Freedom Elementary • Tayla Kelly, Pierson Elementary • Samantha MacHardy, Woodward Elementary • Porscha Morrow, Turie T. Small Elementary • Haley Seay, Port Orange Elementary
In addition to our BSED alumni, two EPI graduates were also nominated: • Dusty Buck, Pine Trail Elementary School • Jillian Janiec Larriviere, Forest Lake Elementary
FACULTY & STAFF UPDATE
Ordinary Heroes, a Six-Part Series, Profiles Educators Working with Unique Populations in the Education System “Ordinary Heroes” is a six-part television series that will air in the Fall of 2019 on WDSC-TV. The producers raised almost $30,000 in funds for post-production expenses, including a series editor, transcriptions, logs, graphics and storage. The series, shot over a school year, depicts teachers as “Ordinary Heroes” - people who go about their days teaching young people in the face of enormous odds and obstacles. The series was produced at Daytona State College by senior professor Eric Breitenbach, WDSC producer April Brunning and editor Jennifer Woods.
Kathy Miltenberger is an instructor in Daytona State College’s Cosmetology Department and is profiled in the series. The program occupies an entire building and includes a full service salon open to the public on the campus of Daytona State College. Miltenberger teaches twenty students in classroom and laboratory settings. Pointing out that the curriculum incorporates art, science, chemistry and psychology enabling graduates to gain the status of a licensed cosmetologist Miltenberger said, “It’s a lot more than just cutting hair.”
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WDSC-TV asks for your support by becoming a member today. Your membership and charitable donation will generate revenue for your favorite WDSC-TV shows and ensure that WDSC continues to provide the highest quality programs and educational services for you, your family and for future generations. Please consider becoming a member of WDSC-TV 15. You can go online, call or mail in your donation. Online:
wdsctv.org
Telephone:
1 (800) 638-9238 or (386) 506-4415
WDSC Membership Dept., P.O. Box 9245, Daytona Beach, FL 32120-9245
Mail to:
For current members and those who have donated, we thank you for your loyal support!
DONOR SPOTLIGHT Bob and Carol Allen visit with Dr. Amy Szoka in the Patient Simulation Learning Outcomes Laboratory at Daytona State.
Photos by Alan De Castro
Foundation Donors Fund Endowments for Nursing, Paramedics and HVAC Bob and Carol Allen say they appreciate the opportunity they’ve enjoyed since moving here in 1990 and they simply feel a desire to give back, especially to those who want to help themselves through education and training. That is why they decided to fund scholarship endowments for Nursing, Paramedic and HVAC students. While the couple grew up in very different backgrounds, both were taught at an early age the importance of helping those in need. Carol was born in Harrisburg, Pa., and moved at age nine to Michigan, which she still refers to as “home.” She remembers Victory Gardens, knitting squares to make afghans for the troops and bringing sandwiches her mother made to soldiers as they passed by her home, which was just down the street from a military base. Bob grew up on a farm in Cheap Hill, Tenn., attended a one-room schoolhouse and, with support from family, was taught to become self-reliant, because he didn’t want to end up in the “poor house,” the only social safety net he recalls from his childhood.
So, it isn’t surprising they wanted to contribute, explaining many don’t have parents or grandparents who are in a position to help. They met on a blind date while Carol attended Hood College and Bob was in the Naval Academy. Bob went on to earn an MBA from Harvard, and after raising a family, Carol went back at the age of 40 to earn her JD from Wake Forest. Her experience makes her appreciate nontraditional Daytona State College students who don’t necessarily take a straight path to college. Carol practiced civil law while Bob worked in banking. After living happily in North Carolina, Bob and Carol moved to Daytona for Bob to take the position of President/CEO of Consolidated Tomoka Land Co. Carol taught law at the University of Central Florida’s Daytona Beach Campus. So, each has seen Daytona State grow and flourish. Bob described his 12 years as President/ CEO and two years as chair of Consolidated Tomoka Board of Directors, as an opportunity to look forward and plan for the growth of the community. While there,
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he worked with the state, county and city to bring about the development of Daytona State’s Advanced Technology College. He speaks proudly of the preparation his company laid for future development of Daytona west of Williamson. Under his leadership, plans were finalized to bring the LPGA to Daytona. It was after meeting Dr. Amy Szoka and hearing about the impressive DSC Nursing Program that Bob and Carol made the decision to endow a scholarship. Both feel that having skilled nurses is important for the well-being of the community. They recognize that a liberal arts education is not for everyone and that in this economy, people with training can get good paying jobs. So, after meeting with faculty and staff at the ATC, Bob and Carol then decided to fund two more endowed scholarships, one for the HVAC program and one for Paramedics. Daytona State College is fortunate to have friends like Bob and Carol who are motivated to contribute. Their generosity will touch the lives of countless students, their families and their communities for years to come.
Your gift matters! Give today to support students on their path to success.
Help us to exceed $1 million for scholarships this year!
____________________________________________________________________
Go to DaytonaState.edu/Donate For more information on making your gift, call Susan Durgy at (386) 506-3110 or email Susan.Durgy@DaytonaState.edu. DaytonaState.edu A MEMBER OF THE FLORIDA COLLEGE SYSTEM
DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019 | 45
The Falcon MasterCard has landed! EGE DAYTONA STATE COLL
If you’re a member of the Financial Educators Federal Credit Union, you can sign up for the Daytona State Falcon MasterCard. DSC alumni, employees, students and supporters are invited to join and apply for the free card. With every swipe of the card, a percentage goes to DSC scholarships, at no cost to you.
(386) 506-3040 Financialedufcu.com 46 | DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019
The bright blue card boldly showcases DSC’s brand and brings in scholarship dollars with every purchase you make. That means a painless and ongoing gift to DSC students. You can even request the new card to replace your old credit union card, keeping the same number.
DSC ALUMNI CLASS NOTES Russell Owen, 2003 Associate of Arts in Mathematics; Russell was elected mayor of New Smyrna Beach in November last year. Since graduating from DSC, he has enjoyed an illustrious career, primarily in finance and budgeting. He is the former executive director of finance and budget for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and currently works as a Software Consultant for Kaufman, Hall and Associates. In this role, he supports colleges and universities as they implement Kaufman Hall’s proprietary budgeting and planning software suite. Russell holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and Master’s in Business Administration, both from UCF. _____________________________________
‘10s Ashley Eason, 2011 Associate of Arts in Music; Ashley is an award-winning operatic soprano with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. While a DSC student, she was a featured recitalist and soloist with the College’s Chamber Orchestra, and received the Vocal Music Outstanding Student Award. Recently, she was invited to audition with the New York’s Metropolitan Opera. _____________________________________
Ricky Francois, 2012 Firefighter vocational certificate; was named the 2018 Port Orange Firefighter of the Year. Francois also is the founder of the non-profit Firefighter for Kids, which in the past three years has provided backpacks and school supplies to more than 2,000 young and underprivileged Volusia County children. He is currently enrolled in DSC’s Paramedic program. _____________________________________
Lola Gomez, 2013
Matthew Buckalew, 2016
Associate of Arts and Associate of Science in Photographic Technology; Lola, a veteran photojournalist for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, was recently awarded the prestigious 2019 Michel du Cille Memorial Scholarship by the Board of Directors of the Northern Short Course in Photojournalism and the National Press Photographers Foundation. The scholarship commemorates the life of Michel du Cille, a Jamaican-born American photojournalist and winner of three Pulitzer Prizes during his career at The Miami Herald and The Washington Post. Du Cille passed away on December 11, 2014, while covering the Ebola crisis in Liberia on assignment for The Washington Post. _____________________________________
Associate of Arts in Musical Theatre; recently signed with acting and modeling agency BMG Models and Talent. Matthew earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Central Florida this spring, where he performed in numerous stage plays. _____________________________________
Emily Carey, 2014 Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assistant; upon earning her AS degree, Emily transferred to Stetson University, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health Science in 2016. She currently is employed with Purcellville Physical Therapy in northern Virginia. _____________________________________
Amanda Buemi, 2016 Associate of Arts; Amanda was recently accepted into the U.S. Department of Defense Pathways Program, working at Cape Canaveral. After graduating from DSC, Amanda transferred to UCF in fall 2017. She also participated in an internship experience at the U.S. Navy’s Ordnance Test Unit at the Cape while continuing to pursue her mechanical and aeronautical engineering degree at UCF. She began taking classes at DSC as a dual enrolled student and completed her AA degree with honors, then continued pre-engineering classes at DSC until spring 2017. While at DSC she competed in the National Scholastic Surfing Association, placing second in the college division (women’s) of the East Coast Championships in 2016. _____________________________________
Jamonte Bruten, 2016 Associate of Arts in Musical Theatre; was nominated for the Orlando Theatre Critic’s Pick for Best Featured Actor for his role in the University of Central Florida’s production of “The Hot Mikado” last October.
Dannielle Waugh, 2016 Associate of Arts in Biology; after graduating from DSC, Dannielle transferred to the University of Central Florida, majoring in Biology. There, she was named a UCF Research and Mentoring Program Scholar, studying the growth rates of temperate tree species across 10 generations. The research is intended to strengthen understanding of the drivers of plant growth rate evolution, while also applying giving insight to areas like forestry and forest management under climate change. _____________________________________
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
‘00s
Kerry Alce, 2017 Associate of Arts in Musical Theatre; was recently cast in the television show “David Makes Man” on the Oprah Winfrey Network, written by Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney. Kerry also won the Orlando Theatre Critic’s Pick for Best Featured Actor for his role in the University of Central Florida’s production of “The Hot Mikado” last October. _____________________________________
Anna Patino, 2017 Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management; Anna was recently named assistant property manager at Sullivan Wickley Properties of Atlanta. Anna came to Sullivan Wickley from Diagnostic Imaging Consultants of Central Florida, where she served as a senior executive legal assistant and coordinated key legal and administrative initiatives of the company. _____________________________________
Amanda Ortega, 2018 Associate of Arts in Musical Theatre; was awarded a $50,000 scholarship to Winthrop University in Rockhill, SC. She also will star in her first professional production of “Fun Home” this summer at Actor’s Theatre Charlotte. SEND YOUR CLASS NOTES TO ALUMNI@DAYTONASTATE.EDU
DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019 |47
DAYTONA STATE
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COLLEGE MAGAZINE 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, Florida 32114
Save the Date!
Homecoming THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE
Oct. 10-12
Daytona Beach Campus
Alumni &Friends Alumni.DaytonaState.edu
• Mr. & Ms. DSC Pageant • Alumni Athletic Games, Student Activities • Friday Night Movie and S’mores • Tailgate Party and Free Cookout at the Soccer Stadium • 5k Walk/Run • Men’s and Women’s Soccer Games • Car & Truck Show and Craft Fair, and much more!
DaytonaState.edu/Homecoming