! VOL 9 • NO 2 • FALL/WINTER 2023
A Look Inside
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Daytona State College offers an unparalleled on-campus experience, whether students reside in the new Residence Hall or commute for classes a few times a week. Hear firsthand from students, faculty and staff about the growth and vitality that is propelling DSC to new heights.
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Highlights from newsworthy events, programs and people.
Students experienced a flurry of educational and entertaining events at all DSC campuses.
The fall sports teams wrap up an exciting and hard-earned season.
Daytona State News
Student Life
Athletics
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We need your support to keep on-campus housing affordable for students.
Jake Niceley and Scott Velazco keep the Music Production Technology program rockin’.
This year’s celebration enjoyed the highest turnout yet from students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the community.
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Housing Fundraising Campaign Meet the Faculty
Firearms Training Center Groundbreaking
The ceremony marked a major milestone for the future of the Charles M. Curb School of Emergency Services.
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Boots & Bling Gala
Donors and friends of the DSC Foundation had much to celebrate at the Boots & Bling 29th Annual Gala.
Homecoming
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Alumni Spotlights
Nick McDonald, Charles Barbel, Jordan Acosta and Mike Cavaliere are just a few of the Daytona State College alumni who make our communities a better place.
President’s Perspective
Daytona State College
Magazine
Dr. Thomas LoBasso The end of 2023 is fast approaching, and this is an excellent time to reflect on all we have accomplished over the past six months. One year ago, we celebrated the opening of our first on-campus Student Residence Hall. The response has been so positive that we have launched a $15 million capital campaign to build a second, 200- or 256-bed Residence Hall tailored for the needs of second-year students. In August we broke ground on the Law Enforcement Indoor Firearms Training Center on our DeLand Campus, which will be a key element of our long-term plan to move our Law Enforcement Academy to DeLand. We began offering a Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science in the Fall Semester and are on track to launch an Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree in Summer 2024 pending approval by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. I am tremendously proud to report we received the best possible outcome from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 10-year reaffirmation on-site visiting team, which reported no findings or recommendations. The team was impressed with our faculty and staff commitment to student success, the energy and excitement on our campuses and on our top-notch facilities. They were also impressed with our pilot COMPASS (Coaching, Mentoring, Persistence and Student Success) program, which proactively pairs first-time-in-college students with academic coaches and mentors to help them overcome academic and non-academic challenges. Our seven campuses are more vibrant than ever. We celebrated another successful Homecoming – Falcons Forever – and we are just coming off the heels of another successful Boots ‘n Bling Foundation gala and fundraiser. It’s exciting to see so many students celebrating and participating in campus events such as Welcome Back, Student Development Week, Abilities Awareness Day, Veterans Day, athletic events and more. We know that participating in events, taking advantage of services like tutoring, the Writing Center, and the Academic Support Center, and getting involved in student clubs and sports makes for a more well-rounded college experience and lays the groundwork for a successful career and life. In this issue we showcase four outstanding graduates – Nick McDonald, Mike Cavaliere, Charles Barbel and Jordan Acosta. They are pursuing remarkably different careers but the one thing they have in common is that Daytona State College, its faculty and staff, had a profound impact on them. The future of Daytona State College is bright and, as I like to say, “It is a great day to be a Falcon.”
DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Randy Howard, Chair Robert Lloyd, Vice Chair Randy Dye Lloyd J. Freckleton Kelly Parsons Kwiatek Garry R. Lubi
DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE STAFF Publisher
Dr. Thomas LoBasso Editor
Chris Thomes Contributing Writers
Jim Graham Ted Sofianos Chris Thomes
Art Director/Graphic Design
Amanda Kanawall Photographers
Aldrin Capulong Brittany Dombrowski Olivia Hansen Amanda Kanawall Lauren Lewis Michele Meyers Ren Morrison Clo Taylor Daytona State College Magazine is published for alumni, friends and supporters of Daytona State College and the Daytona State College Foundation.
Thomas LoBasso, Ed.D.
Daytona State State Magazine Magazine || Fall/Winter Fall/Winter 2023 2023 || 3 3 Daytona
Thank You for Making Our 2023 Annual Gala a Tremendous Success Presenting Sponsor
Premier Sponsors
Hyatt and Cici Brown
Platinum Sponsors Brown & Brown Insurance Houligan’s Jeep Beach Jill Simpkins & L. Gale Lemerand
Gold Sponsors
Legacy Law Associates, P.L. PFM Asset Management Robert & Sherri Lloyd Stonewood Grill & Tavern
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
AEGIS Consulting Group, LLC City of Daytona Beach Ajax Building Charles Perry Partners, Inc. Food Supply, Inc. Buddy Davenport Insurance Agency, Inc. Daytona International Speedway Jon Hall Chevrolet, Inc Dr. Beverly Grissom Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Outriggers Tiki Bar and Grille Dan & Liz Francati Florida Health Care Plans Prosser, Inc. Gary Yeomans Ford GEICO Insurance Tom Cook Jeweler, Inc. Indigo Dental Halifax Health Jeff and Donna Abbott Friends of Tom Wright Maggie Thompson John & Lynda Hodgson Dr. and Mrs. Michael Suah Lou & Christine Seno PQH Group Design, Inc. SouthState Bank Security First Insurance, LLC The Thigpen Family Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc. University of Central Florida
Official Beverage Sponsor
DSC Foundation Board Chair Zina Grau Another remarkable calendar year at Daytona State College is almost behind us and our 29th Annual Gala was a smashing success. Together with more than 300 supporters and friends, we gathered in celebration of the vitality and strength of the College in and for our community as acknowledged by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) with its 10-year reaffirmation of Daytona State’s accreditation. The Gala also provided us an opportunity to recognize the strength of the Foundation with more than $35 million in assets and, by the end of this year, awarding $4.9 million in scholarships to students and support for College programs over the past two and a half years. Those who launched the Daytona State College Foundation in 1974 could not have imagined what today’s Daytona State College might look like, but their vision to start something bold that would impact generations of students long into the future is truly remarkable. In this our 50th year, we will continue meeting the challenge of raising funds needed to support students with scholarships and work to raise necessary funds to build additional affordable student housing. As you will read on pages 14-15, the need for additional affordable housing for students is undeniable and the benefits for students living and studying on campus go far beyond their years here at Daytona State. We ask you to join us in making a generous contribution and introducing us to others who might do the same. Finally, please be assured that we take our responsibility very seriously when it comes to being good stewards of your trust and your gifts. Thank you for doing your part to help us advance for the future that is beyond us but not yet visible.
Zina Grau ‘03
Give securely by scanning this QR code or at DaytonaStateFoundation.org Call (386) 506-3407, or mail a check: Daytona State College Foundation 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Board of Directors Officers
Zina Grau, Chair Rufus Johnson, Vice Chair Bill Lenssen, Secretary Mary Boyd, Treasurer Denis Shelley, Immediate Past Chair Bobby Thigpen, Chair, Investment Committee Jeff Abbott Randy Dye Dan Francati Kim Fulcher Michele Goeb-Burkett John Hodgson Nina Hosseini Thomas LoBasso Beverly McMurtry-Grissom David Sacks Lou Seno Gregory Snell Greg Sullivan Maggie Thompson Emeriti
Sally Gillespie Cherie Keemar Dirinda Maddy Support the Foundation Donate.DaytonaState.edu (386) 506-3407 Timothy A. Norton Vice President of Advancement Executive Director, Daytona State College Foundation
1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 (386) 506-3195 • DaytonaState.edu
Daytona State State Magazine Magazine || Fall/Winter Fall/Winter 2023 2023 || 5 5 Daytona
Daytona State News Daytona State College to begin offering Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree in this region will grow by more 30% in the next five years. “Diagnostic sonography is an affordable alternative to radiation imagery in diagnosing and treating patients,” said Dr. Colin Chesley, Associate Vice President of the College of Health and Public Services. “This degree is also an option for students looking to continue their education via Daytona State’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree concentrations in Management or Healthcare Management.”
Daytona State College will offer an Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree in Summer 2024, pending approval by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. “Daytona State College is committed
to expand and grow along with local community, business and industry trends,” said DSC President Dr. Tom LoBasso. “We’ve identified a strong demand for diagnostic sonographers in our region and this program is designed to meet that need.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates demand for diagnostic sonographers
The program anticipates approximately 24 students in each cohort and applications will be accepted beginning in January 2024. The 77-credit hour program includes 54 credits of sonography program-specific courses. The program will be taught in the brand new facility on DSC’s Deltona Campus and the program hours will be full-time during the day, Monday through Friday.
Dr. LaKisha Holmes named Associate Vice President of Arts & Sciences Dr. LaKisha Holmes, an instructor and professor in the School of Mathematics since 2007, was named Associate Vice President of the College of Arts & Sciences in June 2023. While teaching, developing curriculum, and creating supplemental resources for her students, Dr. Holmes has also served as the Principal Investigator for the STEM Community Scholars grant and a Co-Principal Investigator of the S-STARS STEM Scholarship grant over the past decade.
said Dr. Amy Locklear, Executive Vice President and Provost. “Dr. Holmes has experience as a supervisor in the private sector, but also the perspective of a faculty member and principal investigator. Her breadth of experience, and logical, compassionate approach to problem solving makes her a great match for a position as wide-ranging as this one. We look forward to even stronger relationships and support for our Arts and Sciences students in the years to come.”
“We are so pleased to work with Dr. LaKisha Holmes in this vital role,”
In her position, Dr. Holmes oversees and provides leadership for the nine
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academic departments within the newly restructured College of Arts and Sciences. She will continue to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity, provide long-term planning, and implement strategic objectives in alignment with the College’s overall strategic planning goals.
Daytona State College ranked among best in state for Paramedic and EMT pass rates Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians graduating from Daytona State’s Charles M. Curb School of Emergency Services EMS programs earn some of the highest first-time pass rates on licensing exams in the state, according to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. “We offer one of the most rigorous and thorough Paramedic and EMT programs in the state and our first-time pass rates bear that out,” said Daytona State College President Tom LoBasso. “Our students graduate with all the skills necessary to quickly integrate into first responder positions anywhere in the state.” DSC Paramedic program graduates recorded an 87% pass rate on their first attempt taking the state Paramedic
certification exam and reported a 98% overall pass rate, placing Daytona State at No. 3 out of 47 programs offered in Florida. DSC Emergency Medical Technician program graduates recorded a 74% pass rate on their first attempt taking the state EMT certification exam, and reported an 84% overall pass rate, placing Daytona State at No. 14 out of 62 programs offered around the state. “These pass rates are a direct reflection of the dedicated staff and faculty here at the Charles M. Curb School of Emergency Services,” said Assistant Chair Ken Moorhouse. “I am proud of each one of our graduates and look forward to seeing them serve our community.”
Daytona State College Selected by Amazon as an Education Partner for Career Choice Program Daytona State College has been selected as an education partner for Amazon’s Career Choice program, providing Amazon’s hourly employees with pre-paid college tuition reimbursement to further their education at Daytona State. “Our mission is to help anyone who has the desire to better themselves through education,” said Daytona State College President Tom LoBasso. “Amazon is a significant and growing employer in the community and the company’s Career Choice program is a remarkable opportunity for its employees to learn new skills and further their education.” Offering more than 100 certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree programs, Daytona State College is the leader in education and workforce training needs of Volusia and Flagler counties and beyond. The College enrolls approximately 23,000 students a year at its seven campuses, with graduates serving in critical fields including healthcare, emergency services and public safety, business,
education, hospitality, engineering, project management, accounting, computer science, digital media, and more. Amazon’s Career Choice program is an education benefit that empowers employees to learn new skills for career success at Amazon or elsewhere. The program meets individual learners where they are on their education journey through a variety of education and upskilling opportunities including pre-paid college tuition, industry certifications designed to lead to indemand jobs, and foundational skills such as English language proficiency, high school diplomas, and GEDs. In the U.S., the company is investing $1.2 billion to upskill more than 300,000 employees by 2025 to help move them into higher-paying, in-demand jobs. Amazon’s Career Choice program has a rigorous selection process for thirdparty partner educators, choosing partners that are focused on helping employees through their education programs, assisting them with job
placements, and overall offering education that leads to career success. “We’re looking forward to Daytona State College coming on board as an education partner for Career Choice, adding to the hundreds of best-in-class offerings available to our employees,” said Tammy Thieman, Director of Career Development Programs at Amazon. “We’re committed to empowering our employees by providing them access to the education and training they need to grow their careers, whether that’s with us or elsewhere.”
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Daytona State College completes 10-year Reaffirmation of Accreditation After years of planning and preparation, Daytona State College’s 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation review is complete. The College received the best possible outcome from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) on-site committee which visited our campuses September 25–28, 2023. During that time, the nine-person review team conducted research, interviewed faculty, staff and students, and reviewed programs and facilities during their campus walkthroughs. The results of our review will not be made official until SACSCOC’s June 2024 meeting, but the on-site team said that DSC provided enough evidence to demonstrate full compliance with all SACSCOC standards. The on-site team expressed gratitude for the collaborative atmosphere they experienced and were greatly impressed with the commitment of faculty and staff to student success.
They also remarked about the vibrancy and energy on the campuses and the top-notch facilities. Their interviews with faculty, staff and students demonstrated clear evidence of our commitment to high academic standards and they were excited to hear more about our Quality Enhancement Program – COMPASS – and the wraparound support offered to incoming students. Accreditation is the foundation upon which every institution of higher education is based, and Daytona State is poised and ready for the future. Special thanks to Alicia Alexander, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and
Compliance, for organizing the initial report, managing responses to the offsite report, and organizing the on-site visit. Special thanks also go to QEP Director Dr. Autumn Marie Chilcote, Dr. Michelle Goldys, Dean of Enrollment Services, and Rabecka Collins, Falcon HOPE Center Director, for their work to envision, create and launch COMPASS and develop our comprehensive SACSCOC compliance reports. The findings of this visiting committee represent a preliminary assessment of the institution at this time; final action on the report rests with the SACSCOC Board of Trustees. A copy of the entire report may be obtained from the institution.
Daytona State College welcomes Dr. Rigo Rincones as Vice President for Academic Affairs Daytona State College has named Dr. Rigoberto J. Rincones Gómez as Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Rincones serves as chief academic officer and oversees all academic departments, the Division of Online Studies, and the Southeast Museum of Photography. He reports to Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Amy Locklear and is a member of the senior executive staff. “Dr. Rincones is a seasoned higher education leader with more than 25 years of experience in teaching, institutional effectiveness, institutional research, accreditation and academic affairs,” said Dr. Tom LoBasso, President of Daytona State College. “We look forward to his contributions in this important role.” 8 | Daytona State Magazine | Fall/Winter 2023
Prior to joining Daytona State, Dr. Rincones served as Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost at Hodges University in Ft. Myers, Florida. He was the founding national director of Data Coaching for Achieving the Dream, an organization focused on closing achievement gaps in community colleges nationwide. He has served in leadership positions at several institutions in Florida and North Carolina, and as vice president and Chief Academic officer at two other Florida institutions.
Women’s Flag Football added as new intercollegiate sport Daytona State College is launching a competitive women’s flag football program during the 2024-25 academic year with support from a $10,000 grant from the NJCAA Foundation, NFL Flag and Reigning Champs Experiences. Brian Colubiale, a seasoned coach with a passion for the game, was announced as the head coach in August. With an impressive coaching background, Colubiale brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this exciting new chapter in Daytona State’s athletics program. “There are 17 girl’s flag football programs in Volusia and Flagler counties, and 273 Florida high schools currently offering girl’s flag football,” said Daytona State College President Tom LoBasso. “There is incredible interest at the collegiate level for women’s flag football and adding this program allows us to offer our students a valuable opportunity.” Will Dunne, DSC Athletic Director, noted Colubiale’s extensive coaching experience, commitment to player development, and passion for the sport made him the right leader to guide the Women’s Flag Football Program to success. “We are happy to welcome Brian to our Falcon coaching family and look forward to him getting to work recruiting our first Flag Football team. He has been uniquely involved in our local sports community now for a number of years, and his relevant local experience in football and flag football give him a unique perspective as he builds the Falcon’s Flag Football program.” Colubiale created models of success coaching as Offensive Coordinator and Defensive Coordinator at Calvary Christian High, as well as several coaching positions at Mainland High School. While at Mainland, he was the girls’ Flag Football Wide Receiver’s Coach and Offensive Coordinator from 2019 to 2023. Under his guidance, the team achieved remarkable success,
securing a regional championship and making their first-ever appearance at Florida’s 1A State Championships in 2023, boasting two All-State players on the roster. According to NFL Flag’s official numbers, participation in flag football by six-to-12-year-olds has increased 38% since 2015. In America, around 474,000 young women played flag football last year, which is a more than 60% increase from 2019. Flag football is another activity that teaches the importance of exercising and
staying fit, which is a life skill that they can carry throughout life. While learning the knowledge of the game of football, it also provides the benefits of developing social skills and athletic abilities of young girls. “It will be awesome to watch these athletes play in our state-of-theart stadium, and this will be a great opportunity for future Falcon women’s flag football players,” said Dunne.
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Student Life
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The on-campus experience at Daytona State is secondto-none. The Office of Student Life, supported by faculty and staff from across the College, engages and informs students all semester with events every week. Daytona State Magazine | Fall/Winter 2023 | 11
Athletics WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY The Women’s Cross Country team is ranked 6th in the USTFCCCA poll. They were the fastest NJCAA team at the FSU Invitational in late September, placing ahead of Eastern Florida, Pasco-Hernando, and other NJCAA schools. The women won the Region on October 24, beating out rival schools Pasco-Hernando and Florida Gateway. They claimed the top two individual spots, helping to push the rest of the team to the top. The women finished 6th overall with individuals finishing 4th and 10th at the national championships. Giovana Meade and Shannon Jones
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY The Men’s Cross Country team is ranked 4th in USTFCCCA. They were also the fastest NJCAA team at the FSU Invitational in late September. They placed ahead of NCAA schools including University of West Florida, Flagler College, and Valdosta State. They won the Region VIII title after earning a perfect score, claiming the top five spots. At the NJCAA Division II National Cross Country Meet in Huntsville, Ala., they finished 3rd overall with individuals placing 4th, 12th, and 20th. Jared Falchook and Jayven Garcia
VOLLEYBALL The Falcon Women’s Volleyball team is currently 20-9 on the season and ranked 13th in the nation. They had a huge win over 3rd ranked Miami Dade Sharks at Miami Dade. They competed at the FCSAA DI State Championship hosted in Fort Myers, FL on November 3-4. The team is headed to the NJCAA Division I National Volleyball Tournament, November 15-18 in Hutchinson, Kan. This is the team’s first national tournament appearance. They were selected as one of four at large bids and seeded #12 out of 16 teams. Maggie Turner
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WOMEN’S SOCCER The Women’s Soccer team ended their season 14-2 and ranked 7th in the nation. The Falcons had their best record yet, including big wins over top ranked teams in the nation. They have outscored their opponents 59-10 with 11 matches being shutouts.
Dejionee Anderson
MEN’S SOCCER The Falcon Men’s Soccer team ended their season 9-3-2 and ranked 10th nationally. They had five athletes named to the All-Region VIII team, along with a Co-Player of the Year. The Falcons are looking forward to getting back on the pitch next year.
Norman Alvarez
GOLF The Women’s Golf team started their Fall season strong, tying for 4th in their last tournament. They competed against top NCAA schools including Flagler College, Nova University, and EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University. Their national tournament is in May 2024 in Melbourne, Fla.
Angelica Holman
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Looking Ahead to Residence Hall East
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TO KEEP ON-CAMPUS HOUSING AFFORDABLE FOR STUDENTS
In the year since the first Student Residence Hall opened, the Daytona State campus has come alive with students gathering in the L. Gale Lemerand Student Center, relaxing and playing in ECHO Plaza, exercising in the Lemerand Athletic Center, cheering on the Falcons athletic teams, and creating an active, vibrant campus life that has created the “full-college experience.” “I have had the most amazing experience living in the residence hall,” said Isabella Dillman, a women’s volleyball team member. “The facilities are top-notch. Residence Life staff and our RAs are always ready to help when I call. Access to the library has made it much easier to get assistance with writing assignments. Also, my friends have taken advantage of the free tutoring sessions. All the campus 14 | Daytona State Magazine | Fall/Winter 2023
resources are extremely helpful and accessible.” Opened with 100 percent occupancy only 15 months ago, this second year of operations garnered 1,054 applications for only 25 available beds. With such resounding success, the College has created a pathway to build a second Residence Hall. A comprehensive needs assessment, market study, business pro forma, and financial models have been constructed, all of which clearly point to the need for additional affordable housing for students – the key word being affordable. College leaders have embarked on an ambitious plan to raise an anticipated need of $15 million in equity to allow firm plans for additional financing and construction to move forward to open a 200- or 256-bed facility in Fall 2025.
Research into student success clearly indicates that students who live on campus – with access to the wide variety of resources colleges like Daytona State provide – are more likely to be successful, with significantly better retention and persistence to graduation rates. Add in the ancillary benefits that round out the whole person educational experience Daytona State strives for in terms of social engagement, professional development opportunities, and so much more, and it is no wonder we believe that providing additional on-campus affordable housing is vital for today’s student. For this, we ask for your support and to join us in considering how you can help us achieve $15 million in equity raised as soon as possible.
$15 million
With $2.3 million currently received or pledged for this project, we have a big hill to climb. We also know that there are plenty of generous supporters of Daytona State and within reach of you, our closest supporters and friends, who can help us reach our need for an additional $12.7-plus million.
We ask you to join us by making a gift today or by calling President Tom LoBasso or Foundation Executive Director Tim Norton to discuss how you can be a part of meeting this ambitious goal.
$14 million $12 million $10 million $8 million $6 million $4 million $2 million $1 million
Thank you for your support of Daytona State College. It’s a great day to be a Falcon!
Located immediately east of Residence Hall I and directly north of Forough B. Hosseini Hall, Residence Hall II will be located in close proximity to classes, the library, student center, bookstore, and fitness center, and will provide ready access to tutors, academic advisors, counseling and other support services. Featuring single suites with four bedrooms in each suite, one bathroom and a small kitchenette area designed for upper level/second year students. Like Residence Hall I, laundry, study areas and recreation space are provided on each floor, and on-campus dining is minutes away in the L. Gale Lemerand Student Center.
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Jake Niceley & Scott Velazco MEET THE FACULTY Jake Niceley and Scott Velazco of Daytona State’s Music Production Technology program are so in sync, they finish each other’s sentences. Together, they are leading one of the most advanced programs for students pursuing careers in not just music, but live performance, theatrical production, television and just about anything in the entertainment industry requiring some sort of audio production. “The whole premise of the program is to give students valuable skills they can take and go right into a recording studio and not have to work their way up,” said Niceley, who led the effort in 2008 to create the music production program from scratch. “They’re going to be able to go into a better paying position that’s going to give them a reasonable income.” With generous support from philanthropist Mike Curb (who got his start in the music industry), the College upgraded the News-Journal Center with state-of-the-art recording studios, classrooms, rehearsal and performance spaces. The effort leveraged Niceley’s four decades of experience as an award-winning musician, studio designer, recording engineer, producer and studio owner who worked with everyone from Alison Krauss, The Dixie Chicks, Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash to George Jones, Bob Seger, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain and Patty Loveless. Niceley also created the curriculum and shepherded it through state and regional accreditor approval. The goal, Niceley told College administrators, business and community leaders and anyone else who would listen, was to get 25 students to sign up. Two weeks before
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the program launched in January 2010, 75 had applied and the pace hasn’t slowed since. “One of the things I love is that so many of our students show up with a little bit of home recording experience,” said Velazco, who worked in Nashville as a recording engineer before joining the DSC team in 2012. “Instead of me teaching structured chapters on the science of acoustics or the mechanical functioning of a microphone, we’re solving real-world problems. The biggest thing we encounter is that students are just not aware of the scope of possibility and how big and multifaceted the job can be.”
“ The whole premise of the program is to give
students valuable skills they can take and go right into a recording studio and not have to work their way up.” — Jake Niceley
Their mission is to teach students using exactly the same gear and techniques used in professional studios in New York, LA and Nashville. The News-Journal studios are modeled after Seventeen Grand Recording and The Love Shack, which Niceley designed, built, owned, and operated in Nashville. The team is constantly adding new equipment, which Velazco – a gearhead at heart – showcases on the program’s social media channels. The music industry, they agree, is in constant evolution, and in that evolution lies opportunity. “It’s always going to change, but somebody has to create the content,”
Niceley said. “Somebody needs to own the rights, and somebody needs to license those rights. You need somebody to distribute, market and promote it. Technology is really irrelevant. The industry figures out how to deal with it.” Niceley and Velazco see opportunities to grow and expand the program. “Game audio is going to be huge because, as virtual and augmented reality take over the gaming industry, the amount of content that has to be created is vast,” Velazco said. “Game audio is going to be a wellspring of new jobs.” And what of artificial intelligence, which may hold the potential to upend careers and make entire industries obsolete? “I have this conversation in my head and in my classes almost daily,” Velazco said. “AI is not going to replace a performance,” Niceley replied. “You’re still going to have people setting up the gear and tearing it down, creating the lighting and sound and somebody’s going to have to write the songs. Now...that’s something maybe AI could do, but I suspect it’s never going to have the human feel.” And with that, they were back to finishing each other’s sentences. “I mean, Emmy Lou Harris does not need AI,” Velazco said. “Emmy Lou Harris could sing the phone book,” Niceley added. “And it would be a hit. And I would listen to it,” Velazco finished.
Jake Niceley (back) and Scott Velazco (front)
Homecoming 2023 FALCONS FOREVER
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The Full College Experience at Daytona State For more than 66 years, Daytona State College has served as a beacon for students who desire to better themselves and their families by furthering their education. The College’s high quality academics are wellknown throughout the state and nationally, and beyond the classroom, DSC offers a range of support services, activities, clubs, and sports events all geared toward helping students make social connections, develop leadership skills, build confidence, enhance their resumes, and foster a sense of belonging. These extracurricular on-campus experiences are the margin of excellence that differentiate and elevate the institution to a higher level. That distinction is readily apparent after stepping onto campus. DSC Student Ambassador Isabel Rios, who takes prospective students and their families on campus tours, says one of the biggest surprises is the size and modern appeal of the Daytona Beach Campus. “It’s a very mixed reaction – nostalgia and shock,” Rios says. “A lot of parents are nostalgic. They might have come here when it was DBCC and say, ‘Wow! Things have changed so much.’ But I also get ‘Oh, I didn’t expect this school to look like this.’” 20 | Daytona State Magazine | Fall/Winter 2023
Two new high-profile buildings that have transformed the campus are the L. Gale Lemerand Student Center and the Residence Hall, which is home to 256 students and has a waiting list of more than 1,000 applicants, with more applying weekly. “Living in the dorms gives you so much more opportunity to get involved,” says Anaya Wills, who lives in the on-campus housing and works as a Resident Assistant. “You’re also closer to all the support services to help with your academics. You have the tutors and the Writing Center inside the Student Center. Everything is right here where you need it to be.” The project has been so successful that the College has embarked on a $15
million capital campaign to begin work on a second residence hall, which could open as early as 2025. (See separate story, page 14).
Daytona State’s studentcentered culture is the heart of the vibrant on-campus experience. “I love teaching because I love being in the classroom,” says Dr. Ben Graydon, Chair of DSC’s Quanta-Honors College. “Teaching is a world of ideas where everything matters and each day is a fresh start.” The Quanta-Honors program allows highly motivated students to take general education courses in learning
says. “We want to build a community for students so that students learn together, they grow together, and they get ready for their next steps after they leave the College together.” Quanta-Honors graduate Hana Anderson worked as work-study peer tutor in the Writing Center while attending DSC. The work-study program, she says, is often the first opportunity new students have to start making connections around campus and feeling like they belong here.
clusters integrated around themes. Students work in teams and many volunteer in the community. “In my classroom, students are engaged in projects. Sometimes they’re sitting quietly and listening, but most of the time they’re applying what they’ve learned, whether that’s making something hands-on or doing research or preparing a presentation,” Graydon
“A lot of our work-studies are international students and many of them don’t have friends or family when they come to DSC,” Anderson says. “When they’re part of the Student Life team or involved in Student Life activities, they get to start creating those relationships. Being able to find a group of people they are welcomed by and can hang out with is really beneficial.” Anderson is still cultivating those relationships, having recently joined the DSC Foundation team as Assistant Director of Alumni Relations.
“You Belong Here” is more than a tagline - it’s in our DNA. Developing a sense of belonging and a belief that students matter as individuals is a key element of COMPASS (Coaching, Mentoring, Persistence and Student Success), a pilot program launched earlier this year. The program targets first-time students pursuing A.A. degrees and provides them with personalized academic coaching and mentoring to help them overcome barriers to success. “Students can often feel overwhelmed with the process during their first experience of college, and we know they don’t always know what questions to ask,” says Dr. Michelle Goldys, Dean of Enrollment Services. “We want to ensure they know they are not alone and that we’re here to help! Academic coaches work with students to navigate the college process, identify both academic and non-academic needs to identify any challenges they may encounter; help them stay motivated and provide ongoing support and accountability throughout their first year. We will be their COMPASS.” The COMPASS program and “studentcentered culture” received high praise from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges team who reviewed it as part of the College’s 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation review. Key to our student-centered culture is getting students interested and excited about what they’re learning. Dr. Shana Deyo White, a professor in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management program, translates her passion for the material by getting to know her students, identifying what interests them, and tailoring her Shown left: Trent Berning, Chair of the School of Humanities, demonstrates clay pottery techniques for students at various Student Life events throughout the year. The student experience is different for everyone, and includes active military and veteran students. Trent works with veterans and their dependents through the Vets Create arts program, which gives them a creative outlet to help cope with PTSD.
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“I’m a firm believer that if you do not have community, you are not going to be as successful as you could be. Connection is so important to me because I want students to know that they belong here, that they can do it, and that we are here to support them. I want my actions to be interpreted as ‘You belong here.’” - Dr. LaKisha Holmes, Associate Vice President, College of Arts and Sciences
approach to the lesson plans. “The faculty here really take pride in getting to know students and trying to be available to students and trying to understand where students are coming from,” says White, who was practicing law before deciding to pursue a career in education. “The Bachelor of Applied Science program is kind of different because we do applied-based topics. Students do fact scenarios, and they’re able to really apply the knowledge to real-
For Dr. Harun Thomas, an English professor in the School of Communication, there’s no substitute for face-to-face communication, though it doesn’t always have to happen inside the classroom. “I really like when students can collaborate. We’re doing group work in class, based on individual work that they’ve done outside of class,” Thomas says. Giving students the freedom to work wherever they need to, while still emphasizing in-person meetings, gives them a sense of ownership of the learning process. “I focus on four soft skills to really
that continues long after graduation, says Dr. LaKisha Holmes, Associate Vice President for the College of Arts and Sciences. “I’m a firm believer that if you do not have community, you are not going to be as successful as you could be,” Holmes says. “I share stats that show students who work in groups earn a grade 25% higher than students who don’t work in groups. Connection is so important to me because I want students to know that they belong here, that they can do it, and that we are here to support them. I want my actions to be interpreted as ‘You belong here.’” That sense of belonging also applies to peer student support. Skylar Martin, a Student Ambassador in the Admissions Office, spends a lot of her time helping new students find ways to plug in to everything Daytona State has to offer them. “Meeting new people is very important, especially for students who come from out of town,” Martin says. “I feel like you need to have a group of people that you can count on. Once you get involved in clubs and activities, you meet new people, make new connections and people get a lot of confidence from that.”
world experiences and bring their unique backgrounds to the table. I like the passion in teaching and transferring that passion to students where maybe they weren’t excited about material before, but we put it in a way that they can understand it, and then they’re excited about it. I love seeing the ‘Aha!’ moment in the learning process.” 22 | Daytona State Magazine | Fall/Winter 2023
prepare students for that real-world experience,” he says. “Being able to demonstrate integrity, being able to collaborate, to do hard work and be reliable students. Demonstrating these skills is good real-world experience for them later in life.”
Gael Vitalien and Cevenya Henderson, President and Vice President of Daytona State’s Student Government Association, spend time promoting the College and helping new students make connections on campus.
Working in groups on assignments has the added benefit of helping students become part of a support network
For Vitalien, helping new students at DSC has been a natural extension of her involvement with student
Shown above: Student residents truly live, work and play 24/7 on campus in the Residence Hall. The pool table in the commons is always a popular place to relax and hang out.
government – among many other activities – while attending high school in Palm Coast. Vitalien commutes to the Daytona Beach Campus and is a strong advocate on the benefits of pursuing an education at a state college. “It was a better opportunity to stay with my parents for a little bit, save money and be able to get some experience before I go somewhere larger,” Vitalien says. “I would rather be here than somewhere farther away paying $30,000 a year for school.” Henderson finds out what a new student’s interests are in order to connect with them quickly. “We have almost 50 clubs. There is something for you,” she says. “Even if there isn’t something, find 10 people and create a club.” Making friends and finding opportunities to connect was very important for DSC alum Angkasa “Andy” Bayuputera, who moved from
Shown above: Students enjoy a quiet spot to play video games on the 3rd floor of the Lemerand Student Center. The building was designed to allow students multiple places in which to study, connect, and relax while on campus.
Jakarta, Indonesia to attend college. He took a position with Student Life and was eventually enlisted to don the Freddie Falcon costume for student and community events. Bayuputera transitioned to Embry-Riddle where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, but still finds time to visit
with his friends here at DSC. “People here are easy to get along with,” he says. “When I started my job with Student Life, I really started building more confidence around people. And when you’re Freddie, you’ve got to be confident, right?” Daytona State Magazine | Fall/Winter 2023 Daytona State Magazine | Spring/Summer 2023 || 23 23
DeLand Firearms Training Center Groundbreaking Daytona State College kicked off construction of a new Law Enforcement Indoor Firearms Training Center with a groundbreaking ceremony on the DeLand Campus. The facility, scheduled to open in Fall 2024, will be a state-ofthe-art centerpiece of Daytona State College’s Law Enforcement Academy. “This facility will allow training to be conducted regardless of the weather and will accommodate multiple, simultaneous academy cohorts,” said Daytona State College President Tom LoBasso. “Our long-term plan is to transition our entire Charles M. Curb School of Emergency Services from the
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Advanced Technology College – where it has been since 2012 – to our DeLand Campus.” The 10,682 square foot facility will include 15 firing lanes, a classroom, and an observation area. The range will provide Daytona State’s Law Enforcement Academy with an on-site, all-weather training capability. Current law enforcement officers from local, state and national agencies will also be able to utilize the range for their continuing education opportunities. Daytona State’s Law Enforcement Academy enrolls approximately 240 recruits annually and trains officers for all agencies in Volusia and Flagler counties. Daytona State also provides continuing education for nearly 100
current law enforcement officers per year. “This really will be a monumental step forward for law enforcement and corrections training in our area, and the improved training that will result will be evident from the recruit level to certified officers serving in our communities,” said Evan Doyle, Director of the Charles M. Curb School of Emergency Services. “The addition of this range will allow us to enhance our firearms training program to meet the specific needs of recruits and sworn officers alike, training them to the highest level of firearms proficiency possible. Additionally, we will now be able to fundamentally transform the way we train our recruits by formulating the
Dr. Randy Howard, DSC Trustee Chair
Dr. Tom LoBasso, DSC President
most optimal training schedule for recruits.” The State Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis allocated $6,160,618 for the project during the 2022 legislative session.
Zachary Ignoffo, DSC Law Enforcement Academy Recruit
Featured speakers at the groundbreaking included President Tom LoBasso, Daytona State College District Board of Trustees Chair Randy Howard, Director of the Charles M. Curb School of Emergency Services Evan Doyle, and Law Enforcement
Evan Doyle, Director of the Charles M. Curb School of Emergency Services
Academy Recruit/Class Leader of Basic Law Enforcement Academy Class 103 Zachary Ignoffo.
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29th Annual Foundation Gala Presented by Celebrating its 29th Annual Gala, the Daytona State College Foundation welcomed approximately 300 patrons on Thursday, November 2 while raising nearly $175,000 toward building a second residence hall on the Daytona Beach Campus. “Boots & Bling,” the community’s signature event, included culinary delights prepared by students in the Culinary Management program under the guidance of Chef Costa Magoulas, Dean of the Mori Hosseini College of Hospitality and Culinary Management. Those in attendance were treated to a stellar performance of classic songs
by students in the jazz ensemble “Blue Latitude,” and four current students spoke about their wonderful experiences while at DSC and how living in the on-campus residence hall has helped them succeed: Isaiah Dorceus, Associate of Arts student and member of the men’s basketball team; Yasmina Taber, A.S. in Culinary Management student; Eva Bradshaw, Associate of Arts student in the Quanta-Honors College and member of the women’s basketball team; and Alexis Harden, Associate of Arts student and member of the women’s soccer team.
$15 million to keep housing affordable for our students.” Athletic Coordinator Cindy Iafanti and Athletic Director Will Dunne were both surprised on stage with a heartfelt recognition of their 35 years of service each. And in the final surprise of the evening, more than 180 student athletes came to the stage to express their gratitude to Dr. LoBasso, the Foundation, and the College for the support they’ve received to pursue their dreams. Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the DSC Foundation Tim Norton punctuated the evening: “Your support makes a difference, and it is so very important.”
“Tonight we celebrate and envision a bold future for generations of students to come who will be positively impacted by what we do today,” said Tom LoBasso, President of Daytona For additional photos, see State College. “We need your support DaytonaStateFoundation.org. to achieve our ambitious goal of raising
Jarrett & Kelly Kwiatek, Melinda Dawson, Sunny Kazi, John Guthrie, Kim & Taylor Fulcher
Culinary student Skyla Mercado, puts the finishing touches on a delicious pastry.
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Boots and Bling has become the community’s signature foodie event of the year.
Dr. Tom LoBasso & AdventHealth Daytona Beach CEO David Weis
David & Erin Lloyd
Dr. Beverly Grissom
Joey Cantens, Kristen Hanson, David Watkins, Isaiah Dorceus
Dr. Erik D’Aquino, Barbara & Garry Lubi, Mike & Cody Cotton, Mary Boyd
Culinary students and faculty created and prepared dozens of unique dishes for the evening.
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29th Annual Foundation Gala
Dr. Randy Howard & Dr. Tom LoBasso
Blue Latitude wowed the audience with their smooth vocals.
Irene Harrington & Charlene Greer
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Lori & David Zill, David Weis, Cory & Shannon Domayer, David & Kim Sinclair
Amber O’Neal, Kurt Greer, Amy Workowski
Joe & Jill Avallone, Scott & Melanie Brown Tom LoBasso with Costa & Eve Ann Magoulas
Dr. Tom LoBasso & Women’s Basketball Team
Glen & Pam Gortendorst, Michael & Anjie Friedel
Pritpal & Dr. Ted Sofianos, Dr. Rigo Rincones
Kay Brawley & Christine Seno
Scott Green, Ande Deaton, Rusty Mellette
The chocolate dessert with maple leaf was as pretty to look at as it was to eat.
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Nick McDonald ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
At 31, having been raised in a broken home with little direction, now unemployed, beginning his recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction, and walking the streets of Daytona Beach, Nick crossed paths with a member of DSC’s Fresh Start faculty who encouraged him join the program as a way to get his life on track. With motivation and support from the Fresh Start staff and fellow students, Nick completed the 30-day program and began taking classes and studying to earn his GED, passing the test in December 2011. Around this time, Nick met DSC academic advisor Dr. Michelle Goldys (now Dean of Enrollment Services), who encouraged him to “just go to class”, even when times were hard. “People like Michelle, the academic coaches and the mentors, the guy that encouraged me to join Fresh Start, they help you along,” he said. “They answer questions. They guide you: ‘Just keep getting up. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Don’t give up.’ It helped.” Nick enrolled in DSC’s Music Production Technology program. He enjoyed the program and wanted to continue his education. Working with an academic advisor, Nick decided to complete the credits needed for an Associate of Arts degree, graduating in 2018 with honors. “Years earlier, I was on the streets with literally nothing. Who would have thought I would graduate with a white (honors) stole. It’s crazy.” After graduating with his A.A., Nick decided to join DSC’s Electrical Union Apprenticeship program.
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“I joined the apprenticeship program, and it was tough. I had to start over at $10 an hour – a 38-year-old man. But I did it and I went to school every day and I went to work every day and I didn’t call out sick once. I only missed one class. Was I the best worker or the best student? Maybe. Maybe not. But I was present, and I was there, and I meant business. I did what I had to do. Between work and school, it consumed my life for four years.”
“ If I had any advice to give anybody, it’s ‘Just keep grinding. Just keep digging. If you fall, don’t hesitate to get back up and get back to work.’ ” Sometimes failure is the best teacher. — Nick McDonald
Nick completed the program and is now a licensed journeyman electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). “This is one of the greatest careers you could ever have. You can travel this whole country. You can take jobs anywhere in the nation. You can do anything from wiring up a house to working at Cape Canaveral building rocket launch pads for NASA. It pays really well, and I have great benefits.” “I remember sitting on a park bench knowing there was more to life, but not knowing what it was. Knowing I was meant for more…knowing that I wanted more out of life. It doesn’t matter what your circumstances are, and it doesn’t matter where you come from. You just need to get up and go do it. Even if you don’t know what you’re doing, just do it until you figure it out.”
Nick recently returned to Daytona State to help the College launch COMPASS, a new program that works with new, firsttime-in-college students pursuing A.A. degrees by providing them with academic coaching and mentoring to help them overcome non-academic barriers to success. Nick recorded a video testimonial that the College is using as part of its marketing campaign to raise awareness of the program and encourage new students to take advantage of what it has to offer. He is looking forward to working as a mentor with new students as the program expands. Nick was also nominated by the College for the 2023 LeRoy Collins Distinguished Alumni Award, a statewide recognition of outstanding alumni through the Association of Florida Colleges. “If I had any advice to give anybody, it’s ‘Just keep grinding. Just keep digging. If you fall, don’t hesitate to get back up and get back to work.’ Sometimes failure is the best teacher.”
Charles Barbel ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Charles Barbel’s commitment to a life of service extends back generations, spans continents and, in his own life, carries across industries and community organizations. The threads that bind everything all together are an entrepreneurial spirit and desire to help people achieve their goals and dreams.
Charles worked for Orlando-based Darden Restaurants – the world’s largest full-service restaurant business and parent company of Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Bahama Breeze and others. Looking to penetrate smaller markets, the company created the concept of “synergy restaurants,” combining two restaurants that shared a kitchen and
Charles was born in Trenton, New Jersey and raised by his grandparents. “ I’ve been tremendously fortunate in life, thanks to His grandfather, Charles Barbel Sr., had held senior positions with Firestone the support of my family, and my ability to get a good Tire and Rubber Company in Liberia, ” education and learn from some incredible leaders. and his grandmother, Doris Barbel, — Charles Barbel owned two gift shops in Robertsfield – Liberia’s only international airport – and owned and managed the Firestone Guest House and Golf Club in Harbel, bar, while maintaining separate dining Liberia. Charles Sr. was a member of the Lions Club and Doris was a member rooms. When the very first synergy concept restaurant – a Red Lobster of the auxiliary Lioness Program. sharing space with an Olive Garden – opened in Palm Coast in 2011, company The family’s tradition of service officials, recognizing his extensive extended even further back in time knowledge and leadership style, asked – Doris’s great grandfather, William Charles to manage it. David Coleman – emigrated from the U.S. to Liberia in 1853 and served as Charles went on to lead regional the country’s 13th President from 1896 synergy restaurants that included Palm to 1900. Coast, Fla., Beaufort, S.C., Brunswick, Ga., Waycross, Ga., Thomasville, Ga., After moving back to the U.S., Charles and his grandparents opted to settle in and Wilkesboro, N.C. Palm Coast and he applied to Daytona “My grandparents always set high State College as a dual-enrolled expectations,” Charles recalled. “They student. said, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way!’ and I have always strived for “I was working full time and going excellence.” to school full time,” Charles said. “Daytona State offered a mix of online The experience deepened his ties to and in-person courses. My desire the community and, at 20 years old, was to achieve a Bachelor of Applied allowed him to buy his first home. Science degree in Supervision and Management with a specialization in “I was part of the Darden Foundation Finance.” He graduated with honors in and was involved in a lot of community the year 2010. work in Flagler County, hosting school
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fundraisers to help them purchase needed classroom supplies. Being of service has been part of my upbringing and it’s tremendously satisfying helping others.” Charles became further established in the community through Darden’s giving back programs. Through these programs, Charles supported the Boys and Girls Club, Rally for the Cure, The Walk on Cancer Support and many local school events with food donations and educational seminars. Buying his first home led to an interest in the mortgage and finance industry. “I got involved in the mortgage industry in 2005 while still working in hospitality,” Charles said. “I felt those careers worked hand-in-hand with my skills in communication and leadership. This really helped me find my niche in helping others attain the dream of home ownership.” Working and learning from established business leaders and making time to read motivational books heightened his desire to serve his community. His work in the mortgage industry motivated him to become a Realtor in 2017, and Barbel now works as a leading member of the Palm Coast Real Estate Company. Following in his grandparents’ footsteps, he found time to join the Rotary Club of Flagler County, where he currently serves as President. “I’ve been tremendously fortunate in life, thanks to the support of my family and my ability to get a good education and learn from some incredible leaders,” Charles said. “I have a wonderful wife, three beautiful children and we live in an incredible, welcoming community. My goal now is to share this prosperity not only with my family, but wherever else I can, either through community work or helping my clients achieve their dreams.”
Jordan Acosta ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Jordan Acosta was working odd jobs while attending Seabreeze High, didn’t have a plan for the future, and at his parents’ urging, signed up for some classes at Daytona State. Today, the Fulbright scholar is teaching English in Kyrgyzstan, brushing up on his Russian and studying the postSoviet effect on religion in Central Asia. “When I started at DSC, I didn’t really have any expectations,” Acosta said. “I was tired of working the jobs I had been working, and just really wanted a change. My parents suggested I take a few classes just to see whether I liked it. I wasn’t a very good high school student, so expected to take a few classes, get bored and quit.” Acosta started at Daytona State in 2018 and one of his early assignments in English 101 was to write about a transformative experience. “I decided to write about a bad decision I made when I was 13 and the consequences of that decision,” he said. “The paper was supposed to be around three pages long, but I wrote eight. I liked the idea of turning a dumb decision made by a few 13-year-olds into this epic quest, something akin to The Iliad and The Odyssey.” The piece impressed Dr. Charles Hasker, who taught composition, writing and literature and culture, who recommended Acosta join the QuantaHonors College program. “The man pretty much changed my life trajectory,” Acosta said. “I had low expectations, but once I wrote that paper and received the praise from Dr. Hasker, I began to realize that maybe I could go somewhere with college if I worked at it.”
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Acosta’s final project for QuantaHonors was a lengthy research paper of the history, politics and effects of the war on drugs in the U.S. “The Quanta program encouraged me to study and work on projects I was personally interested in,” Acosta said. “I didn’t want my final semester at DSC to end because I was enjoying the independence Quanta offered and how no idea how I would fund university study.” Help came in the form of a scholarship from the Stetson University honors program. “The scholarship was a game-changer for me,” Acosta said. “I had always been interested in Stetson but didn’t see it as financially attainable. Once the scholarship was offered, it was a no-brainer.”
“ The Quanta program encouraged me to study and work on projects I was personally interested in. I didn’t want my final semester at DSC to end because I was enjoying the independence Quanta offered.”
— Jordan Acosta
At Stetson, Acosta debated majoring in history or philosophy, but discussions with his advisor led him to consider Stetson’s Russian program. “I spent a few days thinking and concluded the major would allow me to study history and a culture I knew very little about,” Acosta said. “I was also enamored with the idea of learning Russian and majoring is something different. For my final capstone project, I looked at the contemporary Kyrgyz state’s relationship with Islam since the Soviet collapse.”
For Fall Semester in 2021 Acosta studied at the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek, the capital of the republic of Kyrgyzstan. “My semester abroad was nothing short of life changing.” he said. “Before this, I’d never left the U.S. I knew enough Russian to get around but not much more. I worked on my research project, worked on my Russian, went on mountain hikes, stayed in a few yurts and traveled throughout the north of the country.” As soon as he returned to the U.S. and graduated from Stetson, Acosta began researching opportunities to return to Kyrgyzstan. With help from Martin Blackwell, a Visiting Professor of History at Stetson, he applied for a Fulbright scholarship and was one of eight recipients in the U.S. The scholarship covers travel, living and studying expenses. “Going back to Kyrgyzstan as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant will allow me to keep studying Russian, start studying Kyrgyz and I’ll be there teaching English,” Acosta said. “I’ve always been interested in teaching, and this will give me an opportunity to get my feet wet.” When he returns in June, he will be considering where to go next. “I’m very interested in the Foreign Service, NGO (non-governmental organization) work, and continuing teaching,” Acosta said. “I do want to go to graduate school at some point and continue studying the postSoviet space. Career-wise, as long as I can continuing traveling to parts of the world that interest me, I’m happy.” Acosta’s message to incoming DSC students is “Trust the process.” “I would definitely have laughed if someone told me ‘In four years you will speak some Russian and go live in Kyrgyzstan for almost a year,’” he said. “It really is OK to not know what you want to do or where you’re going. Just get out, try things and see what sticks. If you give yourself a chance and trust the process, you might just find something to be passionate about.”
Mike Cavaliere ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
When DSC alumnus and awardwinning author Mike Cavaliere set out to write his second book, this one examining the challenges we all face entering adulthood – dysfunctional relationships, family conflict, health, love, life (and death) – he turned to a unique group of mentors: Chucky, Jason, Freddy Krueger, Dr. Hannibal Lector, Michael Myers, E.T. and even Godzilla. Mike’s book, “The Humorist – Adventures in Adulting & Horror Movies,” shares insights from a lifetime of watching – and writing reviews of – thousands of movies, a project that started while attending Daytona State and led to a career in journalism, public relations and book writing. “Initially, it was going to be a book of ‘lifesaving parenting tips…that I learned from scary movies!’ The more I explored the urge to distance myself from scary life stuff (like having a baby) through fantasy, the more I saw connections throughout all of growing up. I started resenting my role as ‘critic,’ who takes a stand but rarely, if ever, takes action. I wanted to explore that self-protective urge – and tear it down.” Born in Lindenhurst, NY, Mike moved with his family to Palm Coast in 1990. Over the next two decades, he says he watched the town evolve from a sleepy retirement destination to a new city for young families. “When I became a reporter (for the Palm Coast Observer and later the Ormond Beach Observer), I watched it struggle with that change,” he said. “Every city government meeting was another identity crisis – ‘How much can we grow before we lose who we used to be?’ It’s probably no coincidence
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those themes of growth and identity are prevalent in my book. When you spend nearly your whole life in a place, you start to see yourself in the context of that place. You become a reflection of your hometown.”
“ We all look for meaning in our surroundings – in
religion or in sea turtles or in monster movies – but I think we can all agree that looking for it in monster ” movies is the funniest. — Mike Cavaliere
Mike attended local schools and transferred to Daytona State in 2005 after one semester at a private university, crediting the sticker shock of his first student loan bill with the switch. With no career path in mind, he took art classes and earned his Associate of Arts degree (maintaining a 4.0 GPA and making the President’s List every semester). He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English from UCF and pursued his passion for creative writing. After graduating, he found a job with a local publishing company, which led to his first book, “Tracks in the Sand: Sea Turtles and Their Protectors,” published in 2010. “My first book was about sea turtle conservationists, but really it’s about the community that comes from loving something irrationally,” he said. “Just like some zombie movies are about a fear of conformity, and some vampire movies are about lust or loneliness, I realized from writing that book that telling other peoples’ stories was a way of connecting with them and connecting with the world.”
Each chapter of “The Humorist” includes a life lesson culled from a horror film, as in this from Cujo (1983): “For A+ parenting prep, get a dog. What could possibly go wrong?” and this from Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978): “Be open to rebranding. Your old self probably wasn’t so great anyway.” “We all look for meaning in our surroundings – in religion or in sea turtles or in monster movies,” he said. “But I think we can all agree that looking for it in monster movies is the funniest.” If there is a hero in “The Humorist,” it has to be his wife, Rebecca, who demonstrates the patience of Job as Mike comes to terms with the vagaries of life. “I told her I could always give her an alias – maybe call her ‘Shmebecca’ so that nobody would know who I was talking about, but no luck,” he said. “So instead, we made a deal: I would just use her real name, and, in return, she would stay mad at me forever.” Mike, who took a position with EmbryRiddle in 2014 and now serves as Executive Director of News & Media Relations, is already contemplating his next project which might involve a cross-country trip across America. Which hearkens to the life lesson from The Blair Witch Project (1999): “Lost is a state of mind.”
Remembering Jerome & Esther Krueger sessions geared solely to seniors in our community. And you guessed it: WISE, aka Wisdom in Senior Education, was born. Jerry and Esther Krueger never met a stranger. Everyone who knew them fell in like or love with both, and in most cases, you became instant family. One of Jerry’s favorite quotes was “he who rests, rusts” and he exemplified this every day. They are both now resting, but thanks to their incredible lives, always touting education as our foundation for growth and selfevolution, they leave behind a legacy that will make a lasting impact on so many.
By Dr. Ted Sofianos, School of Student Life Skills Assistant Chair My wife, Pritpal, and I met Jerome and Esther Krueger through my father who, at the time, was trying to recover from multiple myeloma, and he had met Jerry and Esther through an acquaintance. That meaningful introduction in 2003 later translated to a unique relationship with an extremely special couple . Jerry and Esther’s service to country in WWII in the U.S. Army Air Force and with the WACs, and continued service to their communities after, demonstrated to so many their indominable spirit and influence to make the world around them a better place. Their affection toward each other and those around them, their positivity and desire to know about how you were doing, was infectious; they made you want to be a better 38 | Daytona State Magazine | Fall/Winter 2023
Jerome (Jerry) and Dr. Esther Krueger were champions of lifelong learning for senior adults in this community and were ardent supporters of DSC students through the scholarship they established with the Daytona State person by spending just a few moments College Foundation in 2017. They were in their presence. instrumental in establishing the WISE program and continued as its primary Their connection to the College began champions until earlier this summer as snowbirds – later becoming fullwhen their failing health precluded timers – from New Jersey (where Jerome their continuing involvement. Less than still practiced law well into his 80s and three weeks separated their deaths in served on multiple city and community August 2023. councils, while Dr. Esther Krueger, taught Human Sexuality at Keane In memory of their devotion and University – almost like a Dr. Ruth!). leadership focused on lifelong learning On several occasions, they mentioned to us that there weren’t any programs they could find that were geared toward senior education. They knew Pritpal and I were both educators and asked whether Daytona State had any such programs. Shortly thereafter, Jerry and Esther began meeting and working with DSC’s Center for Business and Industry and the Foundation to create educationally-based learning
for senior adults and the broader impact they made upon all who are part of Daytona State College, the DSC Foundation and District Board of Trustees unanimously approved the naming of the Jerry and Esther Krueger Wisdom in Senior Education (WISE) Program.
Jeep Beach INAUGURAL SCHOLARSHIP PARADE The Daytona State College Foundation and Jeep Beach celebrated a new scholarship program Friday, October 6 with the “Jeep Beach Scholarship Parade” as part of Daytona State’s Homecoming festivities. “Jeep Beach has supported the L. Gale Lemerand Entrepreneurial Speaker Series Scholarship, the annual Foundation Gala and the Jeep Beach Rated Restaurants: Where the Locals Eat tasting event,” said Foundation Vice President Tim Norton. “Jeep Beach’s organizers and participants appreciate the value of supporting education, and their contributions will go a long way toward helping our students succeed.” Jeep Beach has contributed more than $25,000 in direct and indirect support to students attending Daytona State College over the years. The mission of Jeep Beach is to raise funds for local and national charities, with more than $4.1 million donated to date. Jeep Beach, which attracted 225,000 visitors and more than 25,000 Jeeps to Daytona Beach this year for their annual April event, enlisted the Foundation as host of the inaugural Jeep Beach Rated Restaurants: Where the Locals Eat tasting event which was a smashing success.
Proceeds from the tasting event enabled boys and girls from the area immediately surrounding the College’s main campus to attend summer athletic camps for free, provided scholarships for students in need of affordable housing while attending DSC this year, and supported the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia-Flagler Counties Youth of the Year program. The Daytona State College Foundation and Jeep Beach are proud to partner again in 2024 to host the second annual event on April 21 at the College’s News-Journal Center located on Beach Street in downtown Daytona Beach. More information can be found at JeepBeach.com or DaytonaStateFoundation.org. Students interested in applying for the Jeep Beach scholarships – some of the more than 240 scholarships available through the Foundation – should visit DaytonaState.edu/Scholarships.
Shown above: Charlene Greer, Jeep Beach CEO, presented a $15,000 check to the DSC Foundation for student scholarships.
Shown above: Charlene Greer, Jeep Beach CEO; Kristen Hanson, DSC Foundation Director of Development & Community Engagement; Tim Norton, Vice President of Advancement and DSC Foundation Executive Director; and Tom LoBasso, DSC President.
Shown above: Once of the many Jeep Beach “Jamily” members celebrating Homecoming in the Jeep Beach Scholarship Parade.
Daytona State Magazine | Fall/Winter 2023 | 39
DSC Foundation Honor Roll of Donors The President’s Circle
The Daytona State College Foundation proudly recognizes the many sponsors, employees, alumni, parents, students and friends who have made gifts between October 16, 2022 through October 31, 2023 to support the students and programs of Daytona State College. Every gift makes a difference in the lives of our students. Recognition is provided in the President’s Circle for annual contributions of $1,000 or more. Gifts of more than $100 are recognized in the Circle of Excellence and Circle of Honor.
BRONZE $1,000 to $4,999 Abbott Fund Matching Grant Plan Marcella Achilles AdventHealth DeLand
PLATINUM $25,000 or more
Ann Eifert Go Beyond Foundation, Inc
AdventHealth Daytona Beach
John & Lynda Hodgson, Hodgson Family Foundation
The Dee Anderson Achievement Trust
ICI Homes
Bob & Carol Allen
Dorothy C. Minor
Joseph & Virginia Comella
Michael & Jennifer Panaggio
Council of Garden Clubs
Perry-McCall Construction
Curb Family Foundation, Mike & Linda Curb
The Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation
Harriet H. Dodd
University Women of Flagler
Florida College System Foundation
SILVER
The Griffin Achievement Trust, Joe Dudley
$5,000 to $9,999
Halifax Health Halifax Health Foundation Hosseini Family Foundation, Mori & Forough Hosseini Brian & Brittany Kelley L. Gale Lemerand & Jill Simpkins Dr. Leonard & Dr. Lynn Lempel Charlotte A. Minor Paul B. & Constance D. Hunter Charitable Foundation William H. Murray Trust
Aegis Consulting Ajax Building Company Jess & Elizabeth Bailes Reed Berlinsky Buddy Davenport State Farm Insurance Captain James Ormond DAR Charles Perry Partners, Inc. City of Daytona Beach Brian Correia Country Inn & Suites Port Orange - Daytona Rodgers & Ann Dashow Melinda Dawson Daytona International Speedway Will & Kimberly Dunne John & Christine Elnitsky Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Richard & Terry England Expert Reserve Services Inc Elizabeth Ferguson
Brown & Brown, Inc.
Financial Educators Federal Credit Union
Maxine Elam
Flagler County Insurance Agency
Mikaela Elam DiOttavio Florida Health Care Plans Food Supply, Inc., David Sacks Jeep Beach
Daniel & Liz Francati Gary Yeomans Ford Geico Auto Insurance - Johnson Agency, Inc. Susan Glass Sheila Gray Dr. Beverly Grissom
Kiwanis Club of Daytona Beach
James Helmer
Legacy Law Associates, Denis & Edith Shelley
Nina Hosseini
Estate of Robert Lenholt Robert & Sherri Lloyd
GOLD $10,000 to $24,999
The National Board of Respiratory Care
J. Hyatt & Cici Brown
PFM Asset Management, LLC
Andy & Molly Clark
Caroline Smilowitz
Dr. Job & Mrs. Mercedes Clement
The Vision Council
Molly ONeill Palm Coast Songwriters Festival
Duane Lockhart Trust
Historical Impressionists of Florida, Inc. Indigo Dental, Inc. Laura Jackson JKD Farms Jon Hall Chevrolet, Inc., Ritchey Family David Kolodzik Nathan Kotas Rita Lee Alexis Lenssen Dante Leon Charles & Anne Lichtigman Dr. Thomas & Karen LoBasso Lodging & Hospitality Association of Volusia County Michael McGuire Microflex, Inc. Louis Moore & Deanna Whited
40 | Daytona State Magazine | Fall/Winter 2023
Russell & Karen North
Dr. Philip & Val Day
Carl & Janice Abdalian
Dixie Blake
OCI Associates, Inc.
Daytona State College Faculty Senate
Sandra Acheampong
Erika Blanken
Margaret Overbey
William DeMattia
Carrie Achterberg
Janet Blanken
Justin Pachota
Design Scapes by Robert Draper Inc
Janet Adamek
Yolanda Blocker
Jeff Parzych
Victor Diaz
Cristina Adams
David Bly
Michael & Susan Pate
Don Bell Signs
Leeanna Adams
Tristan Bodnar
Dahyabhai & Angela Patel
Tina Farbolin
Monica Adarve
Brittany Bolduc
Mel & Mary Peterson
Colleen Fitchett
Alberto Aguirre
Chase Boles
Plaza Resort & Spa
James Gallagher
Thomas & Lucille Alcorn
Theodore Bolt
PQH Group Design Inc
Ghyabi Consulting & Management, LLC
Esmeralda Aleman
Duncan Bond-Nelson
Josephine Alexander
Oneyda Bonilla
Lisa Alexander
Patricia Booker
John Alipio
Booker’s Catering
Altamonte Christian School
Jill Bosang
Javier Alvarez
Ion Boswell
Amazon Smile
Christopher & Jennifer Botting
Natalie Ambrosio
Bowen Plumbing Inc
Jeff Anderson
Madison Boyce
Russell & Barbara Anderson
Richard & Mary Boyd
Angel Andujar
Stacey Bracken
Cynthia Ansari
Lisa Bradley
Mason Anton
Genora Brantley
Ahmed Aoun
Dr. Kay Brawley
Peter Applegarth
Nathan Brian
Emad Arab
Jalyn Brooks
Monica Armstrong
Jaelynn Brown
Jason Arnold
James & Bonnie Brown
Ava Arnold
Harold Brown
William L Arrington
Brenda Brown
Melanie McDonough
Association of Florida Colleges DSC Chapter
Frank & Mary Bruno
Mid Florida Sportswear
Andrew & Nermin Ataalla
Emily Miller
Gatlin Aten
Kenneth Moorhouse
Kristal Aumann
Jim & Ellen O’Shaughnessy
Ricardo & Michelle Ayala
Jason Penney
Brian & Meredith Babb
Peppers Boutique LLC
Amina Bacar
Michael Polito
Bahama House
Wayne Raath
Lynn Balaban & Bob Coburn
Robert & Hilary Reilly
Richard Baldwin
William Roboski
Yara Barbosa
Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar
Caitlyn Barnes
Kent & Maureen Ryan
Robin & David Barr
Jack & Pat Ryan
Michelle Bartlome
Jane Rynearson
Barwick Banking Company
Louis & Christine Seno
Susan Bayley
David & Martha Smith
Karen Beattie
George Stanley
Stephanie Beauchamp
State Farm Companies Foundation
Stephen Becker
Timothy Steflik
Michael Beedie
Dave & Samantha Tatum
Brooks Beeman
(TLC) The Living Cornerstone
Olivia Bell
The Givebacks Giving App
Ronald & Elizabeth Bell
William Underwood
Belle Ciel Salon
Bill Volkman
Jacquelyn Belle Isle
James Williams & Karen Concannon
Tom & Martina Bellomo
Mark & Judy Wilson
Alexander Benitez
Prosser, Inc. Christopher & Tina Regan Pamela Ridilla RiverTree Advisors Preston & Lynn Root Rotary Club of Port OrangeSouth Daytona
Grand Haven Women’s Club Kristen Hanson George & Irene Harrington Kaitlyn Hart Erik Heben Eric Hogan
Elizabeth Rottgers
Dr. Randy & Karen Howard
Janice Russak
Victor & Charlene Irland
David & Susan Schandel
Rufus & Teresa Johnson
School Board of Volusia County, Florida
Roger & Leigh Kennedy
Security First Insurance LLC Benjamin Shaver Barbara Sipe SMA Healthcare Foundation William & Mary Smith Snell Legal, Greg & Jori Snell Southeast Law Group, P.A. SouthState Bank Kevin Stanley State Of Florida Stonewood Holdings / Houligan’s Dr. Michael & Nancy Suah Bobby & Lee Thigpen Maggie Thompson United Way of Volusia-Flagler County University of Central Florida Volusia Manufacturers Association W. W. Truss Co., Inc. Dr. Sherryl Weems Senator Tom & Cindy Wright
CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE $500 to $999 Dr. Jeff & Donna Abbott Tina Appy Tamela Brown Troy Bubley Janet Calnan Jennifer Cannizzaro Iris Carbajal Misty Carlson Chapco Fence, LLC Angela Chayer City of South Daytona
Daisuke Kogure Kornegay Dental Charlene Latimer David Leonard Dr. Amy Locklear LPGA Foundation Aubrey Lunsford Mainstreet Community Bank of Florida Bernard & Belinda McCarthy
Cunningham Oil Company
CIRCLE OF HONOR $100 TO $499
Kara Dawson
850 Vacation Rentals, LLC
Clash Endurance Cindy Clements
Kelly Berning Bryan Bewick
Faith Bryant Jennifer Bryant Ellame Burgess Kenneth Burgman John & Kay Burniston Benjamin Burns Lauren Buzinski Alene Cabrera Marilyn Callegari John & Suzette Cameron Marc & Teresa Campbell Endia Campbell Marilyn Caneva Mark Carlile John Carlson Edward & Norma Carter Madison Caruso Martin Cass Taylor Castellano Kristle Castillo Dianne Cavarretta Lucille Cerreto Dr. Colin Chesley Zakariaya Child Patricia Chipi Rachal Chohonis Danielle Cinicolo Nixon Cisneros
Cristiano Bianchi
Claire’s Concrete Construction, Inc.
Daniel & Kathryn Biferie
Lisa Clark
William Blackwell
Neil & Angelica Clemons
Daytona State Magazine | Fall/Winter 2023 | 41
Cristin Clines
Chrissy Dunn
Humberto Granda
Naomi Jarrett
Tracy Lobdell
Demetrios & Marina Coidakis
Bill Dunnigan
Vivian Grant
Richard & Lois Loesch
Michelle Collins
Brian Durbin
Suzanne Grantham
Georgia Jenkins & Rebecca Janssen
Bryan & Melanie Collyer
Sabrina Duty
Travis Grantham
Kenai Colon
Dr. Ronald Eaglin
Donna Graybill
Stephen Conway
EDT Enterprises, Inc.
Robald Grayzel
Dr. Robert & Evelyn Cook
Carter Edwards
T.G. Parker
Tracy Cook
Joshua Eisenberg
Benjamin Greer
Edger & Judith Corn
Joseph & Patricia Elam
Cynthia Grey
Leticia Correa
Felicia Engles
Olivia Grey
Diana Coy
Fam. Rienks
Karen Griffiths
Nora Craggy
Claude Fennema
Andrew Grosso
Danny Crespo
Ava Ferrara
Gay Gunther
Sallie Culver
Jayne Fifer
Sandy Haggas
Rachel Dailey
Flagler Auditorium/ Amelia Fulmer
Taha Haiboub
Eric Dailey Jocelyn Daley Jennifer Daly Dr. Erik & Kristin D’Aquino Matthew Davids Pam Davis Carrie Davis Karen Davis Monica Davis Michael & Teresa Davis Tristan Davison Chantel Day Susan Day Daytona State College Career Employee Association Daytona State College TRiO Student Support Services Erika De La Hoz Tessa Dean Ande Deaton Woraluck Deawsurintr Anette Decker Hilary Deininger Mike & Marilyn Del Ninno Kylee Delorenzo Taylor Demankowski Tyler & Rita Denson Weston DeSoto Stephen DeVito Dr. Shana Deyo John & Carmen Di Cesare Brianna Dicks Yvette Dillman Gavin Marcus Dioquino Domenick Dipietro Ellis Dolan-McSweeney Cristal Dongilli Deborah Dorber Dominic Doreste Donald Doudna Pat Dougherty Marie Downey Connor Drolet Dominique DuBose Kelly Duffy Kristeen Duncan Stanley Dunlop
Wes Flagler Fleet Liquidators of Central Florida LLC Lisa Florio Tara Floyd Caden Foli Kristy Forare Charles Fordham Andrew Forness Adrianna Forslund Keith Fountain Larry & Andrea Frank Friends of the Ormond Beach Library Donna Fries Tammy Fritz Steve & Vicki Fuehrer Troy Fuller Matthew Furry Kendra Fustin Hudson Fynes Ashley Gable Kathleen Gabriel Steven Gardner Sanja Gazahi Patricia Gee Connie Gellner Stefanie Georg Larry & Dottie Giannone Mariel Gierbolini Chris & Joan Gigicos Sally Gillespie Hope Gillis Hailee Glaenzer Alison Glenfield Michele & William Goeb-Burkett Iris Goldberg Angela Golden Martin & Dr. Michelle Goldys Luis Gonzalez Craig Goodman Lucia Gordillo Clayton Gordner Richard Gosch Charles & Annemarie Graham Jim Graham & Lisa Adams
42 | Daytona State Magazine | Fall/Winter 2023
Kristie Haines Marion Hake Charlotte Hall Ari Hall Dr. Amy Hall Erik & Marie Halleus Dev Halpern Larry Handley Malloy Hansen Theresa Hanson Janice Hanzak Adam Hardy Harold Haycook Moving & Storage Corporation
Alexis Johnson Tina Johnson Kylie Johnson Kelly Johnson Abigail Johnson Gabrielle Jordan Journey Fitness Center Kaitlin Kaiser Christina Kalmoutis Larry Kaplan Thomas Karejwa James Kates Daniel & Cheryl Keefe Carolyn Keene Frank & Lauren Kelleher John & Dorothy Kelley Lee Kenyon John Kessler Kameron Kestner Krish Khemlani Kelly Kiah Deborah Kiely Sheila Killion Kirsten Kim R.D & Lorene King Sean Kinsley
Finley Harper
Marilyn Kinsley
Sarah Harper
Valerie Kisseloff
Jeffrey & Ellen Harrell
Carolyn Knapp
Marion & Mary Jo Harrington
Stewart Knight
Charles & Lori Hartman
Joseph Koenig
Dr. Richard & Consuelo Hartmann
Dr. Cheryl Kohen
Lola Harvey Linda Hazen Brayden Heath Alex Henderson Dr. Marjorie Hensler Monica Hickey Janis Higgins Highlander Hillandale Quality Feeds, LLC Charles Hinton Dr. Kathy Hoellen Dave Hoffman Linda Hoffmeister Edward & Barbara Holcomb LaKisha Holmes Betty & Julio Holness Corey Hucka Sharon Huegel Jennifer Huffman Forest & Gwen Hughes Timothy Hurley Seymour Israel Mark & Clarissa Jackson Judy Jackson John & Cozette Jacobs Abby Jansen
Dr. Lisa Koogle Angela Kopnicky Caleb Kresl Karl & Leila Kronenberger Joan Krueger & Doug Garno
Sarah Loftus Julie Loftus Carmen Lohn Roberto Lombardo Easton Lorch Mary Lorch Kevin Lorden Garry & Barbara Lubi Kristin Lucas Joey Lucent Joseph Luckett Lurz Plumbing Jannice Lynch James & Kathleen Lyon Nashad Mackey Carolina Mackin Jeffrey & Marilynn Macklin David & Mary Maib Mainland High School Paul Mallett Dr. Karthikeya Mamillapalle Mandarin High School Rebecca Mangali Lawrence Manning Judy Manuel Kelley Markland Rodnie & Marjorie Marquinez Roland & Elizabeth Marsh Darrington “Gates” Marshall Aidyl Martin Edward & Norine Martin Samantha Martin Traci Mason Donald May Mattie McBee David McCallister Dave & Madelyn McCarthy
Clare Kubes
Michael & Kristen McClanahan
Jarrett & Kelly Kwiatek
Devin Mcclelland
Kinley Lang
Barbara McCloskey
Jana Lanier
Lori McCray
Erica Larson
Dianna McGee
Alex Lasecki
Andrea McIntyre
Jack & Lynne Lauramore
Rose Meeske
Brittany Lawson
Rodrigo Mendoza
Dr. Kathleen Lazarus
Frank & Lynn Mercer
Jacqualynn Leak
Joshua Michael
David & Virginia Lebioda
April Michael
Danaca Lebrun
Angelina Michael
Sydney Ledford
John Mikhaeil
Andrew Lee
Allison Militello
Jodie Lefils
Brock Miller
Kaliyah Leggette
Owing Miller
William & Mary Lenssen
Avery Mitchell
Nicholas & Joan Lenssen
Marina Mitry
Fanny Liberale
LuAnn Monahan
John & Pauline Lightfoot
Isalene Montgomery
Robert & Sandy Lloyd
Debora Moon
Dr. David & Erin Lloyd
Dr. Karla Moore
Erin Moore
Christopher Pollard
Dr. T. Saunders
Stuart’s Car Care Center, Inc.
Daniel Weidenmiller
Erin Moore
Jennie Powell
Joanne Saxour
Fredrick Stutz
Ella Welborn
Cara Moore
Sana Prabhu
Elizabeth Scavuzzo
Kenadie Suarez
Tara Wesley
Emily Moore
Guillermo & Elvira Prada
Corinne Schaefer
Gregory & Vonda Sullivan
Wessels Oil Co.
Karen Moorhous
Richard Pratt
Tracy Schreiber
Alexa Swain
Barry Whitaker
Nilsa Morales
Erwin & Barbara Prietz
Raymond Schultz
Amy Szoka
Harry & Beverly White
Karin Morgan
Brandy Purcell Hartman
Screaming Eagles
T Z Enterprises Inc
Kenneth & Patricia White
Dr. Mark & Dr. Nancy Morgan
Boleslaw Radziul
Marci Seay
Logan Tanner
Heather Whiting
Valerie Morgan
Cerese Ramos
Nicolas Segovia
Jean Tauber
Gary Whiting
Karelyn Morrissey
Cheryl Ratcliff
Blane & Paula Taylor
Gloria Whitman
Ari Morse
Scott Reed
Seminole State College of Florida
Scott Taylor
Brenda Wilkinson
Jonah Morvant
Jonathan Reyes
Christopher Taylor
Barb Williams
Brinley Moser
Mary Rhodes
Darla Tedesco
Robert & Diane Williams
June Moss
Paulo Ribeiro
Andrew Temple
Richard Williams
Linda Moss
Eliana Ribeiro
John & Rhonda Tesauro
Art Wilmot
Nicola Moxey
Alessandra Ribeiro
Jennifer Teski
Payton Wischmeier
Sebastian Murillo
Dominic Richards
Emma Testi
Tonya Woeber-Bobo
Jackson Musyimi
Peter & Marvel Richards
Liam Thomas Figueroa
Makinsey Wood
Tina Myers
Cindy Richardson
Stephanie Thomas-Rees
Dakota Woods
Melissa Nangle
Regan Richardson Joan Ridilla
Reid Sims
Marc Wooten
Beatriz Nasr
Robert & Frances Thompson Gee
Dena Nation
Julia Rienks
Merrick & Michele Sirota
Emily Thornton
Laura Nicholson
Rigo Rincones
Asher Sjoblom
Tiffany Thornton
Paige Nielsen
Dr. Amy Ringue &
Luke Slaninka
Susan Tierson
Norman & Susan Slifkin
James Tobin
Kristy Slifkin
Adrianne Toles-Williams
Mason Slocumb
Carolyn Topham
SMA Healthcare
Christy Transier
Kim Smith
Trenton High School
Ashton Smith
Cassie Triplett
Robert Smith
Akshaj Trivedi
Richard & Sherri Smith
Alaina Truesdale
William & Suzanne Smith
Catherine Twyman
Bryan Smith
Chelsey Underwood
Kage Smithgall
Davina Underwood
Christine Smolock
Gabe Unknown
Amanda Smolock
Lucas Valenzuela
Joelma Soares Sambdman
Stacey Van Buren
Dr. Theodore & Pritpal Sofianos
Robert Van Horn
Beth Noah
Mr. Alan November
Morgan Noell
Cyndi Ritchey
Betty Noland
Andrew & Lynne Ritter
Catherine Norman
Miguel Rivera
Lucy Norris
Kristen Robbins
Timothy & Dawn Norton
Andrew Roberts
Pamela Novy & Geoffrey Michl
Alice Robertson
John & Donita Obermann Michael & Colleen O’Donnell Meaghan O’Dwyer Pat O’Malley Samuel Orfale Amanda Orsley Giana Ortiz Amy Osmon Elba Palermino Melanie Parks Donald Parks Marcie Patchett Linda Paul Janis Paul Chiara Pauneto Timothy & Susan Payne Jane Pelis Vanessa Pepe Jorge Perez Kaley Pernal Jolene Peters Nicole Petersen Adam Phipps Vincenzo Piazza & Natalia Sirotkina Dr. Joanne Pinkston-McDuffie Elyoisa Pirela Jordan Platt Martin Plys Thomas Pokorny
Tanice Robinson Ronda Robinson Emma Robinson William Robinson Gail Robinson-Oturu Krista Robison Edward Robledo Heriberto Rodriguez Tracy Rodriguez Lina Rodriguez Jaylene Rodriguez Joseph Roof Jon Rosenberg Christina Ross Amanda Ross Dawn Rozofsky Sharyl Rubin Robin Rudd Candy Runnoe John Ruocco Richard & Tommie Rush Emily Ryan Shelley Rynearson Robert & Claire Sadowniczak Suzan Saidman Rosemary Salter Kimberly Sanders Sheryl Sandvoss Lillian Satterlee Jerry Saunders
Kathleen Sessa Mallory Shaver Charles & Patricia Shawen Chrysten Shea Stella Sherman Doreen Shore Kimberly Short Leah Silvis Jill Simpkins
SoNapa Grille Ormond Beach LLC Southeast Insurance Agency, Inc.
Michael Worden Kathleen Wrenn Robert & Lori Wrobel Michael & Kellie Wyatt Ted Wygant David & Barbara Yergey Suzanne Young Ilyda Young Janet Young Roger Young Dr. Robert & Barbara Young Z-Asian Dean Zacharis Joseph Zahniser Zev Cohen & Associates Maksym Zherukha Kyle Ziegenbein Gabriel & Frances Zinsli
Anna Vandell Dennis & Pamela Vandercook Varga Family Brielle Vega
Ron Spangler
Kellan Velez
Brennan Speed
David Vella
Judy Spence
Aidan Vickery
Nicole Sproul
Sandra Viscomi
St. George Trade, LLC
Ben Vitello
Patricia St Clair-Weber
Brooklyn Vitello
Jennifer Stach
Alberto & Myrna Vivanco
Gina Stafford
Robert & Jean-Marta Vogel
Third Stallworth
Heather Wagner
Michael Stanley
Debbie Walcott
Allawna Stapf
Logan Walden
Dustin Starkey
Mark Wallschlaeger
Shannon Stehmeier
Kelly Walters
Walter & Suzanne Steiner
Thomas Walters
Mollie Steingrimsson
Jorge Warner
Maggie Sterba
Elissa Webb
Kim Stillman
Tom Webb
Emma Stout
Julieann Weber
Nancy Strona
Jason Weidenmiller
Daytona State Magazine | Fall/Winter 2023 | 43
Daytona State College Magazine
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Daytona Beach, FL Permit No. 322
1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, Florida 32114
SAVE THE DATE!
CORK & FORK A Food and Wine Event
Sunday, May 5, 2024 4–7 p.m. Mori Hosseini College of Hospitality & Culinary Management, Daytona Beach Campus Featuring Chef Costa Magoulas, the faculty and students in our renowned Culinary program, together with some of the area’s top-rated restaurants — whose owners, leaders and chefs are alumni of the program – the 3rd Annual Cork & Fork event is one you don’t want to miss! We promise great wine, food and a sampling of beers from our Hospitality Beverage Science program. 100% of the proceeds benefit students attending Daytona State College.
For more information and sponsorship opportunities contact Kristen.Hanson@DaytonaState.edu