DSC Magazine Fall/Winter 2022

Look Inside

Grant programs – filling the gaps and meeting the needs of education and support services at DSC Grants account for a fraction of Daytona State College’s $90 million annual budget. But funding provided by the federal and state governments, local organizations and, increasingly, public and private partnerships, are fueling some of the most innovative and future-focused programs available at a state college.

Daytona State News

Highlights from newsworthy events, programs, and people.

Student Life

Student organizations and Collegesponsored events kept students engaged and informed, and the first on-campus residents moved into their new digs.

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Meet the Faculty

Mercedes and Job Clement, living their faith, pay it forward by supporting scholarships for DSC students.

Homecoming

Held a week after Hurricane Ian hit Central Florida, nothing could stop alumni and students from this year’s festivities.

Athletics

Falcon student-athletes continue to win on and off the fields and courts.

28th Annual Gala

Donors and friends of the DSC Foundation kicked up their heels in support of students and programs, and honored Bill and Mary Lenssen for their dedicated service to the College and community.

Alumni Spotlights

DSC graduates make a difference every day in so many ways. Xavier Inosencio is exploring the mysteries of the cosmos, and Latricia Mckenzie-Halyard’s work has been showcased on the Food Network.

Deltona Groundbreaking

With ceremonial shovels in the ground, Daytona State celebrated the kickoff for construction on Building Two at the Deltona Campus.

Foundation Donor Spotlights

Jayne Fifer and the Volusia Manufacturers Association (VMA) support student scholarships, and the College unveils the Gary R. Libby Patio in a special celebration.

Shown on cover: Daytona State College President, Dr. Tom LoBasso, together with Provost, Dr. Amy Locklear, Associate Vice President, Business, Engineering & Technology, Dante Leon, (both seated) and Dr. Sherryl Weems, Associate Vice President, Mary Karl College of Workforce & Continuing Education, review plans for grants received and on the docket for further research, writing and submission.

President’s Perspective

Dr. Thomas LoBasso

As we approach the end of 2022, it’s fitting to take stock of the challenges we’ve faced and the moments we’ve had to celebrate.

Just as we were settling into the rhythm of the fall semester, the state was hit with one of the most devastating hurricanes in recent memory. While our campuses were largely unscathed, many of us – and our families and friends around the state – suffered incredible damage and loss. Our hearts go out to everyone, and we are working to accommodate and support everyone who needs our help.

Reflecting on the past six months, we also have much to be thankful for. We continue to grow. For the first time in our College’s history, we have students living on campus 24/7 at the new Student Residence Hall on the Daytona Beach Campus. We recently broke ground on a new building on our Deltona Campus that will allow us to expand our nursing and machining programs, and launch a brand new program in Diagnostic Sonography. And the State Legislature and the Governor have allocated funding that will allow us to expand our Law Enforcement Academy and cybersecurity programs.

It’s always exciting to see so many of our students celebrating and participating in campus events such as Welcome Back, Student Development Week, Abilities Awareness Day, Veterans Day, Diversity Awareness Week, athletic events and more. We celebrated another successful Homecoming, and we are just coming off the heels of our first Foundation gala in three years. It was certainly good to see old friends again and have the opportunity to make new friends.

In this issue, we showcase two outstanding alumni – Xavier Inosencio and Latricia Mckenzie-Halyard. These talented professionals are pursuing incredibly unique, interesting and rewarding career paths and are eager to share stories of the impact Daytona State has made on their endeavors.

I’m proud of our resiliency and how we have supported each other, and I’m excited for what the future holds. I hope you are, too.

Daytona State College Magazine

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Ed.D.

Daytona State College Magazine

DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE STAFF

Thomas LoBasso,

Thank You for Making Our 2022 Annual Gala a Tremendous Success

Presented by honoring Bill & Mary Lenssen

Premier Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Denis & Edith Shelley Jeep Beach

Jill Simpkins & L. Gale Lemerand Jon Hall Chevrolet PFM Asset Management

Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors

AEGIS Consulting Group, LLC

Bill & Mary Lenssen

Charles Perry Partners, Inc.

City of Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Police Department

Daytona International Speedway

Duke Energy

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Florida Health Care Plans

Gary Yeomans Ford

GEICO Insurance/Rufus Johnson

John & Lynda Hodgson

Locke & Ann Burt

Lou & Christine Seno

The Plaza Resort & Spa

The Thigpen Family SouthState Bank

Charles & Diane Rogers Cherie Keemar

Food Supply, Inc. Hassel+Snell

Jerry & Esther Krueger

Larry & Andrea Frank Maggie Thompson

OCI Associates, Inc. Prosser, Inc.

Beverly Grissom

Charles & Anne Lichtigman

Checkered Flag Committee

Coastal Cloud

Dan & Liz Francati

Giles Electric Co., Inc.

Indigo Dental

Lowell & Nancy Lohman

Ponce Inlet Women’s Club

Security First Insurance, LLC Sodexo Campus Services

Sullivan Marketing Group, LLC T.G. Parker

The Rossmeyer Family Volusia County Council

DSC Foundation Board Chair

Zina Grau

Daytona State College is doing so many remarkable things that it is hard to capture them all in a twice-per-year publication, but our staff is doing a great job – and we applaud them!

On pages 26-29, you’ll get a glimpse into a night, just last month, when we feted Bill and Mary Lenssen at the Foundation’s 28th Annual Gala. The night was filled with great food, fun, entertainment, and inspiring stories from students and an alumna. The majority of proceeds from the Gala will support student scholarships through the Bill and Mary Lenssen Family Endowment.

Writing about Bill and Mary, immediate past Foundation Board Chair Denis Shelley said, “We salute you for the positive impact you’ve had in our community and for the legacy of significance exemplified by your children, grandchildren, and a cadre of friends and organizations you’ve supported throughout Flagler and Volusia counties.”

Since before his appointment to the College’s District Board of Trustees in 1991 by then-Governor Lawton Chiles right up until today with his continuing service as Secretary on the Executive Committee of our Foundation, Bill has faithfully given of his time and, together, he and Mary have given of their talent and treasure to advance of the work of the College and its students.

Thank you, Bill and Mary, for your lifelong commitment to Daytona State. Importantly, we thank each of you who are supporters of students by way of generous giving through the Foundation. And, we ask those who are not yet giving to your alma mater/local college that you consider making a gift today to help us continue doing the good work of assisting those who need help with tuition or a uniform or an exam fee or some other experience that is beyond their ability.

Thank you!

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

DaytonaStateFoundation.org

(386) 506-3407, or

Daytona State College Foundation 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Daytona

Zina Grau ‘03 Chair, Daytona State College Foundation, Inc.

Daytona State News

Daytona State and New College of Florida offer new 2+2 Agreement

Daytona State College and New College of Florida (NCF) have created a new 2+2 agreement. Daytona State A.A. graduates who meet eligibility requirements are guaranteed admission to NCF. Academic pathways are available for students with an interest in biology, chemistry, economics, liberal arts (general transfer), marine biology, and psychology.

DSC Quanta-Honors College Chair, Dr. Ben Graydon, is excited about the new opportunities for students in the honors program. “Daytona State’s faculty work hard to nurture our students’ interests in research, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. This new transfer agreement provides a guaranteed pathway for students to continue developing their interests in New College’s supportive and rigorous academic programs. With this agreement in place, our students can explore their interests through our A.A. degree and then transfer to New College for advanced study and professionalization supported by a generous guaranteed scholarship.”

Governor Ron DeSantis awarded DSC $3.9 million to expand the College’s welding, machining, cybersecurity and apprenticeship programs, and $1.3 million for a Commercial Drivers License Training program at DSC’s Advanced Technology College.

“A key element of our mission is to anticipate the educational and workforce needs of our communities and regional employers,” said Daytona State College President Tom LoBasso. “This funding greatly increases our ability to prepare our students for rewarding careers in a broad range of high-demand fields.”

Daytona State is receiving $2.5 million to expand the College’s machining and welding technology programs, $1 million to develop a state-of-the-art Center for Cybersecurity and $400,000 to work with Volusia County School’s District to expand its preapprenticeship program.

The commercial drivers license training program is scheduled to start in February 2023 and will be capable of training up to 200 drivers annually.

Daytona State receives more than $5 million to support Workforce Development initiatives

Dual Enrolled Student Ai Hancock selected as 2022 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar

DeLand High School student Ai Hancock – who is dual-enrolled at Daytona State College – is one of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members nationwide who have been named a 2022 CocaCola Leaders of Promise Scholar.

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program is designed to help new PTK members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars receive a $1,000 scholarship and are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in PTK programs. Selections are based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. More than 900 applications were received for the award this year.

Hancock is very active in high school,

participating in varsity track for four years, the National Honor Society for three years and ROTC for two years, among many other activities.

“Giving back to my community has always been something I’ve loved to do,” Hancock said. “I’ve volunteered at multiple places, but the most important have been the soup kitchen and a 5K race. The race raises money for cancer research and the creators were my elementary school teachers. Volunteering has molded me into the emerging leader I am today.”

When she was nine years old, Hancock was attacked by a dog and left with hundreds of stitches on her face. As a result, she is inspired to help children who have suffered traumatic injuries. Now dual-enrolled at Daytona State

and the University of Florida, she wants to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant specializing in children’s cosmetic surgery.

“I want to help make a difference in children’s lives, especially since I can relate to their struggles,” Hancock said. “I want to show them that this is only one moment of your life, and it does not define you.”

Daytona State’s Engineering Technology program re-accredited by ABET

Daytona State College’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology program has been re-accredited by ABET, a global nonprofit, nongovernmental agency that accredits programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology.

“There is tremendous demand for project engineers, process analysts, manufacturing engineers and technical sales engineers around the country,” said Dante Leon, DSC Associate Vice President, College of Business, Engineering and Technology. “ABET’s certification is the gold standard and reflects our commitment to provide students with the education and skills to pursue a successful and rewarding career in engineering technology.”

“Our BSET program prepares graduates

for rewarding careers in a range of fields, including aerospace, medicine, environmental sciences, computer science, electronics and software development, manufacturing and construction,” said Dr. Ron Eaglin, Chair of the Department of Engineering and Information Technology. “In virtually any industry where products are designed, developed or tested, there is high demand for qualified engineers.”

Daytona State’s program prepares students with a broad foundation in electrical and electronics circuits,

mechanics, computers, energy systems, programmable logic controllers, technical economics and quality assurance. The program takes about two years to complete after earning the associate degree and average annual salaries for graduates range from $69,200 to $80,000, according to the Florida Education & Training Placement Information Program (FETPIP).

ABET’s accreditation program is voluntary, and to date, 4,361 programs at 850 colleges and universities in 41 countries have received ABET accreditation. More than 175,000 students graduate from ABETaccredited programs each year, and millions of graduates have received degrees from ABET-accredited programs since 1932.

Kiwanis Club of Daytona Beach establishes endowment for local students

The Kiwanis Club of Daytona Beach announced the establishment of an endowed scholarship fund with the Daytona State College Foundation to support local students pursuing a college education.

The Daytona Beach Kiwanis Club Endowed Scholarship Fund will support scholarships for students to attend Daytona State College. Applicants must have attended Atlantic, Father Lopez, Mainland, Seabreeze or Spruce Creek high schools and have maintained a 2.5 GPA. The scholarships will be awarded for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Preference will be given to students who have been Key Club members in high school.

“Since 2008, we have had a scholarship with the Daytona State College Foundation and have provided more than $68,000 in scholarship support for students attending DSC,” said Kelly LaCombe, Club President, Daytona Beach Kiwanis Foundation Board. “Creating this new perpetual fund ensures continued ongoing

support for local high school graduates who need a helping hand to pursue their studies at Daytona State.”

The Daytona State College Foundation partners with the Kiwanis Club of Daytona Beach for its annual “Score One for the Kids” golf tournament, and proceeds from the event have gone toward previous scholarships.

“Kiwanis International has done incredible work around the world and our Daytona Beach Kiwanis Club has

already helped more than 120 Daytona State students further their education and pursue their career goals,” said Tim Norton, Executive Director of the Daytona State College Foundation. “Clearly, the Daytona Beach Kiwanis Club understands and is engaged in investing in education, which is the pathway to meaningful careers in this community and beyond.”

Dr. Larry Petker honors wife Sandi with $25,000 endowment to Daytona State College

Ormond Beach chiropractor Dr. Larry Petker and his family have established an endowed scholarship fund with the Daytona State College Foundation in memory of his beloved wife, Sandi, who passed away in December 2021.

The Sandi Petker RN Endowed Scholarship will support students preparing for careers as registered nurses through the Bob & Carol Allen School of Nursing at DSC.

Sandra “Sandi” Kaye Pruitt Petker, a native of Princeton, West Virginia, graduated from Daytona Beach Community College in 1966 and embarked on a 32-year career in nursing, mostly as a RN at Halifax Health Medical Center. In 1995, she was recognized as Employee of the Year.

Thanks to Larry and his family’s efforts,

more than $8,000 in additional support for the scholarship fund has been received from family members, friends, and former colleagues, and the fund continues to grow.

“Though I never had the privilege to meet Sandi myself, according to everything I’ve come to know, she was universally loved by everyone she worked with and cared for,” said Dr. Tom LoBasso, President of Daytona State College. “Larry’s generous gift will keep Sandi’s memory alive by helping the next generation of nursing students begin their medical careers.”

“It’s people like the Petkers who, through their generosity, create opportunities for students to give back to the communities that support them,” said Tim Norton, Executive Director of the DSC Foundation.

Daytona State College ranks among best universities and colleges in Florida for K-6 teacher preparation

Daytona State College has been ranked 12th in the state in educator preparedness for students intending to become kindergarten through sixth grade teachers in Florida, according to FTCEtest.org.

The organization provides information and preparation tools for prospective teachers planning to take the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations, which they must pass before becoming credentialed instructors.

The ranking is based on success rates for teacher candidates passing the FTCE Elementary Education Test on their first attempt. The FTCE Elementary Education Test is a group of four separate core subject area exams, and K-6 teaching candidates must pass all four subtests to receive Florida educator certification.

“Our mission is to anticipate and meet

the needs of our constituents, and one of those critical needs is for thousands of classroom teachers across our area,” said Daytona State College President Tom LoBasso. “We offer a flexible, innovative curriculum and experienced instructors who fully prepare future teachers for their life of service to their communities.”

Daytona State offers seven Bachelor of Science in Education degrees and students can earn their degree for as little as $10,000.

The recognition from FTCEtest.org adds to the growing list of top rankings already achieved by Daytona State during the current academic year. U.S. News & World Report ranks Daytona State as the top state college in Florida in its “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” for the 10th year in a row, and it is the only institution in the publication’s Top 50 ranking that is not a state or

private university. DSC’s online RNBSN program is ranked as the nation’s most affordable nursing degree of its kind according to Best Health Degrees. DSC’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology earned the No. 1 ranking for affordability according to Bachelor’s Degree Center.

U.S. Department of Education awards Daytona State $1.4 million for Upward Bound Program with Mainland High School

Daytona State College has received $1.4 million to launch an Upward Bound program with Mainland High School that will help underserved and firstgeneration 9th through 12th graders transition from high school to college.

The program will support up to 60 Mainland High School students annually. Activities will take place during the school year and a special Summer Academy. The Academy includes a residential experience in the recently opened Student Residence Hall on the Daytona Beach Campus.

“Upward Bound was created specifically to give support and experiences to high school students with a variety of disadvantaged situations such as homelessness, low income, disabilities, and those in families who have never been able

to attend college,” said Tom LoBasso, President of Daytona State College. “Our mission is to give everyone the opportunity to get an education and better themselves and their future. Upward Bound does exactly that.”

The program begins this Fall and runs for five years. Students will be selected based on an application process to determine eligibility.

Students participating in the program will benefit from a range of services, including classroom instruction, ACT preparation, career research, academic and career planning, tutoring, financial aid advising, and cultural enrichment and events designed to develop selfesteem and self-awareness. Students who meet participant requirements can receive a monthly stipend and will experience life on the college campus

during the Summer Academy.

“We’re excited to be working with Daytona State to provide students from our underserved communities with an opportunity to experience college life in ways they might not otherwise be able to do,” said Mainland High Principal Joseph Castelli. “Our students are excited, motivated and willing to learn, and the Upward Bound program greatly increases their chances to succeed in college and beyond.”

The DSC Upward Bound program is funded by the Department of Education (90% at $1,437,685) and Daytona State College (10% at $154,435).

Shown above: Dr. Ana Blaine and Dr. Margie Hensler, faculty in the School of Education

Student Life

When not in class, students have been having a blast this semester with events and activities on all seven Daytona State College campuses.

Move-In Day

STUDENTS MOVE INTO THEIR NEW HOME

For Daytona State’s first-ever “move-in days” to the new Student Residence Hall, staff, administrators and members of the Student Government Association pulled out all the stops to ensure the new residents and their families had a smooth and welcoming transition.

Resident Life Coordinator Shakyra Carson (who lives in an apartment in the residence hall) recalls, “For me, move-in day was a very exciting day. I had a lot of fun welcoming the new Falcons onto campus – the energy was really upbeat and cheerful.”

Along with moving boxes and bins into the rooms, students got to know each other with fun social activities

and shared meals throughout the day. Students also learned more about the College, their new class schedules, where to receive help from DSC student support networks, and more with newstudent orientation sessions.

The College has made a concerted effort to keep that energy and spirit going throughout the semester. “The RAs and I aim to make this their home away from home,” said Carson. “It is always exciting to see different groups of residents hanging out by the pool table late at night, or just stopping by the office to say hello. So far, I think our residents have greatly enjoyed their stay here.”

Athletics

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

The Daytona State Women’s Cross Country team is currently ranked seventh in the USTFCCCA National Coaches’ Poll. In their last meet, the FSU XC Invitational, they came out as the top Junior College team, 21st overall. Their top runner, Shannon Jones, placed 58th individually. The team took second place at the Region VIII Championships in Tallahassee, held on October 28. Shannon Jones placed first individually, and was named NJCAA DII Runner of the Year.

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

The DSC Men’s Cross Country team is ranked fourth in the USTFCCCA National Coaches’ Poll. At the USF XC Invitational, they also came out as the top Junior College team, placing fourth overall. They beat top four-year universities including USF, FIU, and FAU. Christian Ruocco finished in first individually. The Region VIII Championships produced a first place finish for the men. Sebastian Hernadez took first place individually, and was named NJCAA DII Runner of the Year. Coach Judy Wilson was named Coach of the Year for Men’s Region VIII Cross Country, an honor she has received for four of the last five years.

VOLLEYBALL

The Lady Falcon Volleyball team is currently 13-5 on the season and ranked 15th in the NJCAA Division I poll. They jumped up in the polls after a big upset win against the number one ranked team and conference foe Florida Southwestern State College. All season, the Lady Falcons have had their sights set on the FCSAA State/NJCAA District Tournament that will take place November 4-6. The top two teams from the tournament will earn a berth to the national tournament in West Plains, Missouri.

Alina Carrillo and Laura de Chavarria Munoz

Julian Pomales

Giovana Meade

WOMEN’S SOCCER

The Daytona State Women’s Soccer team finished the regular season with an 8-5-2 record and ranked 16th in the NJCAA Division I poll. They have been in the top 20 rankings since week one. The Falcons have outscored their opponents 70-14 with Allison Worley and Wakaba Kogure leading the team with 12 and 11 goals respectively. The team hosted the Region VIII Championship on October 28-30 and defeated the defending national champions, Eastern Florida State College in the semifinals. They took home second place in the tournament.

MEN’S SOCCER

The DSC Men’s Soccer team is 14-2 on the season. The Falcons are currently ranked third in the NJCAA Division I poll. They have been ranked in the top 10 since the first week of the polls and are scoring, on average, more than three goals a game. The team was the Region VIII Men’s Soccer champions and have their sights on the NJCAA national tournament that will be hosted in Melbourne, Florida.

GOLF

The Lady Falcon golf team is currently ranked first in the Golfstat team rankings. They finished their fall season strong and they have five tournaments slated for the spring season. These will all lead up to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament in May that will take place in Garden City, Kansas. In their latest tournament, Angelica Holman placed second individually with a score of 145 after two rounds. The team placed third overall, beating out NCAA schools including Embry-Riddle and NJCAA Region VIII rival, Eastern Florida State College.

Morgan Hoiser

Taichi Inoue

Madison Tenore

MEET THE FACULTY Mercedes & Job Clement

Job and Mercedes Clement have a combined 82 years of employment at Daytona State College. They finish each other’s sentences. They remind each other to mention things they could just as easily say themselves, but want to hear each other chime in. And their faith has guided them along a life of public service that continues to benefit DSC students, their community and their family who still live in their native Haiti.

“There is a quote that guides us,” Mercedes said. “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.”

This quote from theologian, philosopher and doctor Albert Schweitzer, has inspired them from their early days in Cap-Haitien, a town on the northern coast of Haiti where Job was studying for the seminary and Mercedes was preparing to open an elementary school in Deschapelles.

“We went to the same school, the College Pratique Du North, a Christian College, where we first met,” Mercedes said. “During the summer months we met in youth camps and our friendship grew. After several years, my parents learned much about Job and allowed him to visit me at home while they were there. In Haiti, we do not have dating, but courtship.”

During Job’s last year of seminary, he was encouraged to spend time in the United States to further his studies. He and Mercedes married and moved to Elgin, Illinois to attend Judson College (now Judson University).

“We’d never owned a coat,” Mercedes said. “We’d never seen snow. It was kind of a shock.”

As foreign students, they couldn’t qualify for government loans or borrow money, and relied on scholarships and good grades to complete their schooling. They eventually found their way to Gainesville to continue their studies at the University of Florida where Mercedes earned a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts in Education Foundation, followed by a Master of Science in Library Information Science from Florida State University. Job, who had received his Bachelor of Arts from Judson, earned a Master degree and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Florida.

One thing they knew was that they wanted to work for the same institution and on January 5, 1981, they were hired at Daytona Beach Community College –Mercedes as a librarian and Job as an assistant professor.

“We love what we do, which is educating students to be lifelong learners and succeed in whatever they choose to do,” Job said. “The College provides us with the tools necessary to do just that.”

Daytona State College, they said, provides a number of benefits not available at four year schools.

“State colleges provide unique opportunities – like small class sizes –which make it easier for instructors to engage with all students,” Mercedes said. “State colleges also provide scholarships, coaching, tutoring and other assistance to meet students’ physical and emotional needs.”

They have kept busy during their time at the College. Mercedes serves as the Head of Technical Services (Acquisitions and Cataloging) and served as Faculty Senate President,

Chair of Library Services, President of the Florida Library Association, and held several positions from the Association of Florida Colleges, including Daytona State’s Chapter President, Director of Region 3 and Vice President for Chapters & Regions.

Job has served as a lead professor, Chair of the Psychology Department, Director of the New Smyrna Beach/ Edgewater Campus and the Deltona Campus, advisor of the Men of Character Initiative organization, founded the campus prayer group, and served as the advisor to the Campus BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministries), a student club.

Outside of work, they are active in their community, volunteering time with a local pregnancy crisis center, a shelter for abused women, a ministry for the homeless, Samaritan’s Purse, a weekly bible study for adults, and Job finds time to serve as a judge in the annual Volusia World foreign language competition. They also care for family members still in Haiti.

“We’re still in contact with them – sending them what they need,” Mercedes said. “This is our culture.”

Job and Mercedes made it through school with help from scholarships, and they have paid it forward over the years by supporting the Daytona State Foundation’s scholarship programs.

“We’re motivated to donate because we were beneficiaries of several scholarships,” Job said. “The Foundation is helping students succeed by providing scholarships and taking care of some students’ needs.”

“There is a quote that guides us... ‘The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.’”

— Mercedes Clement

“

Homecoming

The theme for Homecoming 2022 was “Welcome Home,” which meant even more since this was the first Homecoming with students living on campus.

Transforming the Status Quo

GRANTS FUEL ACADEMIC INNOVATION AND EXPAND POSSIBILITIES

Grants are but a fraction of Daytona State’s $90 million annual budget. However, as of October 31, 2022, the College was managing 33 grants totaling $14,883,261, and awaiting word on another $4,053,457 submitted for approval this year. Grant funds support a range of innovative programs designed to offer everyone an opportunity to further their education – often in ways they never thought possible.

“Grants aren’t particularly exciting –they’re a lot of hard work and there’s never a guarantee you’ll be successful when you apply, but the impact they have is profound,” said Dr. Lisa Koogle, Director of Resource Development,

a department within Institutional Advancement at DSC. “In many cases it’s money the College wouldn’t get any other way and it often pays for unique, cutting-edge and futurefocused programs that help students prepare for college and readies them for meaningful lives and careers.”

Koogle’s small team identifies opportunities and pulls together faculty, staff, other institutions and, increasingly, private sector partners to flesh out proposals that don’t just meet the grant criteria, but have real potential for a positive impact on the College and the community.

“Our goal is to make higher education accessible, especially those who face

barriers or might not even be thinking college is possible for them,” Koogle said. “The Federal TRiO programs allow us to work in the K-12 system – Talent Search starts as early as sixth grade –to help students be college-ready.”

DSC manages three TRiO programs –Talent Search, Student Support Services and Upward Bound – that work with hundreds of first-generation, disabled and students from underserved communities, providing them with hands-on academic, career and financial counseling support to prepare them for college, supporting them throughout their time in college and after they enter the workforce.

“Many of our students have never left their hometowns, and a key element of TRiO is giving them experiences like building robots, cooking healthy food in a high-end restaurant environment and touring local colleges and universities,” said Cassandra Griggs, TRiO Talent Search Project Director. “Many of our students have declared DSC as their top pick for postsecondary education just because of their experience meeting and talking with instructors during a summer tour of the Daytona Beach Campus.”

Eliminating barriers to entry is a major focus for the College, Koogle said, and grant funds help ease the transition into college life. The College is in the final year of a $1 million National Science Foundation grant that provided scholarships and enrichment experiences like having a faculty mentor for students studying in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields.

Deploying funds from a Federal Title III Grant, LENS (Learner, Engagement, Navigation and Support), the College created an online degree planner and

As grant-funded projects at DSC have expanded dramatically over the past three years, Dr. Tom LoBasso, President, and Dr. Amy Locklear, Provost, plan for the future.

schedule building application that allows students to see all required classes and recommends the order to take them to complete their degree, and automatically create a schedule based on course availability each semester until they graduate.

“We know how intimidating it can be to understand what is required for degree completion, let alone the optimum order to create a schedule,” said Kathryn Fulco, LENS Title III Grant Manager. “This application streamlines the process, eliminating a lot of anxiety for students who want to come here, but aren’t familiar with the process.”

One of the greatest barriers for student-parents is affordable childcare. Perkins V and CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents in School), address this by reimbursing part or all of the cost for childcare and helping find accredited childcare facilities.

DSC serves an incredibly diverse group of constituencies and has, year-afteryear, successfully secured grants to address unique needs and challenges. For example, a $10,000 grant from Bank of America supported a meal voucher program for at-risk students, which provided 1,200 meals.

“Something as simple as a hot meal can mean the difference between going to class, taking a test, being part of study group or going home hungry and demoralized,” Koogle said.

The School of Adult Education receives two Florida Department of Education grants yearly to fund English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Adult Basic Education, GED, and Integrated Education and Training programs that support thousands of residents in Volusia County.

“There is an educational need in our community, and we can help support individuals with the foundational pieces to reach their goals,” said Dr. Carrie Ann Verge, Director of the School of Adult Education. “Whether it is learning English, earning a GED, or transitioning to the workforce, our dedicated instructors and staff guide students and help remove barriers.” Programs are offered on several DSC campuses as well as a community location in Pierson that supports migrant farmworkers.

A key part of Daytona State’s mission is to meet – and anticipate – the educational and workforce needs of its constituents. Perkins V – formally The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which was signed into law in 2018, continuing the 2006 Act – funds career and technical education programs for youth and adults. Funds from Perkins V have been used to upgrade and expand Basic and Advanced Welding programs to support employment needs identified through

its collaboration with civic and private sector leaders.

“The equipment funded through Perkins helped us completely modernize and refresh our welding program,” said Stephen Grau, Assistant Chair for the Welding Technology Program. “Using modern, industry-standard equipment sets our students up for success when they enter the job market knowing how to use the latest welders and tools.”

Health and well-being – crucial to learning

College life can be stressful – classes, homework, family, finances, balancing school with a job, or two jobs, or three. Grant funding has been used to address a wide range of issues that confront students.

The College used a Suicide Prevention Education And Knowledge (SPEAK) grant to raise awareness of issues around suicide, train faculty, staff and students on how to recognize and support someone in crisis, and publicize the new Suicide Prevention Hotline number 988.

The CCAMPIS grant allows student-parents to focus on their studies and their children.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand remains high for welding jobs.

Transforming the Status Quo

GRANTS FUEL ACADEMIC INNOVATION AND EXPAND POSSIBILITIES

“Suicide and mental health are such stigmatizing topics that they’re not often discussed openly,” said Bethany Session, Associate Director of Project SPEAK. “We collaborated with WDSC on a five-episode series ‘Race to Stop Suicide,’ created public service announcements, hosted events, leveraged social media and conducted trainings to raise awareness.”

The College has been proactive in educating students, faculty and staff on issues of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, with help from a Violence Against Women Campus Program Grant.

“We’ve conducted several campus events, hosted a speaker addressing the issue of consent, and provided sexual misconduct prevention training to students in our new Residence Hall,” said Dr. Nadia Flanigan, the Falcon HOPE Center’s grant coordinator. “Through the grant, we hope to maintain a culture of respect at Daytona State where interpersonal violence is never tolerated.”

Even the smallest grants can have a great impact. Several years ago, DSC was awarded a $5,000 VETS Create grant that provided scholarships to

veterans, their spouses and children to take art classes. The program was so successful that the Margaret McCartney and R. Parks Williams Foundation awarded DSC two subsequent grants and increased the current year’s funding to $7,800.

“As an art educator, I often talk about the power of art, but through veteran’s art programs, I’ve witnessed first-hand the therapeutic qualities it brings out in people,” said Trent Berning, Chair of the Mike Curb College of Music, Entertainment & Art. “One student suffering with PTSD was having a particularly difficult time during Veterans Day. He shared with me that the only thing that could get him out of bed was that he knew he had to come in and check on his thrown bowls.”

Investing in the future of entrepreneurship

Being an entrepreneur is as much a mindset as a skillset and Dr. Sherryl Weems, Associate Vice President of the Mary Karl College of Workforce and Continuing Education, saw it in her students, even when they didn’t see it in themselves.

“They don’t call it entrepreneurship. It’s

just survival,” Weems said. “They see a need, or an opportunity and they pivot. As would an entrepreneur. It’s a natural response to life particularly if they are juggling day-to-day challenges. Using the mindset of the entrepreneur, which they don’t realize, they negotiate, redirect, discover alliances and resources to address the challenges. What we are doing here at DSC is helping them to frame and order these entrepreneurial steps to encourage their success.”

When the Florida Department of Education sought applications for its Entrepreneurship, Education and Training Grants, DSC broke the mold. Instead of requesting money for entrepreneurship training, the College proposed using grant funding to create a curriculum and resources to help students develop their own entrepreneurial mindset.

The $100,000 award in 2021 launched the Entrepreneurial Mindset Opportunity (EMO) initiative. Leveraging lessons from the book “Who Owns the Ice House,” Weems and the faculty engaged an instructional program that included introducing students to an entrepreneurial mindset. The funding also supported teacher training, the expansion of partnerships with local businesses, the sponsorship of several speaker series, and the retention of two entrepreneurs in residence assigned to work with faculty and students.

“The results have been beyond our expectations,” Weems said. “Initially we targeted three faculty for certification and 80 students to participate. The excitement around this opportunity has yielded 32 certified faculty and staff and more than 1,000 students.”

The grant also funded the EMO Resource Center – a physical place that makes the abstract concept of entrepreneurship more concrete as it houses resources and serves as the

The VETS Create program allows veterans to express themselves, engage, and heal through studio arts.

epicenter of the various EMO activities. “The value of the mindset has been established at Daytona State,” Weems said. “And we’re just getting started.”

Ingenuity in the time of pandemic

When COVID-19 forced Daytona State to transition to online learning, department and program managers needed to go back to the drawing board to figure out how to continue to provide services, particularly for programs where in-person gatherings were the norm.

CCAMPIS came up with the idea of sending participating student-parents coupons for pizzas and arranging for everyone to gather together in a Microsoft Teams online meetup.

“It’s challenging enough balancing parenting and schooling and COVID just added to everyone’s stress,” said Rabecka Collins, who managed the CCAMPIS program and now oversees the Falcon HOPE Center. “Our pizza party was a big hit and a welcome relief for parents and their kids. Out-ofthe-box ideas like that helped keep our students in class and engaged while reinforcing the fact they are supported by staff and faculty who care about them.”

The Southeast Museum of Photography leveraged a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to begin broadcasting livestream and pre-recorded tours of museum exhibits that have been viewed by art patrons around the world.

“We started with a goal of providing virtual access to our exhibits, but the potential is so much greater,” said Whitney Broadaway, Manager of the Southeast Museum of Photography. “We’re interviewing students in the UCF Bachelor of Fine Arts program and filming ‘behind the scenes’ videos

on what goes into making an exhibit. Those are incredibly popular. And we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible!”

“Under the leadership of Dr. LoBasso, Daytona State is committed to diligent, proactive planning and careful deployment of the resources provided to the College from all sources. Our success in securing funding for grantfunded initiatives make possible the blossoming of new ideas and programs that provide services to our students and the communities we serve here in Volusia and Flagler counties,” said Tim Norton, Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the DSC Foundation.

“Without a doubt, our success provides benefits for students while they are working toward their degrees or certificates and provides for a welleducated, highly skilled workforce that is absolutely necessary for a thriving local economy.”

The Southeast Museum of Photography utilized a NEH grant to keep people engaged and interested in photographic art during the height of the pandemic.

Entrepreneur Marshall Danzy shared his story of persistence with students as part of the EMO initiative.

Deltona Groundbreaking

Daytona State College began construction of a new multidisciplinary classroom and laboratory building with a groundbreaking ceremony on its Deltona Campus.

The facility, known as Building Two, is scheduled to open in Spring 2024. It will be home to the College’s nursing, sonography and high-tech CNC Machining programs, supporting up to 120 nursing students, up to 40 CNC training students and up to 100 students in a new diagnostic sonography program.

“This facility will teach the next generation of nurses and medical professionals and support those pursuing careers in high-tech

manufacturing,” said Daytona State College President Dr. Tom LoBasso. “It is a shining example of our commitment to anticipate and meet the educational and workforce needs of the citizens of Volusia and Flagler counties.”

The two-story, 30,000 square foot building will include classrooms, medical simulation labs, offices and space for CNC machining equipment. It will feature a central courtyard between it and Fathi Hall, and include a bookstore and grab-n-go food area.

“We are in constant contact with local government and business leaders and, in 2017, recognized the need for a new, modern facility to support the growing demand for healthcare professionals and to support a

growing manufacturing base in the region,” LoBasso said. “We received tremendous support from Gov. DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, who share our commitment to education.”

Over the course of five years, Gov. DeSantis, the Legislature and the College allocated $19 million for the project. Architectural design work was handled by SchenkelShultz, which also designed Building Three at Daytona State’s Flagler/Palm Coast Campus.

“We will be able to offer a full Associate of Science degree in Nursing at Deltona,” said Dr. Amy Locklear, DSC Provost. “The facility will be fantastic, but what it will allow us to do is going to be game-changing.”

Heidi Herzberg, Deltona Mayor and DSC Alumna Dr. Amy Locklear, DSC Provost Dr. Randy Howard, DSC Trustee Chair

Renderings by SchenkelShultz Architecture

28th Annual Foundation Gala

event. “It’s an exciting time to be here.”

An estimated 325 patrons of the Daytona State College Foundation returned to the College after a threeyear hiatus to honor local community leaders Bill and Mary Lenssen and raised more than $250,000 to support student scholarships and College programs.

“We’ve been apart, but we never stopped moving forward with our mission to serve as a resource for our students and our community,” said Tom LoBasso, President of Daytona State College, welcoming attendees to the

The evening, presented by AdventHealth, included a spectacular array of culinary delights prepared under the guidance of Chef Costa Magoulas, Dean of the Mori Hosseini College of Hospitality and Culinary Management, and delivered through the careful instruction and preparation by students in the Culinary Management program.

Featured was a performance by “Shades of Blue,” a student a cappella vocal ensemble, with the highlight of the Gala being remarks by two current students and one alumna. Will Diaz, a 2022 Associate of Arts graduate, who is continuing as a nursing student,

and Adrianne Toles-Williams, who has been the College’s Student Government Association President since 2021 and has plans to attend UCF following graduation in December.

Madison Miller, an alumna from the Class of 2014 and the 2022-2023 Volusia County Schools Teacher of the Year, stirred the crowd with her story of finding immediate support upon arrival on the College’s New Smyrna Beach campus 10 years ago as a 23-year-old single mother whose hopelessness and anxiety had left her with little more than despair.

Turning its focus to the honorees for the evening, Bill and Mary Lenssen, Tim Norton, Vice President for

Presented by

Former President, Dr. Phil Day & Val Day

Lynda & John Hodgson

Charlene Greer & Nikki Risley

Irene Harrington, Larry Frank, Teresa Smith & Andrea Frank

Ann Dashow Lenssen, Emily Lenssen, Will Lenssen, Mary Lenssen, Bill Lenssen, Alex Lenssen, Mary Grace Lenssen & Sarah Lenssen.

Edith Shelley, Jill Simpkins, Gale Lemerand, Nan Heebner, Madison Miller & Allaina Dixon

Bobby Thigpen, Rufus Johnson & Zina Grau

(Back row) Greg Sullivan, Monica Rivas, Alex Curtis, Sofia Rivas & Erin LeDuc

(Front row) Vonda Sullivan, Bethany Session & Adrianne Toles-Williams

Tom & Karen LoBasso with Bill Lenssen

28th Annual Foundation Gala

Advancement and Executive Director of the DSC Foundation, said, “One of the things I’ve loved most about getting to know Bill and Mary is their curious, inquisitive nature about important topics, including history, politics, business and faith. And, I’ve very much appreciated how they’ve accomplished so much in their 57 years of marriage, almost all of it done together.”

Florida Governor Lawton Chiles appointed Lenssen to the College’s District Board of Trustees in 1991, and, after serving a four-year term, he transitioned to the DSC Foundation Board of Directors, which he has been involved with for 27 years and currently serves as Secretary for the Board. Bill and Mary have served on boards

of education, banks, statewide and local non-profit organizations and volunteered time with their church.

The Lenssens have established the Bill and Mary Lenssen Family Endowment, which will provide scholarships for students in any area of study, whether they are seeking a degree or certificate.

“I’m honored to represent and promote Daytona State College, as I see education as an important aspect for everyone aspiring to make an impact in the world,” Bill said. “Daytona State College is a gem for our community.”

For additional photos, see DaytonaStateFoundation.org.

Michele & Bill Goeb-Burkett

Shawn & Ed Noseworthy and Cory & Shannon Domayer

Laura Booker Anderson, Cindy Iafanti, Alison Mohr & Kristen Hanson

Tom LoBasso with Costa & Eve Ann Magoulas

Pritpal & Ted Sofianos with Jerry & Esther Krueger

Tom LoBasso, Bill & Mary Lenssen, Tim Norton following presentation of the Falcon Award and an arrangement of orchids, a gift of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Dr. Beverly Grissom

Xavier Inosencio

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

In the science fiction novel “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything is “42.”

Xavier Inosencio, a 2021 Daytona State Quanta-Honors graduate and physics major at Stetson University, suspects it’s a little more complicated than that. Growing up in Central Florida and overcoming challenges that at one point had him held back in school, he didn’t think college was much of an option – never mind exploring the mysteries of the cosmos.

“Growing up, I had a hard time with comprehension, which led me to being two years behind my peers,” he said. “College wasn’t anything I envisioned or really thought about until maybe 10th grade – let alone doing physics.”

All this began to change his senior year of high school while taking an AVID college prep class and connected with Daytona State’s TRiO staff, who help students from disadvantaged and underserved backgrounds make the transition to higher education.

Like many students, Xavier opted to pursue his Associate of Arts degree at Daytona State before transitioning to a four-year school. An astronomy class at DSC’s DeLand Campus, taught by physics professor Dr. Eric Jones, was the start of his unexpected academic path.

“Dr. Jones could explain really big concepts into something relatable and relative to what people could understand,” Xavier said. “I found the class fascinating, but didn’t think it was something I’d ever be able to pursue. The idea of becoming an astrophysicist always felt out of reach. But after talking with Ben (Graydon, Chair of QuantaHonors College) and Frank (Gunshanan,

English professor) in the Quanta-Honors program, I decided to pursue it.”

Quanta-Honors is a cohort-based learning community. Classes are interdisciplinary and project-based with an emphasis on real-world problem solving. To finish his A.A. in time to transition to Stetson, he embarked on an accelerated version of an already intense Quanta program. He loaded up with a mix of algebra, history, biology, literature, culture, psychology, writing and more math (physics and calculus).

“Whether in class or off-campus, when Xavier sees a challenge, he finds a way – or several ways, if necessary – to overcome it,” Gunshanan said. “Xavier took Quanta’s commitment to service seriously. After a fact-finding tour of Hope Place family shelter, he coordinated clothing and food drives for the residents. He has even begun a Quanta alumni association, which is daunting, because the Quanta program is over 40 years old.”

On the advice of astronomer Derek Demeter, an instructor at Seminole State College and who runs the Emil Buehler Planetarium, Xavier interned at the Lowell and Nancy Lohman Family Planetarium. The internship, Demeter said, would be good practice for public speaking. The internship grew into a volunteer position, which is when Xavier taught himself how to use the planetarium software to create a public presentation – “The Birth of the Solar System” – which he presented in May.

“I had the idea for a long time before I started at the museum,” Xavier said. “It was inspired by a video that did a time lapse of the universe from present day until the end of time. I thought ‘There’s lots of documentaries on the universe as a whole, but not many discuss our solar system and its creation.’”

The presentation, using the planetarium’s sophisticated projection system, is a time lapse through the creation of our solar system, highlighting key events including the death of a star that resulted in the creation of a solar nebula that eventually became the solar system we live in – and explore – today.

Cosmology, Xavier says, is often explored in science fiction through ideas of the multiverse and how the universe began or ends. Exploring these issues may fill his lifetime, but for now, Xavier is focused on graduating from Stetson in Spring 2023, and taking classes primarily in experimental and theoretical physics, along with honors classes.

“What intrigues me,” Xavier said, “is the mystery and complexity behind the universe. Such as how galaxies are formed, the relationship between space and time, and the questions of the universe that we still don’t understand.”

What intrigues me is the mystery and complexity behind the universe. Such as how galaxies are formed, the relationship between space and time, and the questions of the universe that we still don’t understand.

— Xavier Inosencio

Latricia Mckenzie-Halyard

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Latricia Mckenzie-Halyard, a 2019 graduate of Daytona State’s culinary program, never expected to be a professional chef and cake artist. Nor did she imagine she’d be a competitor on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Championship.” And she never thought she’d be a teacher. But, at 39, she’s done all three. And she’s just getting started.

Born in DeLand and raised in Deltona, Latricia grew up among cooks –specifically her mother and grandmother. But cooking became her focus only when her first business startup was cut short.

“I was an entrepreneur from the age of seven,” she said. “I kept coming up with ideas on how to make money and every time I was imagining something and challenging myself, I was doing it.”

Latricia admired the jewelry her mother wore to church and convinced her father to take her to Goodwill to buy bags of old costume jewelry. She refashioned them into her own unique designs and sold them in the neighborhood.

“My cousins would be playing kickball and I would sneak off and knock on peoples’ doors and sell bracelets,” she said. “I was making $10-$15 a day!”

People started complimenting her mother on the jewelry they’d purchased from her “adorable and talented daughter.” Concerned about her covert sales operation, her mother ordered her to spend afternoons with her grandmother, who cooked for the family.

“My grandmother wants you to enjoy whatever she gives you,” she said. “Regardless of whether it’s just a bowl of grits, she’s going to try her best to make sure it’s the best bowl of grits you’ll get in

your life. She puts her heart and soul into everything.”

By the age of 11 or 12, she took over cooking duties for the entire family, a tradition that carried on when she started her own family. Her son’s sixth birthday was approaching, and finances were tight, but a YouTube video by cooking sensation Liz “Sugar Geek” Marek inspired her to try her hand at a custom cake. Her son was into sports, so she created a cake that included a basketball and net, surrounded by cupcakes, with his name done in icing.

“That cake was a little lopsided, but hey, I was proud of it then and I’m still proud of it today,” she said. Word got out that she made custom cakes and the orders started coming in. “People looked at that and were like ‘Oh, she’s making cakes now. Get ready.’”

The business grew and she chronicled her creations on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, which is how she caught the attention of a Food Network talent scout who called her while she was delivering a sculpted cake to a client at the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach. Assuming that it was a scam call she intended to reject it, but accidentally hit the “accept” button.

“I was like ‘Oh my God. I don’t have time for this,’” she said. It was a new show, the scout told her, called “Cupcake Championship.” It hadn’t aired yet. They loved her on Facebook and wanted to know if she was the real deal. “I had to pull over. I said ‘Please stop playing. I don’t have time for people to be joking with me.’”

They weren’t joking and soon she was flying (for the first time in her life) to Los Angeles to compete as part of an episode called “Christmas in July.” On the spot, Latricia modified her grandmother’s

lemon custard cake recipe to create a Christmas-themed pina colada-flavored cupcake. Judge Nacho Aguirre took one bite and spontaneously danced on national TV.

“I knew right then not only did my cakes get me on TV by presentation, but I knew I could create a delicious experience. It changed my life,” she said. “When I came home, I had the confidence to know ‘I got this’ and that I have a product that’s worth every penny.”

Latricia joined Daytona State’s culinary program to master the skills she’d already developed, graduated with an Associate of Science in Culinary Management degree, and came away with much more.

“The experience was amazing. I will never forget Chef (Jeff) Conklin and I will never forget Chef (David) Weir,” Latricia said. A key takeaway was learning to work as part of a team, something she hadn’t done before.

“You can only go so far by yourself,” she said. “Then you’re going to need help. And that’s where I’m ready to go now with my business. I actually need to hire people. I need a team!”

In addition to making custom cakes, she’s now teaching one-on-one and community classes, and is working on her first e-book – “Cake Like A Pro.” The book, planned to expand into a series, includes cake baking techniques mixed with her experiences and advice on how to be an entrepreneur and a good human being.

“My vision is so huge,” she said. “I want to create jobs for millions of people. I absolutely want to be the teacher I was destined to be. And you will see my cakes be considered the Louis Vuitton of cakes. That’s what you’re going to be seeing from me in the future.“

“

My vision is so huge. I want to create jobs for millions of people. I absolutely want to be the teacher I was destined to be.

-Latricia Mckenzie-Halyard

DSC Foundation Honor Roll of Donors

$25,000

AdventHealth

Bob & Carol Allen

Mike & Linda Curb, Curb Family Foundation

Harriet H. Dodd

Florida College System Foundation

Griffin Achievement Trust, Joe Dudley Halifax Health

Halifax Health Foundation

Paul B. & Constance D. Hunter Charitable Foundation

L. Gale Lemerand & Jill Simpkins

Charlotte A. Minor

William H. Murray Trust

Sandi P. Petker Revocable Trust, Larry Petker

United Way of Volusia-Flagler County

Clark Family Foundation, Andy & Molly Clark

Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation

Go Beyond Foundation

Drs. Charles & Roberta Hall

Hodgson Family Foundation, John & Lynda Hodgson

ICI Homes, Hosseini Family

Kiwanis Club of Daytona Beach

Duane Lockhart Trust

Perry-McCall Construction, Heath McCall Michael J. Panaggio SILVER

71 MVP, Randy Dye

Jeep Beach, Charlene Greer

Bob & Sherri Lloyd

PFM Asset Management

Jon Hall Chevrolet, Ritchey Family

Sheila A. Sullivan

BRONZE

$1,000 to $4,999

Jeff & Donna Abbott

Aegis Consulting

Barwick Banking Company

Eric Bildstein

Locke & Ann Burt

Charles Perry Partners

Checkered Flag Committee

Job & Mercedes Clement

Buddy Davenport

Daytona Beach Police Department

Daytona International Speedway

Duke Energy Foundation of Florida

Will & Kim Dunne

Christine & John Elnitsky

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Financial Educators Federal Credit Union

Larry & Andrea Frank

Dr. Andrea P. Frazier

Garden Club of Halifax Country Giles Electric, Brad Giles

Grand Haven Women’s Club Dr. Beverly M. Grissom

Nina Hosseini

Total Comfort, Dan & Lynda Hucks

Tanya Kennedy

Anastasia & David Kolodzik

Charlene Latimer

Bill & Mary Lenssen

Dante J. Leon

Dr. Tom & Karen LoBasso

Dr. Laura J. McGuire

James & Karen Miller

Louis Moore & Deanna Whited Mr. & Mrs. Russell North

Tim & Dawn Norton

Captain James Ormond Daughters of the American Revolution

Jim & Ellen O’Shaughnessy

Margaret R. Overbey

Susan & Michael Pate

Joanne Pinkston-McDuffie Plaza Resort & Spa

Ponce Inlet Women’s Club

Christopher & Tina Regan

Flagler County Insurance Agency, Richard Roberts

The Daytona State College Foundation proudly recognizes the many sponsors, employees, alumni, parents, students and friends who have made gifts between October 16, 2021 through October 15, 2022 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.

Preston Root

Dr. Roland P. Roth

Janice Russak

Food Supply, David & Mardi Sacks

SBR Solutions

Benjamin J. Shaver

Barbara Sipe

Hassell + Snell, Greg & Jori Snell

Sodexo Campus Services

Brian & Carrie Stepp

Greg & Vonda Sullivan

Helen Thomas

Maggie G. Thompson

Tomoka Christian Church

Sonia Wadsworth

Dr. Sherryl D. Weems

Alex & Mary Wells

Gary Yeomans Ford Phillip A. Zinsli

CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE

$500 to $999

Marcella L. Achilles

Robert Barker

Journey Fitness Center, Mary Boyd

Fred & Amy Cleveland

Mary E. Craig-Oatley (Deceased)

Holly Duboc

Patricia Gee

Erik Heben

James Helmer

Dr. Marjorie Hensler

Dr. & Mrs. Randy Howard

Hunton Brady Architects

Jiwon Jeon

Geico Insurance, Rufus & Teresa Johnson

Lynne & Glyn Johnston

Stephen Kintner

James & Noble Livingston

Dr. Amy E. Locklear

Mainstreet DeLand Association

Bernard & Belinda McCarthy

Melanie McDonough

Louie Mercer

Pam Ridilla

Christina Ross

Running Elements Foundation

David Smith & Martha Sibley Dr. Amy Szoka Bobby & Lee Thigpen Tom & Shirley Thurman

Fleet Liquidators of Central Florida, Michael Tumminello

West Volusia Audubon Society

Doctor’s Professional Services Consultants, Brenton Wood Zerorez

CIRCLE OF HONOR $100 to $499

Carl Abdalian

Thomas Alcorn

Lourdes Alers

Gerry Appleton Raymond & Jodene Arckey William Arrington Brenda Axelsen Brian Babb

Susan Baird

Richard Baldwin

Wright Printery, Kim Barker

Paul Barnett

Robin Barr

Susan Bayley

Stephanie Beauchamp

Kim Beechler

Brandon Bellamy

Tom & Martina Bellomo Howard B. Berkowitz

Julie Best Kimberly Best

Daniel Biferie Dr. Ana Blaine Erika Blanken Janet Blanken Tom & Luella Bogenschutz

Robert Bolles

Duncan Bond-Nelson

Ion Boswell

Lita Boyle

Michael Brady

Terry Braley

Jaye Brockington

Faith Bryant

Melissa Bryant Bailey and Micah Bryant Kay Burniston Joshua Cady Paul Capps Misty Carlson Raymond Carswell Edward Carter Ben and Angela Case Patrick & O’Anne Christiansen Paul Citro Albert Citro Vincent Citro Hope H. Clark Ariana Clark Michael Clements Michael Cobb

Diamond Motors & Marine, Craig Conway Sergio Crandall

Cunningham Oil Company Houligan’s, Tim Curtis Juleen Daley

Dr. Erik D’Aquino

Buddy Davenport State Farm Insurance

Carrie Davis

Michael Davis

Tristan Davison

Susan Day

Anette Decker

Dr. Shana Deyo

Marie Downey

Melissa Dresser

Daytona State College Career Employee Association

Daytona State College Faculty Senate Kelly Duffy

Natalie Eagleburger

Dr. Ronald Eaglin

Kevin S. Edwards

Dr. Alycia M. Ehlert

Elisabeth English

Sue Etheredge

Stuart & Patricia Fisher Dr. Michael Flota

Paul Flynn

Follett Higher Education Group Charles Fordham Andrew Forness Tammy Fritz Melodie Gale Bryan Gallagher Stephen Giachetti Sally Gillespie David Glaser

Samuel Goldstein Michelle & Marty Goldys Nancy Grummer

Teresa Hall

Erik Halleus Kristen Hanson Mary Harris Monica Hickey Charles Hington Deborah Hirsh Kathy Hoellen Elizabeth Holden Belinda Huttman

Seymour Israel

Georgia Jenkins & Rebecca Janssen

Joan L. Kidd MD Fight for Life Continuum, LLC

Alexis Johnson

Marek Juracek

John Kelley

Kathleen Kelly

Christofer Kemp

Lee Kenyon

Dr. Loretha D. King

Joseph Koenig

Marjorie Koloski

Dr. Lisa Koogle

Nathan Kotas

Louis Kremer

Elinor Kross

Lynne Kuehl

Robert & Heather Leaver

David Lebioda

Thomas Licata John Lightfoot

Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Lloyd

Scott Lockwood

Roberto Lombardo Kevin Lorden

Garry & Barbara Lubi Jeffrey & Marilyn Macklin Timothy Magnan Costa Magoulas

Paul Mallett

Karthikeya Mamillapalle

Judy Manuel Laurie Marcus

Patricia Marrow Roland K. Marsh Maureen Marshall

Randall Martin

Dr. Donald S. May David & Stacey McCallister

Steven McGinely

Barbara A. Mckenzie Frank & Lynn Mercer Jeremy K. Midcap

Christie Mims Emily Moore

Kenneth Moorhouse Nancy and Mark Morgan Linda Moss Charles Murphy Jackson Musyimi Tina Myers Dr. Max Nagiel Brian Nelson Mary Nettles Dr. Matt Nirschl Northwest Square John Obermann Rene O’Brien Michael & Colleen O’Donnell Richard Paine Melanie Pakrs Susan & Tim Payne Debra Picerne Judy Pierce Jerry Plumlee

Elvira Prada

Pride-Mobley Family Cerese Ramos

Julie Reames

Scott Reed

Robert & Hilary Reilly Peter Richards

Amy Ringue & Alan November

William Roboski Leonard & Debra Roe

Catherine Rosekelly

Patricia Ross Sharyl Rubin

Richard Rush Kent Ryan

Lillian Satterlee Ericka Schneider Erin Selfridge Warren Selig

Fred Share Charles & Patricia Shawen Kim Shelton

Sarah Sieg William Smith Will & Suzanne Smith

Bryan Smith

Richard Smith

Ted & Pritpal Sofianos Christopher Stajdel Sadajah Stalling George Stanley

State Farm Insurance Foundation Judith Stewart

John Stimus Nancy Strona

Stuart’s Car Care Center, Stuart Winkler Eric Swardstrom

Richard & Karen Sweat

Richard Swiderski

Tanika Clemons

Dave Tatum

Samantha Tatum Lillian Tettey Catherine Twyman

Jeffrey Tyrrell Naomi Ventura Kerry Vierengel

Robert Vogel Mark Wallschlaeger Joshua White Miles & Julie Whitley

Gloria Whitman

Brenda Wilkinson Chris & Turner Williams Judy & Mark Wilson Joan Woodman

Ted Wygant Betty Ann Wyman Suzanne Young

Gary R. Libby Patio

DEDICATION CEREMONY

Friends, faculty, staff and students gathered at the L. Gale Lemerand Student Center to honor Gary R. Libby, a scholar, author, professor, curator and longtime supporter of Daytona State College. Mr. Libby has committed $100,000 to support students pursuing careers in education and DSC’s District Board of Trustees voted to name the Gary R. Libby Patio in his honor.

“Gary has been a lifelong advocate for the arts, and his contributions to Daytona State College – including funding for the Gary R. Libby Gallery at the News-Journal Center and ongoing support for art exhibits on campus – have enriched us all,” said DSC President Tom LoBasso. “The DSC Board of Trustees felt that naming the patio, where students will gather,

relax and connect, is a fitting honor for someone whose passion for creating community will benefit us for generations to come.”

The patio, nestled on the north side of the Lemerand Student Center, includes shaded tables, benches and open space that serve as a social hub for students, faculty and staff.

Gary Libby & former Trustee Bob Davis

Gary Libby & Trustee Betty Holness

Margaret Schnebly Hodge, Tom LoBasso, Gary Libby and Stuart Sixma

“Genius, Power, and Magic”

VOLUSIA MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION’S JAYNE FIFER POSSESSES ALL THREE

By Tim Norton

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” – J.W. von Goethe

Meet Jayne Fifer, like I did recently over dinner, and before you take your seat, you’ll surmise that indeed, genius, power and, yes, magic might just drive her success.

And, one could argue that von Goethe’s postulation about boldness is manifest in spades in these traits of Fifer’s that have made possible the remarkable growth and influence of the Volusia Manufacturers Association (VMA) since she took the helm from her husband, Lou Fifer, in 2005. Lou, who founded VMA in 1980, passed away in 2009.

Working with manufacturers large and small, local and state elected officials, organizations focused on business development, and educational institutions like Daytona State College, Fifer has applied tenacity and never (ok, very infrequently!) taking ‘no’ for an answer, for the benefit of VMA members and related organizations alike.

In 2020, during arguably one of the most challenging times ever faced by us all, Daytona State College, in collaboration with local manufacturers (whose #1 cheerleader is Jayne Fifer) launched Florida’s first FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) chapter – the Sunshine Chapter.

Jayne will tell you, plain and simple, that she prided herself early on in her career as a trainer for Burdine’s of Florida, with these words, “I can do anything.” And, that was not an ‘attitude,’ it was the deeply embedded belief that if one puts their mind to a job, and dedicates their whole self to it, that they, in fact, can do anything. Her ‘can do’ attitude has paid dividends for every employer she’s ever had, and VMA is exhibit #1.

“Jayne’s commitment to manufacturing in Volusia County is infectious and very rewarding for the community. I have known Jayne for more than 21 years and throughout this time she has promoted student education and supported the local workforce through her leadership of the

5 to 8 p.m.

L. Gale Lemerand Student Center Daytona Beach Campus

Ticket Price - $50 per person

Once again, we’re partnering with some of the area’s finest restaurants, with a variety of wine and beer offerings. Add to that the art show and entertainment, and this is the one spring event you don’t want to miss!

Sponsorships

Tickets On

Volusia Manufacturers Association,” said Mike Read, President, Teledyne Marine.

Local businesses know they can rely on you and your team, Jayne. We thank you for your commitment to the Volusia County community. – Mike Read

Though Jayne has ceded leadership to Jessica Lovatt, she remains active as VMA’s Director of Education. After all, education and training are where she “found [her] absolute passion” in the early 1990s creating and directing summer youth programs.

Many would say the ‘magic behind the curtain’ is in this current role because it’s a role that champions and challenges VMA, in the words of her late husband Lou, to “inform, educate, and network. Sell and promote. Spend time, money and effort to be ‘for’ things and not ‘against’ things.”

Three simple words on Jayne: For. Volusia. Manufacturers.

For tickets or more info about sponsorships, visit Foundation.DaytonaState.edu or call (386) 506-3407.

Current sponsors include:

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For more about the VMA, including a history timeline of manufacturing in Volusia County starting in the early 1700s, see www.vmaonline.com.

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• B. Braun

• Boston Whaler

• By Light (Raydon)

• DME Delivers

• Dougherty Manufacturing

• Everglades Boats

• Germfree

• Hudson Technologies

• Pentair

• SCCY Industries

• Sparton

• Teledyne

FAME manufacturer sponsors implement dual-track, work-based learning education to create a pipeline of highly skilled, trained workers. While gaining valuable work experience, students earn the Associate of Science in Engineering Technology degree from Daytona State with a specialization in Mechatronics. Students attend class two days a week and then receive on-the-job training at their sponsor company the other three days.

For more about the FAME chapter and program in manufacturing education at Daytona State, please visit DaytonaState.edu/FAME.