DSC Magazine Spring/Summer 2022 by daytonastatecollege

Student Development Growing, Changing to Help Students Thrive VOL 8 • NO 1 • SPRING/SUMMER 2022

Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

A Look Inside

Student Development Changing, Growing to Help Students Thrive

Together with Dean of Student Development Cerese Ramos, a new team of leaders – including Elijah Houser, Director of Student Life, Kamrin Bunn, Residence Life Coordinator, and Shakyra Carson, Student Life Coordinator – is laser-focused on what Dean Ramos calls, “intentional student-centered customer service.” Read about this team, their plans, and hear from current SGA President, Adrianne Toles-Williams, and her aspirations.

Highlights from newsworthy events, programs, and people.

Activities on all of the DSC campuses were in full swing this spring semester.

Student Life & Falcon Athletics

Meet the Faculty

Meet the current Student Government President who is an outstanding student leader and first-generation college student.

Yet another way DSC supports student parents, helping them be successful in their academics.

The Class of 2022 celebrated in style at the 62nd Commencement Exercises.

Daytona State News

Adrianne Toles-Williams

Residence Hall Ribbon Cutting Students, employees, and the community came out to celebrate the opening of the Residence Hall.

Falcon’s Nest

Alumni Profiles

DSC graduates make tremendous impacts on our community. Brian Norton passed the bar at age 72, and Madison Miller and Jim Gambone, are 2022 Teachers of the Year.

Shown on cover: (left to right) Ramos, Houser, Toles-Williams, and Bunn.

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Bettye Parham’s journey over the years has been one of positive change in the lives of countless DSC students.

Commencement

Foundation Donor Spotlight

The Dodd family creates a scholarship in memory of Dr. Paul Melton “Mel” Dodd, Jr.

President’s Perspective

Daytona State College

Magazine

Dr. Thomas LoBasso The end of the academic year culminates in the celebration of our newest graduates with our Commencement Exercises. This time-honored tradition is one of the most important days in the life of a college. The event is the symbolic end of our students’ studies, yet it also marks the beginning of new pathways in their lives. This is also a time for us, as an institution, to pause and reflect on our accomplishments and progress. In this issue of the Daytona State College Magazine, you will find inspirational profiles of our alumni who have overcome great personal difficulties, persevered through hard times, and have succeeded in their respective careers. Each story is different, yet the common thread is always Daytona State College. The support they received from a staff member, or the encouragement they heard from a professor, or even a smile from a fellow classmate that let them know they were valued – all of these add up to an experience that is second to none. That Falcon experience is always changing, evolving, and growing. In this past year, the Student Development and Student Life departments have undergone enormous transformations that have kickstarted new ways of thinking and novel approaches related to student life and activities.

DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Randy Howard, Chair Betty J. Holness, Vice Chair Bob Davis Sarah Dougherty Randy Dye Lloyd J. Freckleton Robert Lloyd Garry R. Lubi __________________________________ DAYTONA STATE MAGAZINE STAFF

The new student Residence Hall is also having a tremendous effect as various departments throughout the College are adjusting and fine-tuning plans to accommodate the needs and interests of full-time, on-campus residents.

Publisher Dr. Thomas LoBasso

I am proud to say that Daytona State is in a continuous state of growth and improvement at all levels. The Japanese word for this is “kaizen.” Change, implemented in the right way at the appropriate time in order to further the mission of the College, can make incredible impacts on our students and the communities we serve.

Editor Timothy A. Norton

It is my desire that we will always be able to celebrate our history and traditions while simultaneously embracing new ideas, hopes, and dreams.

Managing Editor Chris Thomes Contributing Writers Tim Norton Chris Thomes Art Director/Graphic Design Ren Sawyer Photographers Aldrin Capulong Michele Meyers Ren Morrison Daytona State College Magazine is published for alumni, friends and supporters of Daytona State College and the Daytona State College Foundation.

Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

Boots&Bling Join us for the 28th Annual Gala

PRESENTED BY

Thursday, October 27, 2022, 6:00 p.m. Hosseini Center - Daytona Beach Campus

The Daytona State College Foundation’s Board of Directors invite you to join them for the 28th Annual Gala – Boots and Bling: Kick Up Your Heels for DSC – on Thursday, October 27, 2022, honoring Bill and Mary Lenssen. You’re invited to get all “gussied up” in your finest attire (black tie optional – bolos welcome), bling-it-up (don’t be shy now y’all), and/or dust off those boots (stilettos welcome, too, ladies). You’ll enjoy great food prepared by Chef Costa and our renowned culinary students, and be inspired with stories from students while enjoying the evening with friends. Proceeds benefit students attending Daytona State College.

Kick Up Your Heels For DSC! For more information call (386) 506-3195 or email Foundation@DaytonaState.edu. 4 | Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022

DSC Foundation Board Chair

Board of Directors

Zina Grau Daytona State is one of the best values in higher education anywhere – in the state of Florida, and beyond. I became readily aware of this fact as a DSC student in the early 2000s as I enrolled, earned my degree and moved on to secure a bachelor’s degree in international business. For the 12th year in a row, Daytona State has maintained the same per credit hour price of $102. Translated, that means you can finish a two-year Associate of Arts degree and your total tuition would be approximately $6,200. Simply put, that is remarkable! So, why do I say all this? Because you should know that the Daytona State College Foundation’s Board, the Board I’ve proudly served on for many years, now in my first year as Chair, plays a vital role in making affordable, high-quality education possible for today’s DSC students. Last year alone, the Foundation provided more than $3.2 million in student scholarships and direct aid, program support for various College programs, and grants for campus improvements. Together with $2.7 million raised and $3.9 million in investment earnings and gains, we are well-positioned to do even more for students and programs of the College in coming years. The Daytona State College Foundation is a major factor in keeping students out of debt as they graduate from Daytona State College, and it is a wise investment for those of you, like me, who value education. If you are a regular financial supporter, please keep that support coming. Or, if you haven’t gotten started yet, please join thousands of other generous individuals, foundations, businesses, corporations and organizations by making a gift to the Foundation today. On behalf of the entire Foundation Board, thank you for your continuing, generous support.

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

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

Officers Zina Grau, Chair Rufus Johnson, Vice Chair Bill Lenssen, Secretary Mary Boyd, Treasurer Dennis Shelley, Immediate Past Chair Bobby Thigpen, Chair, Investment Committee Jeff Abbott Mary Boyd 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) 506-3110 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 Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

Daytona State News DSC honored to host Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Statue Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune rose from humble beginnings to become a worldrenowned educator, civil rights leader, and advisor to five U.S. presidents. DSC was honored to host the Dr. Bethune statue during its visit to Daytona Beach before permanent installation in the U.S. Capitol. During its two-month stay, more than 14,600 people visited the statue and exhibit at the News-Journal Center. DSC students and the Student Government Association hosted several events with Bethune-Cookman University students, including a trivia night, musical performances, and poetry readings. From left: Nancy Lohman, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Statuary Fund President; Dr. Tom LoBasso and District Board of Trustees: Bob Lloyd, Betty Holness, Dr. Randy Howard, Lloyd Freckleton, Garry Lubi, Sarah Dougherty, and Randy Dye

Benefactors Linda and Mike Curb visit DSC Mike and Linda Curb have dedicated their lives to private and public service as entrepreneurs, more particularly through their work in the music industry, motorsports, and as philanthropists. Their relationship with the College dates back more than a decade through their generosity that provided the naming gift for the Mike Curb College of Music, Entertainment & Art, and, more recently, with the naming of the Charles M. Curb School of Emergency Services in memory of Mike’s father. This spring, the Curbs met with College leadership and toured several campuses. For more information on their remarkable lives, see www.MikeCurb.com.

From Left: Dr. Randy Howard, District Board of Trustees Chair; Linda and Mike Curb; Dr. Tom LoBasso, DSC President; Dr. Amy Locklear, Provost

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Two Daytona State College students named to 2022 All-Florida Academic Team Jessica Boatman and Venerina Costanza, have earned spots on the 2022 All-Florida Academic Team presented by the Florida College System. The award recognizes outstanding students for academic achievement, leadership and service to the community. Students are nominated by their respective colleges through the All-USA Academic Team competition sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society. The academic accomplishments of these recipients reflect the College’s high-quality educational programs and meaningful leadership opportunities for students. Constanza graduated in May with the Associate of Arts degree, while simultaneously graduating from high school. She will continue her education via the UCF Direct Connect program and her long-term goals include attending

medical school and becoming a doctor. She is a Student Government Association Senator and is the Secretary for the Mu Rho Chapter of PTK. Costanza has given back to the community by packing and distributing food baskets during the Volusia Basket Brigade, and volunteers for on-campus events including the PTK Honors in Action Day of Joy. Boatman describes her academic journey at DSC as an unexpected blessing in her life. She is pursuing an A.S. in Digital and Interactive Media Production and anticipates graduating in May 2023. She will continue her education with an A.A. degree and enjoys being immersed in the college experience, actively participating in events and organizations. Current responsibilities include PTK Vice President, Managing Editor of the “Aeolus” literary magazine, and Treasurer for the Falcon Dance Club. As someone who has experienced homelessness and hopelessness, she leans on her inner strength and encourages others to further their education, even if they think that they can’t succeed or that they don’t belong in college.

From Top: Jessica Boatman and Venerina Costanza

Daytona State eligible for $1 Million Aspen Prize The Aspen Institute named Daytona State College one of 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges. The 150 top colleges have been invited to submit data and narratives as the next steps in an intensive data and practice review process, culminating in the announcement of the winner in spring 2023. Colleges selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student

success, as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds. “It is an honor to be recognized as one of the nation’s top institutions,” said Dr. Tom LoBasso, DSC President. “Our strategic plan to improve student retention, graduation rates, and degree completion aligns with the criteria for the Aspen Prize. Daytona State College faculty and staff are committed to provide our students with the highest levels of teaching and learning in the nation.”

Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

L. Gale Lemerand Entrepreneurial Speaker Series: The Importance of Entrepreneurship The L. Gale Lemerand Entrepreneurial Speaker Series revved up for another engaging event with keynote speakers Randy and Daniel Dye in the Mori Hosseini Center on April 20.

Lopez Catholic High School and currently competes full-time in the ARCA Menards Series, driving the No. 43 Chevrolet SS in short track events across the United States.

Randy Dye, the owner of Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM and Maserati Alfa Romeo of Daytona, supports many local charities and serves on the Board of Directors of the NASCAR Foundation and the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Daniel described his racing history starting at age 8½ and how his love for racing started when he looked at photos and trophies of his dad in his racing days. The hobby to career transition has allowed him to gain a different perspective, and he described how he has had to learn about the business side of racing rather than simply racing for the thrill of it. “One thing I’ve learned to do is market yourself,” Daniel said. “What makes you stand out from other people?”

“If there’s one thing I want you to get today, is don’t ever limit yourself,” Randy told the audience. “You want to be able to jump past any expectations that you’ve set for yourself or that others have set for you. Achieve more than you ever thought possible.” A former race car driver himself, Randy is the current owner of Daniel Dye Racing where his son Daniel drives on NASCAR’s ARCA Circuit. Daniel is a senior at Father

Something that he is noted for is the “Race to Stop Suicide” program to support behavioral service programs for children and adolescents, as well as education and training for the local community and various places the team competes.

The Lemerand series was founded at Daytona State with the encouragement of the late Bernie Simpkins, a successful Brevard businessman and philanthropist, and friend of Mr. Lemerand, for whom the series is named. The L. Gale Lemerand Entrepreneurial Speaker Series Scholarship is also awarded to three students interested in becoming entrepreneurs. In a surprise announcement, Randy and Daniel matched each $1,000 scholarship, and then Jeep Beach matched it again for a total of $3,000 each. Student winners were Venerina Costanza, a homeschooled high school student and dual enrolled student at DSC; Kirstin Spencer, who is earning her A.S. Degree in Photographic Technology; and, Marylynne Gainer, who is currently enrolled in DSC’s School of Adult Education.

Below: Shown left-to-right, with Daniel’s No. 43 ARCA car, are Daniel Dye, L. Gale Lemerand, Randy Dye, and Dr. Tom LoBasso.

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U.S. News & World ranks Daytona State College’s Online Bachelor’s Programs Among Best in the Nation For the tenth straight year, Daytona State College has been recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings for Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs.

and staff,” said Dr. Tom LoBasso, DSC President. “It is gratifying to see that the dedication to our students is recognized in such a meaningful way.”

That recognition places DSC as the highest ranked public state college in Florida. In addition to its overall ranking, the College was also identified for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans.

Colleges are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence that include four general categories: engagement, services and technologies, faculty credentials and training, and expert opinion.

“U.S. News & World Report sets a high bar for achievement and Daytona State’s decade of excellence is a direct result of the hard work put in by our faculty

the Bachelor’s in Applied Science of Supervision and Management. The College has added bachelor’s programs in Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Elementary Education, Secondary Education (with specializations), Nursing, and Accounting, bringing the total number to 12. The BAS in Supervision and Management, BSET, BSIT, and BSN can be completed entirely online.

Daytona State College has offered bachelor’s degrees since 2006 with

Daytona State College Foundation announces the Plantation Bay Scholarship The Daytona State Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Plantation Bay Scholarship following a successful dinner and concert which featured renowned Nashville singer/songwriters Tim Nichols and Lee Thomas Miller. With more than $8,000 raised, initial awards for students, $1,000 for full-time and $500 for part-time students, will be granted for the 2022-2023 academic

year. Employees of Plantation Bay, as well as persons living in the north Volusia/ south Flagler community are eligible for these scholarships. “Thanks to the generous support of Flagler County Insurance Agency, Total Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, and ICI Homes, the presenting sponsors of the event, as well as the Palm Coast Songwriters Festival and all who attended from Plantation Bay, we are

able to assist additional students in need of scholarship support as they pursue a career of their choosing,” said Tim Norton, Vice President of Advancement/Executive Director of the DSC Foundation. Students interested in applying for a Foundation Scholarship should visit: www.DaytonaStateFoundation.org

Daytona State celebrates Six New Doctors With strong support from President Tom LoBasso, who himself was a part of the first cohort of Daytona State employees to seek and attain their EdD as a part of UCF’s Educational Leadership in Higher Education program, a second cohort of DSC faculty and administrators completed the requirements and received their degrees in December 2021 following a three-year term of classroom and independent research and writing.

“My colleagues and I are grateful to Daytona State and Dr. LoBasso, in particular, for supporting us on this journey to attain our doctorates. No doubt we will be better teachers, leaders, and colleagues, as we continue serving students at DSC who are seeking to advance their careers and make meaningful contributions in the communities where they live; all through the power of education,” said Dr. Goldys, Director of Academic Advising.

Shown here with Dr. LoBasso are, from left: Dr. Kristen Strickhouser, Dr. Jessica Lipsey, Dr. John Brady, Dr. Cheryl Kohen, Dr. Elizabeth Barnes, and Dr. Michelle Goldys.

Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

Student Life

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Throughout the semester, Student Life hosted a variety of fun and informative events for students on all DSC campuses. Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

Athletics SOFTBALL

Women’s Golf

Madison Tenore After being out of competition since October plus undergoing wrist surgery in January, Madison is playing again and has led the team with a 73 scoring average since her return. She also had her career low round of 66 in the Spring Break Shootout where she finished in 2nd place.

The DSC Softball team had a rough start with early season injuries and five doubleheaders cancelled. However, they have put an impressive number of doubles (74) and homeruns (20) in the stat books. Their season ended with a 9-6 win against conference rival Lake-Sumter State College.

BASEBALL

The DSC Baseball team started the season strong after their first seven matchups were cancelled. At the end of February, they had a record of 12 wins and two losses, outscoring their opponents 149-55. The Falcons finished the season with a 19-25 record. 12 | Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022

WOMEN’S GOLF

The Women’s Golf team completed another successful season finishing 2nd at the NJCAA Women’s Golf National Championship held just down the road at Mayfair Country Club in Sanford, Fla. Ellie Docherty, a sophomore from Scotland, led the way finishing 5th overall with a four-day total of 306.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Women’s Basketball

Danea Mackey Danea is an exceptional student and leader as team captain for the Women’s Basketball team this past season. Outside of class, she runs her own business where she uses her leadership skills to speak to other students about motivation and empowerment. Danea was a part of the Falcons’ run to the state tournament and will play a pivotal role in their success as a sophomore.

The DSC Men’s Basketball team finished their season with a record of 11-19 record. They had two All-Central Conference players, Johan Crafoord and Ky Stattmann, named to the Second Team and one player, Reggie Quezada, named to First Team. Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The DSC Women’s Basketball team finished the 2021-2022 season strong with a trip to Niceville, Florida, for the FCSAA Region VIII State Tournament. After the tournament, they finished with a record of 15-8 with one All-Central Conference Second Team player, Shayla Bouie, and three All-Central Conference First Team players, Kierra Wheeler, Kimeira Burks, and Tanyia Gordon.

Baseball

Jace Wilson The Flagler County native has been a three-year starter for the Falcon Baseball team. In the 2022 season, Jace accomplished the rare feat of playing all nine positions on the field in a single game. He also possesses the unique ability to throw a baseball right and left handed.

Softball

Anna Margetis Anna has been a starter in the Falcon’s lineup since the beginning of her freshman campaign. A returning All-Conference player, she led this season in RBIs, homeruns, and doubles. Recently, Anna was a recipient of the Falcon Student Engagement Award and the Outstanding Student Award.

DSC Scholar-Athletes of the Year

The DSC Scholar-Athlete award recognizes a male and female student-athlete annually for their outstanding academic achievement, overall commitment to academic responsibilities, persistence in striving toward identified academic goals, and the overall ability to attain a high level of academic success at DSC. Elena Diaz Trujillo Women’s Soccer - Sophomore - Madrid, Spain Bryce Holmes Baseball - Sophomore - Springhill, Florida 14 | Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022

L. Gale Lemerand Leadership Award

The L. Gale Lemerand Athletic Leadership Award recognizes a male and female student-athlete for outstanding leadership, commitment to all responsibilities as a student-athlete, setting a positive role model example for all student-athletes, demonstrating concern with a desire to help others, and a desire to further develop and enhance the Daytona State College intercollegiate athletic program. Shayla Bouie Women’s Basketball - Sophomore - Jacksonville, Florida Will Diaz Men’s Soccer - Sophomore - Sanford, Florida

At their 102nd Annual Meeting, the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce presented Daytona State College with the J. Hyatt Brown Enterprise Award.

communities. Dr. Tom LoBasso, DSC President, accepted the award on behalf of the District Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students.

This prestigious award recognizes the College’s mission as the region’s primary source of higher education and workforce training while providing wide-ranging needs to the business and public sector

“We pride ourselves on being a proactive, inclusive organization that strives for continuous quality improvement,” said Dr. LoBasso.

“Our mission is designed to support the needs of local communities in postsecondary education, whether that be for degree seeking students, adult education, or those interested in pursuing career and technical education. We are humbled and truly honored to be recognized by this award.”

The Chamber noted DSC’s many accomplishments and achievements in the past year, which included highlights such as: • Breaking ground on the new residence hall, which will be the first of its kind at Daytona State and is scheduled to open to full occupancy in Fall 2022.

• The Aspen Institute named Daytona State College one of 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges.

• Within the bachelor’s degree in Supervision and Management, the College

added new concentrations in Human Resource Management, Supply Chain Management, and Healthcare. The new Audio Electronics Specialist, A.S. Certificate, was also introduced.

• The Nursing program added 150 new seats for the full Associate of Science

degree, which is Daytona State’s most popular A.S. degree. Many of these students move directly into our BSN program, which has also become one of our most popular bachelor’s degrees.

• DSC’s News-Journal Center was honored to be the host site for the Dr. Mary

McCleod Bethune Statue which saw more than 14,600 visitors during its time in Daytona Beach.

• Launched Florida’s first chapter of FAME (Federation for Advanced

“We pride ourselves on being a proactive, inclusive organization that strives for continuous quality improvement.”

— Dr. LoBasso

Manufacturing Education), an innovative partnership that matches students enrolled in our A.S. Engineering Technology program with local manufacturing companies for a combination of classroom and on-the-job training.

Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

Bettye Parham MEET THE FACULTY

When Bettye Jewel Sigh Parham earned her degree in mathematics in 1979, she did not realize that she was starting a decades-long journey as a trailblazer in higher education. When she became a computer science professor, she was shattering society’s norms as a black woman teaching the subject. Today, she is a senior professor in Daytona State College’s Computer Science Department and is retiring this summer after 35 years of teaching. Parham says her 93-year-old mother, who worked as a secondary school teacher, significantly influenced her career, encouraging her to keep pushing boundaries without worrying about what people may say about her gender or race. “My mom reminded me that ‘empty wagons make lots of noise and that deep waters run still’.” she said. She added that pursuing a career in computer science was a constant challenge not because she lacked the skills or passion, but because of the lack of black women in the field. In this traditionally male-centered career, she said, for example, that some female students had felt “apprehensive” about participating or asking questions in class. Bettye even encountered some resistance after she was named chair of the Computer Science Department, a subdivision of the Engineering Technology Department, in 1999. “Some of the male faculty did not recognize or respect me as the chairperson,” she recalled. “Some would insult me when I asked them questions concerning the program.” Even today, in 2022, when women occupy only 28% of all jobs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, Parham says women like her have to fight for visibility and respect because of their minority status.

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“The best advice I can give is to tell females in STEM careers to focus on their passion for learning, speak up when necessary, and develop positive relationships whenever possible,” she said, passing on the advice her mother gave her. Parham was educated during an era when the first “microcomputers” were introduced, and in the decades since she has seen massive advancements in technology and computing capabilities that have transformed nearly every aspect of modern life. Computer science has evolved from a hobbyist pursuit of a few enthusiasts to a vital and dynamic field underpinning the entire global economy.

Parham followed a path similar to other pioneering women in computer science, including Grace Hopper and Katherine Johnson. It was a path not often traveled by women of color but one that is increasingly seen as crucial to diversifying the industry’s workforce and closing its gender gap. Companies such as Google, Facebook, and Microsoft are under pressure to increase the number of women in their ranks, and they have all pledged to do better. But progress has been slow. Parham’s story is a reminder that real change requires more than just good intentions.

“To witness an increase in the number of graduates among female and minority students, and all students who are obtaining As a sophomore at Oakwood University, STEM jobs, outweighs the negative a historically black college in Huntsville, challenges,” she said. “My journey has been Alabama, she participated in an internship a growing experience, one that will propel program at the Redstone Arsenal Army me to continue serving others to prepare for Base in the Maintenance Engineering STEM careers, and affect positive changes Department. It was there she was by utilizing their computer skills to solve a introduced to mainframe computers and programmable calculators, and learned how myriad of current issues in our society.” to program in BASIC, FORTRAN, and COBAL. She helped write code for predicting failure rates on parts manufactured at that facility, along with studying trajectories of rocket launches. After graduating in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics Parham pursued an M.S. in computer information systems at Michigan’s Andrews University, graduating in 1986. “I used punch cards to write code at Andrews University,” she said. “When I moved to Daytona Beach in 1983, our phone bill was on punch cards. Daytona Beach Community College used punch cards to teach students how to program the computer. By 1984, the College was fully online, and the computer science department had its own computer processor where students used computer terminals to write their programs.”

My journey has been a growing experience, one that will propel me to continue serving others to prepare for STEM careers. — Bettye Parham

Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

Student Development Changing, Growing to Help Students Thrive Reflecting on 65 years since Daytona State College’s founding as Daytona Beach Junior College, some of the most dramatic changes occurring in the institution’s life have been those connected directly with student life and the systems developed to support a very diverse student population. As the College opens its first student residence facility this summer, the changes in how the College provides services and support for all students is foremost on the mind of President Dr. Tom LoBasso and a completely new leadership team at the helm of the Division of Student Development. Recognized among higher education professionals as critical components in helping students achieve success in college, even as they explore and journey toward a fulfilling life and career, NASPA®, the professional organization for student development professionals, has published these seven practices that should undergird professionals’ work.

• Engages students in active learning • Helps students develop coherent values and ethical standards

• Sets and communicates high

expectations for student learning

• Uses systematic inquiry to improve

student and institutional performance

• Uses resources effectively to achieve institutional missions and goals

• Forges educational partnerships that advance student learning

• Builds support and inclusive communities ‘Everything rises and falls on leadership’

of longtime campus leader, Keith Kennedy, Ramos has built a team of professionals focused on, as she says, “intentional student-centered customer service.” “We are here for our students as they come to Daytona State to pursue their educational and career goals, whether as a newly graduated high schooler or an adult learner returning to the classroom. Each day we strive to provide guidance, inspiration, and support while also providing a variety of resources and engaging learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Within this framework, we are, I believe, able to help each student develop meaningful relationships, achieve professional growth and development, and obtain their goals and dreams; in a word, to thrive.” “We are whole-heartedly committed to students’ success and the success of our community; that is our approach, and it is Daytona State’s legacy.” It was, perhaps, Ramos’ own experience— coming to Daytona Beach from the British Virgin Islands as a freshman student at Bethune-Cookman University in January 2000—that prepared her for such a role at Daytona State. Far from home, a familiar culture, and in need of a supportive campus environment, Ramos found accessible resources and a supportive community that set her on a path resulting in a career in higher education that she finds professionally rewarding and personally satisfying. Without a doubt, her exuberant personality, attention to detail, and experience as an administrator at prior institutions has aided her in building a strong team, while managing multiple priorities in an evolving role as a member of the President’s Senior Executive Leadership Team.

Ably led by Dean of Student Development, Student Residence Hall is a Cerese Ramos, who served the College Game Changer for three years as Director of Student Accounts prior to being named as senior One of the newest opportunities for leader of the division following the passing growth, for students as well as for the 18 | Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022

entire College, is the opening of Daytona State’s first-ever student residence hall. As you will read elsewhere in this issue, this state-of-the-art facility will serve more than 250 students when it opens in August. Resident students will find more than simple affordable housing to their benefit. They will discover a rich, vibrant collegiate experience where, together, this diverse population of students will learn, grow, and thrive all the while developing life skills that will serve them far beyond graduation. “Upon my arrival here to direct the Division of Enrollment Management in 2017, Dr. LoBasso shared his vision for such a residence hall and to see it ready for opening in just a few weeks is really exciting,” said Dr. Erik D’Aquino, Vice President. “My experience in both public and private institutions support the idea that campus residency is an invigorating experience for an entire campus community, especially its students. Students will be afforded a more sustainable balance between their academic, work, and social lives, while at the same time creating a lifetime of memories that will forever connect them deeply to Daytona State College.”

Student Development/Life – not just ‘fun and games’ When thinking about student life, student affairs, student development – or whatever nomenclature one applies to this profession – it is undeniable that diversification is the foundation upon which student services permeate an institution. From the College’s Falcon HOPE Center, formerly the “Center for Women and Men,” to its offices of Counseling & Accessibility Services, Residence Life, Student Life, Veterans Center, MOCI (Men of Character Initiative), and a multitude of other programs and services including activities, clubs, service-learning opportunities, events, judicial affairs, and

so much more, the Division of Student Development goes far beyond simple engagement and entertainment, which when asked, faculty, staff, students and the broader campus community identify as key priorities of student development. In fact, engagement and entertainment are no more than inroads for doing the ‘real’ work of student development as outlined by NASPA.

Growth is the goal; change is the pathway If best-selling author and speaker, John C. Maxwell, is correct when he said, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.,” then it might be said of Daytona State’s student development team, “Growth is the end goal. Change is the pathway.”

“I have tremendous confidence in Cerese Ramos and the team

she is building. Cerese has demonstrated that no challenge is so daunting that she won’t pour her heart and soul into it on her way to success. As the College continues to build support systems for students now and well into the future, I have no doubt that this Student Development team will be recognized for the leadership and hard work that has been a hallmark of Daytona State College for 65 years.”

— Dr. Thomas LoBasso, President

Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

Adrianne Toles-Williams IN HER OWN WORDS

My name is Adrianne Toles-Williams, and I am proud to be the President of the Student Government Association of Daytona State College for 2021-2022. For the better part of my life, whenever someone would ask what I wanted to do when I got older, the professions were often different, but at the root of it, I knew I wanted to help people and make a positive change in the world around me. I considered joining the military or trying to become a surgeon, but those paths never quite felt like what I was meant to do. The problem was that I didn’t know what it was I was meant to do or become, and I hadn’t fully figured out my why. I dropped out of high school in 2017, and eventually found myself at a point in my life where I was filled with so much inspiration, ideas, and questions. So, I got my GED two years later and enrolled at Daytona State College, and I can confidently say that was the best decision I have ever made.

For a Literature and Culture course, I wrote an essay on Aristotle’s ideas about courage and virtue, and it opened the door to me finding a job that I love at the College Writing Center and becoming the Managing Editor of the InMotion Student Newspaper.

I will go on to the University of Central Florida to get my bachelor’s in Intelligence and National Security with a minor in Philosophy.

I got involved with the Student Government Association as the Senator of Public Relations that same semester.

I want to build my career lobbying domestic and foreign policies like climate change, universal human rights and humanitarian relief; policies that impact and are the responsibility of every nation on Earth.

Then, I put my name on the ballot to run for President of the 2021-2022 Student Government Association Board. If I am being honest, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

As a student at Daytona State, I was surrounded by a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and pride, and found a support system that I never expected to have. I found new ways to articulate my goals and even more ways to achieve them.

At Daytona State College I have had the pleasure of meeting people who inspire me.

I learned that my future is mine, and mine alone to mold through the hard work I put into every present moment.

Courageous leaders, mentors, professors, and peers who encouraged me, believed in my goals and have gone above and beyond to help make them a reality.

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As a first-generation college student, having such lofty aspiration is, honestly, terrifying.

In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle describes But my time at Daytona State College has only proven to me that some of the courage as “a mean with regard to most rewarding and fulfilling experiences feelings of fear and confidence.” can come from being courageous and decisive in my leadership despite my Courage exists at the balance between fears, and from entertaining the idea that all our ambitions and doubts, and things can turn out better than I shows through our actions, our words, ever expected. and beliefs. Being a student at Daytona State College and being offered so many chances to demonstrate my strengths, follow my passions, and take the risk of trying something new, has proven that courage is embedded in the very essence of being a leader.

I learned that not only could I shatter glass ceilings, but I could soar and take my dreams to even greater heights, and I have not even fully spread my wings yet.

After that, I plan to go to Georgetown School of Law for my J.D.

Next fall, I will graduate from Daytona State College with my Associate of Arts degree.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you, and I hope that this inspires you.

Boundless Forests ADRIANNE TOLES-WILLIAMS STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

Often, I find myself dreaming of forests that overflow with life. Vast woods where the trees stand like monoliths against the sky. Each branch diverging and twisting without limits. Their histories are all kept neatly beneath the bark Their roots dig so deeply into the Earth I think, “If I dig deep enough, I’ll find roots in the core.” Roots that delve deep through time and its beauty and shame. Giving love and culture Despite hate and ignorance Reduced to property and poverty But surviving. In this dream, I am a branch, Reaching to the sky thinking one day I might catch The Sun. Connected beneath the bark to the ongoing anthology of my lineage. I am The ever evolving, Ever loving Ever growing Ever thriving legacy of a line of resilience. And I stand as one of many in a boundless forest of greatness.

Adrianne Toles-Williams serves as the President of the Student

Government Association (SGA) for 2021-2022. At a gathering of College supporters, hosted by the Daytona State College Foundation Board of Directors, she delivered these remarks. This is her story, and it is simply remarkable. It goes without saying that the College is fortunate, and proud, to have such outstanding students finding renewal and confidence while here, even as they build on talents they brought to this place and discover talents, in this case – leadership, that they didn’t know they possess. Adrianne’s poem, Boundless Forests, was written and delivered at an event hosted by MOCI (the Men of Character Initiative) and SGA as a part of Black History month celebrations. – Cerese Ramos Dean of Student Development

Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

Meet the Team

Fun Facts

Wants to experience a hot air balloon ride or skydive; was a pageant winner; loves to travel

Education

B.S. in Business Education – Bethune-Cookman University & M.B.A. – University of Central Florida

Prior Work

Registrar at Everglades University & Palmer College of Chiropractic

Favorite Quote

Fun Facts

Certified bicycle mechanic at age 13 working for a professional cycling team, traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe

Education

A.A. - Daytona State, B.S. in Business (Transportation & Logistics) – University of North Florida, EPI – Daytona State, and M.B.A. - UNF

Prior Work

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. —Maya Angelou

Transportation & Logistics, Mathematics Teacher, Bicycle Shop Owner, Directed DSC’s grant-funded TRiO Talent Search program

Fun Facts

Education

Studied abroad in Rome as a college freshman B.S. in Integrated Public Relations & Advertising – University of South Florida

Prior Work

Media Aide at Flagler Palm Coast High School, Publix

Favorite Quote

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. —Maya Angelou

Started dual enrollment in 8th grade B.A. in Psychology – Florida Atlantic University

Prior Work

Florida Department of Health

Favorite Quote

If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair. —Shirley Chisolm

Favorite Quote

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. —Nelson Mandela

SAVE THE DATE

HOMECOMING OCT. 6-8, 2022 For more information visit Alumni.DaytonaState.edu or contact Kristen.Hanson@daytonastate.edu 22 | Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022

ALUMNI &FRIENDS

DaytonaStateFoundation.org

Falcon’s Nest

SUPPORTING DSC’S STUDENT-PARENTS New Name,

Same Mission The Falcon HOPE Center, formerly the Center for Women and Men, located in Forough B. Hosseini Hall, is a hub for all students who need assistance. The Center offers programs such as Fresh Start, New Directions, and CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents In School), as well as a food pantry, school supplies, and a professional clothes closet. The newest addition to the Center is the Falcon’s Nest, a family-friendly space on campus where students are welcomed with their children. While attending the National Student Parent Support Symposium last year, Rabecka Collins, Falcon HOPE Center Director, was inspired by the parents’ stories and was determined to create a space to support their specific needs. “I listened to a variety of presentations, but the keynote session ‘From Teen Mother to Distinguished Professor’ had me in tears. I couldn’t help but think about the many sacrifices I made as a studentparent and how challenging it was to balance school, work, and family.”

The vision for the Falcon’s Nest was to provide a space where student-parents can study or meet with faculty and staff while their children can play in a safe, welcoming environment. The space is outfitted with kid-sized tables and chairs, books, puzzles, educational toys, and tablets. Donations from the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia, the Division of Early Learning, and students, faculty, and staff helped with contributions of toys, furniture and books. Additional materials were purchased through the CCAMPIS grant. “The Falcon’s Nest is all about empowering and supporting studentparents,” said Collins. “When a studentparent graduates, it is not only a win for the student, but for the entire family. I believe when students bring their children to campus, they are instilling the value of higher education, and it is never too early or too late to instill these values.”

For more than 45 years, the Center for Women and Men has worked tirelessly to change the lives of students for the better. That mission will remain the same under a new, more inclusive and equitable name – Falcon HOPE Center (Home to Opportunity, Possibility & Empowerment). The original vision in 1976 was to help remove educational barriers for women, creating a supportive and nurturing environment that fostered personal and educational growth while pursing self-sufficiency. Today, the Center reflects an expanded mission dedicated to serving the needs of all students seeking to find their purpose in today’s everchanging society.

Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

Commencement 2022 Daytona State College’s annual commencement exercises are always momentous occasions for new graduates, their families and friends, as well as for faculty and staff who have supported their academic journey. DSC President, Dr. Tom LoBasso, presided over the ceremonies, held on May 12, 2022, and encouraged the College’s newest 3,168 alumni to take life’s adversities and turn them into opportunities. “To say these last two years have been difficult is an understatement, and we have all had to face new adversities even as we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. In order for us to grow and move forward, we must be able to take those adversities and find a way to solve them or move past them,” he remarked. “The opportunities afforded to us through education are life-changing. As I look across this room, I see students, friends, and family members who represent the wonderful diversity of our College and community, which reminds us of our core values as an institution that treasures

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inclusiveness and is open to anyone seeking to better their lives through the power of education. This is an exciting chapter in your lives, and it is an honor to be here with you as you receive your credentials and move on to new challenges and opportunities.” The first graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Accounting program were recognized for being part of this inaugural cohort. The new program is greatly needed in the business community, and demand for new accounting graduates is strong. New graduate Alesha Brewer, who was offered an accounting position in March, said, “I am thrilled that I have been able to start my career prior to my graduation. While I am not sure where my career will lead me, it is off to a great start with a great company. I have learned so much about accounting over these last two years. I am excited to be using these skill in my new job and I am looking forward to learning more as my career progresses.” Overall, the class of 2022 includes 30 students graduating from the QuantaHonors College as well as 15 who were

inducted into the Daytona State College Hall of Fame, which is the highest honor the faculty can bestow upon a student. Other highlights from the ceremony include 65 members of this year’s class who are part of Phi Theta Kappa, the only accredited national honor society for 2-year colleges in the United States; nine students who were inducted into Sigma Beta Delta, the highest international recognition a business student can receive at a college or university; nine nursing graduates who were inducted into Alpha Delta Nu, the National Honor Society for Associate Degree Nursing students; and 17 graduates who are now part of Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society for education majors. Each graduate has their own unique story which has led them to this point in their lives. The new degree conferred upon them will serve as a key to unlock many doors in their professional and personal lives, and they are now part of an extended alumni family that has grown to approximately 120,000 members.

“DSC gave me the

necessary steps to be successful in the program. The professors were encouraging and great at pushing us to be successful in class and in our future career. The clinical rotations were an eye-opening experience to see what the real world will be like as a respiratory therapist.”

— Danielle Jaudon, Respiratory Care A.S.

Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

New Student Residence Hall RIBBON CUTTING & DEDICATION CEREMONY

In front of an audience of more than 300 students, faculty, staff, and members of the community, Daytona State College cut the ceremonial ribbon to mark the completion of the new student residence hall on May 5, 2022. Located on the Daytona Beach Campus, the four story, 252-bed facility opens its doors to DSC’s first-ever on-campus residents this summer. The residence hall was designed to be an affordable option within reach for all students, including those on financial aid and scholarships. “Today marks the end of one chapter in the life of our college and begins a new one, with fresh ideas, hopes, and dreams for the future,” said Dr. Tom LoBasso, DSC President. “The impact this facility will have on our campus life will be unmistakable. In this era where so many students are online, the residence hall will help build stronger relationships between faculty and students. It will strengthen the ties with our future alumni and create a positive feedback loop that will in turn make us stronger.”

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The campus infrastructure is in place for a full college residential experience, and includes amenities such as a dining facility with meal plans, a fitness center, pool, tennis courts, and recreational areas. Student housing is projected to increase student retention as support services such as tutoring, the library, Writing Center, Academic Support Center, and Career Services, are all within walking distance from the facility. “We were confident that many of our students, including local students, would want to take advantage of a residential experience,” said Dr. Randy Howard, DSC District Board of Trustees Chair. “Living in the heart of this campus where they can fully immerse themselves in their educational experience – close to faculty, recreational facilities, our wonderful student center and library – this is one more example of how Daytona State keeps the needs of our students at the forefront of everything we do.”

The largest percentage of resident applications are from Volusia County, 194 applications; Flagler, 43 applications; Seminole, 24; Duval, 21; Orange, 20; and Lake, 15. Other states besides Florida include students from New York, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, Colorado, and Texas, and 14 are international students, with the largest populations from Japan with 5 students, the United Kingdom with 3 students, and 1 student each from the Netherlands, France, the Bahamas, Brazil, Spain, and Australia. “We are a community dedicated to uplifting one another on our journeys to success, celebrating our diversity, and creating an unforgettable college experience,” said Adrianne Toles-Williams, SGA President. “The Student Residence Hall makes this more than just a college campus, it will make Daytona State College in Daytona Beach a home.”

Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

Brian Norton ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

After a 26-year hiatus, Harvard and Daytona State alumnus Brian Norton ’19 has been readmitted to the Florida Bar. This is an incredible accomplishment for the 72-year-old lawyer, who lost his sight in 1995 and retired shortly thereafter. In December of last year, Norton completed all the courses necessary for readmission and was subsequently sworn in by Volusia County Judge Bryan Feigenbaum. Norton says he is grateful to DSC and its staff for making accommodations such as adjusting exam formats and providing script-reading services with headphones to help him succeed. Though Daytona State has served blind students over many years, and continues to do so with accommodations appropriate to each student’s situation, Norton was unique as one student pursuing legal studies. Norton’s diligence in gathering resources, he reports, helped ensure his success. Now that he’s gone through the process, he wants to help others navigate the ins and outs successfully, too. “Go to your teachers, counselors, or advisors. Explain to them your difficulties,” he said. Although he completed his Paralegal Studies A.S. degree program two years ago, Norton is currently auditing a Legal Research & Writing course taught by local appellate attorney John N. Bogdanoff. “This class includes instruction on specialized legal research software he’ll use in his practice, and DSC has arranged for a student to personally assist him navigate this new software,” said Nathan W. Kotas, assistant chair of Paralegal Studies at Daytona State College who was one of Norton’s instructors.

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Kotas encourages other students with special-needs to reach out for help because DSC can accommodate their unique needs. Some examples of the resources and services available through the Counseling & Accessibility Services Department for students with disabilities are note-takers, readers, computers with voice output (JAWS), screen magnification software, and text-to-audio software like Speechify. “DSC has the resources to offer a wide array of services and technologies for students who are blind or have low vision,” Kotas said. “We’re a closely-knit community. Students build relationships with faculty and staff. We know our students and work to provide them with what they need to succeed.” That was certainly the case for Norton, who is looking forward to resuming his legal career. But apart from the indispensable accommodations and support he received from DSC, Norton credits having a growth mindset – believing he could do it, despite the challenges – as the key to his success. “People should not get easily discouraged,” he stressed. “If you had difficulties and do badly on some things, it’s better to go and keep working on that and continue to learn, because day by day, if you try to do the best you can, you will eventually succeed.” After losing his sight, Norton started drinking heavily and became depressed. Regaining his life and career is a testament to the power of resilience. It’s about seeing the glass half full, even when it’s easy to focus on what’s been lost. “I went and tried to go and look at the talent that I had, that God blessed me with,” he said. “And just because I did not have my vision, that was not a good

excuse for me to not do the work. I think I had to go and be grateful for that and not have self-pity because I didn’t have everything other people had.” Norton’s story is also made all the more impressive by his age. Many people in their seventies are winding down their careers, not starting anew. At 72, Norton is just getting started. He recently joined the Florida Regional Civil Conflict Counsel as an assistant attorney, representing clients with alcohol and substance abuse problems. In this role, he works to keep them out of jail and to seek helpful treatment and housing placement to support their recovery from addictions. Kotas summed it up best: “Brian’s life story is the Hero’s Journey. He wouldn’t have made it this far without a deep well of tenacity and drive. “Chatting with Brian is like peeling an onion. Every few minutes, he’ll shave back a thin layer of his journey that leaves you smiling and shaking your head. Just the other day, he was in my office telling me how much he loves to cook. I asked when that started, and he said, ‘I took a cooking class with Julia Child at her home when I was a student at Harvard.’”

If you had difficulties and do badly on some things, it’s better to go and keep working on that and continue to learn, because day by day, if you try to do the best you can, you will eventually succeed.

Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

Teachers of the Year ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS Madison Miller ’14, Volusia County Schools’ Teacher of the Year When day comes, we step out of the shade aflame and unafraid, the new dawn blooms as we free it, for there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.

That kind of “informal” support, together with supportive faculty members like Margie Hensler and Ana Blaine, encouraged, supported, and provided resources that were essential to her success on her way to completing – Amanda Gorman excerpt from the Bachelor of Science in Elementary “The Hill We Climb” Education degree in 2014.

Madison Miller impresses as someone who is confident, both personally and professionally, and poised. Dig a little deeper and what is not readily apparent comes into clearer focus: Miller’s confidence has its origins in hard work, determination, and lots of supportive people in her life. Named the 2022-2023 Volusia County Schools Teacher of the Year earlier this year, Miller is vying for State of Florida Teacher of the Year, which engages educators in a year of professional development, learning and active collaboration through the Florida Teacher Lead Network. A product of Volusia County Schools, Miller’s path upon graduation from New Smyrna Beach High School in 2007 took her to Tampa where she studied at the University of South Florida with plans to become a band director. And that path, says Miller, was dotted with challenges at many turns. Coming home to Volusia County in 2012 as a single mother who “had no idea of what I was doing in any facet of my life…in the most formal and informal ways,” Miller credits Daytona State faculty and staff in the College of Education as crucial in helping her forge a more sustainable, impactful future for herself and her daughter. Entering the College of Education at the age of 25, Miller recounted how Bonnie Gomez-Gonzalez, a senior staff assistant before retiring in 2020, “would give me hair tips on how to do [my daughter’s] hair – she has this beautifully curly hair and I do not.” 30 | Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022

Since then, Miller has gone on to complete two master’s degrees, one from Grand Canyon University in Reading with an emphasis in Elementary Education and another from Stetson University in Educational Leadership. A teacher at Chisholm Elementary in New Smyrna Beach since “the day after I completed my degree at Daytona State,” Miller has taught gifted 3rd grade students, was a teaching coach, and, today, is “teacher on assignment,” which involves teaching small groups of students, coaching peers, chairing the school’s advisory committee, and much more. Miller’s future plans include completing a doctoral degree, and as she said upon accepting the award on Jan. 23, “to continue the legacy of support…the roles we all play that get our kids here to this stage. “My career has been focused on those without support: students in poverty, students in crisis, minoritized students, transient students. We are their entire support system.” So, it is most fitting that the quote from Amanda Gorman, the inaugural Youth Poet Laureate of the U.S. in 2017, is prominently displayed on the wall behind her desk for all who enter to see and know the light she is following, and the bravery she is exemplifying in doing so.

“Madison was the student

you never wanted to leave, but you also recognized how quickly she needed to be out in her own classroom to change lives.”…“She’s a doer, she just handles things with grace and humor, she validates those around her with her “can do” attitude that always morphs into “you can do it too!”” — Dr. Margie Hensler, Ed.D. Associate Professor

Jim Gambone ‘93, Flagler County Schools’ Teacher of the Year Jim Gambone, Flagler County Schools Teacher of the Year, and a 1993 graduate of Daytona State College, has taught mathematics at Flagler-Palm Coast High School, his alma mater, for 22 years. When you meet Gambone, his destiny to teach becomes readily apparent. Originally planning and preparing for a career as a lawyer, it was a stint tutoring in an elementary school near the completion of a political science degree at the University of North Florida when he was inspired to change majors and take up education as a lifelong career. Gambone reports “the 4th graders I was working with couldn’t add single digit numbers…couldn’t read simple 1st gradelevel books.” I really enjoyed getting through to them…making a difference in their lives.” And with that, Jim was on a path that would lead to what he describes as a very rewarding career in secondary education. Described by Flagler County Schools Superintendent Cathy Middlestat as, “a model teacher [who] always gives back to students [and] a hero of the campus,” Gambone says, “my goal every year is to

be a teacher that builds relationships and leaves a mark on each student’s life.”

And, two, “no matter what, always show respect to your students.”

Change is the Constant in Education

Married to Amy, a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Specialist at Flagler-Palm Coast, the Gambones have two sons: Jake and Dylan. Amy, originally from Orange Park, Fla., and Jim met at a basketball game while both were students at UNF.

Over many years, he has seen major changes in how education happens. “Classroom management is one of the biggest changes.” From students being expected to “sit down, raise your hand, wait to be called on” to ask a question to “just say something…don’t wait…chime in.” Among the biggest challenges has been the move to hybrid teaching and learning. “It was tough…to monitor online teaching and teach in the classroom at the same time, it was almost impossible.”

Helping Students Achieve Their Potential: Two Vital Components

Gambone’s teaching is focused on helping students achieve their greatest potential. When asked about today’s teaching profession, today’s successful teacher, Gambone opines on two “absolute necessities to be successful.”

Jake, who took classes at DSC, is completing a degree at UNF on a path to a teaching career and Dylan is a student at Middlebury College in Vermont, who’s currently studying abroad at Oxford. Both boys followed their father’s interest in athletics playing football in college, Jake at Ave Maria before transferring to UNF, and Dylan at Middlebury. When Gambone’s career is complete, there’s little doubt he will have achieved his goal of leaving a positive mark on every student he encounters and every colleague he works alongside. A ‘hero’ – as Superintendent Middlestat suggests? Yes, indeed.

One, “you have to love working with children…if you don’t, nothing else you do matters.”

“Co-teaching with Jim for the past two years, I see, first-

hand, how he strives to create an inclusive and engaging classroom for students at all levels.

Depending on the day, you might find him tossing a football as students answer questions, handing his iPad over for a student to show their thinking to the class, or working with small groups of students as they work out problems on table-sized white boards. Jim is a gifted educator and a true ‘game changer’ for students at Flagler-Palm Coast High School.”

— Tina McNally, Algebra Intervention Teacher, FPC

Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

DSC Honors Students & Employees Daytona State College Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards

Presidential Medallion Award for Teaching Excellence Bettye Parham, Senior Professor in the School of Computer Science, has been a member of DSC’s teaching community for more than three decades. She began as an adjunct instructor in 1983 and has stepped into various roles from Academic Coordinator, Director, and Department Chair, but always remained a “teacher at heart.” She is dedicated to her students and encourages, supports, and builds student confidence and self-efficacy. Sterling Award for Professional Excellence for Career Employees Karen Duhlstine, Senior Administrative Assistant to the President’s Office, has been an exemplary employee of the College for more than 24 years. She began as an accountant and was promoted to Administrative Assistant in the Finance Department. In 2005, she moved to the President’s Office, working with the Executive Vice President in managing the College’s contracts and agreements, and updating the College’s policies and procedures.

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Sterling Award for Professional Excellence for Administrative Employees Cerese Ramos, Dean of Student Development, joined the College in May 2018 as the Director of Student Accounts, and since then, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that students are served at the highest levels. This year, she has taken on many new and exciting changes in her new role, including establishing a student housing department while also rebuilding the entire Student Life Office.

Sterling Award for Professional Excellence for Professional Employees Josh Poniatowski, Associate Director of Advising, joined DSC in 2011 as an Advisor. He was promoted to Coordinator where he developed the advisor-on-thego program and revitalized the orientation process. He consistently leads by example, demonstrates passion for his role, and strives to motivate the advising team across all six campuses. He maintains strong, collaborative, collegewide relationships to ensure students are on the path to success and graduation.

Falcon Student Engagement Award The Falcon Student Engagement award is presented to students who have been actively engaged in representing Daytona State College’s values of community, integrity, excellence, diversity, innovation, and student success. Active engagement includes any voluntary academic activities above and beyond course requirements, involvement in student clubs and organizations, supporting academic programs and services, assisting other students, and community service.

2022 Inductees Kyle Abbott Abigail Adams Nicole Afra William Diaz Daniel Faraj Hosanna Folmsbee Jaynisi Guzman-Davila Angel Khrino Carlos Latony Joshua Lingo Jose Lopez Jetty Luedeke

Anna Margetis Sean McArdle Logan McClure Mason Neller Quentin Radcliffe Alex Rich Brayan Guadalupe Ruiz Carson Spradlin Rachel Steiger-Reeser Adrianne Toles-Williams Stephani Widmer

Daytona State College Hall of Fame Membership in the Daytona State College Hall of Fame is the highest honor the faculty may bestow upon a student. Nomination is based upon the highest standards of excellence in scholarship, leadership, and citizenship. The students so honored reflect credit on themselves and the institution by assuming the mantle of progressive and constructive leadership while maintaining an exemplary academic average of not less than 3.0. Silver keys are presented to recipients and their names will be inscribed on a plaque, which will be displayed in the L. Gale Lemerand Student Center.

This Year’s Inductees Abigail Adams Carolina Avelar Sierra Bertram Jessica Boatman Venerina Costanza Cayla Cue William Diaz

Hosanna Folmsbee Tarra Lynn Hodges John Holton Kade Foxx Homyak Quentin Radcliffe Rachel Steiger-Reeser Elena Trujillo

OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARDS COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Quanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hosanna Folmsbee Dan Stout Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ella Luedeke Outstanding Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Taylor Philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blaize Carroll Environmental Science Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anna Copeland Sociology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jasmin Martinez-Reyes History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katrina Williams Political Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natalia Meretz Physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sean Barnier Psychology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helena Santos Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Fredette-Huffman Digital & Interactive Media Production- Associate . . . . . . Jessica Boatman Broadcast Television Production-Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sterling Kaplan Broadcast Television Production-Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stacey Walker Television Studio Production-Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kimberly Acosta Elementary Education - Bachelor of Science . . . . . . . . . Angela Robyn Locke Exceptional Education -Bachelor of Science . . . . . . . . . . . . Melanie A. Price Secondary Biology Education -Bachelor of Science . . . . . . . Angel M. Khrino Secondary Mathematics Education -Bachelor of Science . . Sullivan Hessler Secondary Physics Education -Bachelor of Science . . . . . . . . . . . . Trey Altice Educator Preparation Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John B. Holton Speech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John N. Korba Personal Narrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sun Young Baek Argumentative Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ishykeya Barr Poetry Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hilton Smith Short Fiction Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lallita Chandradat General Research Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kerrie Leigh Peer Literature Analysis Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elisabet Gustafson Multimodal Web Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kade Foxx Homyak Choral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Garcia Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin Branning Studio Arts 3D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arieanna Goodin Studio Arts 2D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Bokee COLLEGE BUSINESS, ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY Bachelor of Applied Science (Hospitality Concentration) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniella Smook Culinary Management (AS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abagaile Killian Hospitality Management (AS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rachel Lebo Culinary Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maighdalin Millard Baking and Pastry Specialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth Quint Hospitality Beverage Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Andrea Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Resources Concentration) . . . . . . . Sharon Martin Bachelor of Science (Accounting Student) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine Barrett Bachelor of Applied Science (Supervision & Management Concentration) . . . . . . Rylee Armstrong Bachelor of Applied Science (Supply Chain Management) . . Jose Gongora Gonzalez Accounting Technology (AS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zishan Huang Bachelor of Applied Science (Project Management Concentration) . . . . . Fred Denegri Business Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mckenzie Hunsicker Industrial Management Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terry Long Office Administration (General) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oksana Iankiv Paralegal Studies (Legal Assisting) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kristina Kircher ATC in Project Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manases Hernandez Accounting Technology Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Marguard Accounting Technology Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melissa Gomez Business Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephaine McClain Marketing, Sales and Service- Entrepreneurship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paige Freedman Office Support Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mirelys Contreras Office Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ambar Hernandez Architectural and Building Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathleen Hooten Drafting and Design Technology (CAD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Lasher Interior Design Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennydian Santos-Olmeda AutoCAD Foundations (Architectural) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michelle Poche Drafting and Design Technology (CAD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lindsey M. Darrow Drafting and Design Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lindsey M. Darrow Architectural & Building Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dylan Kazaks AutoCAD Foundations (Architectural) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michelle Poche AutoCAD Foundations (Engineering) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Travis Towell Drafting and Design Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miguel Morales Computer Engineering Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Balzan Computer Information Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Justin Kutsko Computer Programming and Analysis (Software Engineering Technology)Jonathan Wessel Database Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balint Farkas Electronics Engineering Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Timothy Hunt Engineering Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luis Escalona Applied Technology Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Yanochko Network Systems Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colton Singletary Computer-Aided Design and Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicholas Stage Computer Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cole Davidson Information Technology Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Birman Network Server Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erik Freeman Web Development Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emma Strand Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Hetrick Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology - (Electrical Engineering Technology Concentration) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Jackson Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jill Bunch Cybersecurity and Cyberforensics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benjamin Asby COLLEGE OF HEALTH & PUBLIC SERVICES Dental Hygiene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cassandra M. Marden Dental Assisting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angelina Halcomb

Criminal Justice Technology Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph O’Barr Emergency Medical Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ray Kalmar II Correctional Officer Recruit Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Breanna Goldstrom Emergency Medical Technician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chrystal M. Hayes Fire Fighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry Owens Jr. Florida Law Enforcement Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rozeny Rivera Paramedic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Allen Jr. Early Childhood Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brittany Buchman Occupational Therapy Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sierra Bertram Physical Therapist Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Samantha Magruder Respiratory Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shayna Russell Radiography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Xavier Lopez Massage Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rachel Steiger-Reeser Medical Assisting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adekemi Adepegba Optician Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anna Ezelle Surgical Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Murphy Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danielle Lewis, Salina Nord, Bartolomeo Formoso, Ryan Ellsworth, Emily McMillan Nursing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rebeca Mathis, Alex Lewine, Yanet Garay, Gabrielle Scholle Practical Nursing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amber Rose LaDue, Kadedria Johnson MARY KARL COLLEGE OF WORKFORCE & EDUCATION Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Mechanic . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jonathan Maya Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology . . . . . . . . . . Quentin Radcliffe Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tyler Stenton Automotive Service Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maximillo Mendez Barbering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Justin Berrios Building Trades and Construction Design Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Josiah Stubbs Cosmetology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cayla Cue Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Khelawan-Michaud Electrical Apprenticeship - Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trevor Woyton Electrical Apprenticeship - Non-Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D’Michael Kelly Plumbers Apprenticeship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Angell CNC Machining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Karpy Welding Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin Agers General Education Development Degree . . . . . . . . . . . . Laurie Hunsberger, Daniel Villa English for Speakers of Other Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linh Nguyen DIVISION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS Men’s Baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bryce Holmes Men’s Basketball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Javi Rodriguez Men’s Cross Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerdary Ayala Men’s Soccer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Diaz Women’s Basketball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Odett Schlegl Women’s Cross Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harleigh Bilz Crist Women’s Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alexis Rieli Women’s Soccer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elena Diaz Trujillo Women’s Softball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anna Margetis Women’s Volleyball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Stratton DIVISION OF STUDENT LIFE Student Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin Paulley Student Publication: Interactive Media - In Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alexander Espinal Student Publication: Interactive Media - Aeolus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Boatman Phi Theta Kappa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Venerina Costanza Men of Character Initiative - Academic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vladimyr Jean-Francois Men of Character Initiative - Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Jacobs ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND COLLEGE WRITING CENTER Academic Support Center: Peer Tutor- Daytona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicole Davis-DiCaprio Academic Support Center: Peer Tutor- DeLand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Frasco Academic Support Center: Peer Tutor- Flagler/Palm Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alexander England Academic Support Center: Peer Tutor- Flagler/Palm Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lallita Chandradat Writing Center: Peer Tutor- Daytona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hosanna Folmsbee ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE Outstanding Service to Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeremy Hanco DELAND CAMPUS Outstanding Service to Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kade Foxx Homyak Associate of Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tabatha Powell DELTONA CAMPUS Outstanding Service to Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shannon Vindett Associate of Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Destiny Walls FLAGLER/PALM COAST CAMPUS Outstanding Service to Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Johnny Seetaram NEW SMYRNA BEACH/EDGEWATER CAMPUS Outstanding Service to Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zachary Walton Special Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Briana Lewis Bachelor of Applied Science (Supervision & Management) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tarra Lynn Hodges Associate of Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tina Turner

Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

‘State of the College’ Upon the invitation of the Daytona State College Foundation Board of Directors, more than 130 gathered at the College’s News-Journal Center on April 20 to hear from President Dr. Tom LoBasso on the ‘State of the College.’ Featured on the program, and on page 20 in this magazine, was SGA President Adrianne Toles-Williams.

Nancy Keefer, President & CEO of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, delivered remarks about the College’s J. Hyatt Brown Enterprise Award and thanked the College for its leadership in this community and with the Chamber. Wrapping up his comments, Dr. LoBasso said, “We are our community’s best resource for students who want a quality

Adrianne Toles-Williams & Dr. Beverly McMurtry-Grissom

Dr. Randy Howard

34 | Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022

education in a caring environment for a price that can’t be beat. And, with your support – as advocates for us among your friends, organizations you lead and support, businesses you lead and work for – and as donors to our Foundation, we will continue to make you proud of your Daytona State College.”

Nancy Keefer

Dr. Tom LoBasso, Julio & Betty Holness in the background

Dodd family creates scholarship remembering Dr. Paul Melton “Mel” Dodd, Jr. FOUNDATION DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Mel Dodd was a renaissance man, and alongside his wife of 58 years, Harriet Howell “Happy” Dodd, lived life to the fullest. Whether cycling, painting, skiing, golfing, flying, sailing or creating – with his skills in furniture-making and as a stained-glass glazier – Dodd was known for an inquisitive mind and a fit body. At Daytona State, Dodd was revered for his preparedness, attention to detail, and determined guidance in support of his students. A practicing orthopedic surgeon at the Orthopedic Clinic of Daytona Beach – from 1963 to 1993 – Dr. Dodd’s second career, as an adjunct faculty member teaching Computer Aided Design and Drafting (AutoCAD) at Daytona State College, occupied him for the next 28 years before he retired in 2020 at age 87. Born in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Dodd graduated from Vanderbilt University as valedictorian and received the Founder’s Medal, which was matched by his achievement as valedictorian in medical school at the University of Tennessee. Upon completion of a Residency at Philadelphia General Hospital – the city where Mel and Happy met via the introduction of a fellow-Resident, which was followed by a brief courtship and marriage (only three weeks after they met!) – Mel and Happy moved to Daytona Beach where they made their home, raised three children, Paul, John and Amy, and impacted their community in ways large and small. Upon his death on July 18, 2021, Dr. Dodd’s family established the Mel and Happy Dodd Family Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship will benefit students studying in the Schools of Computer Science and Building and Architecture Technology with preference for students in Computer Aided Design and Drafting. It is fitting that Dr. Mel Dodd received the inaugural “Adjunct of the Year” award from Daytona State College in 2020. Anindya Paul, Chair, School of Computer Science, said, “Mel Dodd was a source of inspiration to his colleagues as his work ethic was unmatched. He cared deeply about his students’ success, and he was never too busy, nor ever bothered, to go the second mile to help a student no matter how much time was required.” “In perpetuity, students at Daytona State College will be the beneficiaries of Mel and Happy’s direct investment in the lives of students by way of his long teaching career and with the establishment of this endowed scholarship by the family,” said Tim Norton, Vice President of Advancement/Executive Director for DSC Foundation. “We are honored that Happy and her family have chosen Daytona State and its students for such support, and we are exceedingly grateful for their kindness.” Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022 |

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

Look to the tower for the

Highest Level of Care. The towers at Halifax Health have watched over our community’s rooftops for over 93 years. As the area’s healthcare leader, we are committed to providing the highest level of care every encounter, every day, to everyone. We are your neighbors, friends and family. When you need care, look to the tower.

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36 | Daytona State Magazine | Spring–Summer 2022