Polk State College Report to the Community Spring 2012

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Taking F l i g h t ™ Message from the President

Soar, Eagles!!!!

These words — and the “taking flight” theme of this year’s report — beautifully capture the spirit of Polk State College as we transitioned from a phenomenal 2011 into an equally exciting 2012. As you peruse the pages of this report, I think you’ll be as enthusiastic as I am about Polk State and the momentum we are sustaining on a daily basis. From the classroom to the gym, from clinicals in local hospitals to international science competitions… we have made an impact like never before. Whether you look at our dynamic academic departments, our impressive cultural offerings, or our championship intercollegiate athletics program, you’ll realize that we are truly soaring. And, as always, the priority in all that we do has been the success of our students! They are the reason we exist, and in 2011 they “lined the nest” with honors, awards, and examples of excellence. As the College has expanded its programs, enhanced its facilities, and broadened its footprint, every single investment has been with students in mind. Because of this fact, we continue to be the very best place for donors to make an impact in the life of our community. Now, on behalf of Polk State’s Board of Trustees, our faculty and staff, and tens of thousands of students, alumni, and supporters, I am proud to offer this Eileen Holden report as one small snapshot of an incredible year at an awesome institution in President an amazing place. Polk State College We are Polk.

Eileen Holden, Ed.D. President 2012 Report to the Community 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Bachelor of Applied Science Program Flourishes ™ 3 Rebranding Means New Logo, Colors 4 District Board of Trustees 6 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Exceeds Expectations 7 Student Life 8 Diversity 9 Fine Arts 10 Robotic Surgery Credential 11 Health Sciences Highlights 12 Additional Program Highlights 13 Facilities Improvements 14 New Buildings 16 Honors Program 17 Collegiate High Schools 18 Corporate College 19 Personnel Notes 20 Athletics 22 Rebranded Merchandise 23 Polk State College Foundation 24 Foundation Officers, Board Members, Philanthropic Advisory Council 25 Wine for Wisdom 26 Donor Appreciation Luncheon, Wise & Witty Women and Many Magnificent Men 27 Endowed Teaching Chairs 28 Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipients 29 Alumni Notes 30 Alumni Association, Alumni Gatherings 31 Planned-Giving Program, Foundation Revenues and Expenses 32 Polk State College Overview 33 In Memoriam: Charles Lyle II 34 In Memoriam: Dr. Maryly VanLeer Peck 36 Commencements 2

™ Polk State’s First Baccalaureate Program Exceeds Expectations, Readies for New Track

Polk State’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management has far exceeded enrollment projections. Shown here are May 2011 graduates of the program.

The overwhelming success of Polk those working in law enforcement and State’s first baccalaureate program has emergency medical services. prompted the College to launch a new Polk State values the close partnerships track, and to develop yet another, to meet it has formed with area employers and the community’s demand. collaborates with various industry With enthusiastic support from local leaders when making workforce training, employers clamoring for a more highly education, and development decisions. To skilled work force, Polk State launched that end, the College added a Healthcare the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Administration track in Fall 2011 based on in Supervision and Management degree demand expressed within the community. program in January 2010. Based on In mid-2011, the College also received extensive research performed during the approval from the Florida Department of program’s design, the College anticipated Education to add a Business Information an estimated enrollment of 90 students by Technology track. the 2011-12 academic year. The Business Information Technology In truth, the number was 372. track will emphasize the use of technology “Clearly, this was something our to analyze data. This track has been community needed, and we are here to developed using input from business meet the needs of our community,” said partners including Badcock & More Home Dr. Kenneth Ross, Vice President for Furniture, Publix Super Markets, Inc., Academic and Student Services. Florida’s Natural, and MidFlorida Credit The BAS degree program began with Union. three areas of specialization. The Business “There are a lot of people who know Administration track was tailored to how to generate data, but this track is individuals seeking to work in large going to develop the critical-thinking corporations such as Publix, GEICO, skills that are needed to analyze that State Farm Insurance, and other local data,” Dr. Ross said. businesses. The Public Administration In 2011, there were 31 BAS completers, track provided skill sets for those seeking and this figure is expected to increase careers in city and county governments. dramatically with these expanded The Public Safety track was designed for offerings. 2012 Report to the Community 3 Polk State’s New Logo Colors Reflect Energy and Growth Every eagle’s flight begins with the dramatic takeoff. College desired — but eagles also symbolize the His piercing eyes determine his destination and he common ideals of freedom, opportunity, equality, leaps from his perch. His muscles propel him skyward power, courage, and integrity. as his shadow darkens the terrain To jibe with the symbolism associated with the below. He stretches his wings Eagle, the College settled on a bold color scheme — wide and, riding the force of the regal red and dominant black. wind beneath him, soars. With the pivotal elements of logo and colors For Polk State College, that decided, it was time to create a shield — something moment of takeoff came July 28, that would reflect the College’s brilliant past and 2011— and it’s been soaring ever bright future. since. Among the elements included in the final product: In a pair of morning events at The Eagle’s body is made of three stripes to represent the Winter Haven and Lakeland the College’s phases as junior, community, and state campuses, Polk State President college; the stripes form a “P” for Polk County; the Dr. Eileen Holden announced Eagle’s beak extends beyond the shield to convey that the College would rebrand optimism and assertiveness, while its tail feathers itself as the Eagles and adopt protrude from the left edge to represent creativity and as part of its identity a red and progress. black color scheme. Finally — but perhaps most importantly — the The motivation, Dr. Holden stripes in the bottom are open, representing the explained, was to create a College’s rich tradition and abiding commitment to polished, united image for the public access to quality, affordable higher education. College. A pair of new mottos completed the rebranding “Let’s get the excellence — “Soar, Eagles!” to express that students who study right. Let’s be the best. We at Polk State know no limits to their success, and stand on the shoulders of “We Are Polk,” because Polk State is really but a visionaries,” she said. microcosm of the community it serves. The rebranding meant a “Our history is as simple and as grand as Polk new shield for the College County’s, and our aspirations are inextricably linked as a whole, as well as with the future of our region,” Dr. Holden said. complementary logos for all of its To preserve its new brand, the College has various units — such as the Polk State Foundation trademarked all marks, logos, symbols, nicknames, and academic departments. Though there are now letters or words that can be associated with it, and a myriad of marks, all have a look and feel that are can be distinguished from those of other institutions. quickly associated with Polk State College. Manufacturers who want to reproduce any of the “We’ve changed mascots. That’s big. We’ve College’s marks must first secure a license. changed colors. That’s big. And, of course, we’ve The College’s Office of Communications and rolled out a suite of new logos. Our students, faculty, Public Affairs (OCPA) is charged with protecting and staff, alumni, and friends will enjoy those changes, promoting the new brand. The department came into because they’re bold and compelling — and fun,” existence when Steele was hired in late January 2011, Dr. Holden said. and now includes designers Leah Bartholomay and The process of overhauling the College’s identity, Mo McCourt; Terrell Elliston, Sports Information needless to say, was a huge undertaking, involving Coordinator; Rachel Pleasant, College Information many months of extensive research and development. Coordinator; and senior administrative assistants “We had to do right by the tradition of excellence Nixsa DelValle and Tammy Villanueva. at Polk State College,” said David Steele, the College’s Whether it’s designing billboards that thousands Associate Vice President for Communications and of drivers pass every day or distributing news releases Public Affairs. “Also, we knew the new brand had to about a single student’s achievements, the OCPA is reflect the College’s limitless potential for the future.” driven by one mission, Steele said. Pivotal to the rebranding was to select a logo that “We want to become the region’s premier brand,” would accurately represent the county served by Polk he said. State—but what? And with each use, the College’s new brand — and The Eagle soon emerged as the answer. the pride taken in it — only grows stronger. Not only is Polk County home to more than 200 “We’ve grown up,” Dr. Holden said of the College. bald eagle nests—just the local connection the “We have the brand Polk deserves.” 4

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Continuity and Change: Polk State’s District Board of Trustees Polk State College’s District Board of Trustees in 2011 experienced a mixture of continuity and change. In August, Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointment of Gregory Littleton and the new appointments of Dan Dorrell, Linda Pilkington, and Mark G. Turner. In November, a Senate subcommittee affirmed these appointments, with approval by the full Senate scheduled for 2012. Gregory Littleton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Bank & Trust, graduated from Polk State in 1987. He went on to study at Freed- Teresa Martinez Mark G. Turner Hardeman University in Tennessee, graduating in 1989. He currently serves as He is a veteran of the Florida National practices law in the areas of real estate, Treasurer of the Winter Haven Chamber Guard. He succeeded Cindy Hartley estate planning, probate and guardianship, of Commerce Board of Directors, and Ross on the Polk State District Board of business law, and civil litigation. He holds Assistant Treasurer of the Polk Museum of Trustees. a bachelor’s degree in political science Art Board of Trustees. He also serves on Linda Pilkington is Director of from the University of Florida and a law the executive committee of Polk Vision Physician, Community, and Government degree from Stetson University College and is its immediate past chairman; he Relations at Heart of Florida Regional of Law. He is a past president of the also serves on the boards of the Florida Medical Center. She holds a bachelor’s Polk State College Foundation and the Bankers Association and Statewide degree in nursing from the University Greater Winter Haven Area Chamber Passenger Rail Commission. He is also of the Philippines and a master’s degree of Commerce. He has held leadership a past chairman of the Central Florida from New York University. She is a roles with the Community Foundation of Development Council, Lake Wales retired registered nurse and has extensive Greater Winter Haven, Girls Inc., Main Chamber of Commerce, and East Polk experience in nursing education and Street Winter Haven, the American Red Committee of 100. administration, healthcare marketing, Cross, and Habitat for Humanity. He is a Dan Dorrell is a certified public and community relations. She has held graduate of Leadership Winter Haven and accountant and partner at Cross, leadership positions in higher education, Leadership Polk, and was a Florida Blue Fernandez & Riley, LLP, which healthcare, and manufacturing. She Key Leadership Honorary Member at the specializes in the agricultural, medical, currently chairs the Board of the Polk University of Florida. He succeeded Linda manufacturing, and legal industries, as State College Foundation. Her other Ivell on the Polk State Board of Trustees. well as other professional services. He was community involvement includes Gregory Littleton and the newly a member of Polk State’s first graduating memberships on boards and committees appointed trustees are joined by class and also holds a bachelor’s degree with Polk Vision, Polk Health Care Chairwoman Teresa Martinez, Ricardo in finance from Florida State University. Alliance, Central Florida Regional Garcia, and E.S. “Ernie” Pinner. His community involvements include Planning Council, Polk Works, Teresa Martinez owns the Institute of the Sebring Utilities Commission, the Citizens CPR, Haines City Chamber of Spanish Communication, Inc. A native Sebring Chamber of Commerce, the Commerce, Ridge Career Center, and of Cuba, her family fled the country when Highlands County Family YMCA (which other organizations. She succeeded Dr. she was 15 and relocated to Polk County. he also helped found), and the Florida Neriah Roberts on the Polk State Board of She is a 1975 Polk State graduate and also State University and Polk State alumni Trustees. holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and associations. He also serves on the board Mark G. Turner, Vice Chairman of the English as a Second Language Education of SunTrust Bank and helped found the Polk State District Board of Trustees, is from the University of Central Florida. Highlands County Leadership Program. a partner in Straughn & Turner, P.A. He She produces and hosts “Comunidad 2012 Report to the Community 5

Dan Dorrell Ricardo Garcia Gregory Littleton

Viva,” a daily Spanish talk show on Polk 2011 Small Business of the Month Award. Government Television (PGTV) that also She is also the author of the bilingual airs on Spanish-language radio stations book, Success in Exile — Five Decades of WIPC 1280 AM and LAX 1460 AM. Her Cuban Stories. previous professional experience includes Ricardo Garcia is owner and operator 11 years as a Spanish/ESOL (English for of Gulf Coast Avionics Corp. of Lakeland, Speakers of Other Languages) teacher at Pacific Coast Avionics of Portland, Lakeland High School, and eight years in Oregon, and Central Florida Avionics & marketing with Orlando-based Gustafson Instruments of Leesburg. He is also the & Associates, Inc. She is President of owner and operator of Sunstate Realty the Hispanic Club of Lakeland and heads Investments Corp., and Polk Home the Hispanic Festival. She is a member Development Corp. He serves on the of the boards of the Imperial Symphony Sun n’ Fun Board of Directors and is Orchestra, and Central Florida Speech Vice President of the Florida Aviation and Hearing Center. She is a former Safety Foundation and Chairman member of the Lakeland Area Chamber of the Florida Aerospace Resource Linda Pilkington of Commerce Board of Directors and the Banner Center. National Association of Women Business E.S. “Ernie” Pinner is Chairman, Owners (NAWBO). She was selected as President and CEO of CenterState Banks the recipient of NAWBO’s Women of of Florida. He is a 1969 graduate of Polk Distinction Award and was also selected State College. He is a former member as the 1997 International Individual of the Polk State Foundation Board and of the Year by the Central Florida past board chairman of Heart of Florida Development Council. She has received Regional Medical Center. He serves on the Governor’s Point of Light Award, and the boards of the Polk Museum of Art, in 2006 the Polk County Board of County Heart of Florida Education Foundation, Commissioners proclaimed a “Teresa and Polk County Industrial Revenue Martinez Day” in recognition of her Authority, and is a past board member contributions during the 2004 hurricane of the Polk Museum of Art Board of season. The Lakeland Area Chamber of Trustees, Imperial Symphony Orchestra, Commerce awarded Martinez’s Institute of Polk Education Foundation, and Winter Spanish Communication with the January Haven Hospital Foundation. E.S. “Ernie” Pinner 6

™ Polk State’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Exceeds Expected Demand Polk State’s Health Sciences programs are famous for maintaining close connections with the region’s healthcare sector, carefully matching program delivery with community needs. Because of this successful collaboration, the Florida Board of Education’s decision in May 2011 to approve a new Polk State Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) was a natural outcome of true partnership. However, even Polk State’s high hopes were dramatically exceeded when the new program attracted more than 120 students during the fall semester — more than Dr. Annette Hutcherson Dr. Mavra Kear double the most optimistic projections. “We knew this program would be a real game-changer for our region,” said Polk “Hospitals are experiencing increased “All of our RNs are prepared to excel State President Dr. Eileen Holden. pressure to convert pre-baccalaureate and deliver quality care; however, the BSN “This wasn’t a random innovation in nurses to baccalaureate status. In fact, Program focuses specifically on critical and our curriculum. This was something we more and more states are requiring that creative thinking with a curriculum that developed strategically, with our partners upgrade in training. Now nurses in Polk produces a skill set that empowers nurses in the healthcare sector, in response and surrounding counties have access to to make more sophisticated decisions,” Dr. to specific needs in our region. The a convenient, affordable path to a BSN Kear said. incredible response to the program is degree,” Dr. Hutcherson said. “Ultimately, these advanced RNs make further proof that a need exists, and Polk While Polk State’s AS in Nursing is an incredible difference in the efficiency State is excited to play a role in filling it.” a “limited access” program that receives and quality of healthcare. That’s why the Polk State has long been one of the three applications for each available slot national trend is moving in the direction region’s primary producers of outstanding in every yearly cohort, the BSN degree of baccalaureate training.” nurses. The College’s Associate in conforms to an “open access” model. Dr. Holden said that in keeping with Science (AS) in Nursing degree leads The sole requirements for admission are the College’s emphasis on value, the BSN directly to licensure as a Registered Nurse that the student has an associate’s degree Program delivers quality instruction while (RN); additionally, its nursing students in nursing from a regionally accredited preserving affordability for students. consistently score above the regional, institution or a diploma in nursing “Nobody in our region outscores us state, and national averages on the from an institution accredited by the on the licensure exam, and we’re able to licensure exam. Approximately 60 percent National League for Nursing Accrediting deliver this sort of quality at about half the of Polk County’s Registered Nurses Commission, as well as maintain an cost of a state university and about a tenth are graduates of the College’s Nursing active, unrestricted Florida license as an of the cost of some private schools. That’s Program. RN. real value,” she said. “When I’m asked to characterize our The courses in the BSN degree program program, the word I use is ‘quality.’ We are delivered in an accelerated, hybrid know that our graduates are prepared format that allows working students to to deliver quality care and to make a complete requirements on either the difference from their first day on the job,” Winter Haven or Lakeland campus within said Dr. Annette Hutcherson, Director of two years. Polk State’s Department of Nursing. Dr. Mavra Kear, Coordinator of the The profession of nursing, however, is BSN Program and Lakeland Regional increasingly demanding higher levels of Medical Center Endowed Professor in training. Now, with Polk State’s BSN, the Nursing, said BSN graduates possess region’s nurses have a way to meet that higher-level training that improves the trend. care they provide patients. 2012 Report to the Community 7 Student Life Takes Off in 2011 Student life was sweeter than ever at System Student Government Association’s Also in 2011, the Lakeland Student Polk State College in 2011, a year that Event of the Year Award. Government Association had its first included record-setting events, a new Also in the year, Winter Haven SALO online elections. Nearly 800 students intramural flag football team, and even a organized a free event for students to see logged on to vote and receive updates via lion! the premier of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Facebook and Twitter. Thompson said Each fall, both the Lakeland and Winter Dawn. SALO rented a theater at Winter turnout was double that of past elections, Haven campuses host Welcome Week Haven’s Cobb Grand 10 for a midnight in which students cast paper ballots. events to spread the word about student showing. Thompson said Lakeland SALO also organizations and increase involvement. “We packed the theater. We had 120 adopted an art gallery located in the In 2011, Winter Haven’s event had a students show up,” Parra said. Lakeland Technology Building. Because “Wild on SALO (Student Activities and Winter Haven SALO’s weekly bowling of staffing limitations, the gallery couldn’t Leadership Office)” theme, said Carlos nights have also grown to attract more keep regular hours. Thanks to student Parra, Coordinator of Student Activities than 80 students, up from the usual 50. volunteers it is now open from 10 a.m. to 1 and Leadership on the Winter Haven “The levels of participation are much p.m., Monday through Thursday. campus. In keeping with the theme, Polk higher — and growing,” Parra said. Students have also staged events to State hosted a petting zoo, an alligator, Turning to the Lakeland campus, 2011 generate traffic to the gallery, including and a lion. saw the establishment of an intramural “Jazz and Java,” during which a jazz trio “For some of the students, that was their flag football team; the existing intramural played and coffee was served. first time to see an alligator or a lion in teams include kickball, softball, soccer, Polk State students also hosted a real life,” Parra said. and extreme Frisbee. clothing and food drive to benefit Meals The Welcome Week event also included About 20 students participate on the on Wheels in which clubs and the leadership development training presented new flag football team and have played Lakeland and Winter Haven campuses by Winter Springs-based MG Success against other area colleges. In December, competed to see who could gather the Services. the team took on the Ultimate Indoor largest donation. It was the first time “We had more than 75 students come Football League’s Lakeland Raiders in the the campuses had united in such an to learn about team-building and finding first “Seven on Seven” Eagle Battalion effort, Thompson said. Lakeland was the your purpose in life based on your Celebrity Flag Football game. winning campus; additionally, it was the passions,” Parra said. The event was attended by more Lakeland Green Club who took the prize Rounding out the event, 20 students than 200 students and members of the for the most generous donation in this pitched in to build a house for Habitat for community, said Melvin Thompson, event. Humanity. Coordinator of Student Activities and Other new events in Lakeland included The event won the Florida College Leadership on the Lakeland campus. a classic car show and an Arrive Alive event, in which students used a simulator to learn about the dangers of drunk driving and texting while driving. “Overall, participation in clubs and intramurals is growing. SALO is trying to branch out. Our motto is ‘World Domination,’” Thompson said in his characteristically joking manner.

At left, Polk State students encountered animals in a petting zoo as part of the “Wild on SALO” Welcome Week. Below, students and participants show off trophies after a classic car show that took place on the Lakeland campus. 8

™ From Dr. Maya Angelou to Monthly Events, Polk State’s Devotion to Diversity Evident in 2011 Polk State College maintains a steadfast protect people from discrimination of any the OED collaborate to ensure that new- commitment to diversity — a commitment kind. hire screening committees are diverse and that in 2011 was proven by numerous “Polk State is committed to the success appropriately trained. leadership opportunities, partnerships, and of all students, faculty, and staff, and we In 2011, Polk State filled 60 positions. events, including a visit by famed writer emphasize the importance of diversity Of those 60 positions, 35 percent were and poet Dr. Maya Angelou. in our successes,” said OED Director Val filled by women and 33 percent were In January, Dr. Angelou, who has Baker. filled by minorities. Additionally, the authored dozens of bestselling titles, In 2011, the OED enjoyed many proud College expanded its advertising for open including I Know Why the Caged Bird moments, including the continued — and positions to include Hispanic Outlook Sings, appeared before a sell-out crowd growing — strength of its ELITE Program in Higher Education Magazine, the at the Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre, (Exceptional Leaders with Innovative National Association of Asian American where she led a characteristically candid Talents and Excellence). ELITE provides Professionals, and Latinos in Higher and thought-provoking conversation on a professional development and leadership Education, among others. variety of topics. opportunities for the College’s minority and The OED also partners with the The event, a fundraiser benefitting the female employees who aspire to advance Student Government Association/Student Women’s Resource Center, had regional their careers in higher education. In 2011, Activities Leadership Office, Music appeal, and offered the area a rare ELITE provided leadership opportunities Department, and Theatre Department opportunity to connect with someone of for four employees. Since the program for cultural enrichment opportunities. Dr. Angelou’s caliber. began in 2006, 17 individuals have It also collaborates with the Purchasing “This was an historic moment for Polk completed the program and six more are Department to encourage supplier diversity. County. Polk State was incredibly proud currently participating. Through its numerous external to host Dr. Maya Angelou and to offer As part of their ELITE experience, partnerships including Winter Haven- attendees a precious evening with a true participants meet with legislators in based Pengeo, Inc., State Farm Insurance, national treasure,” said Winter Haven Tallahassee, attend leadership conferences, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Provost Dr. Sharon Miller. “Anyone who and develop projects to enhance best Women, Inc.’s Polk County Chapter, the was in the audience that evening carries practices at the College. In 2011, ELITE OED staged a slew of events in 2011. Those with them memories they will never forget.” Program projects spanned various topics events celebrated Martin Luther King Jr., While Dr. Angelou’s appearance at the including developing educational plans Black History Month, Women’s History College was headline-grabbing proof of based on students’ abilities and interests, Month, Diversity Awareness Month, its emphasis on diversity, its day-to-day determining strategies to increase Hispanic Heritage Month, and Disability devotion is proven by the Office of Equity information literacy for new students Awareness Month. A new event, Vendor and Diversity. to help with research, and creating an Day, offered networking opportunities The Office of Equity online orientation for new students that for female, minority, and disadvantaged and Diversity (OED) better prepares them for distance learning business owners looking to provide goods or serves the College opportunities. services to local governments. in two primary The OED also offers leadership In 2011, the OED was also a partner roles: providing development opportunities through local in launching the Men of Distinction leadership as the chambers of commerce, Polk Vision, (MOD) Program on the Winter Haven College promotes Lakeland Economic Development Council, campus; the College piloted the program equity and diversity Florida College System Chancellor’s on its Lakeland campus in 2010. The at the institution and Leadership Program, and other entities. MOD Program aims increase the numbers within the community, Beyond the ELITE Program, Baker of African-American and Hispanic and ensuring that is especially pleased by the number and male students in higher education, and the College is in full quality of partnerships cultivated by empowers those males to assume leadership compliance with state the OED. The partnerships include the roles. The Winter Haven MOD Program and federal laws that Polk State College Foundation, which focuses on five elements: academic success, provides scholarships that support cultural personal/professional development, cultural enrichment opportunities for students; awareness, mentoring, and networking. Dr. Maya Angelou, and the Human Resources Department, “Each year, diversity becomes more author of dozens of bestselling titles, which works with the OED to maintain woven into the Polk State College spoke before a compliance in diversity training for community. We are all living and breathing sold-out crowd at the employees and to ensure equity in the equity and diversity, and we are working Winter Haven Fine hiring process. every day to create a more inclusive Arts Theatre. The Human Resources Department and environment,” Baker said. 2012 Report to the Community 9 Fine Arts Events Get Community Buzzing

In 2011, Polk State’s Fine Arts performances. things have really ramped up.” performers played from their hearts In this past year, the Music Department Additionally, Carbonell indicated and stole the spotlight — and the added a Jazz Guitar Ensemble, led by that the Department is now attracting community took notice. This led to a year David Fisher; the Music Department’s numerous directors for its shows. of tremendous, other ensembles “In the past two years, we did 11 shows unwavering include Concert and 10 had the same director,” he said. growth. Choir, Women’s “More recently, we had four shows with Starting in the Chorus, Men’s four different directors. That points to Polk State Music Chorus, Vocal increased involvement.” Department, Jazz Ensemble, Another sign of the growth of the Professor John Concert Band, Jazz Theatre Department is an increased Anderson said Combo, Jazz Band, faculty presence. The College has recently that in the Spring Percussion, Brass, hired one full-time temporary instructor, 2011 Term, for the and Strings. Mark Hartfield, and four adjuncts. first time in the During the “For a while, this was a one-man show,” program’s history, spring concert, Carbonell said of his department. all 21 graduates “Masterworks of Polk State’s Winter Haven Fine Arts were accepted to Yesterday, Today, Gallery in 2011 hosted exhibits featuring a university music Polk State’s growing Theatre Department staged and Tomorrow,” the work of students and groups such several productions in 2011, including “Moonlight program. This and Magnolias,” a comedy about the making of the music students as the Winter Haven Quilters and the is no small feat, movie “Gone With the Wind.” performed pieces Greater Florida LEGO User Group. The considering that they had written Lakeland Technology Building Gallery acceptance is based on a potentially nerve- and arranged. This was a first for Polk began following a regular schedule and wracking audition. State’s Music Department. As 2011 hosted events such as “Jazz and Java,” “There’s a real sense of enthusiasm. progressed, more students accepted the during which a jazz trio entertained Music Department students are creating challenge, debuting original works during patrons in a casual-sophisticated setting. more and more beautiful music all the concerts. time,” he said. “It’s a whole new thing for the program. Anderson said that music students took Writing and arranging music is way up Polk State Music Department student Amelia Ford part in more than 40 performances— on there on the skill level,” Anderson said. performs with the College’s Strings Ensemble. campus and beyond —making it the In 2011, the number of music majors busiest year ever for the program. stood at 62 — up from just 15 when The Music Department also took 40 Anderson joined the College in 2004. students to the annual Florida College This number is expected to increase System Activities Association’s Winter substantially with the expanded options Music Symposium, which took place at and opportunities provided at the College. Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. “We’re one of the strongest programs It was Polk State’s largest group ever to in the state among community colleges,” participate in the event. Anderson said. “That level of attendance shows we’re The Theatre Department was one of the larger programs in the state. also bustling in 2011. Most programs come in cars or minivans, Speech and Theatre Professor Paul but we had a bus and a few cars,” Carbonell said the Theatre Department Anderson said. “Our students were had 20 scholarship students in 2011 – the featured all over the place during the highest number yet for the department. event, in solos and group performances.” Having a larger number of students truly During the Symposium, Polk State dedicated to studying the theatre makes saxophonist Zoe Weatherby received an for higher quality performances, Carbonell Award of Distinction; Weatherby was also said. selected to perform with the Symposium “I’m hearing comments after the Jazz Band. Pianist Anthony Stillabower shows that the audiences are seeing and tenor vocalist Sergio Perez also improvement,” Carbonell said. received soloist honors, and several other “Ultimately, both on the technical side students were selected to participate in of things and on the performance side, 10

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Photo: Winter Haven Hospital Polk’s Robotic Surgery Credential Is

Dr. Sijo Parekattil, Winter Haven Hospital’s Director of Urology First and Robotic Surgery, operates the controls of the da Vinci Surgical System. Dr. Parekattil will serve of its as Director of Polk State’s new credential program for nurses and technicians who participate in Kind robot-assisted surgeries.

to develop the appropriate training and certification paths to ensure that the nurses and surgical technicians involved in this dynamic new field are properly prepared. Of course, as has always been the case at Polk State, our approach leverages our extensive n late 2011, Polk State College unveiled a partnerships with the healthcare sector and our rich tradition of program unlike any other in the country, applied, hands-on training.” establishing formalized, hands-on training In addition to online studies, licensed registered nurses and for nurses and technicians who participate in technicians participating in the Polk State College credentialing robot-assisted surgery. program complete an intensive two-day workshop in which Doctors and patients are increasingly they will hone their skills using Winter Haven Hospital’s da embracing less-invasive robotic surgery, but training options Vinci Surgical System. During the workshop, participants in the remainI limited for the operating room nurses and surgical program will be able to practice procedures from start to finish, technicians who assist in such procedures. from properly positioning a patient for robotic surgery, to room Polk State College will revolutionize training in this field in turnover after an operation is completed. 2012, with the onset of its robot-assisted surgery credential, which Winter Haven Hospital President and CEO Lance Anastasio combines online instruction with intensive, hands-on training. hailed the creation of the credentialing program. “We have known for years that robotic surgery represents one “Winter Haven Hospital is proud to work with Polk of the defining features of modern medicine; however, while the State College in offering this one-of-a-kind credential. focus has been on amazing technological advances, we in higher The credential will fill a glaring lack of training for nurses education have been a bit slow to adapt to the implications and surgical technicians who assist in robotic surgeries. This of this fundamental transformation,” said Polk State program is sure to draw medical professionals from far beyond President Dr. Eileen Holden. our immediate area, as those nurses and surgical technicians seek “Now we are very proud to position Polk State Health Sciences intensive, hands-on training with the backing of two respected at the cutting edge, literally, of healthcare in this new era, as we institutions: Polk State College and Winter Haven Hospital,” he work with our partners in the research and care-delivery sectors said. 2012 Report to the Community 11 Health Sciences Continues Tradition of Excellence Health Sciences has long been a with the community, as it allows PCFR Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) cluster of excellence for Polk State, and to save resources by outsourcing training, Program: Students in the PTA Program as expected, 2011 was another year of and enables the College to increase learn to provide patients with hands-on achievements and recognitions. The its offerings and outreach within the treatment to relieve pain and improve following provides a snapshot of the most community. function. In 2011, the program was recent successes in the various Health Health Information Management (HIM) commended during a reaccreditation visit Sciences programs. Program: The HIM Program again by the Commission on Accreditation for Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) received annual accreditation through the Physical Therapy Education for having Program: The CVT Program, which Commission on Accreditation for Health licensure pass rates that surpass state and trains technologists to assist physicians Informatics and Information Management national averages. In the three most recent during heart catheterizations, angioplasty, Education. By maintaining accreditation, cohorts, the program’s licensure rate has and stenting procedures, celebrated an students can sit for the Registered Health been 92.3 percent. For the most recent extension of its accreditation through Information Technician exam immediately graduating class, the licensure pass rate the Commission on Accreditation of after graduation, said Kelli Lewis, Clinical is thus far 100 percent. The program’s Allied Health Education Programs Education Coordinator for Health completion rates also beat the state and (CAAHEP). The CVT Program, which Information Management and Coding. nation. For the 2009-2011 cohorts, 83.3 percent of program students graduated. received preliminary accreditation Nursing Program: In 2011, Polk State’s in 2010, has maintained 100 percent Additionally, all recent graduates report nursing students again outperformed 100 percent employment in the field. compliance; CAAHEP has therefore the state and nation on the National granted an extension of this accreditation Council Licensure Examination for Radiography Program: The Radiography through 2015. Program Director Kevin Registered Nurses, with 97.9 percent of Program trains students to collect images Ferrier said CVT is in the process of first-time takers passing. Additionally, that help physicians diagnose diseases developing a new associate degree track Polk State Nursing Professor Dr. Mavra and injuries. In 2011, the program was for echocardiography and vascular Kear was elected President of the Florida approved to offer an Associate in Science sonography, as well as advanced Nurses Association (FNA), and student in Radiography degree (AS) in place of technical certificate programs for medical Lisa Fussell was elected President of the the former Associate in Applied Science professionals who want to specialize in Florida Nursing Students Association (AAS) degree. Program Director Beth those areas. (FNSA). This marks the first time in Luckett indicated that this change will Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) which representatives from one institution make an enormous difference for students Program: The Diagnostic Medical have led both the state’s student and as the AAS is a terminal degree, and the Sonography Program, in which students professional nursing associations new AS in Radiography can be applied train to collect ultrasound images, simultaneously. Additionally, the FNSA toward the College’s Bachelor of Applied received its initial accreditation through selected Nursing Director Dr. Annette Science in Supervision and Management CAAHEP. The accreditation means that Hutcherson as its Director of the Year, and degree program, enabling students more graduates of the program are immediately the Polk State Chapter of the FNSA was options to advance their education. Also, eligible to take the American Registry named Chapter of the Year. an AS degree is easier to apply to other for Diagnostic Medical Sonography advanced-modality training, such as Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) nuclear medicine or radiation therapy. The (ARDMS) examination, a benchmark Program: Students in the OTA Program increasingly used by employers. Students of AS degree will go into effect in January train to help individuals with disabilities 2013. non-CAAHEP-accredited programs must perform daily activities. Since the typically work in the field for a year or program’s inception in 1999, graduates Respiratory Care Program: The more to gain on-the-job training to prepare have consistently passed the National Respiratory Care Program, which trains them for the ARDMS exam, explained Board for Certification in Occupational therapists to work with patients who have Program Director Merrybeth Etherton. Therapy exam on their first attempt, a variety of heart and/or lung disorders, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and have also consistently exceeded continued its record of 100 percent Program: This program prepares students the national average scores. That streak employment for all graduates. Since for a career in out-of-hospital emergency continued in 2011, with graduates earning the first graduating class in 2008, all medicine. In the past year, it broadened an average score of 519 the first time they completers of the program have secured its reach by providing Pediatric Advanced took the exam — surpassing the national employment. Program Director Kathee Life Support and Advanced Cardiac average of 491. Program Director Saritza Ford said graduates have gone on to Life Support training for Polk County Guzmán-Sardina added that for the past work at major local hospitals, including Fire Rescue (PCFR). The agreement four years, the program has experienced Lakeland Regional Medical Center and demonstrates one of many mutually maximum enrollment. Winter Haven Hospital. beneficial partnerships Polk State shares 12

™ Additional Program Highlights

The Employ Florida Banner Center the Florida Department of Education’s to school district employees over the past for Advanced Manufacturing, a statewide School of Ownership for similar programs, year. resource center based at Polk State meaning that other state and community In 2011, Polk State’s Engineering College, continued to develop resources for colleges will follow Polk State’s outline, Technology Program and the Corporate manufacturing workers. These resources said Program Director Ernie Ivey. Ivey College began deploying courses from include a unified workforce preparation also directs the Digital Media/Multimedia a $2.91 million grant from the U.S. system that creates the training and Program at the College, which recently Department of Labor. The three-year educational programs, curricula, incorporated the use of student blogs into grant is being used by the program’s certifications, and educational articulation the curriculum. Students are now required Engineering Technology and Advanced pathways necessary to deliver required to create a blog and post regular updates as Manufacturing (ETAM) initiative to build manufacturing workplace competencies. part of their career preparation. program capacity, create cutting-edge As part of this initiative, the Center has The Criminal Justice Program hosted curricula, and provide training for 782 provided manufacturing professional 40 students from the Kathleen High unemployed and dislocated workers, as development opportunities and industry School Criminal Justice Academy in well as for incumbent workers who need certifications to 106 educators from high late 2011 to provide an informational additional training to remain employed schools, technical centers, colleges, and session on careers in law enforcement. and competitive in the marketplace. Polk private training providers. The visit to the Winter Haven campus State has partnered with the Employ The College’s Business Program included a K-9 demonstration by the Polk Florida Banner Center for Advanced increased its number of fully online County Sheriff’s Office and a question- Manufacturing, and State College of and hybrid courses (those that use both and-answer session with SWAT Team Florida and Tallahassee Community online and in-person classroom formats) officers. Additionally, the College began College — as well as their regional by over 50 percent in 2011. The program the application process to offer a bachelor’s workforce partners — in the ETAM also added a healthcare track to its degree in Criminal Justice. The College project. associate’s degree, with a beginning hopes to begin offering the degree Fire Science Technology Program enrollment of more than 30 students. program in late 2012. in November 2011 invited firefighting The new track creates a pathway leading The Polk State Early Childhood graduates from Ridge Career Center to to the Healthcare Administration Education Program graduated its largest Polk State’s Winter Haven campus. The specialization of the College’s Bachelor class ever in December 2011, with 32 20 students received information on the of Applied Science in Supervision and individuals receiving either Associate in College, the Fire Science Technology Management. A chapter of Phi Beta Science or Associate in Applied Science Program, and how their Ridge training Lambda, a business student club, was in Early Childhood Education degrees, can articulate to the Fire Science founded as an initiative to retain students or child care certificates. The December associate’s degree offered by the College. by engaging them in activities. The total was double the number of graduates Recruits from Polk State’s Kenneth Business Program also entered into an in previous classes, said Program Director C. Thompson Institute of Public Safety articulation agreement with the American Karen Greeson. (KCTIPS) in late 2011 assisted the Society of Transportation and Logistics In conjunction with its Educator Lakeland Police Department in searching (ASTL), granting up to 12 college credits Preparation Institute (EPI), in 2011 Polk for a weapon used in the slaying of Officer for students who hold the ASTL’s Global State was approved to offer Professional Arnulfo Crispin. During the afternoon Logistics Associate industry certification. Development Reading Courses. These search, Polk State recruits located The Computer Network Engineering courses allow teachers all over the state the gun in an apartment complex Technology Program began testing (and beyond) to earn their reading crawl space. Capt. Bill Mann, of the Linux Integration Networking endorsement, qualifying them to teach Director of KCTIPS, said that recruits Connections (LINCS) training program Reading to students in kindergarten have also conducted fundraisers to in 2011. The project was developed through 12th grade. The EPI also benefit Crispin’s family and Auburndale with a grant from the National Science used a $25,000 grant to provide extra Police Officer Stacy Booth, who was Foundation (NSF) in partnership with instruction in math to its students ages 50 injured when she was shot while on duty local area businesses and the University and older. The grant, awarded by Civic in September 2011. Polk State recruits of South Florida Polytechnic. The goals Ventures, a San Francisco-based nonprofit passed the Criminal Justice Standards of the project are to design and test the think-tank on baby boomers, was also and Training Commission’s State Officer effectiveness of new pedagogical methods used to pay for meet-and-greet sessions for Certification Exam at an overall rate of 96 for training advanced Linux network EPI’s 50-and-older students. Additionally, percent in 2011; the statewide rate was 87 engineers. the EPI has partnered with Polk County percent. In the last quarter of 2011, Polk In 2011, the Computer Systems and Public Schools to offer math, language State’s pass rate reached 100 percent. Business Analysis Program became arts, and professional education workshops 2012 Report to the Community 13 Physical Transformations Polk State students Amanda Modernize, Maximize Smith, left, and Shahoganey Miller enjoy new picnic tables Polk State’s Facilities and benches installed outside the Lakeland Technology Building.

olk State College’s build- “The Student Mall is like the rug that call equipment. ings and grounds are in a ties the whole campus together. The Altman added that a new pump house, perpetual state of improve- difference is night and day. It allows for which pumps water used for irrigation, ment, be it small tweaks in a nice passage through the campus and was constructed to better complement Pa single classroom or sweeping changes to it gives students a place to hang out,” the look of the nearby Lakeland an entire campus. said Travis Altman, Project Engineer Technology Building. The pump house In 2011, one of the most obvious for Planning and Construction on the was constructed with additional space to upgrades to facilities was the installation Lakeland campus. store equipment used by the Polk State of signage to reflect the College’s new Traffic is now directed around the Women’s Soccer Team. branding. existing parking lots, making the campus In Winter Haven, a city-funded project “The new signs provide for some markedly safer for pedestrians. A new created three new soccer fields on the commonality across the campuses,” bus loop designates a place for drop-offs western edge of the College’s campus. A said George Urbano, District Director and pickups, further easing the flow of paved track, dotted with exercise stations, of Facilities. traffic in and out of the campus. Also, was also installed, surrounding the new The past year brought the creation landscaping, palm trees and irrigation soccer fields and an existing baseball field. of a new Student Mall on the Lakeland were added to the Winter Lake Road The Winter Haven campus also campus made with more than 61,000 entrance, making it more aesthetically added an Agilities Course for use by the square feet of woven, interlocking pavers. pleasing. Criminal Justice Program, explained The pavers have created a beautiful, Other improvements on the Lakeland Robbie Manikis, Project Engineer for pedestrian-friendly walkway and replaced campus included converting an outdated Planning and Construction on the Winter an unused roadway that stood at the TV studio in the Lakeland Learning Haven campus. The course includes campus’s main entry point. Picnic tables Center building into 15 offices, combining 15 various physical challenges, such as and benches were added to encourage four classrooms in the Lakeland monkey bars and a scaling wall. students to convene outdoors; tables and Technology Building into two large The many improvements to the Winter seating were also installed to create an auditorium classrooms, upgrading the Haven campus include the designation outdoor lounge outside the Lakeland emergency call system to fiber-optic of a centralized area for accumulation of Technology Building. technology, and installing new emergency recyclables, creation of a new computer testing area, installation of a modular building to house the newly created Office of Communications and Public Affairs, and the development of a new digital photography studio with cutting-edge equipment. Urbano said the College’s relentless efforts to modernize and maximize its facilities is no small undertaking, and he credited Altman, Manikis, and Facilities Plant Managers John Sheffield and Keith Smith with keeping the jobs on track. “It takes a big team working together to make the dreams happen,” Urbano said.

The Winter Haven Agilities Course includes 15 physical challenges, such as monkey bars and a scaling wall. 14

™ Polk State Grows with Addition of Chain of Lakes, Arts Center Buildings

For tangible examples of growth and water usage system was installed, and the cultural programming at the facility will progress at Polk State in 2011, look to the building was designed to capitalize on continue. new Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate natural lighting. “It’s a classic ‘win-win’ situation. The High School building and the Polk State Dr. Sharon Miller, Provost of the Winter Council transferred stewardship of a Lake Wales Arts Center. Haven campus, likened the building’s precious, historic resource to the College In September, the College celebrated construction to planting and harvesting in order to maintain the viability of the the grand opening of the Chain of Lakes a crop — in this case, a crop of successful facility and preserve community access building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony young adults. to a beautiful structure and an array of attended by more than 500. Teresa Martinez, Chair of Polk State’s important culture and arts events,” said In addressing the crowd, which included District Board of Trustees, echoed that Dr. Holden. local and state dignitaries, faculty, staff sentiment. Dr. Miller, Provost of Polk State’s and students, Polk State College President “I can only imagine what the class of Winter Haven campus and direct Dr. Eileen Holden said the building 2012 is going to do out of this building,” supervisor of Polk State’s Lake Wales is a huge step forward in enhancing she said. operations, expressed unreserved the already outstanding educational Polk State College enthusiasm for what she described experience Chain of Lakes provides. Lake Wales Arts Center as a “wonderful opportunity for our “Chain of Lakes Collegiate High Just a month after celebrating the community.” School has been awesome, and it just new high school building, the College Dr. Miller cited Polk State’s experience got awesomer,” Dr. Holden said to the announced an innovative collaboration in renovating and operating the JD chuckling attendees. involving the historic Lake Wales Arts Alexander Center, housed in another “Polk State College is where dreams Center building. historic Lake Wales landmark, as a basis take flight and Eagles soar.” In October, the Lake Wales Arts for her excitement over the agreement. Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate Council’s Board of Directors unanimously “We have seen how important historic is one of two public charter high schools agreed to transfer title of the building to preservation is to Lake Wales, and we the College operates, allowing students Polk State; the College’s District Board of have also seen how much this community to simultaneously fulfill high school Trustees unanimously accepted the title in values education and the arts,” said Dr. requirements and earn college credit. The November. Miller. “Our collaboration at the Arts school opened in 2006 and has a current In exchange for the building, Polk Center will further solidify the partnership enrollment of 270. State assured the Arts Council that the we have enjoyed with the community, The new building was designed and structure, now known as the Polk State and it will certainly expand access to built to meet the nationally recognized College Lake Wales Arts Center, will opportunity — a value Polk State holds standards of Leadership in Energy undergo minimal modifications intended dear.” and Environmental Design (LEED). to bring the building up to applicable Dr. Miller added that Polk State’s Environmentally friendly building codes and standards. The building will be existing Lake Wales facility is operating materials were used, a self-sustaining maintained by the College, and arts and “at or near capacity, and we have been

Polk State College celebrated the official opening of its new Polk State College Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School building with a ribbon- cutting ceremony in September. 2012 Report to the Community 15 desperate for more space. Now we will be of Trustees and will also include an able to serve this community even more advisory board, consisting of six members effectively.” appointed by the Polk State Trustees Barbara Connor, President of the Arts and five members appointed by the Arts Council’s board of directors, was also Council. pleased about the change. “We are honored Sustainable funding for Polk State’s “Polk State has already shown they newly acquired facility has been provided have a strong commitment to Lake Wales by the trust they by the State of Florida, thanks to the and to historic preservation. Our board have placed in efforts of Sen. JD Alexander. is pleased with the opportunity to attach “Florida recognized that we have been the College to our building, giving us the us, and we are good stewards of historic architecture and opportunity to focus more specifically on that we have an unmatched commitment programming.” energized by this to providing access to educational and The LWAC will continue to organize cultural activities throughout our service the Lake Wales Arts Show, the Student new opportunity area. We are honored by the trust they Art Show, the Marilyn Newell Youth have placed in us, and we are energized by Music Festival, Chorale, and other in Lake Wales,” this new opportunity in Lake Wales,” Dr. performances, exhibits, and events at Holden said. the Polk State College Lake Wales Arts Dr. Holden said. The Arts Council was incorporated as Center. a membership organization in 1972 and The Polk State College Lake Wales began raising funds to save and preserve Arts Center will be owned and operated the Arts Center in 1989. The renovated by the Polk State College District Board building opened to the public in 1991 as a site for arts and cultural events.

The Polk State College Lake Wales Arts Center will continue to host cultural and arts events, and will allow the College to expand its educational offerings to better serve the community. 16

™

Polk State Honors Program Reaches New Heights

In April, the Polk State College Honors Program Polk State’s Honors Program continued both the Lakeland and Winter Haven had a recognition ceremony for the members of its largest graduating class to date. to grow in 2011, and its participants campuses. The group meets via video tackled new and exciting challenges. conferencing, and two students from each Members of the class included: By the end of the year, 309 students campus serve on the Honors Program Back row from left: LaDonna Gleason, Robert Hendrix, were participating in the program, Committee, which also includes faculty Justin Bean, Farouk Elkhayat, Stormy Knight, the highest number since it began in and advisors who work with the Honors Lloyd Michael Wells, Alexandria Wilson; and 2005. During the course of the year, 26 Program. Front row from left: graduated from the program. Representatives from the Honors Alex Gomez, Kristen Kent, Marissia Nichols, Olivia Newton, MyCah Pleasant, “The level of growth is excellent. It Program also made several trips during and Jade Parry. shows that the students at the College the year, including a visit to the wanted the opportunity to take courses Florida Collegiate Honors Conference in the Honors Program and that we’re in Jacksonville in February, and the fulfilling a need,” said Lakeland Honors National Collegiate Honors Conference Program Director and History Professor in Phoenix in October. Brad Massey. In April, the Honors Program To qualify for the Polk State Honors Recognition Ceremony took place in Program, students must meet certain the evening for the first time, allowing GPA requirements or score highly on students’ families to attend. An Honors tests such as the ACT or SAT. Those Program faculty member spoke on behalf who are accepted into the program of each of the students. enjoy smaller classes, field trips, priority In May, Honors Program faculty held a registration, and numerous scholarship retreat attended by more than two dozen opportunities. To graduate from the professors. During this event, Dr. Valerie program, students must complete at Burks, Director of the Honors Program least 18 credit hours with the Honors at Valencia College and former Director Program designation. Graduates receive of the Palm Beach State College Honors the Honors Program designation on their Program, shared her best practices. transcripts, recognition at graduation, During the course of the year, Honors and the Honors Program seal on their Program students also traveled to diplomas. The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, At the end of 2011, the first Honors Downtown Lakeland, Ybor City Museum, Program Academic Showcase was staged. and MOSI in Tampa. Students gave 15-minute presentations Going forward, Winter Haven Honors during the event attended by faculty, Program Director Ana Maria Myers parents, and students; presentation topics expects great things for the program. included a proposal for a meditation room “Not only are the numbers increasing, at the College, the effects of cigarette but the quality of the students is getting smoking, and microbiology, to name just better. That shows me we’re attracting a few. really good students who want to learn The year also saw the formation of an in a different way,” said Myers, also a Honors Program Student Council on professor of Spanish and Humanities. 2012 Report to the Community 17

Collegiate High Schools Celebrate Test Scores, Student Achievements

Each year is better than the last at Polk higher,” said Polk State Lakeland won the Teen Trendsetter Excellence in State’s collegiate high schools, and 2011 Collegiate Director Sallie Brisbane, who Leadership Award for her work with a was no exception. added that when Polk State Lakeland reading program for elementary-school The College operates Polk State Chain Collegiate was established, it was only the students; Jordan Bontrager, a regional of Lakes Collegiate in Winter Haven and second charter high school in the state. winner of Tobacco-Free Kids Advocates Polk State Lakeland Collegiate as public, Both schools also shined on the SAT of the Year Award; Trevor Monroe, who charter high schools, allowing students and ACT, exceeding national and state was a fourth-place winner at the Intel to fulfill requirements for their diplomas averages; Polk State Lakeland Collegiate International Science and Engineering while also earning college credits — all at was one of only five schools in the County Fair in Los Angeles; and Christine no cost. to improve in all three areas of the SAT. Winward, the first recipient of the school’s Since the establishment of these Student success at the schools wasn’t National Honor Society Amber Shaw quality-driven educational programs — limited to standardized tests. During Memorial Scholarship. Students also Polk State Lakeland Collegiate in 2004, the 2010-11 Academic Year, Polk State established a tutoring program for children and Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate Chain of Lakes Collegiate graduated 100 served by the Winter Haven Housing in 2006 — each has followed an upward percent of its seniors, the only public high Authority and continued a number of trajectory in test scores, graduation rates, school in Polk County to do so; Polk State other service-learning projects. and associate degree completion rates. Lakeland Collegiate was a close second, “This was truly a year to remember in Among 2011’s highlights were the graduating 98 percent of seniors. terms of the outstanding accomplishments schools’ scores on the state’s FCAT Also in 2011, both high schools had of so many of our students. I couldn’t be Science exam. their highest number of associate’s degree- prouder,” said Polk State Chain of Lakes Both schools serve only high school completers yet: 40 of 131 graduates at Polk Director Bridget Fetter. juniors and seniors who have already State Chain of Lakes Collegiate, and 33 Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate cleared all of the FCAT requirements of 113 graduates at Polk State Lakeland also experienced physical growth — both except for the Science portion. Until Collegiate. in terms of its new building that opened 2011, this exam was administered in the Among the individual success stories at on the Winter Haven campus and its 11th grade; it has since been eliminated Polk State Lakeland Collegiate was that of enrollment, which increased by 20. as a requirement for that grade level. Alex Manjarres, who was 12 when he was With a successful 2011 completed, Nonetheless, in 2011 Polk State Lakeland accepted early in the year. Manjarres is the directors of both schools say they eagerly Collegiate and Polk State Chain of Lakes youngest student to ever be served by the anticipate a bright future. Collegiate had the highest and second- College. He is on track to graduate with “We are becoming the poster child for highest scores respectively among all Polk his associate’s degree at just 15 years old. a successful charter high school program,” County schools. At Polk State Chain of Lakes Brisbane said. “We’re going to continue to “We have consistently maintained Collegiate, several students had soar even higher than before.” a level of excellence, but in 2011 we noteworthy accomplishments during the stretched out and set our bar a little year, including Roxana Aguilar, who 18

™ Polk State’s Corporate College Launches Animated Tutorial

“If you’re not using gaming and animation, you will miss the boat,” Clancey said.

Tucker Stiles is the star of the animated “Introduction to Supply Chain Management,” a four-part online tutorial created by Polk State’s Corporate College.

At Polk State’s Corporate College, 2011 animation,” Clancey said. companies seek the Global Logistics was the year of Tucker Stiles. The College contracted with Raleigh, Associate Certificate to upgrade their Each year the Corporate College NC-based Digital Elixir Studios to skills. In Florida, the tutorial translates trains nearly 12,000 members of the Polk create the online tutorial. Matt Kane, to 12 credit hours for users who want to County work force, equipping them with President of the College’s Supply Chain pursue an associate’s degree in Supply certifications and updated skills in fields Management Institute Advisory Council Chain Management. as diverse as child care and advanced and Manager of Integrated Business “The ASTL is using us exclusively as a manufacturing. Planning and Change Management supplement to their program all over the Now, with its animated “Introduction for The Mosaic Company, wrote the world,” Clancey said. to Supply Chain Management,” a four- curriculum. Going forward, Clancey said the part online tutorial that stars the affable “Introduction to Supply Chain Corporate College is seeking to Tucker Stiles, the Corporate College Management” begins on the most basic incorporate animation and gaming in the is training workers in other states and level, explaining how supply chains start curriculum of its other institutes. countries. with raw materials and end with a product “If you’re not using gaming and Development of “Introduction to Supply on the shelf. With each chapter it becomes animation, you will miss the boat,” Chain Management” began in 2009 after more complex, delving into management Clancey said. Corporate College Director Rob Clancey details. The Corporate College was established attended a conference that discussed the Tucker walks students through a user- in 2002 and is located at Polk State’s future of higher education. friendly, easily integrated program filled Airside Center in Lakeland. It trains “What most stood out is that in the with clever jokes. To gauge understanding incumbent workers through 10 institutes next 10 years, it’s all about gaming and and retention, the program is peppered including Advanced Manufacturing; animation,” Clancey said. with interactive quizzes and activities — it Agribusiness/Technology; Child Care; Clancey returned to Lakeland and even gives users their scores compared to Contractor Safety Training; Design, started searching for grant dollars that national averages. Construction and Sustainability; could be used to develop an animated The 8-hour tutorial took on a new Insurance; IT/Computer; Professional instructional tool. The Supply Chain level of importance in the summer of Development; Real Estate; and Supply Management Institute within the 2011, when the American Society of Chain Management. The Corporate Corporate College soon stepped forward Transportation and Logistics (ASTL) College aims to continually upgrade the with available funding. adopted it as part of its Global Logistics skills of Polk County’s work force. To “Supply Chain Management was one of Associate Certificate, an internationally that end, the Corporate College regularly the best fits for animation because there recognized program. partners with area employers to create are a lot of younger workers in the field The ASTL is the premier professional industry- and company-specific training who are just starting out in their careers. organization for transportation and programs to meet their immediate needs. They’ve grown up with gaming and logistics, and employees at various 2012 Report to the Community 19

Marcia Conliffe Martha Santiago Saul Reyes Donald Painter, Jr. Key Hires, Promotions Made in 2011 Several newly hired and promoted She also previously worked for Polk West Virginia University, and a doctorate employees are now putting their ample County Public Schools as Director of from the University of South Florida. experience in education to work for Polk ESOL (English for Speakers of Other In his new post, Reyes said his 25 State College. Languages) and World Languages. In years of professional experience in The employees’ posts vary widely, from 2006, she started her own after-school higher education is helpful, but he is also academic affairs to student financial tutoring program that served five drawing on his personal experiences. services, but the philosophy behind each counties; in 2009, she sold the business “I am the son of Cuban immigrants of the hires and promotions is the same and returned to the public schools. and I was the first in my family to attend —leveraging their expertise to take the Dr. Santiago also served as a member of college. I am aware of the challenges College to the next level. the Polk State District Board of Trustees faced by first-generation college students. Among the hires made in 2011 was from 1999-2009. More importantly, I know the difference Marcia Conliffe, Director of Student She holds a bachelor’s degree from the that supportive staff, programs, and Financial Services, who brings more than University of Central Bayamon of Puerto services can make in encouraging 20 years of experience in higher education Rico, a master’s degree from International students to complete their degree,” to the College. She previously worked as University of Miami, and a doctorate he said. Director of Financial Aid at Florida A&M from the University of South Florida. Also promoted was Donald Painter, Jr., University, Associate Vice President for Dr. Santiago said her knowledge and who is now Associate Dean of Academic Student Affairs and Financial Services at familiarity with the public school system Affairs on the Lakeland campus. Painter Broward College, and held fiscal positions is serving her well in her new position. joined Polk State in 2006 as a professor of at Florida Atlantic University and Florida “I have a good understanding of the speech communication, later becoming State University. Conliffe holds bachelor’s educational process. I know how our coordinator of the English department and master’s degrees from Florida State students started and know where they on the Lakeland campus. Prior to joining University. came from,” Dr. Santiago said. Polk State, he was an adjunct instructor In her new position, Conliffe is “My experience helps me bridge the at St. Petersburg College, Hillsborough using not only her previous financial transition to college for our students, Community College, and the University aid experience, but also experiences in helping them to be successful in their of South Florida. He has a bachelor’s and veterans’ services, disability services, educational endeavors.” master’s degree from the University of international student admissions, Staffing changes in 2011 also included South Florida, where he is also a doctoral enrollment management and even the promotion of Dr. Saul Reyes to student. athletics. By putting that range of work to Dean of Student Services on the Winter Painter said that it is helpful for him use, she is building a more well-rounded Haven campus. Reyes first joined Polk to have worked his way up through the Student Financial Services Department. State in 2009 as manager of the JD ranks at Polk State. “There are many special populations of Alexander Center in Lake Wales. He “I have valuable background students who have their own needs. I am previously worked as a graduate academic information and relationships within so glad that I have all of these experiences advisor at the University of South Florida the College, and those relationships are in other areas and am able to create Polytechnic and a director of the career strengthening every day,” he said. something that is more than your typical center at Florida Southern College. His According to Human Resources financial aid office,” Conliffe said. prior experience also includes work at Director Jill Hall, the College hired 20 An additional new hire is Dr. Martha Jacksonville University, Centre College faculty members and 48 staff members Santiago, Dean of Academic Affairs on in Danville, Kentucky, the University of in 2011. the Winter Haven campus, who brings Connecticut, and Bethany College and “Every single one of these additions to Polk State 31 years of experience in Bethany, West Virginia. to our team makes us stronger,” she said. education and administration, having He holds a bachelor’s degree “You can’t help feeling excited by most recently worked as principal of from Gordon College in Wenham, the momentum these new faces and Boone Middle School in Haines City. Massachusetts, a master’s degree from talents create.” 20

™ Polk State Athletics Make History in 2011 Dominance. University; right-handed pitcher Brian Just the one word is needed to describe Johnson and left-handed pitcher Steve 2011 for Polk State athletics. Burnham, Florida Southern College; right- In fact, at one point, all of Polk State’s handed pitcher Alec Asher and outfielder athletic teams — baseball, basketball, Mike Danner, University of Tampa; right- cheerleading, soccer, softball and volleyball handed pitchers Kevin Gude and Chris — were defending champions. Waltermire, Bethune-Cookman University. Here is a look at what will be All will begin playing for their new teams In December, Furjanic celebrated his remembered forever in record books and at the start of the 2012-2013 season. 500th coaching victory — a 55-47 win over highlight reels. The team was honored at the Polk Daytona State. Baseball County Sports All-Sports Awards and Polk State forward Robert Gilchrist is The celebrations were nonstop for Polk Hall of Fame Banquet, where it was named well on his way to an outstanding career as State Baseball in 2011. The team set a Male Collegiate Team of the Year. Coach well, having signed late in the year to play school record for the greatest number of Al Corbeil earned Conference Coach of for Florida State University starting in the consecutive wins — 22, and the greatest the Year honors, and the team received the 2012-2013 season. Florida Collegiate Umpires’ Sportsmanship number of wins in a season — 43. It also Cheerleading Award. had more wins than any other team in Polk State Cheerleading in 2011 won “We really saw the dividends of a lot of Florida Junior College (JUCO) baseball. the Universal Cheerleaders Association hard work. It was a really close-knit group Thirteen student-athletes won All- National Cheerleading Competition in of players; we did a great job of feeding off Conference honors. Orlando. The team also placed first at the each other,” Corbeil said of the season. The squad went on to win the Suncoast State Fair Competition in Tampa, and first Conference Championship, its first Basketball at Spirit Cheer All American Nationals in since 1992. The team finished third in Head Basketball Coach Matt Furjanic in Orlando. the Florida College System Activities 2011 led the Eagles to yet another Suncoast Head Coach Brittany Carson said the Association (FCSAA) Baseball State Conference Championship, his third in the program is growing and getting stronger by Tournament. During the season, the past four seasons, and fifth in the last nine the day. team climbed as high as No. 1 in the state seasons. “The program has been doubling every rankings and No. 4 in national rankings. The Eagles advanced to the Region 8 season. When I came three years ago, I had The stellar season led to seven State Tournament and finished the season 16 students try out. Now I’m getting more scholarship signings in late 2011: ranked No. 5 in the state with an overall than 75. The program is growing quickly centerfielder Ryne Knuth, Southeastern record of 17-14. and it’s really exciting,” she said. 2012 Report to the Community 21

Soccer Polk State Soccer won the Region 8 Championship and was the District F runner-up. The team finished its season ranked No. 15 nationally. Two players — Jill Maykut and Nicole Lehman — were named All Americans by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Players Caitlyn Currie, Elena Atenza, and Gloria Gomez were named to the NJCAA Region 8 Soccer Team. Gomez also made the All-South Squad, which includes 12 states, and was named an All American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). Gomez and teammate Delaina Archer signed to play for Webber International University starting in the 2012-2013 season. Coach Bill Read said the team’s success boiled down to one of the most basic elements of sports. team to a 40-win season. Volleyball “You’ve got to work together as a team. The Eagles advanced to the FCSAA Polk State Volleyball truly made history We had a lot of synergy as a team in 2010- Fast Pitch Softball State Tournament. The in 2011. 2011,” he said. team came just one game shy of advancing The team, which had experienced just Also during the season, Read got his to the NJCAA Division 1 Softball one winning season in the 10 previous 100th coaching victory in a win over Championship, but still ended the season years, ended with an overall record of South Georgia College. on a high note, ranked as No. 6 in the 25-12. The team went on to win its first Softball final FCSAA Softball Coaches’ Poll. Suncoast Conference Championship, with Polk State Softball ended its season Two players, Kenshyra Jackson and a 7-1 record. with a record of 44-17, securing Catherine Floyd, were named NJCAA Former Head Coach Ruth Ann Rogers the Suncoast Conference First Team All Americans, the was named Suncoast Conference Coach of Championship. It was the second first softball players in the the Year, the first time that title has been consecutive year that College’s history to awarded in the team’s history. Head Coach Jeff earn that title. Five players were named to the FCSAA Ellis led the Both earned All-Conference First Team Women’s scholarships Volleyball Team including Dianne to play at the next Riviera-Romero, Kahoriz Feliz, Ileanushka level. Jackson Maldonado, Stephanie Harris, and Rachel signed with the Aguilar. Yaritza Santiago was named to University of South the FCSAA All-Conference Second Team Florida and Floyd Women’s Volleyball Team. signed with Colorado Mesa The team ended its season by advancing University. to the FCSAA District Championship, Floyd was named FCSAA another first for the College. Pitcher of the Year, and Ellis was named Suncoast Conference Coach of the Year. “It was definitely the most successful season in the history of the softball program here at Polk State, and we’re looking forward to bigger and better things,” Ellis said. A T H L E T I C S 22

™ Eagle-Branded Merchandise Soaring Off Shelves

With its rebranding complete, the College rolled out a suite of new merchandise at its Lakeland and Winter Haven bookstores — and the cash registers immediately started ringing. “Everyone loves the new colors and logo,” said Jennifer Henry, manager of the Winter Haven bookstore. “People are very happy.” Among the best-selling items are hooded sweatshirts and long-sleeved t-shirts. Short-sleeved t-shirts, travel mugs, pens, key chains, stuffed bears and dogs, lanyards, and other items are also available. Strong sales have meant that the two stores have had to completely restock all Eagle-branded merchandise every six weeks. Previously, the stores would have to restock particular items only once every three to four months. “Everyone is really excited and they’re proud of the new branding. Polk State is moving forward and it’s a force to be reckoned with — and our customers want to wear clothes and own merchandise that show their pride in Polk State,” said Lakeland bookstore manager Julia Fracarossi. 2012 Report to the Community 23

With Heartfelt Gratitude

Supporting Flight Polk State College is truly a great place approximately 1,250 students! I want to to work. So often, I am fortunate enough express my wholehearted appreciation to to experience the reward of witnessing all of the Foundation donors who have students’ relief because our scholarships made this incredible feat possible. As with have made it possible to continue their every nonprofit organization, donation dreams of a college education — these levels vary from $10 to more than $1 moments are positively overwhelming. million, but each and every donation is Tracy M. Porter It’s just not possible to have a bad day at needed and valued by Polk State College Executive Director Polk State because of the difference we students. Scholarships are often the Polk State College Foundation know we are making in the lives of our deciding factor in making an educational students. This positive transformation journey financially possible. is due, in large part, to the generous In recent years, we have begun to reach donations caring individuals, corporations, out to our more than 35,000 Alumni and and foundations make to the Polk State the response has been overwhelmingly College Foundation. positive. I, too, am a product of a Florida The Board of Directors and team of community college, and fully recognize the Foundation recognize how fortunate that I would not be where I am today had we are that our community embraces the I not had my start in the Florida College importance of higher education—not System. Thankfully, Polk State Alumni just for the transformational difference take tremendous pride in their experience it makes for individuals, but also for the and have been paying it forward to help beneficial economic impact the College current and future students. has on Polk County through its employees, On behalf of the students who benefit Mission students, and graduates. Because of from your past, current, and future Foundation donors, our students spread philanthropy, as well as the Foundation’s Statement their wings, and as alumni, take flight, Board of Directors and team, I express to helping our entire community to soar. you deep gratitude for the meaningful and The Polk State College In 2011, the Polk State College significant difference you make at Polk Foundation, Inc. is a tax- Foundation was able to award more State, as well as your inspirational example than $1.4 million in scholarships to throughout our wonderful community. exempt corporation whose purpose is to provide Polk In 2011, the Polk State College State College with resources Foundation was able to award more for the advancement of than $1.4 million in scholarships to approximately 1,250 students! I want to the College, its students, express my wholehearted appreciation faculty, staff, and other to all of the Foundation donors who constituencies in fulfillment have made this incredible feat possible. of the College’s mission. 24

Officers Polk State College Foundation Board Board Members John R. Alexander Rob Kincart Scenic Highland Enterprise A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc. Kevin Ashley Linda Pilkington Peterson & Myers, P.A. Brian Knowles Chair Straughn and Turner, P.A. Heart of Florida Regional Bruce Bachman Medical Center Adams Cold Storage John Lancaster Clark, Campbell & Lancaster, Joy Barranco P.A. Community Activist Ingram Leedy Joanne Chappel Elephant Outlook Polk State College Teresa Olinger Robert Clark Publix Super Markets, Inc. Polk State College Alumni Association Brent Parrish Jerry Miller Adamson + Co., P.A. Vice Chair Melinda Harrison Progress Energy Watson Clinic Jim Rhodes Community Activist Cindy Henry Community Activist Lauren Schwenk Oakley Rhinehart Cassidy, LLC Dr. Eileen Holden Polk State College George Tinsley Tinsley Family Concessions Jim Jahna E.R. Jahna Industries, Inc. Tracy Porter Executive Director Carl E. Locke, Jr. Frank Kendrick Polk State College Foundation Treasurer NuJak Companies Ex-Officio SEMCO Construction, Inc. Polk State College Foundation Introduces the Philanthropic Advisory Council

In 2011 the Polk State College Thomas Bazley, Crowe Horwath Foundation formed the Philanthropic Matthew Burks, Burks Financial Group Advisory Council. The Philanthropic Troy Garcia, Allen & Company Terri Johnston, Anu Saxena Advisory Council is comprised Development Chair Cross, Fernandez & Riley, LLP of professional advisors, such as KCI Technologies, Inc. John Lancaster, Clark, Campbell & certified public accountants, estate Lancaster, P.A. planners, and financial advisors in Raymond Norman, Polk County. These professional Morgan Stanley Smith Barney advisors provide knowledgeable Cynthia C. Rignanese, Cynthia C. Rignanese, Esq. advice on planned giving and give Brent Parrish, Adamson + Co, P.A. recommendations to the Foundation Kathy Wallen, Baylis & Company, P.A. Board and staff on best practices for Loretta Mervis Mark Williams, UBS Immediate Past Chair engaging donors and their peers with Don Wilson, Boswell & Dunlap LLP SunTrust Banks the College’s philanthropic mission. Lori Wilson, Citizens Bank & Trust 2012 Report to the Community 25

Trustee Rick and Gary and Mike and Anne Furr County Commissioner Melony Krista and Eric and Susan Lisa Garcia Dr. Naomi Boyer Bell, Foundation Board Dr. Jonathan Silbiger Adamson, with Member Teresa Olinger, Foundation Board Former Trustee and alumna Member Kevin Ashley Cindy Hartley Ross

DONATEURS Making a Meaningful Difference in the Lives of Polk State College Students. The Wine for Wisdom Host Committee, Polk State College Foundation Board of Directors, Polk State College District Board of Trustees, and the students who benefit from your generosity express their sincere gratitude to the following sponsors whose philanthropy is helping to elevate lives through the power of a Polk State College education.

REHOBOAM SPONSORS HENKELMAN CONSTRUCTION, INC. U EILEEN & AL HOLDEN LEDGER MEDIA GROUP U TAMPA ELECTRIC

JEROBOAM SPONSORS A Sold-Out Success! THE A.D. MORGAN CORPORATION U ADAMSON + CO., P.A. U PATTI & MARK BOSTICK CITIZENS BANK & TRUST U CNP U CROSS, FERNANDEZ & RILEY, LLP Following the success of the inaugural Wine for Wisdom FURR & WEGMAN ARCHITECTS, P.A. U OAKLEY RHINEHART CASSIDY, LLC PROGRESS ENERGY U PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS CHARITIES fundraiser in 2010, community and corporate leaders SEMCO CONSTRUCTION, INC. U WATSON CLINIC, LLP determined that this eagerly anticipated event would have WINTER HAVEN HOSPITAL FOUNDATION to become a Polk State College tradition. The 2011 event, MAGNUM SPONSORS Wine for Wisdom: The World Tour Begins, provided an A-C-T ENVIRONMENTAL & INFRASTRUCTURE, INC. FIAT OF WINTER HAVEN evening of elegance with themed tastings and ambiance BAGLEY IDEA PROS FISCHER, SCHEMMER, SILBIGER & MORACZEWSKI, EyeM.D.s BANK OF AMERICA HEART OF FLORIDA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER inspired by France and the Paris cityscape. BB&T CINDY & CHARLES HENRY BOND CLINIC, P.A. KCI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. From the color palette reminiscent of a Toulouse-Lautrec BOSWELL & DUNLAP, LLP EILEEN & SAM KILLEBREW BRIGHT HOUSE NETWORKS LARSONALLEN LLP painting, to the light-projected Arc de Triomphe along the CEMEX PETERSON & MYERS, P.A. event hall wall, the sold-out event provided guests with CENTER FOR RETINA & MACULAR DISEASE LINDA & ED PILKINGTON CENTERSTATE BANK KIM & KEN ROSS a masterfully prepared gourmet dinner and wine-pairing CENTRAL BUICK GMC SHARIT, BUNN & CHILTON, P.A. CERTIGY, INC. SIX/TEN CORPORATION experience. Funds raised from the evening will be used to CLARK, CAMPBELL, MAWHINNEY & LANCASTER, P.A. STRAUGHN & TURNER, P.A. DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM OF WINTER HAVEN SUNTRUST BANKS, INC. help Polk State College students t i f e attain n e B o t t n the ve E g goal n i s i a r d of n u F a A higher ELEPHANT OUTLOOK t i f e n e B o t t n ve E g n TINSLEY i s i a r d n FAMILY u F A CONCESSIONS education through Foundation s scholarships. t n e d u St e g e l l o C e t a St k l o P EYE EXPRESS s t n e d u St e g e l l o C e t WHEELER a St k l o &P TRAVISS, P.A. EYE SPECIALISTS OF MID-FLORIDA, P.A. DR. DALE WICKSTROM-HILL Plans are underway for this year’s event, scheduled for hank you to all attendees of Wine for Wisdom for making a difference September 13, 2012. T in the lives of Polk State College students. 26 Donor Appreciation Luncheon Each year, the Donor Appreciation her determination to become a physical Luncheon provides an opportunity for therapist with a focus on rehabilitation for the Polk State College Foundation Board children. Her scholarship has assisted her and team members, as well as scholarship academic pursuits as she juggles raising recipients, to recognize and thank the her daughter, working part-time, and generous donors of endowed scholarships. participating in the Polk State College This year’s event took place in gospel choir. November and was presented by Progress At this truly special event, donors are Energy. During the event, donors heard able to hear about the dreams that are the stories of students who have greatly fulfilled when students are able to focus benefitted from their financial assistance. on their studies rather than the challenges For many students, a donor’s generosity is of funding their education. Likewise, the determining factor in their ability to scholarship students are moved by the achieve the dream of a college education. generosity of donors and inquire how to Polk State College students Tyler Heverly and One such student, Amanda Burton- establish scholarships when they are able Amanda Burton-Coleman participated in the annual Coleman, spoke to the audience about to “pay it forward.” Donor Appreciation Luncheon, which honors donors of endowed scholarships.

Polk State College alumni Bill Dorman and Cindy Baker, with Jack Barnhart, and Foundation Board Immediate Past President and Polk State alumna Loretta Mervis. Wise & Witty Women and Many Magnificent Men Former nursing professor-turned- tremendous need to support these aspiring humorist Karyn Buxman entertained young women as they work to balance guests at the 2011 Wise & Witty Women education, work, and — in many cases and Many Magnificent Men luncheon. — families. The Foundation is grateful Now in its fifth year, the popularity of this to presenting sponsors Clear Springs, event has allowed the program to expand, SunTrust, Tampa Electric, and CEMEX, as with luncheons held on both the Winter well as the table sponsors and individuals Haven and Lakeland campuses. Held who made each of these events a success. in conjunction with Women’s History While visiting the College, Buxman Month, guests chatted and laughed over also spoke with current students in the lunch while also supporting scholarships Nursing Program to tell them about her for Polk State College students. Buxman path from the nursing profession to public performed at both luncheons, encouraging speaking. She shared with the students Speaker Karyn Buxman keeps each audience to smile and search for the that using humor builds rapport with the crowd laughing during her humor in every challenging situation. patients, decreases their stress, and hastens presentation on using humor Women make up 63 percent of Polk patient recovery. in the workplace. State College’s student body. There is a 2012 Report to the Community 27

Endowed Teaching Chairs

uring the 2011 academic Professor Lorrie Jones is the recipient Professor Brad Massey has been year, two Endowed of the Lakeland Regional Medical Center awarded the Banking Endowed Teaching Teaching Chairs and Winter Haven Hospital Endowed Chair. He has served as a history professor were awarded by the Teaching Chair. She has been a professor at Polk State College for five years, and is Polk State College at Polk State College for nine years, and the Humanities Department Coordinator Foundation. has been the coordinator of the Maternal and the Honors Program Director on the DThe Endowed Teaching Chair Child and Women’s Health course. She is Lakeland Campus. Program rewards full-time instructors for a graduate of Polk State College’s Nursing Massey holds a master’s degree in outstanding teaching and service to the Program, and holds Bachelor of Science history from George Mason University College and community. Each Endowed in Nursing and Master of Science in and is currently a doctoral student Chair recipient receives a stipend of Nursing degrees from the University of in the American History Program at $5,000 to be used to further enhance his South Florida. She is also a board-certified the University of Florida. He served or her professional performance. Family Nurse Practitioner as well as a as the Architectural Historian on the Since 1996, 58 Endowed Teaching Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Additionally, city of Tampa’s Historical Preservation Chairs and approximately $330,000 in she is a Certified Nurse Educator through Commission from 2006-2010, and was the grants have been awarded to enhance the the National League for Nursing. winner of the 2009 Leland Hawes Prize classroom experience for students through Jones is currently working toward in Florida history for his essay, “The Rise, this professional development program. To the completion of 400 residency hours Fall, and Rebirth of a Modern Florida be eligible for this award, faculty members in nursing simulation and travels to Landmark: A History of Tampa’s Floridan and professional/technical instructors various institutions to assist with their Hotel,” which was the featured article in must have a minimum of three years simulation centers. She hopes this the 2009 edition of Tampa Bay History. of continuous full-time instructional exposure to different instructional While at Polk State, Massey has been status at Polk State College. Recipients methods and equipment will be useful as awarded four travel grants from the are selected by a committee comprised the College’s Nursing Program continues National Endowment for the Humanities of representatives from the Polk State to integrate simulation in its curriculum. to attend teaching conferences, and his College Foundation Board of Directors Her current research at Winter Haven’s article “Making it Different: Teaching and College faculty members. This is Regency Medical Center involves the Early American History Honors at a the first time that the 2011 recipients, use of simulation and rapid-cycle testing Community College,” was published in Lorrie Jones and Brad Massey, have been to develop a post-partum hemorrhage the March 2011 edition of Perspectives honored with an Endowed Teaching Chair protocol. The protocol will eventually on History: The Newsmagazine of the award. be implemented to streamline treatment American Historical Association. regimens and improve maternal outcomes. Massey will use his award to travel to She will graduate from the University of Spain this summer, where he will take an Florida in May 2012 with a Doctorate of intensive Spanish language immersion Nursing Practice. course. He also plans to visit the Spanish Jones’ Endowed Teaching Chair award archives to conduct research related to the has been applied toward the completion Spanish exploration and occupation of of her residency and research. She also Florida in the 16th century. purchased an iPad to allow for increased student interaction and to help students better understand the material. 28

Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient Ron Garl In May, Polk State presented its Since then, he’s designed more than 250 Distinguished Alumnus Award to courses around the world, including more internationally renowned golf course than 100 in Florida. He has also directed architect Ron Garl. remodels of numerous courses and owns Garl earned his Polk State Associate golf courses in several countries. in Arts degree in 1966 as a member of He also recently planned the format for the College’s first graduating class, and five oceanfront courses; this is a striking went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in element of his outstanding career, as most Turf Grass Science from the University of firms never have the opportunity to design Florida in 1967. a course of this nature and complexity. An avid golfer at a young age, Garl Many of Garl’s designs have been received the first full-ride collegiate selected as sites for the PGA, Senior PGA, scholarship from the Florida State Golf Canadian, and European tours. Association; in 1979, he became the Garl is active in the golf community association’s youngest president. even beyond his personal work, serving After graduating from UF, Garl worked as president of the Florida Golf Alliance Club in Vero Beach, the first course as an apprentice with national golf design and a founding board member of the to receive Audubon International’s firms, and spent three years working in the International Network of Golf. He also highest award, the Audubon Signature Bahamas. co-authored the Urban Land Institute’s Cooperative Sanctuary Status. In 1973, he established his own firm — Golf Course Development in Residential In 2003, he received the University of Ron Garl Golf Design in Lakeland. One Communities. Florida’s Distinguished Alumnus Award, of his first course designs was Cypresswood He has received acclaim for his and in 2009 he was inducted into the Polk Golf Course in Winter Haven. environmental work at the Indian River County Public Schools Hall of Fame.

Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient Rita S. Smith The December recipient of Polk State’s problems can ensue when individuals Distinguished Alumnus Award was Rita S. do not feel safe at home, and it is vitally Smith, Executive Director of the National important to make homes safe for Coalition Against Domestic Violence. vulnerable children. Smith graduated from Polk State in Inspired by her work at the battered 1974 with an Associate in Arts degree women’s shelter, Smith decided that in Psychology. She went on to receive she would devote her career to ending her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from domestic violence. Michigan State University in 1976. In 1992, Smith was hired as the Smith’s first job after college graduation conference coordinator for the National was working in a residential treatment Coalition Against Domestic Violence center for emotionally disturbed children. (NCADV). A year later, she was named After gaining counseling experience executive director. Her responsibilities also include in that position, she went on to work Today, the Denver-based NCADV working on legislation at the federal at a battered women’s shelter, a job that is a national nonprofit that works at level. She has been to the White House served as her introduction to the issue of a grassroots level to prevent domestic during the Clinton, Bush, and Obama domestic violence. violence. As the Executive Director of administrations, and in 2010 was present Because none of her previous the NCADV, Smith builds corporate in the Oval Office when President Obama experiences — professional or academic partnerships and secures donations for signed the Family Violence Prevention and — had prepared her to help victims of the organization. She is often interviewed Services Act. domestic violence, she learned her new about domestic violence, and has appeared Smith dreams that one day role on the job. One of the most powerful on the Oprah Winfrey Show and national Winter Haven will have a domestic lessons she learned was that large-scale news broadcasts. violence shelter. 2012 Report to the Community 29

Brian Boyce (’99) is a Vice President/Senior Client Manager for TD Bank. He is part of the Regional Commercial Banking Group, serving the Heartland region which includes Alumni Polk, Highlands, Desoto, and Hardee counties. He has been in commercial banking for more than 10 years, and has worked throughout Central and South Florida. He is a current board member and past board chairman of the Polk/Highland Chapter of the American Red Cross, and serves on the boards of the Florida Club and the Polk County Industrial Notes Development Authority. He and wife Jennifer (’99) reside in Winter Haven and have two children. Peter Chichetto (’97) is a licensed real estate associate with Collany Properties. He serves as Vice President for the Boys and Girls Club, is on the board of the East Polk Salvation Army, and is a member of the Winter Haven Rotary Club. Elected to the Winter Haven City Commission (Seat 3) in September, Peter was sworn in and took office in October 2011. Peter’s wife Becky (‘89) is a store manager for Publix Super Markets, Inc. The couple has one daughter and lives in Winter Haven. Teresina (Tina) Hill (’85) is Manager of Support Services for the Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Courts. In this role, she is responsible for the operations for jury service, evidence, records, and information processing. She also oversees the mail room at the Polk County Courthouse. She is an adjunct professor for the Polk State College Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management degree program. She serves on the Community Investment Team for the United Way of Central Florida, and is a program director for the Florida Records Management Association. Martin Lance Holden (’78) is a shareholder with Brennan, Holden, & Kavouklis, P.A. in Winter Haven, where he specializes in wrongful death, malpractice, and serious injury cases. He is the immediate past president of the Polk State College Alumni Association. Holden is also part of a three-generation connection to the College: his father, Clarence, was a former faculty member; his three siblings are also all alumni; his son is a graduate of Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School, and his daughter is currently enrolled at the high school. Kathryn Koch (’87) is a Vice President at Lanier Upshaw, an independent insurance agency in Lakeland. She is a member of the Citrus Center Kiwanis Club and holds positions on the boards of many other organizations. She is the current Vice President of the Polk State College Alumni Association. Last fall, she competed in the Polk Education Foundation’s “Stepping Out for Education” dancing event, where she placed second for the amount raised individually, and helped to generate $70,000 in donations for scholarships. Katy Martin (’00) is a Communications Specialist for Lakeland Regional Health Systems. She is responsible for the planning and production of internal and external hospital publications. She also assists with media relations and produces website and social media content. Her husband Clint (’02) works at the Florida Department of Transportation. The couple lives in Lakeland with their two children. Katy recently completed her first half- marathon. Carole McKenzie (’01) serves as Executive Director for the Polk County Farm Bureau. As the leader of one of the largest county farm bureaus in Florida, her responsibilities include representing the association in political, public, and educational forums. She has been involved with a number of organizations throughout Polk County, including serving on the board of directors for the Polk State College Foundation and the Corporate College. J. Ellis Straughn III (’02) is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has earned the designation of Certified Special Needs Advisor. He is a partner with the Straughn Group, helping clients throughout Polk County with their financial-planning and wealth-building strategies. He is also a member of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group. 30

Socials Bring Together Polk State College Old and New Alumni Alumni Association The Polk State College Alumni Association started a new tradition this year by Officers launching a series of gatherings to connect alumni who live and work in Polk County. Robert Clark In April, evening wine socials took place in Winter Haven, Lake Wales, and Lakeland. President Alumni, faculty, and staff attended the events to mix, mingle, and network. The gatherings Kathryn Koch attracted both long-time alumni and recent graduates. Vice President During the fall, seven “Coffee with Classmates” events took place at area coffee shops. These events were held in the morning and in the afternoon at locations across the County Belinda Snapko to better accommodate alumni wishing to reconnect with the College and their peers. Secretary One of the coffee events was held at Ms. Margie’s Coffee Shop, located within Winter Lance Holden Haven Hospital. According to Robert Clark, President of the Polk State College Alumni Immediate Past President Association, “The Alumni Board recognized that many of our graduates work in the healthcare field, so it just seemed like a great fit for one of the events to be at our local hospital.” To accommodate the shift-change schedule of the hospital, the event started at Board of Directors 6:30 a.m. More than 30 alumni stopped by to support their alma mater. Each alumnus who attended the social received a Polk State Alumni pin, a car magnet, Therese Arrington and small thank-you gift. Feedback for the events was enthusiastically favorable, and more David Cash events are planned for 2012. To find information about upcoming Polk State alumni events, and the latest news from Susan Copeland the Alumni Association, please visit www.facebook.com/polkstatealumni. Jim Crews Wayne Durden Melea Gernert Jeff Griggs Greg Harris Kim Ray Cindy Hartley Ross Gary Schemmer Tom Wheeler Lynn Wilson Myrtice Young

Alumni gather to reminisce at the wine social held at Chalet Suzanne. 2012 Report to the Community 31

Working together with individuals, organizations, and businesses in Polk State College the community, the Polk State College Foundation is able to help many Foundation’s students achieve their academic goals. Last year, the Foundation awarded more than 1,250 scholarships and loans to students with unmet financial Planned-Giving needs who demonstrated academic excellence and leadership qualities. In Program Provides addition, the Polk State College Foundation provided Endowed Teaching Chairs for outstanding professors and supported major Polk State College Opportunities for academic programs through the purchase of equipment and technology. the Future

People often mistakenly believe that Polk State College Foundation the joy of philanthropy is a privilege only for the wealthy. In truth, with a Summary of Revenues and Expenses little planning, people of all ages and For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 backgrounds can create a legacy by providing a gift in perpetuity to the students of Polk State College. OPERATING INCOME Designating a planned gift may enable Operating Revenue:...... $6,376,030 a person to make a more significant Operating Expenses:...... $2,319,602 donation than he or she could otherwise Net Operating Income (Loss):...... $4,056,428 currently provide. Planned gifts allow for a balance between the desire to be generous NON-OPERATING INCOME and one’s financial, philanthropic, and estate-planning goals. There are endless Investment Income:...... $377,085 ways to individualize a planned financial Unrealized Investment Gains:...... $10,331 gift. Bequests are the most common type Net Non-Operating Revenue (Loss):...... $387,416 of planned gift; however, all major gifts should include thoughtful consideration OTHER ADDITIONS (DEDUCTIONS) and consultation with a Additions (Deductions) to Permanent Endowments:...... $1,716,751 professional advisor. Your passion for helping students Increase in Net Assets:...... $6,160,595 achieve their dreams of higher education Net Assets Beginning of Year:...... $28,890,881 can be part of your life’s legacy through Net Assets End of Year:...... $35,051,476 a planned gift to the Polk State College Foundation. All levels of philanthropy Scholarships are accepted and appreciated. Endowed Value of Scholarships and Loans Awarded by the scholarships that assist students in perpetuity begin at $17,000. Polk State College Foundation in 2011: Providing for the needs of others can Endowed:...... $523,856 be part of your philanthropic priorities Private/Restricted:...... $670,283 without negatively impacting your current Hospital Partnership Program:...... $252,108 income and financial reserves. To learn Total:...... $1,446,247 more about this program, please contact the Polk State College Foundation at 863-292-3703. 32

™ Overview Polk State College, established in 1964, is a multi-campus institution serving over 20,000 students with Bachelor of Applied Science, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Science, and Associate in Arts degrees, as well as a wide range of certificate and workforce training options. The College also operates two highly rated charter high schools. Polk State’s advantages include small class sizes; hands-on learning; dedicated faculty; day and night classes; online options; affordable tuition; excellent financial aid; a diverse community and a vibrant student life, including fine arts opportunities, clubs, and intercollegiate athletics. We are the perfect place to soar. We are Polk.

Scale Student Profile Total Annual Budget $66,264,984 Total Students Served 20,881 (All Sources) Number of Employees 1,426 Degree-seeking students 15,015

Degrees Awarded1 1,311 Average age 26.1

Academic Programs 127 Females 62.7%

Certificates and ATDs 536 Males 37.3%

Square Footage Under Roof 718,470 Part-time 72.6%

Acreage Overall 232 Full-time 27. 4%

Number of Campuses 2 Polk County residents 95%

Number of Centers 2 Charter High School Students Planned New Campuses2 2 Polk State Lakeland 225 Annual Tech Investment $2,500,000 Collegiate HS Polk State Chain of Lakes 270 Grants Received $9,501,576 Collegiate HS 495 Foundation Scholarships $1,792,453

Title IV Federal Financial Aid3 $17,241,498

1 AY 2010-2011 2 Bartow, Haines City 3 AY 2010-2011 2012 Report to the Community 33

In Memoriam: Charles Lyle II

“Polk State College was everything to outside the Winter Haven Student Center, him,” said Patricia Sullivan, Lyle’s wife of creating a more vibrant atmosphere for 15 years and a teacher at Polk State Chain students. of Lakes Collegiate High School. “He Lyle also is credited with bringing better wasn’t here for a job. He was here for the organization to the College’s graduation students. He felt that even if he had to do events, and was also a constant presence it one at a time, he could help them all.” at the College’s various athletic events. For Lyle, one of the ways he felt he “He treated the athletes as his own could most help students was to improve children. It wasn’t just once in a while, it student life. As a student worker at was every day that he was at an athletic Broward, he got his initial taste of the event,” Parra said. value student activities, clubs, and events Though he reveled in events that drew In May, Polk State College mourned have on a college campus. hundreds, it was on a one-on-one basis the untimely loss of Charles Lyle II, Dean “He knew that student life was with students that Lyle was especially of Student Affairs on the Winter Haven necessary for retention. If a student has impactful, said his former administrative campus, who died of bile duct cancer at 41. things to do in between classes, he or she assistant Tracy Tanner. Lyle is remembered within the College is more likely to stay on campus, go to “Students would come to him and they community as a friend, calming influence, class, and graduate,” Sullivan said. would be ready to drop a class or to quit proponent of student activities, and avid Lyle enthusiastically supported the school. Just one visit with Charlie would supporter of athletics. creation of the Student Activities and change them,” Tanner said. “He would A native of South Florida, Lyle began Leadership Office (SALO), which has tell them that he used to not be a good his higher education at Broward College. branches on both the Lakeland and student, and that it took him a long time It was there that he learned firsthand how Winter Haven campuses. The College to get through college. He would put his open access to affordable higher education hired Lyle’s former Broward student own personal experience out there and improves lives. worker, Carlos Parra, as Coordinator of explain that students have the ability to “Charlie knew that education changes Student Activities and Leadership on the make things happen.” the entire trajectory of not only an Winter Haven campus. Students, faculty, and staff members individual’s life, but the direction of a Under Lyle’s supervision, the Winter alike will never forget Lyle’s “Charlie- whole family unit,” said Peter Elliott, Polk Haven SALO took root, club participation ness,” Tanner explained. State’s Vice President of Administration increased, and the campus began to “He really loved his job, and he made and Chief Financial Officer, and a buzz with the excitement of new student every effort to make other people happy,” longtime friend of Lyle’s. “He was a true events. said Tanner, now Exam Coordinator for believer.” Lyle especially enjoyed an event now Child Care Training at the College. Broward proved to be just the beginning called Black Out, an annual event Tracy Porter, another of Lyle’s friends of Lyle’s academic career — he went staged during the last home basketball from his days at Broward, echoed Tanner’s on to receive a bachelor’s from Florida game of the season. During this event, sentiments. International University and a master’s SALO leadership arranges contests and “Charlie was genuinely caring. If from Florida Atlantic University. At giveaways, packing the gym with fans. you had challenges, he would help you the time of his death, he was a doctoral “He absolutely loved those events,” through them,” said Porter, District Vice candidate in the Higher Education Parra said. President for Institutional Advancement Administration program at the University During the March 2011 event, which and Executive Director of the Polk State of Florida. Before he died, he received a drew record attendance for a men’s College Foundation. certificate of completion from the program. basketball game, Lyle’s two daughters sang “He was people’s rock and go-to guy. It was also at Broward that Lyle began the national anthem, his son served as He was the calm in the eye of the storm. his professional career in higher education water boy, and hundreds of fans wore “We If you needed a shoulder to cry on or — starting as a student worker. He was Love Dean Lyle” t-shirts. At halftime, needed to talk something through, his later promoted to Director of Student Life Parra, athletes, and coaches presented Lyle sense of calm helped you keep things in and then Associate Dean of Students. with a poster signed by every athlete as perspective.” He came to Polk State College in 2006, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. In addition to Sullivan, he is survived excitedly achieving his goal of becoming Parra said Lyle was also especially proud by his children Donna, Jonathan, and a dean. when the College installed a sound system Veronica. 34

™

In Memoriam: Dr. Maryly VanLeer Peck

Polk State College paused in 2011 to a doctoral degree in engineering from mourn the loss of former President Dr. the University of Florida, becoming the Maryly VanLeer Peck, whose legacy first woman to earn those degrees in the includes a heightened presence for the university’s history as well. College and its dynamic athletics program. She began her career in the aerospace Dr. Peck, 81, died in November in Palm industry as a research engineer for Beach Gardens. the Naval Research Laboratory in Inaugurated as the second president Washington, D.C., and Rocketdyne Corp. more than 1,900 students. of Polk State — then Polk Community in California. The opening of the Lakeland campus College— in 1982, Dr. Peck was one of the Her interest in academia eventually contributed to a period of bustling growth first females to lead an institution of public prevailed, however, and she became the at the College as a whole, and in 1989 Dr. higher education in the state. first female dean of the College of Business Peck announced that total enrollment “It is an honor to walk in her footsteps,” and Applied Technology at the University stood at more than 6,000, the highest in said Polk State College President Dr. of Guam, and founder and dean of what the College’s history. Eileen Holden. “Maryly was a true pioneer, is now Guam Community College. She Under Dr. Peck’s leadership, the and I know that she helped blaze a path also held positions at Arizona’s Cochise College greatly expanded its educational that has certainly impacted my own College, Campbell College in North opportunities for students, including career, as well as the prospects for many Carolina, the University of Florida, and adding allied health offerings through the other leaders within Florida’s systems of the University of Maryland. Health Information Management, Physical higher education.” She took the helm of Polk State during Therapist Assistant, and Occupational While becoming one of the first a time of high unemployment in the Therapy Assistant programs. females to lead a public higher education county and declining enrollment at the Dr. Peck also focused her efforts on institution in Florida is significant, it also College. Undaunted by those challenges, bolstering the College’s financial standing. was not the first time — or last — that Dr. she embraced Polk State’s ambitions of She was instrumental in raising money Peck would make history. creating a campus in Lakeland, and during for the Polk State Foundation and seeking At a time when many colleges and her inauguration announced plans for a state and federal grants. The College’s first universities didn’t admit women, Dr. joint-use campus off U.S. 98 South that successful capital campaign was completed Peck was determined to achieve the would be shared with the University of during her 15 years as president, and the highest levels of education. She earned South Florida. number of Polk State scholarships also her bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt The first building on the Lakeland increased dramatically. University in 1951, becoming its first campus was completed within the next A former competitive swimmer who woman to earn an engineering degree. several years, and by the College’s 25th often spoke about the importance of She went on to earn both a master’s and anniversary, the Lakeland campus served sports, Dr. Peck was also a passionate 2012 Report to the Community 35

“President Peck remained committed to the transformative power of education, and she understood how the generosity of scholarship benefactors changed the storyline for so many of our students here in Polk County. Just a week before her death, I wrote another thank-you note to her. She was giving right up until the very end.” – Dr. Holden

supporter of Polk State’s athletic programs. of computers to students and staff girls to study science, math, and She oversaw the College’s adjustments members, the opening of the Teaching/ engineering. She supported the United to abide by the 1984 Education Equity Learning Computing centers on both the Way of Central Florida, Theatre Winter Act, which required equal athletic Lakeland and Winter Haven campuses, Haven, and was an active volunteer for the opportunities for men and women. Four and the establishment of Polk State’s Boy Scouts. years later, the College’s athletics offerings website, www.polk.edu. Staying true to her roots, Dr. Peck included men’s and women’s basketball, Her retirement from Polk State in 1997 was the first woman to preside over the women’s volleyball, and men’s baseball. was far from the end of her involvement in Society of Women Engineers. She also Softball was also established during her education. She worked for two years as the organized most of the student chapters of time as president. headmaster at All Saints’ Academy, and that organization, and served as national In addition to expanding the athletic established numerous scholarships at the vice president. She also served on the options for students, Dr. Peck also aimed College. Chemical Engineering Advisory Council to improve the facilities used by the teams. Dr. Holden praised Dr. Peck, not only at the University of Florida and was a She helped to form a partnership with the for her successful tenure at the helm of fellow of the National Science Foundation. City of Winter Haven to create a softball the College, but also for the legacy she Her list of honors is long, including complex on College-owned property, nurtured in retirement. being named one of Life magazine’s and she pushed to have lights installed “President Peck remained committed “100 Most Important Young Men and at the College’s baseball complex. She to the transformative power of education, Women in the United States” in 1962, also steered more money to the athletics and she understood how the generosity and a University of Florida Distinguished program, recognizing that increased of scholarship benefactors changed the Alumnus in 1991. Her other honors funding would aid in recruiting efforts. storyline for so many of our students here include: the 1995 She Knows Where She’s “Maryly VanLeer Peck got us an in Polk County. Just a week before her Going Award from Girls Inc., the 2002 athletics program,” said Athletic Director death, I wrote another thank-you note to Community Service Award from the Bing Tyus. “She took the steps to make her. She was giving right up until the very National Society of the Daughters of the us competitive. Now we’re not just end,” Dr. Holden said. American Revolution, the Golden Plate of competitive, we’re winning.” Dr. Peck was also active in the Polk Achievement from Dale Webb, a Tau Beta For her support of the College’s athletic community, and was the first female Pi Women’s Badge, and the Girl Scouts’ programs, she was inducted into the member and first female president of the Woman of Distinction Award. She was College’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. Winter Haven Rotary. She served on the also listed in five Who’s Who publications. Dr. Peck, described by many at Polk boards of the Polk Economic Education In 2007, Dr. Peck was inducted into the State as a trailblazer and visionary, also led Council and Girls Inc. of Winter Haven. Florida Women’s Hall of Fame. the way for technological advancements at She also served on a national committee Polk State. She oversaw the introduction for Girls Inc. that worked to encourage 36

™ Record-Setting Commencements

The College will forever remember 2011 as a landmark year. A new brand. Unprecedented athletic dominance. Runaway growth. It’s only fitting then, that the year’s commencements also broke new ground for the College. In May, 290 students marched to the stage to receive their degrees — the College’s largest commencement ever. The ceremony was moved to the Lakeland Center Arena — another first for the College — to accommodate graduates, their guests, and members of the public. The record-setting ceremony included an address by then- Chancellor of the Florida College System, Dr. Willis N. Holcombe. Approximately 700 students were eligible to march in May, with 73 percent receiving Associate in Arts degrees, 20 percent receiving Associate in Science or Associate in Applied Science degrees, 3 percent receiving Bachelor of Applied Science degrees, and the remainder receiving workforce-related program certificates. Above: Graduates march into the Winter Haven Seven months later, the College hosted another sizable Health Center during the December 2011 commencement when 240 students marched during the ceremony commencement ceremony. Below: Dr. Holden addresses the graduates and at the Winter Haven Health Center. LEGOLAND Florida General attendees of the ceremony. Manager Adrian Jones was the guest speaker. More than 1,200 were eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony, with 68 percent receiving Associate in Arts degrees; 19 percent receiving Associate in Science or Associate in Applied Science degrees; 3 percent receiving Bachelor of Applied Science degrees; and the remainder receiving certificates.

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