Transforming Lives Through Education Foundation Inc. Indian River State College Annual Report 2013 Your life does not get better by chance. trans·form verb \tran(t)s-form\ to change somebody or something completely for the better It gets better by change. - Jim Rohn Education transforms lives. Knowledge gained increases a person’s skills and also their feelings of self-worth. When students achieve their goals, they earn a sense of power over their futures. Many students find it difficult to envision themselves ever attending college. Lack of finances and family support are obstacles which must be overcome. It takes courage to begin a new path, and the IRSC Foundation is there for students who have the drive and determination to choose education as a way to improve their lives. You can make a big difference - help us to help students and our community. The IRSC Foundation is dedicated to helping all deserving students with scholarship assistance. These students will succeed if someone believes in their dreams. TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION ST VER ATE RI DA C UN TIO O N O N L A F L I E D G N E I • • F O JU A R L 65 ID T Y 8, 19 R P O IERCE, FL Indian River State College Foundation, Inc. To Our Partners in Education, At the Indian River State College (IRSC) Foundation, student success is at the heart of everything we do. In 2013, we were pleased to assist more than 2,600 students with scholarship funds to cover tuition and books. These scholarships are of vital importance to our mission, helping more students persist in IRSC FOUNDATION BOARD their studies through to completion. Unfortunately, we have turned away hundreds because we (L to R back) Dr. Edwin R. Massey, Ex-officio; Ann L. Decker, Ex-officio; Susanne H. Clemons, simply do not have the funds to assist all of the qualified students who apply. Ruth Ann Vega, Linda T. Syfrett, Heather Williamson Rucks, Joseph P. Lembo, J. Hal Roberts Jr., (L to R front) Frank M. Irby, Dr. John D. Mallonee, First Vice Chair; Alma Lee Loy, Chair; Turning away students in need is tough, which is why we are seeking your help. Please consider Thomas “Todd” Thurlow III, Second Vice Chair; Michael L. Adams. supporting the Foundation for the first time or increasing your previous level of support – even Not pictured: Phoebe Raulerson, IRSC District Board of Trustees Chair; Michael D. Minton, John W. Williams. a small monthly donation can change a student’s life. IRSC’s doors are open to any student who has the drive and determination to succeed in college. Education truly transforms lives and begins a positive cycle for future generations. Give today so that together we can transform lives through education. We welcome your partnership in our mission, whether it is through financial gifts, with service as a volunteer, or by sharing your special talents. Sincerely, IRSC FOUNDATION STAFF (L to R back) C. Case, M. Gordon, O. Lenau, A. Decker, J. Keenan, K. Hazellief, D. Liddle; (L to R middle) B. Saffioti, E. Rodriguez, L. Thomas, M. Forget; (L to R front) B. Hutchinson, L. Ruiz, J. Ivy, M. Walker, S. O’Brien, M. DePriest Ann L. Decker, Executive Director Dr. Edwin R. Massey, President Last year, the IRSC Foundation received 4,600 scholarship IRSC Foundation Indian River State College applications and requests for assistance, almost 2,000 more than we were able to fulfill. 3209 Virginia Avenue • Fort Pierce, Florida 34981 • 772-462-4786 • www.irscfoundation.org PARTNERS IN EDUCATION Changing Lives You must be the change you wish to Former foster child Kristy Conway credits scholarships from IRSC with ending her family’s decades-long cycle of poverty. Her life, as well as her - Ghandi see in the world. children’s, was transformed through education. “Raised in the foster care system, my siblings and I lost count of the many homes we were placed in over the years. As a child, school was a refuge for me. It was one of the few places that I could go that was clean, well-lit and positive. I got married and dropped out of school in the ninth grade. By 22, I was divorced with two kids. In 2008, I had an opportunity to get a better-paying job, but I needed a high school diploma. After 27 years of being out of school, I enrolled in IRSC’s GED® Program. When I graduated, my advisor asked if I planned to continue my education. Until then, I had forgotten all about my dream to become a teacher. My advisor encouraged me and helped me fill out a scholarship application. I checked my e-mail every day awaiting a response. I cannot describe the emotion that I felt when I received the scholarship. I was overwhelmed with excitement knowing that someone believed in me and was willing to give me a chance. Last year, I received my Associate’s Degree with High Honors. I was selected to be on the Phi Theta Kappa All-Academic team and was the Adult Education graduation speaker. I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor’s Degree program in Exceptional Student Education. I am a member of the Mentors Club and a trainer with the Children’s Services Council “Kids at Hope” initiative. I never imagined any of these things would be possible considering where I came from. The Kristy, pictured third from right, was one of ten scholarship I received not only gave me the life- IRSC students honored as a member of the 2012 changing gift of an education; it gave me hope All-Florida Academic Team, representing the best and faith in people.” college students in the state. - Kristy Conway, IRSC student I will honor this gift with a life of service to others. I will be an ambassador to the goodwill of the scholarship donors who have helped me and I will use that to change the lives of people like me.” GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education (ACE) and administered exclusively by GED Testing - Kristy Conway Service LLC under license. This material is not endorsed or approved by ACE or GED Testing Service. CHANGING LIVES Together we change lives Thanks to our many friends who believe in the power of education, we transformed the lives of 2,600 students through scholarships in 2013. Financial Chart Fiscal Year April 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013 REVENUE Unrestricted Income $719,230 7.69% Restricted/Endowed Facilities Income $7,749,240 82.84% Income Restricted Income Unrestricted Facility Income $886,505 9.48% Income Total Support Received: $9,354,975 EXPENDITURES Instructional Facilities Improvements Scholarships $3,309,158 60.36% Committed Overhead Facilities Support $718,881 13.11% Instructional Improvement $973,807 17.76% Scholarships Operating/Overhead $480,414 8.76% Total Support Given: $5,482,260 DID YOU KNOW? In addition to their coursework, IRSC students* help to support themselves and their families: • 69% work more than 10 hours per week • 55% work 11-40 hours per week • 14% work 40+ hours per week *2013 incoming student survey ...and 79% of students** need financial assistance **first semester full-time students For each gift of $1.00 in 2013, 95 cents was directed to support students. TOGETHER WE CHANGE LIVES Scholarships Offer Opportunity A mind that is stretched by a new Without scholarship support, the college experience wouldn’t have been experience can never go back to its old an option for IRSC graduate Omar Duran. “My parents brought me to the United States when I was five. We had little to no money and we lived with my aunt and her family in a mobile home until we could get established. dimensions. - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. I struggled throughout grade school to understand English. I stayed after school for tutoring, and would go to my neighbor’s house for help with my homework, since my parents did not know any English. During my freshman year in high school, my teacher encouraged me to apply for the Take Stock in Children Scholarship. Until then, the thought never crossed my mind that I could go to college. I told my teacher that I was going to be a laborer just like my parents. He convinced me that college was a possibility if I received a scholarship. Two months later, I received the news that I was chosen to receive a four-year Take Stock in Children scholarship. This scholarship motivated me to maintain outstanding grades and behavior, stay drug-free, and participate in mentoring sessions during high school. After I graduated from high school, I earned my Associate in Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Indian River State College. I continued my education and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from the University of Central Florida. To me, education symbolizes opportunity, knowledge, art, wisdom, and a better future. I feel blessed to have been afforded this opportunity and I believe it is important to give back. This year will be my second year mentoring high school students through the Dr. Edwin R. Massey presents Omar Duran Take Stock in Children Program.” an Alumni Row Brick to commemorate his Associate in Arts Degree from IRSC. - Omar Duran, IRSC graduate “It is one of the best feelings in the world to help other students similar to myself realize their potential. I encourage everyone to help one another and give back without expecting in return.” - Omar Duran SCHOLARSHIPS OFFER OPPORTUNITY How You Can Help Education is for improving lives and The IRSC Foundation provides the margin of excellence for leaving your community and world needed to help IRSC maintain its reputation as one of the top state colleges in the nation.