February 11, 2025 Indian River State College
FORT PIERCE, FL (February 11, 2025) – Indian River State College celebrated the return of a significant piece of its history as a bronze plaque commemorating its first graduating class was returned to campus during a dedication ceremony at the Miley Library at the College’s Fort Pierce campus. The ceremony was hosted by the Indian River State College Foundation and Alumni Association on February 7, 2025.
A restored bronze plaque honoring Indian River Junior College’s first graduating class, rescued from a dumpster by alumnus Brad Culverhouse, is unveiled during its dedication ceremony at the Miley Library on February 7, 2025. The plaque will be permanently displayed to inspire future generations of Indian River State College students.
The plaque, which lists members of Indian River Junior College’s inaugural graduating class of 1962, was discovered by Brad Culverhouse after being separated from the institution for many years. Culverhouse, the College’s first Alumni Association president and 1960s graduate, participated in the dedication alongside Cynthia Putnam, half-sister of Dorothy Putnam Sparkman, one of the graduates honored on the plaque.
During the ceremony, Culverhouse recounted the discovery of the plaque. In a remarkable twist of fate, Culverhouse spotted something metallic glinting from a dumpster while passing a demolished home in Fort Pierce. Following his instinct, he climbed into the dumpster and discovered the historic bronze plaque from Indian River Junior College’s first graduating class. After retrieving it from the debris, Culverhouse partnered with concerned community member Dorran Russell, who meticulously restored the plaque to its original condition, preserving this vital piece of the College’s heritage for future generations.
A restored bronze plaque honoring Indian River Junior College’s first graduating class, rescued from a dumpster by alumnus Brad Culverhouse, is unveiled during its dedication ceremony at the Miley Library on February 7, 2025. The plaque will be permanently displayed to inspire future generations of Indian River State College students.
“The return of this historic plaque powerfully connects our past to our present,” said Dr. Timothy Moore, Indian River State College President. “As we honor our first graduating class, we also celebrate the dedication of Brad Culverhouse and Dorian Russell, who rescued and restored this precious piece of our heritage. Now standing as a testament to excellence in our Miley Library, it reminds every student who walks through these doors that they’re part of an enduring legacy of transformation and achievement.”
“Discovering this plaque was a profound moment for me. Indian River State College gave me the foundation for my entire career, and now I have been able to rescue a piece of its history from that dumpster. Returning it to where it belongs – where it can inspire future generations – feels like repaying a small part of the tremendous debt I owe Indian River State College,” said Culverhouse.
The graduates noted on the plaque include: Dorothy Barbara Ann Albrecht, Patricia Andrea Barthel, Salvatore Julius Bavuso, Ann Cali, Suzanne Earldean Cathcart, Margaret Jean Edenfield, Robert George Ferguson, Diego Garcia, Jose Garcia, Henry Norman Guyaz, Paul Joseph Hall, John Hamrick, Patricia Ann Harrell, Raymond Francis Jelesky, Lanita Gayle Kent, Adele Jennifer Leeper, Frank Joseph Lembo, Nels Alfred Lovegren, Jon Julian Martindale, Patricia Ann Mendes, June Irene Molnar, Marie O’Hara Moody, Janet Foote Rock, Beverly Janet Rogers, Dorothy Putnam Sparkman, Eloise Lorraine Spatafora, Samuel Worthington Teague, Jr., Thomas Daniel Walker, and Gerald Michael Yates.
“We are incredibly grateful to our alumni whose passion for Indian River State College never wavers,” said Annabel Robertson, Indian River State College Foundation Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “Brad Culverhouse’s rescue of this historic plaque exemplifies how our graduates continue to protect and celebrate the College’s legacy, ensuring that each new generation of students understands the proud tradition they’re joining.”
The plaque is now permanently displayed in the Miley Library at 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, where it serves as a testament to the College’s enduring mission and rich history.
For additional information about the plaque dedication or Indian River State College history, please contact Indian River State College Dean of Learning Resources Mia Tignor, at 772-462-7590 or mtignor@irsc.edu. For information about the Indian River State College Alumni Association, contact Laura Midkiff, Director of Development (Annual Giving and Alumni Relations) at 772-462-7298.
About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 120 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. For more information, visit irsc.edu.
Media Contact: Kathleen Walter, Public Information Officer, kwalter1@irsc.edu
