IRSC Graduates Celebrate Achievement at Fall Commencement Exercises
IRSC Graduates Celebrate Achievement at Fall Commencement Exercises
December 12, 2018 Robert Lane
Indian River State College graduates celebrated their achievements during two Commencement ceremonies on Wednesday, December 12, at the Havert L. Fenn Center in Fort Pierce. At Commencement friends, family, faculty and IRSC employees cheered on more than 2,000 students who earned their Bachelor’s Degree or Associate Degree during the 2018 Summer I, Summer II and Fall semesters.
To date for the 2018–19 academic year, 1,585 students have earned an Associate Degree and 443 have earned a Bachelor’s Degree. This marks the third year in a row that IRSC has offered two Fall Commencement ceremonies to accommodate a graduate population that exceeds 2,000 students. (IRSC will hold its traditional Spring Commencement Ceremony in May.)
This next generation of medical professionals, educators, technology leaders, and more celebrate today’s success readied for tomorrow’s achievement.
Below are some of the inspiring stories from your Treasure Coast neighbors and new IRSC alumni.
Timing can be everything, and for Port St. Lucie resident Samantha Folk, the time is now. Samantha graduated from high school in 2005, and at age 29 decided to further her education. She was determined to achieve her goal of a college education and be an example for her children. That example includes completing her final term this Fall with a 4.0 average. “Being a mother to two young children, I was determined to not only receive my degree, but to do so with the best grades possible.” Shares Samantha. “I studied for countless hours, and it paid off!” Samantha plans to continue her education and has enrolled in the IRSC Radiography program.
Bobbi Jo Jakubowicz (Mother), Faith Fuss (Daughter)
Vero Beach resident Bobbi Jo Jakubowicz, completed her Associate Arts degree this summer and has been anticipating the day she could participate in the IRSC Fall Commencement exercises Wednesday, December 12 with her daughter Faith. “My daughter Faith is my true inspiration! I am beyond proud and excited for both our accomplishments!” shares Bobbi Jo. Both Bobbi Jo and Faith have plans to continue their education with IRSC—pursuing Bachelor’s degrees in the IRSC School of Education. Bobbi Jo plans to earn her B.S. Degree in Secondary Education, Faith is looking forward to start work on her B.S. in Elementary Education.
Dayeli Magaña
A first-generation immigrant, Melbourne resident Dayeli Magaña shares the pride in her achievement of a four-year college education with her entire family. Dayeli’s parents only received a 6th grade education and encouraged her to pursue a higher-education degree. Both were extremely proud when she chose to attend Indian River State College. Dayeli wanted to be involved in school as much as possible, and quickly joined many of the clubs offered at IRSC. Science Club Dayeli opportunities to volunteer in biological settings and helped her better understand her degree and courses along the way. The International Club allowed her to learn the importance of giving back and helping her community, by volunteering her time to read to children, and help food pantries and thrift shops. Building character and management skills, Dayeli attended leadership seminars, and participated in and graduated from the Emerging Leaders program at the College. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Pre-Med in 2014 and has now earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Dayeli’s future plans include applying to graduate schools to pursue a career as a pediatric physical therapist. Dayeli shares her appreciation for the opportunities that have opened to her, “IRSC has given me incredible opportunities for which I am grateful. I know this is not only for myself but for my family as well.”
Donnette Marie Melton
Working full-time and raising a special-needs child, Stuart resident Donnette Marie Melton was also determined to succeed in her academic pursuits. Today she celebrates the accomplishment of earning her Associates Degree with a 3.6 GPA. Donnette attributes much of her success to the encouragement and support of her family and friends. “I recently lost a very dear friend of mine who passed after his struggle with a long-term illness,” shares Donnette. Her participation in the Fall Commencement exercises is in recognition of his support and in his memory. Donnette will continue her education with IRSC pursing her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services this Spring.
Amadeus Posavec
Vero Beach resident Amadeus Posavec is a big believer in getting a head-start, started college classes at the IRSC Mueller Campus at age 12. Watching Amedaus in middle-school, his father felt he was more than ready for the challenge of college. Amedaus started at IRSC as a dually-enrolled homeschool student. “I loved the fact that IRSC allowed me to enroll at a young age, and I feel that I was treated equal to the other students,” states Amadeus. Today, Amadeus is on track to achieve his goal of earning his Bachelor’s Degree at age 18. He plans to pursue his Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology Management and Cyber Security with IRSC this Spring.
