Indian River State College Celebrates Commencement With Expanded Ceremonies on April 28 & 29

April 15, 2022 Suzanne Seldes

FORT PIERCE, FL—Indian River State College (IRSC) will confer more than 3,300 degrees during the 2021–22 academic year—2,612 at the Associate level and 735 at the Baccalaureate level—marking a decade of graduating classes exceeding 3,000. Many graduates will participate in Commencement exercises scheduled for Thursday, April 28 and Friday, 29, 2022, at the Havert Fenn Center in Fort Pierce. For the first time in College history, an additional 1,300 students who have earned technical certificates or advanced technology diplomas, general education diplomas or completed career training programs or the IRSC Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) are invited to join the ceremonies.

"Commencement is a special time in the lives of our graduates and for IRSC," shares Dr. Timothy Moore, IRSC President. "We are delighted to start a new tradition this spring and honor all students who made the time to bolster their educational foundation. Whether earning a single certificate to help advance their career or studying non-stop for four years to earn a Bachelor's Degree, these IRSC students have this in common: hard work in the classroom, resiliency in overcoming challenges, and ambition to achieve their dreams."

Thursday, April 28, 2022 Ceremonies:

9:00 a.m.: Associate in Arts Degree ceremony, graduates with last names beginning with A-L
1:00 p.m.: Associate in Arts Degree ceremony, graduates with last names beginning with M-Z
5:00 p.m.: Associate in Science/Associate in Applied Science Degree, Technical Certificate, Advanced Technology Diploma, General Education Diploma, Career Training and EPI program ceremony

Friday, April 29, 2022 Ceremonies:

9:00 a.m.: Bachelor's Degree ceremony

IRSC is privileged to present four outstanding keynote speakers, one for each of the ceremonies:

Representative Dana Trabulsy will headline the 9:00 a.m. ceremony on Thursday, April 28. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Rep. Trabulsy moved to Florida in 1986 and has called St. Lucie County her home since 1991. She is a Florida House of Representatives member, representing District 84. An accomplished marketing and public relations professional, Rep. Trabulsy created All Things Treasure Coast in 2016, a top-ranked marketing and digital advertising agency. She recently gifted her business to the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce and took a position as Director of Marketing for the Treasure Coast Food Bank. She attended Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia.

Secretary Marc Adler is Acting Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida (EFI), Florida's principal economic development organization. He will address IRSC graduates at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28. Adler brings a unique combination of skills to his role at EFI, combining entrepreneurial leadership, legal counsel and business development. He is an alumnus of the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Government and a J.D. from the Levin College of Law.

IRSC alumnus Frank Russo is the keynote speaker at the Thursday, April 28, 5:00 p.m. ceremony. A successful entrepreneur, businessman, coach and decorated athlete, Russo received his Associate in Arts Degree from Indian River Community College in 1982. While at the College, he was a three-time draft pick by the Montreal Expos, New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates, offers that he declined, opting to focus on his degree and pursue his dream of being a Miami Hurricane student-athlete. After IRSC, Russo pursued his B.S. Degree in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training at the University of Miami, where he competed as a Miami Hurricane baseball player in his junior and senior years. As a Hurricane, he fulfilled another of his goals, playing in the College World Series. Russo left Miami to play professional baseball for the Cincinnati Reds Organization in Florida High A-League. In the off-season, he completed his Baccalaureate Degree at FAU. After his baseball career, Russo began work as an orthopedic sports medicine sales representative, eventually founding three companies—Orthopedic Implant Professionals, Orthopedic Solutions and the South Florida Learning Center. He has earned numerous industry accolades, including Global Sales Performer of the Year for Stryker Orthopedics. Russo has since diversified his professional life by forming a company that builds and sells luxury waterfront homes in South Florida. In 2020, he was enshrined in the Levittown Hall of Fame to recognize his outstanding professional, academic and athletic achievements.

Joshua Kellam, President of The Garcia Companies and its affiliate businesses, shares his experiences with students at 9:00 a.m. on April 29. Kellam is an entrepreneur and executive officer with broad experience in all facets of land management, diverse development and community governance. His visionary leadership and vast knowledge of multiple disciplines have enabled him to lead complex initiatives in renewable energy, agricultural operations, environmental stewardship and real estate development. Kellam is directly involved in his community through multiple organizations. His professional inspiration is dedicated to a legacy deeply rooted in integrity. A true relationship builder with an unparalleled approach to business, Josh is a steward for the future and a believer in possibility.

"This day is a celebration, and it's a privilege to honor our students' dedication, perseverance and great success," shares Dr. Moore. "We look forward to the many future achievements of these 2022 graduates throughout their lives and careers."