Lucia d'Ancona is the January 2020 Staff Employee of the Month

January 29, 2020 Robert Lane

Port St. Lucie resident Lucia d’Ancona, is being recognized as the Indian River State College January Employee of the Month. Lucia joined the IRSC family in November of 1994, starting as Technical Assistant III. She was promoted to Technician I in 1996, Virtual Campus Course Developer in 1999, Virtual Campus Course Developer I in 2006, and was promoted to Virtual Campus Course Developer II in 2014. Lucia additionally served as an Adjunct Instructor in the Adult Education Department from 2009 to 2014 and took a part-time assignment as Project Research Developer in Adult Education from September 2013 to June 2013.

Starting her IRSC career as the third employee in IT, Lucia is no stranger to technology or its role to serve our students. Lucia was Help Desk Technician until 1999 when she joined the Distance Learning Department as the College began to ramp up online class offerings on WebCT. As part of the Distance Learning team, she provided student support and assisted instructors in developing their online classes—at the time online offerings had to be streamlined as most students accessed the content via IRCC.NET dial-up internet or thru AOL. Lucia continued her growth with the department as courses became more involved with the wide adoption of broadband and the creation of the VirtualCampus in 2013.

Lucia also serves IRSC staff and students by sharing her personal love of Yoga. She volunteers her time and skill to lead RestQ Mission Yoga groups and especially loves to help those who serve or have served by leading Hero Yoga for veterans and public safety students and professionals.

Lucia’s co-workers note how her positive energy and commitment to student success makes a difference. One co-worker states, “Lucia has continuously brought new technologies to IRSC contributing her ability to test, implement, and maintain effective systems.” Another shares about Lucia’s Yoga classes, “I have personally watched normally shy and reserved students come out of their shells and be more outgoing thanks to her Yoga classes.” Finally, another colleague concludes saying. “This year, Lucia has partnered with the Tomeu Mentors Club to open Yoga classes to all students. This initiative has benefitted many students who would have never otherwise been able to afford or attend Yoga classes.”

About the Staff Employee of the Month Award

The Staff Employee of the Month Award recognizes a non-instructional employee. Nominations are evaluated by the Employee Recognition Committee, which is comprised of IRSC staff members, faculty and administrators. For more information, contact Committee Chair Sera Phillips at 772-462-7258.