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News Topic: Community Engagement

Career Expo Connects Treasure Coast Job Seekers with over 50 Employers
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (October 1, 2025) — The wait is over. Today, Indian River State College (“The River”) will host its Fall 2025 Career Expo, a marquee recruiting event where students, alumni, and community members can connect directly with employers ready to hire for full-time, part-time and internship positions.
The Expo will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex (Building O) on the Massey Campus in Fort Pierce.
More than 50 organizations representing industries from healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing, technology, finance, and local government will participate, offering attendees the chance to expand their networks and explore career pathways.
Featured employers include:
- Enterprise Mobility
- Health First
- Martin County School District
- St. Lucie County Fire District
- Treasure Coast Hospice
- Pursuit Aerospace
- Fifth Third Bank
“This is one of the most direct opportunities for students, alumni, and job seekers in the community to meet face-to-face with employers who are actively recruiting Indian River State College talent,” said Dr. Calvin Williams, associate vice president of advising and career services. “Whether someone is seeking a first job, a career change or an internship, the Expo is designed to connect them with the right opportunities.”
The Career Expo is the culmination of a month-long slate of professional development programming, including resume reviews with employers, a Career Fashion Show, and a Career Closet initiative, which provides free professional attire to students, alumni and community members. “If you look good and feel confident, you’ll interview better,” Williams added. “The Career Closet and Expo work hand in hand to help attendees prepare and present themselves to employers.”
For more information, contact the Indian River State College Career Services at careerservices@irsc.edu or call 772-462-7470.
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October 1, 2025
The River’s Alpha Phi Sigma to Host Haunted House Fundraiser
September 17, 2025 | Alpha Phi Sigma, the criminal justice honor society at Indian River State College (“The River”), will host a haunted house fundraiser for ages 16 and up on October 24 – 25, and October 31 – November 1, from 6 – 11 p.m. The spine-chilling event will take place at the College’s Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex, located at 4600 Kirby Loop Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981. Brave visitors will navigate through terrifying rooms and creepy hallways where walls might unexpectedly open, while zombies roam the cemetery grounds.
Alpha Phi Sigma’s haunted house promises a scary good time.
Event Details:
- Date: October 24 – 25, and October 31 – November 1, 2025
- Time: 6 – 11 p.m.
- Location: Indian River State College‘s Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex, 4600 Kirby Loop Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
- Admission: $10 general public, faculty, and staff; $5 for Indian River State College students with ID or proof of college registration
- Special Notes: Costumes welcome; no full-face masks permitted for safety
- Age Requirement: 16 and over (not recommended for children under 16)
All proceeds from the haunted house will support the Alpha Phi Sigma scholarship fund, providing financial assistance to criminal justice students entering the baccalaureate program.
The community is invited to attend this fundraiser that combines Halloween thrills with support for local students pursuing careers in criminal justice.
For more information about the event, contact kmassnic@irsc.edu.
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September 17, 2025
Doors Open, Futures Begin: Indian River State College Announces Upcoming Open House Events
Prospective students can explore programs, meet faculty, and discover career pathways at open houses throughout the academic year
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Sept. 12, 2025) — Indian River State College (“The River”) is welcoming prospective students across the Treasure Coast to a series of open house events during the 2025–26 academic year. From nursing to business, public service to science and education, these events showcase the wide horizon of opportunities available at The River year-round.
Upcoming open house events:
- Sep. 16, 2025 – Nursing (Pruitt Campus)
- Oct. 2, 2025 – Business and Workforce
- Oct. 7, 2025 – Public Service
- Oct. 8, 2025 – Math, Science, and Education
- Feb. 9, 2026 – Health Science
- March 2026 – Math, Science, and Education
- April 9, 2026 – Nursing
- April 14, 2026 – Public Service
- April 16, 2026 – Business and Workforce
Prospective students who attend will gain a firsthand look at how Indian River State College programs connect directly to in-demand careers across the Treasure Coast. They will leave with a stronger sense of the skills they will learn, the professions those skills lead to, and how The River provides an affordable and effective route to their goals.
Those who attend an open house see how Indian River State College students benefit from hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs, direct connections to industry leaders, and opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. These experiences ensure graduates leave with the confidence, skills, and professional network needed to succeed immediately in their chosen careers.
For details on open house events, visit https://connect.irsc.edu/?category=open-house. For more information about how Indian River State College can help students take the next step toward their future, visit www.irsc.edu for locations and program offerings.
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September 16, 2025
Remembering 9/11: Indian River State College Honors Fallen Heroes with Tower Run
Sept. 11, 2025 | In solemn remembrance of the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, more than 100 participants at Indian River State College honored fallen heroes through the college’s annual 9/11 Tower Run at the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex.
Participants climb the seven-story fire tower during the 2025 9/11 Tower Run, honoring the firefighters of Sept. 11, 2001
To symbolize the firefighters’ climb of the World Trade Center towers, participants climbed the Indian River State College Fire Academy fire tower, a seven-story building, 16 times — the equivalent of one World Trade Center tower ascent. This year, 106 individuals climbed the fire tower, including Criminal Justice faculty, alumni, students, the full Criminal Justice and Fire Academy tracks, two Marine recruiters, and representatives from the Massey Campus.
Several students pushed beyond the challenge to reflect the endurance of first responders. Six Criminal Justice students completed 32 fire tower runs, representing a firefighter’s climb up and down one World Trade Center tower — while two others ran 36 rounds to help teammates finish their journeys.
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 over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
September 11, 2025
Youth Robotics Program Offered by Indian River State College
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (September 9, 2025) — Indian River State College (“The River”) is excited to announce the launch of its comprehensive Robotics Program designed for young learners ages 10-14. The program, at the College’s Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex, offers students hands-on experience building and programming robots using industry-standard VEX IQ kits, providing an engaging introduction to STEM education.
Young engineers get hands-on experience building and programming robots at The River’s Youth Robotics Program and Camps
Located at 3209 Virginia Avenue in Fort Pierce, the program features three skill levels to accommodate students at different stages of their robotics journey:
Program Structure:
- Beginner ($250) – Our beginner sessions are the perfect introduction to robotics. Students will learn the basics of building and programming robots while exploring how mechanical and coding systems work together. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and creativity! Two sessions available: October 4, 5, 11 & 12, and October 18, 19, 25 & 26
- Intermediate ($150) – Our intermediate sessions are designed for students who already have a foundation in robotics. Students will take their skills to the next level with more complex robot builds, advanced programming concepts, and problem-solving challenges that encourage teamwork and creativity. Two sessions available: November 8 & 9, and November 22 & 23
- Advanced ($150) – Our advanced session is for students ready to take their robotics skills to the highest level. In this session, students will tackle complex engineering builds, explore advanced coding strategies, and work through real-world style robotics challenges that strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation. Session on December 6 & 7
Classes run Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., allowing students to learn at their own pace while exploring fundamental STEM concepts in an interactive, fun environment.
The VEX IQ platform is specifically designed for younger students, featuring snap-together pieces that make robot construction accessible while still teaching real engineering principles. Students will learn to program their robots to complete various challenges and tasks, fostering both creativity and logical thinking.
Register: Space is limited. Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit: Advanced Manufacturing – Indian River State College
Contact: Alex Wrobel, awrobel@irsc.edu or (772) 462-7042
September 9, 2025
Build Your Financial Future: The River’s Fall Seminar Series
WHAT: Fall 2025 Financial Literacy Seminar – A free, two-day virtual educational program designed to help students and community members make informed financial decisions
WHEN:
- Tuesday, October 15, 2025, 5:45 – 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 16, 2025, 5:45 – 8 p.m.
WHERE: Virtual event via Zoom (registration required)
WHO: Open to the public
DETAILS: The Indian River State College Center for Financial Literacy will present its fall seminar series, featuring faculty and community professionals addressing key financial topics affecting community residents. Topics include:
Day 1: Savings, Credit Basics and Financial Independence
- Importance of Saving
- Using AI for Personal Savings
- Understanding Credit and Its Importance
- Journey to Financial Independence
Day 2: Insurance, Debt Management, and Financial Independence
- Debt Management Strategies
- Determining Appropriate Debt Levels
- Insurance Needs Assessment
- Florida Homeowner’s Insurance Updates
- Personal Financial Independence Journey
COST: Free
REGISTRATION: https://connect.irsc.edu/event/403191
BACKGROUND: Established in 2018, the Center for Financial Literacy has served over 1,900 students and community members through nine educational seminars, supporting Indian River State College’s mission to develop workforce skills and student success.
CONTACT: Maria Salome Davis: Phone: (772) 226-2557 | Email: medavis@irsc.edu
September 9, 2025
Discover Your Healthcare Future! Indian River State College School of Nursing to Host Open House on 9/16/25
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2025) — Indian River State College School of Nursing will host a free open house on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the College’s Port St. Lucie campus, 500 NW California Boulevard.
The event provides prospective students with comprehensive information about nursing education opportunities and career paths in the growing healthcare field. Attendees will tour a state-of-the-art simulation center, laboratories, and classroom facilities while meeting faculty and learning about curriculum offerings.
The event features presentations on various nursing specializations, admission requirements, and the application process. Comprehensive student support services will be showcased, including academic advising, financial aid counseling, scholarship information, and tutoring resources. Faculty members will be available to discuss specific program details and career outcomes.
The open house welcomes prospective nursing students, current Indian River State College students exploring healthcare options, career changers, and high school students considering college programs. No prior registration fee is required.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Indian River State College, 500 NW California Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Cost: Free admission
Registration: Online at https://connect.irsc.edu/event/1062758
Information: Phone 772-336-6330 or email IRSCSONprograminfo@irsc.edu
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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 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides over 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
September 9, 2025
Future Nurses to Gain Real-World Experience through Indian River State College and HCA Florida Partnership Expansion
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Sept. 4, 2025) – Indian River State College School of Nursing has expanded its groundbreaking partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals to include HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital and HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital to create Dedicated Education Hospitals (DEH), a transformative collaboration on the Treasure Coast. This expansion strengthens Indian River State College’s partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals, providing enhanced student training, a stronger nursing workforce, and better care for the community.
The DEH model transforms hospital units into structured learning environments where students and professional nurses work side by side. Unlike traditional clinical rotations, the program integrates nursing students directly into hospital care teams, pairing them with nurse preceptors and faculty mentors for real-time, hands-on training.
“Our students are integrated into real-world hospital environments, where they learn directly from experienced nurses,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College president. “This robust collaborative partnership ensures students receive invaluable training while helping to cultivate a highly skilled workforce that benefits our local community.”
Dr. Patricia Gagliano of Indian River State College (left) with HCA Florida Healthcare leaders at the launch of the Dedicated Education Hospital partnership at St. Lucie Hospital.
“This is more than a clinical site, it’s a living classroom where patient care and nursing education are seamlessly integrated,” said Dr. Patricia Gagliano, Dean of Nursing at Indian River State College. “Our students gain the confidence and judgment needed for practice, while hospitals strengthen their workforce, and our community benefits from higher quality of care.”
The partnership expansion will provide Indian River State College nursing students with additional resources, closer mentorship, and a curriculum aligned with hospital practice.
Benefits include:
- For students: stronger clinical competence, faster professional role transition, and improved NCLEX readiness.
- For hospitals: a robust workforce pipeline, higher nurse retention, and innovation in care delivery.
- For the Treasure Coast: safer, higher-quality care and a stronger local healthcare system.
Indian River State College nursing students gather with HCA Florida Healthcare nurses and preceptors to celebrate the launch of the Dedicated Education Hospital partnership.
“It’s a tremendous benefit for our patients and colleagues. These student nurses understand our mission — above all else, we’re committed to the care and improvement of human life — and they will find it interwoven through this program. Shared values and better communication only elevate our teams and the care they provide,” said Tracee Hendershott, Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital.
The initiative was established with a DEH at HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital last year. A joint event welcoming Indian River State College students, faculty, and leaders alongside administrators, nurse managers, and preceptors from HCA Healthcare’s East Florida Division was held to launch the partnership expansion.
To learn more about the Indian River State College School of Nursing, visit irsc.edu/program/nursing/ or call (772) 462-7550.
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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 over 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
About HCA Florida Healthcare: HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. As one of the state’s leading healthcare networks, HCA Florida Healthcare’s 11,100 experienced doctors and more than 84,000 colleagues work together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care through more than 12 million patient encounters annually. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. In 2024, the network provided more than $1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.7 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly trained specialists, including the state’s most comprehensive cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is a leader in training future healthcare professionals, offering 151 Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs at 27 different hospitals with more than 2,400 residents. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
September 4, 2025
Indian River State College Names New Associate Vice Provost and Associate VP for Human Resources
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (August 21, 2025) — Indian River State College announces the appointment of two accomplished leaders. Dr. Mia Tignor assumes the position of Associate Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, and Alessandra Thompson takes on the role of Associate Vice President for Human Resources.
Timothy E. Moore, Ph.D., Indian River State College President, said, “The appointments of Dr. Mia Tignor and Alessandra Thompson represent our commitment to building a stronger foundation that will enhance faculty support, organizational excellence, and ultimately student success as we continue serving the Treasure Coast region.”
Dr. Tignor is a proven higher education leader who has served The River for 12 years in various roles: tenured faculty, department chair, and Dean of Learning Resources. As Associate Vice Provost, Dr. Tignor will expand faculty support beyond the classroom, particularly in the integration of digital tools. She will continue to oversee the Learning Resources division, which includes the College’s libraries, tutoring centers, and online learning departments, and lead the transformation of the Institute of Academic Excellence, ensuring faculty are equipped to deliver innovative, workforce-aligned curriculum.
Dr. Mia Tignor
“I am excited to expand the River’s professional development opportunities and help our faculty explore and integrate digital tools into their teaching that will enhance student learning outcomes,” said Dr. Tignor. “Having served Indian River State College in various capacities over the years, I understand our faculty’s needs and am committed to providing them with the resources, professional development opportunities, and support needed for continued excellence.”
Thompson brings more than 20 years of human resources leadership in global corporations. She recently served as Vice President of Human Resources at Spirax Sarco Group, a FTSE 100 company with 10,000 employees across 50 countries, and previously as Director of Human Resources at Carrier Corporation, a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees. Her expertise includes ERP conversions, Title IX, collective bargaining, talent development, and organizational change management.
Alessandra Thompson
“I’m thrilled to join The River and contribute the insights gained from my corporate background,” said Thompson. “My focus will be on supporting our faculty and employees and strengthening the organizational foundation needed to advance the College’s mission in our community.”
Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides over 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
August 21, 2025
Over 3,000 Incoming Students and Parents Welcomed at Fall 2025 Orientation
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (August 14, 2025) – Over 3,000 new students turned out at Indian River State College as it proudly welcomed its incoming class during New Student Orientation, continuing the College’s tradition of providing accessible, high-quality education to students across the Treasure Coast region. Many of these students will graduate debt-free through the College’s successful Promise Program.
Indian River State College President Dr. Timothy E. Moore, faculty, employees, and dignitaries celebrated the start of a new academic year with incoming students and families. The orientation featured an engaging atmosphere with various activities helping new students connect with peers and prepare them for their college journey.
New Student Orientation was in full swing on Day 1 as incoming students explored the campus before starting their college journey together.
Key Highlights:
- Strong Enrollment: Over 16,000 students have registered for Fall 2025, demonstrating continued confidence in Indian River State College’s educational value
- Promise Program Impact: 2,000+ high school graduates from the Class of 2025 committed to attend Indian River State College tuition-free through the Promise Program, which removes financial barriers for students pursuing Associate Degrees
- Sustained Growth: Indian River State College continues to buck national trends with robust enrollment while many colleges nationwide face declining student numbers
While college enrollment challenges persist nationwide due to rising costs and financial aid complexities, Indian River State College remains a beacon of accessible higher education in Florida.
“We are thrilled to welcome another outstanding class to Indian River State College,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore. “This strong enrollment reflects our continued commitment to innovative, accessible education that transforms lives and strengthens our community. Through programs like Promise, we are ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from achieving their dreams and contributing to our community’s future.”
“The sustained trust families place in Indian River State College, even amid national higher education challenges, demonstrates the exceptional value we provide here at The River,” said Vice President for Student Success Beth Gaskin. “Our students choose Indian River State College because they know we deliver quality education that leads to meaningful careers and seamless university transfer opportunities.”
Indian River State College serves more than 24,000 students annually in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties, offering over 130 programs leading to Bachelor’s Degrees, Associate Degrees, Technical Certificates, Applied Technology Diplomas, and Career Training programs.
The Indian River State College Promise Program is a philanthropy-driven, “last dollar” tuition-paid program sponsored by the Indian River State College Foundation and funded through generous donor philanthropy, covering any remaining tuition costs after financial aid and scholarships have been applied to make Associate degrees accessible to qualifying high school graduates in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties.
For more information about Indian River State College and its programs, visit https://irsc.edu/.
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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 over 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
August 14, 2025