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News Topic: Community Engagement

Indian River State College Recognizes Local Youth with Full Scholarship
Indian River State College Senior Director of Development Maygan Johnson with Enrique Rosario-Liz.
Fort Pierce, FL (February 5, 2026) — Indian River State College (The River) in partnership with Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County awarded St. Lucie County resident Enrique Rosario-Liz with a full scholarship to the College. The scholarship recognizes Rosario-Liz for his character, leadership abilities and community service.
Rosario-Liz had the option to receive two years tuition-free education through the Indian River State College Promise Program, which would have allowed him to earn an Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree. He chose to receive the four-year Indian River State College Foundation scholarship to support his completion of a Bachelor’s Degree at The River.
“The scholarship provides a powerful springboard toward a future of financial freedom, educational accomplishment, and career readiness,” said Dr. Timothy Moore, Indian River State College president. “Our students benefit from small class sizes, faculty who care deeply about our students’ success, and opportunities for leadership, service learning, and career focused internships that prepares them for lives outside of graduation.”
A Club member for five years and a current 12th-grader at Port St. Lucie High School, Rosario-Liz’s hobbies include reading, writing and listening to music. An obstacle he has overovercome in his life is immigrating to the United States from the Dominican Republic. His platform focuses on providing educational resources for immigrant youth.
Later this year, Rosario-Liz will travel to Washington D.C. where he will compete for Boys and Girls Club National Youth of the Year.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offering 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. Visit irsc.edu.
About Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County: For more than 30 years, we have been empowering young people, nurturing their potential, and equipping them to become responsible, caring, and productive citizens. Through our safe and supportive spaces, we inspire members to overcome challenges, build meaningful relationships, and develop essential life skills. As we celebrate our history, we honor our past achievements while looking ahead to an even greater future—one filled with expanded opportunities, deeper impact, and more bright futures for the youth we serve.
February 5, 2026
Indian River State College Foundation Clay Shoot to Benefit Student Veterans on Feb. 13
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2026) – The Indian River State College Foundation (IRSC Foundation) will host its Veterans Clay Shoot, presented by Gilbert’s Family of Companies, on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the OK Corral Gun Club in Okeechobee. Proceeds benefit the Indian River State College Military & Veterans Center for Excellence, which supports student-veterans across the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee area.
Register as an individual or team—or amplify your impact as a sponsor, including the $500 “Sponsor a Veteran” option that puts a student veteran on the course. Every dollar raised fuels scholarships, career assistance, and day-to-day support through the Indian River State College Veterans Center of Excellence. Space is limited; secure your spot at https://giving.irsc.edu/ways-to-give/clay-shoot/.
“This event directly supports our student veterans and military families—from scholarships to career assistance and day-to-day support,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President. “Our community shows up for those who served, and this shoot turns that support into real results for our students.”
“Supporting our student veterans is one of the most meaningful ways we can give back to those who’ve sacrificed for our country,” said IRSC Foundation Vice President Annabel Robertson, JD, CFRE. “The Veterans Clay Shoot brings our community together for a great cause—every shot fired helps a veteran succeed in the classroom and beyond. We’re grateful to Gilbert’s Family of Companies and all our sponsors for making this possible.”
Participants stand for the national anthem at the Indian River State College Foundation’s Veterans Clay Shoot event, honoring those who have served while gathering for a day of camaraderie and sporting clays.
Schedule:
- 8:00 a.m. – Registration and breakfast; opening remarks by Dr. Moore
- 8:45 a.m. – Required safety talk and course information (12- or 20-gauge only; shells provided; ear/eye protection required).
- 9:00 a.m. – Shotgun start
- Followed by – BBQ lunch with awards & raffle – Prizes are awarded to the top team and individuals.
Location:
- OK Corral Gun Club, 9449 48th Street NW, Okeechobee, FL
Presenting Sponsor: Gilbert’s Family of Companies.
Generous support is provided by Brighton Ammunition, Walpole, Inc., CRI/Level 4, Jacquin & Sons, Remnant Construction, Gordon & Partners Law Firm, and IKONIC Munitions.
Entry Fees:
- Team (4 shooters): $2000
- Individual Shooter: $500
- Sponsor a Veteran Shooter: $500 (covers one veteran’s entry, meals, awards; name on promotional materials).
Register: https://giving.irsc.edu/ways-to-give/clay-shoot/
Sponsorship questions can be directed to John Ramfjord, Senior Director of Development, jramfjord@irsc.edu or (772) 462-4786.
February 5, 2026
Indian River State College Career Expo To Connect Job Seekers with 50 Employers
FORT PIERCE, FL (February 04, 2026) — Indian River State College Career Services, in partnership with Enterprise Mobility, will host its annual Spring Career Exposition on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event is open to the public. Enterprise Mobility is serving as an employment sponsor for The River’s Career Expo, demonstrating its commitment to workforce development and providing students with direct access to career opportunities, industry insight, and professional connections.
More than 50 employers from healthcare, education, public safety, government, and private industry will participate, including Cleveland Clinic, Health First, Martin County School District, St. Lucie Public Schools, Florida Department of Corrections, Seminole Public Safety Department, US Army, Treasure Coast Hospice, and Daher Aerospace.
Job seekers will have the opportunity to interview on-site with hiring managers and learn about immediate employment opportunities. Attendees should bring multiple copies of their resume and be prepared to be interviewed.
“Indian River State College serves as a vital connector between local employers and talented individuals seeking meaningful careers in our region,” said Calvin Williams, Ph.D. Indian River State College Chief Career Officer.
Event Details:
What: Spring Career Exposition
When: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Indian River State College, Building O, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
Cost: Free and open to the public
Participating Employers Include:
Cleveland Clinic, Health First, Treasure Coast Hospice, Martin County School District, St. Lucie Public Schools, Okeechobee County Schools, Florida Department of Corrections, Florida Department of Transportation, Seminole Public Safety Department, St. Lucie County Fire District, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, US Army, Daher Aerospace, Enterprise Mobility, Charter Schools USA, Independence Classical Academy, Boys and Girls Club of Martin County, Hibiscus Children’s Center, Treasure Coast Food Bank, Elder Home Care Services, A Better Way Home Care, ARC of the Treasure Coast, Fastenal Company, Mast Electric Inc., STAline Waterworks Inc., Composite Essential Materials, Tropical Shipping, Jupiter Island Club, Gilbert Family of Companies, Kessel Medical, and many more.
February 4, 2026
RiverBlog: Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the SBDC at Indian River State College
Starting or growing a business can feel overwhelming. But what if you had a trusted guide with decades of real-world experience ready to help you navigate the challenges? That’s exactly what the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Indian River State College (The River) offers to entrepreneurs and business owners across the Treasure Coast.
Regional Director Tom Kindred recently sat down with Kathleen Walter on IRSC Public Media’s RiverTalk to share insights about this invaluable resource. Here are the top 10 things every business owner should know about the SBDC at The River.
1. It’s Not Just for Startups
While the SBDC helps aspiring entrepreneurs launch new ventures, a significant portion of their work focuses on helping established businesses scale and grow. Whether you’ve been in business for five months or 20 years, the SBDC can help you break through plateaus and reach the next level.
2. The Services Are Completely Free and Confidential
That’s right—free. The SBDC is a federally funded program through the Small Business Administration, which means you get access to high-quality business consulting, training programs, and specialized services at no cost. All consultations are also completely confidential.
3. Real-World Experience Sets Them Apart
Tom Kindred brings more than 20 years of experience running his own retail and restaurant businesses. “My greatest education came from the mistakes and failures,” he explains. “My goal is to let folks know how to avoid some of those mistakes that I made in my small business journey.” This isn’t theoretical advice—it’s wisdom earned in the trenches.
Small Business Incubator at the Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College provides one-on-one consulting to entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start, grow, and scale their operations on the Treasure Coast.
4. They Help You Access Serious Capital
In 2025 alone, the SBDC helped clients secure over $21 million in traditional bank loans and an astounding $84 million in government contracts. While they don’t provide loans directly, they help you put together bank packages, build business plans, and connect with every lending institution on the Treasure Coast. The key? Your business needs to be profitable and cash-flow positive.
5. Government Contracting Is More Accessible Than You Think
Through the Florida Apex Accelerator program, the SBDC helps small businesses tap into government contracts at the federal, state, and local levels. Specialist Scotty Wilson guides clients through the entire process—from acquiring a SAMS number to getting minority-owned, woman-owned, or veteran-owned certifications. They even provide a tool called BidMatch that populates daily with contracts matching your business profile.
Tom Kindred, Regional Director, Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College
6. Business Plans Are Living Documents, Not Shelf Decorations
The SBDC uses an intuitive tool called LivePlan to help clients build comprehensive business plans. “This should be a document that we’re using every day to make sure we’re on track,” Kindred emphasizes. The business plan houses your research, addresses tough questions about growth, identifies key performance indicators, and serves as your roadmap for scaling.
7. They Offer High-End Training Programs
The SBDC provides specialized training beyond one-on-one consulting, including:
- Profit Mastery: A 16-hour deep dive into understanding and managing your financials
- QuickBooks Training: Supporting the gold standard in small business bookkeeping
- Digital Media Boot Camp: Preparing businesses to leverage digital marketing and social media
- Team Building Training: Helping you manage and develop your staff
- Smart Start Orientation: A 2.5-hour overview for aspiring entrepreneurs
8. They Have Powerful Industry Research Tools
Scaling a business requires data. The SBDC provides access to high-end industry databases like BizMiner, ReferenceUSA, and VerticalIQ. These tools help you understand industry trends, financial ratios, and competitive benchmarks—critical information for making informed growth decisions.
9. International Trade Isn’t Just for Big Corporations
Through the Export Marketing Plan (EMP) program, small manufacturers can explore international markets. The SBDC partners with Select Florida and U.S. Commercial Services to create comprehensive export marketing plans (valued at around $20,000) that identify global markets for your products and connect you to trade missions.
10. They’re Staying Ahead of the Curve
The SBDC recently received grant funding from Verizon specifically focused on artificial intelligence training. Social media specialist Phil Gauldies is developing courses on AI for 2026, ensuring that Treasure Coast businesses stay competitive in an rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
In 2025, the SBDC at Indian River State College:
- Worked with approximately 800 clients
- Provided nearly 5,000 hours of consulting
- Helped 45-46 entrepreneurs start new businesses
- Secured $84 million in government contracts for clients
- Facilitated $21 million in traditional capital access
Getting Started Is Simple
Ready to leverage the SBDC’s expertise? Just pick up the phone and call 772-336-6285. Ask for Xiomara (Xio) Rosales to schedule your initial consultation. You can also email them at FSBDC@IRSC.edu.
Whether you’re just starting out, looking to scale an existing business, exploring government contracting, or preparing for international trade, the SBDC at Indian River State College has the experience, tools, and connections to help you succeed.
As Tom Kindred puts it: “I can tell you it is worth the engagement to come meet with the SBDC.”
Don’t let your business journey feel like swimming in a vast ocean without a guide. The SBDC is here, ready to help you navigate those waters and reach your destination.
For more success stories from Treasure Coast entrepreneurs, check out Tom Kindred’s podcast, Small Biz Florida, which shines a light on local business achievements.
February 2, 2026
Save the Date: Veterans Hobbies & Helping Hands Fair on March 6
DATE: Friday, March 6, 2026
TIME: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Indian River State College, Veterans Center of Excellence (Building D)
500 NW California Blvd, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986
The Indian River State College (“The River”) Veterans Center of Excellence invites veterans, their families, and the community to discover new passions and purpose at the Second Annual Hobbies & Helping Hands Fair. This free community event offers veterans and their loved ones a chance to explore an array of engaging hobbies and meaningful volunteer opportunities. This event celebrates our veterans by connecting them with activities that enrich their lives and opportunities to continue serving their community.
What to Expect
From artistic pursuits like photography and quilting to outdoor adventures including scuba diving and birdwatching, attendees can sample activities that spark joy and foster connection.
Featured activities include:
- Creative Arts: Photography, Traditional Rug Hooking, Art, Quilting, Crocheting, and Wood Turning
- Outdoor Recreation: Scuba Diving, Golf, Gardening (Herbs and Spices), Birdwatching, and Planetarium Experiences
- Wellness Activities: Yoga, Dance and Exercise, and Budget-Friendly Cooking
- Community Services: Honor Flight, Grace Packs, Children’s Advocacy, Red Cross, and Beekeeping
The fair will also showcase veteran-focused support organizations, including Veterans Services, Warriors for Life, Purple Heart Cane, and Be Believed Here. Whether you’re interested in learning a new hobby or giving back through volunteerism, there’s something for everyone.
Contact: Camilo Medina, Veteran Student Success Coordinator, cmedina@irsc.edu | 772-336-6370
January 27, 2026
USA Team Handball and Indian River State College Launch Strategic Partnership to Establish National Training Presence on Florida’s Treasure Coast
FORT PIERCE, FL — Indian River State College and USA Team Handball officially launched their strategic partnership, establishing a national team training presence on Florida’s Treasure Coast. The collaboration, supported by Play Treasure Coast/Treasure Coast Sports Commission and St. Lucie Public Schools, positions the region as an emerging hub for Olympic sport development.
Players and coaches from the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy pose together following the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy handball match at Fort Pierce Central High School, celebrating the launch of USA Team Handball’s National Training Center partnership with Indian River State College.
Athletes relocated to the region and began training operations in January. The partnership was celebrated with the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy collegiate handball match in Fort Pierce, where the United States Military Academy defeated the United States Air Force Academy 41 – 29. The match was attended by U.S. Medal of Honor recipient SSG David Bellavia, USA (Ret.) and Lt. Gen Frank Libutti, USMC (Ret.).
St. Lucie Public Schools made the Westwood Academy Gym available for training operations, ensuring continuity as The River and USA Team Handball develop dedicated on-site facilities.
An athlete soars during the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy handball match at Fort Pierce Central High School, where the U.S. Military Academy defeated the U.S. Air Force Academy 41-29 in celebration of the USA Team Handball and Indian River State College partnership.
“A consistent training environment requires cooperation, shared resources, and institutional commitment,” said Michael King, CEO of USA Team Handball. “Thanks to Indian River State College, Play Treasure Coast, and St. Lucie Public Schools, our athletes can train with continuity and accelerate toward sustained international performance.”
“Indian River State College is proud to serve as home to USA Team Handball’s National Training Center, joining USA Diving in making our campus a premier destination for Olympic-level athletics,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College. “This partnership creates invaluable opportunities for our students and supports future Olympians right here at The River.”
USA Team Handball became the second Olympic sport National Governing Body to establish operations at The River. The partnership builds training infrastructure and strengthens the United States’ competitive position internationally in preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic cycle.
Download the media kit!
About USA Team Handball: USA Team Handball is the National Governing Body for the sport of team handball in the United States, responsible for national teams, grassroots development, and international representation in Olympic, Paralympic, and world championship competition.
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.
Media Contact: PIO@IRSC.edu
January 23, 2026
Indian River State College and USA Team Handball Launch Strategic Partnership to Establish National Training Presence on Florida’s Treasure Coast
Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy Collegiate Handball Match to Mark Launch on January 17, 2026
Fort Pierce, FL (January 16, 2026) — Indian River State College (The River) and USA Team Handball have formally launched a strategic partnership to establish a sustained national team training presence on Florida’s Treasure Coast, supported by Play Treasure Coast / the Treasure Coast Sports Commission, and St. Lucie Public Schools.
The partnership represents a significant step in USA Team Handball’s long-term national training site strategy, as The River and USA Team Handball collaborate on the development of dedicated, on-site handball facilities. During this maturation phase, St. Lucie Public Schools has provided exceptional support by making the Westwood Academy Gym available for training and programming, ensuring immediate continuity for athletes and staff.
This collaborative effort positions the Treasure Coast as a growing hub for Olympic and international sport development, aligning higher education, public schools, and destination sports tourism around a shared vision for sustained national-level training that prepares athletes for the highest levels of global competition.
“This partnership reflects the kind of collaboration and support it takes to move American handball forward,” said Michael King, Chief Executive Officer of USA Team Handball. “A consistent training environment is always a prerequisite to success, but it is never a given—it requires cooperation, shared resources, and institutional commitment. Thanks to Indian River State College, Play Treasure Coast, and St. Lucie Public Schools, we move directly into a full preparatory environment. That step change allows our athletes to train with continuity and accelerate toward sustained international performance.”
“Indian River State College is proud to serve as the future home to USA Team Handball’s National Training Center, joining USA Diving in making our campus a premier destination for Olympic-level athletics,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President. “This partnership reflects our commitment to excellence in all areas—from academics to athletics—and creates invaluable learning opportunities for our students while strengthening our ties to the Treasure Coast community. We’re excited to welcome USA Team Handball to Fort Pierce and support the development of future Olympians right here at The River.”
Athletes are scheduled to begin relocating and training in the region in January, marking the operational start of the partnership. The public kickoff of the collaboration will take place on January 17, 2026, 3:30 p.m., with the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy collegiate handball match between the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Military Academy (West Point). The match will be held at Fort Pierce Central High School, serving both as a competitive showcase and as a ceremonial launch of the partnership’s physical footprint in the region.
Rick Hatcher, President/CEO of Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism, said, “This event represents everything Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism stands for—elite competition, national impact, and unforgettable experiences. Bringing West Point’s 17-time national championship program together with the U.S. Air Force Academy, alongside U.S. National Team leadership, puts Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, and the Treasure Coast on the map as a premier destination for emerging Olympic sports like team handball.”
“St. Lucie Public Schools is thrilled to partner with Indian River State College, USA Team Handball, and Play Treasure Coast in bringing this exciting national training presence to our community. By repurposing Fort Pierce Westwood Academy’s original gym to serve as a dedicated training venue for elite athletes, we are not only directly contributing to the growth of Olympic-level sports in the United States but also creating unique, inspiring opportunities for our own students. This collaboration exposes our students to world-class athletes, fosters a culture of excellence, and strengthens the ties between education, athletics, and community pride. We deeply appreciate the shared vision and commitment from all partners, and we look forward to the positive impact this will have on our students for years to come,” said St. Lucie Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon R. Prince.
USA Team Handball’s partnership with The River and regional stakeholders reflects a broader commitment to building durable training infrastructure, expanding domestic development pathways, and strengthening the United States’ competitive position internationally in advance of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic cycle and beyond. USA Team Handball joins USA Diving as the second Olympic sport National Governing Body to establish operations at Indian River State College.
Additional announcements regarding facility development, programming expansion, and community engagement initiatives will be made as the partnership progresses.
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About USA Team Handball: USA Team Handball is the National Governing Body for the sport of team handball in the United States, responsible for national teams, grassroots development, and international representation in Olympic, Paralympic, and world championship competition.
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.
January 16, 2026
Indian River State College Foundation Hosts Legacy Society Luncheon Celebrating Planned Giving Impact
Fort Pierce, FL (December 9, 2025) – The Indian River State College (IRSC) Foundation hosted its annual Legacy Society Luncheon to honor and thank donors who have included Indian River State College (The River) in their planned giving. The event served as both an appreciation celebration and an opportunity to share information about the lasting impact of legacy gifts.
Mimi Brown, Annabel Robertson, Mike Brown, and Sherri Monds at the Legacy Luncheon.
“It is truly a privilege to gather today with people whose generosity reaches beyond themselves — people who plant seeds they may never see bloom, yet whose impact is unmistakable,” said Annabel Robertson, Esq., CFRE, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, in her opening remarks. “At Indian River State College, we have the joy of witnessing legacy in action — not as an abstract idea, but as living, breathing change.”
This year’s event was held in the Brown Center for Innovation and Leadership at Indian River State, named by Legacy Society members Mike and Mimi Brown, whom were in attendance. The program featured a compelling testimonial demonstrating how planned gifts have transformed lives and strengthened The River’s mission. Attendees heard from Chris Ciccotelli, who was a first responder who has been able to pursue a second career in nursing through the Mary Fields Scholarship, a legacy endowment.
“Chris Ciccotelli served as a first responder at Ground Zero during 9/11, answering the call when his country needed him most,” Robertson said. “Today, through the support of Mary Fields, he continues that commitment to others as a nursing student — preparing to heal, protect, and serve in new ways.”
The Mary L. Fields Endowment, established in 2005 through a charitable bequest, continues to transform lives with more than 800 nursing students who have received these scholarships. Robertson noted. “Her legacy walks into hospital rooms, classrooms, and clinics every day — through the hands of those she empowered.”
Indian River State College nursing student and 9/11 first responder Christopher Ciccotelli delivers a heartfelt address about his time at The River
The River’s President Dr. Timothy Moore addressed the Legacy Society members, emphasizing the critical role their generosity plays in the institution’s mission. “The legacy gifts we celebrate today represent more than financial support — they represent belief in our students and our community,” Dr. Moore said. “Because of your vision and commitment, we can continue to expand access to education and create pathways of opportunity for generations to come.”
Indian River State College President Emeritus Dr. Edwin Massey and Indian River State College President Dr. Timothy Moore
“Planned giving at Indian River State College is not merely a transaction,” Robertson emphasized. “It is a vote of confidence in what is possible, an act of faith in people we may never meet, and a declaration that education remains the great equalizer.”
The program included welcoming remarks from Robertson, an address by Dr. Moore, and a presentation from Ciccotelli. The Society was excited to welcome member President Emeritus Dr. Edwin Massey to the event.
The Indian River State College Legacy Society recognizes donors who have named the Foundation as a beneficiary in their estate plans. Membership involves no dues or obligations and includes invitations to annual events, seminars, and special recognition.
Planned giving options include gifts through wills or trusts, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, donations of retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and appreciated securities. These arrangements often provide significant tax benefits while supporting the college’s mission.
“At Indian River State College, your legacy is not simply recorded in endowments — it is lived out in people,” Robertson concluded. “That is the remarkable power of legacy giving — it allows each of us to write ourselves into a future we may never see, but that others will someday live.”
For more information about joining the Legacy Society or planned giving opportunities, contact Annabel Robertson at arobertson1@irsc.edu or (772) 462-7241.
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December 9, 2025
Indian River State College Foundation Named Presenting Sponsor of Red, White & YOU Charity Golf Tournament
FORT PIERCE, FL (December 4, 2025) – The Indian River State College Foundation (IRSC Foundation) will serve as Presenting Sponsor for the Red, White & YOU Charity Golf Tournament at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie on Dec. 7, 2025, strengthening the connection between veteran education and rehabilitation programs on the Treasure Coast.
Tournament proceeds benefit PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the flagship military program of PGA REACH, which uses golf to support veterans’ mental, social, physical, and emotional well-being. The sponsorship aligns with Indian River State College’s role as a Military Friendly School serving over 400 student veterans annually through specialized academic advising, career services, and transition support.
“Supporting veterans requires meeting them where they are—whether that’s in the classroom, on the golf course, or preparing for their next career,” said Annabel Robertson, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the Indian River State College Foundation. “This partnership with PGA Golf Club, in support of PGA HOPE, allows us to serve the whole veteran, not just their academic journey.”
“Indian River State College demonstrates its dedication to veterans through daily action—offering specialized programs, tailored support services, and a welcoming environment that honors their service while helping them thrive academically. We’re grateful to partner with the Foundation and PGA Golf Club in our shared mission to transform lives,” stated Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President and Army veteran.
The golf tournament, which is sold out, starts at 9:00 a.m. with opening ceremonies, and concludes with a post-event celebration. Participants, guests, and the general public can donate to the event by bidding on the AmFund “Trip of a Lifetime Auction”. Bidding opens at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025.
Owned and operated by the PGA of America, PGA Golf Club is home to three highly decorated courses designed by renowned architects Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. The Dye Course ranked 15th in Golfweek’s 2025 Best: State-by-State Courses You Can Play rankings, while the Wanamaker Course ranked 19th, making PGA Golf Club one of only a handful of properties with two layouts on the respected list.
“PGA Golf Club and the PGA of America are committed to improving the lives of our nation’s Veterans and their families through the game of golf,” says PGA Golf Club General Manager Jeremy Wiernasz. “My father served in the military, so this event really hits home, as it is something our members and I are passionate about. Since the inception of this program, a decade ago, we have hosted over 200 golf functions including Clinics and HOPE League, impacting nearly 250 veterans. Events like Red, White & YOU significantly help PGA HOPE and its unique programs”.
The Foundation views the tournament as part of its commitment to supporting the College’s military and veteran services programs. Participants are encouraged to continue their support at the IRSC Foundation Charity Clay Shoot at the OK Corral in Okeechobee on Feb. 13, 2026. The Clay Shoot directly funds veteran scholarships and emergency assistance for military-connected students.
“Every dollar raised goes directly to removing barriers for our student veterans,” said Maygan Johnson, IRSC Foundation Director of Development. “We’re asking the community to join us for both events and multiply their impact for those who’ve served our country.”
For more information about PGA Golf Club, visit PGAVillage.com. For more information about Indian River State College Foundation, visit https://giving.irsc.edu/
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About Indian River State College Foundation: The Indian River State College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports Indian River State College’s mission by building partnerships, securing resources, and strengthening community awareness to help students achieve their dreams.
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.
December 4, 2025
Indian River State College, Port Saint Lucie Community Band to Present Holiday Concert Series
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (December 3, 2025) — Indian River State College (The River) music students will collaborate with the Port Saint Lucie Community Band for “Sounds of the Season,” a holiday instrumental concert series running Dec. 4-7, 2025.
Directed by Dr. John K. Southall, the performances feature classical seasonal favorites and contemporary arrangements of traditional holiday melodies. The collaboration provides performance opportunities for The River’s music students while delivering seasonal entertainment to Florida’s Treasure Coast region.
Event Information:
- Event: Sounds of the Season holiday concert
- Performers: Indian River State College music students, Port Saint Lucie Community Band
- Dates and Times: Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.
- Location: McAlpin Fine Arts Center at The River, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida
- Ticket Prices: General admission available ($20 tickets); Seniors and veterans ($17); The River students, faculty and staff ($10 tickets using code RIVER or with valid ID)
- Box Office: Tickets can be purchased in-person, by calling the box office at (772) 462-4750, or online by clicking this link (additional online fees apply). Box Office hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily; opens one hour before performances
- Contact: (772) 462-4750
The concert series showcases instrumental holiday music performed by college music students and community musicians in Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce, Florida.
December 3, 2025