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GRADUATE SPOTLIGHTS

Discover inspiring graduate success stories from Indian River State College that highlight perseverance, innovation, and the pursuit of meaningful careers. From space exploration to healthcare and nursing, these spotlights showcase how River students are overcoming challenges, achieving their goals, and ready to make an impact in their communities.

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News Topic: Community Engagement

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
RiverBlog: 65 Years of Transformation: The Story of Indian River State College
The Florida Legislature officially established Indian River Junior College on January 1, 1960.
By Kathleen Walter
From a single building in 1959 to five campuses serving nearly 24,000 students today, Indian River State College has become far more than an educational institution—it’s a lifeline for the region.
On a recent episode of RiverTalk on IRSC Public Media, two people who embody this remarkable journey shared their perspectives: Dr. Mia Tignor, Associate Vice Provost of Academic Affairs and college historian, and Professor June Wells, who has taught here for an extraordinary 53 years. Their conversation revealed not just the facts of Indian River State College’s evolution, but its soul.
A black and white photo of men in suits and women in dresses doing the conga dance.
From Junior College to State College
The transformation from Indian River Junior College to a state college authorized to grant bachelor’s degrees in 2008 stands as a pivotal moment. As Dr. Tignor explained, this shift allowed Indian River State College to serve students “across all levels of education”—from adult education through bachelor’s programs—making higher education accessible in a region where Indian River State College remains the only public institution serving four counties.
Congratulations to IRJC President Max King and Mrs. King (left) from Governor LeRoy Collins and Senator Harry Kichliter on the establishment of Indian River Junior College.
Professor Wells helped architect this change, literally building the bachelor’s programs in education from the ground up. “It was basically the idea that we were trying to make education available to a bigger kind of population,” she recalled, describing how faculty created courses, wrote syllabi, and adapted content for specialized populations in law enforcement, fire science, and other fields.
Professor Wells was recognized for 45 years of service to the college in 2018.
The Geography of Opportunity
Spanning Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Stuart, Okeechobee, and Fort St. Lucie, Indian River State College’s five-campus footprint shapes its identity in profound ways. Each campus serves distinct populations with unique needs, requiring flexibility in how resources are deployed. At the Pruitt campus, for instance, a joint-use library with St. Lucie County offers early literacy programs for an up-and-coming community—services that might look different at the Fort Pierce campus where other resources exist.
A Personal History
When Professor Wells arrived in 1973 as faculty member number 37, she could barely find Fort Pierce on a map. Fresh from the University of South Florida with a master’s degree in rhetoric and public address, she joined a small institution with just four or five buildings. But she quickly understood her mission: showing young people, especially young women, what they could become.
“Dr. Heise said to me, I want you to go out there and show people, especially young ladies, what they can become,” Wells remembered. In an era when college wasn’t assumed for women, she literally walked students from her neighborhood to registration, helping them believe they belonged in higher education.
Integration’s Legacy
Eight years before Wells arrived, Indian River Junior College merged with Lincoln Junior College as part of integration in 1965. While she inherited this history rather than lived it, she saw its effects—a conscious effort to bring diverse populations together and create a welcoming environment.
Lincoln Junior College was established in 1960.
Digital Evolution
The college’s learning infrastructure has transformed dramatically. Dr. Tignor traced this evolution from the library’s opening in the late 1960s—with its card catalog and physical books—through online catalogs, and now to comprehensive digital resources. Her mother attended library school with card catalogs; Tignor studied an entirely different system 20 years later.
Dr. Tignor attends a college event in 2018.
Today’s students access Adobe Creative Campus tools, Bloomberg Terminals, Wolfram Alpha, and institutional Grammarly subscriptions—professional-grade resources once available only to those already in industry. The 2013 launch of Indian River State College Online expanded flexibility even further, building on earlier innovations like VHS video classrooms that streamed to campuses without resident faculty.
Indian River Community College in 1983
What Endures
Despite all this change, Professor Wells identified something constant: the relationship between faculty and students. Unlike her own college experience, where professors seemed distant, she’s always maintained an atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions, seeking help, admitting confusion. “Never be told that’s a stupid question,” she emphasized, understanding that one dismissive response silences the next person.
This culture of accessibility connects directly to The River’s founding purpose. The junior college system emerged after World War II to meet workforce education needs that four-year institutions couldn’t accommodate alone. The recent Promise Program, which helps make college tuition-free for eligible local students, continues this tradition of opening doors for those who might not have thought college was an option.
Bold Moves Forward
Recent years have brought dramatic developments: a $45 million gift from MacKenzie Scott, the Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex, expanded nursing facilities that double capacity, and programs in rail industries, ballistics technology, and advanced manufacturing. The Center of Excellence for Veteran Students Success recognizes another population Indian River State College serves. These transformative initiatives occurred under the leadership of Indian River State College President Timothy E. Moore in 2020.
How does the college stay ahead of economic needs while remaining true to its mission? Dr. Tignor described a two-tiered approach: maintaining strong core programs like the Associate in Arts while partnering with industries to offer new certifications and short-term training for students who don’t need traditional degrees.
12,000 Students and Counting
Professor Wells has taught more than 12,000 students—a number she processes by remembering individual speeches rather than faces that have aged forty years. Students return and ask, “Do you remember my speech?” And often she does. Citrus blackfly. She remembers.
What drives someone to show up, in person, after 53 years? For Wells, it’s seeing how populations and needs change. Public speaking still needs teaching, but now she incorporates interview skills, because employers report young people “don’t interview well.” The content evolves; the commitment remains.
She wants future generations to remember that The River got them “on the starting block.” Many students tell her their best educational experience happened here. One became a state senator. Others built successful careers from that foundation.
Looking Ahead
What makes them proud? Professor Wells pointed to the college’s ability to see needs and evolve, to find people who can meet those needs and dedicate themselves to making things work. Dr. Tignor spoke of faculty and staff’s extraordinary care for students—a throughline she sees in archival materials from the 1970s through today’s blog posts and course discussions.
“Students are students, faculty are faculty,” Tignor observed. That focus on student success, that care from faculty and tutors and librarians, appears throughout Indian River State College’s entire history.
Students show their River pride in 1980.
Sixty-five years after opening in a single building, Indian River State College remains what it always was: a community deciding that education should be within reach, no matter who you are or where you come from. That commitment endures.
To read more about Indian River State College’s History, visit: https://irsc.edu/about/history/.
This blog post is based on a conversation that aired on RiverTalk on IRSC Public Media, featuring Dr. Mia Tignor and Professor June Wells.
October 20, 2025
Indian River State College Announces Promise 2026 Prep Sessions to Help High School Seniors Unlock Free Tuition
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Oct. 15, 2025) – Indian River State College (“The River”) is hosting a series of virtual information sessions this fall to guide high school seniors and their families through The River’s Promise Program, which offers 100% tuition coverage for eligible Class of 2026 graduates.
Registration: https://connect.irsc.edu/event/irsc.events.1221648
The Promise 2026 Prep Sessions are designed to provide clear, step-by-step guidance to help students take full advantage of this transformative educational opportunity. These free virtual sessions will be offered in both English and Spanish to ensure all families have access to the information they need.
What Families Will Learn:
During these informational sessions, attendees will discover:
- What the Promise Program is and who qualifies for 100% tuition coverage
- The specific steps required to secure acceptance into the program
- Key deadlines and next steps to stay on track for the 2026 academic year
Session Schedule:
Families can choose from multiple dates and language options:
- Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. (English)
- Thursday, Oct. 30 at 5:30 p.m. (Español)
- Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. (English)
- Monday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. (Español)
- Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. (English)
How to Learn More:
Families are encouraged to visit irsc.edu/promise to review program requirements and confirm eligibility before attending a session. For questions or additional information, contact the Promise Program team at promise@irsc.edu.
Subscribe to stay up to date on Promise 2026!
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Indian River State College anuncia Sesiones Promise 2026 para ayudar a estudiantes de preparatoria a obtener matrícula gratuita
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (15 de octubre de 2025) – Indian River State College (“The River”) ofrecerá una serie de sesiones informativas virtuales este otoño para guiar a estudiantes de último año de preparatoria y a sus familias a través del Programa Promise de The River, que brinda matrícula completamente gratuita a los graduados elegibles de la Clase de 2026.
Registro: https://connect.irsc.edu/event/irsc.events.1221648
Las Sesiones de Preparación Promise 2026 están diseñadas para ofrecer orientación clara, paso a paso, y ayudar a los estudiantes a aprovechar al máximo esta oportunidad educativa transformadora. Estas sesiones virtuales son gratuitas y se ofrecerán en inglés y en español para que todas las familias tengan acceso a la información que necesitan.
Lo que aprenderán las familias:
Durante estas sesiones informativas, los asistentes conocerán:
- Qué es el Programa Promise y quiénes califican para recibir matrículagratuita
- Los pasos necesarios para asegurar su lugar en el programa
- Fechas importantes y próximos pasos para mantenerse al día rumbo al añoacadémico 2026
Calendario de sesiones:
Las familias pueden escoger entre varias fechas y opciones de idioma:
- Martes, 28 de octubre, a las 5:30 p.m. (inglés)
- Jueves, 30 de octubre, a las 5:30 p.m. (español)
- Miércoles, 19 de noviembre, a las 5:30 p.m. (inglés)
- Lunes, 15 de diciembre, a las 5:30 p.m. (español)
- Martes, 16 de diciembre, a las 5:30 p.m. (inglés)
Cómo obtener más información:
Se invita a las familias a visitar irsc.edu/admissions/promise/ para revisar los requisitos del programa y confirmar su elegibilidad antes de asistir a una sesión. Para preguntas o información adicional, comuníquese con el equipo del Programa Promise al correo promise@irsc.edu.
¡Suscríbase para mantenerse informado sobre Promise 2026!
October 16, 2025
Teamwork Takes Center Field as Indian River State College Hosts Unified Sports Kickoff
FORT PIERCE, Fla., (October 14, 2025) – Indian River State College (“The River”)Softball hosted a Unified Sports kickball game with Project STAGE students on Monday, October 13, at Dale Atkinson Field. This community event launched Unified Sports at Indian River State College, a Special Olympics program that brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to compete together.
Indian River State College is the first college in the Florida College System to launch Unified Sports.
Indian River State College students and athletes celebrate together during a Unified Sports event, building camaraderie and school spirit through teamwork and connection.
Unified Sports at Indian River State College pairs Special Olympics athletes who are college students with other college students to compete on the same teams. The program encourages students to see past differences and connect through shared effort and sportsmanship. The event celebrated the campus community through friendly competition, music, food, and prizes.
“I think Unified Sports is a great program that allows our students with unique abilities to participate in a friendly competition,” said Brett Williams, Indian River State College librarian and co-sponsor of the program. “It has been wonderful seeing how the student athletes have stepped up to organize and support this event. I am hoping that the unified sports program will continue to bring students of all abilities together fostering friendship and acceptance.”
Project STAGE combines classroom learning through the Specialized Career Training Course with paid and unpaid internships. Students develop job skills, create professional portfolios, and practice interviews while working closely with local employers.
The kickoff event drew enthusiastic participation from both Project STAGE students and the River Softball team, creating a spirited start to what the college hopes will become a long-standing campus tradition.
To learn more about Unified Sports at Indian River State College, visit https://irsc.edu/programs/special-programs/project-stage/ or contact Project STAGE at (772) 462-4257.
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October 14, 2025
New Season, New Energy: Indian River State College Basketball Tips Off with “River Madness” on 10/17
Coach T.J. Jackson unveils a Division I-caliber roster and a new era of fan engagement at The River.
FORT PIERCE, Fla., (Oct. 14, 2025) — Indian River State College (“The River”) is transforming its basketball season opener into a community-wide celebration with the debut of River Madness. River Madness delivers a high-energy, family-friendly showcase — live DJ, local vendors, food trucks, giveaways, and the first look at the 2025–26 men’s basketball roster.
“I want both sides of the bleachers full,” said Head Coach Travis “T.J.” Jackson. “This isn’t just about basketball; it’s about bringing people together and making River basketball part of the fabric of Fort Pierce.”
Event Details
- When: Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
- Where: Indian River State College Massey Campus Gym, 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce
- Admission: Free and open to the public. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
- Media: Media should check in with the PIO at the gym entrance for credentials and courtside access.
After a 10-win rebuilding year, Jackson’s team returns deeper, hungrier, and more balanced. The new roster includes six freshmen who held Division I offers before choosing The River. The student-athletes were drawn to the program’s focus on development, discipline, and academics.
Indian River State College competes in Florida’s Region 8, one of the toughest junior college conferences in the nation. Families also appreciate JUCO’s affordability and proximity; elite competition with little to no student debt.
“River Madness is more than a tipoff,” Jackson said. “It’s the starting whistle for a culture that connects this campus and this city. This is your team, Fort Pierce. Let’s make it sound like home.”
Full season schedules and updates are available at irsc.prestosports.com.
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October 14, 2025
RiverBlog: River Madness Is More Than a Tipoff, It’s a Call to Fort Pierce
By: Rodrigo Berlanga Rodriguez & Kathleen Walter
When Head Men’s Basketball Coach Travis “T.J.” Jackson talks about the 2025 – 2026 season, he rarely starts with stats. He starts with people: students, families, and the community that drive the success of Indian River State College Athletics. It is this same community that he encourages to fill both sides of the bleachers at the gym at the College’s main campus in Fort Pierce.
“I’ve seen on a good day, 20 people in the stands…I want to bring both sides of the bleachers out,” Coach Jackson said in an exclusive interview on IRSC Public Media’s RiverTalk.
Listen to River Talk
On Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., Indian River State College (“The River”) will debut River Madness, a high-energy, family-friendly showcase designed to do exactly that: connect the College’s storied basketball tradition with the heartbeat of Fort Pierce. Think live DJ, local vendors and food trucks, prizes and giveaways, plus your first look at a roster Coach Jackson says is “electrifying.”
Indian River State College Men’s Basketball Head Coach Travis “T.J.” Jackson.
Building a Culture, Not Just a Team
Coach Jackson’s vision is simple and ambitious: make Indian River State College basketball a gathering place. River Madness replaces the traditional Blue & Gold scrimmage with something bigger: a celebration of campus and community. The goal is more than just building hype; it’s about creating a habit. Get fans in the building and build the kind of home-court energy that lifts student-athletes all season long.
Coach Jackson is also explicit about the order of operations: academics, character, then performance. The team standard is a 3.2+ GPA and a diploma for every sophomore. Discipline and accountability aren’t slogans; they’re the scaffolding that allows talent to grow.
Why JUCO, Why Now
If you haven’t been to an Indian River State College game, or any junior college (“JUCO”) game, Coach Jackson thinks you’ll be surprised by the quality of play, especially in Florida’s Region 8. The league is stacked with Division I-caliber athletes and veteran coaches. The 2025–26 roster includes six freshmen who held Division I offers before choosing The River. The attraction? Real minutes, real development, and a culture that treats students like the adults they’re becoming.
Junior college also makes sense for families financially. “It is an opportunity where you’re debt-free, where you don’t have to take out student loans and all that crazy nonsense,” says Coach Jackson. It teaches the off-court maturity that makes the on-court performance sustainable. Coach Jackson’s pitch to parents and players is refreshingly candid: JUCO is the fast track to the four-year level when you combine playing time with academic momentum and character growth.
Coaching With Purpose
Coach Jackson’s story helps explain his drive. He learned the game in the driveway from his mother, a Hall of Famer at Alcorn State University. A devastating knee injury in college ended his playing career, but not his passion; he found coaching while mentoring youth back home in Mississippi. That lived experience shows up daily at The River, in how he develops players and how he talks about their futures.
He’s also meeting the moment on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). The River uses a creative program called “Riverbooks,” a mock-currency system that teaches athletes how value is built through discipline, conditioning, and consistency. The message is clear: control your habits, and you can control your narrative.
The Bounce-Back
Indian River State College won just 10 games a season ago. No one is ducking that. This year’s team is deeper, hungrier, and more balanced, and it plans to restore the standards that River fans know and expect. Coach Jackson credits smart recruiting and an unshakable locker-room culture. The bar is set high, and the path runs straight through home.
Poised for a breakout season, Indian River State College basketball players reflect the grit and confidence driving The River’s renewed spirit on and off the court.
How to Be Part of It
- River Madness: Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at Indian River State College Massey Campus Gym (3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, FL 34981)
- What to expect: Basketball, DJ, local vendors & food trucks, prizes, and giveaways
- Bring: Family, friends, community groups, youth teams, and your voice
- Season info: Schedules and social links are on the Men’s Basketball page at https://irsc.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/index.
Coach Jackson’s door is open, literally. He invites community partners, service groups, and local leaders to reach out about collaborations and game-day experiences for their organizations.
This is your team, Fort Pierce. River Madness is the starting whistle. Let’s make the gym sound like home.
October 10, 2025