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News Topic: Foundation & Fundraising

RiverBlog: Geoffrey Smith Sculpts the Falcon: Inside the Artist’s New Commission for Indian River State College
Smith discusses his lifelong connection to wildlife art and what it means to bring this piece to life.
Geoffrey Smith stands next to the clay model of the peregrine falcon he is working on that will eventually be installed as a bronze statue at Indian River State College.
From Wood Carving to Bronze Casting: How Geoffrey Smith Found His Medium
Walk into Geoffrey Smith’s studio on Dixie Highway in Stuart and you understand why he never left. Bronze creatures fill every surface — sailfish, sea turtles, kingfishers, an octopus mid-reach. Outside, a rewilded preserve hums with egrets and spoonbills. In fact, manatees have been known to wander in at high tide.
Smith is one of America’s most celebrated wildlife sculptors. His 18-foot bronze sailfish is the iconic symbol of downtown Stuart. In 2017, his lotus sculpture Rising Above was presented by President Trump to Pope Francis as an official diplomatic gift. It now lives permanently in the Vatican. And he’s currently at work on a new bronze peregrine falcon for Indian River State College (The River). This bird is the College’s mascot.
It started with a grandfather — a retired orthopedic surgeon who carved wood and passed the skill to his grandson. Smith grew up hunting and fishing on the northern California coast. He made duck decoys through high school and college before relocating to Montana, where he discovered bronze casting. The difference from woodcarving struck him immediately.
“I’m going from working with wood, where you’re taking away the whole time,” said Smith. “With the sculpting, you would add wax and then take it away, add, take away. So you couldn’t mess it up, you just keep working it.”
He cast his first piece, sold it, and never looked back. “I thought, holy smokes — I could make this work.”
A Studio Rooted in Florida Wildlife: Manatees, Kingfishers, and a Rewilded Preserve
He arrived in Stuart in 1997 and stumbled into a downtown gallery space when the previous tenant was moving out. “They had the perfect pigeon,” he laughs. He ran it for nearly 30 years.
The drive behind his art, Smith says, comes from “someplace deep and dark.” He describes himself as compelled to tell the story of the wild. He is frustrated that so many people miss the nature right in front of them.
“So many people don’t see the nature around them,” said Smith. “You can’t get to my gallery without passing a kingfisher — they are everywhere. And I know it drives my wife crazy when we’re driving because she doesn’t think I pay attention to the road.”
His studio property reflects that obsession: he’s rewilded the preserve behind it. During Florida’s manatee crisis, the animals found their way in to graze on cordgrass he planted. “We even had the manatees coming up and eating the salt marsh cordgrass when all the manatees were starving. I love it.”
The Stuart Bronze Sailfish: A Treasure Coast Landmark With Global Reach
The Stuart sailfish commission began with a T-shirt fundraiser that wasn’t going to get the job done. Smith worked his connections — hauling sculptures to fishing tournaments, asking for donations — until one patron, Ed Selian, waved him off. “He said, ‘I’ll pay for the whole thing.’”
The piece took a year and a half. It became something nobody predicted.
“That fish is known in the sport fishing world around the world. You can go to Costa Rica, into the marina — I say the Sailfish and they go, Oh, that Geoffrey Smith.”
“I could never have dreamt of the impact that one sculpture would have. I think that speaks to the power of art.”
“Rising Above”: The Florida Lotus Sculpture That Became a Vatican Diplomatic Gift
The lotus piece for the Vatican had similarly humble origins — a family airboat trip on Lake Okeechobee, where Smith first encountered the flower. He eventually made a version for a hospital entrance. When the State Department called, he knew exactly which piece to offer. “I said, that piece — I think what could be more fitting?”
He wasn’t allowed to say anything in advance. The morning the news broke, his phone rang before six. “It was my wife’s ex-husband. He’s like, ‘Geoffrey, turn on the news. You won’t believe it.’”
The River’s Peregrine Falcon Bronze: A Symbol of Student Commitment
The Indian River State College falcon commission is personal. His daughter Carolyn earned her AA through the Clark Advanced Learning Center via the College’s Dual Enrollment program. Her college diploma arrived roughly one week after her high school graduation. Smith attended the graduation ceremony and came away moved.
“I’ve been to lots of graduations — MBAs, college. And I said that graduation was the best. President Moore included everybody. What a great place Indian River State College is.”
The sculpture captures the instant a peregrine falcon commits to its dive — 160 miles an hour, nothing stopping it.
“It’s captured the moment of decision — when that bird has gone from just flying around to seeing its prey, and now it’s committed. For the student, the symbolism: they see their future, they know they’re going to graduate and move forward. Hopefully the students will resonate with that.”
Asked what keeps him rooted here when the world has clearly noticed him, Smith doesn’t hesitate.
“Martin County is like a living sculpture garden for me. Community, friends, family — I built my life here. This is my happy place.”
Most mornings, he is paddleboarding to Jupiter Island before the sun gets too high, watching whatever wildlife is nearby. Then a 10-minute drive to the studio, where the bronze work awaits.
“If I’m not out doing an adventure in the wild, I like to be making something.”
Click here for the RiverTalk interview with wildlife bronze sculptor Geoffrey Smith on IRSC Public Media. Smith discusses his career, his Treasure Coast studio, and what drives him to capture Florida’s wildlife in bronze.
To follow the development of Smith’s falcon statue for Indian River State College, visit the College’s website at irsc.edu.
March 31, 2026
RiverBlog: 60 Years of Care: Indian River State College’s Nursing Program Celebrates a Milestone — and Looks to the Future
Six decades ago, Indian River State College made a promise to the Treasure Coast: we will train the nurses this community needs. As the college reflects on the 60th anniversary of Indian River State College’s Associate Degree Nursing program, that promise has never been stronger.
Before simulation labs and digital records, nursing education was built on hands-on instruction and dedication. This 1975 photo captures practical nursing students at Martin Memorial Hospital — part of a long tradition of clinical training that Indian River State College has carried forward for 60 years.
Since 1965, thousands of graduates have walked out of this program and into emergency rooms, ICUs, pediatric wards, and community clinics across our region and beyond. Today, when you walk into Cleveland Clinic or Lawnwood Regional Medical Center, there is a very good chance your nurse is an Indian River State College graduate — and that they chose to stay right here on the Treasure Coast to serve the community that trained them.
A Program Built for This Community
What makes Indian River State College’s nursing program truly distinctive is its deep roots in the region it serves. Executive Dean Dr. Patty Gagliano, who leads the college’s Health Sciences Division, describes a program that has grown alongside the community — one where it is not uncommon for a student to walk in and say their parent sat in the same classroom, trained in the same clinical settings, and built a career right here at home.
A new chapter begins. Guests got their first look inside Indian River State College’s state-of-the-art School of Nursing simulation center during the 2023 ribbon cutting, where faculty demonstrated the cutting-edge technology preparing the next generation of Treasure Coast nurses.
“It is a full circle life,” Dr. Gagliano shared on a recent episode of River Talk on Indian River State College Public Media. “When you see a parent and a child in our program, graduating and working — that speaks to the quality of what we do and the breadth and depth of who we reach.”
Dr. Patty Gagliano, Executive Dean of Health Sciences at Indian River State College, has dedicated her career to building a nursing program that serves — and reflects — the community it trains.
John Ramfjord, Senior Development Director at the Indian River State College Foundation, has seen that quality firsthand. In his first weeks on the job, he met with healthcare partners across the region and heard the same thing repeatedly: Indian River State College nurses are different.
“The stories I heard about hiring Indian River State College nurses meant that they were getting a quality employee,” Ramfjord said. “They weren’t leaving, they were staying. You hear stories all the time of high turnover in nursing and nursing shortages — but this is one of the few places at full capacity, in part because of the quality of students coming out of Indian River State College.”
That reach extends to Indian River State College’s state-of-the-art simulation center, located at the College’s Pruitt Campus in Port St. Lucie. The simulation center replicates a real nursing unit with 11 fully equipped rooms, the same alarms, tools, and equipment students will encounter in any acute care facility in the area. Students gain hands-on experience from birth to hospice care — all in a controlled, safe environment — before ever setting foot on a hospital floor. Ramfjord, who has toured nursing programs at colleges and universities across the country, is direct in his assessment.
“I have seen several other colleges and universities with nursing programs, and they pale in comparison to the resources that we have here for preparing our nurses,” he said. “It is second to none.”
It is, by any measure, one of the finest nursing training facilities in the state.
Celebrating 60 Years — and Funding the Next 60
To mark this milestone, the Indian River State College Foundation is launching the 60 for 60 Campaign — an initiative inviting the community to give $60 or more in celebration of 60 years of nursing excellence. Every gift will help shape the next generation of nurses, supporting scholarships, student resources, and faculty development.
Indian River State College School of Nursing student Andrew MacDonald practices life-saving skills in the college’s simulation lab — the same skills he will carry into hospitals and healthcare facilities across the Treasure Coast.
As Dr. Gagliano put it, “Foundation support opens doors — for students to get into the campus, through scholarship, through the resources they need to be successful.” Faculty, she notes, are “the unsung heroes” of nursing education, providing the one-on-one mentoring and guidance that carries students across the finish line from student to nurse.
Ramfjord sees the campaign as a natural extension of the pride the community already has in this program. “The buy-in is a sense of pride that the community has in the quality of students that Indian River State College Nursing produces — and that’s what has allowed the 60 years to continue,” he said. “I’d like to see that continue, which is why we’re having this campaign.”
To learn more or get involved in the 60 for 60 Campaign before its official launch, contact John Ramfjord at 772-462-7244, or visit giving.irsc.edu.
Is Nursing Your Path? Find Out April 6th
Whether you are working a job you do not love, a recent graduate looking for direction, or a CNA or EMT ready to take the next step — Indian River State College wants to meet you where you are.
Teamwork is at the heart of nursing. An Indian River State College instructor guides students through a collaborative patient care simulation, mirroring the real-world clinical environments they will enter upon graduation.
“It’s not a physical appearance where they all look the same,” Ramfjord noted of Indian River State College nursing students. “It’s the internal drive, the internal motivations. The willingness to care is what our nursing students look like.”
The college is hosting a Nursing and Health Sciences Open House on Monday, April 6th, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at the Pruitt Campus. Simulation labs will be open, faculty will be on hand, and advisors, financial aid officers, and library services staff will all be available to answer your questions. It is a chance to see yourself in the role — and to see what 60 years of excellence looks like up close.
Learn more and plan your visit at irsc.edu.
River Talk is produced by Indian River State College Public Media and is available at wqcs.org. The full episode featuring Dr. Patty Gagliano and John Ramfjord is available now.
March 24, 2026
Indian River State College Foundation Veterans Clay Shoot Raises $80,000 for Student-Veterans
OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (February 19, 2026) — The Indian River State College Foundation (IRSC Foundation) hosted its annual Veterans Clay Shoot on February 13, 2026, at OK Corral Gun Club in Okeechobee, Florida, raising $80,000 to support student-veterans and military families enrolled at Indian River State College (The River), the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee’s public college and one of Florida’s premier state colleges.
A participant takes aim during the IRSC Foundation Veterans Clay Shoot
The event was presented by Gilbert’s Family of Companies and drew more than 120 participants competing across 30+ teams. Funds raised will be directed to The River’s Military and Veterans Services Department to provide financial support, career assistance, and day-to-day assistance for the college’s enrolled student-veterans.
Timothy E. Moore & Bert Culbreth
Event Overview
- Date: February 13, 2026
- Location: OK Corral Gun Club, Okeechobee, Florida
- Format: Sporting clays team competition, 30 teams, 120+ participants
- Funds Raised: $80,000
- Beneficiary: Indian River State College Military and Veterans Services Department
- Presenting Sponsor: Gilbert’s Family of Companies
The event began with breakfast and opening remarks from Indian River State College President Dr. Timothy E. Moore, followed by a mandatory safety briefing before a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start. A BBQ lunch, awards ceremony, and raffle followed the competition.
Competition Results
- Top Team: Williamson Cattle
- Individual Winners: Shawn Peters and James Anderson (tie)
- Winning Veteran: Larry Gegg
“Sponsor a Veteran” Program
Through the event’s “Sponsor a Veteran” initiative, seven student-veterans participated in the clay shoot at no cost, funded by donor contributions designated specifically for veteran participation. Twenty veterans also participated.
Annabel Robertson & Frank Libutti, former U.S. Marine Corps general
Quotes from Indian River State College Leadership
Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President, Indian River State College: “Eighty thousand dollars raised in a single morning is a powerful statement — not just about what we can do for our student-veterans, but about who we are as a community. These funds mean financial support, career assistance, and the kind of day-to-day help that allows a veteran to stay in school and finish what they started. That matters more than any of us can fully measure.”
Frank Libutti, Chairman of the Board of Directors, IRSC Foundation; Retired Lieutenant General, United States Marine Corps: “I’ve led Marines in some of the most demanding conditions imaginable. What I saw today was different — civilians standing up for veterans, not because they had to, but because they chose to. That kind of community commitment is what makes the difference between a veteran who struggles after service and one who thrives. Our student-veterans deserve exactly this.”
Annabel Robertson, JD, CFRE, Vice President, IRSC Foundation: “A college degree changes the trajectory of a life. For a veteran who has already given so much, it is our duty to help support the bridge between service and a civilian career. This event helps us make sure that bridge is there when they need it. At Indian River State College, we stand shoulder to shoulder with those who have stood for our nation.”
Bert Culbreth, Sponsor & Vice Chair, IRSC Foundation: “Supporting the men and women who have served our country is something we take seriously. This event brings our community together around a shared commitment to making sure veterans have every opportunity to succeed after service, and we’re proud to play a part in that.”
Event Sponsors
- Presenting Sponsor: Gilbert’s Family of Companies
- Supporting Sponsors: Airstron Mechanical; Brighton Ammunition; Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC; Crary Buchanan, PA; Dr. Timothy Moore; Everglades Equipment Group; Gilbert Experience, LLC; GlobalTech, Inc.; IKONIC Munitions; InjuredVeterans.com (Gordon & Partners); Jared Queen; Kimley-Horn; Level Four Financial; Nylacarb Corp.; Pace Machine & Tool, Inc.; Paul Jacquin & Sons, Inc., Seacoast Bank; SouthState Bank; Spiezle Architectural Group; Team Parks, Inc.; UES – Universal Engineering Sciences; Venergy Group / AutoBuilders; Verdex Construction; and Walpole, Inc.
For more information or to support Indian River State College student-veterans:
- Website: https://giving.irsc.edu/
- Contact: John Ramfjord, IRSC Foundation Sr. Development Director, 772-462-4786
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About Indian River State College (The River): 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 the IRSC Foundation: The Indian River State College Foundation provides educational opportunities through scholarships and program support. As the funding partner of Indian River State College, the Foundation works to ensure that quality education remains within reach for all students.
February 23, 2026
Donor Spotlight: Kate Beckwith Woody
Turning Leadership into Opportunity Through the Promise Program
When Kate Beckwith Woody first learned about Indian River State College’s Promise Program, she discovered something that perfectly aligned with her core beliefs: the transformative power of education and the responsibility we all share to give back to our communities.
Kate Beckwith Woody
“I truly believe in philanthropy and education,” says Woody, whose recent leadership gift to the Indian River State College Foundation (IRSC Foundation) and Indian River State College (The River) has made her one of The River’s most impactful supporters. “Everyone needs to give back in some form. My family and I are blessed, so we give back.”
A Personal Connection with a Touch of Humor
Woody’s journey with The River began with the Chip Woody Legacy HVAC Lab, named in honor of her late husband. What makes this gift particularly meaningful—and showcases Woody’s infectious sense of humor—is that Chip never graduated from college and, despite owning an HVAC company called Smith Services, “didn’t know how to turn an air conditioner on.”
“He was an entrepreneur who loved to build companies, but he was not a man with a tool belt,” Woody laughs. “What a great honor to him was to fund a college HVAC program for something he didn’t even know how to turn on. It just tickled me.”
Chip Woody
This blend of heart and humor captures exactly who Kate Beckwith Woody is—someone who finds joy in meaningful giving while never taking herself too seriously.
Discovering The River’s Hidden Gem
With a home on John’s Island in Vero Beach for 20 years, Woody initially didn’t realize how much The River impacted her daily life. That changed when she met Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College president, and learned about The River’s comprehensive programs.
“Anywhere you go, you are impacted by the college, but you’re not thinking about it,” she explains. “The hospital technicians, the EMS workers, the police officers—they’re all there because of The River. We have such great crown jewels in Vero Beach, and Indian River State College should be up there with them.”
Annabel Robertson, Kate Beckwith Woody, and Timothy E. Moore
Now serving on the Indian River State College Foundation Board since November, Woody has become passionate about raising awareness of the college’s impact. “I don’t think people understand how much The River impacts them, especially when everyone is from elsewhere and thinking about their old college or hometown. But this is also your home now.”
The Promise Program: Breaking Generational Barriers
What truly energizes Woody is Indian River State College’s Promise Program, which provides free tuition to eligible students.
“That is so impactful,” Woody emphasizes. “This is the only thing we can give our kids anymore—the opportunity to learn, find their passion, and be part of a community.”
She sees the Promise Program addressing critical workforce needs while opening doors that might otherwise remain closed. “Think about a kid whose parents just wanted them to get through high school and then go into the workforce. What a great opportunity for them to get a degree and be able to support a family.”
Woody particularly highlights the program’s impact on essential services: “Our police officers in Indian River Shores also have to be EMTs and firefighters. Indian River State College helps them become who they want to be. And with the nationwide nursing shortage, we need passionate students who want to be there—not someone who went to nursing school just to meet a doctor.”
A Philosophy of Giving Back
Woody’s commitment to philanthropy stems from lessons learned early in life. “That was something I learned from my parents and grandparents—you do give back.” Her parents were heavily involved with museum work, building sculpture gardens and supporting arts in Pittsburgh, where she was born.
Now, with her eclectic, colorful personality (she calls her Richmond Hill home “Cheshire” after the Cheshire cat and keeps four stuffed sheep that “travel around the house” for her grandsons to discover), Woody brings that same creative energy to her philanthropic vision.
Inspiring Others to Invest in Community
For Woody, supporting Indian River State College isn’t just about writing checks—it’s about recognizing that we all have a stake in our community’s future. “Sometimes you need to support where you’re living now, not just where you used to live,” she notes.
Her message to other potential donors is both practical and heartfelt: the Promise Program doesn’t just change individual lives; it strengthens the entire community by developing the skilled workforce we all depend on daily.
“The program teaches students to be responsible, to maintain their grades, and to get to class. They make a pledge—they sign a commitment. That’s a learning lesson in itself.”
Through her generous leadership gift and ongoing board service, Kate Beckwith Woody exemplifies how one person’s vision can create ripple effects of opportunity for generations to come. Her support of the Promise Program ensures that more first-generation college students will have the chance to break barriers, pursue their passions, and give back to their own communities in turn.
To learn more about supporting the Promise Program and Indian River State College’s mission, contact the Indian River State College Foundation. Visit giving.irsc.edu or contact the Indian River State College Foundation at (772) 462-4786.
February 9, 2026
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
What Really Happened in 1776? Fielden Institute Reveals the Dramatic Story Behind America’s Founding Document
Event Details:
- Event Name: Divided Minds and the Birth of the Declaration
- Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Location: Indian River State College, Massey Campus, Room V-110, Fort Pierce, FL
- Cost: Free (reservations required)
- Registration: Call 772-462-7880 or email tlacey1@irsc.edu
- Target Audience: Lifelong learners, adults 55+, history enthusiasts, community members
- Event Type: Distinguished Lecture Series, educational seminar, 250th anniversary year commemoration
FORT PIERCE, FL (January 22, 2026) – They didn’t all agree. In fact, they argued, debated, and fundamentally disagreed about the future of a nation that didn’t yet exist. The story of the Declaration of Independence isn’t just about unity—it’s about brilliant minds clashing over ideas that would change the world forever.
In honor of the 250th anniversary year of this pivotal moment in history, the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning at Indian River State College presents “Divided Minds and the Birth of the Declaration” on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Massey Campus, Room V-110.
Forget what you learned in high school. This isn’t your typical history lecture. Four dynamic scholars will pull back the curtain on the heated debates, competing visions, and raw ambition that shaped the document we celebrate today—and explore why those 250-year-old arguments still matter in 2026.
Featured Speakers and Topics:
- Dr. David Purificato (Indian River State College) – Historical events leading up to the Declaration of Independence
- Dr. Carl Colavito (Florida State College at Jacksonville) – “Divisions Among the Founders Shape a New Nation”
- Dr. Debidatta Mahapatra (Florida State College at Jacksonville) – “Great Minds Not Just Conform but Also Confront: An Exploration Into the Clash of Visions that Shaped the Declaration and the Aftermath Thereof”
- David Yankwitt (Indian River State College) – Contemporary context and modern implications
- Moderator: Scott Simmons (Indian River State College)
This engaging morning promises lively discussion, surprising revelations, and historical insights about America’s founding.
This free event is designed with lifelong learners in mind, and all community members with a curiosity about American history are welcome. Reservations are required. Space is limited, so secure your spot today by calling Theresa Lacey at 772-462-7880 or emailing tlacey1@irsc.edu.
Come discover that the birth of America was messier, more contentious, and far more fascinating than you ever imagined.
About the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning: The Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning, operated by the Indian River State College Foundation, transforms curiosity into discovery. Through thought-provoking courses, lectures, and programs, the Institute creates a vibrant community where adults explore new ideas, engage with expert scholars, and feed their passion for learning. The Indian River State College Foundation supports educational excellence and enrichment opportunities that enhance the college’s mission to serve the Treasure Coast community. It’s education for the joy of it—because the best students never stop asking questions.
Contact:
Theresa Lacey, Program Director
Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning
Indian River State College Foundation 772-462-7880
tlacey1@irsc.edu
January 22, 2026
Indian River State College Foundation Opens Scholarship Opportunities for 2026-2027 Academic Year
FORT PIERCE, FL (January 14, 2026) — The Indian River State College Foundation (Foundation) announces its academic scholarship application period for the 2026-2027 academic year is now open. The Foundation provides Indian River State College students access to millions in educational funding annually. Following a record-breaking year of awarding over $5 million in student scholarships and Promise Program support, the Foundation continues its commitment to making higher education accessible to students in the College’s service area of Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties.
Key Details:
- Application Opens: Now for 2026-2027
- Eligibility: New and returning Indian River State College students
- Award Criteria: Multiple factors including academic achievement, career goals, financial need
- Application Status: Open until all funds are awarded
“Education should never be out of reach due to financial constraints,” emphasizes the Foundation’s Executive Director, Annabel Robertson, Esq., CFRE. “Through these scholarship opportunities, we’re removing barriers and empowering students to pursue their academic dreams and career aspirations.”
The Foundation offers over 300 unique scholarships tailored to individual student needs and backgrounds. Awards consider various factors, including career and academic interests, academic achievement, community involvement, county of residence, financial need, and organizational affiliations.
Important Note: These scholarships are administered separately from The River’s Promise Program and represent additional funding opportunities for eligible students.
How to Apply:
1. New students must first apply for admission at https://irsc.edu/admissions/index.html
1. Activate College email account
1. Visit the scholarship portal at https://irsc.student.awardedsoftware.com/auth/login
1. Complete scholarship profile with College email credentials
Students are strongly encouraged to apply early, as applications are evaluated on a rolling basis until all funds are distributed.
“These scholarships represent more than financial aid—they represent opportunity, accessibility, and our belief in every student’s potential,” adds Robertson. “We are invested in our students’ success and the future of our community.”
To learn more about the Indian River State College Foundation, scholarship opportunities, and how to support student success, visit giving.irsc.edu.
About Indian River State College Foundation: The Indian River State College Foundation provides educational opportunities through scholarships and program support. As the funding partner of Indian River State College, the Foundation works to ensure that quality education remains within reach for all students.
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January 14, 2026
Kate Beckwith Woody Supports Indian River State College Promise Program with Transformational Gift
Vero Beach philanthropist’s leadership donation will expand opportunities for college students in Indian River County
Fort Pierce, Fla. (January 13, 2026) – Indian River State College (The River) and the Indian River State College Foundation are proud to announce a transformative leadership gift from Vero Beach resident Kate Beckwith Woody, a devoted supporter whose philanthropic vision will create lasting impact for students and the community. Woody’s generous donation will directly support Promise Program students in Indian River County, ensuring that last-dollar tuition assistance reaches eligible students who have exhausted all other financial aid options. 55.3% of students in the 2025-2026 Promise Program are the first in their families to attend college.
Kate Beckwith Woody
“I truly believe in philanthropy and education,” said Kate Beckwith Woody, who also serves on the Indian River State College Foundation Board. “Everyone needs to give back in some form. My family and I are blessed, so we give back. The Promise Program is so impactful because it gives students the opportunity to learn, find their passion, and be part of a community. Think about a kid whose parents just wanted them to get through high school and then go into the workforce – what a great opportunity for them to get a degree and be able to support a family.”
The Promise Program, established to promote economic mobility, is a last-dollar scholarship initiative for graduating high school seniors across Indian River State College’s four-county service region, covering remaining tuition costs after all other financial aid has been applied. Woody’s leadership gift will specifically support Promise students from Indian River County, ensuring local graduates have access to this life-changing opportunity. Students who qualify receive last-dollar tuition coverage while maintaining academic standards and meeting attendance requirements. The program specifically targets students who might not otherwise have access to higher education, creating pathways to careers in high-demand fields including healthcare, public safety, education, and skilled trades.
“Kate Beckwith Woody represents the very best of community partnership and philanthropic leadership,” said Annabel Robinson, Indian River State College Vice-President of Institutional Advancement and Indian River State College Foundation Executive Director. “Her leadership gift to the Promise Program will break down barriers for countless Indian River County students who might otherwise never have the opportunity to pursue higher education. This transformative investment ensures that last-dollar tuition support reaches students right here in our own community, creating a lasting impact for generations to come.”
Beyond covering tuition costs, the program provides comprehensive student support services, academic advising, and career guidance. Students must maintain a minimum GPA, ensuring they graduate with not only degrees but also the skills and work ethic employers demand.
Since its inception, the Promise Program has prepared students to enter the workforce in essential roles throughout the community. Many alumni have gone on to pursue bachelor’s degrees, while others have started successful careers in fields where the region faces critical shortages.
“Kate’s extraordinary generosity exemplifies the transformative power of philanthropy in higher education,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President. “Her leadership gift will create opportunities for generations of Indian River County students to achieve their dreams and contribute to our community’s growth. This investment in last-dollar tuition support ensures that no qualified student in Indian River County will be turned away due to financial constraints. We are deeply grateful for Kate’s vision and commitment to ensuring that our local students have access to quality education.”
Annabel Robertson, Kate Beckwith Woody, and Timothy E. Moore
Since joining the Indian River State College Foundation Board, Woody has become passionate about raising awareness of the college’s community impact and the Promise Program’s role in workforce development.
“Anywhere you go, you are impacted by the college, but you’re not thinking about it,” Woody explains. “We have such great crown jewels in Vero Beach, and Indian River State College should be up there with them. Sometimes you need to support where you’re living now, not just where you used to live.”
Woody hopes her gift will inspire others to recognize their stake in the community’s future. Her message to potential donors is both practical and heartfelt: the Promise Program doesn’t just change individual lives; it strengthens the entire community by developing the skilled workforce we all depend on daily.
The Promise Program continues to expand access to high-demand career fields, with particular emphasis on addressing regional workforce shortages in healthcare, public safety, and technical trades. Recent program expansions include specialized tracks for nursing, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and skilled trades, all areas where the Treasure Coast faces significant employment gaps.
For more information about supporting the Promise Program and Indian River State College’s mission, visit giving.irsc.edu or contact the Indian River State College Foundation at (772) 462-4786.
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January 13, 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