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News Topic: Recognition & Awards

HISTORY MADE AGAIN: INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE SWEEPS THE NJCAA SWIMMING & DIVING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Men Claim 52nd Consecutive Title • Women Capture 48th National Crown
The River Extends the Longest Active Championship Streak in Collegiate Sports History — and Adds Another Crown to the Women’s Historic Total
CHAMPIONSHIP TOTALS
Men’s Team:  52nd Consecutive National Championship
Women’s Team:  48th National Championship Title
FORT PIERCE, FL (March 7, 2026) — In a performance that once again left the collegiate sports world in awe, the Indian River State College (The River) Swimming and Diving program claimed its 52nd consecutive NJCAA National Championship, completing a dominant four-day run at the NJCAA Swimming & Diving Championships hosted at the College’s home pool in Fort Pierce, Florida.
NJCAA National Champions: Indian River State College Men’s Swimming & Diving Team
The men’s team secured their 52nd straight national title, extending the longest active championship streak in all of collegiate athletics. The women’s squad captured their 48th national crown — a total that stands as one of the most decorated championship résumés any program has ever assembled in collegiate sports. Together, the two programs further cemented The River’s standing as the preeminent swimming and diving dynasty in the history of American collegiate athletics.
NJCAA National Champions: Indian River State College Women’s Swimming and Diving Team
“We talk every year about not taking anything for granted, and I think that mindset is what keeps this program going,” said Head Swimming Coach Sion Brinn, a River alumnus, former Olympic swimmer, and 13-Time National Champion Coach. “This group worked incredibly hard all year long. To do it at home, in front of our community, in front of friends and family – this one is very special.”
Competition ran from Wednesday, March 4 through Saturday, March 7, 2026.
The meet produced record-breaking performances on both sides. Sophomore Marcus Johnson rewrote the NJCAA record book twice over, first setting a new national record in the men’s 50-meter breaststroke, then breaking the national record in the men’s 100-meter breaststroke — not once, but twice during the competition. The men’s 400 medley relay team of Noah Smith, Marcus Johnson, Zack Gresham, and Oliver Nell shattered the national record by more than two seconds. That same foursome also equaled the existing national record in the 200-medley relay.
Indian River State College Sophomore and NJCAA Record Holder Marcus Johnson
The women’s program delivered a performance of historic dominance: The River’s women did not lose a single event across the entire championship meet — a sweep that underscored just how complete and commanding their 48th national title truly was.
“This team was something special,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President. “Broken national records and relay teams rewriting the record books – in front of their own community, in their own pool. That’s the kind of performance you remember forever, and it doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of an extraordinary culture of excellence that this coaching staff and these student-athletes live every single day. We are incredibly proud of this team – and proud that they have carried an extraordinary legacy forward in such spectacular fashion.”
By virtually any measure, The River’s sustained excellence stands in a class of its own. It’s believed to be among the longest — if not the longest– winning streaks in sports history.
For Brinn — himself a former walk-on athlete at the College who went on to compete at the Olympic level before returning to coach his alma mater — Saturday’s victory marked his 13th national championship as head coach and added another chapter to a legacy he continues to help write.
“When I was swimming here, we were going for 18^th and 19^th,” Brinn said. “To have now won 52 is something I’ll never quite be able to put into words. This is what we work for every single day.”
Click here for the NJCAA Swimming & Diving Championship results.
Click here to learn about Indian River State College.
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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.
March 7, 2026
Indian River State College Theatre Educator Receives Highest Honor from American College Theatre Festival
Fort Pierce, FL (February 23, 2026) — Indian River State College (The River) is proud to announce that Joe Wilson, assistant technical director at The River’s performing and visual arts department, has been awarded the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) Gold Medallion.
Wilson received the award, which is the most prestigious regional honor in collegiate theatre education, at the 58th ACTF Region IV Festival, held in Montgomery, Alabama.
Joe Wilson (left) receives the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Gold Medallion from Starr Garrett, Vice-Chair of ACTF Region IV, at the 58th Region IV Festival in Montgomery, Alabama.
“Supporting the American College Theatre Festival has always been about celebrating excellence in collegiate theatre and providing students with access to tools and experiences beyond their home institutions that allow them to grow as artists,” said Wilson. “I am incredibly proud and profoundly humbled to be counted among the recipients of the Gold Medallion and will work hard to live up to its legacy.”
The Gold Medallion is awarded to individuals or organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the teaching and producing of theater, and who have demonstrated deep commitment to the development of the American College Theatre Festival. According to the Festival, the Medallion honors those who have “significantly dedicated their time, artistry and enthusiasm” to ACTF and to excellence in educational theatre — and is widely regarded as one of the great honors in the field.
Wilson, a Port St. Lucie resident, has served on the ACTF Region IV leadership team for 14 years, working behind the scenes to maintain the region’s technical infrastructure — including its website, conference registration, scheduling, and payment systems. In 2022, he received the region’s Unsung Hero Award in recognition of his pivotal role in steering the festival through the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he managed two consecutive years of fully virtual conferences — ensuring that students across the region retained access to professional development resources, scholarship competitions, and industry connections during an unprecedented disruption to campus life.
“Joe is an invaluable member of our team and an essential part of the ACTF Region IV community,” said Alex Kanter, Associate Dean of English, Philosophy & Performing Arts. “His commitment to ACTF Region IV and to our students here at Indian River State College has been extraordinary. We are incredibly proud of him, and this honor is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his lasting contributions to theatre education.”
The award was presented by Starr Garrett, Vice-Chair of ACTF Region IV.
The honor adds to a history of regional recognition for Indian River State College Performing Arts as a whole. The program has twice been selected to present productions at the ACTF Region IV Festival — a distinction earned by only four to six programs per season from the region’s participating schools. The River was selected in 2011 for Hunting Aliens by David Moberg, and again in 2024 for Labyrinth of Love by Sor Juana, in an original translation and adaptation by Alex Kanter.
The American College Theatre Festival is a national organization dedicated to celebrating excellence in collegiate theatre and supporting the development of college theatre students through professional workshops, scholarship competitions, industry networking, and the work of a nationwide network of respondents who attend and evaluate participating schools’ productions.
Indian River State College offers associate degree programs in performing and visual arts, providing students with a strong foundation in theory and hands-on learning through one-on-one lessons, ensembles, and live productions. The A.A. degree is flexible enough to let students customize their path — a theatre student might add dance courses, while a music student can focus on education or a specific instrument. Beyond the classroom, Indian River State College serves as a cultural hub for the region, hosting multiple staged productions each year and offering performance opportunities through ensembles like Chamber Winds, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Combo, all within the McAlpin Fine Arts Center’s 632-seat theatre, black box theater, galleries, and studios. Graduates go on to pursue bachelor’s degrees or launch careers with entertainment companies, cruise lines, music studios, and digital media outlets — equipped with the same principles taught at four-year universities.
February 23, 2026
Indian River State College Swimming & Diving Teams Attempting to Win 52nd and 48th NJCAA Titles
NJCAA Swimming & Diving Championships to take place at Indian River State College on March 4-7, 2026.
FORT PIERCE, FL (February 19, 2026) —The men’s team has won 51 consecutive swimming and diving championships, and the women’s team has won 47 national swimming and diving championships, representing the longest championship streaks in collegiate sports history. The dominance of the Indian River State College Swimming and Diving Team is comparable to the legacies of the Boston Celtics, New York Yankees, and the UCLA Bruins.
This March, Indian River State College (The River) will again host the NJCAA Swimming National Championships, bringing the nation’s top junior college swimmers and divers to the Treasure Coast for four days of competition from Wednesday, March 4, through Saturday, March 7. The event marks a continuation of a decades-long tradition, with The River hosting the championships every other year for more than 24 years.
“Hosting the nationals is a pretty nice little tradition, because we have managed to do it every other year for well over 24 years,” said Sion Brinn, Head Swimming Coach at Indian River State College and former Olympic competitor. “It’s a good home competition. It’s nice for the kids to stay in their own environment, and we get probably a little bit more friends, family, spectators that come down to cheer for them.”
Brinn’s journey with Indian River State College exemplifies the program’s legacy. A former walk-on athlete at The River, he went on to compete at the Olympic level before returning home to coach. Now in his 13th year as head coach, he is preparing the team for their 52nd consecutive national championship attempt.
“At the time, as a student-athlete, you didn’t really realize the legacy you’ve already been a part of, because we were only going for 18th and 19th in my two years that were here,” Brinn reflected. “And to see that we’re going for number 52, 30-something years later is pretty impressive, but also pretty cool to be a part of the program for 13 years as a coach and two years as an athlete.”
Championship Schedule and Community Celebration
The championships will feature preliminary competition beginning at 9:30 a.m. each day, with finals starting at 5:30 p.m. A short diving session will follow preliminaries, lasting about an hour between 11:00 a.m. and noon.
Student-Athlete Success Beyond the Pool
Indian River State College’s athletic department has maintained a strong emphasis on academic achievement alongside athletic excellence. This past fall, the athletics department achieved record-breaking academic performance with a 3.4 overall GPA. Three teams, including the women’s swimming and diving team, finished with a 3.51 GPA or higher.
“When I first got here, our GPAs ranged in the 2.7, 2.8 range,” said Stephanie Skidmore, Assistant Director of Athletics at The River. “And now about 15 years later, we’re up in the 3.5 range. So, I think setting the expectations and just kids want to perform. They’re athletes. They’re competitors. That’s what they want here. So, we just set the right expectations.”
The swimming and diving team trains nine times per week, with morning and afternoon practice sessions, as they prepare for the national championships.
“We have a strong team, but I take nothing for chance,” Brinn said. “So, we’re just trying to make sure we get the most of what we can get out of every athlete in every event that they’re potentially training to swim in.”
Historic Legacy and Community Impact
The River’s swimming and diving program holds a distinction that extends beyond the NJCAA level. According to Skidmore, the team’s championship streak represents the longest in all of collegiate athletics, not just junior college competition.
“Our swim team, it’s not just in the NJCAA that we hold this record,” she said. “I believe it’s all records if I am correct, where nobody has won this many. So, it’s fun to get people involved and to see the hard work that these kids are doing and these coaches are doing.”
The athletic department also emphasizes community service, with student-athletes participating in events such as Night to Shine, volunteering with the Humane Society and Treasure Coast Food Bank, and supporting Special Olympics swim meets.
“For the community, it’s a chance to see what we’ve built over the years and come and support what hopefully will be a continuation of traditions that have been coming in the past and continue for years to come,” Brinn said.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 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.
February 19, 2026
Indian River State College Recognized on Newsweek’s Inaugural ‘America’s Best Colleges for Women’ List
Fort Pierce, FL (February 9, 2026) – Indian River State College has been recognized on Newsweek’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026 list, a national ranking of institutions with outstanding commitment to women’s educational and professional achievement.
Indian River State College graduates celebrate at a commencement ceremony. The River has been recognized on Newsweek’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026 list for its outstanding commitment to women’s educational and professional achievement.
Newsweek created this report by collaborating with Gender Fair. The evaluation process examined four critical categories important to prospective female students and their families when selecting a college: leadership, pay and policies, safety, and opportunity.
Newsweek’s website explains that this ranking aims to serve as a valuable tool to help prospective students and their families make informed decisions. The featured schools demonstrate strides in fostering women’s advancement, ensuring that women have access to the resources, support and opportunities they need to excel.
To learn more about the complete rankings and evaluation criteria for America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026, readers can visit https://rankings.newsweek.com/americas-best-colleges-for-women-2026.
To learn more about Indian River State College, visit https://irsc.edu/.
February 9, 2026
IRSC Public Media Stations Dominate Treasure Coast Radio Market in Fall 2025 Nielsen Ratings
Fort Pierce, FL (February 6, 2026) – IRSC Public Media stations dominated the Treasure Coast radio market in the Fall 2025 ratings period, with all three stations achieving record-breaking performance and top rankings across multiple demographics, according to The Nielsen Company’s latest report.
WQCS 88.9 FM (NPR For The Treasure Coast) maintained its position as the market leader, with its flagship program Morning Edition capturing the #1 overall spot — a 15% increase from Spring 2025. The station also dominated among high-income earners and college graduates. When aggregating the last four ratings periods, WQCS ranks as the #1 station on the Treasure Coast overall.
“These results reflect the trust our community places in IRSC Public Media to deliver quality programming that informs, educates, and entertains,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College (The River). “Our stations’ success demonstrates their vital role in serving the needs of the Treasure Coast.”
“The exceptional performance across all three stations shows that listener-focused programming makes the difference,” said Dr. Michael Hageloh, Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at The River. “Whether it’s news and information on WQCS, R&B and specialty shows on Q 91.1, or rock variety on WQCO, our commitment to serving the region is clearly resonating with audiences.”
Indian River State College President Timothy Moore (right) visits the WQCS studios with Chris Puorro, Associate Vice President of IRSC Public Media, in 2020. Under their leadership, IRSC Public Media’s three stations have achieved record-breaking ratings performance across the Treasure Coast and Lake Okeechobee region
WQCP Q 91.1 FM (The Treasure Coast’s R&B) achieved historic ratings in Fall 2025, nearly doubling its overall share —the highest recorded share for the 91.1 FM frequency in the station’s history, dating back to the 1990s. The station ranked #1 overall in weekday evenings and dominated with specialty programming, including a #1 for Sunday Night Jazz, Solid Gold Saturday Morning, and Sunday Praise. Q 91.1 is also the top station among African American listeners.
WQCO 90.5 & 88.5 FM (Lake O’s Rock Variety), launched less than a year ago, continues to build an audience across the region.
“The success of all three IRSC Public Media stations validates our commitment to serving our entire region with high-quality programming,” said Chris Puorro, Associate Vice President/General Manager of IRSC Public Media. “These ratings demonstrate the strong connection we’ve built with listeners across the Treasure Coast and Lake Okeechobee region.”
Businesses and organizations interested in reaching the Treasure Coast’s most engaged and educated listeners can explore sponsorship opportunities on IRSC Public Media stations by contacting Ron Cook at roncookUW@irsc.edu or calling 801-874-8988.
February 6, 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 Honors Three Athletic Teams with Academic All-Stars Skull Award
Fort Pierce, FL (January 29, 2026) – Indian River State College (The River) has announced that three athletic teams – volleyball, women’s swimming and diving, and softball – will share the prestigious Academic All-Stars Skull Award for achieving a remarkable combined 3.51 GPA during the fall 2025 semester. This marks only the second time in The River’s history that teams have tied for the honor, and the first time three teams have shared the award.
Members of The Indian River State College Swimming and Diving Team receive the Academic All-Stars Skull Award for their high academic achievement.
The announcement comes as The River’s athletic department celebrates its highest-ever departmental GPA of 3.43. Notably, 24 athletes earned perfect 4.0 GPAs.
“I am proud of our student-athletes,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College president. “They have shown us what is possible when young people commit themselves to excellence in every aspect of their lives. At Indian River State College, we have built a culture where our student-athletes excel both academically and athletically, and they continue to raise the bar for themselves and their teammates. Congratulations to the Academic All-Stars Skull Award recipients.”
Members of the Indian River State College Volleyball Team receive the Academic All-Stars Skull Award for their high academic achievement.
Athletic Director Scott Kimmelman praised the accomplishment as a reflection of the college’s commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes. “We are incredibly proud of these young individuals who exemplify what it means to be a student-athlete,” Kimmelman said. “The dedication shown by our volleyball, swimming and diving, and softball teams represents the very best of Indian River State College athletics. This achievement demonstrates that our student-athletes can compete at the highest level both in the classroom and in competition.”
Members of the Indian River State College Softball Team receive the Academic All-Stars Skull Award for their high academic achievement.
The volleyball team, led by Head Coach Erin Ergle, the women’s swimming and diving team under Head Coach Sion Brinn, and the softball team coached by Joe DellaRocca each maintained the exemplary 3.51 GPA that earned them the shared honor.
For the softball program, this marks a historic first, as it is the first time in program history that the team has won the Academic All-Stars Skull Award. The women’s swimming and diving team saw 13 of its 21 athletes achieve GPAs over 3.5, with four earning a perfect 4.0.
The Academic All-Stars Skull Award recognizes the athletic team with the highest collective GPA each semester, encouraging student-athletes to pursue excellence both in their sport and in their studies.
For more information about Indian River State College athletics, visit irsc.edu.
January 29, 2026
Indian River State College Celebrates Fall 2025 Commencement
Commencement day at The River—where graduates celebrate their accomplishments and the bright futures ahead
Key Facts:
- 2,076 degrees and awards expected to be conferred in Fall 2025
- 428 credentials expected to be conferred to Program students, debt-free
- 1,862 total Promise Program credentials awarded since 2022
- Ceremonies held December 17-18, 2025, at Westside Center, Fort Pierce, Florida
FORT PIERCE, FL (December 18, 2025) – Indian River State College (The River) celebrated the accomplishment of approximately 2,076 degrees and certificates completed by Fall 2025 graduates during commencement ceremonies held December 17 and 18, 2025, at the Westside Center in Fort Pierce, Florida. The festive ceremonies honored students who completed programs across academic and technical fields, including Promise Program students who earned 428 debt-free credentials.
About the Graduates
The Fall 2025 graduating class represents students from Indian River County, Martin County, Okeechobee County, and St. Lucie County across Florida’s Treasure Coast. Many graduates are the first in their families to earn a college degree, while others are advancing their careers through technical certifications and specialized training programs. Many Gold Star and Blue Star Families, as well as graduating veterans and active-duty service members, were also recognized.
“Commencement is one of the most exciting days of the year for our entire college community,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College. “Watching our students walk across that stage—many who never thought college was possible—is a powerful reminder of what dedication and opportunity can achieve together. This is their moment, and we’re thrilled to celebrate it with them and their families. Congratulations to our graduates!”
Celebrating success! Graduates share smiles and excitement during Indian River State College’s Fall 2025 commencement ceremony, marking the achievement of their academic goals.
Promise Program Impact
The Indian River State College Promise Program allows eligible students to graduate tuition-free without student debt. Since launching in 2022, the Promise Program has awarded 1,862 credentials.
The Promise Program is sponsored by the Indian River State College Foundation and funded through donor philanthropy. The program removes financial barriers to higher education.
“The Promise Program is more than financial support—it’s a promise kept to our community that college education will be accessible for qualifying students,” said Annabel Robertson, JD, CFRE, Vice President of Institutional Advancement for the Indian River State College Foundation. “Thanks to our generous donors, we are changing the trajectory of families and strengthening the economic vitality of the entire Treasure Coast region.”
“Every Promise graduate we celebrate today is a testament to what is possible when we invest in our students,” said Beth Gaskin, Vice President for Student Success at Indian River State College. “These are success stories and proof that when we remove financial barriers, talent and determination can flourish. Our graduates are now teachers, nurses, business leaders, and public servants making an immediate impact in our community.”
Workforce Development and Community Impact
Indian River State College serves as the primary workforce pipeline for the Treasure Coast, preparing graduates for careers in healthcare, education, business, technology, and public service. River graduates fill critical positions at local hospitals, schools, businesses, and government agencies across Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties.
A proud moment on stage as graduates in blue caps and gowns celebrate their achievement alongside faculty and staff at Indian River State College’s Fall 2025 commencement
“These graduates represent the heart of our mission—removing barriers to education and creating opportunities for every student to succeed,” said Dr. Heather Belmont, Indian River State College Provost. “Watching them achieve their dreams reminds us why we do this work every single day.”
The Fall 2025 graduating class includes numerous first-generation college students who are the first in their families to earn college degrees.
Commencement Ceremony Details
Indian River State College held four commencement ceremonies at the Westside Center in Fort Pierce on December 17-18, 2025, featuring speakers Chris B. Williams (positive energy coach and motivational speaker) for Associate Degrees and Certificates, The Honorable Robert Stone (Judge and River alumnus) for Bachelor’s Degrees, and Roseann Maresca, DNP (Assistant Professor at The River) for Nursing Degrees with Traditional Pinning.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony
The December 18 nursing ceremony included a traditional pinning ceremony before diploma presentation. The nursing pinning ceremony is a time-honored tradition symbolizing the commitment nursing graduates make to patient care and the nursing profession.
Distinguished Speakers and Flag Bearers
Roseann Maresca, DNP, MSN, RN, PCCN, addressed nursing graduates. Dr. Maresca is an Assistant Professor at Indian River State College with nearly a decade of nursing education experience and over 17 years of critical care nursing expertise at Martin Memorial Health Systems. She prepares nursing professionals to serve healthcare facilities across the Treasure Coast region.
Judge Robert Stone serves on the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court and is an Indian River State College alumnus. Judge Stone earned his bachelor’s degree from Indian River State College before obtaining his juris doctor from Barry University School of Law. Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Judge Stone to the bench in October 2025.
Chris B. Williams is a positive energy coach and motivational speaker, who inspires audiences with his approach to personal and professional growth.
The application period for the 2026 Promise Program is now open. For information, visit https://irsc.edu/admissions/promise/.
To learn more about Indian River State College, including application and registration information, visit https://irsc.edu/.
December 18, 2025
Indian River State College Public Service Academy Celebrates Emergency Medical Technician Graduation
FORT PIERCE, FL (December 11, 2025) – The Public Service Academy at Indian River State College (The River) announces the graduation of 75 Emergency Medical Technicians from its EMT certificate program. The graduation ceremony was held at the Public Safety Training Complex at The River’s main campus in Fort Pierce, Florida.
EMT students gather for a group photo in their uniforms prior to their graduation ceremony, representing dedication and teamwork
Program Information:
- Institution: Indian River State College
- Program: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Technical Certificate
- Location: Public Safety Training Complex, Fort Pierce, Florida
- Graduation Date: December 10, 2025
- Number of Graduates: 75
- Program Credits: 12 credits
- Program Type: Selective Admission Technical Certificate
The graduates completed a 12-credit certificate program that included classroom instruction, hands-on skills laboratories, clinical rotations, and field internship experiences. The program meets the National EMS Education Standards and State of Florida statutes, preparing entry-level emergency medical technicians in cognitive knowledge, psychomotor skills, and affective behavioral learning domains.
Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College, stated: “These graduates represent the very best of what Indian River State College stands for – commitment to excellence, service to community, and dedication to making a difference in people’s lives. As they begin their careers in emergency medical services, they carry with them the skills, knowledge, and values that will enable them to provide critical care when our community needs it most.”
Dean Lou Caprino stated: “We are incredibly proud of these 75 graduates who have worked tirelessly to master the demanding skills required of emergency medical technicians. Their success in this program demonstrates not only their technical competence but also their compassion and commitment to serving others in times of crisis. They are ready to make an immediate and positive impact in emergency medical services.”
Graduates are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT certification exam. Upon passing the NREMT exam, graduates receive the Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician credential and become eligible to apply for licensure with the State of Florida.
Course Requirements:
- EMS 1119 Emergency Medical Technician: 9 credits
- EMS 1119L Emergency Medical Technician Lab: 2 credits
- EMS 1431 EMT Clinical/Field Experience: 1 credit
- Total Program Credits: 12 credits
Graduates – Emergency Medical Technician Class of 2025: Mario Almanza, Hayden Atherton, Jyce Auzenne, Jonathan Baker, Walker Baker, Alexis Bannon, Christian Beard, Eliana Blazek, Jessica Bryant, Kaitlyn Cameron, David Campbell, Louis Caswell, Parker Chambers, Jacob Childers, Jeremie Daniel, Tyler Davidson, Ethan Desmarais, Jerry DiPhillippo, Matthew Faber, Ryan Fenelon, Breanna Fisher, Ellieanna Flint, Allison Foley, Giselle Gamez, Amelia Garcia, Grace Gil, Jason Goff, James Goughler, Mya Griffith, Aidan Harrison, Tyler Hazlett, Hugo Hernandez, Matthew Hernandez, Matthew Hirl, Zachary Holbrook, Ryan Holderfield, Dylan Huddleston, Toure Kahl, Nicholas Krestalude, William Lane, Lashley Laurent, Genora Littlejohn, Joseph Lucchini, Brandon Marrero, Traive Martinez, Cameron Meyer, Joseph Milles, Jenna Missett, Raymond Missett, Taggert Mowery, Alexander Murcia, Michael Nix, Ciaran O’Connor, Ava Partlow, Harsh Patel, Logan Penney, Cristian Perez-Velasquez, Priyansh Pilly, Joseph Pociask, Anthony Riesgo, Troy Roscoe, Kyle Ruderman, Braden Safdir, Peter Salamone, Elyse Sierra, Kolton Sivalls, Darshan Stone Jr, Wyatt Thornton, Brenna Tietz, Jason Tropepe, Angel Vazquez, Nicolas Viteri, Michael Walsh, Ryan Wolfe
Career Opportunities for Graduates:
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Public Safety Telecommunicator
About Indian River State College Public Service Academy: The Public Service Academy at Indian River State College operates at the Public Safety Training Complex in Fort Pierce, Florida. The Academy offers comprehensive training programs for individuals pursuing careers in emergency services and public safety. The Academy provides state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instruction to prepare students for careers serving their communities.
Accreditation and Standards:
- Program meets National EMS Education Standards
- Program meets State of Florida statutes and administrative code requirements
- Graduates eligible for NREMT certification
- Graduates eligible for Florida EMT state licensure
For Additional Program Information:
- Contact: Dean Lou Caprino, lcaprino@irsc.edu
December 11, 2025
Indian River State College Honors Outstanding Contributors at 2025 Service Awards Reception
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (November 21, 2025) — Indian River State College (The River) celebrated exceptional dedication and achievement at its 2025 Service Awards Reception, recognizing individuals and teams whose contributions have significantly advanced The River’s strategic priorities and mission.
Strategic Goal and Special Award Recipients
Thomas Lewis received recognition for Meritorious Service for improving student success. Gracia Buzziz was honored for Meritorious Service for increasing college-going in the community. The college’s Canvas Implementation Team of Jessica Bajarano, Molly Goyette, Stephen Hayden, Elizabeth Jefferson, April Litton, and Veronica Mena received recognition for Meritorious Service for promoting continuous improvement to enhance organizational performance.
Alisa Brown received the True North Navigator Award, recognizing a team member who excels in directing courses of action in alignment with the Strategic Plan. Frank Schlitt was presented with the Peregrine Award, honoring an external contributor of distinction. Ann Sampson was named Team Member of the Year, recognized by her peers as a top role model for staff excellence.
Indian River State College President Timothy E. Moore congratulates Ann Sampson, recipient of the 2025 Team Member of the Year Award, during The River’s Service Awards Reception. Sampson was recognized by her peers as a top role model for staff excellence.
“These exceptional individuals and teams represent the very best of Indian River State College,” said President Timothy E. Moore. “Their dedication, innovation and commitment to our students and community embody the values that make The River a leader in higher education.”
Alessandra Thompson, vice president of human resources, added: “Our employees are the foundation of everything we accomplish at The River. These honorees exemplify the dedication and innovation that define our college culture.”
Years of Service Recognition
- Thirty-Five Years: Janine Merriman and Douglas Wilberscheid
- Twenty-Five Years: Alexandra Anez, Steven Daniello, Audrey Delaune, Laura Kauffman, Rosemarie Mason, Vicky Ortiz-Lopez, Carla Parker and Latrice Thomas
- Twenty Years: John Butler, Simone Griffith, Charles Hilton, Anna Hutcheson, Dr. Sarah Mallonee, Paula Rich, Paul Sanchez, Judy Smith, David Suba, Jose Veliz, Dr. Racquida Williams and Joe Wilson
- Fifteen Years: Dr. Ron Carlson, Dr. Michelle Cuba, Sikita Goodrich, Dr. Steven Hammer, Sarita Hmamly, Molly Lalla, Viviane Mignone and Dr. Lisa Mosing
- Ten Years: Butch Almberg, Dr. Beth Amey, Dr. Suchi Banerjee, Dr. John Bray, Dr. Scott Brewer, Dr. Armon Copeland, Dr. Brian Freeman, Gina Halleran, Jerelyn Moore, Angie Neely-Sardon, Steven Nicholson, Dr. Ogugua Onyejekwe, Casandra Raya, Christine Richard, Frances Rowles, Alma Umana and Dr. Robin Zide
The Indian River State College 2025 Service Awards Reception was held at the College’s Eastman Advanced Workforce Complex at the college’s main campus in Fort Pierce, Florida.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides over 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
November 21, 2025