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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.

News Topic: Recognition & Awards

Okeechobee’s Gil Culbreth Receives 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Indian River State College Foundation Recognized Community Leader for Visionary Leadership and Commitment to Free Enterprise
OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (October 9, 2025) – The Indian River State College Foundation presented the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Mr. H. Gilbert “Gil” Culbreth during a special ceremony held at the Historic Bank of Okeechobee on Oct. 8, 2025. The award, part of the Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program, recognizes outstanding commitment to the free enterprise system and community betterment.
Timothy E. Moore, Gil Culbreth & Frank Libutti
The gathering of community leaders, business professionals, and supporters celebrated Culbreth’s remarkable entrepreneurial journey and deep community roots as a fourth-generation Okeechobee resident. The event featured a cocktail hour followed by a formal dinner and recognition ceremony.
H. Gilbert “Gil” Culbreth, Jr., has served as leader of Gilbert’s Family of Companies for over 50 years, building upon a family legacy that began in 1924. Under his leadership, Gilbert’s has flourished into a diverse business empire encompassing Gilbert Oil, Gilbert Chevrolet, Gilbert Ford, Gilbert Fleet and Commercial, Gilbert Collision Center, Gilbert Outdoors, Gilbert Transports, Gilbert Line-X, and Gilbert Realty.
With nearly four decades of banking leadership, Gil Culbreth began his service as a Founding Board Member of Big Lake National Bank in 1986. Following the bank’s merger with Seacoast Bank in 2006, he has continued his commitment to the organization, serving on the Seacoast Bank Board of Directors for the past 18 years.
“It is truly humbling to receive this recognition,” said Gil Culbreth. “Here in Okeechobee, we want to continue to expand what my father started in 1924 to make Okeechobee even better than it is today. Entrepreneurship has always been about more than just building businesses – it’s about creating opportunities for others and strengthening the communities we call home. I’m honored to be part of this tradition.”
Culbreth, selected by members of the community, was recognized for his exceptional vision, innovation, and dedication to both enterprise and community development. His extensive community service includes serving as a former director of the Florida Council on Economic Education, the Okeechobee County Board of Realtors, the Okeechobee Economic Council, and the United Way of Okeechobee. He is also a member of the Masonic Lodge, reflecting his commitment to civic engagement and community leadership. Additionally, the Gilbert’s Family of Companies significantly contributes to Indian River State College, demonstrating his ongoing investment in educational excellence and student success.
“Gil Culbreth embodies the entrepreneurial excellence and community dedication that the Dan K. Richardson Award was created to honor,” said Frank Libutti, Chair of the Indian River State College Foundation. “The Foundation is proud to recognize Gil’s remarkable contributions to our region’s economic vitality and his steadfast support of educational opportunity for all students.”
The Culbreth family’s commitment to Indian River State College runs deep, with Gil’s daughter Christa Luna serving as Chair of the Indian River State College Board of Trustees and his son Bert Culbreth serving as a member of the Indian River State College Foundation Board of Directors. Gil and his wife Marie have instilled their values of community service and educational support throughout their family.
Annabel Robertson, Bert Culbreth, Marie and Gil Culbreth, Christa Luna, Timothy & Robin Moore
“As a Foundation Board member, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneur of the Year Award celebrates the values that built our community – hard work, innovation, and giving back,” said Bert Culbreth. “Seeing my father receive this recognition is incredibly meaningful to our family, as it honors not just his business achievements, but his lifelong commitment to supporting education and strengthening Okeechobee. Dad has always taught us that true entrepreneurial success is measured not only by what you build, but by how you help others build their futures too.”
“As Chair of the Indian River State College Board of Trustees, I couldn’t be more proud to see my father recognized with this honor,” said Christa Luna. “Dad has always led by example, showing our family and community that success isn’t just about what you achieve in business—it’s about lifting others up along the way. Our family is deeply honored, and we’re grateful to the Foundation for recognizing what Dad has meant to Okeechobee and this region.”
The Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneur of the Year Award has recognized outstanding entrepreneurial achievement and community leadership for over two decades, with Dan K. Richardson himself receiving the inaugural honor from the program established in his name. Recent recipients of this prestigious award include William “Bill” Marine of Vero Beach, Florida (2024); Art Allen, President of A&G Concrete Pools (2021); Timothy Girard of Vero Beach and Girard Equipment (2017); and Marygrace and Bobby Sexton, founders of Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company (2015). This annual recognition continues Richardson’s legacy of celebrating entrepreneurs who exemplify both business excellence and dedication to community service throughout Indian River County.
“Gil Culbreth represents the very best of entrepreneurial spirit in our community,” said Indian River State College President Timothy E. Moore, Ph.D. “His achievements and legacy set a powerful example for the next generation of entrepreneurs, demonstrating how business success and community commitment go hand in hand.”
The Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program was established to celebrate and promote awareness of the free enterprise system, recognizing its vital role in strengthening communities. The program is funded through a leadership contribution from the Lambert Foundation in honor of Mr. Dan K. Richardson and supported by the Indian River State College Foundation alongside 13 additional founding partners. Richardson, a longtime champion of Indian River State College since its founding in 1960, left an enduring legacy through his $600,000 contribution to build the Richardson Center that houses the College’s business school and his decades of support as one of the institution’s earliest foundation contributors.
“Tonight’s celebration captures the spirit of what we’re trying to achieve with this program,” said Annabel Robertson, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the Indian River State College Foundation. “By recognizing leaders like Gil Culbreth, we are honoring past achievements, while inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs who will continue to drive innovation and economic growth in our region.”
The program serves as a multi-faceted initiative to highlight the impact of entrepreneurship and inspire future business leaders. The annual Entrepreneur of the Year Award is a cornerstone of these efforts, presented to distinguished business founders or leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to both enterprise and community.
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About Indian River State College Foundation: The Indian River State College Foundation provides critical funding to ensure program success and student achievement at Indian River State College. Through events like the annual Golf Tournament, the Foundation supports initiatives such as the Promise Program that make higher education accessible to all eligible students in the region.
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.
October 10, 2025
Dental Hygiene Students Achieve 100% Certification Pass Rate
Five-Year Track Record of Exceeding State and National Benchmarks
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Aug. 7, 2025) – Indian River State College’s 2025 Dental Hygiene graduating class achieved a 100% certification pass rate, continuing the program’s strong track record of student success. Over the past five years, the college’s Dental Hygiene program has maintained strong outcomes with a 98% graduation rate, 98% certification pass rate, and 96% employment rate, all above state and national averages for dental hygiene programs.
A dental hygiene student practices clinical skills during a hands-on training session with a patient under faculty supervision.
“This 100% pass rate reflects what we see every day – students who come in eager to learn and leave as confident professionals ready to make a difference in their patients’ lives,” said Anna Hubbard, Dean of Health Sciences at Indian River State College. “With our faculty and facilities, they get hands-on experience with the latest technology while learning from instructors who are invested in their success.”
The program’s focus on quality education extends beyond the classroom throughthe college’s Dental Clinic, where students gain practical experience while providing preventive dental services, including cleanings, to patients of all ages. These services are offered at reduced prices under the supervision of experienced, licensed faculty.
A young patient beams with excitement during a visit, supported by dental hygiene students gaining real-world experience in patient care.
“The clinic serves as a bridge between our students’ education and the community’s oral health needs,” said Anna DaCosta, Dental Hygiene Program Director. “Patients receive quality preventative care at affordable rates while our students apply their learning in real-world settings that benefit everyone involved.”
The dental hygiene field continues to show strong demand on the Treasure Coast, offering graduates career opportunities in private practices, public health settings, and educational institutions.
For more information about Indian River State College’s Dental Hygiene program, visit irsc.edu/program/dental-hygiene/. To schedule an appointment at the Indian River State College Dental Clinic for preventative services, call 772-462-7524.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides over 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
August 7, 2025
Indian River State College’s Project STAGE Program Leads State in Student Employment Success
Program achieves 70% employment rate for students with unique abilities
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Aug. 5, 2025) – Indian River State College’s Project STAGE program continues to prepare students with unique abilities for meaningful careers, as highlighted by a recent Employer Recognition Award presented to local business owner J. Evans of three UPS Stores in Vero Beach and Sebastian.
The UPS Store owner, J. Evans (left), displays his award for supporting students with unique abilities alongside his Project STAGE employee.
Evans was recognized following his nomination by Indian River State College’s Project STAGE team for hiring a program student as a kiosk assistant in January 2025, demonstrating the employer partnerships that support the program’s success.
The College’s Project STAGE program leads in Florida with enrollment of up to 36 students for the 2025-26 academic year, the highest among 35 similar college, university, and technical school programs. The program serves students from Martin, Indian River, and St. Lucie counties across Indian River State College’s Massey and Mueller campuses and is sponsored by the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities.
“Our success is built on intentional relationship-building with local employers who share our vision of inclusive workplaces,” said JoAnn Pagano, Project STAGE Program Manager. “When employers open their hearts and minds to nurture the growth and development of our students, everyone benefits.”
The program 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.
Currently, 70% of Project STAGE students achieve gainful employment. The program provides ongoing support for up to five years post-graduation to ensure long-term employment stability for its students. Staff actively network with employers and provide onsite coaching during interviews and onboarding.
Indian River State College’s Project STAGE program demonstrates how strategic partnerships create meaningful opportunities for students with unique abilities while meeting community workforce needs.
To learn more about Project STAGE, visit irsc.edu/programs/special-programs/project-stage/,call (772) 462-4257, or email Kirsten Jerome at kjerome@irsc.edu.
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About Project STAGE: Project STAGE is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students with unique abilities for successful careers through specialized training, internship opportunities, and ongoing support services. The program serves students from Martin, Indian River, and St. Lucie counties and maintains partnerships with local employers throughout the region.
About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides 175 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
Media Contacts:
Kathleen Walter – Public Information Officer/Public Relations Manager
Rodrigo Berlanga Rodriguez – Public Relations Coordinator
PIO@irsc.edu
August 5, 2025